EXILE member Toshio Matsumoto (34), better known as MATSU, has been given the lead role in the movie "LONG CARAVAN," scheduled for release this October. MATSU has some acting experience with "Gekidan EXILE," but this will be his first acting role in a film.

Appearing under his real name, Matsumoto will play the comical main character, an unemployed surfer who takes a road trip with his friends, meeting and parting with various people along the way. One part of the story involves him making a bold confession to a girl with whom he falls in love at first sight.

MATSU, who suffers from deteriorating eyesight due to Behcet's disease, frequently serves as the "comedian" among EXILE's members. With that cheerfulness, he was chosen to take on the starring role in "LONG CARAVAN."

Having no experience in surfing, MATSU trained extremely hard for two weeks. With a strong sense of balance attained through dance, he was quickly able to ride the waves.

Go Shichitaka ("Top Caster," "Meitantei no Okite") is directing the movie. Miki Fujimoto, Shigeru Izumiya, Jay Kabira, Mika Mifune, and Chisato Morishita will also appear in the film.