Today it was announced that Kanjani8's Maruyama Ryuhei will appear in next year's detective drama "Strawberry Night".

It was just revealed the other day, that the drama special "Strawberry Night" would be turned into a drama serial, once again starring actress Takeuchi Yuko, and Maruyama will be the second new addition to the team next to Koide Keisuke. His role will be that of a rookie detective and mood maker of the new investigation unit. It's also Maruyama's first time portraying the role of a detective.

He commented, "I'm getting very nervous, knowing that this drama is based on such popular novels (by Honda Tetsuya). Just like my character, I'd like to live a life without forgetting how to enjoy it."

Maruyama is gradually starting to make himself a name as an actor. In January, he starred in his first stage play, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", and next year he will be seen in his first movie starring role in "Wild 7".

The filming for the drama will begin this month, but Fuji TV won't air it before January of 2012.

Source: Sanspo