Osamu Dazai's 1945 novel "Pandora no Hako" ("Pandora's Box") is being turned into a movie in 2009, which happens to be the 100th anniversary of Dazai's birth. The film is being directed by Masanori Tominaga ("The Pavillion Salamandre").

The film stars teen actor Shota Sometani as Hibari, a young boy with tuberculosis sent to a sanatorium. The story follows his relationships with the other patients and with two female nurses, told in the form of letters from Hibari to his friend Tsukushi, who has already left the sanatorium.

The head nurse is played by singer/writer Mieko Kawakami, who is making her acting debut with this role. Actress Riisa Naka plays the other nurse, a whimsical rookie. Yosuke Kubozuka plays the friend Tsukushi. Other cast members include Ryo Fukawa, Yoriko Douguchi, and Mickey Curtis.

Jazz musician Naruyoshi Kikuchi is handling the soundtrack. Filming already started last month. Theatrical release is scheduled for fall 2009.