Hayato Ichihara hasn't been acting for that long, but having landed the lead role in last year's summer blockbuster, Rookies, he's been in high demand.  Having lent his voice to the animated feature Baton, as well as having starred in two recent dramas, Saru Lock and 252 Seizonsha ari: Episode ZERO wthin the last year, Ichihara has recently signed a deal to star in the upcoming feature film Box!.

The film will be directed by Toshio Lee (Detroit Metal City) and will be produced by the same studio that was responsible for making Rookies into Japan's biggest box office success to date. The plot centers around a high school boxing club. Ichihara will play the part of Gihei, a lazy, yet extremely talented boxer.

Ichihara reportedly shaved his head for the role--which is a shame, his hair was awesome--and has started training with former national boxing champion, Nobuyuki Tabata. They plan on filming without the use of stunt men.

I really loved One Pound Gospel and Rookies, and I know that Detroit Metal City was really good, so I have my hopes up about this. Unfortunately they won't start shooting until January, but at least the current release date for the film has it pegged for May of next year.