Miki Nakatani in movie Hankyu Densha

Miki Nakatani (34) will once again be playing an unfortunate woman in her next major movie role. She has been cast as the star of "Hankyu Densha," a movie adaptation of the novel of the same name by Hiro Arikawa ("Toshokan Sensou"). Erika Toda (21) has also been cast.

"Hankyu Densha" tells the story of various people with their own troubles, whose encounters with other people while riding the train lead them to take life-changing steps. The central setting of the film is the local Imazu Line of the Hankyu Railway, which runs in the Hyogo prefecture connecting the cities of Nishinomiya and Takarazuka.

Although the film follows several characters, Nakatani's character will be at the center of the story. She plays an OL in her 30s who was engaged to her boyfriend when she entered her company, but he was stolen away by a younger co-worker. Meanwhile, Toda plays a college student with a good-for-nothing boyfriend. Other characters include a housewife who has trouble making friends and a high school student who is worried about her course in life. It is said that some of the Takarazuka stars may make cameo appearances.

Nakatani previously played the "unfortunate character" in movies such as "Memories of Matsuko" and "Jigyaku no Uta."

"Hankyu Densha" is scheduled to start filming this December. Theatrical release is planned for early summer 2011.

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