It has been announced that "Kasouken no Onna" (TV Asahi), starring Yasuko Sawaguchi, which has been breaking the record for the longest running drama series since its broadcast began in October 1999, will be drawing to a close after 26 years. In appreciation of the support of fans over the years, a special drama, "Kasouken no Onna Final," will be broadcast on January 23rd from 8:00 PM to 9:48 PM. This will mark the end of the series.
"Kasouken no Onna" depicts forensic researcher Mariko Sakaki (played by Sawaguchi) and other researchers at the Kyoto Prefectural Police Scientific Investigation Laboratory (commonly known as Kasouken) as they use specialized skills in forensic medicine, physics, chemistry, document analysis, and more to uncover the truth behind cases. Popular as a mystery that intertwines cutting-edge scientific investigation with human drama, the series aired until season 24 (2024), and a film, "Kasouken no Onna: The Movie" (2021), was also released.
The setting of "Final," which is said to be on a grander scale than the theatrical version, is the Smart Mobility Demonstration Zone in Kyoto City. In this area where cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, and autonomous driving have been experimentally introduced, several devices suddenly go out of control and explode, killing a male member of the development department. Unauthorized access is suspected as the cause, and Mariko and the other members of the forensic lab follow the digital trail to challenge the "faceless culprit." The regular cast of "Forensic Science Girl" will be joining the cast, including Takashi Naito as Detective Domon Kaoru of the Kyoto Prefectural Police Department's First Investigation Division.
Regarding the conclusion of the series, Sawaguchi commented with deep emotion, "For me, Sakaki Mariko is someone I have walked with for 26 years. When the drama first began, she was a person entirely devoted to science, but through various encounters through cases, she has grown into an 'adult scientist' who looks at people with kindness. And she is also my partner, with whom I have overcome challenges that get more difficult with each season."
Addressing fans, he said, "Thank you very much for your long-term support of 'Kasouken no Onna'. This work is a story in which Mariko is forced to make a big choice in her pursuit of the truth. At that time, what will happen to Domon, the members, the Chief of Detectives, and Professor Kazeoka...? I hope you will watch with warm feelings until the end."
To commemorate the broadcast of the "Final," it was also announced that five major "Kasouken no Onna" memorial projects will be held. As the first project, a fan meeting will be held in Tokyo on January 14th, with appearances by Sawaguchi, Naito, Koike Teppei, Wakamura Mayumi, Kazama Tooru, Saito Akira, Kato Ryo, Yamamoto Hikaru, and Ishii Kazuaki. Applications to participate will be accepted on the official website until the 6th.
