Aoi Miyazaki Spotted Filming First Lead Role in a Private TV Drama in 13 Years

Aoi Miyazaki smiles throughout the filming

A woman sitting on the rear rack of a stationary bicycle, laughing like a child is actress Aoi Miyazaki (39).

In mid-August, a drama shoot took place along the banks of the Sumida River in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo. When filming began, she started walking alongside a man in a dress shirt while pushing the bicycle. The man is Yo Oizumi (52).

“On September 2, it was announced that Miyazaki would play the heroine in the October 21 premiere of the Yo Oizumi-led drama Chotto Dake Esper (TV Asahi). This marks her first appearance in a commercial TV series in 13 years, since Going My Home (Fuji TV).

The original work is written by Akiko Nogi, known for Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu and Umi ni Nemuru Diamond (both TBS). Oizumi plays Bunta, a man at rock bottom in life, who passes a company job interview and gains the ability to become a ‘little bit psychic.’

His assigned task? Saving the world. Bunta ends up living in company housing with a mysterious woman named Shiki, played by Miyazaki, and the story unfolds as a sci-fi romance,” explained a TV magazine writer.

In fact, the two previously played siblings in the 2018 one-off drama Ani Imouto (TBS), making this their first reunion in seven years. Perhaps because of this, their chemistry on set was seamless.

They were filming a scene walking along the riverbank. Miyazaki pushed the bicycle with a full smile, while Oizumi maintained a stern expression. After finishing a shot, they returned to the start and repeated the scene.

During this, Miyazaki seemed delighted to be riding the bicycle—sometimes sitting on the rear rack, sometimes chatting energetically with Oizumi. Like an older brother watching over a young sister, Oizumi gently nodded as he observed her high spirits.

Miyazaki explained on TV Asahi’s official website why she accepted the role:

“The moment I heard about the project, I thought, ‘This looks so fun!’ and immediately said I wanted to participate. There are so many elements packed in; I had a strong feeling it would be a really enjoyable drama.”

Regarding her reunion with Oizumi after seven years:

“Just talking to Oizumi-san is hilarious. We recently met after about seven years and talked about our previous work together and how things have changed in these seven years. He’s the kind of person who is entertaining just by being there, so I think filming will be full of laughter every day.”

This time, Miyazaki and Oizumi will appear as a married couple—a perfect duo fans are eagerly awaiting to see when the drama premieres.