<h2>We spotted Satomi Ishihara livening up the set!</h2>
<figure id="attachment_480904" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-480904" style="width: 2500px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="6c7397f8"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2026/09/dbb164560a6826a70832727f4c74042f.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-480904" class="wp-caption-text"> Ishihara is discussing the shoot with the crew. Although the temperature exceeded 30°C that day, she was running the set with a cool, composed demeanor.</figcaption></figure>
<p> 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).</p>
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<p> In mid-August, filming was underway in the business district of Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, for a new drama starring Ishihara.</p>
<p><span class="strongInContent"><span class="strong-in-content"> “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.</span></span></p>
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<p> The screenplay is by Akiko Nogi, who wrote the 2018 hit *Unnatural* starring Ishihara; this marks their first collaboration in eight years.</p>
<p> 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.”</p>
<p><span class="strongInContent"><span class="strong-in-content"> “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.’”</span></span></p>
<p> Will “Ishihara Lupin” steal ratings from other networks!?</p>
<figure id="attachment_480905" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-480905" style="width: 1949px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="71cdac80"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2026/09/dc43d1a1be02d8ff7e85f812b231686d.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-480905" class="wp-caption-text"> Set in the fictional country of Nipponia, it’s described as a thrilling thief-themed entertainment series in which “Lupin Ishihara,” wearing sunglasses, runs wild.</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_480906" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-480906" style="width: 1293px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="0fe6fb88"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2026/09/27db3ec3338b7de293405f420d14f53e.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-480906" class="wp-caption-text"> Exclusive Photos from This Magazine: Will “Female Lupin,” played by Satomi Ishihara, be Fuji TV’s savior?</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_480907" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-480907" style="width: 1667px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="e1a88768"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2026/09/1d43933c7acbcca25988e6829a6adf2b.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-480907" class="wp-caption-text"> Exclusive photos from this issue: Will “Female Lupin,” played by Satomi Ishihara, become Fuji TV’s savior?</figcaption></figure>
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<p> From the September 25, 2026 issue of *FRIDAY*</p>
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 Kumatarō Arai

 In “Political Pan,” Satomi Ishihara plays Yayoi Kisaragi, a “female Lupin” who steals money from politicians. Expectations are high for this reunion—her first in eight years—with “Unnatural” screenwriter Akiko Nogi. Will she be Fuji TV’s savior...?

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

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