Haruka Ayase will star in a movie titled "ICHI," in which she plays a role described as a "female Zatoichi."

Ayase's character is a blind woman who roams about town with her shamisen, but she has exceptional sword skills with which she fights off yakuza and other villains. According to director Fumihiko Sori (of "Ping Pong" fame), no doubles are being used for the swordfight scenes. At the start of this year, Ayase spent a month in special training for the role.

Shido Nakamura has also been cast in the movie. Filming started on May 3. The picture is slated for release next year, though no specific target date has been announced.