Mangaka Tetsu Kariya revealed on his blog over the weekend that his popular manga "Oishinbo" is returning to television.

The comic originally spawned a series of five 2-hour specials that aired between 1994 and 1999, starring Toshiaki Karasawa. Last year, the franchise was revived with two specials titled "Shin Oishinbo," with TOKIO's Masahiro Matsuoka as the star. Now, according to Kariya, a new episode is slated for spring 2009. It is not yet known whether Matsuoka will reprise his role or if the special will feature a new cast.

Kariya said that this time, he will be participating in writing the drama's script, something he has never done before.