Miki Mizuno: From Teen Breakthrough to Bayside Shakedown—The Truth Behind Her Flawless Acting Career
Interview with “Actor”
“I used to be a complete workaholic. Until now, I had always worked for my career and my life. But now, that’s not all. With my family as a new pillar, it feels like I’ve gained an entirely new life.”
Smiling as she speaks, this is actress Miki Mizuno. Known for portraying a wide range of characters in dramas, films, and stage plays, she has recently expanded her presence to variety and news programs. Her natural and unpretentious demeanor resonates with audiences of all ages.
“My interest in acting started when I was in sixth grade after reading the manga Glass Mask. I admired the protagonist, Maya Kitajima, and in the summer of my first year of junior high school, I applied for an audition as a commercial image model.”
She participated in the 2nd Toho All Raisin Princess Contest, where she won the runner-up prize and began her entertainment career. In 1992, she gained widespread attention after appearing in a commercial with Toshiaki Karasawa (61), delivering the now-iconic line, “Hey, give me a kiss.”
One of her most notable roles came in 1997 at the age of 22 when she starred in the hit drama series Odoru Daisousasen (Bayside Shakedown, Fuji TV). The series later expanded into a successful film franchise, and Mizuno portrayed the recurring character Yukino Kashiwagi.
“The Odoru set was a lot of fun, and I often went out to eat with co-star Eri Fukatsu (52), actively engaging with my fellow cast members. Honestly, during the initial drama series, I didn’t quite grasp how popular it had become. But when the film adaptation was released, it was overwhelming.
At the stage greeting on the premiere day, there was a line of people so long that I couldn’t see the end of it. I still remember producer Chihiro Kameyama (68, now President of BS Fuji) getting teary-eyed at the sight. Even now, I’m often introduced as ‘from Odoru Daisousasen,’ so there’s no doubt that it’s a significant work in my career.”
Emotions that hit me when I got the lead role
In 2001, she landed her first lead role in the drama Joshi Ana. (Fuji TV). It seemed like a smooth-sailing acting career, but Mizuno’s feelings were different.
“I was happy to have finally reached my goal of becoming a lead actress, but at the same time, I was overwhelmed by the thought, ‘What should I do next?’
Since moving to Tokyo at 16, my acting career has felt like being swept away by a raging current. Back in the day, it was common for drama shoots to last from morning until the next morning, six days a week. I had no personal life—just a daily routine of tackling what was in front of me. So I couldn’t simply make starring in more dramas my next goal.”
The “FRIDAY” March 14 & 21 combined issue (on sale February 28), along with the premium “FRIDAY GOLD” edition, covers Mizuno’s evolving career, how motherhood has changed her perspective, and more.
For more details and multiple photos, click here↓.
From the March 14/21, 2025, issue of “FRIDAY”
PHOTO： Takehiko Kohiyama
