《Rent-a-Girlfriend》Mizuhara Chizuru Origin Revealed: Author Miyajima Reiji Personally Explains the Mystery of Her Creation

The Core Appeal of "Rent-a-Girlfriend": The Reality and Fiction of Chizuru Mizuhara

Since the debut of "Rent-a-Girlfriend" (Kanojo, Okarishimasu), the heroine Chizuru Mizuhara (Ichinese Chizuru) has been widely beloved by readers for the contrast between her professional image as a "perfect girlfriend" and her sincere, private self who diligently pursues her dreams. Many fans wonder about the prototype of Chizuru Mizuhara, this charming character with the dual identity of a "rental girlfriend" and an actress. Is she based on a real person?

Author Reiji Miyajima's Answer: Chizuru is a Projection of the "Self"

Regarding the prototype of Chizuru Mizuhara, manga author Reiji Miyajima has given a clear answer in multiple interviews. He stated that the heroines in the work (including Chizuru Mizuhara) are not directly based on any specific real person. Instead, Miyajima projected parts of his own personality and thoughts onto the characters, making them different facets of the "self."

More specifically, Miyajima mentioned that the character Chizuru Mizuhara embodies his "strong perception of reality" and the part of himself that "follows the rules." She is a hard worker who does not give up even in difficult situations, and the resilience she displays reflects the author's own "stoicism" spirit. This means that Chizuru Mizuhara is not an image "copied" from the external world, but rather a concretization of the author's inner thoughts and ideals.

From the "Rental Girlfriend" Concept to a Fleshed-Out Character

The inspiration for "Rent-a-Girlfriend" began when Reiji Miyajima read a report about Chinese young people renting girlfriends to take home during the Lunar New Year to cope with family pressure2. He found this phenomenon both "foolish" and "cute," full of contradictions, which became the impetus for him to create this manga.

As a top professional in the "rental girlfriend" industry, Chizuru Mizuhara's professional and meticulous service, combined with her persistence in pursuing her acting dream as "Ichinese Chizuru," make her a multi-layered character. Even without a specific "prototype" person, Chizuru's hard work, her struggles between reality and ideals, and the "real" emotions that develop from her "fake" relationship with Kazuya Kinoshita make her exceptionally authentic and compelling.

Conclusion: An Artistic Creation Woven from Ideals and Reality

In summary, Chizuru Mizuhara does not have a specific real-life prototype. Her creation is the result of author Reiji Miyajima skillfully integrating his insights into reality, his pursuit of ideals, and his nuanced observations of human nature into the concept of a "rental girlfriend," ultimately creating this charming character who is both professional and gentle, both strong and contradictory. The reason she resonates so deeply with a wide audience is precisely because she embodies "real" emotions and a spirit of perseverance that many people can understand and be moved by.

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