The cast of the film "BADBOYS -THE MOVIE-" (directed by Nishikawa Tatsuro), starring Issei Mamehara of the popular boy band "JO1" and set to be released on May 30th, has been announced. It has been revealed that Igashira Manami will play Yumoto Kumi, the love interest of Kiriki Tsukasa, played by Mamehara; Iwanaga Josuke will play Hiro, the leader of "Hiroshima Night's", who is engaged in a fierce battle with Gokurakuchou; and Aoyagi Sho will play the legendary delinquent Murakoshi.
It was also revealed that Hyodo Kokai will play Danno Hidenori, the leader of the largest group "BEAST," Oshita Hiroto will play "BEAST's" number two, Takama Kazutoshi, and Yamatani Kasumi will play Erika, Hiro's girlfriend and a good confidant to Kumi.
The original work is a hugely popular manga serialized in Young King magazine by Tanaka from 1988 to 1996, with a total circulation of 55 million copies. The only son of a wealthy family, Kiriki Tsukasa (Mamehara), decides to run away from home to become independent from his overprotective parents. By chance, he meets Yoji, Hisao, and Eiji, who he hits it off with and they start hanging out together. Eventually, Toshi, the seventh generation leader of Gokurakuchou, asks Tsukasa and his friends to join him in a battle against Hiroshima Night's... This is the story.
◇Comment from Manami Igashira, who plays Kumi Yumoto
I was very happy to be a part of this production, which was overflowing with enthusiasm and power on set. The character I played, Kumi Yumoto, is a pure girl with a straightforward heart. I love how cute her slightly airheaded side is from time to time! I took great care in playing Kumi. This production is filled with a lot of passionate feelings, so please come and see the moment for yourself at the theater. Thank you!!
◇Comment from Jo Iwanaga, the voice of Hiro
When I was chosen to appear in this movie, I read the manga "BADBOYS". I was aware of this in preparation for the role, but I also became a fan of Hiro. The nefarious leader of "Hiroshima Night's" had many different expressions, so it was fun to play him. The action scenes in the film are of course a highlight, but Hiro also has another battle, so don't miss that either. Please support Team Hiro of "Hiroshima Night's"! Watch over this story of men with passionate friendship and motorcycle romance.
◇Comment from Koukai Hyodo, who plays Hidenori Danno
It was a very precious time for me to be able to take part in the wonderful original work BADBOYS, which every man dreams of, and to be able to live the role of the strongest man, Danno Hidenori. To be honest, I was a little worried because I thought Danno and I were so far apart, but I thought about how I could play the role now, and without forgetting my respect for the original work, I lived Danno in my own way. I was able to have a passionate shoot with the cast, including Mamehara-kun, who is my generation, so please come and see that passion at the theater.
◇Comment from Sho Aoyagi, who plays Murakoshi
I've played outlaw characters who spend all their time fighting, but this time I play a legendary man who speaks with his actions, so I tried to make sure that the audience could feel the kindness hidden inside him. It was also a good memory that I got to actually ride a motorcycle that is the envy of motorcycle fans! I hope that you will pay attention to that aspect as well as the hot battle scenes! Please look forward to the release!
◇ Comment from Hiroto Ohshita, who plays Kazutoshi Takama
I'm Hiroto Oshita, who played the role of Takama Kazutoshi. I'm the number two in the BEAST team, but I didn't have much experience in playing strong characters or action scenes, so I was honestly nervous. I was taught the action scenes from scratch by Deguchi-san of the stunt team Gocoo, and while fighting muscle pain, I performed the sword fight with the members of Gokurakucho. When filming began, I stood in front of the BEAST members and raised my voice, and they all replied with frightening looks on their faces, so I gradually got into the groove. The last three days of filming are the most memorable. For the last three days, we filmed action scenes in a certain location. I was determined not to lose to the actors who were full of fresh energy and didn't show any signs of fatigue. Please look forward to the release.
◇Comment from Kasumi Yamatani, who plays Erika
I met Director Nishikawa Tatsuro on the set of a short drama a few years ago. The day came when Director Nishikawa was going to shoot a commercial film! And he asked me to be in it! I wanted to be in it no matter what! That's what I thought. During the filming period, I watched from the corner of the set as the young boys worked really hard and sweated as they faced the acting. I felt something welling up inside me. I hope that their brave figures will reach many people.
