Return of 'GTO' in a Continuous Drama After 28 Years! Starring Takashi Sorimachi, Blu-ray & DVD BOX Release Date Set for March 17, 2027!

★ 'GTO' starring Takashi Sorimachi makes a comeback as a continuous drama after '28 years'!

Broadcast in the summer of 1998, the drama 'GTO' became a social phenomenon, hailed as the 'pinnacle of school dramas' representing the Heisei era. The series gained popularity for its portrayal of Onizuka Eikichi, played by lead actor Takashi Sorimachi, an ex-biker gang teacher who tackled student and school issues head-on with his unconventional style that overturned traditional teacher stereotypes. For this new installment of 'GTO', key staff from the 1998 version, including screenwriter Kazuhiko Yumewa, director Satoru Nakajima, and producer Kazuhisa Ando, have reunited alongside lead actor Takashi Sorimachi. The 2026 version of 'GTO' is being produced as a brand-new continuous drama that carefully inherits the worldview and character image of Onizuka Eikichi established by the 1998 version, while also incorporating elements of the Reiwa era to provide an updated experience.

★ Heroine is Airu Namami! Rising young actor makes debut in a Kansai TV drama and takes on her first role as a teacher!

In 'GTO', the heroine has traditionally played a crucial role, initially bewildered by Onizuka's unconventional actions but gradually understanding the love and beliefs for students hidden behind them, becoming a pillar of support for him. In this revival after 28 years, Airu Namami plays Miao Kashiwaba, described as 'Onizuka's new buddy.' Her journey involves confronting Onizuka, questioning 'what it means to be a teacher' and 'the resolve to face students,' offering viewers a look at how she changes throughout the story.

★ Unprecedented student selection audition limited to the 'real high schooler generation' aged 15-17!

From over 400 applicants, the cast for the students of Class 1-B, taught by Onizuka (Takashi Sorimachi), has been decided!

The student roles are filled by a diverse group of promising young actors. This includes talented performers like Riku Inagaki, Momori Oikawa, Miyu Oshima, Kazuku Kawaguchi, and Kaiga Shibasaki, who have been active since childhood and have extensive drama credits. They are joined by rising stars such as Haoru Kajiwara, Ryū Kitasato, Maho Horiguchi, and Riku Morimoto. Additionally, Shinnojo Nishiura of the artist group The Right Light and Biku Nanba of LIL LEAGUE, who is making his terrestrial drama debut, have been added, creating a wide-ranging cast.

▼ 'GTO' Blu-ray & DVD BOX Product Information

[Release Date]

March 17, 2027 (Wednesday)

[Price]

Blu-ray BOX: 34,650 JPY (tax included)

DVD BOX: 28,600 JPY (tax included)

[Video Special Features]

- Making-of footage, Student panel discussion, etc.

Distributor: Happinet Media Marketing Co., Ltd.

Seller: Happinet Media Marketing Co., Ltd.

© Tooru Fujisawa / Kodansha / Kansai TV

*Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

▼ 'GTO' Work Information

[Cast]

Takashi Sorimachi

Airu Namami

Asuka Kudo

Maryjun Takahashi

Tomohiro Ichikawa

Atom Shukugawa

Yoshomasa Kondo

Tsuyoshi Udagawa

Nanako Matsushima

<Class 1-B Student Cast>

Riku Inagaki, Momori Oikawa, Miyu Oshima, Haoru Kajiwara, Kazuku Kawaguchi, Ryū Kitasato, Kaiga Shibasaki

Biku Nanba (LIL LEAGUE), Shinnojo Nishiura (The Right Light), Maho Horiguchi, Riku Morimoto

Sonoma Matsuo, Aio Oishi, Ryunosuke Takagi, Haruka Kaneko, Shunta Ito, Ikkan Kakuta, Kotaro Nagai, Mika Nishikawa, Yukina Yamamoto

Karina Uemura, Reoi Tomii, Noa Arai, Keino Kawabe, Sō Kanazawa, Yutaro Takahashi, Tora-no-suke Saito, Joe Kanae

[Staff]

Original Work: Tooru Fujisawa 'GTO' (Kodansha 'Weekly Shonen Magazine KC')

Screenplay: Kazuhiko Yumewa

Music: Shuichiro Fukunaga

Theme Song: 'POISON ~I can't even say what I want to say in this kind of world~' by Takashi Sorimachi

Lyrics: Takashi Sorimachi, Composition: Shinjiro Inoue, Arrangement: Ken Yoshida (Universal Music)

Executive Producer: Kazuhisa Ando

Chief Producer: Hideyuki Kawanishi

Producers: Koutaro Nagatomi, Akane Ito

Directors: Satoru Nakajima, Kento Matsuda

Production Cooperation: Media Pulpo

Production Copyright: Kansai TV

[Story]

Eikichi Onizuka (Takashi Sorimachi), whose contract as a temporary employee at Private Saitoku Academy High School was terminated, ended up getting fired from various schools he went to afterward. These days, he spends his time cooking homemade meals while waiting for his wife, Azusa Fuyutsuki (Nanako Matsushima), to return home.

However, Azusa, fed up with her husband's situation, urges him to find a new job immediately and challenges him with the question, 'What exactly is this 'Great Teacher' you keep talking about?' Panicked, Onizuka rushes to interviews, but his past history works against him, and no school hires him. At this point, following advice from his former student, Masaru Watanabe (Yuta Yamazaki), Onizuka decides to interview at 'Private Seishin Academy,' run by a certain company. Coincidentally, the hiring manager is his former student, Ryuinosuke Miyazawa (Asuka Kudo). Ryuinosuke, who was looking for a passionate teacher, immediately approves Onizuka's employment. Onizuka officially returns to the field as a teacher.

Waiting for Onizuka in his new environment are Principal Yasuhiro Okubo (Tsuyoshi Udagawa), who prioritizes avoiding trouble, and Assistant Principal Koji Nakamaru (Yoshomasa Kondo), who has despised Onizuka since their time together at Musashino Seirin Academy.

Furthermore, Miao Kashiwaba (Airu Namami), the classical literature teacher and assistant homeroom teacher for Class 1-B, which Onizuka is assigned to, represents the so-called Z-generation who refuses to do anything with poor cost-performance. While she is capable and skilled at work, she seems to lack passion for teaching and interest in students. The students themselves are glued to their tablets and refuse to make eye contact, frustrating Onizuka. However, when he learns from Ryuinosuke about a 'Teacher Feedback System' where students evaluate teachers, he suddenly takes unexpected action to avoid dismissal due to low ratings.