MAZZEL's RYUKI Makes Acting Debut in Yagira Yuya Film 'RYUJI'
This marks the first film role for a MAZZEL member, expanding the group's presence into acting alongside their music career.
Key Facts
- RYUKI of MAZZEL makes his acting debut in the film 'RYUJI', playing yakuza member Miyauchi.
- The film is a new adaptation of the 1983 film 'Ryuji', released 43 years later.
- The film releases on October 30, 2026.
- The theme song is 'It's not a bad life' by BE:FIRST, with JUNON of BE:FIRST also appearing in the cast.
- Advance movie tickets go on sale July 31 with a set of six original postcards as a bonus.
Reporting from 1 source: Cinema Today.
RYUKI, a member of the 8-member dance and vocal group MAZZEL, will make his acting debut in the film 'RYUJI', starring Yagira Yuya. The film is a new adaptation of the 1983 film 'Ryuji', which became a legend in Japanese film history after its screenwriter and lead actor Kaneko Masatsugu died eight days after the original release. RYUKI plays Miyauchi, a member of a rival yakuza organization who bears a deep grudge after being wounded by Ryuji in the past. The additional cast also includes Miyake Ken, Ito Hideaki, Chihara Junior, and Tanaka Misato. The film is directed by Nobuo Mizuta and releases on October 30. The theme song is 'It's not a bad life' by BE:FIRST, with JUNON of BE:FIRST also appearing in the cast as Hiroshi. Advance movie tickets go on sale July 31 with a set of six original postcards as a bonus.
RYUKI's character Miyauchi bears a large scar from his mouth to his ear, shown in the released visual. The role required him to use "sharp eyes and a powerful performance" to embody a man confronting Ryuji over past grievances.
Director Nobuo Mizuta is known for the drama series Yutori Desu ga Nani ka and films including Maiko Haaaan!!! and Confess Your Crimes. The theme song "It's not a bad life" was written by BE:FIRST, with JUNON participating in the lyrics and composition. The song uses a "hip-hop and R&B groove" and "powerful vocals" to depict Ryuji's way of life.
In the main trailer, Kawaguchi Haruna (Mariko), Hagiwara Riku (Nao), and JUNON (Hiroshi) provide part of the narration. The poster visual shows Ryuji standing in a downtown area with sharp eyes, Mariko smiling with warmth, and Nao and Hiroshi looking into the distance with gloomy expressions.
Miyake Ken, who plays Kazu, said in a comment: "In facing 'RYUJI Ryuji', what stayed in my heart was that 'wanting to live normally is the hardest thing.'" Ito Hideaki, playing Nitta, said: "Lead actor Yagira Yuya is a wonderful actor who faces his role directly and has the power to change the atmosphere." RYUKI commented: "I'm really happy to make my screen debut, which was one of my dreams! And above all, being able to work with such a luxurious cast, I think this is the best debut work for me!"
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Cinema Today MAZZEL・RYUKIが俳優デビュー！柳楽優弥主演映画『RYUJI 竜二』でヤクザ役