The Japanese remake of the hit K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo is officially happening. Fuji TV will produce the adaptation, with Ashida Mana and Takahashi Fumiya cast as the lead characters. The show is scheduled to premiere in October 2026 on Fuji TV’s Monday 10 PM timeslot.
Filming for the Japanese version began in early August 2026. Ashida Mana and Takahashi Fumiya were spotted shooting scenes together at a cafe in Tokyo on August 4. Production staff revealed the two actors have great chemistry on set.
Ashida Mana Takes on the Role of Woo Young Woo
Ashida Mana, 22, will play the lead role of Woo Young Woo, a brilliant young lawyer on the autism spectrum. She recently graduated from Keio University and has kept her acting work limited in recent years to focus on her studies. This project marks one of her biggest roles since completing her education.
Ashida started her career as a child actor and became a household name in Japan. She gained widespread recognition at age six for her performance in the drama Mother. Japanese media often call her a “prodigy child actor” for her mature performances at a young age. She is also known for a famous TV moment where she confidently said “3.5 billion” when asked how many men exist in the world, which became a popular meme.
Takahashi Fumiya Plays the Male Lead
Takahashi Fumiya, 25, will play the male lead opposite Ashida. His character is based on Lee Jun Ho, the warm and supportive colleague and love interest from the original K-drama. Takahashi has built a strong reputation in Japanese entertainment. He recently starred in the live-action adaptation of Blue Lock and the drama Until the T-Shirt Dries. He also appeared in popular series like The Most Beautiful Thing and The Goddess’s Classroom. Fans have noted that Takahashi and Kang Tae Oh, who played the original role, share a similar vibe.
Filming and Production Details
The remake is being produced by Kansai Television for Fuji TV’s Monday 10 PM drama slot. This timeslot has previously featured acclaimed dramas like Elpis and Unmet. The show is expected to run as a full series, though the exact number of episodes has not been confirmed. On August 4, Ashida and Takahashi were seen filming together in Tokyo. Staff members said the two got along well and were seen chatting privately during breaks.
Why the Original K-Drama Became a Global Hit
Extraordinary Attorney Woo first aired in 2022 and quickly became a worldwide sensation. Park Eun Bin played Woo Young Woo, a rookie lawyer with autism who joins a top law firm in Seoul. Her character has a sharp legal mind and an exceptional memory that helps her solve difficult cases. The show also focused on her growing relationship with Lee Jun Ho, played by Kang Tae Oh. The drama explored themes of office politics, prejudice, relationships, and finding one’s place in the world.
The show became especially popular in Japan, generating strong cross-cultural interest. Its success led to remake offers from multiple countries, including the United States, Germany, and Turkey.
What About Season 2 of the Original?
Fans of the original K-drama are still waiting for updates on Season 2. After the first season became a huge hit, a second season was announced. However, production faced delays. Kang Tae Oh had to enlist in the military soon after the show ended. South Korean media reports suggest that work on Season 2 has started. Writer Moon Ji Won is reportedly developing the script. Director Yoo In Shik has remained cautious about revealing too much, indicating that several things still need to fall into place before production can officially begin.
Park Eun Bin has also shared her thoughts on a potential second season. She said she wants to protect the show because she loves and cherishes it deeply. She added that she would only return if she could fully convince herself. The production company AStory has confirmed that remakes in Japan, the US, and Europe are moving forward.
Fan Reactions to the Japanese Remake
Fans have expressed excitement about the Japanese adaptation. Many are looking forward to seeing Ashida Mana take on the challenging role. Some viewers noted that the two leads look good together in the early photos. Others shared that they are curious to see how the remake compares to the original. Japanese fans have also praised the casting choice, saying Ashida and Takahashi have similar vibes to the original actors.
“Ashida Mana’s Woo Young Woo, I really want to see it!” – Fan comment on social media
“The two of them standing together look even better than I imagined. The styling shows respect for the Korean version. My expectations just went up.” – Fan reaction
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Release Information
The Japanese remake of Extraordinary Attorney Woo will premiere in October 2026 on Fuji TV. It will air on Mondays at 10 PM JST. The show will also be available for streaming, though the specific platform has not been confirmed. International viewers may need to check local streaming services for availability. The series is produced by Kansai Television for Fuji TV.
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on your favorite K-dramas and Japanese remakes.
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