As it was announced on February 21st, actor Arai Hirofumi is going to portray the role of 'Niku Mamushi' in the upcoming movie, "Yamikin Ushijima-kun", starring Yamada Takayuki.

Now the first picture of Arai as 'Niku Mamushi' was released to the public, which truly confirms what fans of the manga already predicted after the previous announcement. Back then they left comments such as "Cannot wait for Niku Mamushi Arai", "Arai is perfect for the role", and simply "Epic!"

For the role, Arai seemingly adopted the appearance of 'Niku Mamushi' as we know him from the manga, with his tall stature, crooked teeth, pitch-black and emotionless eyes, tattoos all over his body, and the thick coat he's even wearing during the hottest summer months.

In addition to his bizarre appearance, he has an insanely brutal nature and cannot be stopped by anybody once he snaps. Blackmail, torture, and murder with robbery. He's so dangerous that even all gangs and crime organizations are afraid of him.

[caption id="attachment_223847" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Arai Hirofumi's appearance when he's playing a 'normal' character."][/caption]

'Niku Mamushi' knows a secret that allows him to blackmail 'Ogawa Jun', played by Hayashi Kento. This goes as far as him threatening 'Ogawa Jun' to chop off various parts of his body if he doesn't come up with the money. The inevitable confrontation between him and Ushijima the loan shark (Yamada) is going to be one of the highlights of the movie.

Director Yamaguchi Masatoshi commented, "Survival of the fittest is the essential motif of 'Yamikin Ushijima-kun'. Only because Ushijima is both wise and strong, it doesn't mean that he's at the top of the food chain. Niku Mamushi, an isolated lone wolf who mercilessly takes whatever he wants, could just as well be at the top."

He continued, "Therefore the confrontation between the two of them can never be a fair and square, stylish, and simple contest for hegemony. It's more like a life-and-death struggle for food in the corner of some tropical forest. In similar fashion, Arai Hirofumi is currently the only actor in the movie industry you can put on an equal footing with Yamada Takayuki."

"Yamikin Ushijima-kun" is slated for release on August 25th.

Source: eiga.com