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| Fake Mommy: Haru and Kawaei Rina Explore Family and Identity in New TBS Drama (Photo: TBS) |
TBS has officially lifted the curtain on its brand-new Friday night drama, and it already sounds like one of the most intriguing titles of the upcoming season. Fake Mommy (フェイクマミー) will air every Friday at 10 pm from October 2025, starring Haru and former AKB48 member Kawaei Rina in a drama that mixes heartwarming emotions with sharp social commentary.
A Story About “Borrowed” Motherhood
The plot follows two women whose lives couldn’t be more different, yet fate throws them into the same orbit.
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Haru takes on the role of Hanamura Kaoru, a woman once set on an elite career path but now finding herself unemployed and desperate to restart her professional life.
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Kawaei Rina plays Hidaka Mamie, a single mother who channels the communication skills she honed in her delinquent youth into building her own start-up, RAINBOWLAB, where she serves as president.
Their worlds collide after Kaoru shows up for an interview at Mamie’s venture company.
Instead of landing a corporate job, Kaoru is unexpectedly offered a lucrative position: to act as a private tutor and even a stand-in “mum” for Mamie’s young daughter, Iroha, who is preparing for the all-important elementary school entrance exams.
From Contract to Connection
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The “fake mommy” arrangement is supposed to be temporary, but of course, things don’t go smoothly.
Kaoru finds herself caught up in Mamie’s whirlwind lifestyle, while Mamie begins to realise that letting someone else step into her daughter’s life also means confronting her own vulnerabilities as a mother.
From the comedic chaos of parent interviews to emotional moments of connection, the drama promises to explore not only the meaning of family but also the blurred lines between blood ties and chosen bonds.
A Strong Supporting Cast
The drama also features some strong names backing up the leads:
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Mukai Koji (Snow Man) as Kuroki Ryuma, vice president and co-founder of RAINBOWLAB.
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Nakamura Aoi as Sasaki Tomoya, a teacher at the prestigious Ryuwa Gakuen Elementary School, where little Iroha hopes to gain admission.
Their roles add further depth to the drama’s look at ambition, parenting, and the pressures of Japan’s competitive education system.
Why It’s Already One to Watch
The premise of “fake family ties” has proven to be a hit formula in past Japanese dramas, but Fake Mommy looks set to bring a refreshing mix of comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and social reflection.
With Haru’s proven ability to portray nuanced, career-focused women and Kawaei’s growing reputation as a versatile actress, this pairing could be the heart of TBS’s autumn lineup.
And with Mukai Koji bringing idol star power and Nakamura Aoi adding solid acting chops, Fake Mommy has all the ingredients to become one of the most talked-about J-dramas of fall 2025.