After an incredible 26 years and 24 seasons, plus a feature film, TV Asahi's hugely popular drama series "The Woman of S.R.I.," starring actress Yasuko Sawaguchi, is officially the longest-running drama series in Japanese television history. Today (January 2), the network announced that a special episode, "The Woman of S.R.I. FINAL," will air on January 23, bringing this legendary show to its ultimate conclusion.
Set in the Kyoto Prefectural Police Scientific Investigation Research Institute (S.R.I.), the series follows forensic researcher Mariko Sakaki (played by Yasuko Sawaguchi) as she leads a team of quirky, highly specialized investigators. Utilizing their expertise in forensic medicine, physics, chemistry, and document analysis, they meticulously uncover the truth behind complex cases. The show has consistently captivated audiences with its blend of "cutting-edge scientific forensics" and "profound human drama," establishing itself as a high-quality mystery staple.
Since its debut in October 1999, "The Woman of S.R.I." has continuously broken records for the "most seasons for an active drama series." Now, as it reaches the significant milestone of its 300th episode, the series is officially drawing to a close. With a total of 24 seasons under its belt, the most recent, "The Woman of S.R.I. Season 24," aired in July 2024, following a successful theatrical film release in 2021.
The upcoming "FINAL" special is crafted as a heartfelt thank-you to the loyal viewers who have supported the show for so many years. This grand finale promises to deliver "the forefront of scientific forensics" in a way only "The Woman of S.R.I." can, with a scale that even surpasses the movie, ensuring a truly spectacular and impactful conclusion.
Yasuko Sawaguchi, who has portrayed Mariko Sakaki for an incredible 26 years, shared her thoughts: "For me, Mariko Sakaki has been a companion walking alongside me for 26 years. In the beginning, she was someone who only valued science, but through each case and every encounter, she gradually grew into a 'mature scientist' who could view others with kindness. She has also been my partner in overcoming increasingly difficult challenges each season."
She also extended her gratitude to the fans: "Thank you so much for your long-standing support of 'The Woman of S.R.I.' I hope everyone can join us with warm hearts to watch until the very end."
It's truly remarkable for a series to run for 24 seasons, and it's bittersweet to see this iconic show come to an end. If you're a fan of "The Woman of S.R.I.," make sure to tune in for this month's final special, "The Woman of S.R.I. FINAL," to see how Mariko Sakaki tackles her very last case!
via： 朝日電視台官網