Honoka Matsumoto, the 41-year-old actress, is set to take center stage as the lead character, Dr. Shura Anno, in the upcoming Fuji TV drama "Dr. Ashura". Slated to premiere this April, the show will air every Wednesday at 10 p.m. (local time) and showcases Matsumoto as an extraordinary emergency physician who refuses to decline any patient.
Adapted from the eponymous manga first serialized from 2015 to 2016 by Ryo Koshino, the series revolves around Dr. Anno, an adept physician known for her unwavering commitment to saving lives, no matter the patient’s background. "Dr. Ashura" portrays her unique ability to predict incoming emergencies, intensifying the show’s dramatic medical scenarios, as she sometimes performs miraculous feats by operating on multiple patients simultaneously.
Matsumoto expressed her excitement about stepping back onto the small screen for the second consecutive year, following her previous success starring in another Fuji TV drama, "Watashi no Takaramono", last October. "Shura Anno has this incredible obsession with saving lives, and knowing her strong convictions gave me chills when I first learned about the character. I’m eager to prepare thoroughly and shape Shura according to my interpretation," she stated.
Directing the series is Hiroaki Matsuyama, well-known for his expertise in creating intense, character-driven narratives. Matsumoto’s commitment to the role is evident, as she admits there are challenges to overcome, particularly standing out in the ever-competitive television space. "It’s going to be quite the intense ride, but I hope this piece resonates deeply with viewers through the diligent efforts of our entire cast and crew," she added.
During discussions about the adaptation, Koshino reflected on the long road to bringing the story to the screen, stating, "I genuinely thought 'Dr. Ashura' wouldn’t be adaptable for the screen, but upon hearing Honoka Matsumoto would be taking the lead, I became incredibly excited. It feels like the perfect match!" The writer acknowledged the manga's depth and noted how this adaptation would feature original elements to suit the television format, ensuring the transformation retains the original’s essence.
"It’s not just about depicting the medical procedures authentically, but also capturing the emotional and psychological dimensions of the characters involved. Doctor Anno’s relentless drive to save lives—mixed with her struggles and human flaws—will be explored throughout the series," Matsuyama elaborated. He added, "I believe viewers will appreciate the blend of intense drama and the real-life stakes embedded within our narrative. This isn’t about portraying medical idealism; it's about raw, sometimes chaotic realism."
Matsumoto, who garnered significant recognition last year (topping the ORICON news ranking of breakout actors), transitioned swiftly through the roles she played, culminating in these dual highlights of her career. Her portrayal of Dr. Shura Anno aims to flood viewers’ emotions with admiration and empathy as she portrays the challenges faced by medical professionals dedicated to their craft. "The hospital scenes are bound to be tense and dramatic, which allows for powerful character development among not only Shura but also the supporting characters—whose narratives I also plan to explore thoroughly," asserted Matsumoto.
The actress also highlighted her aim to resonate with fans of the manga as well as new viewers alike. "I want to create something impactful with the cast and staff. Given all my experiences this year, I feel ready for this new challenge!" she affirmed, indicating her readiness to immerse herself fully in this role.
With anticipation building around this series, the production hopes to deliver an engaging and compelling portrayal of what it means to be on the front lines of emergency medicine. The unique premise, driven by Matsumoto's formidable performance and Koshino’s gripping writing, promises to attract audiences both familiar with the source material and newcomers alike to discover the intense world of "Dr. Ashura."
Join us on this exhilarating medical drama and witness how far Dr. Anno will go to safeguard lives, moving through her highs and lows as she performs her herculean tasks at the hospital.