V6’s Okada Junichi will challenge filming in an altitude of 6,000 meters for his new starring film titled “Everest: Kamigami no Itadaki” (Everest: the Summit of Gods). Filming will start in Nepal this March. After successful roles in “Eien no Zero” and “Higurashino-Ki”, Okada is is set to fully open his inherent physical capabilities for his new role in the movie which is based from Yumemakura Baku‘s original novel.

Okada will play the role of Fukamachi Makoto, a photographer who found a camera supposedly own by British mountaineer George Mallory who went missing in the Everest until his body was found in 1999. Fascinated by Mallory’s past and if he did reach the world’s highest peak, Fukamachi will embark on a climb with legendary climber, Joji Habu to be played by Abe Hiroshi, a genius who isolates himself because of his reckless personality . In addition, actress Machiko Ono will play Kishi Ryoko, a woman who loves a climber and tries to find him.

Okada have started physically training his body to be able to adapt in a low oxygen environment. Aside from being proficient in martial arts, he also started with rock and mountain climbing. Okada is also eyeing to start training in a low oxygen chamber, he said that he’s looking forward to filming in Everest along with harsh shooting.

The movie has been in preparations for five years and the producers are glad to finally found an actor to accept this role. Filming will start in Nepal this March until summer with a budget of 1.5 Billion Yen. All cast and crew were given special insurances for this dangerous project.

“Everest: Kamigami no Itadaki” will be released next year.

(via Jnewseng, Nikkansports)