It has been revealed that Miyano Mamoru will play the role of Kitakura-sensei, a handsome new teacher who is assigned to the high school where the main character Hirono Kenta (Fujioka) attends, in the live-action drama "Wingman," a popular manga starring Fujioka Mamoru, which will begin airing on TV Tokyo from October 22nd. The appearances of Emi Kurara, Matoba Koji, Nakayama Shinobu, and Sugawara Daikichi were also announced, and cast visuals and stills were also released.
"Wingman" is the serial debut work of Masakazu Katsura, known for "Video Girl Ai" and "I"s," and is a manga of the same name that was serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha) from 1983 to 1985. The director and action director is Sakamoto Koichi, a leading figure in special effects action films, and the series will begin airing on TV Tokyo's "Drama Choose!" (Tuesdays at 12:30 a.m.) from October 22nd. On TV Osaka, the series will air every Friday at 2:40 a.m. from October 25th.
Emi plays the role of Mr. Matsuoka, the homeroom teacher of Kenta's class 2-A, Matoba plays the role of Kenta's father, Hirono Seido, who watches over him with kindness, Nakayama plays Kenta's mother, Hirono Yoshiko, and Sugawara plays the role of the Prime Minister, who becomes heavily involved in Wingman's battle.
In the drama, Hirono Kenta, a second-year high school student and special effects otaku, is immersed in a world of fantasy even during class. Kenta, who is looked down upon by those around him and leads a dull daily life, is approached by a mysterious beautiful girl named Aoi (Kato Konatsu). She claims to have escaped the clutches of evil and come from another dimension. Kenta draws his imaginary hero, "Wingman," in Aoi's Dream Notebook, and actually gains the ability to transform into Wingman. Kenta finally gains the power to transform into the hero he has always wanted, but assassins are sent one after another from the other dimension in pursuit of Aoi... and so the story unfolds.
The full comments from Miyano, Emi, Matoba, Nakayama, and Sugawara are below.
◇Comment from Miyano Mamoru
I am truly happy to be involved in Katsura Sensei's work again in this way, and even more so, to be working with Director Sakamoto again in such an unexpected way. I am thrilled by my own strange and destined life as an actor. I was moved by Director Sakamoto's passionate direction on set, and was able to move forward while having deep discussions with Katsura Sensei about the role. I am playing "Kitakura Sensei" with all my strength now, so please look forward to it!
◇Comment from Emi Kurara
I will be playing "Matsuoka Sensei", the homeroom teacher of the main character Hirono. He is basically a strict teacher. However, on the inside he has a heartfelt side that watches over everyone's growth, and he also has a surprisingly playful side, as he is actually a bit weak for handsome boys! He is a very human teacher. I'd like to watch over and heat up this page of youth for Hirono and his friends as they struggle but run straight ahead. Speaking of action, it's Director Sakamoto. I'm very happy to be working with him again! The cool action scenes are also a sight to behold!
◇Comment from Matoba Koji
I play the father of Hirono Kenta, played by Fujioka Mahito. I played a gentle father. This work is a special effects work, but I think it's packed with love, friendship, family love... everything. I haven't seen the action scenes myself, so I'm looking forward to it airing. This work is filled with the soul that Katsura-sensei has been nurturing. Please enjoy!
◇Comment from Nakayama Shinobu
"What a dream!" I read the script excited to see a boy who admires heroes become a real hero. A son who trains every day to become a hero, a sweet father, and a generous mother. I played the role with the awareness that it was because of this family that the "power of belief" was nurtured. It was a peaceful and fun filming set! And I want to be the mother of every hero! Another one of my ambitious dreams has come true! Thank you!
◇Comment from Sugawara Daikichi
I was surprised to find out that Wingman, based on the original work by Masakazu Katsura, was being made into a live-action film on its 40th anniversary, and I feel very honored to have been able to take part in such a memorable production. I play the role of a prime minister whose body is taken over, and I thought it would be very scary if that were to happen to the leader of a country. I approached the filming with the meaning of making it into a live-action film in mind, so I hope you will enjoy watching it.
