In April, Nikkatsu Corporation announced that a film adaptation of the manga "Naoko" (written by Nobuhiro Sakata and illustrated by Yu Nakahara) was in the works. It was mentioned then that Juri Ueno would play the starring role, but a few more details have been revealed now that filming has begun.

The comic, which was serialized in Big Comic Spirits from 1993 to 2001, tells the story of a gifted young runner named Yusuke Iki. When he was a child, his father died trying to save a girl, Naoko Shinomiya. The two meet again unexpectedly, as Naoko has become a track and field club manager.

Although Haruma Miura will play the central role of Yusuke, Ueno is being billed as the film's lead, taking on the part of the title character. Interestingly, it has been noted that Ueno was herself a member of the track and field club until she entered show business in junior high; this film marks her "return" to the track after seven years.

Other cast members include Tsurube Shofukutei. Director Tomoyuki Furumaya ("Robocon") is helming the pic. The movie is scheduled to open next spring.