The rumors have been floating for quite a while, but today it finally became official. Actress Ayase Haruka is going to star in the upcoming live-action adaption of the "Himitsu no Akko-chan", the first 'magical girl' manga in Japan.

"Himitsu no Akko-chan" is about a young elementary school girl called Akko-chan who received a magical compact mirror that allows her to transform into anything she wishes. The movie is going to feature an original tale, with Akko-chan having to transform herself into a 22-year-old adult woman in order to protect her crush and first love, an elite salary man played by Okada Masaki. Depending on the circumstances she always chooses another occupation in order to seamlessly fit into the current situation, including a figure skater, a cabin attendant, an office lady, a policewoman, and a racing motorcyclist.

The manga, being the first of its genre, was a huge hit and received several anime adaptations that have been popular worldwide, throughout the past 50 years. The magical compact mirror became one of the most popular toys for children in Japan and led towards the social phenomenon of young girls being obsessed with changing their appearance.

Ayase revealed that she immediately watched and fell in love with the anime after accepting the offer. She commented, "It made me I remember how I always wanted to become a magician as a child. With the magical compact mirror and the heart-touching story of the first love, I hope that this is going to become a dreamlike movie."

Okada also is too young to be familiar with the anime, but he is still in very high spirits. He said, "I'm looking forward to getting emerged into the world of Akko-chan."

This '21st century edition' of "Himitsu no Akko-chan" is scheduled to open in Japan in September 2012 and will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original manga.

Source: Sanspo