It has been revealed that actor Masaki Okada will star in the TBS Friday drama "Takusari Brothers" (Fridays at 10pm) which will begin airing in April 2026. The crime suspense drama follows the older brother, a detective played by Okada, and the younger brother, a medical examiner played by Shota Sometani, as they pursue the truth behind the murder of their parents, just two days apart from the statute of limitations. This will be Okada's first lead role in a drama on the same network.
The drama follows the "Tasakara Brothers," consisting of the older brother, detective Makoto Tasakara (played by Okada), and the younger brother, coroner Minoru Tasakara, as they pursue the heinous crimes that occur every day and the true culprit behind the murder of their parents 31 years ago, which expired two days before the statute of limitations was abolished. The script is written by Watanabe Kei, known for "Tumbling," and the director is Yamamoto Takeyoshi, known for "Saiai."
This is the latest work from producer Arai Junko, who has worked on hit crime suspense films such as "The Last Mile" and dramas such as "Unnatural," "MIU404," and "Saiai," and marks her second collaboration with Okada since "The Last Mile."
This marks the sixth time Okada and Sometani have co-starred. Okada, who had already been confirmed to appear in this film, contacted Sometani himself and made an enthusiastic offer, and Sometani said that the fact that it was "with Okada" was a major factor in his decision to appear in the film.
◇ Masaki Okada, who plays the lead role of Tasukusari Makoto
The relationship between the Tasukuri brothers we play and the atmosphere that permeates the drama as a whole are both very emotional.
And more than anything, I think it's a drama that conveys the pain that exists there. Everyone has their own pain in life, and among them are two brothers who are burdened with a big past and whose time has stopped, and what lies ahead when they finally get to the truth of the incident? I would like people to watch it for that aspect as well.
We are filming this drama with the aim of instilling hope, so we hope that everyone will also feel hope as they watch over the Tasukuri brothers and see how the drama unfolds.
◇ Shota Sometani as Tasakuri Minoru
Whether acting with Okada or watching the film, I can sense his honest acting and passionate energy, so I'm happy to be playing brothers with him, and the atmosphere on set is so reassuring that it feels like we've worked together before. How can two brothers, whose time has stopped somewhere in the wake of the murder of their parents, whose statute of limitations has now expired, move their own time forward? Meanwhile, as they investigate modern-day cases as police officers, they come into contact with the emotions of various people, and the story depicts how this connects them to the brothers. Whether reading the script, acting, or watching the filmed footage, I believe this is a very emotional drama that will pierce the hearts of those who watch every week, so I hope you will enjoy it.
◇Produced by Junko Arai
Although this drama bills itself as a crime suspense drama, its essence is a story of brotherly love, a story of family, and a story of great love. Two brothers who carry wounds that will never heal, but still run for someone. What will they find and gain as they risk their lives to uncover the truth of the crime?
The older brother, Makoto, is played by Masaki Okada. He is a handsome and clean-cut actor, but this time he plays the older brother, who is down-to-earth and full of tenacity, which betrays that image in a good way. He is a perfect fit for the role of Makoto.
The younger brother, Minoru, is played by Shota Sometani. He is an actor I have wanted to work with for a long time. I am always overwhelmed by his acting, where even the most casual lines pierce the heart.
Okada and Sometani are always naturally close to each other on set, and they look just like brothers. The atmosphere that emanates from the two of them really enhances the quality of this film. They also get along great with Director Yamamoto and Director of Photography Mune, and the set is always filled with laughter.
I hope you will watch until the end to see the heartbreaking yet warm form of "love" that these brothers, burdened with a cruel fate, reach.
