Shinobu Nakayama:Taking over Nakayama Miho's role in "Japan's Worst Man" - the first and last "sister drama co-starring" - "with all my heart"

It has been announced that actor Shinobu Nakayama will appear in the Thursday Theatre "Japan's Number One Jerk Salaryman" (Thursdays at 10pm), which will be broadcast on Fuji TV from January 2025. She will take over the role of Sonoda Minako, originally scheduled to be played by Nakayama Miho, who passed away on December 6th, and will play the role of Samejima Fumi.

Sonoda Minako, played by Miho, was the principal of the nursery school where Ohara Shosuke (played by Shison Jun), the brother-in-law of the main character Omori Ippei (played by Jun Shison), worked, and played an important role at the center of the story. However, following Miho's sudden death, the script was partially revised and the role of Samejima Fumi, who takes over Miho's role as the new principal, was created and will be played by Shinobu this time.

◇Comment from Shinobu Nakayama

I spent my days in a daze, unable to believe it was real, as my sister's absence was so overwhelming. When I suddenly wondered what had happened to the drama she was filming..., the image of my sister's smile as she left me saying "The rest is up to you, Shinobu," filled my heart, and I felt something hot well up in the depths of my cold, silent heart.

I was worried about whether I should say "I want to play the role," but I thought I would regret it if I didn't be honest at the end, so I consulted with them. I am very happy to be able to take over the role played by my sister and be involved in the production. I am also looking forward to acting with Katori-san again after a long time. I will treasure this bond that my sister left me, and will do my best in our first and last drama together. I would like to thank everyone who has given me this opportunity.

◇ Comment from Producer Taku Kitano

Initially, we were preparing the script for episode 5, with Nakayama Miho playing the role of the kindergarten principal, Sonoda Minako, as the central character of the story. She was proactive in coming up with ideas on set, and was looking forward to working with the star Katori Shingo again after a long time, so we could sense her strong feelings for this drama.

All the staff are extremely saddened by the news of her passing. We would like to express our deepest condolences. We have also quickly decided to rewrite part of the script and create a new role for Fumi Samejima, who will take over from Miho Nakayama and take up the post of new school principal. At this time, we had the opportunity to speak with Shinobu Nakayama herself and her agency, who told us that she had a strong desire to appear in the same production as her sister Miho Nakayama one last time. We wanted to respect her wishes, and so we have agreed to accept the role.