Based on Arthur Golden's exotic and enthralling best-selling novel, “Memoirs of a Geisha” will begin production under Rob Marshall, the Oscar-nominated director of 'Chicago', acclaimed Steven Spielberg in a producer’s role and a veritable who's who of Far East superstars.

Golden’s acclaimed book chronicles the journey of an orphan from an impoverished fishing village whose life changes forever when she is sent to the city to learn the ways of high society. A geisha is a Japanese woman schooled in the art of dance, singing and conversation to be a companion for wealthy men. The book became a sensation around the world when it was first published in 1997.

'From the time I first read Arthur Golden's novel, I wanted to see this as a film,' Spielberg said. 'It's a uniquely compelling story rich with characters who take you into a world you have never experienced before, and there is no one better than Rob Marshall to bring all the poetry and artistry of Arthur Golden's novel to movie theaters all over the world.'

Spielberg had been attached to direct the film six years ago but later turned his attention instead to 'A.I.,' 'Minority Report' and 'Catch Me If You Can.'

The primary cast was assembled after an exhaustive search, which began with several months in Japan and continued throughout Asia to find the perfect actor for each role.

'We are thrilled to be using this beautiful piece of literature as an opportunity to bring together some of the greatest actors in the world, and certainly the most distinguished team of Asian actors ever assembled for an American movie,' said the film’s producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher.

Heading the cast is Ken Watanabe, who received an Academy Award nomination for “The Last Samurai” and is a top box office draw in his native Japan. Watanabe will portray The Chairman, the high-powered executive with whom the young geisha, Sayuri, falls in love. Watanabe, who stars in the upcoming “Batman Begins”, is also familiar to American audiences from the popular Japanese comedy “Tampopo”.

Chinese-born actress Zhang Ziyi will carry the lead role of Sayuri. Ziyi made an indelible impression on audiences around the world with her electrifying performance in Ang Lee's “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. Her credits also include “Rush Hour 2”, “Purple Butterfly” and the upcoming films “Hero”, and “House of Flying Daggers”. Ziyi, 25, has been working to perfect her English for several years and now speaks the language with little difficulty.

'This is the first time that I will play the lead in an English-language movie. It will be a big challenge, but the studios, producers and director have shown great confidence in me. I will continue to do my utmost to make this the best role I've ever played,' she told The Associated Press.

“Memoirs” reunites Ziyi with her “Tiger/Dragon” co-star and sparring partner Michelle Yeoh, who will portray Mameha, the elegant and experienced geisha who becomes Sayuri's mentor. The Malaysian-born action star was also featured in the James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies”.

Another Chinese actress, Gong Li, will portray Sayuri's stunning and treacherous rival Hatsumomo. Gong Li achieved international celebrity in “Ju Dou”, “Red Sorghum”, “Raise the Red Lantern” and “Shanghai Triad”, and other acclaimed films including “The Emperor and the Assassin”, “Temptress Moon” and “Farewell My Concubine”. Gong Li recently co-starred along side Zhang Ziyi in the soon-to-be-released “2046”.

Rounding out the principal cast is Japanese actor Koji Yakusho (“Shall We Dance?”) as Nobu, the brilliant but tragic businessman who seeks to become Sayuri's patron and another Japanese star Youki Kudoh (“Snow Falling on Cedars”) as Pumpkin, Sayuri's closest friend since childhood who also struggles on the path to becoming a geisha.

”Memoirs” is also utilizing the talents of Liza Dalby, world-renowned geisha expert and author of many definitive works on the culture of the geisha, including 'Geisha' and “Kimono”, as consultant in the making of this film.

'We could not be more excited about the extraordinary cast that we have in place for Memoirs of a Geisha,'' Rob Marshall advised The Associated Press. 'We are adapting a beloved piece of literature that has become a worldwide sensation, which made it important to me to assemble a cast with a prestigious international profile. I cannot wait to begin production this fall.'

In addition to an all-star cast, the film’s screenplay was written by Ron Bass, Akiva Goldsman and Robin Swicord. Back in 2001 there was speculation that Spielberg would direct 'Geisha', yet he later chose moved into producing the film. Spike Jonze of 'Adaptation' fame was also mentioned to direct in 2002. Yet, the role finally fell to Marshall who has long wanted to make this his next project, but was locked into a contract with Miramax Films. The rights to “Geisha” also rested with Columbia Pictures and DreamWorks SKG which led to lengthy negotiations that threatened to block Marshall’s participation in the film’s works.

'We are adapting a beloved piece of literature that has become a worldwide sensation, which made it important to me to assemble a cast with a prestigious international profile,' said Marshall, a Tony-winning Broadway director and choreographer.

Shooting on the Columbia Pictures / DreamWorks Films / Spyglass Entertainment feature film begins next month in Japan and Los Angeles for a scheduled 2005 release.