Sakaguchi Kenji makes a comeback in "Iryu 4"

Sakaguchi Kenji will play the character Asada Ryutaro again in the new sequel "Iryu 4" which will be shown via FujiTV from January 2014 at 10pm on Thursdays. This time, the focus of the drama will shift from medical treatment to the medical business as Team Dragon gathers again to try to create the perfect hospital. There have been three parts in the Iryu series (2006, 2007 and 2010) and everyone thought that they were done with this series by the time Part 3 was completed.

Part 4 will be set against the backdrop of Japanese hospitals purchasing overseas hospitals with the hope of making entry into the global market but within Japan, the local hospitals have been closing one after another due to problems such as lack of doctors. In such a situation, members of Team Dragon come together again to create an ideal hospital.

Sakaguchi who counts "Iryu" as his signature work, expressed joy at being able to act in the sequel but commented that he did feel intimidated at having to act in long operation scenes again.

Co-stars in "Iryu 4" include previous Team Dragon members Inamori Izumi, Koike Teppei, Abe Sadao and Sasaki Kuranosuke as well as Hira Mikijiro who will act as Asada's teacher.

Source: Sanspo