The much-anticipated premiere of the seventh season of the beloved Japanese drama series 'The Minister's Mistress' (家政夫のミタゾノ) aired January 14, 2025, at 9 PM on TV-Asahi, bringing back familiar faces and introducing intriguing new elements to its engaging narrative. The series, starring Masahiro Matsuoka as the cross-dressing housekeeper Kaoru Mitazono, continues to mix humor with poignant family dynamics.
This season begins with the unique premise of rekindled first love. Miho Nakayama and Eisaku Yoshida return as guest stars, portraying former middle school classmates whose connection reignites after 35 years. Their unexpected reunion is dramatized with comic flair, as the housekeeper Mitazono gets embroiled in their budding romance, leading viewers through emotional rollercoasters amid family secrets.
From the start of the show, audiences are welcomed back to the colorful world of Mitazono—a character deeply appreciated for his ability to root out not just the dirt from households but the complex issues troubling the families he assists. True to its changing times, the current season delves deep, challenging the longstanding norms of the narrative and introducing fresh plot lines.
The episode begins with Tanaka Reiko (played by Nakayama), whose home is visited by Murata Hikaru (played by Keito Iino) and the new housekeeper, Oomoto Sakura (played by Rinka Kumada). Their visit aims to help Reiko, who has been neglecting home duties due to her busy web-writing career. The request for the housekeeper came from Reiko's husband’s mother, possibly as preventive check on her domestic oversight.
Just as revelations about household issues arise, chaos ensues when Reiko's garden faucet bursts due to freezing temperatures. Komically, the always-dramatic Mitazono enters the scene with champagne, ready to handle the situation with his signature flair. The entrance of Yoshida's character, Hachioji Kentaro—a surprise visitor and Reiko's first love—adds another layer of complexity. Their chance meeting stirs old feelings and reflects the show's exploration of love’s persistence over time.
This season particularly highlights the pervasive theme of nostalgia, interwoven through flashbacks and present moments. Viewers are treated to engaging character interactions where Mitazono's meddling juxtaposes Reiko's budding feelings with her loyalty to her husband. The series paints the picture of love's multifaceted nature, questioning whether Rekio will embrace this unexpected chance.
Interestingly, it is discovered throughout the episode's narrative arc, coincidentally structured around the announcement of their middle school reunion. The dynamics of this reunion promise to bring even more delightful — and perhaps turbulent — revelations about relationships and family ties throughout the season.
TV-Asahi describes this premiere as not just another romantic subplot; it is suggestive of underlying family issues waiting to be unearthed. The performing talents of the returning cast, coupled with the new dynamics introduced by Yoshida and Nakayama, offer viewers reason to stay tuned.
“The character Kaoru Mitazono sees the underlying issues of each family he visits,” expressed by the network. It pairs well with the character promise this season embodies—cleaning up the ‘deep-rooted dirt’ present within family dynamics and relationships, providing ample reason for the audience to stay engaged. With humor and heartfelt moments, the narrative aims to resolve the delicate balance between love, loyalty, and personal growth.
With its unique style and rich narratives, 'The Minister's Mistress' continues to hold its place as one of Japan’s treasured dramas. Integrative storytelling wrapped within historical contexts, this season is set to captivate long-standing fans and new viewing audiences alike, all gearing up for what surprises and secrets the seasoned Mitazono might reveal next.