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Live-Action Ikkyū-san Prime Time Drama Special Announced
posted on by Ko Ransom
The Japanese sports and entertainment news website Sanspo has revealed that a live-action adaptation of Toei Animation's Ikkyū-san historical comedy anime series is scheduled to air on Japan's Fuji TV station as a 3-part omnibus special during prime time in June.
Ikkyu, the lead role of the series, will be played by the 7-year-old Fuku Suzuki (Humanoid Monster Bem, Kodomo Keisatsu), who will also be singing its theme song, "Minna no Ikkyū-san." Fuji TV previously created drama adaptations of the 1975-1982 anime in 1985 and 1986. As part of his preparation for the role, Suzuki reportedly spent half a day trying zazen meditation.
Toei's original 1975-1982 Ikkyū-san television anime series is loosely inspired by Ikkyū Sōjun, a real-life Buddhist monk who lived in 15th-century Japan. The story imagines Ikkyū's childhood as a mischievous but clever monk-in-training at Ankokuji Temple. In the new anime short, Ikkyū and the character Shinemon time-travel to modern Kyoto and visit the city's famous landmarks.
A Japanese-Chinese co-produced Ikkyū-san animatedfilm was announced in 2010, and the character was also used last year to promote tourism in Kyoto in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Source: Sanspo
