Kou Shibasaki joins Yuji Oda in "Amalfi" drama
It was reported in August that Fuji TV has green-lit a television sequel to the 2009 movie "Amalfi: Megami no Hoshu," which starred actor Yuji Oda (42). More details have now been released, including the casting of Kou Shibasaki (29) as the female lead.
The drama series, titled "Kaikoukan Kuroda Kosaku," will bring Oda back as the diplomat Kosaku Kuroda, who now has to take on matters such as domestic terrorism as well as international affairs. Settings include San Francisco, Mexico, and Japan, with part of the series planned to be filmed overseas. Kuroda's backstory will also be covered.
Shibasaki will play the part of a police detective who works with Kuroda. She previously acted on-screen with Oda in the 2006 movie "Kenchou no Hoshi" (also known as "Star Reformer").
Filming has just started, even though the series will not start until January 2011 in the Thursday 10:00pm time slot. Teruyuki Kagawa (44), Kaho (19), and Tamiyo Kusakari (45) have also been cast.
source: TOKYOGRAPH