Anime News

Katori Shingo To Star In Hsi Yu Chi Movie
Date: 5/20/2006
At a surprise press / production announcement conference in Cannes on Saturday, SMAP's Katori Shingo announced he would take on the role of Son Goku in a live action film adaptation of version of the Fuji TV serial drama (which is in turn based on the ancient Chinese folktale) Hsi Yu Chi (pronounced in Japanese as Seiyuuki or Saiyuki). Also known as Journey To The West, Hsi Yu Chi could very well qualify as the most retold story in anime, manga and J-drama, having formed the basis for series such as Dragonball, Saiyuki and Monkey Magic. Directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro (Returner) the film is scheduled to open in Japanese theaters next summer. This was Katori's first time in Cannes, he starred in the Fuji Television Network TV drama Hsi Yu Chi which was broadcast in January of this year, recording a high average audience rating of 23.2%. Fuji plans to invest a total 100 million Yen to advertise the film globally. On a side note, the singer met with French Director Luc Besson who said he wanted him to do the Japanese dubbing of the hero in his upcoming animated film Arthur.
Source: Anime News Service