On June 14th, it was been revealed that actor Fujiwara Tatsuya would star in the film�"Okaeri Hayabusa", produced by Shochiku.

The film is based on the Japanese unmanned spacecraft, �Hayabusa�, which miraculously returned to Earth last June after seven years away. The novice�engineer who is in charge of the spacecraft's ion engine stated in high spirits, "I will do my best to make a warm film to bring energy to Japan."

"Hayabusa", which went to space on May 9th, 2003, landed on an asteroid called Itokawa after facing repeated problems. There it gathered samples and returned to earth successfully, surprising all of Japan as NASA wasn't able to achieve that same task.

The main character, Ohashi Kenji, is an ion engine developer whose growth from the project "Hayabusa" interlaces the drama of the father and child who share the same dream of space-related work.

At first, the film was scheduled to be released within the year, but to overcome the earthquake disaster, it is now scheduled to be released in March 2012.

Actor Miura Tomokazu, who plays the role of the lead character's father, commented,�"I hope this becomes a film that even people who aren't interested in space will enjoy."

Actress Anne also commented,�"I am deeply moved that I got to engage in space and the hero Hayabusa through a movie. I want to act in a way that perceives every bit of Hayabusa's actions."

Director Motoki enthusiastically stated, "In addition to the impressive return, Japan's space development starts now. I want to make this a 3D entertainment film which steps into Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology's human side."

The entire film will be in 3D,�including the scenes of "Hayabusa" navigating through space.

Other than this film, there is a lineup of other films about the spacecraft, including documentary�"H AYABUSA BACK TO EARTH" ,�"Hayabusa", starring Takeuchi Yuko, and "Shouwakusei Tansaki Hayabusa � Haruka Naru Kikan", starring Watanabe Ken.

Source & Photo: Oricon