Haru Kuroki Wears Blouson Campaigns and Smiles on Set/

“Since turning 30, my stamina has been a bit of a concern”

A woman wearing a jacket with the “Minseitō” logo on her chest, clutching a file filled with campaign flyers is actress Haru Kuroki (36).

In mid-March, filming took place on a walkway in the suburbs of Tokyo for the April drama “Ginga no Ippyo” (Kansai TV and Fuji TV networks).

“The drama tells the story of a secretary, Mari Hoshino, whose father, the ruling party’s secretary-general, loses everything after whistleblowing on a politician’s misconduct. By chance, she meets a snack bar owner, Akari Tsukioka, and decides to run her for Tokyo governor. Haru Kuroki stars as the secretary Mari, while Kayo Noro (42) plays the snack bar owner Akari.

The script is an original work by Naomi Hiruta, known for ‘Fune o Amu: Watashi, Jisho Tsukurimasu’ (NHK), and the chief director is Kana Matsumoto, who directed last year’s popular NHK drama ‘Hirayasumi’. The project is produced by Ayumi Sano, who oversaw ‘Elpis – Kibō, Arui wa Wazawai’ (Fuji TV, 2022) starring Masami Nagasawa (38). With female staff and cast at the core, the series presents a fresh, women’s perspective on election-themed entertainment.” (TV magazine writer)

During filming, Kuroki, dressed as described, approached a high school girl sitting on a bench and listened sincerely to her concerns. With temperatures around 10°C, she and the actress playing the student wrapped themselves in a blanket during breaks, chatting and keeping warm.

On March 13, Kuroki attended the press conference for her starring stage play “NORA” (to be performed at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in July). Turning 36 the next day, she smiled wryly when asked about her motivation:

“Since I’m over 30, I’m a bit concerned about my stamina, so I’ll take care of my health and do my best. Thank you.”

Although the drama depicts 50 days of election campaigning, the official Kansai TV trailer released on March 17 shows her running and raising her voice—an all-out performance. Kuroki described her character Mari:

“Sometimes she rushes ahead, leaving others behind in her pursuit of the happiness of the entire world, but I think that’s endearing. I hope viewers enjoy watching us—my buddy Noro and I—charging forward with all our strength.” (Kansai TV official website)

Kuroki’s full-force acting is definitely one to watch.

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