Mai Shiraishi: Becomes Mone Kamishiraishi's shogi rival in "Shogi x thrilling legal drama"

It has been revealed that actress Mai Shiraishi will be a regular cast member in the TV Tokyo drama series "Courtroom Dragon" (Fridays at 9pm), which will begin on January 17, 2025 and star Mone Kamishiraishi. Shiraishi will play Komaki Towa, a rival of the protagonist Tendo Tatsumi (Kamishiraishi) who strived to become a professional shogi player. She has now left the world of shogi and will appear as a key figure in the latter half of the story. "Courtroom Dragon" is about the protagonist, who was expected to become the first professional female shogi player but turned to being a lawyer, and works hard with the young director of a law firm that is in danger of going out of business. It is a "shogi x exciting legal drama" with a completely original script in which cases are solved by likening them to the game of shogi, which Kamishiraishi is good at. Tendo Tatsumi, a rookie lawyer, and Ayuda Torataro, a young director lawyer, played by Takasugi Mahiro, work hard to solve the case. Shiraishi commented, "When I was selected to appear in the show, I felt a mixture of anxiety and expectation. When I read the script, I was attracted to the unique setting of applying shogi strategies to courtroom battles, and I was excited to be able to express that strategic thinking through my acting." Regarding her role, she said, "Usagi is a calm and collected character, and I tried to act in a way that would allow viewers to empathize with how his relationship with Tatsumi changes as the past and present intersect." She also said, "I think that by likening Tatsumi and the others' thoughts and actions to a shogi situation, viewers will be able to easily see what truth will be revealed by the 'next move' that unfolds in the courtroom. I hope you will look forward to it!" In addition, Wakui Emi will play the role of Tatsumi's mother, Tendo Kasumi. Kasumi encourages Tatsumi to become a lawyer, and is a cheerful presence who watches over her daughter from home and the gallery. Tanabe Seiichi will play the role of Tatsumi's father, Tendo Tatsuo, who is in the legal profession as a judge but can't stop worrying about his daughter. Satomi Kobayashi will play Rie Inui, a paralegal and accountant at the law firm who supports Tatsumi and Kotaro. She has been watching over Kotaro since he was a child, and is a warm-hearted presence who is understanding of Tatsumi's unconventional legal style. The first episode of "Courtroom Dragon" will be broadcast with an extended 10-minute run.