Actress Marika Matsumoto has been confirmed to star in the TV Asahi drama "Black Jack," led by Ichikawa Eisaku, premiering on June 30th at 9:00 PM. In the series, Matsumoto plays a patient suffering from a fictional disease known as "Lion Face Disease," which causes bone overgrowth leading to a facial disfigurement resembling a lion, for which there is no known cure. This role involves portraying the deep despair and pain of someone afflicted by such a relentless condition.

For this role, visuals were released showcasing three different aspects: the disfigured face shaped by Lion Face Disease through special makeup, a horse mask worn to hide the condition, and Matsumoto's natural beauty without makeup.

"Black Jack" is a classic manga by Osamu Tezuka, revered as a milestone in medical manga, and continues to be beloved by many as it marks its 50th anniversary in 2023. The series features Black Jack, an unlicensed genius surgeon who guarantees surgery success in exchange for high fees, resonating anew in today's era where the nature of medical care is again under scrutiny following the COVID-19 pandemic.

This isn't the first adaptation of "Black Jack"; it was first turned into a live-action TV drama in 1981 starring Yuzo Kayama, with subsequent adaptations including a 2000 version starring Masahiro Motoki on TBS, among others. This latest adaptation sees Eisaku taking on the role of Black Jack, bringing to life famous episodes selected from the original series.