Actor Maito Fujioka has been cast as the protagonist Kenta Hirono in the upcoming TV Tokyo series "Wingman," which begins airing on October 22nd. Fujioka, the eldest son of Hiroshi Fujioka, known for his role as Takeshi Hongo/Kamen Rider, will make his debut as the solo lead in a terrestrial TV drama, portraying a "tokusatsu hero otaku" who transforms into a hero himself.

The live-action adaptation is based on the manga "Wingman" by Masakazu Katsura, well-known for "Video Girl Ai" and "I"s". Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha) from 1983 to 1985, the manga gained popularity across genders, heavily influenced by 1980s tokusatsu hero shows. The series has since been adapted into anime, video games, and other media.

The heroine Aoi will be played by Konatsu Kato, who made her serial drama debut in the live-action adaptation of Katsura's manga "I"s" in 2018. Together, Fujioka and Kato will bring fresh energy to the "Wingman" series. The rest of the unique cast surrounding Kenta and Aoi will be announced soon.

Fujioka's character, Kenta, is a second-year high school student and a tokusatsu hero otaku. His mind is constantly filled with fantasies of heroes. He creates his own justice hero "Wingman" and, with the help of his friends, crafts his own suit and weapons. Upon obtaining the Dream Note, he gains the ability to transform into "Wingman" for just five minutes.

Kato's character, Aoi, is a mysterious girl from the other-dimensional world of Podrimus who comes to the third-dimensional world (Earth) with the mission of destroying her father’s invention, the Dream Note, and saving her father, who is imprisoned during a war in Podrimus.

Directing the live-action series, packed with action scenes, is Koichi Sakamoto, a top figure in tokusatsu action. Sakamoto is known for his work as the lead and theatrical director for the three major tokusatsu hero franchises, including Kamen Rider Fourze, Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger, and Ultraman Ginga S. His American-trained action direction ensures that the drama Wingman will deliver spectacular, visually powerful scenes.

The opening theme for the drama will be "chang[e]" by the emotional guitar rock band BLUE ENCOUNT. The song showcases the band's impressive instrumental skills, one of their defining features.

■ Cast Comments : Maito Fujioka

I’m Maito Fujioka, playing the role of Kenta Hirono. One of my big dreams as an actor was to land a lead role on terrestrial TV, so I was really happy to receive this offer. Playing Kenta Hirono, a character who caused a revolution in Weekly Shonen Jump in the 80s with Wingman, made me feel both responsibility and pressure, but I approached filming with a strong determination to meet expectations. As a huge tokusatsu fan, portraying a character who creates his own hero costume and practices action every day was a fresh and fun experience, allowing me to relive my childhood excitement. I believe this is a work that fans of the original, tokusatsu fans, and even those unfamiliar with tokusatsu will all enjoy. It’s a wonderful drama packed with action, emotion, and youth. Please look forward to it.

▼ Konatsu Kato

I will be playing the role of Aoi. Before filming, Mr. Katsura told me, "Did you read the original manga? Sorry, but please forget it when acting." I was taken aback, thinking, "What an unexpected request," but from that moment, I was able to focus on the reason Aoi came to the third dimension. I'm thrilled that after overcoming many challenges, including the heat, alongside my co-star Maito and the wonderful cast, we’re now approaching the broadcast next month. I believe this has become a more mature tokusatsu under Director Sakamoto’s vision. Please enjoy watching it.

■ Director & Action Director Koichi Sakamoto

I’m Koichi Sakamoto, the director. I’ve directed many heroes before, but I’m still amazed that I get to direct Wingman! I was born in 1970, so I was in middle school when Wingman was serialized, making me part of the direct target audience. I felt a strong connection to Kenta, a hero otaku just like me, and I was captivated by the charming heroines. I dreamed of seeing a live-action version of Wingman every week when Jump was released. Since the original manga has many fans, there was a lot of pressure in adapting it, but under the guidance of Mr. Katsura, from script development to design and auditions, we’ve created a Wingman for this era. The cast is incredible, bringing fresh charm to the original characters. This is a unique blend of a youth drama and tokusatsu action, unlike anything seen before. I hope both fans of the original and newcomers will enjoy watching Kenta and Aoi’s growth!

■ Producer Tomoki Maeda (TV Tokyo, Distribution Business Department)

When we thought about the significance of adapting this legendary work from the 1980s into a live-action series for the Reiwa era, Maito Fujioka's name came up first. His sincerity, passion, and vibrant presence breathed life into the character of Kenta Hirono. We hope you’ll look forward to this new era of hero stories, with Maito Fujioka at the center. For the role of Aoi, we’ve cast Konatsu Kato. She perfectly matches the vision we had for Aoi, with her dazzling presence as a heroine and her remarkable acting ability. This work wouldn't be the same without Kato’s charming and slightly mature portrayal of Aoi. It’s an honor to have Koichi Sakamoto, the top name in the tokusatsu and action world, direct this project. Our cast and crew have poured their hearts into making this show, and we hope it reaches as many people as possible. Please look forward to the broadcast!

■ BLUE ENCOUNT – Comment from Shunichi Tanabe (Vocals/Guitar)

In my childhood, I was fearless because I had nothing to lose. As I grew older, life kept stripping away my armor, and I found myself hesitating to take on challenges. Meeting Wingman made me want to destroy that part of myself. Thank you so much. I feel like the struggle and determination I’m experiencing now have truly been captured in this song. I can’t wait to see how Kenta and this song will evolve in the story. I look forward to experiencing it with all of you.

Source : ORICON NEWS