It was announced on November 12th that a completely new special drama, "Last Man - The Blind Investigator - FAKE/TRUTH", based on the drama series "Last Man - The Blind Investigator", starring Fukuyama Masaharu, which aired on TBS's "Sunday Theatre" slot (Sundays at 9pm) in April 2023, will be broadcast on the same station from 9pm on December 28th. The story of the special drama begins immediately after the drama series. It depicts events that take place shortly before the release of the film "Last Man - First Love" (directed by Hirano Shunichi), which will be released on December 24th, just before the broadcast. It was also revealed that actor Wakana Matsumoto will appear in the special drama.
◇The story begins immediately after the TV drama
The screenplay for "Last Man: The Blind Investigator" was written by Tsutomu Kuroiwa. It is a thrilling drama in which Hiromi Minami, a blind FBI special agent who is a people-pleaser, played by Fukuyama, and Shintaro Godo, a detective who will stop at nothing to arrest the criminal, played by Yo Oizumi, team up to tackle difficult cases.
The protagonist, Minami Hiromi, lost sight in both eyes due to an accident in the past, but is now a highly skilled special agent at the FBI, known as "the last man" who always solves cases and has solved numerous cases. Minami, who has come from the United States, is assigned to attend to him by the lone detective Godo Shintaro. The two, with different titles and personalities, gradually join forces to become an "invincible buddy" who solve cases. Towards the end of the drama, the past connection between Minami and Shintaro is revealed, and the shocking truth is revealed: the two are actually brothers.
The final episode of the drama series ended with Minami returning to Washington DC after completing her training, and Shintaro heading to the US for FBI training. The special drama will pick up immediately after the storyline of the drama series, and will feature the same familiar regular cast members as Fukuyama and Oizumi, including Nagase Ren, Mio Imada, Matsuo Satoru, Imai Tomoya Oku, Oku Tomoya, Kimura Tae, and Yoshida Yo.
The two became the ultimate buddy in Washington and New York. Shintaro returns to Japan after six months of training, splitting his time between Japan and New York. Then, in 2025, Minami returns to Japan for a television appearance. While there, the studio where the program is being broadcast is seized by armed terrorists. An unprecedented terrorist attack occurs: they take the anchor appearing live with Caster and the Prime Minister hostage, demanding a bomb detonation in Tokyo unless a $1 billion ransom is paid. Meanwhile, upon learning that Minami has been held captive, Shintaro heads to the studio to rescue her and the hostages. He finds Sakura (Yoshida), who had come to assist Minami, hiding there. What does the title of the special drama, "FAKE/TRUTH," mean? It's said to be a thrilling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
◇ Wakana Matsumoto plays the role of a star newscaster who pursues the truth
Matsumoto plays the role of Harima Misaki, the most popular Caster at the TV station Minami visits. Harima is a news Caster who once interviewed Minami in the United States, and they meet by chance at the TV studio Minami visits. However, just as they are about to meet, the live broadcast studio is taken over by armed terrorists, and Minami and the Prime Minister, who was appearing on the program, are taken hostage.
Since her first lead role in the prime-time drama series "Saionji-san Doesn't Do Housework" in 2024, Matsumoto has starred in numerous dramas, and has expanded her range of activities, including hosting variety shows and dubbing movies. This is her first time playing a Caster, and she plays a woman who pursues the truth with strong convictions.
You can watch the movie and then the special drama to find out the "other truth," or you can watch the movie after the special drama and then follow the "fate that follows." By going back and forth between the two works, you can enjoy the film even more.
Additionally, the Sunday Theatre drama "Last Man: The Blind Investigator," which aired in 2023, will begin streaming on "TVer" and "TBS FREE" from November 19th. All episodes are currently available on "U-NEXT."
◇Comment from Wakana Matsumoto(role of Misaki Harima)
Having watched the drama, I was very honored to be asked to take part in this one, and I was also happy that I would be able to see a continuation of it. Of course, that was the case with the previous series, but the scale of it is simply amazing (laughs). When I read the script, the plot unfolded in a way that made me wonder "what's going to happen?", and the pace was so fast that I couldn't get bored, so when I saw the finished product, I knew I was about to witness a magnificent piece of entertainment, and I was already filled with excitement. I would be happy if the viewers could get a sense of the emotional fluctuations, movements, and delicate feelings of each of the actors, even just a little. I hope everyone looks forward to watching it.
◇ Comment from Producer Keigo Higashinaka
"Last Man," which aired as a Sunday drama two years ago and received a huge response, is returning to terrestrial television this winter as a special drama! Two years later, the invincible buddy duo, now many times stronger, faces an unprecedented terrorist bombing and studio hostage incident in Tokyo. This story is a mix of humor and seriousness, truly showcasing the essence of "Last Man."Wakana Matsumoto joins the cast as a new member of the team. She plays a popular Caster who also holds strong convictions. Her presence, exuding a gentle yet powerful personality, breathes new life into the story. This work is a continuation of the previously released film. Whether you watch the film or the drama, the experience will change depending on which order you choose. Enjoy the world of "Last Man," where the two pieces come together to complete the story. Be sure to experience the excitement once again with "Last Man" this year-end.
