Actress Haruka Fukuhara is seen dressed as Mitsuko, the mysterious heroine and both outfit coordinator and life coach she plays in the drama “Maruhi no Mitsuko-san” (“Secret Makeover”).
12:15 JST, August 30, 2024
She came to the interview dressed in an elegant outfit that made her look like she had just stepped out of a picture book. Haruka Fukuhara was dressed as Mitsuko, the mysterious heroine and both outfit coordinator and life coach she plays in the drama “Maruhi no Mitsuko-san” (“Secret Makeover”), which is currently airing on Saturdays at 10 p.m. on the Nippon TV network.
“When I read the script for the first episode, I was like, ‘What is this girl thinking?'” Fukuhara recalls. “She has a soft side, but she also has a sharp edge. I thought she was a really intriguing character.”
Mitsuko is a mysterious woman who uses any means necessary to ensure the success of her clients. Her latest task is to transform an unhappy single mother, Natsu Imai, played by Yasuko Matsuyuki, into a company president.
Mitsuko not only perfects her clients’ appearance, such as hairstyles and clothing, but also helps them develop the emotional strength to transform their lives. Sometimes she even covers up scandals with cunning tricks.
“The mysterious aspect of Mitsuko is also part of her charm,” Fukuhara said. “So I was very particular about her costume.”
Fukuhara said she had “a lot of conversations with everyone [on staff]” before filming started.
“My hair is usually tied up in a ponytail, but there are different styles for it,” she added. “Same goes for the accessories. This pony is actually a hairpiece.”
In the drama, the phrase “If you change, the world changes” is often repeated.
“The story is quite positive,” Fukuhara said. “It’s a work that can give you the courage to think, ‘Maybe I can do it too,’ and make you want to take the first step.”
Fukuhara was born on August 28, 1998, and is from Saitama Prefecture. She made her debut as a child actress and gained attention when she appeared in a children’s cooking program on NHK. She has appeared in many TV dramas and films, including the NHK morning series drama “Maiagare!” (“Soar High!”) and the film “Ano Hana ga Saku Oka de, Kimi to Mata Deaetara.” (“Till We Meet Again on the Lily Hill”).
I interviewed her once before, when she was just one of the many supporting actors. Three and a half years have passed since then. After starring in “Maiagare!” her appearance has changed completely.
When I told her candidly, “You seem to have gained a lot of confidence,” she laughed heartily and replied, “No, not at all. Absolutely not.” It was her loudest laugh of the day.
Q&A Session with Fukuhara
Q: Mitsuko is depicted as a lover of shaved ice.
A: Yes, it’s the perfect character trait for summer filming. It helps me stay motivated.
Q: You’re good at cooking, right?
A: When summer comes, I really crave the Hawaiian dish ahi poke (a bowl of tuna and vegetables), so I made it recently. I also love soboro (savory minced meat or scrambled eggs).
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like to travel between the end of one production’s shoot and the beginning of another. I think it’s important to mix things up and refresh myself. I’ve been to London and Paris recently.
