Kamikawa Takaya to star in the WOWOW drama adaptation of "Shizumanu Taiyo"

Kamikawa Takaya will be starring in the drama adaptation of the late Yamasaki Toyoko's signature novel "Shizumanu Taiyo" (The Never Setting Sun) which will consist of 20 episodes in 2 parts and be broadcast as WOWOW's 25th anniversary production next spring. Filming is due to begin at the end of this month and includes overseas filming at locations such as Africa and the Middle East. The entire filming will be wrapped up by mid May next year.

"Shizumanu Taiyo" is a novel inspired by the JAL plane crash in 1985 and depicts the dark side of an airline company and how people stick to their beliefs despite the tough situation. It was made into a movie starring Watanabe Ken in 2009 but due to the length of the novel, it was deemed that this story would be too long for a drama adaptation. Kamikawa's first leading role in a drama was in the 1995 NHK production "Daichi no Ko" which was also based on Yamasaki's novel so he is thankful for the chance this time to take on such a role in the first year of him being in his fifties.

Kamikawa plays the lead role Onchi Hajime who defies orders in the airline he works in and gets transferred to various locations as punishment. His rival Gyoten Shiro who used to be his buddy will be played by Watabe Atsuro.

Source: Nikkansports / Sanspo