Sunday, April 10, 2016

Ikuta Toma to star in new movie "Karera ga honki de amu toki wa" as a transgender

Ikuta Toma will be starring in the new movie "Karera ga honki de amu toki wa" (When they are serious about knitting) which is directed by Ogigami Naoko and due to be shown in cinemas from 25 February next year where he will play a transgender for the first time. The movie is an original script by Ogigami who has been known for her previous works such as "Kamome Shokudo" and "Megane".

Ikuta plays the role of 32-year-old Rinko who has been troubled since young due to gender dysphoria. Despite being born as a boy, Rinko has always felt that he should be a girl and later underwent a sex change surgery to become a woman. Nonetheless, despite Rinko's physical appearance, she is still listed as a man on her family register and works as a carer at an old folks' home. Rinko lives with her lover Makio played by Kiritani Kenta and his niece Tomo (Kakihara Rinka) who was abandoned by her mother and she showers Tomo with love as if she is her real mother. Other than the flashback scenes, Ikuta will appear as a woman during most of the movie and he will have to do scenes where he's knitting or cooking.

Despite having put on women's clothing before for stage plays such as "Mishima Double" in the past, this is Ikuta's first attempt at becoming a "complete" woman. He commented as he began filming for the movie, he has come to realise how difficult it is to play Rinko and that it is rare for a role like this to come his way so he will strive to make it a success. The director Ogigami said that Ikuta was chosen partly because of his appearance which still looks pretty and natural even when dressed as a woman and thinks that he will be able to bring his character to life.

On the other hand, Kiritani who has been playing many manly characters in the past, will change to become a gentle and mild-mannered man this time. He commented that both Ikuta and him considers this movie to be a turning point in their careers and will strive to do well.

Filming is currently in progress.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi / Sponichi

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