Actor Shosuke Tanihara (37) will be joining model Nozomi Sasaki (21) in director Yuri Kanchiku's upcoming movie, "Tenshi no Koi," which was publicized last month.

"Tenshi no Koi" is adapted from a hugely popular mobile phone novel published last year. Sasaki, in her first starring movie role, plays a 17-year-old high school girl with a traumatic past. She falls in love with a 35-year-old university lecturer (Tanihara) who has been diagnosed with a fatal and incurable illness. To play the part, Tanihara reportedly had to shed 5 kilograms in one month.

Tanihara and Sasaki worked together previously in last year's "Handsome Suit." Tanihara had his first starring role in that movie, while Sasaki made her big screen debut with a supporting role.

"Tenshi no Koi" has already started shooting, and is currently scheduled for an autumn release.