The ultra-famous Japanese film, "Shiawase no Kiiroi Hankachi", will be released as a special drama this fall, starring actor Abe Hiroshi!

Abe commented, "When I first received the offer to play the role of 'Shima Yusaku' (originally played by Takakura Ken-san), I was baffled. But because we are in these times, I hope to deliver this warm story of people in distress supporting each other."

"Shiawase no Kiiroi Hankachi" was originally released back in 1977, and tells the story of three individuals: Shima Yusaku, a man who was released from Hokkaido's Abashiri Prison; Hanada Kinya, a young man traveling after a heartbreak; and Ogawa Takemi, a woman with a shadow. Originally starring Takakura Ken, Takeda Tetsuya, Momoi Kaori, and Baisho Chieko, the film won the first 'Best Picture' award at the Japan Academy Prize. In the 80's, the film was remade into a drama, starring Sugawara Bunta, and also received a Hollywood adaptation called, "The Yellow Handkerchief", starring William Hurt.

In the drama, Hamada Gaku will play the role of 'Kinya'. The story begins when Kinya meets Yusaku on his way to a interview at a hotel. Hamada commented, "I'm honored to play the role that Takeda Tetsuya-san played in the past. I am also happy to co-star with such wonderful people. I will do my best." Horikita Maki, who will play the role of 'Takemi', stated, "I want to completely become someone who was born on this land, feeling the Hokkaido wind. I will do my best to insert my own message into this drama."

Meanwhile, Natsukawa Yui will play the role of Yusaku's wife, 'Mitsue'. Other cast members include Oginome Keiko, Endo Kenichi, Nakamura Tamao, and Kusabue Mitsuko. The director for this drama special will be Iwamoto Hitoshi, who has also directed "Hakusen Nagashi", "Nurse no Oshigoto", and "Jouou no "Kyoushitsu".

Stay tuned for more information on this upcoming drama special!

Source + Photo: Mantan Web