Challenged: Graduation
Challenged: Graduation (Japanese: チャレンジド〜卒業〜) is a two-episode Japanese television drama produced by NHK. It serves as a sequel to the 2009 series Challenged. The drama was broadcast in Japan on May 14 and May 21, 2011.
Plot
The story continues to follow Keiichiro Hanawa (played by Kuranosuke Sasaki), a teacher who returned to his profession after losing his eyesight. In this installment, his students at Tomaru Junior High School prepare for their upcoming field day sporting events. As part of the narrative, Hanawa trains to participate in an obstacle course alongside his fellow teachers.
Cast
The production features a returning ensemble cast alongside new characters. Key cast members include:
- Kuranosuke Sasaki as Keiichiro Hanawa
- Yasuko Tomita as Sachie Hanawa
- Eri Murakawa as Kyoko Shintani
- Rina Koike as Hiyo Okudera
- Nanami Fujimoto as Marin Tomosaka
- Toshi Takeuchi as Hidehiko Ugai
- Ryutaro Akimoto as Genki Eto
- Maya Murasaki as Mizuho Tsunoda
- Isao Natsuyagi as Joji Kakei
- Teruhiko Saigo as Akiyoshi Hanamura
Additional cast members include Minoru Tanaka, Jay Kabira, Rie Kuwabata, Shuhei Minami, Mayumi Asaka, and Hikaru Nagayama.
Production
The drama was directed by Masahiro Kunimoto with a screenplay written by Mutsuki Watanabe. It was produced by NHK and consists of two episodes.