After 22-year-old actress Fumika Shimizu's sudden announcement of her retirement from the entertainment business on February 11, the production companies of the upcoming films that she has starred in have been busy taking measures for their release. The official website and Twitter for the live-action film adaptation of Sui Ishida's dark fantasy manga series Tokyo Ghoul, in which she is cast as the main heroine Touka Kirishima, has posted an official statement about the current situation.

"To everyone who is looking forward to the film 'Tokyo Ghoul': We are very sorry to have caused you anxiety for the film by a series of the reports on the cast. We are currently checking the situation. (continued)"

"In regard to the future, we will keep watching closely how the situation develops and discuss with

the parties concerned. The latest announcements will be published on this page as soon as it comes in.

We appreciate your understanding.

From the all staff of the film 'Tokyo Ghoul'"

Meanwhile, Daily Sports reported on February 14 that a sequel to Tokyo Ghoul was already planned and

Shimizu had been in negotiation to reprise her role as Touka Kirishima. Originally, the news should have

been kept secret by the release of the first film in Japan on July 29.

She stars at least three Japanese films to be released this year, Ankoku Joshi (April 1), Warau Manekineko

(April 29), and Tokyo Ghoul (July 29). While Ankoku Joshi and Tokyo Ghoul have already finished their

filming, it is confirmed that Warau Manekineko still have some scenes yet to be shot, but it seems impossible

to bring her back to the set for now.

As of now, no cancellation or postpone of the release of those films has been decided, and the two-part TV

anime The Dragon Dentist, in which she voices the protagonist Nonoko Kishii, is set to be aired on February

18 and 25 as originally scheduled.

"Tokyo Ghoul" film's main visual featuring Fumika Shimizu as Touka Kirishima

Source: "Tokyo Ghoul" live-action filmm official website, Daily Sports

© Sui Ishida/Shueisha

© "Tokyo Ghoul" Production Committee