It has been announced that actor Kyoka Suzuki will appear in the TV Asahi drama series "PJ ~Aviation Rescue Team~" (Thursdays at 9pm), which begins on April 24th. She will play Nogi Mako, the ex-wife of Usami Seiji, the lead character played by Seiyo Uchino, who is the chief instructor of the rescue training team. Uchino and Suzuki co-starred as a married couple in the NHK Asadora drama "Okaeri Mone" (2021), but in this production they will play a divorced couple.
The drama is an original story that focuses on the Air Self-Defense Force Aviation Rescue Wing, commonly known as PJ (Pararescue Jumpers), who carry out rescue operations under harsh conditions during accidents and disasters. The trainees who passed the difficult selection test to become PJ members face rigorous training under the strict and unconventional chief instructor, Usami.
Mako, played by Suzuki, lives with her daughter Yuna (Yoshikawa Ai) after divorcing Usami. She works as the head nurse at the Self-Defense Forces Iruma Hospital and is admired by young nurses, but she is not very good at housework. While she gently watches over Yuna, who rebels against her father who is devoted to his work without regard for his family, she secretly cares about Usami even after they break up.
Suzuki commented, "The training and rescue efforts are intense, so each episode felt like a movie. I am very honored to be able to take part in such a solid production. I would like to carefully portray the anxiety and frustration felt by the soldier watching from afar as his family works hard at their missions."
Regarding working with Uchino again, she said, "We previously worked together as a married couple, and I was always fascinated by how skillfully he prepared for the role. Together with all the other trainees, I will do my best to see how we can play the unconventional and passionate Usami."
Regarding Yoshikawa Ai, who plays his daughter, he said, "I worked with Yoshikawa Ai on a drama before. This time we play mother and daughter. I'm looking forward to the scenes with Ai."
