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Kimura Midoriko (キムラ緑子) is attracting attention in Japan entertainment news with her current television appearances, including the second season of the popular TBS drama VIVANT and a guest appearance in the latest edition of Geinōjin Kakuzuke Check.
The veteran actress, whose Japanese name is written as キムラ緑子, has worked across television dramas, films and theatre for decades. She is currently appearing as Sakurai Satomi, the commander of the fictional Japanese intelligence organisation known as “Beihan,” in VIVANT Season 2.
Kimura Midoriko Latest News Today
Kimura Midoriko is scheduled to appear in the “Geinōjin Kakuzuke Check Autumn 3.5-Hour Special” on September 26, 2026. The program is scheduled to air from 6:30 p.m. on the TV Asahi network and is produced by ABC Television.
The program places celebrities in a series of challenges designed to test whether they can distinguish high-quality items or performances from less expensive alternatives. Kimura is among the participants making her first appearance on the program.
The September 26 special has also received attention because promotional material indicates an emotional moment involving Kimura and singer Yoshimi Tendo.
Kimura Midoriko in VIVANT Season 2
One of Kimura Midoriko’s most visible current roles is in the second season of VIVANT.
She plays Sakurai Satomi, a senior figure connected with Japan’s fictional Beihan organisation. The drama stars Masato Sakai, alongside other major Japanese actors, and continues the story introduced in the first season.
The second season has been broadcasting on Sunday nights on TBS. Kimura’s character has appeared in several episodes as the story develops around Nogi Yusuke and the wider Beihan operation.
TBS’s official programme information confirms that VIVANT Season 2 continues into October, with the 19th episode scheduled for October 4, 2026.
Kimura Midoriko Career
Kimura Midoriko was born on October 15, 1961, in Sumoto, Hyogo Prefecture. She began her theatre career with the company M.O.P. in 1984 before becoming widely known through television, film and stage productions.
Her television credits include the NHK morning dramas Gochisousan and Hanbun, Aoi, as well as productions such as My Dangerous Wife and Rikuō. She has also appeared in films including Midnight Diner, Sekigahara and Gintama 2.
Her long theatre career has also been an important part of her work as an actress.
Kimura Midoriko and “Owatta Hito”
Kimura Midoriko has also continued to work in theatre. In 2026, she appeared alongside Kiichi Nakai in the reading drama “Owatta Hito”.
The production is based on Makiko Uchidate’s novel and focuses on themes surrounding retirement and the later stages of life. The 2026 tour ran across multiple Japanese cities, while a separate performance was announced for Sumoto, Awaji Island, in August.
The production has previously attracted audiences across Japan and has been presented as a two-person reading performance featuring Nakai and Kimura.
Upcoming Stage Production: Electra
Another upcoming project involving Kimura Midoriko is “Electra,” a new stage production directed by Tamiya Kuriyama.
The production is scheduled for December 2026 and stars Rio Asumi and Kimura Midoriko. It is scheduled to be performed in Tokyo, Aichi and Osaka as part of the opening series at Tokyo Tatemono Brillia HALL-related theatre programming.
The project adds another stage appearance to Kimura’s already active 2026 schedule.
Recent Social Media Attention
Kimura also attracted media attention in September after posting about the deportation of a foreign family. On September 11, she apologized on Instagram after receiving reactions to her earlier post, saying she was sorry that her post had made many people uncomfortable.
The episode generated discussion in Japanese entertainment media, while her professional activities continued through VIVANT and other television and stage projects.
