It has been revealed that voice actor Shigeru Chiba will be narrating the new popular period drama "TV Asahi Drama Premium 'Shin Abarenbou Shogun'" (TV Asahi, January 4th at 9pm), starring Matsudaira Ken. The legendary voice actor, known for his narration of the previews for the anime series "Fist of the North Star", will take over from Genzo Wakayama, who passed away in 2021.
"Abarenbou Shogun," which aired from 1978 to 2003, will be revived for the first time in about 17 years since the special in December 2008. Since Wakayama-san, who narrated the entire original series, passed away, there has been much talk about who will be the narrator since the revival was announced. Attention is focused on whether the famous phrase that concludes the story, "Yoshimune thought so...", will appear in the broadcast.
"Abarenbou Shogun" is an exciting period drama series in which the eighth shogun of the Edo shogunate, Tokugawa Yoshimune (Matsudaira), lives among the common people as the third son of a poor samurai retainer, Tokuda Shinnosuke (nicknamed Shin-san), and fights the evil that is rampant in Edo.
Set in Edo, more than 20 years after Yoshimune's reign, this work marks the first time in the long series that Yoshimune's sons have appeared. The story revolves around the issue of succession, and the conflict and bond between parents and children. The film is directed by Miike Takashi, also known as the "master of violence." The screenplay is written by Omori Mika, known for her work on the NHK Taiga drama "Seiten o Tsuke" (2021).
The eldest son, Ieshige, will be played by Nishihata Daigo from "Naniwa Danshi", the second son, Munetake, will be played by Komakine Akita, Honma Yojiro, a samurai who holds a grudge against Yoshimune, will be played by Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Okinu, the heroine of this work and the daughter of a lumber merchant, will be played by Fujima Sawako, Ooka Tadamitsu, a loyal page who serves Ieshige, will be played by Kimura Ryo, and the handsome actor Ranmaru will be played by Naito Shuichiro. Ooka Tadasuke, the magistrate of Edo Minamimachi, will be played by Katsumura Masanobu, Kano Gorozaemon, also known as "Grandpa", who serves as an intermediary for the shogun, will be played by Ono Takehiko, Tatsugoro, the head of the town fire brigade "Megumi", will be played by Namase Katsuhisa, and Tatsugoro's wife, Osai, the proprietress of the "Megumi", will be played by Takashima Reiko.
Also, responding to a love call from director Miike, singer GACKT will play Tokugawa Muneharu, lord of Owari Domain, who is the polar opposite of the frugal Yoshimune, a flashy man with an eye for the shogun position. This will be GACKT's first drama appearance in about 10 years since "Time Spiral" (NHK BS Premium) which aired in 2014.
