The next major role for "ROOKIES" actor Hayato Ichihara (22) will be in "Box!," a movie about a gifted young boxer. The film is being directed by Toshio Lee ("Detroit Metal City"), with production being handled by Toho and TBS.

The story revolves around the boxing club of an Osaka high school. Ichihara plays Gihei, a lazy student with a natural gift for boxing, while Kengo Kora (22) plays an honor student and Gihei's rival. Yu Kashii (22), Mitsuki Tanimura (19), and Toshio Kakei (47) are part of the supporting cast.

In order to play the part, Ichihara has shaved his head and has been training since the end of August under the guidance of Nobuyuki Tabata (45), a former national welterweight and super welterweight champion. Tabata has said that he is aiming to train Ichihara to the point that he would be able to obtain a boxing license.

Filming is scheduled to start in early January, and the movie is planned to be shot without the use of a stuntman. Theatrical release has been set for May 2010.