The cast playing the students of Class 1-B in the upcoming drama adaptation of 'GTO' has been announced.

The series stars Takashi Sorimachi as teacher Eikichi Onizuka, reprising the role for the first serialized drama adaptation in 28 years.

Based on the manga by Tohru Fujisawa, 'GTO' follows former biker gang member Onizuka as he tackles problems facing students and schools through unconventional methods. 

Set at the private Seishin Academy, where tablets and digital evaluations are integrated into everyday school life, the new series will depict Onizuka confronting issues in today's Reiwa-era education system.

Meru Nukumi co-stars as Mio Kashiwabara, the vice homeroom teacher of Class 1-B.

The 28 student cast members were selected through an audition process involving more than 400 applicants between the ages of 15 and 17.

Among the announced cast are Kurumi Inagaki, Touri Oikawa, Miyu Oshima, Kanna Kajiwara, Waku Kawaguchi, Ruu Kitazato, Fuga Shibazaki, Sora Namba of LIL LEAGUE, Shinnosuke Nishiura of The Right Light, Maho Horiguchi, and Rikuto Morimoto.

Director Satoru Nakajima said the auditions focused less on acting ability and more on each performer's individuality and unique presence. 
Screenwriter Kazuhiko Yukawa, who also worked on the 1998 version, returns for the new adaptation.

The drama will premiere on Monday, July 20 at 10:00 p.m. JST.