Toshiaki Karasawa and Honami Suzuki:The main cast of "Private Banker" to be aired in January will be announced, marking the first time they have starred together in a terrestrial TV drama in 33 years since "In the Name of Love"

The main cast of the TV Asahi drama series "Private Banker" starring actor Toshiaki Karasawa (Thursdays at 9pm, starting January 9, 2025) has been announced, and it has been revealed that Honami Suzuki will appear. The two co-starred in WOWOW's "W Fixer" Season 2 (2023), but this will be their first time acting together in a terrestrial drama in about 33 years since "In the Name of Love" (Fuji TV, 1992). She will play Iida Kumiko, assistant to the main character, private banker Koichi Anno (Karasawa).

The drama is an original work that focuses on the "private banker", a professional who advises the wealthy on asset management and asset formation. With his overwhelming financial knowledge and wide network of contacts, Anno brilliantly solves the various financial problems of a wealthy family that is shaken by inheritance disputes, mistress issues, and suspicions of secret funds, in this "exhilarating money suspense" drama.

Suzuki plays Kumiko, the second-generation president of a dumpling shop. She suddenly had to take over the business after the mother of the founder passed away six months ago. With little financial knowledge, she fell victim to an investment scam and ended up with huge debts. After meeting Anno, she volunteered to become his assistant in order to learn more about finances. She acquires knowledge while facing various financial problems alongside Anno.

Suzuki commented, "The character I play, Kumiko, has no financial knowledge whatsoever, but I myself have almost no knowledge of that sort, so I think this is a great opportunity to learn more. I think Kumiko is the character who is closest to the viewers' perspective, so I hope that people will be able to empathize with her."

Regarding Karasawa's portrayal of Anno, he said, "My first impression was that he was Moguro Fukuzo from 'The Laughing Salesman' (laughs). Karasawa and I talked about thinking of it as a comedy." Regarding the relationship between the two, he said, "Anno is a financial professional, while Kumiko is like the representative of financial amateurs, so I hope to be able to convey the feeling of a teacher and student."

It was also announced that Shuhei Uesugi will play Anno's trusted assistant Osamu Mikoshiba. The cast for the wealthy "Tenguji Family," who Anno works as a private banker for, was also revealed.

The mother, Mikoto, who holds real power as vice president of the Tenmuji Aina Group, a top company in the restaurant industry and reigns as an absolute authority in the family, is played by Mari Natsuki, the eldest daughter, Saori, is played by Anna Tsuchiya, the eldest son, Tsutomu, is played by Junpei Yasui, Tsutomu's wife, Kasumi, is played by Megumi, the second son, Subaru, is played by Uronta Yoshida, and Hashizume Isao plays Takehiro, the president of the Tenmuji Aina Group who has had his power taken away by his wife, Mikoto.