ROME (Kyodo) A TV crime drama starring a Japanese actress is getting explosive ratings in Italy since it began airing earlier this month, according to broadcaster Canale 5.

Jun Ichikawa, 26, plays a leading role in "RIS 5 Delitti Imperfetti," which deals with investigative forensics. She is the first Japanese to star in an Italian drama series.

Canale 5 aired the first two of 10 episodes on the nights of Jan. 13 and 20, with the ratings share standing at 23 percent for the first and 21 percent for the second, the broadcaster said.

Ichikawa plays a forensic scientist specializing in entomology. By observing insects on a corpse, her character works to narrow down the time frame of a crime or develop the criminal's profile.

Officials at the broadcaster said they chose a Japanese for the role because they thought it would add freshness to the series.

A native of Kumamoto Prefecture, Ichikawa has lived in Italy since she was 8 years old — her parents were opera singers — and speaks Italian fluently.