Confirmed: Matsuyama Ken'ichi is the next NHK taiga lead
A couple weeks ago, rumors surfaced that actor Kenichi Matsuyama (25) had been chosen to star in NHK's 2012 taiga drama, "Taira no Kiyomori." The network confirmed that on Thursday with an official press conference announcing Matsuyama as the show's star.
This will be Matsuyama's first appearance in one of NHK's taiga dramas. As previously reported, the series will revolve around the life of the 12th century general Taira no Kiyomori, responsible for the Taira clan's rise to power. Although Taira no Kiyomori has traditionally been portrayed as a villain, his character will be depicted differently in this drama.
The series is scheduled to premiere in January 2012, though filming is expected to start next summer.
Source: Tokyograph
Not that I dislike Ken'ichi nor do I think he won't deliver, but NHK's been giving us some rather eyebrow-raising decisions lately. Banking on international anime/manga cult much by casting "L" as the lead for a taiga? Smells like an attempt to draw in the international audience.
But yay for him! |D
... And shockingly, no Matsuyama Ken'ichi tag, mods? :(
ETA: Can anyone tell that I'm criticising NHK's recent eyebrow-raising decisions and not Matsuyama Ken'ichi and/or his acting skills? If you can, THANK YOU.