Ryoko Shinohara is cast in the NTV drama series “Punch Drunk Woman”. The drama series is written by Yoshihiro Izumi (“Smiling Matryoshka”). Ryoko Shinohara will play detention center guard Kozue Fuyuki. When she meets an inmate accused of murder, her life changes radically. A prison escape attempt takes place.

“Punch Drunk Woman” will first air in January 2026 in Japan (takes over NTV’s Sunday 10:30 p.m. time slot after “Chosen Home”).

Plot synopsis by AsianWiki: Kozue Fuyuki (Ryoko Shinohara) is a veteran guard at a detention center where awaiting trial inmates are held. She lived a disciplined and honest life, with a sense of justice and responsibility. She has the trust of her boss and her co-workers. Kozue Fuyuki meets Reiji Kusaka, accused of robbery and murder, at the detention center. Reiji Kusaka is someone heavily involved in a secret held by Kozue Fuyuki. Their meeting significantly affects their lives. Meanwhile, Detective Yusuke Saeki takes on Reiji Kusaka’s case and he also knows Kozue Fuyuki’s past. His life is also turned upside down by the meeting of Kozue Fuyuki and Reiji Kusaka. Eventually, Reiji Kusaka, with the help of Kozue Fuyuki, attempts to escape from the detention center.