On August 14th, it was announced that SMAP's Kimura Takuya will be starring in Fuji TV's new "Getsu 9" drama for the upcoming fall season.

The drama with the tentative title 'PRICELESS' revolves around a salary man who falls into a life of destitution after being fired from his company. Although it will already be Kimura's ninth starring role in a "Getsu 9"�drama, it will be the first time for him to play a character living in poverty.

At first everything seems to go well for the protagonist - living a satisfying life as a bachelor and working at the middle management of a major company. He's also on good terms with his co-workers, but one day he gets wrapped up in an intrigue and ends up getting fired for something he hasn't done. Before he even realized, he had become a penniless man without a phone and no place to stay. By chance he happens to get acquainted to other poor children at a park and gradually begins to realize that there are many important "priceless" things in life that you can't buy with money.

'PRICELESS' is based on an original script by Furuya Kazunao ('Ninkyo Helper', '37-sai de Ishani Natta Boku'). It's said to be a humorous drama with a lovable and cheerful protagonist who never loses his positive attitude despite those tragic turns. His positive attitude even causes the change of his unreliable boss - played by Nakai Kiichi - and one of his female colleagues, an introverted accountant played by Karina.

Just before the start of the filming, Kimura stated, "Our Japanese athletes at the London 2012 Olympics showed us impressive and PRICELESS teamwork. The staff, my co-stars and I want to form just as great of a team and make this drama our own."

Nakai commented, "You better not miss any second of this fast-paced drama!"

Karina, whose character will eventually become the love interest of the protagonist, is also looking forward to the filming. She said, "I'm nervous since it's my first time working together with Kimura and Nakai. My character sounds plain, but I still want to give it my all."

The producer added, "We want to give people courage and hope with a protagonist that still lives every day to the fullest despite having lost everything."

'PRICELESS' is scheduled to air its first episode in October.

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Source: Sanspo (1,2)