Actress Mao Daichi celebrated her 70th birthday on February 5th, and a birthday ceremony was held on the set of the TV Asahi drama "Okome no Onna - National Tax Agency Materials Investigation Division, Miscellaneous Affairs Room" (Thursdays 9pm), in which she is currently appearing.
The main cast members, including lead actress Nanako Matsushima, Sano Hayato, Nagahama Neru, Takahashi Katsumi, and Chiba Yudai, surprised Daichi with a celebration. During a break in filming, Matsushima and the other five, who were standing by wearing hats and headbands, appeared singing "Happy birthday to you." To Daichi's surprise, Matsushima presented him with a large bouquet of flowers and said, "Happy birthday!"
A special cake modeled after Iijima Sakuko, the "raid witch" played by Daichi, was also prepared, to which Daichi exclaimed in surprise, "This is amazing!" She seemed deeply moved, saying, "I'm really happy to be celebrated by my beloved cast members and the staff who always support me so warmly," and added with humor, "It will be a truly wonderful 70th birthday. I'll be careful not to break any bones so I don't break a bone (laughs)."
The drama is a socially conscious entertainment set in the "Complex National Tax Case Processing Room (commonly known as Zakkoku)," a newly established department within the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau's Document Investigation Division (commonly known as Kome), which boasts high information gathering and investigative skills in tax investigations. A team of unique individuals, led by the talented national tax investigator Masako Yoneda, played by Matsushima, will punish malicious tax evaders.
Episode 5 will air on February 5th.
