Filming of Fake Mommy in October Finds Lead Haru Radiating Smiles Despite Scorching Weather

Haru laughing while shielding herself from the sun

In early August, a crowd gathered in front of a café in Kanda (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo). Filming for the drama was taking place at the café on the first floor of a building.

Two women were sitting across from each other at a table right next to a large glass window, having a conversation. Filming was being done from outside through the glass, and one of the women facing the camera was Haru (34).

“It seems to have been filming for the October TBS Friday night drama Fake Mommy. Haru co-stars with Rina Kawaei (30). The story is a family crime entertainment full of lies and trouble, beginning when two women who have lived completely opposite lives enter into a forbidden contract to ‘impersonate a mother.’

Kawaei plays Mihome Hidaka, a former delinquent now running a venture company, and Haru plays Kaoru Hanamura, Mihome’s daughter’s tutor who is asked to act as a substitute by the overprotective mother.” (TV magazine writer)

Because the filming location was a usually quiet office district on a weekend, it would normally have been deserted, but the glass-walled café made everything inside visible, drawing a large number of onlookers.

When Haru came outside after filming, spectators called out, “It’s Haru!” and “So cute!” while some waved. Haru was handed a water bottle by the staff and shielded her face from the glaring sun with her hand, laughing perhaps at the extreme heat. The gesture added to her charm. After chatting and laughing with the staff, she got on the location bus.

“Haru left Horii Agency, where she had been for 19 years, at the end of last year. She became independent along with the manager who had long been in charge of her. Their new agency’s official site and fan club were only launched in June, and now the new system is finally getting underway.” (Commercial drama production source)

Regarding her role in this drama, Haru commented:

“After reading the script, I felt it was an innovative story, combining excitement, suspense, and touching portrayals of family love. I’m thrilled that such a reliable cast has gathered.” (TBS website)

This marks Haru’s first lead role in a TBS drama in six years since You and Me on the G String (2019), raising expectations for her performance.