It's been revealed that TOKIO's Kokubun Taichi will be starring in the upcoming film adaptation of Ototake Hirotada's novel, "Daijoubu 3 Gumi".

Ototake's novel was originally published in September of last year,� and portrays a human drama revolving around Ototake's experiences an elementary school teacher. The story follows 'Akao Shinosuke', who was born without arms and legs due to a genetic disorde. With the help of his best friend 'Shiraishi Yusaku', he tackles many personal challenges while dealing with 28 fifth grade students. The novel is from Akao's perspective, however, the film will be told from Shiraishi's point of view.

It's been roughly 6 years since Kokubun starred in his last movie, "Shaberedomo Shaberedomo". This time, he will play the role of Shiraishi, Akao's best friend and a member of the Board of Education.

Kobukun revealed that when he received the offer to play the role, he was taken by surprise. "I thought, 'There are so many actors, why me?' Even now, my own feelings aren't okay, but I want to become one with Ototake-san and the children, and face the film with all my might. I want to do my best so that the last day of filming will filled with a sense of accomplishment," he said.

The author himself will be making his acting debut in the film as 'Akao'. He met with Toho Production in early-March, and chief producer Abe Kenzo asked him to take part in the movie. Ototake commented, "I'm anxious about my first time acting, but together with the director, the staff, and co-stars, I want to deliver the message of the film."

After releasing his novel, "Gotai Fumanzoku", Ototake has worked as a newscaster, sports writer, and a publisher. In 2005, Ototake started his educational activities as a part-timer for Shinjuku's Board of Education, and from 2007, he served as an elementary school teacher for 3 years.

The 28 students will be selected from an audition of about 300 children. In order to infuse a sense of realism in the film, the production crew set a schedule to delay the meeting between the children and Ototake as much as possible.

Ototake and Kobukun will be acting alongside Yo Kimiko, who will play the role of the school principal 'Kuroki Chieko', and Taguchi Tomorowo, who will play vice-principal Haitani Shinichi.

"Daijoubu 3 Gumi" will hit theatres in 2013.

Source + Image: Eiga.com