Jake Zyrus stars in Japanese film ‘Yaru Onna’

“I play the role of Akira, parang (who is like the) best friend ako nung bida na si (of the protagonist) Aiko, played by Kang Ji-Young,” Jake said in an interview with ABS-CBN. (File Photo: Jake Zyrus/Facebook)

From joining local singing contests to being a Youtube sensation to tapping the international music scene, to making headlines about his transition; this time, Jake Zyrus goes international on the big screen.

“I play the role of Akira, parang (who is like the) best friend ako nung bida na si (of the protagonist) Aiko, played by Kang Ji-Young,” Jake said in an interview with ABS-CBN.

This may not be the first time for him to go global, but this is the first time for a movie role.

“Yaru Onna” which translates to “She’s a killer” in English is a Japanese film centering on a contract killer named Aiko, in search of those who murdered her family.

“Isa siyang assassin tapos ako ‘yung tumutulong sa kanya na maghanap ng next target niya (She is an assassin and I am the one who helps her in looking for her next target),” Jake shared.

In the film’s less-than-two-minute-trailer, apart from blood spilling and gunshots ringing, Jake was featured in a scene – a conversation between Akira and Aiko.

Though Jake’s career was mostly focused on his music, performance, and judgement, he revealed that the Japanese producers of the film chose him for the role.

“They handpicked me for the role. Last year, nag-start kami mag-shoot. Kaya sa movie, maliit pa ang boses ko, before the transition ‘yun (We started shooting last year. That is why in the movie, my voice is still smaller, because that was before the transition),” he added.

According to Jake, he also sang movie’s theme song.

Describing the working behind the film, Jake said that the staff were easy to work and get along with.

“Nakakatuwa pa akala nila nag-transition na ako noong andoon na ako (they thought I already transitioned when I was still there filming) and they’re very respectful about it,” he said.

Jake also said that he really appreciated that in the credits of the movie – also seen on the trailer – the words “Charice Pempengco a.k.a. Jake Zyrus” was flashed.

“Pinalitan din nila talaga (they really changed it) and they’ve been supportive about it,” he added.

“Yaru Onna” is set to hit the Japanese theaters on October 27, while it is still uncertain if it will be aired in Philippine cinemas.