Takashi Sorimachi, Wearing a White T-Shirt with Stars in the Dark: He Exudes an “Ultra-Cool Dude” Aura During Filming of the TV Drama ‘GTO’—His First in 28 Years

On Set, Tamachi Is a “Super-Cool Dude”

His arms, peeking out from a white T-shirt emblazoned with a shining star, were healthily tanned, and his waist was slim and toned. Even in the darkness of the night, his presence stood out strikingly from a distance—it was actor Takashi Sorimachi (52).

One night in mid-July, filming was underway in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district for the currently airing drama *GTO* (Kansai TV/Fuji TV network).

“The series is based on the shonen manga of the same name by manga artist Toru Fujisawa (59), which ran in *Weekly Shonen Magazine* from 1997 to 2002 and was first broadcast in the summer of 1998, starring Tamachi.It sparked a social phenomenon as a landmark school drama representative of the Heisei era, and led to a sequel in the form of standalone TV specials (1999, 2024) and a film of the same name (1999).

“Eikichi Onizuka (played by Sorimachi), a former bōsōzoku member turned teacher, gained immense popularity for his unconventional approach and head-on engagement with the school and its students. The first episode of the series recorded an average viewership rating of 28.5% (according to Video Research, Kanto region, household ratings),” said a TV magazine writer.

Sorimachi, who will be playing Onizuka in a TV series for the first time in 28 years, said at the production announcement press conference,

“I’ve been an actor for 30 years, and the thing I’ve been told most often is about Onizuka from ‘GTO.’ I’ve heard many people say, ‘I became a teacher after watching “GTO,”’ so it’s a work that holds a very special place in my heart.” (From Kansai TV’s official website)

he said with deep emotion.

That day’s filming involved a scene where Sorimachi conversed with his co-stars.Before filming, Sorimachi held a thorough discussion with a staff member holding the script. He looked up at the sky to focus his mind as he waited for the signal to begin. He looked every bit the “super-cool older guy” as ever. Even compared to 28 years ago, there’s absolutely no sign of aging.

However, in the Reiwa-era version, he can’t just be a wild card; he’s portraying a character unique to a modern teacher.

Onizuka is overly concerned with his students’ evaluations and is looked down upon by them.Even so, he is portrayed as a teacher who isn’t particularly strong but sincerely tries to connect with his students. On social media, comments like “Onizuka isn’t fun without his wild antics” are scattered here and there, while others say, “It’s only natural for him to evolve into a character appropriate for his age. Onizuka’s words carry more weight now.”

The Heisei version produced iconic lines such as, “There’s no rehearsal in life! Every day is the real deal!” and “It takes far more courage to live than to die!” —and the Reiwa version is also producing its own memorable quotes.In Episode 2 (aired July 27), addressing a student who had decided to voluntarily withdraw from school, he said:

“Don’t just reset all the hard work you’ve put in so far. Even if it’s embarrassing, you gave it your all—why would you start hating yourself for that?”

Social media erupted with excitement, with users exclaiming, “Another classic line!”

In the 1998 version, Sorimachi played a wild and unruly character, but now in his fifties, “Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO)” is captivating viewers with his understated, mature performance.

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