Takeru Sato in popular Japanese Manga Ruruoni Kenshin

TOKYO: A live-action film adaption of popular Japanese manga (graphic novel) "Ruruoni Kenshin", which stars Japanese actor Takeru Sato as the film's hero Kenshin Himura, will go into production in July, reported Japanese media.

"Ruruoni Kenshin" revolves around Himura, a master samurai who had slain countless men over the course of his career as the deadly assassin Hitokiri Battousai.

He vows to stop killing after the Meiji Restoration, a series of events that restored imperial rule to Japan, leaving his life of bloodshed behind to lead the life of a wanderer who protects the weak with his skills.

"Everyone knows the character Kenshin in the original work. I think engaging acting is required.

"I will work with the production staff to create a Kenshin that stays true to the details [in the Manga]," said 22-year-old Sato, who is now undergoing swordsmanship training.

The creator of "Ruruoni Kenshin", 41-year-old manga artist Nobuhiro Watsuki, was happy that the role of Kenshin Himura went to Sato.

"When the project first began, I and my wife were discussing who should play Kenshin, and Takeru Sato was the first person who came to mind.

"So when it was confirmed [that Sato would play Himura], I was surprised but also very happy," said Watsuki.

The rest of the film's cast will be announced at a later date.

Warner Brothers will produce the film, which is scheduled for a 2012 release.

CNA