Broadcaster Fuji TV has announced the production of a live-action drama based on the best-selling novel "Fumou Chitai." The series is a major project for the network, as it will run for half a year.

The original novel was written by author Toyoko Yamasaki, also responsible for the books behind the dramas "Shiroi Kyoto" and "Karei Naru Ichizoku." The story depicts a former colonel who survived a Siberian detention camp and resumed his life in Japan working for a trading company. It was previously adapted as a movie in 1976, followed by a 7-month long TV series on TBS in 1979.

"Fumou Chitai" will star actor Toshiaki Karasawa, who also played the lead in "Shiroi Kyoto." That series, which also lasted six months long, was produced in honor of Fuji TV's 45th anniversary and achieved ratings of 23.9%. Similarly, "Fumou Chitai" will help mark the network's 50th year, and Fuji TV is hoping that it even surpasses "Shiroi Kyoto."

In addition to Karasawa, the cast features several others who have experience in lead roles: Emi Wakui, Toshiro Yanagiba, Koyuki, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Yuki Amami, and Yutaka Takenouchi. There are also many veteran supporting members, such as Isao Hashizume, Atsuo Nakamura, Ittoku Kishibe, and Yoshio Harada.

Shooting starts in mid-July, with locations including New Zealand. The show will run in Fuji TV's Thursday 10:00pm time slot starting in October.