Tomorrow’s Joe Movie Official Trailer

Finally, a movie adaptation of the epic boxing manga “Ashita no Joe“! Also called “Tomorrow’s Joe“, this movie will be screened in theatres in Singapore from 20 October 2011.

Otaku House is the promotion partner for Tomorrow’s Joe movie, so look out for Tomorrow’s Joe movie promotions with us coming up in the week!

Read movie review by Tsukuyo Nin here.

Synopsis

Adapted from a critically acclaimed boxing manga masterpiece (Ashita No Joe), Joe Yabuki (Tomohisa Yamashita) meets Danpei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa)  and then Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya), both of whom motivate him to take his first steps into the world of boxing. As a person, and as a man, Joe finds his purpose in life. Through facing the tough realities of his destiny, the character of Joe Yabuki moves audiences and gives them courage, winning the love of millions of fans both young and old.

Introduction to Tomorrow’s Joe (Ashita no Joe)

Tomorrow’s Joe (aka Ashita No Joe) is a critically acclaimed boxing manga masterpiece that captivated the hearts of all Japan since 1968.  Originally serialized between 1968 and 1973 in Weekly Shonen Magazine, the timeless masterpiece Tomorrow’s Joe (written by Asao Takamori, illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba, published by Kodansha) has sold over 20 million copies to date. Tomorrow’s Joe was adapted into a hit animated TV series in 1970-71 and again in 1980-81, in addition to two theatrical animated features released in 1980 and 1981.

While living a life in the shadows of society, Joe Yabuki meets Danpei Tange and then Rikiishi, both of whom motivate him to take his first steps into the world of boxing. As a person, and as a man, Joe finds his purpose in life. Through facing the tough realities of his destiny, the character of Joe Yabuki moves audiences and gives them courage, winning the love of millions of fans both young and old.

When the fans of the series saw the death of Rikiishi, there was a special funeral for him. In March 1970, about 700 people packed the streets dressed in black, wearing black armbands and ribbons with flowers and incense, participated in the funeral. The event was called for by poet Shuji Terayama. The service was conducted too, in a full scale boxing ring watched over by a Buddhist Priest. As for Joe, he is still a cult favourite in Japanese pop culture to the present day. On 13 October 2006, Tomorrow’s Joe was also voted 4th out of 100 in “Japanese Favourite TV Anime” among celebrities votes.

More than 40 years after Tomorrow’s Joe original publication, its powerful impact remains unchanged. Now, the first ever live-action adaptation has finally been released; starring popular cast & award-winning crew.

Joe Yabuki is played by popular 25-year-old actor and singer Tomohisa Yamashita (Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Kurosagi) of the idol group NEWS; while his nemesis Rikiishi is played by Yusuke Iseya (Kaiji 2, 13 Assassins, Casshern, Honey and Clover). Seeing the innate talent in Joe is one-time boxer Danpei Tange, played by Teruyuki Kagawa (20th Century Boys, Tsurugidake Tennoki, Tales from Earthsea).  Lending support and concern over Rikiishi’s physical well-being is Yuko Shiraki, played by Karina.  Fumihiko Sori (Ping Pong, Vexille – 2077 Isolation of Japan, To (OAV), Dragon Age) is the director.

This powerful cast bring everything they have to their roles, fully inhabiting the iconic characters of Tomorrow’s Joe in this live action blockbuster.