44-year-old actor Yoichi Nukumizu, a veteran of supporting roles, is finally getting his chance in the spotlight. This fall, he will play his first lead in a drama series with NTV's late-night "Tonsura," taking on the role of Yabu, an unattractive, incompetent, middle-aged publishing editor.

The series is based on a 2006 novel of the same name by Hiroshi Tsuzuki, who is better known for his work as a television writer. In this odd story, Yabu (Nukumizu) commissions some writing from the beautiful young author Mika (Yuriko Yoshitaka), but she has suddenly found herself unable to write. Somehow, Yabu ends up being confined to Mika's home, resulting in a strange state of cohabitation for the mismatched pair.

Satoshi Miki is directing the show for NTV. "Tonsura" will air on Saturday nights at 12:55am, starting on October 4.