"JIN" sequel slated for spring 2011
The popular, award-winning drama series "JIN" is officially getting a sequel, scheduled for spring 2011. Takao Osawa (42) will reprise his starring role, along with other main cast members including Haruka Ayase (25), Masaaki Uchino (41), and Miki Nakatani (34).
Based on a manga by Motoka Murakami about a brain surgeon who gets sent back in time to the Bakumatsu era, "JIN" originally aired last fall. The series averaged over a 19% rating, with the final episode reaching 25.3%, the highest for any drama series on a commercial network last year.
Osawa commented that he was concerned about the sequel being a retread of the first series. However, the new series is said to be a step up in terms of scale and intensity. One of the highlights will be the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma (Uchino) and whether the surgeon Jin (Osawa) can save him. New characters being introduced include Nakaoka Shintaro and the samurai Saigo Takamori.
Rumors surfaced earlier this month that Osawa and Ayase are in a relationship, but both of their agencies have denied it. As a result, the series will be receiving extra attention from fans and the media, especially since their characters in the drama are romantic interests.
The show's producer stated that this will be the conclusion of the drama and that there will be no movie version.
source; TOKYOGRAPH