Yasuko Sawaguchi Throws Criminal Off Rooftop! Rare Shocking Shot from Fuji TV’s October Monday Drama Filming

Not a drop of sweat, even in intense action scenes

A young man flees to the rooftop of a building, only to be cornered by a female detective dressed in a vivid blue shirt and a pure white suit. With no escape left, the man raises a crowbar and charges at her. She swiftly dodges, then fells him with a single axe-bomber strike—

In fact, this was a scene being filmed in mid-August on the rooftop of a multi-tenant building in Yokohama. The female officer who took down the man was none other than Yasuko Sawaguchi (60).

“On August 31, it was announced that Sawaguchi would star in the October-start Monday 9 p.m. drama Absolute Zero: Emergency Cybercrime Investigation (Fuji TV). This marks her first time leading a Fuji TV series in 35 years, since Oedo Detective Story: Princess Teruhime’s Seven Disguises, and her first-ever appearance in the Monday 9 p.m. slot.

This installment is season 5 of the popular Absolute Zero series, where Sawaguchi plays detective Nami Ninomiya of the ‘Information Crime Special Task Unit,’ known as DICT. Drawing on her long experience handling juvenile crime as a community police officer, she is chosen to join this special organization tackling complex information crimes.” (Television magazine writer)

Along with the announcement, Sawaguchi’s new look was revealed—her freshly chopped short hairstyle quickly became a hot topic. Regarding her haircut, she said in an interview with TV LIFE web (published August 31):

“For this role, I went with a cash-short style. As a detective, I thought a short cut that doesn’t require much maintenance and lets me get ready quickly would suit the character. I cut about six centimeters off the longest part. It’s been a long time since I’ve cut my hair this short for a role.”

The filming took place under the blazing midday sun on the rooftop. Wearing her mash-short hairstyle and a cooling ring around her neck, Sawaguchi appeared with a smile, greeted the staff, and immediately began rehearsals.

Because the scene involved a weapon, she carefully rehearsed the choreography with the actor playing the criminal, even suggesting adjustments to positions and movements. As a result, the shoot wrapped almost in a single take. Throughout, she maintained a composed expression, seemingly without breaking a sweat.

When asked about the message she hopes to convey through the drama, Sawaguchi replied:

“I learned that sometimes young people get involved in cybercrime just from a lighthearted desire to make pocket money, but once they’re in, they can’t escape, with their families even taken hostage. I hope the drama conveys the true terror of cybercrime.” (TV LIFE web, August 31)

Expectations are soaring for Sawaguchi’s first-ever starring role in Fuji TV’s primetime Monday slot.