Japanese drama series Aibou cast transition

The long-running Japanese detective drama ‘Aibou’ announced a major cast transition for its 25th memorial season, described as an unprecedented “partner relay.” The current character Kaoru Kameyama, played by Yasufumi Terawaki, is set to pass the role to Mitsuhiro Oikawa, who returns to play the character Mikoto Kanbe. This marks the fifth such partner change in the series' history. Lead actor Yutaka Mizutani noted that this unique development is something only the long-standing ‘Aibou’ world could achieve.

To commemorate the milestone, TV Asahi began broadcasting a “Ukyo & Kaoru Memorial Selection” on October 14, featuring selected episodes from the Sugishita and Kameyama partnership.

The 25th season premiered on October 21 with a special episode titled ‘PM Crisis: The Prime Minister’s Secret and the Trap of Secret Pacts.’ The premiere follows Ukyo Sugishita and Kaoru Kameyama as they investigate the stabbing of a presidential aide, uncovering potential scandals involving Prime Minister Hihoma Mizoguchi, redevelopment projects, and the Hadria Federation.

In the second special episode of the ‘PM Crisis’ arc, the investigation expands to include the disappearance of research assistant Daijiro Mitsuya, who was suspected of attempting to leak secrets to the press. The plot involves potential deepfakes regarding Mitsuya’s abduction and leads to a revelation that Prime Minister Mizoguchi has been operating as a spy for the Hadria Federation under the code name “ORIGAMI.” The storyline explores the intersecting interests of international entities, including Salwin and the Hadria Federation.