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Singer Tomohisa Yamashita Plays Himself in Toriko Anime

Japanese singer and actor Tomohisa Yamashita, also known as YamaP, will play himself in the June 24 episode of the Toriko television anime series. Yamashita commented that the recording process was difficult at first, but he quickly adapted during the session. The idol also said that he is looking forward to seeing his likeness in the anime.

Yamashita's ending theme song "Love Chase" has featured in the series since April. The song was Yamashita's first anime theme song that he contributed as a solo artist. The ending theme's single CD will ship in Japan on July 4.

The singer was once part of the band NEWS. In addtion to his solo musical career, he has starred in Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Kurosagi, and most recently the live-action adaptation of Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba's classic boxing manga Ashita no Joe. He also has a recurring role as the adult Suneo in Toyota's live-action Doraemon commercials with French movie star Jean Reno. Yamashita's second album Ero will ship in Japan on July 25, and he will start a Japanese nationwide tour on July 28.

Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro launched the original Toriko action manga in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. The anime adaptation of Toriko launched in April 2011, and Funimation and Hulu have been streaming the series in North America. The manga, which Viz Media publishes in North America, has also inspired card games, toys, sweets, and PSP games.

Source: Oricon

Image © Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro/Shueisha・Fuji TV・Toei Animation