It has been revealed that actors Ryo Katsuji and Miori Takimoto will co-star in the new Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV Thursday drama "Ransom is Kidnapping" (starting January 8, 2026, Thursdays at 11:59 PM), which will begin airing in January next year. The two will play the lead couple whose daughter is kidnapped and who end up committing the unwanted crime of "kidnapping another child."
"Ransom is Kidnapping" is an investigative drama produced by the same production team behind "The Me I Don't Know," which will be aired in January 2025. The protagonist, Takeru Washio (Katsuji), and his wife, Miu (Takimoto), whose daughter has been kidnapped, receive a phone call from the kidnapper, who demands the kidnapping of another child in exchange for the ransom. The story follows the two as they struggle with the crime they have committed, but are driven to uncover the true identity of the culprit for the sake of their beloved child.
Katsuji plays Takeru Washio, a former detective with the Kanagawa Prefectural Police's First Investigative Division. However, eight years ago, while investigating a kidnapping case, he failed to pull the trigger at a crucial moment, allowing the culprit to escape. After that failure, he began to worry that he lacked the qualities to be a police officer, and so he retired. He now works for Town Keepers, a community-based crime prevention and security company.
Takimoto plays Washio Miu, a housewife who also works part-time at a local family restaurant. Raised by working parents, she experienced a somewhat lonely childhood, which led to her strong desire to cherish her family and to prioritize her daughter above all else. However, when her 8-year-old daughter is kidnapped, she becomes so distraught that she makes decisions that cross the line in her desire to get her child back.
Regarding his impression of Takimoto, Katsuji commented, "I've known Miori for a long time, so I felt very relieved when I heard she'd be playing the role of his wife. I'm surprised at how much she's improved since meeting her again after such a long time (laughs)." Takimoto also said about Katsuji, "I've known him for a long time, so I was very relieved to hear that he'd be playing the role of Takeru. We worked together before on a January production!"
