Remember the announcement of josei manga Bunny Drop (a.k.a. Usagi Drop) becoming a live action movie? The actors to play the main characters, Daikichi and Rin, were revealed to be Kenichi Matsuyama (GANTZ, Death Note) and Mana Ashida (Kokuhaku, Mother) respectively.

Matsuyama plays a bachelor who takes the responsibility of caring for his grandfather’s illegitimate child. Problem is, he doesn’t have any experience as a father and has a difficult time raising Rin. It’s a sweet tale of growing up, both for father figure Daikichi and his “daughter” Rin.

Others who are also confirmed for the film include Karina (Koizora, Daisuki!!) and Chizuru Ikewaki (Grave of the Fireflies, Gonzo). SABU (Hard Luck Hero) will direct the movie.

I’m looking forward to watching this movie. I’ve read the first volume of the manga and enjoyed it. It’s a sweet, cute story. I recommend it to people who enjoyed Aishiteruze Baby or Baby and Me. Also, Matsuyama’s role in Bunny Drop is a far cry from his role in GANTZ (it’s also his first role as a “daddy”). I’m sure he could pull it off though, since he’s a talented actor.

Filming has already begun and should be finished by the middle of this month. The movie is slated for a 2011 summer release in Japan and hopefully, a U.S. release will follow.

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