GTO drama revival generates buzz in Japan

Actress Airu Ikumi posted on Instagram on July 20, 2026, showing herself in a fitted sleeveless long dress while announcing her debut as a teacher in the revived Japanese drama “GTO”. She shared a photo with veteran actor Takashi Sorimachi (反町隆史), who also appears in the series, and the post attracted many supportive comments praising her appearance and the upcoming show.

In a separate feature, actor Shinji Yamashita reflected on his iconic role in the 1984‑85 school‑sports drama “School Wars”. He recalled the emotional intensity of the series, the late coach Yamaguchi Ryōji who inspired his character, and expressed a wish for more teacher‑lead dramas. Both pieces highlight renewed interest in classic Japanese school‑drama series, spurred by the GTO revival.