The "Kaiji" series (written by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, published by Kodansha in Young Magazine) is to be made into a live action movie. Tatsuya Fujiwara (26) who starred as Light Yagami in the live action movie "Death Note" will play the lead.

The original manga work of the "Kaiji" series is a trilogy made up of "Tobaku Mokushiroku Kaiji (Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji)", "Tobaku Hakairoku Kaiji (Gambling Transgression Kaiji)" and "Tobaku Datenroku Kaiji (Gambling Fallen Kaiji)". It follows a plot that the protagonist Kaiji got involved in gambling after finding out that he was the guarantor for his friend's debt, and though he is always in the edge he is able to get through his tasks.

The story begins with the protagonist Kaiji (Kaiji Ito) who had been leading a self-indulgent life until he received an unexpected visit from the boss of a credit company (loan shark) called Endo, who tells him to pay his friend's debt owed in Kaiji's name. The outstanding debut swollen with hefty interest was no way to be paid easily, and Kaiji chooses the option given by Endo - to board the gambling ship "Espoir" ("hope" in French) to clear the debt in a single payment. But the ship was far from "hope", and its games are embedded with traps to increase the debt. The gambles are run by the president of the powerful financial consulting firm called "Teiai (Love Emperor)", and if, by any chance he wins the game he is clear of the debt, but if he loses it will cost his life...

In the original work, the loan shark Endo is a male, but in the movie edition it will be played by the actress Yuuki Amami (41). Teruyuki Kagawa (42) will play the role of a ranking member of Teiai group, who drive Kaiji to his edge.

The film is directed by Touya Sato who handled "Kindaichi Files", "Gokusen (literally "yakuza teacher")" and "Haken no Hinkaku (literally "the dignity of temporary staff")". Mika Oomori who handled "Detroit Metal City" and "Heaven's Door" will do the screenplay.

The film is planned to be released in the summer 2009.

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