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Rapping Zombie Live-Action TV Special Adds Kanta Satō, Singer Brother Tom
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Actor Kanta Satō and singer Brother Tom to signed on to the live-action adaptation of Inka Teikoku's Rappā ni Kama Retara Rapper ni naru Manga (If You're Bitten By a Rapper You Become a Rapper) musical-horror-comedy manga. Satō will star as protagonist Minori's boyfriend Takuma Yamanōchi and Brother Tom will play her father Shigeru.
Satō's character is a talented medical student who is "addicted" to hip hop music. His relationship with Minori becomes unclear once the RAP virus is introduced to the population. Satō prepared for the role by watching videos of the Freestyle Dungeon rappers on YouTube.
"I tried to listen and memorize the songs. One in awhile I'd try to write some of my own raps," Satō said.
Brother Tom has a long history in the hip-hop scene in Japan. He, along with fellow vocalist Brother Korn formed the funk and R&B group Da Bubble Gum Brothers in the 1980s.
The unique survival story will air as a two-part live-action TV special on July 12 and July 19. Actress Fūka Koshiba (live-action Kiki's Delivery Service) will star as Minori Inaho. Koshiba will participate in her first ever rap battle as part of the special.
"All of Japan becomes a hellish club," the book's description reads, "and Minori and her father Shigeru must locate her missing boyfriend in the confusion." The third manga volume is set for release on July 1.
The LINE LIVE service held auditions for additional actors to appear in the show. Prospective actors could accumulate "likes" on the app in hopes of making it into the top three to appear before a panel of judges. The winner participated in the scheduled film shooting from May to June.
Screenwriter Ryōhei Watanabe (March comes in like a lion, Sailor Zombie live-action films) penned the script and Keisuke Toyoshima (I"s, xxxHOLiC live-action dramas) is directing.
Source: Comic Natalie
