Atsuko Takahata and Shohei Uno join Yo Oizumi in the drama "A Little Esper"

It has been announced that actors Atsuko Takahata and Shohei Uno will be appearing in the drama series "A Little Esper" (TV Asahi, Tuesdays at 9pm), which starts on October 21st.

The film stars Oizumi Yo. The screenplay is by hitmaker Akiko Nogi, known for works like "Unnatural" and "MIU404." The story follows Bunta (Oizumi), a salaryman who's at rock bottom after being fired from his job and divorcing his wife. He passes the audition for the mysterious company "Nonamare," where he becomes a "slight psychic" who saves the world. Takahata and Uno play Enjaku and Hanzo, two of Bunta's colleagues at "Nonamare."

Enjaku, played by Takahata, has the ability to gently heat water using a microwave oven's output of about 200W, while Hanzo, played by Uno, can talk to animals.

Takahata co-starred with Oizumi in the NHK Taiga drama "Sanada Maru" (2016). She also co-starred with Aoi Miyazaki, who plays the heroine of this film, in the NHK Taiga drama "Atsuhime" (2008). She commented, "I love Oizumi Yo. It's been a while since I've worked with Aoi Miyazaki since 'Atsuhime', and I'll be working with all my favorite actors, so I was really happy to be asked to appear."

"The title is a bit strange, and it may be a drama that you haven't heard of before.It may feel a little strange at first, but you'll definitely get addicted.See you all in October!"

Uno commented, "When I read the proposal I received from producer Takashima (Ayari), I really felt his desire to create a new superhero story starring Oizumi. I also love superhero stories, so I was happy and was really looking forward to working with Oizumi again after such a long time. And when I heard that Akiko Nogi would be writing the script for a sci-fi superhero drama, I just wanted to see it as a fan." He appealed, "An unimaginable story awaits. Please look forward to it."

The main cast of "A Little Esper" has already been announced, with Oizumi, Miyazaki, Dean Fujioka, and Takumi Kitamura appearing. New cast members are being announced every Tuesday, and on September 30th, the role of the president of "Nonamare," the company that turns Bunta and the others into espers, will be announced.