■“An interesting lie is better than a boring truth.” That’s the way I want to portray it.” (Masaharu Fukuyama)
It has been decided that the movie “Black Showman” starring Masaharu Fukuyama and Kasumi Arimura will be released.
The original work is the novel “The Black Showman and the Murder in the Nameless Town” (published by Kobunsha Bunko) by Keigo Higashino, a rare hit maker whose cumulative circulation has exceeded 100 million copies. Keigo Higashino, who has created many charming protagonists such as detectives, physicists, detectives, and psychics, has created a top-notch magician next. The cumulative domestic circulation of the series has exceeded 780,000 copies, and since its publication in 2020, it is a blockbuster novel that has been translated into many languages and read all over the world. Now, the novel “The Black Showman and the Murder in the Nameless Town” has finally been made into a movie.
An artist will play Takeshi Kamio, a very unique protagonist who has excellent magic and skillful human observation skills that have made him famous in Las Vegas, but is also serious about money and lies like he breathes. Masaharu Fukuyama is a one-of-a-kind national star who continues to be active on the front lines both as an actor and as an actor, and is able to express himself in a wide range of ways, from static to dynamic, from a genius physicist to a patriot at the end of the Edo period.
The production team approached the original author about making a film, and based on the process of producing Galileo, they mentioned Fukuyama’s name for the role of the main character, Takeshi. Higashino, who knows Fukuyama well, readily agreed, saying, “That’s natural.” After that, I approached Fukuyama and he readily agreed. The two even had a conversation saying, “It would be great if we could work together again someday.” That story has already come true. In fact, Higashino was inspired to write this work because of Fukuyama’s words, “I want to play a dark hero.”
Fukuyama played the main character, genius physicist Manabu Yukawa, and the TV drama started in 2007, with two seasons of drama, “Suspect X’s Devotion” (2008), “Midsummer Equation” (2013), The golden duo of the “Galileo” series, whose three movies “Silent Parade” (2022) were all huge hits, has teamed up again to create a new dark movie. A hero is born.
Furthermore, she plays Mayo Kamio, who is the niece of Takeshi Kamio played by Fukuyama, and after her father is murdered by someone, she teams up with Takeshi and works hard to solve the murder case.She plays a love story to a comedy. Kasumi Arimura is a top actor who captivates people with his solid acting skills and brilliantly plays a variety of roles, including historical dramas. This will be Fukuyama and Arimura’s first time co-starring. Expectations are high for the chemical reaction between these two top runners in the entertainment industry and the birth of a new great buddy.
The man behind the scenes is director Ryo Tanaka, who has worked on many hit series such as the “Confidence Man JP” series and the “Ichikei no Karasu” series.
Fukuyama, who is taking on a new approach as a dark hero, said, “I will do my best to create a video work that meets and even exceeds the expectations of the world of Black Showman as depicted by Mr. Higashino and the fans of the original work. Arimura, who takes on the difficult role of killing his father, says, “If I had had the courage to face it properly at that time, I could have avoided it, but my inner fear got in the way and I pressed the wrong button.” I would like to spend time with Mayo while reflecting on myself.”
This is the first time for the two to collaborate, and Fukuyama said, “I feel that they always approach each other with all their heart, sincerely, and are determined to sacrifice themselves for their work. I’m really looking forward to seeing what kind of session it will be.” (Fukuyama) “It’s wonderful.” I will work hard with everyone until the end to form a good buddy.” (Arimura) said.
Keigo Higashino, who will be teaming up with Fukuyama again, said, “I’m looking forward to seeing Fukuyama-san’s villainous side. I’m also looking forward to Kasumi Arimura’s performance as she is swayed by the protagonist.I sincerely congratulate the birth of this great duo.” We have the trust and high expectations of our customers.
■Masaharu Fukuyama comment
We will do our best to create a video work that meets and exceeds the expectations of Higashino-sensei’s Black Showman world and fans of the original work.
The character I play, Takeshi Kamio, is a former magician.
There are three characters in the word “mouth” in the magic trick.
He creates an extraordinary space with words and actions that mix reality and fiction.
“An interesting lie is better than a boring truth.” That’s the way I want to portray it.
We are preparing for the new era of dark hero Takeshi Kamio entrusted to us by Mr. Higashino.
This is my first time working with Arimura-san, but we previously spoke on the sidelines of the Hochi Film Awards ceremony.
I feel his sincerity in always putting his heart and soul into his work, and his determination to sacrifice himself for his work.
I’m really looking forward to seeing what kind of session it will be.■Kasumi Arimura comment
I think there are things in life that range from the small things like “I didn’t mean it that way” to the big things. Things that could have been avoided if I had had the courage to face them properly at that time, but my inner fear gets in the way and I press the wrong button. I would like to spend time with Mayo while reflecting on myself. When I first met Mr. Fukuyama at the award ceremony, I remember saying that it would be great if we could create a work together. I will do my best with everyone until the end to form a wonderful buddy.■Original work: Keigo Higashino Comments
When I was writing my new work and was thinking about what kind of protagonist to play, I heard from Masaharu Fukuyama, “I’d like to play a dark hero.” Indeed, I wanted to see Mr. Fukuyama’s villain, which is what led me to write “The Black Showman”. The main character is not a person of character or justice, but acts only for the pleasure of deceiving others. Even if he pursues the mystery of his brother’s murder, he will not take any reasonable measures. I’m looking forward to seeing Mr. Fukuyama’s villainous side. I have high expectations for Kasumi Arimura’s performance as she is swayed by the main character. We sincerely congratulate the birth of this great duo.■Director: Ryo Tanaka Comment
Masaharu Fukuyama breathes life into the “new hero who will do whatever it takes to solve mysteries” created by Keigo Higashino. And Kasumi Arimura is my niece who will be my buddy. Is there ever a more exciting combination? The entire cast and staff will do their best to make sure that you can experience the rush and exhilaration that made you unable to stop turning the pages when you read the original for the first time. Please be immersed in the best entertainment show from the movie “Black Showman”!
Movie information
“Black Showman”
Released in 2025
Original work: Keigo Higashino “Black Showman and Murder in a Nameless Town” (published by Kobunsha Bunko)
Director: Ryo Tanaka
Screenplay: Natsu Hashimoto
Starring: Masaharu Fukuyama, Kasumi Arimura, and others
Distribution: Toho
(C)2025 “Black Showman” Production Committee
■Story
Eiichi Kamio, a former junior high school teacher, was murdered by someone. Mayo Kamio (Kasumi Arimura) was planning to get married in two months, but upon hearing of her father Eiichi’s sudden death, she returns to her hometown. Since the spread of the coronavirus, the town has lost its vitality as tourists have moved away. A murder incident occurred at that time… Why did Eiichi, who was admired by many of his students as a teacher, have to be killed? Mayo, who wants to know the truth, appears in front of her uncle Takeshi Kamio (Masaharu Fukuyama). He is a former magician who once made a name for himself in Las Vegas. Armed with outstanding magic (+ poor technique) and mentalist-level skillful human observation and guided questioning, Takeshi, together with his niece Mayo, takes on the mystery of a murder case in which a precious family member was murdered! !
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