Nanako Matsushima is reprising her role in the hit 1998 drama, “GTO,” and this time, she is no longer a teacher.

A character image for the revival was recently released, revealing Nanako as her character Azusa Fuyutsuki in what looks like a flight attendant uniform, meaning that the character has now achieved her long-held goal of becoming one.

It is noted that in the 1998 series, the character is a teacher at the same school that the main character Eikichi Onizuka was assigned. A beautiful and popular figure at the school, she harboured a dream of becoming a flight attendant and felt conflicted about her teaching job.

Fans of the original also noticed the nametag that Nanako wore in the photo, which has the name A. Onizuka, revealing that her character is married to Eikichi Onizuka.

Said Nanako about her decision to return to the franchise, “I received many inquiries both before and after the revival, asking about things like what happened to my relationship with Mr. Onizuka afterwards… I was reminded once again that it was a work that remained in people’s memories even after so many years.”

Nanako tied the knot with Takashi Sorimachi in 2001 after working together in the series. The two are parents of two children.

(Photo Source: Eiga, The Straits Times)

More than 10 years since her last leading role, Nanako Matsushima is set to take on a leading role again in the new series, “The Woman of Okome” (original title: “Okome no Onna: Kokuzeikyoku Shiryo Chosaka, Zakkoku-shitsu”).

The new drama will have Nanako play a senior investigator at the Tokyo District Tax Bureau, who assembles a group of investigators with diverse personalities to handle challenging cases. Adhering to the principle of “correct collection and correct use,” she brings tax evaders to justice.

Speaking about the drama, the actress stated that it will air every Thursday night, in the same time slot as popular dramas like “Emergency Interrogation Room” and “Doctor X,” which made her a little nervous.

“After reading the script, I found the character very interesting, and I enjoyed performing it. I hope to bring joy to the audience,” she said.

Nanako, who is married to actor Takashi Sorimachi, last played a lead role in a drama in “Eigyo Bucho Kira Natsuko” back in 2016.

(Photo Source: Nanako IG, Mantan)

Nanako Matsushima is set to make her TV comeback with a new series, “What Will You Do, Ieyasu?”

As reported on Epoch Times, the Japanese star, known for hit series “GTO” and horror flick, “Ring”, will be working alongside Jun Matsumoto, the latter who is playing the titular role of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Nanako herself has been cast as Odai No Kata, the mother of Ieyasu.

This is the first time in 20 years for Nanako to star in a historical drama, following “Toshiie and Matsu” back in 2002. It also marks her fourth collaboration with Jun, though the first time for playing his mother.

The two previously worked together in “Boys Over Flowers”, where she plays the older sister to Jun’s Tsukasa Domyoji.

Other actors joining the cast include Keiko Kitagawa, Jun Arimura, Junichi Okada, and Alice Hirose.

The upcoming series reportedly will revolve around the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu but seen in a different light.

(Photo Source: Nanako Matsushima Fanpage IG, Real Sound)