Issei Takahashi cast in Fuji TV drama Political Pan

Issei Takahashi has been cast in the upcoming Fuji TV drama “Political Pan,” scheduled to premiere on October 7, 2026. The series stars Satomi Ishihara as Yayoi Kisaragi, a master thief inspired by Lupin who infiltrates the political world of the fictional nation “Nipponia” to reclaim illicit political funds.

Takahashi will play Masakado Natsume, an elite ruling party lawmaker and former Ministry of Finance official who serves as the party’s treasurer. His character is described as a smart, smooth operator who maintains a facade of cooperation while secretly harboring a cynical nature. The plot centers on the high-stakes psychological battle and deception between the thief and the politician.

The drama is written by Akiko Nogi, marking her first collaboration with Ishihara since the 2018 series “Unnatural.” Producer Taku Kitano noted that Takahashi was the primary choice for the role due to his ability to portray complex, unpredictable characters.