Fuji TV has just dropped a bombshell: a brand-new drama, "Ramune Monkey," is set to premiere on January 14, 2026, taking over the coveted Wednesday 10 PM slot! Headlining the series are none other than Takashi Sorimachi, Nao Omori, and Kenjiro Tsuda, with the script penned by the legendary Ryota Furusawa. Given Furusawa's incredible track record with smash hits like "The Confidence Man JP," "Legal High," and "Date: What Is Love Like?," this announcement has already sent J-drama fans into an absolute frenzy.
"Ramune Monkey" dives deep into a compelling question: "Can childhood memories truly save lost adults?" This fresh series masterfully blends suspense, comedy, and poignant human drama. The story revolves around three 51-year-old men—Yuta Yoshii (Takashi Sorimachi), Hajime Fujimaki (Nao Omori), and Kisuke Kikuhara (Kenjiro Tsuda). As boys, they were inseparable, filming kung fu movies together in their school's film club. Now, each finds himself adrift, grappling with a sense of loss in his own life.
Their paths cross again when news breaks from their old hometown: human remains have been unearthed at a construction site. This discovery brings the trio back together for the first time in ages. As their once-vivid memories of their beloved childhood advisor, a female teacher, begin to blur, they make a shocking discovery: she's listed as "missing," having seemingly vanished years ago. This revelation propels the three friends on an unexpected journey to uncover the truth.
For Sorimachi, this marks his exciting first collaboration with Omori. It's also a landmark moment for Tsuda, who, after countless roles in anime and live-action, is finally starring in a terrestrial prime-time drama. Both Omori and Tsuda are making a long-awaited return to a Furusawa project, while Sorimachi expressed his sheer excitement and anticipation at stepping into Furusawa's uniquely crafted world.
The drama is produced by Hiroaki Narukawa, a veteran who previously helmed "Absolute Zero," "The After-Dinner Mysteries," "Strawberry Night," and the "The Confidence Man JP" series. Having collaborated with Furusawa multiple times, their latest joint effort is already being hailed as one of the most talked-about original dramas hitting screens in the 2025 winter season.