Oguri Shun to act as Izumi Sano in Japan’s version of Hana Kimi
Source: Apple Daily
Oguri Shun
Horikita Maki
Based on the Japanese shoujo manga "Hanazakari no Kimitachi e", Taiwan idol drama, Hana Kimi, had produced good ratings & increase the popularity of the male lead.
Seeing the success of Hana Kimi in Taiwan, Fuji Television Network (Japan) had announce that they will be filming Japan’s version of Hana Kimi. They had invited Oguri Shun, who acted as Hanazawa Rui in Japan’s Meteor Garden, to be the male lead.
Oguri Shun had been criticized for not being “pretty boy” for his role as Rui, and now, not suave enough to act as Izumi Sano.
The manga, Hana-Kimi centers on Mizuki Ashiya, a Japanese girl who lives in the United States. One day, she sees a track and field competition on TV, and becomes attracted to one of the competitors, Izumi Sano, competing in the high jump. She begins to idolize the young athlete and eventually transfers to Japan to attend the same school that Sano attends.
Taiwan’s version of Hana Kimi, starring S.H.E member, Ella & Wu Chun was very popular.
Fuji TV plans to air Japan’s version of Hana Kimi in July & has invited both Horikita Maki & Oguri Shun to act as the main leads. Both Oguri Shun & Wu Chun act as Sano. Comparing their height, 184cm Wu Chun wins 180cm Oguri Shun. On the looks department, Wu Chun’s chiselled features resembled the manga’s version of Sano than Oguri Shun. The only advantage 24 years old Oguri Shun has over 27 years old Wu Chun is that he’s younger than the latter.
It’s the first time Horikita Maki will be cross dressing as a guy for her role & will have to cut her hair short next month. She said: “This story is very special, I’m afraid I won’t be able to act well, but I’m anticipating the final product!”