Kyohei Takahashi Calls His Role in Blue Lock Live Action Film a “Treasure,” Shares Congratulatory Gifts from Group Members

Kyohei Takahashi (JP: 高橋恭平) of the Japanese boy band Naniwa Danshi appeared on the 7th at a production announcement event held in Tokyo for the live action film Blue Lock, where he spoke about his thoughts on portraying Hyoma Chigiri and shared the reactions he received from his fellow group members.

Playing His Favorite Character Comes with Pressure and Pride

Takahashi revealed that he had been a fan of the original manga long before being cast. “Among all the characters, Hyoma Chigiri was my favorite,” he said. “So when I heard that I would be playing him, I honestly wondered, ‘Is it really okay for me to do this?’ I felt a lot of pressure and anxiety. But I believe I poured everything I had into the role so that when this is released, people will feel that Kyohei Takahashi was the right choice.”

He went on to describe the project as deeply meaningful to him. “As Kyohei Takahashi, this work has become something like a treasure to me, a truly significant project. I would be happy if it can reach as many people as possible,” he said with determination.

Training, Support, and Memorable Gifts from Fellow Members

In preparation for the role, Takahashi underwent physical training, including strength workouts and running. He shared that Joichiro Fujiwara often ran alongside him during training sessions, and that all the members congratulated him on being cast.

“Joichiro gave me a colorful ball, and Shunsuke Michieda gave me a ball specifically for juggling,” Takahashi said with a smile. “The staff also gave me a practice ball, so now I have three soccer balls at home. It was a new kind of celebration,” he added with a laugh.

A Major Production Backed by a Star Studded Team

The film is based on the hit soccer manga Blue Lock, serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine, which has surpassed 50 million copies in circulation. The story follows the Blue Lock Project, an extreme program launched by the Japan Football Union to develop a striker capable of leading Japan to World Cup victory. Three hundred high school forwards are gathered into a closed facility, where they fight to survive for a single remaining position.

The live action film is produced by CREDEUS, the studio behind the Kingdom series, the Golden Kamuy series, and National Treasure.

Cast and Major Announcements at the Event

Also appearing at the production announcement event were lead actor Fumiya Takahashi as Yoichi Isagi, Kaito Sakurai as Meguru Bachira, Kota Nomura as Rensuke Kunigami, Sho Nisigaki as Asahi Naruhaya, Yuki Tachibana as Gin Gagamaru, Raizo Ishikawa as Jingo Raichi, Jo Iwanaga as Okuhito Iemon, Yuki Sakurai as Yudai Imamura, Yuki Kura as Ryosuke Kira, and producer Shinzo Matsuhashi. Shunya Asano, who plays Wataru Kuon, was absent due to health reasons.

During the event, it was also announced that Masataka Kubota will portray Jinpachi Ego, the supreme authority behind the Blue Lock Project. In addition, the film’s theatrical release date was confirmed as August 7, and a new visual was unveiled.

Source : ORICON NEWS