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.