BURNING SWORD: ‘Sekigahara’ Star And Director Reunite For Meiji Rebellion Novel Adaptation
Director Harada Masato (Killing For The Prosecution) is at the helm once more clashing swords and tempers for late Edo period piece, Burning Sword. Production is underway with Harada adapting author Shiba Ryotaro’s 1960s Shukan Bunshun publication centered on the wartime chronicles of Hijikata Toshizo, the Shinsengumi vice-commander who led the shogunate forces against the imperialist Meiji government during the Boshin War.
The new film, slated for a tentative 2020 release in Japan, hails from Toho and Asmik Ace, marks the latest iteration for Burning Sword which saw previous film and television adaptations in 1966, 1970 and 1990. According to YesAsia’s Yumcha news column, Library Wars and SP film franchise star, V6 J-pop group member Okada Junichi is taking the reigns as Hijikata, reuniting with Harada since their 2.4 billion yen hit, Sekigahara in 2017.
Rounding out the principal Shinsengumi roles of Kondo Isamu and Okita Soji are Hentai Kamen star Suzuki Ryohei and Hey! Say! JUMP member, Fullmetal Alchemist star Yamada Ryosuke, with Ito Hideaki (Lesson of Evil) as Serizawa Kamo and Shibasaki Kou (Battle Royale, Nobunaga Concerto) as play Hijikata’s romantic interest Oyuki.
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