"Kamogawa Horumo," a best-seller by author Manabu Makime, is being turned into a movie. Last summer, Makime earned a Naoki Prize nomination for his "Shikaotoko Aoniyoshi," which was adapted as a television drama last season.

Makime debuted as an author in 2006 with "Kamogawa Horumo." The story, set in Kyoto, is a supernatural coming-of-age comedy about a group of college students who play a game known as "Horumo," in which they compete using their ability to manipulate shikigami (a type of spirit), which are referred to as "oni."

Takayuki Yamada stars as a new Kyoto University student named Akira Abe. (The name is a reference to the historical figure Abe no Seimei, who was said to be adept at controlling shikigami.) He becomes instantly attracted to another student (Sei Ashina), and ends up involved in a mysterious club.

Yamada's character is apparently similar to his role as an "otaku" in "Densha Otoko." Some of the comedic highlights include his "transformation poses" and his use of "oni-go" slang.

Katsuhide Motoki is directing. Other cast members revealed so far are Takuya Ishida as Yamada's rival Mitsuru Ashiya (a reference to Abe no Seimei's opponent Ashiya Douman), Gaku Hamada, and Yoshiyoshi Arakawa.

Filming started early this month. Shochiku plans to distribute the movie in 2009.