It was revealed on November 30th that TV Tokyo's drama series "Former Forensic Investigation Housewife," starring Marika Matsumoto and co-starring Yokoyama Yu from "SUPER EIGHT," will begin airing in January 2026. Matsumoto commented, "It's very moving to be able to work with Yokoyama as a married couple for the first time in over 20 years."
The two sons will be played by Tasuku Sato , a child actor who appeared in " Light of My Lion " (TBS). The story is an original, co-developed by TV Tokyo and Kodansha. This will be Matsumoto's first starring role on the network in a year and a half, since "Until I Destroy My Husband's Family" in 2024. This will be Yokoyama's first time playing a father. The series airs every Friday at 9pm.
Matsumoto plays Yoshioka Shiori, who was once known as the "ace of the forensic science lab," but has since retired and is now struggling with housework and childcare while raising her 5-year-old son, Ryosuke. Her husband, Michihiko, played by Yokoyama, is a rookie detective who was recently transferred to the First Investigative Division. His deductive abilities are still lacking and he is a little unreliable, but he occasionally displays a "hunch that gets to the heart of the matter." Their son, Ryosuke, played by Ozora, is full of curiosity and cooperates with the investigation with the pure perspective that only a child can have... This is the story.
The drama will be a hybrid of a full-scale mystery that mobilizes the whole family, with Shiori's scientific reasoning at the center and Michihiko and Ryosuke bringing their respective perspectives and strengths to the table, and a family drama that depicts the state of modern couples and families.
Matsumoto commented, "Until now, I have often played roles that involve murky emotions or misfortune, but in this work, I would like to face the concept of 'happiness' head-on."
Yokoyama commented, "This is my first time playing a father role, so I'm a bit nervous, but I have a younger brother, so I think I'll be able to naturally maintain a distance. Ozora-kun is an incredibly energetic and adorable boy, so I'm really looking forward to acting with him."
◇Comment from Marika Matsumoto
-Please tell us how you felt when you were chosen to appear.
When I read the heartfelt letter and proposal I received from producer Hamatani-san, I was thrilled that this would be a great production, and I was truly happy to be involved in such a project.
What struck me about this project was that it was based on Hamatani's real experiences, his real life, and that his personal thoughts and wishes were the motivation for making this work. I was deeply moved, and I thought that it would resonate deeply with viewers as well.
There was also a paragraph introducing each of the staff members who worked with him, saying, "This person approaches their work like this, and this is what makes them so great."
I feel truly blessed to be able to create a TV drama series with someone who has such deep feelings for each and every member of the cast and staff.
I think it will be a really good time creating with such people, and I'm sure that will be reflected in the video.
-Please tell us your impression of the role.
She is devoted to science, a scientific genius, and a true super-science girl.
She meets her husband, played by Yokoyama, who is the complete opposite of her, and for the sake of her unborn child, she quits her job at the forensic lab and becomes a housewife raising a child...or rather, she starts doing science (laughs).
Perhaps to her, being a housewife is a glittering world filled with unknown science.
Beyond the science I love, home and family are the pinnacle of happiness!
I would like to approach this role with that in mind.
Up until now, I have often played roles that involve murky emotions or misfortune, but in this work I would like to face the concept of "happiness" head-on.
To begin with, this is my first time playing a role in a science field, and there are a lot of scientific terms. Even for me, it's a completely new challenge, wondering whether I'll be able to say them properly, how I'll say them, and what kind of character I'll be.
The last time I did a show for TV Tokyo, it was about "The Story of a Husband Destroying His Family," but this time I want to do a show about "The Story of Building a Warm Family" ♪
-Please give a message to the viewers who are looking forward to the program.
You'll enjoy the charms of both the mystery and the family drama.
The cast is truly impressive, full of interesting and charming people!
It is also very moving to be able to work with Yokoyama-san as a married couple for the first time in over 20 years.
I hope it will be a drama that is heartwarming, entertaining, and makes you want to watch it over and over again.
I will do my best to create a great piece of work, so please look forward to it.
◇Comment from Yokoyama Yu
-Please tell us how you felt when you were chosen to appear.
When I was approached about appearing in the film, I received a handwritten letter from the producer. It was filled with such passionate feelings that I honestly thought, "I'm so grateful."
When I read the script, it was a detective drama, but also a family drama, with elements of suspense... Anyway, it was an interesting read. The family and human drama was well-drawn, and I was so excited I couldn't wait for filming to start.
-Please tell us your impression of the role.
The character I play, Michihiko, lacks confidence in some areas, but he has a strong core. He is working hard in the present while carrying with him many thoughts, such as guilt over his wife quitting her job and conflicts at work. I hope I can portray those fluctuating feelings well.
This is my first time playing a father role, so I'm a bit nervous, but I have a younger brother, so I think I'll be able to naturally keep my distance. Ozora-kun is an incredibly lively and adorable boy, so I'm really looking forward to acting with him.
-Please give a message to the viewers who are looking forward to the program.
It's a drama that mixes a lot of different elements, so I think people will find it enjoyable. It's got some warm feelings, some refreshing moments, and it also brings back memories of the mystery anime I watched as a child.
It's fun to watch casually without thinking about anything, and it's also fun to watch carefully. I think it's that kind of work, so I hope you'll look forward to it.
◇Comment from Tasuku Sato
-Please tell us how you felt when you were chosen to appear.
I was happy to pass the audition. Matsumoto-san was kind and Yokoyama-san was funny, so I'm looking forward to acting with him.
-Please tell us your impression of the role.
I love science and I think the character is interested in a lot of different things, so I want to cherish those feelings and do my best.
-Please give a message to the viewers who are looking forward to the program.
I think it's a drama that even a kid like me can enjoy. I hope lots of people will watch it!
◇ Comment from Producer Koichi Hamatani of TV Tokyo Drama Production Department
Child-rearing and dividing up responsibilities between spouses...what is the right answer...what do other people do...I came up with this project while asking myself these questions every day.
I'm sure there are many families like ours in the world where the wife is more talented than the husband, but the husband is mediocre and busy with work.
I would like to thank the scriptwriters, including Ozaki Masaya and Kaname Keiko, Kodansha, who assisted in plot development, and Shindo, the former Forensic Science Laboratory novelist, as well as the staff who gathered under Director Horie Takahiro, whom I have complete confidence in. After much trial and error, we have arrived at a wonderful drama.
I can't wait to see how Marika Matsumoto, who has stood out with her captivating acting in roles such as Katekova, will play this former forensic lab housewife.
Also, as someone who was moved by the 24-hour TV marathon, the heartwarming father-son interaction between Yokoyama Yu and Tasuku Sato was very touching.
By the end of the series, I'm looking forward to seeing what decision the main character, Shiori, will make...and what her husband and those around her will do...I'm also looking forward to using it as a reference.
The cast members to be announced in the future are all very attractive, so please look forward to them.
