Kitano to return to yakuza films?

A quick bit of Beat gossip from Cyzo:

Kitano 'Beat' Takeshi's 15th feature film looks set to go before the cameras in August.

"It hasn't been officially announced yet, but it's unmistakably going to be about modern yakuza society. Also, in line with the wishes of investors, the cast will not feature actors from Kitano's regular stable, but has Shiina Kippei as well as Kitano himself in the leading roles, with Miura Tomokazu and Kase Ryo in support." (according to a film industry insider)

We also understand that it will be shot on location in Kobe, the home ground of the Yamaguchi-gumi.

"It seems Kitano was a bit spooked when he first learned he'd be filming in Kobe, but then he heard from local film people that the gang had shifted their base to Nagoya, and also found out that only recently lawyers had held anti-mob demos around the gang's offices, so he was relieved to hear that their influence in Kobe was diminishing." (according to a TV producer close to Kitano)