Ai Hashimoto’s Casual Elegance Steals the Spotlight on the Set of a Trending Drama

“A boyish style fits my personality as well.”

A stylish short-haired woman with an excellent figure, dressed in a loose-fitting white dress with black stripes… It was actress Ai Hashimoto (30).

In early May, filming for the currently airing drama Married Couple Detectives with Different Surnames (Fuji TV) was taking place at a park in Saitama Prefecture.

“The series is an original drama based on a concept by lyricist and screenwriter Yasushi Akimoto (68). Set in the Numabukuro Police Station in Tokyo’s Nakano Ward, it tells the story of a detective duo whose outstanding teamwork allows them to solve cases. Hashimoto plays Asuka Suzuki, the chief investigator of the Violent Crimes Division, while Jiro Sato (57), who also shares top billing, portrays Makoto Yomoda, the division’s section chief. The twist is that the two are actually married but keep their relationship secret as a couple using separate surnames.

While humorously depicting their everyday lives, the drama also follows their investigation into a series of murders unfolding behind the scenes, expanding into a mystery narrative. It is a detective drama with these two distinct aspects,” explained a television magazine writer.

For Hashimoto, this marks her first attempt at a comedy-oriented role. Speaking about co-starring with Sato in an interview published by Mezamashi Media on April 10, she commented:

“The strongest impression I have of him is that he delivers a truly one-of-a-kind performance. His expressiveness is rich and entertaining. I get the sense that he fundamentally engages with both the work itself and the act of expression. He seems equally capable of handling both comedy and serious roles. Because of that, I feel reassured, and I think we’ll be able to build great teamwork.”

On the day of filming, Sato was actually shooting scenes at a different location. During a break, Hashimoto was waiting with a female staff member, as described at the beginning of this article. Perhaps they were talking about Sato, but Hashimoto continued speaking animatedly with large gestures, and the two appeared to be enjoying themselves throughout the conversation.

On May 18, Hashimoto attended the premiere screening event in Tokyo for her starring film Iwaiyama, scheduled for release on June 12. When asked, “Has anything changed for you this year?” Hashimoto cited cutting her hair short and said:

“I’ve discovered that a boyish style really fits my personality. I realized that this kind of appearance allows me to be more natural and true to myself.”

Perhaps because she is able to portray her married detective partner relationship with Sato so naturally, the atmosphere on set also seems bright and cheerful.

As the story enters its climax, audiences will undoubtedly be eager to see what happens next.

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