Hideaki Takizawa will star in NHK's New Year jidaigeki special, titled "Yukinojo Henge."

The drama is based on a 1935 film of the same name, but the story is better known by the 1963 remake directed by Kon Ichikawa, also known as "An Actor's Revenge" in the U.S. In the movie, Kazuo Hasegawa stars as Yukinojo Nakamura, an onnagata (one who plays female roles) in a kabuki troupe. When he discovers the man responsible for his parents' death, he plans for revenge with the help of a thief named Yamitaro (also played by Hasegawa).

Takizawa replaces Hasegawa in the dual role of Yukinojo and Yamitaro. He has prior experience in jidaigeki and onnagata roles, but this is his first time doing kabuki.

Other cast members include Erika Toda, Akira Nakao, Shigeru Izumiya, and Saki Takaoka.

Filming begins on the 23rd. NHK will broadcast the drama during Shogatsu Sanganichi (the first three days of the New Year).