"Hanamizuki," the hit 2004 tune by singer-songwriter Yo Hitoto (33), is being used as the basis for a feature-length film. The love story will star actress Yui Aragaki (21) and actor Toma Ikuta (25).The movie reunites director Nobuhiro Doi and screenwriter Noriko Yoshida, who worked together before on "Nada Sousou" in 2006. Aragaki plays Sae, a high school student in Hokkaido aiming to pass the entrance exam for a Tokyo university. She meets Kohei (Ikuta), who attends a fishing school in order to follow in his father's footsteps. They go through a long-distance relationship and a breakup, but are visited by a miracle ten years later.
This is said to be Aragaki's last high school character, though the latter part of her role will also have her playing a career woman working overseas. She is also undergoing special language training, as some of her lines are in English.
Supporting cast members include Misako Renbutsu, ARATA, Yuichi Kimura, Yutaka Matsushige, Osamu Mukai, and Hiroko Yakushimaru.
Filming started at the end of September in Hokkaido. Future locations include New York and Canada.
Source: TOKYOGRAPH
Video Trailer :
Though "based on a mobile phone novel" may not sound like a ringing endorsement, one would have to be in Japan to understand the phenomenal popularity of Koizora (a.k.a. Sky of Love). Penned by an anonymous writer who claims the controversial heartwrenching story to be her own experience, Koizora sold over ten million downloaded copies in its first year alone, and went on to sell in the millions in published form. The story inspired a manga, spin-off stories, and now a feature film starring Japan's latest it-girl, Aragaki Yui. Already a popular model and TV actress, Aragaki made the leap to stardom in a big way in 2007 with both her feature film and J-pop debuts. Her performances in Koizora, Koisuru Madori, and Waruboro have already garnered her Best New Performer honors at the 50th Blue Ribbon Awards. Equally fair-featured teen heartthrob Miura Haruma from Catch a Wave and 14 Year Old Mother and rising actor Koide Keisuke (Kisaragi) star opposite Aragaki in this pure love youth melodrama. At the helm is popular television director Imai Natsuki (Orange Days), making her feature film debut. 
