Most people already agree that we're going to see a 10th season of the popular "Aibou" drama series in the upcoming fall and winter season, but rumors about Oikawa Mitsuhiro (41) leaving the show still haven't died down.

Many people are not expecting him to play Mizutani Yutaka's (59) partner in the 10th season and therefore there's much speculation about a possible successor. Three names are currently popping up in the talks and these three are: Oguri Shun (28), Mukai Osamu (29), and Mizushima Hiro (27).

All three of them are popular actors from the same generation and would definitely freshen up the long-running series. People who are familiar with the phenomenon called "Aibou" know that Mizutani plays an essential role in the production and the success of the series. His vote will pretty much determine who is going to play his partner, because nobody would dare to go against his choice.

This also means that the most important requirement for the role is the actor's compatibility with Mizutani, and most people think that Mizushima would meet those requirement the best. He is a very sports-minded person and highly respects his seniors, qualities that are very important to Mizutani. Moreover, many people would be excited to see Mizushima in a drama again, which could boost up its ratings even more than usual.

Housewives, the main audience of "Aibou" and most other prime time dramas, would probably be pleased with any of the three young and good-looking actors.

Who would you like to see as Mizutani's new partner if Oikawa was really going to leave the show?

Source: Nikkan Gendai via EntameScoop