An ancient Roman architect (specializing in baths) struggling to invent new ideas for baths accidentally slips through time and resurfaces in a public bath house in modern day Japan!? Traveling back and forth between ancient Rome and modern day Japan, this hilarious, highly original time slip bath-driven manga – “THERMAE ROMAE” (currently serialized in Comic Beam Monthly) will be miraculously transformed into a live action film starring Hiroshi Abe and Aya Ueto!!
The film is an adaptation of the wildly popular manga that won both the “2010 Manga Grand Prix” and the “14th Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize Short Story Award.” (Volume 3 on sale April 25 / Enterbrain, Inc.) The title “THERMAE ROMAE” means “Roman Bath.” The three volumes published to date have sold over 2.5 million copies and are hailed by the media as the “hottest” manga today. THERMAE ROMAE” is the brainchild of up-and-coming manga artist Mari Yamazaki, whose husband is Italian. Hiroshi Abe is perfectly cast in the lead role of ancient Roman Lucius while Aya Ueto plays the adorable heroine Mami, an aspiring Japanese manga artist. The screenplay is by Shogo Muto, who also scripted the film “Crows ZERO” and dramas “Train Man” and “Hanazakari No Kimitachi E.” The film is directed by Hideki Takeuchi of film and drama “Nodame Cantabile” and dramas “Train Man” and “Kamisama, Mou Sukoshidake.” The project brings together a star-studded cast and staff, and features scenes shot on the colossal open set of ancient Rome at Cinecitta Studios, the premiere film studio in Italy.
Proud ancient Roman architect, Lucius, is flabbergasted by every aspect of Japan‟s bath culture, and his beliefs are shaken to the core. His every move, rife with humor and wit, is sure to make you laugh, but the story also explores in depth the origins of the Japanese and ancient Roman “bath” cultures. Witness the birth of an epic, fantastical comedy masterpiece that is both uproariously funny and deeply touching!
Comment from Hiroshi Abe
I loved the original manga‟s idea of comparing Japan‟s bath culture with ancient Rome‟s “thermae” culture. The concept of crossing over time and space and people interacting “in the buff” is somehow both heartwarming and comical, but I intend to play the role of ancient Roman Lucius with great seriousness.
Comment from Aya Ueto
The premise of traveling back and forth in time between ancient Rome and modern day Japan, and Hiroshi Abe playing an ancient Roman, Lucius, is too hilarious. As a representative of the “flat-faced clan” I will do my best in my portrayal of Mami.