TBS's Monday 8:00pm drama time slot, typically known for jidaigeki series such as "Mitokomon," will see its first female lead in 39 years. Shihori Kanjiya has been chosen for that honor, starring in a live-action version of the manga "Ando Natsu."

"Ando Natsu," written by Yuji Nishi and illustrated by Terry Yamamoto, is currently serialized in Big Comic Original and has sold more than 700,000 copies of its tankoubons. Kanjiya plays the role of the protagonist Natsu Ando, a young woman striving to be a pastry chef. (The title is sometimes spelled "AnDonuts," referring to a type of doughnut with sweet bean paste.)

The drama is the latest in a string of starring roles for Kanjiya, who recently played an aspiring rakugo storyteller in the NHK morning drama "Chiritotechin." This will be her first time leading a series during golden time (7pm-10pm).

Kanjiya's co-star is Jun Kunimura, who plays the role of her mentor. Toshinori Omi and Jun Fubuki also appear in the series. Broadcast begins on July 7.