The second cast of "Kuroro-jo" (directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, to be released in 2026), a film adaptation of Honobu Yonezawa's masterpiece mystery starring Masahiro Motoki, has been announced, revealing that Yusuke Santamaria, Mitsuo Yoshihara, Ryuta Bando, Ryoyo Arakawa, Kiyohiko Shibukawa, and Ikkei Watanabe will appear in the film.
The original work (Kadokawa Bunko/KADOKAWA) was published in 2021 and is a popular work that has won numerous awards, including the 166th Naoki Prize and the 12th Yamada Futaro Prize. In opposition to Oda Nobunaga's methods, Araki Murashige (Motoki) launches a siege strategy, but mysterious incidents occur one after another. The suspects are vassals and family members who are inside the castle, which has become a closed room... As everyone becomes suspicious, Murashige attempts to solve the case together with Kuroda Kanbei (Masaki Suda), a dangerous and genius military strategist who is imprisoned... This is a Sengoku-era psychological mystery.
Yusuke plays Akioka Shirosuke, one of Murashige's retainers and a skilled swordsman, Yoshihara plays Kawarabayashi Noto Nyudo, a brave warrior monk with a shaved head who also serves Murashige, and Bando plays Kitagawara Yosaku, a hot-blooded young retainer.
Additionally, Arakawa will play Muhen, a monk who acts as Murashige's secret emissary; Shibukawa will play Saiga Magoroku, a general allied with Murashige who leads the Saiga clan; and Watanabe will play Takayama Dairo, a devout warrior who also leads the Takatsuki clan.
◇Comment from Yusuke Santamaria, who plays Akioka Shirosuke
Director Kurosawa is shooting his first period drama. Of course, I will fly to Kyoto if I am called. I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere that is unique to the director and my wonderful co-stars. I feel a little sorry to see my name in 11 katakana characters appear in the end credits of such an amazing work, but I have no worries this time because Odagiri Joe is there (laughs). I wonder what will happen if I draw my sword... please come and see it in the theater!
◇Comment from Yoshihara Mitsuo, who plays Kawarabayashi Noto Nyudo
Immediately after receiving the offer, I felt a bit uncomfortable with period dramas, but after reading the original work, that thought was blown away. The script is a period piece, but somehow it feels modern... And what was interesting was that it was a "mystery" that allowed you to feel the backstories of all the characters, Murashige, Kanbei, Chiyoyasu, and others, all of whom are wrapped up in conflict! Please come to the cinema and witness this fierce "conflict mystery" of the Warring States period, overflowing from the screen.
◇Comment from Bando Ryuta, who plays Kitagawara Yosaku
It was a great honor to be able to work with Kurosawa again for the second time. It was truly an honor to be able to act among such great seniors and experience the tension of the long takes once again. I was moved every time by the power deep in Motoki Masahiro's eyes, and I think I was able to fully portray the character of Kitagawara Yosaku. I too am truly looking forward to seeing the finished film. Please go see it in the theater!
◇Comment from Ryo Arakawa, who plays Muhen
The most important thing when writing a script is the center. That's actually where Arakawa-san appears, said Kurosawa-san. To be asked to play him again after his previous work, "Cloud," is the greatest honor for an actor. And the role of Araki Murashige is played by Motoki Masahiro. That's right. That Motoki-san. Kurosawa Kiyoshi x period drama x Motoki Masahiro x mystery! As a fan of Kurosawa's work, I'm excited! Everyone, please go see "Kurorojo Castle" in the cinema!
◇Comment from Kiyohiko Shibukawa, who plays Magoroku Saika
This is director Kurosawa Kiyoshi's first period drama. And it was my first time working with Kurosawa, so I was really happy and excited. When I got to the set, the process was so careful, quick, and efficient, it was amazing, and I was amazed at how Kurosawa was working with them. I'm looking forward to spending time with the amazing cast and staff and seeing what kind of film it will be. I hope you'll go see it in the theater.
◇Comment from Ikkei Watanabe, who plays Osato Takayama
This was my second time working with Director Kurosawa, and once again, the feeling of "discovering something together on set" was very refreshing. Before filming began, the director told me, "In period dramas, people tend to raise their voices, but if you shout, the meaning won't be conveyed. Make sure to properly convey the meaning of your words." Even now that filming has finished, I still remember this advice on various sets. I have nothing but gratitude for the director.
