Mizobata Junpei In Shibatora Special 2

On the 4th, actor Koike Teppei attended the production announcement for Fuji TV's 'Shibatora Special 2' (scheduled for broadcast in May) in Tokyo. The drama series was aired in 2008, followed by a Special episode in May 2009. On playing the baby-faced Shibata Taketora, Koike comments, "People around me are saying that I've grown old, so I wonder if it'll be alright," inducing laughter from the reporters. Once more, a new member joins - Mizobata Junpei. Both of them were winners from the JUNON Super Boy Contest Grand Prix. This will be their first drama together.

Mizobata Junpei In new TBS Detective Drama 'Shinzanmono'

Abe Hiroshi (45) plays the lead role in 'Shinzanmono', a new drama by TBS which will begin in April (Sundays, 9pm). Joining him are Mizobata Junpei (20) and Mukai Osamu (28).

Based on Higashino Keigo's novel, Abe will act as popular character detective Kaga Kyouichiro. Making his first appearance for TBS, Mizobata comments on his role as the young career-driven investigator, "The original work was full of emotions, so that's what I hope the drama will convey as well." Mukai plays the son of a murdered woman, "I've read and always liked Higashino's work. It's an honour to be involved as one of the characters." Other cast members include Kimura Yuuichi (47), Sasano Takashi (61), Harada Mieko (51) and Miura Tomokazu (58).

Mizobata Junpei To Star in Stage Production of R25's Moteryman

On the 18th, actor Mizobata Junpei (20) attended the production announcement of his stage work 'The Road of Smart Moteryman' at a studio in Tokyo's Roppongi. In the stage production adapted from a popular column of free magazine R25, a new salaryman is smitten by a beautiful OL (office lady) at first sight. Mizobata makes his appeal, "It's one that the ladies should watch." Yasuda Ken (36) will be co-starring. The stage play will run from 24th to 31st August at Tokyo's Akasaka Sougetsu Hall.

Mizobata Junpei Nervous in his First Stage Performance

The stage play 'NECK' began on the 12th at Tokyo's Aoyama Amphitheatre, led by actor Mizobata Junpei (20).

He comments on being cast in an important role, "It's my first time in a stage play. There's a different kind of nervousness compared to the beginning of filming for a movie or drama. Since yesterday, I was tense. Today, from the time I entered the dressing room till I left it, I felt uneasy. My usual upbeat self was just gone." His co-star revealed, "Today during practice for the curtain raiser, he was so nervous he forgot about the props."

The suspense type of stage play will be followed up by a movie of the same title opening in August, also starring Mizobata. The movie will have the same motif as the stage play. The cast for NECK the movie includes Aibu Saki, Kuriyama Chiaki and Hiraoka Yuuta.

The stage play NECK ends 24 February.

Abandoning the "Good Guy"? Mizobata Junpei tackles his first Delinquent Role in a Mobilephone Drama

The Bee TV mobile drama by AVEX and NTT Docomo 'Hidamari no Basho ~Hatsukoi~' stars Mizobata Junpei, who takes on his first delinquent role. Falling in love with Mizobata in the heroine role is young actress Renbutsu Misako. Broadcasts begin from 20th January onwards.

So far, Mizobata has been cast in the 'good guy' roles. It started from 'Akai Ito', then last year he was in 'BOSS' and 'Buzzer Beat ~Gakeppuchi no Hero~'. This year, he will be in the movies 'Kimi ga Odoru, Natsu' and 'NECK'. He opens up about the challenges of being cast in a new 'bad boy' role.

Regarding his character, "He's different from the usual delinquent who likes to show-off. He doesn't feel like he belongs, but he's a young man with adult toughness with his group of friends. He's overflowing with vitality. Because there's nowhere to channel this energy, he ends up getting into fights and mischief. While playing this role, I thought that his awkwardness about not really fitting in, a trait that many youths face, should be portrayed."

Filming was completed last year in Kofu, Yamanashi. Commenting on the filming atmosphere, "There were many guys, everyday it was like being in a boys' school. They were reserved at first, there seemed to be a hierarchy-type of relationship, but once we got back to the hotel, all the guys got into the large public bath. Since then we've all loosened up. Chatting about mundane topics, and also about the drama, we had a good time," he recalls.

Youths with hearts engulfed in darkness, what will their response be? How will the fateful love end?

'Hidamari no Basho ~Hatsukoi~', begins airing on 20th January on BeeTV (5 mins x 24 episodes, new episode every Sunday).