Arashi member Masaki Aiba (26) is set to take on his first lead role in a drama series this fall. He will star in TV Asahi's "My Girl," his first series since "Yankee Bokou ni Kaeru" in 2003.

Aiba, who is more known for appearing in variety shows than in dramas, said that he wants to show his fans a "completely different Masaki Aiba" from his usual self.

"My Girl" is based on a manga by Mizu Sahara (an alternate pen name of mangaka Sumomo Yumeka), currently being serialized in Shinchosha's Weekly Comic Bunch. The comic is described as an "ultimate love story" about a young man named Masamune Kazama (Aiba). During high school, he had a girlfriend four years older than him, but she suddenly left one day. Six years later, he receives news that she has passed away. In addition, she secretly gave birth to Masamune's child, whom he finally meets and decides to raise.

TV Asahi will broadcast "My Girl" in its Friday 11:15pm time slot, starting in October.