Japanese studio Toei has sold puppy drama Wasao to Hong Kong’s Golden Scene, Taiwan’s Catchplay and Encore Films for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

The film features a real-life “busakawa-ken” (Japanese for ugly but cute dog), which became a celebrity in Japan and has been featured in magazines, blogs and TV series. Production took place in Wasao’s real home in the mountainous north of Japan in October-November this year and the film is scheduled for local release on March 5, 2011.

The lead role of Wasao’s owner is played by Hiroko Yakushimaru, whose credits include hit family drama Always - Sunset Of Third Street and its sequel. The director of the film, Yoshinari Nishikori, previously directed Railways, starring Kiichi Nakai, which was released in Japan earlier this year.

Toei’s slate also includes the 3D version of Kinji Fukasaku’s cult action thriller Battle Royale, Takashi Miike’s Zebraman 2: Attack On Zebra City and romantic thriller Strangers In The City, directed sby Junji Sakamoto.

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