Watanabe Naomi to star in new TBS Summer 2017 drama "Kanna-san!"

Watanabe Naomi will be starring in the new TBS Summer 2017 drama "Kanna-san!" which will begin its run from July in the Tuesdays 10pm timeslot. This is the first time she is taking on a leading role in a primetime slot drama.

The drama is based on the same-titled manga by Fukaya Kahoru serialised in manga magazine "YOU" between 2001 and 2007 and features Watanabe as a fashion designer Kanna. Although she has a handsome husband Rei, Kanna discovers that he is having an affair and she also has to cope with her difficult mother-in-law. At work, she is bullied by her unreasonable boss. Despite these daily challenges in life, Kanna tries her best to live positively for the sake of her beloved son Reon.

Watanabe commented that she was surprised to see how Kanna looked so much like herself when she read the manga especially how the latter does not let her physical appearance stand in the way of her desire to become fashionable and live her desired lifestyle. This made her wonder if the author created the story with her in mind. However, Watanabe said that Kanna probably packs 5 times more power than she actually has so she will try her best to play this character well.

Sources: Sponichi / Oricon / Eiga.com