“Haha no Okurimono,” a work by the late screenwriter Kuniko Mukoda, is being adapted to both the small screen and the stage. The two versions will be completed later this year, in honor of the 80th anniversary of Mukoda’s birth.

The story focuses on the two mothers of a couple that is about to get married. In the drama version, which will air as a single episode on TBS this fall, Keiko Takeshita and Hisako Manda play the mothers, while Yuki Shimizu and KAT-TUN’s Yuichi Nakamaru play the couple. Other cast members include B-Saku Sato and Koji Ishizaka.

The stage version will be performed in October at Tokyo’s Mitsukoshi Theater. Shimizu will still play the bride, but the groom will by played by fellow Johnny’s member Mizuki Sano.

Official site: http://www.tbs.co.jp/hahanookurimono/

Here’s a pic of the cast:

(Image source: miyake1028)

Set in Yokohama, the story is an original work about young men receiving intense training while experiencing youth, frustration, and the preciousness of life. Nakamaru will play the role of Kitashima Daichi *[北島大地], a special advanced rescue team cadet. Masuda Takahisa (22) of NEWS will also be appearing in the drama as Kitashima’s close cadet friend, Tezuka Shigeru. *[手塚豊]

Complete cooperation of the Yokohama City Safety Administration Bureau has been obtained and the two actors have visited the Yokohama City Safety Administration Bureau’s Residential Disaster Prevention Center. They have practiced things like descending a rope from 7 meters up and have learned the same practical skills as a real rescue team.

“First, I must build muscle. Because the group members do 500 sit-ups every day, I’m aiming for that goal and I’ll do my best,” Nakamaru said with a fighting spirit. Masuda, who will be working with Nakamaru for the first time, said in high spirits, “(With Nakamaru,) I want to help each other out and make it a ‘plus’.”

Also set to appear in the drama are Yamamoto Yuusuke, Kaname Jun, Ishibashi Ryo, and Ishiguro Ken.

*Note: Character names may be incorrect. Name kanji are not my forte.

(Source 1, Source 2)