Former Takarazuka top star Saki Asaji, also known by the nickname "Mariko" (her real name is Mariko Ishii), will take on the lead female role in Takashi Miike's stage production of "Zatoichi." The main role of Zatoichi is being performed by Sho Aikawa.

Asaji's character in "Zatoichi" is named Akenodayuu, the head of a six-person traveling theater troupe. After her group is attacked by robbers, she and the only other survivor are forced to build a new troupe.

Asaji is best known for playing male roles, even after she retired from the Takarazuka Revue in 1998. In regards to playing a woman for "Zatoichi," she remarked, "I'm probably the most surprised out of anyone."

"Zatoichi" opens on December 3 at Tokyo's Shinjuku Koma Stadium, moving to the Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka on December 20, then to the Aichi Pension Hall in Nagoya on January 4.