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| Ex-Nogizaka46 Member Shiraishi Mai’s Playing a Human Lie Detector |
Big news for crime drama fans and science sleuths alike — Fujiki Naohito is stepping into the lead role of Fuji TV’s upcoming summer drama “Saigo no Kanteinin” (The Last Appraiser), kicking off on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 10pm JST. It’s a proper anniversary moment too — the seasoned actor celebrates his 30th year in the biz, and it’s somehow his first ever solo lead in a Fuji TV drama series. Mad, right?
Joining him in this offbeat science-meets-suspense series is former Nogizaka46 member Shiraishi Mai, making this their first-ever on-screen pairing — and they’re bringing serious odd-couple energy.
What’s it about, then?
Based on the novel by scientist-turned-author Keiya Iwai, Saigo no Kanteinin mixes forensic science with human drama. Fujiki plays Makoto Domon, a former ace forensic examiner known as the “last appraiser” — the bloke you call when absolutely no one else can crack a case.
But after one particular case rocked his world, he left the official labs behind and now runs his own private appraising office, taking on gnarly cases for cops, lawyers and whoever else needs his superhuman forensic skills.
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He’s all about the details — finding microscopic traces and unraveling mysteries from the tiniest bits of evidence — but let’s just say he’s not the most sociable. Cold, blunt, bit of a weirdo? Yeah, that’s Domon. But brilliant? Absolutely.
His reluctant partner is Shuko Takakura, played by Shiraishi. She’s a sharp psychology nerd who used to study polygraph readings and tried (but failed) to get into the forensic research institute.
She ended up working with Domon almost by accident, and now splits her time between running admin and reading suspects like open books. She's impatient, cheeky, and known to offer visitors intentionally disgusting herbal tea just to see their reactions. Iconic.
Their dynamic? Completely mismatched — Domon’s a reclusive science robot and Takakura's a nosy human lie detector — but that’s exactly what makes it interesting.
Bit of a deeper story here…
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This ain't just another whodunnit. The cases they take on don’t just stop at catching baddies — they uncover tragic truths, buried emotions, and all the mess of human nature, all through the lens of hard science. Think: forensic fungus, trace chemicals, emotional breakdowns, and ethical dilemmas.
The original novel’s written by an actual science bloke who used to study bacteria and moulds, so the scientific detail is legit. You’ll be learning stuff while being totally hooked on the mystery. And if you’re into watching two brilliant weirdos slowly figure out how to work together, this’ll hit the spot.
Behind the scenes: Fujiki Naohito & Shiraishi Mai talk about their roles
Naohito Fujiki says he was genuinely surprised when he got the call:
“I thought, ‘Seriously? Me?’ But it’s a role that fits — I’ve always been a bit of a science nerd, so I’m excited to dive into all the technical lingo and big forensic scenes. Plus, being offered this part 30 years after my acting debut, and at Fuji TV no less… it’s honestly moving.”
As for working with Shiraishi:
“She’s ridiculously talented. Idol, model, variety, acting — she does it all. I’ve got about 20 years on her, but I’m looking forward to the banter between our characters — they don’t really get along, which should be fun to play.”
Mai Shiraishi’s just as pumped:
“I love a good mystery, and this one really hooks you from episode one. Takakura’s a bit of an oddball, always watching people to figure out their tells. I do that too in real life, so I get her! I’m nervous, but super excited to team up with Fujiki-san — I plan to absorb every bit of his experience over this shoot.”
📢特報解禁📢
— 🧬『最後の鑑定人』🥼フジテレビ水10ドラマ【公式】 (@kanteinin_fuji) June 9, 2025
🔬━━━
『#最後の鑑定人』
主演：藤木直人
━━━🥼
奇人鑑定人
＆
”変人”研究員
クセ強バディが科学捜査で
犯人の【嘘】を暴く——
🧬本格サイエンス×ミステリー🧬
7月9日（水）よる10時スタート📺#藤木直人 #白石麻衣 pic.twitter.com/9d5LonwLQY
When & Where to Watch “Saigo no Kanteinin”
Fuji TV dramas are often picked up by Rakuten Viki or Netflix Japan with English subtitles shortly after broadcast. Keep an eye out in July — if licensing’s confirmed, it’ll likely be available globally on Viki (region permitting) or via Netflix Japan using a VPN.
Drama fans in Southeast Asia and beyond often use official Japanese drama streaming platforms like FOD Premium, but note: Japanese language only unless otherwise updated.
Why you should watch
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🔬 Forensic science done right — real methods, proper terminology, and zero nonsense.
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🧠 Fujiki as the cold but brilliant anti-hero? Chef’s kiss.
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☕ Shiraishi serving dodgy tea and savage truth bombs? Yes please.
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🔍 Weekly mysteries with emotional payoffs? It’s giving Galileo meets Partners, but weirder and newer.
Keep those Wednesday nights free — Domon and Takakura are about to make forensic chemistry the hottest thing on telly this summer.