Actor and TV personality Yui Imaizumi recently attended a press conference in Tokyo for the drama series "People aren't judged by their appearances, I thought." (TV Tokyo, Thursdays at 12:30am), which will begin airing on January 8th. In reference to the drama's theme, she spoke about "things she has lost out on because of her appearance."
Imaizumi gave birth to her first child in 2021 and retired from the entertainment industry in October 2022 to focus on raising her child. In March of last year, she announced that she would be returning to show business after a hiatus of about two and a half years.
When asked about her impressions after reading the script for the drama, she confessed, "Since giving birth, I've become much more concerned about my appearance and how I'm perceived," and continued, "When I read the script, I got the impression that each and every line really made me realize something and made me think."
In reference to the content of the drama, when asked about the advantages and disadvantages of her appearance, Imaizumi began by saying, "It's a disadvantage, but..." and continued, "I don't really get seen as a mother, so even when I'm playing with my kids or other kids, people say things like, 'Oh, so you're a mother!'"
Fujimori Shingo, a member of the comedy duo "Oriental Radio" who co-starred with her, expressed surprise, saying, "I only just found out (that she has a 4-year-old child)," and lead actor Sugao Araki was also impressed, saying, "It's amazing. She's very responsible."
Ayame Goriki, Maria Tani, Yuki Tokito, and Asaka Seto also attended the press conference, which was hosted by the station's announcer, Emika Furuhat.
"I Thought People Were Not Determined by Appearance" is an original drama about the protagonist, Yamato Ishiguro (played by Sugo), who has devoted his life to baseball throughout his elementary, middle, high school, and college years and has no particular interest in appearance. However, after entering the world of fashion magazines, he begins to rethink what it means to be "individuals on the outside." After each episode airs, it will be streamed on "U-NEXT" and "Prime Video." It is scheduled to air on BS TV Tokyo from January 11, 2026, at midnight on Sundays.
