Actor Kenichi Matsuyama is currently taking a break from the filming of "The Legend of Kamui" (directed by Yoichi Sai) after suffering an injury at the end of last month.

On November 28, a sword fight scene was being shot in Kyoto. Matsuyama was struck strongly on his right thigh, leaving a bruise that is said to take three weeks to fully recover. He still attended the opening day press event for "Tsubaki Sanjuro" on December 1, but he concealed the pain from his injury.

Because of his many action scenes in "The Legend of Kamui," Matsuyama is taking a break to recover. His scenes have been postponed until the start of the year, but filming will continue without him. Producers are still aiming to wrap up filming in February, as Matsuyama has to begin working on the "Detroit Metal City" movie, which is scheduled for a summer release.

"The Legend of Kamui" is based on Sanpei Shirato's manga of the same name ("Kamui Gaiden"). The movie will be released in 2009.