Hanzawa Naoki sequel 2 confirmed! Hiroshi Abe as possible lead?

This is enormous news for J-drama fans. Hanzawa Naoki, the mega popular Jdrama that took 2013 by surprise has confirmed that a sequel - Hanzawa Naoki Season 2 - will air in 2015.

I had my suspicions that the drama wouldn't just end like that as Hanzawa had the potential to do more about economic injustice as well as other injustices in the work place. Moreover, the Japanese audience clearly demanded a continuation to the story through it's legendary 42% ratings, and TBS definitely figured a sequel would be its best chance at recreating that. 

The drawback of the sequel is that Sakai Masato, the actor who flawlessly played Hanzawa, turned down the role because he’s already committed to NHK’s 2016 drama Sanada Maru. Taiga dramas usually take all year and he can’t possibly spare any time and effort for Hanzawa Naoki 2. TBS also can’t (or won't?) delay the sequel any longer. I seriously blame them for airing the sequel in 2015, instead of just airing it this year.

Another solution could have been engaging Sakai for a 2 hour special to wrap things up. He most likely would've agreed to that, but unfortunately that isn't going to happen.

To overcome losing Sakai, the production team is in talks with Abe Hiroshi to take over the Hanzawa Naoki role. He’s an amazing actor who has all the required skills to conquer any role, so I am confident he will be able to pull it off. That being said,Hanzawa Naoki will feel completely strange without Sakai Masato, especially since he was one of the major reasons that led the drama to its success.

More importantly, I wonder how TBS is going to pull off this second season? They should know that the audience will have greater expectations, even with the change of the cast; the drama has to live up to its name. I really hope that the sequel will be as legendary as its prequel - no matter how impossible of a task that seems.

Hanzawa Naoki Season 2 is scheduled to air next summer season (2015) on TBS.

What do you think? Is Hanzawa Naoki Season 2 on your dramalist? Do you have high hopes for it?