Model Nozomi Sasaki (21) has her first starring role in the movie "Tenshi no Koi," directed by Yuri Kanchiku. The film is adapted from the popular mobile phone novel of the same name that was published in book form last year.

Written by an author under the name "sin," the story revolves around a 17-year-old high school girl named Rio (Sasaki) whose traumatic past has led her to close off her heart. After meeting a 35-year-old university lecturer and falling in love, she learns to get her life back on track. Sasaki's role will deal with issues such as rape, abortion, and compensated dating.

"Tenshi no Koi" has been referred to as the "teen love Bible," surpassing previous mobile phone novel successes like "Koizora" and "Akai Ito." It has reached 13 million page views, compared to the 6 million of "Koizora" and 8 million of "Akai Ito." The first edition of the printed book became a bestseller at 500,000 copies.

Sasaki barely made her acting debut last year in the movie "Handsome Suit," in which she played a model. "Tenshi no Koi" is expected to be quite a leap for her, but she seemed optimistic about the part, saying, "I don't know much about acting, but I can sympathize with Rio facing her painful past and living positively."

"Tenshi no Koi" is scheduled to open in theaters this winter.