Mio Imada Locks Eyes with a Surprise Idol—From Anpan Nobu to a Bestselling Novel Heroine

Who was Mio Imada gazing at

In a busy business district in the city center, where many office workers pass by, a woman stands frozen with a stunned expression on her face. In front of her stands a man. They are actress Mio Imada (28) and Hokuto Matsumura (30) of SixTONES.

On January 24, it was announced that the two would co-star in the live-action film adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s mystery novel The Swan and the Bat (scheduled for nationwide release on September 4).

“This work marks the 35th anniversary of Higashino’s career as a writer, and at the time of its publication, the author himself described it as a new masterpiece. The series has sold over 1.5 million copies to date (as of January 26, 2026). The story is a mystery in which the daughter of a murder victim, who harbors doubts about a case that was supposedly solved, joins hands with the son of the suspect to uncover the truth. Imada plays Mirei Shiraishi, the victim’s daughter, while Matsumura plays Kazuma Kuraki, the suspect’s son,” said a film magazine writer.

Filming took place in mid-January. On a street crowded with office workers and young women, Imada stood wearing a down jacket, her expression filled with anxiety. A short distance away, Matsumura, also in a down jacket, stood facing her. After rehearsing the scene several times, filming began. Imada appeared in a neat jacket and gray skirt, while Matsumura wore a suit as they shot the same scene. Matsumura commented:

“This film allows you to immerse yourself from beginning to end and think along with it. It’s a mystery born from the emotions of life, and it’s a very compelling piece.”

He spoke with clear confidence.

Meanwhile, Imada said on the film’s official website about her character Mirei:

“In this age overflowing with information, I felt great strength in a woman who can stick to what she believes without being swayed by others’ opinions. Although it’s a mystery, it’s also a story that makes you want to root for the two characters.”

As for Imada herself, she ranked No. 1 for the first time in the 2025 “Annual Commercial Appearance Ranking” announced by Video Research on February 19 (a database compiled from TV commercial broadcasts nationwide, collected 24 hours a day, 365 days a year). Supporting her big leap from 13th place in 2024 was:

“Without a doubt, the NHK morning drama Anpan, which aired in the first half of last year. Viewers resonated with her portrayal of a woman who supported a great manga artist of the Showa era while also living strongly herself. Additionally, the fact that she has had no scandals at all is a major factor,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

Imada has undergone a major transformation from her role as the heroine “Nobu” in Anpan. Teaming up with a bestselling author and Matsumura, this is almost certain to become a major hit.

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