[Highly Anticipated Fall Dramas] Will Satomi Ishihara’s “Female Lupin” Be Fuji TV’s Savior?

We spotted Satomi Ishihara livening up the set!

A gold necklace sparkled at her neckline. Seated on a terrace in a glamorous outfit and giving instructions to the staff surrounding her is actress Satomi Ishihara (39).

In mid-August, filming was underway in the business district of Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, for a new drama starring Ishihara.

“It’s *Political Pan*, scheduled to air on the Fuji TV network starting in October. Ishihara plays Yayoi Kisaragi, the strongest female Lupin in history, who sets out to seize ‘political money’—funds used for political purposes.” Even during breaks, she discussed details with the staff and meticulously checked camera angles repeatedly.Her energetic voice echoed throughout the set from start to finish. When passersby called out to her, she responded with a smile and, as the ‘lead actress,’ really helped liven up the set,” said a source from the production company.

The screenplay is by Akiko Nogi, who wrote the 2018 hit *Unnatural* starring Ishihara; this marks their first collaboration in eight years.

Ishihara has been expanding her range in recent years—serving as the host of a news program and winning numerous film awards for her 2024 lead role in the movie *Missing*—but according to the aforementioned source, “what she was most determined to achieve was the lead role in a TV drama series.”

“It seems she had been feeling somewhat frustrated about not having another hit since *Unnatural*, so she must have been incredibly happy to be approached directly by Ms. Nogi this time. She reportedly told the production team, ‘I’ll do whatever it takes to promote the show!’”Fuji TV’s production teams have been unsettled by recent scandals and troubles. With the network’s drama ratings continuing to slump, expectations are high for the powerhouse duo of Ishihara and Nogi. Co-stars Issei Takahashi (45) and Yumi Kawai (25) are also talented actors, and there’s a buzz that ‘this show will be Fuji TV’s savior.’”

Will “Ishihara Lupin” steal ratings from other networks!?