It has been revealed that the classic period drama "Zenigata Heiji" will be revived with Kazuya Kamenashi in the lead role, in a collaboration between NHK and Toei. Kamenashi said, "I am truly honored to be involved in this project. While cherishing the long-loved tradition, I would be happy if we could deliver a new Zenigata Heiji that is unique to the Reiwa era to everyone."
"Zenigata Heiji" is based on the historical novel "Zenigata Heiji Torimonocho" by Kodo Nomura. Set in the Edo period during the Bunka-Bunsei era, it is a popular historical drama in which Heiji, a police officer, solves numerous cases with his excellent deduction skills and coin-throwing. It has been adapted into dramas many times, starring actors such as Tomisaburo Wakayama, Hashizo Okawa, and Kinya Kitaoji.
This time, it's an 89-minute feature film titled "Special Period Drama: Zenigata Heiji." It will depict a major incident that made Heiji, who was once just a police officer, famous throughout Edo. The screenplay is by Junpei Yamaoka, who wrote the film "Romantic Killer," and the direction is by Keisuke Toyoshima, who wrote the film "I Will Tell You the Truth."
"Special Period Drama: Zenigata Heiji" will air on BS8K on March 23rd at 5 PM. It will also be broadcast on NHK General this summer.
◇Synopsis
One day, a man's body was discovered on the grounds of a shrine, and in his pocket was a piece of paper that looked like a building plan.
Heiji quickly begins his investigation. His colleague, the constable Manshichi, hastily concludes that it is merely a robbery, but Heiji harbors strong suspicions. According to Sasano Shinzaburo, the chief magistrate of the South Magistrate's Office, there is suspicion that a major conspiracy is being carried out behind the scenes, and the magistrate's office is taking the matter very seriously. Sasano trusts Heiji's keen insight and asks for his cooperation in this case.
Around the same time, a traveling troupe that had become the talk of the town arrived in Edo. The songs and performances of their star performer, Tsubame, were gaining popularity. On this day, Heiji, Hachigoro, and O-Shizu, who was close to Heiji, went to see the troupe and were captivated by their performance. However, Heiji muttered, "Tsubame's eyes look sad."
One day, a newspaper reports that Tsubame is having a passionate affair with a member of the troupe. The scandal involving the popular figure causes an uproar among the people of Edo, and an uneasy atmosphere spreads within the troupe as people wonder, "Who leaked the information?"
Eventually, the two cases become intricately intertwined, leading to yet another murder... A mysterious and enigmatic incident that solidified the birth of "Zenigata Heiji, the renowned boss of Edo"!
◇Comment from Kazuya Kamenashi
I never imagined that the day would come when I would be able to appear in a show I watched on TV as a child. Zenigata Heiji has been played by so many distinguished senior actors. When I first received the offer, I felt both joy and immense pressure.
During filming in Kyoto, I was deeply moved by the dedication of the staff to preserving the "Zenigata Heiji" series, and I was able to carry out the filming with their passion and support. I feel truly honored to have been a part of this project.
While cherishing and carrying on the long-loved tradition, we would be delighted to deliver a new version of Zenigata Heiji that is unique to the Reiwa era. Please look forward to it.
◇Comment from screenwriter Junpei Yamaoka
When I was in elementary school, both my parents worked, so I often spent time at my grandparents' house. My grandfather, who was bald and had long, curly hair at the nape of his neck like a country bumpkin kid, and my grandmother, who had absolute faith in aloe vera, were both fans of historical dramas, so in the evenings they would always watch reruns of popular historical dramas. So I often watched them with them.
Among them, there were two heroes that I thought were cool. One of them was Zenigata Heiji. The fact that his special move was a "projectile weapon" was the best thing for a child, and I often tried to imitate him by throwing five-yen coins.
More than 30 years have passed since then, and I never imagined that I would be given the opportunity to reboot Zenigata Heiji, or that another hero would be dancing the samba. While indulging in such nostalgia, I poured all my feelings from the past 30 years into writing the best possible piece. Grandpa and Grandma in heaven, please watch it!!
◇Music: Comments from Akio Izutsu
Director Toyoshima and I had a musical idea that we had talked about wanting to create someday, and this time, based on that image, I was asked to compose the music for "Zenigata Heiji." It was a very kind offer, and I accepted immediately.
The main theme is structured to create a sense of exhilaration through the overlapping of repeating phrases. We also incorporated percussion instruments such as taiko drums and chanchiki to evoke the vibrancy of Edo. The soundscape that gradually emerges from it, like a strong will, perfectly matches Heiji's character, and I'm very pleased with it.
In the other songs as well, we created them by imagining from various angles the "sharp gaze and ability to discern the truth" hidden beneath the nonchalant demeanor of Heiji, played by Kamenashi. We hope you will enjoy the music along with the work.
◇Comment from director Keisuke Toyoshima
"We're going to reboot Zenigata Heiji, and with Kazuya Kamenashi!" When the producer told me that, my excitement soared.
I felt that only someone with the charm, humor, and immense presence of Kamenashi-san could take on the bold challenge of reimagining the character of Zenigata Heiji, a role that has been passed down by countless great actors, in the Reiwa era. Seeing the finished film, my prediction was absolutely spot on; a completely new image of Heiji, unlike anything anyone has ever seen before, has been created. As the director, I feel this is a masterpiece. In short, Zenigata Heiji is incredibly cool from beginning to end, so please check it out!
