Berryz Koubou’s Kumai Yurina & ℃-ute’s Suzuki Airi to star in a suspense horror movie

It was revealed today that Berryz Koubou idol Kumai Yurina and ℃-ute’s Suzuki Airi will star together in the upcoming movie, ‘Oosama Game“, based on the popular cell-phone novel of the same name. The movie, scheduled to be released this winter, will not only star the two idols, but will also feature appearances by members of both groups.

“Oosama Game” is a horror movie based on author Kanazawa Nobuaki’s popular cell-phone novel. Berryz’ Kumai will play the lead role of high-school student ‘Honda Chiemi’, while ℃-ute’s Suzuki will take on the role of Honda’s enigmatic classmate ‘Iwamura Ria’. This will be the first time for the girls to star in a movie together.

Kumai, who is filming for the first time since ‘Hotaru no Hoshi‘ in 2003, confessed, “I’m definitely feeling the pressure”. She explained, “I get nervous standing in front of the camera. Movies are different from concerts and stage plays. You have to act in front of a camera. I struggled with that, but I did my best each day with the help of the cast and crew”.

Meanwhile, Suzuki recently finished filming another movie entitled ‘Vampire Stories – BROTHERS‘. She explained how she prepared for the role of Iwamura Ria by saying, “I heard that [my character] was a very mysterious person, so I spent time talking with the director and author about her facial expressions, unique way of talking, and so forth. That’s how I prepared for the role”. Producer Andrew Niwa-Tamon, known for his work in idol-centered dramas such as the ‘Keitai Deka‘ series, said that the reason he chose Kumai and Suzuki for the movie was their “unique presence”, and that “it wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that a masterpiece of high-school horror has been made”, expressing his confidence in the final product.

What’s more, all members of Berryz Koubou and ℃-ute will be making appearances in the movie. The story follows a high-school class that is at the mercy of an unseen “Oosama” who slowly drives the students apart. Having the members of two real-life rival groups play out this plot gives the movie an extra dose of realism. However, in contrast to the tense atmosphere of the story, the idols actually had a peaceful time behind the scenes. Kumai explained, “I received encouragement from everyone”. Berryz Koubou and ℃-ute, who will continue to work together in upcoming concerts and stage performances, have proved their collaboration to be a great success.

The original “Oosama Game” story is now sold in stores as both a printed novel and a comic. The movie is directed by Tsuruta Norio, known for his previous movie ‘Honto ni atta kowai hanashi‘. Under his direction, the movie was filmed in a realistic style. Representing the idols that preceded Berryz Koubou and ℃-ute, former Morning Musume idol Yoshizawa Hitomi will also appear in the movie.


source: tokyohive