Takanori Iwata from 三代目 J SOUL BROTHERS has been cast in NHK's upcoming historical drama "Gyakutoku no Bakufu" (The Rebel Bakufu Official), marking his first appearance in the network's prestigious asadora series.

The 66th NHK historical drama will premiere in 2027 with Toshiro Matsuzaka as the lead, portraying Tadakuni Oguri, the samurai who led Japan's first mission to America during the late Edo period. The series takes an unconventional approach to the era's turbulent history by focusing on the perspective of the defeated.

Iwata will play Masahiro Abe, a young daimyo of Fukuyama who rose to the position of senior councillor at just 27 years old. His character attempts to navigate national crises by introducing a new governing style centered on listening to multiple voices—a reform that inadvertently sets the stage for the shogunate's eventual collapse.

"I feel the weight of this responsibility stepping into a NHK asadora for the first time," Iwata said in a statement. "I look forward to the day we can share this with everyone."

The 36-year-old performer has balanced his role in 三代目 J SOUL BROTHERS with an active acting career since 2010. He's known for films including the "HiGH&LOW" series, "Perfect World," and "A Silent Voice," and has earned recognition including the Japan Academy Prize for Newcomer Actor.

The drama's screenplay comes from Naoko Adachi, who penned acclaimed series including "Code Blue," "What Did You Eat Yesterday?," and "Asadora," giving the historical narrative contemporary storytelling sensibilities.

Other cast members announced include Tsutsumu Takamaksu, Ryo Fukawa, Kaede Kamio, Kazuki Kitamura, and Akira Emoto.