Wandance Unveils RAN of MAZZEL as Itsukushima Io in New Stills

New character stills from the film Wandance, which marks the first starring film role for JO of &TEAM, have been released, offering a look at RAN of MAZZEL as Itsukushima Io, the senior figure who recognizes protagonist Kabo’s dance talent.

Cool Exterior, Fierce Passion for Dance

The newly revealed images show Io listening to music on a university bench with a cool expression; a serious look as he faces a dance battle that matters deeply to him; and a profile captured just as he enters a dance move. Together, the stills hint at the gap between Io’s calm exterior and the intensity he brings to music and dance.

A Key Figure in TEAM ON

Io is a ghost member of TEAM ON, the dance team Kabo joins, yet he recognizes Kabo’s talent and encourages him to take on dance battles. As a key figure in the film, Io brings a distinctive presence to the story.

RAN has been entering dance battles since he was a child. Director Kusaba Naoya praised him, saying, “I don’t feel a single lie in his passion for dance.” Producer Aoki added, “The street-culture atmosphere he carries is not something even a highly skilled actor can easily bring out through acting alone. Beyond making the character of Io convincing, I thought he would raise the level of the film as a work about street dance.”

RAN on Finding Himself in Io

RAN also reflected on the similarities between himself and Io. “Io and I actually have many things in common, including our dance backgrounds, and I think our fundamental way of thinking and attitude toward dance are the same. Io is the type of person who entrusts himself to the music and dances naturally, and that is a part that links with me,” he said.

He continued, “The director respected the way I blended myself with Io, and I was able to express Io.” The comments look back on how he synchronized with the character through dance.

Speaking about the finished film, RAN said, “I felt that one of the key points of this story is that Io and Wanda are watching over Kabo as he tries to take a step forward. I think it has become a work that makes you want to muster the courage to break out of your shell.” RAN, who says he also read the original manga, is drawing attention for his performance as Io.

Release and Cast

Wandance opens nationwide in Japan on November 27 (Friday).

Manga and Anime

The original manga by Coffee is serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon and has surpassed 1.3 million copies in circulation. It has drawn strong support from dancers, and a TV anime adaptation aired last year and drew attention.

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