It has been revealed that GACKT will star in the popular period drama "Abarenbou Shogun" starring Matsudaira Ken, which will be revived for the first time in about 17 years, in "TV Asahi Drama Premium 'Shin Abarenbou Shogun'" (9pm on January 4th, 2025), playing the role of Tokugawa Muneharu, the seventh lord of the Owari domain. He will embody the kabuki actor Muneharu with his striking presence, wearing a flashy haori coat and smoking a kiseru pipe that is over one meter long.
"Abarenbo Shogun," which aired from 1978 to 2003, is a thrilling period drama series in which Yoshimune fights the evil rampant in Edo while blending into the lives of ordinary people as the third son of a poor samurai, Tokuda Shinnosuke (nicknamed Shin-san). This new series, the first in about 17 years, is set in Edo more than 20 years after Yoshimune's reign, and depicts Yoshimune facing the issue of succession, the human drama within Edo Castle, and the difficult cases swirling with conspiracies that occur in the castle town, with new characters and a sense of the era. It is directed by Miike Takashi and written by Omori Mika.
Muneharu, played by GACKT, is the head of the Owari Tokugawa family, the head of the Tokugawa Gosanke (three main families). He believes that "excessive frugality is useless, and that for the people, it is important to enjoy life with lavishness," and he ignores Yoshimune's frugality order and pursues his own free policies. His extravagant behavior is well-known, and some in the city say that he is more suitable to be shogun than Yoshimune. When Muneharu learns that Yoshimune is wavering over the issue of succession, he sets his sights on the shogun's position.
Regarding Muneharu, GACKT commented, "He's a very 'unique' man, with his own unique way of thinking. I think his extremely long pipe and flashy costumes are a reflection of his unconventional way of life. I think he's a very interesting character, and I feel like he suits me."
This is his first time co-starring with Matsudaira, and he expressed his joy, saying, "I've been a big fan of 'Abarenbou Shogun' for a long time, so it's an honor to be able to co-star with Ken in this production. I feel very honored."He also reflected on his experience, saying, "Even though this is the first time in 17 years that the series has been revived, he's still as full of energy as ever, and it's amazing how powerful he is."
He said he approached the filming with this in mind, "I think I'm expected to play a role that will serve as an accent in the world of the work and keep the audience entertained, so I wanted to fulfill that role well," and added, "I would be happy if this can be an opportunity for young people to realize that period dramas are interesting."
This will be the second time that GACKT has participated in a film directed by Miike Takashi, following the film "BLUE FIGHT: Breaking Down of the Blue Youth" (released January 31, 2025). He has long been fascinated by the "Miike world," and when he received the offer for this film, he adjusted his busy schedule and rushed to Toei Kyoto Studio, saying, "If it's a Miike-san work, I'll be happy to take part."
