Michiko Kichise reprises teacher role in 'Hagane no Onna'

Actress Michiko Kichise will reprise her role as a primary school teacher in the TV Asahi drama, “Hagane no Onna,” which will air in April. The drama is Kichise’s first role since getting married in December. The drama, to be aired on Friday nights, follows Kichise’s character, a 35-year-old single teacher. The previous entry in the series was especially popular with women in their 30s and 40s and tied for 6th in all-time viewership. The new season is notable in following the original after an exceedingly short period of time.

Though happily married in real life, Kichise’s character on the show struggles with lost love after her husband-to-be cancels their wedding at the last minute. The story deals with a variety of themes, and will reportedly feature several non-Japanese in the cast, with some scenes being filmed in the Philippines.