Japan Latest Gossip News Info Drama Actor Girls

Idol Group S Mileage auditon for new members

2011-08-14T23:40:00.000-07:00

The Hello! Project idol group S/mileage has announced the results of its recent audition for new members. Five new girls have been added, but they will start out as “sub” members rather than as official members.

The auditions started in June and roughly 2,000 people entered in the initial round. The field was narrowed down to 12 girls for the final round, and producer Tsunku selected five of the finalists to join S/mileage as sub-members.

The five new faces are Katsuta Rina (13), Kosuga Fuyuka (13), Nakanishi Kana (14), Tamura Meimi (12), and Takeuchi Akari (13).

The first single that the new members will participate on is “Tachiagirl” (タチアガール), scheduled for release on September 28. They are also expected to participate in S/mileage’s nationwide tour that begins on September 10. They will also appear with the four current official members in a new photobook titled “S/mileage 1″ that goes on sale on September 26.

Tsunku plans to wait until at least the end of October before formally announcing whether each of the new recruits will become an official member. If they don’t become part of S/mileage, he says that they may become Hello! Pro Eggs, debut as a separate group, or even leave Hello! Project completely.

Sources:
Natalie
Mantan Web

Matsushima Nanako returned in drama Kaseifu no Mita

2011-08-14T23:37:00.000-07:00

Matsushima Nanako (37) will take on the starring role for an NTV drama this fall, her first television series since 2009. Titled “Kaseifu no Mita,” the story is an original work by screenwriter Yukawa Kazuhiko, whom she previously worked with for the shows “GTO” and “Majo no Jouken.”

In the drama, Matsushima plays a mysterious housekeeper named Mita Akari, whose age is a secret and who is completely unsociable. However, she is perfect in her housework, and through her work she resolves hidden issues among the family members of the homes she is dispatched to. Despite her clients’ eventual wishes to keep her as a permanent housekeeper, she always moves on to the next job, where a fresh set of domestic problems await.

The rest of the cast has not yet been announced, but NTV has launched the show’s preliminary website. Broadcast is scheduled for Wednesdays at 10:00pm, starting this October.

Source:
Cinema Today

Singer Sakamoto Maaya married with Suzumura Kenichi

2011-08-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

Singer and voice actress Sakamoto Maaya (31) is now married to voice actor Suzumura Kenichi (36), it was recently revealed. The two of them announced on their official websites that they registered their marriage on August 8, 2011.

Sakamoto and Suzumura have worked together for many anime series in the past, including “Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny” (as Lunamaria Hawke and Shinn Asuka) and “Ouran High School Host Club” (as Fujioka Haruhi and Hitachiin Hikaru).

Source:
Natalie

Ayase Haruka and Takuya Kimura in drama Nankyoku Tairiku

2011-08-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

Actress Ayase Haruka (26) has just been revealed as the heroine of the big-budget TBS drama series “Nankyoku Tairiku” that will air this fall. This teams her up once again with SMAP’s Kimura Takuya (38), as they previously co-starred in the 2009 series “MR.BRAIN” and the 2006 drama special for the “HERO” franchise.

As announced in January, “Nankyoku Tairiku” focuses on the difficulties faced by Japan’s first Antarctic research expedition team, who were also the subject of the hit 1983 film “Nankyoku Monogatari.” In particular, one of the most notable aspects of that expedition was the miraculous survival of two of the dogs – out of the original 19 Sakhalin Huskies – even after the expedition team was forced to leave them behind and retreat from their base due to extreme weather conditions.

Kimura plays a researcher named Kuramochi Takeshi, one of the leaders of the team. Ayase plays the part of an elementary school teacher named Takaoka Miyuki, the younger sister of Kuramochi’s deceased wife. The role is said to be a painful one, as she deals with the loneliness and uneasiness caused by Kuramochi being on the dangerous Antarctic expedition.

“Nankyoku Tairiku” will premiere this October in TBS’s Sunday 9:00pm time slot.

Source:
Sankei Sports

One Ok Rock release 5th album Zankyou Reference

2011-08-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Just recently ONE OK ROCK had started a mysterious count down on their official homepage and with it reaching 00:00 a new album has been announced along with a two-day performance at Yokohama Arena.

The album will be released on October 5th 2011 and will be titled "Zankyou Reference ". It is their 5th original album and will include the previously released songs like "Re:make" and "No SCARED".

Moreover, from November the band will be going on their new tour, which eventually will be leading them to two days at Yokohama Arena on January 21st and 22nd 2012.

Details will be announced soon.

5th Album "Zankyou Reference"
Released Date: 2011/10/05
[First Press Limited Edition] 3,150Yen (tax in)
[Regular Edition] 2,800Yen (tax in)

News Credits: Music Japan+

Kimura Kaela return at Akasaka Blitz

2011-08-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Kimura Kaela Returning onto the Stage of Akasaka BLITZ!
2011-08-05
Kimura Kaela / live
On August 3rd 2011, pop-singer Kimura Kaela has returned onto the stage of Akasaka BLITZ. It was her first live performance since she had given birth to her child and a triumphant return for the "XYLISH presents Welcome Home Tour 2011". It had been about a year and a half since her last performance.

"Thank you, I am Kimura Kaela", she greeted. "Welcome to my Welcome Home Tour! And, and...I am home! I had been waiting for this day to come. And I am so excited! I had been talking about how to actually do this performance before...but it's going unexpectedly well."

Kimura performed in front of 1,700 people presenting nostalgic and recent songs, along with her new single "Kidoairaku + Ai", which has just been released on August 3rd 2011 as well.

Article Credits: Music Japan+
Image Credits: photobucket

Ito Hideaki new drama Last Mone Ai mo Nedan

2011-07-26T07:12:00.001-07:00

Broadcaster NHK has announced that actor Ito Hideaki (35) will star in a new drama series titled “Last Money ~Ai no Nedan~.” Inspired by a real-life series of murders for insurance money, the show is described as a tale of psychological suspense revolving around themes of love and money.

Ito, who has never before played the lead in an NHK series, has been cast as a claims adjuster for a life insurance company. While burdened with a past trauma involving an insurance claim, he begins investigating a woman suspected of marriage fraud, played by Takashima Reiko.

Supporting cast members include Nakamaru Yuichi (KAT-TUN), Matsushige Yutaka, Tabata Tomoko, Tanaka Tetsushi, Ibu Masato, and Natsuyagi Isao.

“Last Money” begins airing on September 13 in NHK’s Tuesday 10:00pm time slot and will continue for 7 episodes.

Source:
Oricon

Takei Emi as heroine Ruruoni Kenshin

2011-07-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

The heroine of the “Rurouni Kenshin” live-action movie has just been revealed. Rising star Takei Emi (17) will take on the role of Kamiya Kaoru, playing opposite lead actor Sato Takeru’s (22) Himura Kenshin.

The movie, based on Watsuki Nobuhiro’s popular manga of the same name, was just officially confirmed last month. Filming begins in August, so Takei is already preparing with training in swordplay and other skills.

Theatrical release is planned for summer 2012.

Takei recently starred in the manga-to-drama adaptation “Asukou March!” She has also landed major roles in the 2012 taiga drama “Taira no Kiyomori” and the 2012 movie “Ai to Makoto 201X.”

Sources:
Oricon
Eiga.com

SKE46 member Yagami Kumi debut in first film

2011-07-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

SKE48 members Matsui Jurina (14) and Yagami Kumi (17) are making their movie debuts together in a film titled “WAYA! Uchuu Ichi no Osekkai Daisakusen,” it has been learned.

Directed by Kohatsu Yo, the film stars comedian Itoda Jun, a member of the duo Speed Wagon. The story is set in the Endouji shopping arcade in Nagoya, near SKE48′s base in Sakae.

Itoda plays the part of Kantaro, a young man working at the cleaners who is chosen as the head of the arcade’s youth organization. He decides to plan a big event in honor of the arcade’s chairman, a stubborn old man named Shige (Yazaki Shigeru) who has been running a wooden clog shop for 30 years. However, his true objective is to reconcile the relationship between Shige and Shige’s friend Nobu (Lou Oshiba) after the two have a fight. But Kantaro’s little white lie ends up growing, turning his meddlesome plan into a mess.

Matsui plays Sanae, the granddaughter of the stubborn old man, while Yagami plays a cool high school student. Matsui was actually only 13 when the movie was filmed, even though her character is 18 years old.

Both Matsui and Yagami were chosen for their parts through an audition involving all of the SKE48 members, held by the director at the group’s theater in Sakae.

The cast also includes Itoda’s comedy partner Ozawa Kazuhiro, Mizuno Miki, Fujita Tomoko, Moro Morooka, Miwa Mizuki, and Kojima Noriko.

“WAYA! Uchuu Ichi no Osekkai Daisakusen” will open first in Nagoya in October, and other theaters across the country will follow.

Sources:
Eiga.com

2NE1 debut a mini album in Japan September

2011-07-26T07:04:00.001-07:00

2NE1 set for September debut in Japan

Due to the earthquake in Japan, 2NE1's debut plans were delayed. However, come September, 2NE1 will be making a lightning debut in Japan with a formal mini-album. YG Entertainment stated, "On September 21st, 2NE1 will be releasing a mini album and making their official debut in Japan through popular Japanese agency, Avex Entertainment."

On March 11th of this year, 2NE1 had visited Japan in order to appear on a popular music program in Japan, "Music Station". However, due to a huge earthquake at the time, their appearance and the release of their album were both postponed.

With their debut album release coming up, a download service for "I am the Best" will begin on Japan's biggest music mobile site, "Rekochoku," on July 20th, to kick off the 2NE1 countdown. To follow up, on August 10th and August 31st, they will release two more of their hit Korean songs as Japanese versions. Just like their group name, it will be in intervals of 21 days.

Leader CL stated, "After experiencing such hardships together, we feel closer with everyone. This time, we hope that we can create stages that we can enjoy together." Fellow member Sandara Park also revealed, "Still, when I think about the earthquake that day, my heart beats fast. It was a tough time but we'll still be going to Japan to work hard on our activities."

Are you excited for 2NE1 to debut in Japan?

Source: Herald M and YG Ladies
Credits: Karina @ Koreaboo

Toda Erika in drama series SPEC

2011-07-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

The hit drama series “SPEC ~Keishichou Kouanbu Kouan Daigoka Mishou Jiken Tokubetsu Taisakugakari Jikenbo~” from last year is going to continue in the form of a special episode and a theatrical movie. Toda Erika (22) and Kase Ryo (36) will return as co-stars.

Originally broadcast during the fall of 2010, “SPEC” was the spiritual successor to the 1999 drama series “Keizoku.” Toda and Kase played two police detectives dealing with unnatural cases, leading them into confrontation against people with special powers known as SPECs.

The special episode will air before the release of the movie, though no specific broadcast date has been announced yet. The episode is tentatively titled “SPEC ~Keishichou Kouanbu Kouan Daigoka Mishou Jiken Tokubetsu Taisakugakari Jikenbo~ Shou” and will take place one year after the drama series, focusing on addressing some of the questions that were left unanswered.

The movie is tentatively titled ”SPEC ~Keishichou Kouanbu Kouan Daigoka Mishou Jiken Tokubetsu Taisakugakari Jikenbo~ Ten.” Like the original series and the special episode, Tsutsumi Yukihiko (55) will direct. Details are still unknown, but the release has been scheduled for spring 2012.

tokyograph

Mizuki Alisa is dating with young actor Shimuzu Ryotaro

2011-07-11T08:45:00.001-07:00

Actress and singer Mizuki Alisa (34) is said to currently be in a relationship with actor Shimizu Ryotaro (22). According to the Sports Nippon newspaper, the two of them started dating earlier this year, and Shimizu has already openly informed his father, comic impersonator Shimizu Akira (57).

Mizuki is currently starring in the TBS drama series “Hanawake no Yon-shimai” that started on Sunday. As previously reported, that drama makes this her 20th year in a row that she has had a starring role in a television series.

Shimizu, on the other hand, is a relatively new actor. He started out in 2006 with a minor role in “Komyo ga Tsuji.” He has also appeared in dramas such as “Elite Yankee Saburo” and the third season of “Gokusen.”

When reached for comment, Mizuki’s and Shimizu’s agencies both simply stated that the two are good friends.

Source:
Sponichi Annex

Buono! Trio first movie Gomennasai

2011-07-11T08:43:00.001-07:00

Hello! Project trio Buono! will star together in a movie for the first time. The movie is titled “Gomennasai” and is an adaptation of a popular mobile phone novel. Asato Mari (“Ju-on: Kuroi Shoujo”) is directing.

“Gomennasai” is a horror story set in a high school in the Kanagawa prefecture. The three main characters are Hidaka Yuka (Suzuki Airi), Kurobane Hinako (Natsuyaki Miyabi), and Sonoda Shiori (Tsugunaga Momoko). The story starts when Shiori is unable to beat the talented Hinako in a test, and she begins getting harassed about it. Hinako is later forced to write the script for a play that will be performed at the school festival, but from that point on, people around them begin to mysteriously die one by one.

The three members of Buono! will also apparently appear in secondary roles as themselves, addressing the audience about real-life horror stories.

The movie is scheduled to be released this fall. Buono! will also sing the theme song, which has not been given a title yet.

tokyograph

Inoue Mao filming drama Ohisama in Azumino

2011-07-11T08:29:00.001-07:00

On the 8th, actress Inoue Mao filmed on location in Azumino, Nagano for NHK's current asadora Ohisama. It has been exactly a year since filming first began in Azumino. On the day of filming, soba flowers were in full bloom. The sunny weather also allowed for filming to be completed smoothly.

Set in the Showa period, the times have finally settled down as it reached 1950 (Showa 25). The scenes filmed that day will show the dream of the Maruyama family. These will air during weeks 20 to 22 of the drama, which will be broadcasted from August 15 to September 3.

For Inoue it is her second time filming on location in Azumino. She says, "It's been a year since the crank-in. The seasons have come and gone, but it's great to come back." With the effects of the Tohoku earthquake, there are many things people are reflecting upon these days. Inoue believes there are lots of meaningful lines in the drama, with many more messages still to be conveyed. "I'm really grateful to play a character who cherishes everything around her."

It's the first time for Kora Kengo to film on location in Azumino. He plays of the role of Inoue's husband in the drama. Kora says that he's happy to be in Azumino. "The scenery here is amazing. There's an entirely new feeling you get filming on location than in the studio." With another month left to go, everyone promises to do their best to complete the filming.

Compiled from: Daily Sports Online & Nikkan Sports
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net

Toda Erika and Kase Ryo in drama SPEC

2011-07-11T08:26:00.001-07:00

Horikita Maki in NHK Drama Umechan Sensei

2011-07-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

Actress Horikita Maki (22) has officially been announced as the star of an upcoming NHK morning drama, confirming a rumor from earlier this month. The drama is titled “Umechan-sensei” and is an original story written by Ozaki Masaya (“Kekkon Dekinai Otoko,” “Oniyome Nikki”).

The story is set in the devastated area of Kamata, Tokyo, in 1945 just after the end of the war. Horikita plays Shimomura Umeko, the youngest of three siblings whose father is a doctor at a university hospital. Compared to her outstanding sister Matsuko and brother Takeo, she lacks self-confidence, but an incident makes her determined to become a local doctor. However, her path is fraught with failures.

Horikita will play the character from the age of 16 up to her mid-30s. This is the first time that she has been cast as a doctor.

Filming is scheduled to begin in November of this year. The series will last 156 episodes, starting on April 2, 2012.

tokyograph

Takeru Sato in popular Japanese Manga Ruruoni Kenshin

2011-06-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

TOKYO: A live-action film adaption of popular Japanese manga (graphic novel) "Ruruoni Kenshin", which stars Japanese actor Takeru Sato as the film's hero Kenshin Himura, will go into production in July, reported Japanese media.

"Ruruoni Kenshin" revolves around Himura, a master samurai who had slain countless men over the course of his career as the deadly assassin Hitokiri Battousai.

He vows to stop killing after the Meiji Restoration, a series of events that restored imperial rule to Japan, leaving his life of bloodshed behind to lead the life of a wanderer who protects the weak with his skills.

"Everyone knows the character Kenshin in the original work. I think engaging acting is required.

"I will work with the production staff to create a Kenshin that stays true to the details [in the Manga]," said 22-year-old Sato, who is now undergoing swordsmanship training.

The creator of "Ruruoni Kenshin", 41-year-old manga artist Nobuhiro Watsuki, was happy that the role of Kenshin Himura went to Sato.

"When the project first began, I and my wife were discussing who should play Kenshin, and Takeru Sato was the first person who came to mind.

"So when it was confirmed [that Sato would play Himura], I was surprised but also very happy," said Watsuki.

The rest of the film's cast will be announced at a later date.

Warner Brothers will produce the film, which is scheduled for a 2012 release.

CNA

Ishikawa Rika first movie Atsuhime Number 1

2011-06-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Dream Morning Musume member and former Morning Musume member Ishikawa Rika (26) has landed her first starring movie role. She will headline the cast of “Atsuhime Number 1,” a film produced by Tsunku (42) that is expected to be released next year.

In the story, Ishikawa plays the part of Atsuhime, a princess during the Edo period. A time slip sends her into the present day, where she becomes a hostess at a high-class Ginza club. Nakazawa Yuko (38), who is also part of Dream Morning Musume, will play Atsuhime’s mentor Tae. According to Tsunku, he is considering including surprise appearances by current and former Morning Musume members.

“Atsuhime Number 1″ will begin filming next month. Before that, Ishikawa is planning to make a trip to an actual Ginza hostess club in order to prepare for the role. An exact release date has not been set yet, but it is currently planned for release in spring 2012 or later.

Tsunku stated that a portion of the movie’s ticket sales will be donated to earthquake relief efforts through Up-Front Group’s ongoing charity project.

tokyograph

Fukiishi Kazue in TV Asahi drama Barairo no Seisen

2011-06-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Actress Fukiishi Kazue (28) will star in a TV Asahi drama series this summer titled “Barairo no Seisen.” The show is based on Koyama Yukari’s popular manga of the same name, which is currently being serialized in Kodansha’s magazine Kiss.

Fukiishi plays a housewife named Makoto whose peaceful life suddenly changes when she learns of her husband’s affair. Determined to reaffirm her own beauty, she decides to try becoming a fashion model.

Hasegawa Tomoharu (39) will play Makoto’s husband, while Watanabe Konomi (4) will play their daughter. Inoue Jun (64) has been cast as Makoto’s father. Natsuki Mari (59) will play the president of Makoto’s modeling agency, and Ashina Sei (27), Nakama Lisa (28), and Takizawa Saori (29) will also play models. Kaname Jun (30) will round out the cast as a popular photographer.

“Barairo no Seisen” will air on Sundays at 11:00pm this summer.

tokyograph

SMAP release a charity album SMAP AID

2011-06-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Popular male idol group SMAP will release a charity album called “SMAP AID” on Aug 17. The album will feature songs voted on by fans.

According to SMAP’s management, Johnny’s Entertainment, many Japanese fans wrote to the agency following the March earthquake and tsunami disaster to say that SMAP songs cheered them up in the wake of the tragedy. The messages led to the album’s concept.

The album, which will sell for 3,570 yen, will come with a yellow or red handkerchief—red representing health, and yellow representing happiness. Two hundred yen from the sale of each album will go to the “Marching J” charity project.

The band will also hold a fan meet-and-greet on Sept 9, where 1,000 fans who participate in a lottery will get the new album for free.

japantoday

Aoi Miyazaki and Okada Junichi in movie Tenchi Meisatsu

2011-06-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

V6 member Okada Junichi (30) is starring in a new movie called “Tenchi Meisatsu,” directed by Takita Yojiro (“Okuribito”). He is joined by actress Miyazaki Aoi (25), whom he previously worked with on the movie “Kagehinata ni Saku” in 2008.

“Tenchi Meisatsu” is an adaptation of an award-winning novel by Ubukata Tow (“Le Chevalier D'Eon,” “Mardock Scramble”). Okada plays the role of Shibukawa Shunkai, an astronomer and Go player in the early Edo period who was later known as Yasui Santetsu. The story follows his life as he undertook the significant project of revising the calendar, leading to the invention of the Jokyo calendar that was used for several decades.

Miyazaki plays the wife of Shibukawa, whom she initially meets through her mathematician brother (Sato Ryuta). Kanjani8 member Yokoyama Yu plays Honinbo Dosaku, Shibukawa’s rival in Go. Other cast members include Nakai Kiichi, Matsumoto Koshiro, Ichikawa Somegoro, Ichikawa Kamejiro, Sasano Takashi, Kishibe Ittoku, Watanabe Dai, and Shirai Akira.

Hisaishi Jo is handling the soundtrack. Filming is scheduled to finish in mid-August, and theatrical release is planned for fall 2012.

tokyograph

Takeuchi Yuko in Fuji TV drama Strawberry Night

2011-06-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last November, actress Takeuchi Yuko (31) starred in the Fuji TV drama special “Strawberry Night.” That special is now being turned into a full drama series, scheduled for broadcast early next year. Takeuchi will return with other main cast members like Takeda Tetsuya (62) and Nishijima Hidetoshi (40), and Koide Keisuke (27) has been revealed as one of the new cast additions.

The “Strawberry Night” drama special was based on a bestselling mystery novel by Honda Tetsuya, part of the “Himekawa Reiko” series. The new drama series will continue the story with several of the other “Himekawa Reiko” books.

Takeuchi once again plays the protagonist Himekawa Reiko, an elite police detective who has quickly risen in the ranks. Because of her keen instincts, she is said to understand a criminal’s thoughts even better than the criminal himself.

Besides Takeda, Nishijima, and Koide, the cast also features Ukaji Takashi, Namase Katsuhisa, Takashima Masahiro, Endo Kenichi, Watanabe Ikkei, and Tsugawa Masahiko.

Filming for the show has already begun, though Fuji TV plans to broadcast it next year, starting in January.

tokyograph

Ichii Sayaka divorced with Yoshizawa Naoki

2011-06-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

Former Morning Musume member Ichii Sayaka (27) and former musician Yoshizawa Naoki (35) have divorced. Ichii’s management agency announced on Monday that she got divorced on May 23, just one day after Yaguchi Mari (28), another former Morning Musume member, got married.

Ichii and Yoshizawa got married in May 2004. Since then, Ichii gave birth to two daughters, currently ages 6 and 4. Although she left show business for a time, she returned in 2009 and has mainly been active in modeling and acting.

Although Ichii’s agency did not announce the reason for the divorce, this week’s issue of Shukan Josei published a comment on the matter, supposedly from someone who knows the couple. According to that article, Yoshizawa has been negligent in his child-raising responsibilities, leading to feelings of mistrust. It is also said that since his retirement as a guitarist, there was a time when Yoshizawa did not have a steady job.

Sources:

Kawaguchi Kyogo married with Talento Cecilia

2011-06-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Singer-songwriter Kawaguchi Kyogo (36), known for hits such as “Sakura,” is soon getting married. His wife-to-be is half-Mexican talento Cecilia (30), who is mainly active as a television and radio personality. The two plan to register their marriage sometime this month.

Kawaguchi and Cecilia first got to know each other about 10 years ago, when they were both regulars on separate radio shows on FM Shiga. They went separate ways after that, but in December of last year they met again through a friend. They soon began dating around Christmas, and it is said that they had been thinking about marriage from the start.

Kawaguchi is starting a tour on June 30, and he is also soon releasing a new cover album titled “Kimi wo Suki Datta Ano Koro 2.”

Source:

Inoue Mao wearing Kimono in drama Ohisama

2011-06-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

Actress Inoue Mao (24) is currently starring in NHK's asadora Ohisama. Photos of her wearing a shiromuku (traditional wedding kimono) for the drama was revealed earlier in the week. Her attire ties in appropriately with the storyline for next week, titled "Kyou dake no Hanayome" (A Bride for Only Today). Inoue comments on her first time wearing a shiromuku, "I've had experience wearing wedding dresses before on other projects, but I never had the chance to wear a shiromuku. I really wanted to try wearing one, so I'm grateful I've been able to with filming Ohisama."

Next week's storyline will follow Yoko and Kazunari's wedding in the midst of the Second World War. There will be a sense of bittersweetness for Yoko as her husband returns to the battlefield the morning after the ceremony.

At an earlier press conference prior to the Tohoku earthquake, Inoue had mentioned how she hoped the drama will bring happiness to everyone in Japan. As her character is the Taiyou no Yoko, no matter what setbacks she encounters, she always remembers to smile through the tough times. With the current situation in Japan, hopefully the message behind the story will resonate with everyone.

Ohisama airs Monday to Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Next week will be the tenth week of the drama.

Inoue Mao Wears Her First Wedding Kimono for NHK's Asadora
Source: Asahi

Mizuki Alisa in drama series Hanawake no Yon Shimai

2011-06-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Actress Mizuki Alisa (34) will star in a new TBS drama series this summer, making her the first person ever to have a lead role in a drama series for 20 consecutive years. Her part this time is in “Hanawake no Yon-shimai,” based on a manga by Saimon Fumi (“Tokyo Love Story,” “Asunaro Hakusho”).

Serialized from 2005 to 2008 in Kodansha’s magazine Morning, “Hanawake no Yon-shimai” is a comedy depicting the ups and downs of four sisters. Mizuki plays the second eldest Takemi, who has divorced twice and is a single mother of three children.

Kichise Michiko (36) plays the eldest sister Fujiko, an “unbeatable” fashion magazine editor. Kanjiya Shihori (25) plays the third sister Sakurako, an employee at a wig maker who is easily swayed by others and who is searching for her true self.Kawashima Umika (17) plays the youngest sister Ume, a 2nd-year theater student at an art college who has zero experience in love.

All four of the sisters are connected somehow to a freelance photographer, played by NEWS member Kato Shigeaki (23). The sisters’ parents are being played by Endo Kenichi (49) and Miyazaki Yoshiko (52).

“Hanawake no Yon-shimai” will air in TBS’s Sunday 9:00pm time slot (currently occupied by “JIN”). The series will premiere sometime in July.

Sources:
Mantan Web

Maki Yoko in NHK Drama Kare, Otto, Otoko Tomodachi

2011-06-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

Actress Maki Yoko (28) is taking on the lead role in an NHK drama series at the end of this year. Titled “Kare, Otto, Otoko Tomodachi,” the series is based on the novel “Omoiwazurau Koto Naku Tanoshiku Ikiyo” by the popular, prize-winning author Ekuni Kaori.

The story focuses on the love lives of three sisters and their bonds as a family. Maki plays the middle sister Haruko, who turns down a marriage proposal from her beloved boyfriend. Kimura Tae (40) plays the eldest sister Asako, who is hiding the fact that she is suffering from domestic violence by her husband. Kaho (19) has the role of the youngest sister Ikuko, who is unable to understand the concept of love.

Nagatsuka Kyozo and Takahata Atsuko have been cast as the parents of the three sisters. Yusuke Santamaria, Tokui Yoshimi (Tutorial), Miura Takahiro, and Kataoka Reiko also have supporting roles.

NHK plans to broadcast the show as an 8-episode series between November 1 and December 20, running in a Tuesday 10:00pm time slot. Composer Oshima Michiru is handling the soundtrack, while Ando Yuko is providing the theme song, “Kagayakashiki Hibi.” Asano Taeko is in charge of the script.

Maki previously starred in “Shukan Maki Yoko” in 2008, but that series consisted of unrelated episodes by different writers and directors. “Kare, Otto, Otoko Tomodachi” will count as her first true starring role in a television series.

Sources:
Oricon

Model Masukawa Tsubasa debut single Bunny Days

2011-06-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Model Masuwaka Tsubasa (25) is about to make her debut as a singer. On July 20, she will release her debut single “Bunny days♥” under the stage name Milky Bunny.

“Bunny days” is a song aimed at girls in love, describing the “fluffy, fun time” just before a friend becomes a lover. The song will be used in a commercial for the cosmetics brand CandyDoll, produced by Masuwaka herself. She also appears in the commercial, which is scheduled to begin airing on June 16.

Masuwaka said that she has been dreaming of becoming a singer for a long time. She remarked, “The things that I couldn’t express as Masuwaka Tsubasa, I hope that I can convey them through my music activities as Milky Bunny. Please look forward to it.”

Source:
Oricon

Yaguchi Mari get married with D Boys member Nakamura Masaya

2011-06-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

It was reported on Friday that former Morning Musume member Yaguchi Mari (28) and former D-BOYS member Nakamura Masaya (25) were planning to get married this month. Sure enough, they announced their marriage at a press conference on Sunday. The two submitted their marriage registration late at night on May 21, technically during the early hours of May 22.

Yaguchi and Nakamura met around the start of 2010, and their relationship became public in May of that year. Nakamura said that he proposed to Yaguchi on January 20 of this year, her 28th birthday. They originally intended to register their marriage in March, but they postponed it due to the Tohoku earthquake.

Reporters asked various questions during the press conference, such as whether their height difference (almost 50 centimeters) was a problem. Yaguchi replied that it wasn’t, and Nakamura bashfully explained that he usually lifts her up when they kiss.

When asked about how they started dating, Nakamura said they met through a mutual friend. He said that they had matching interests, such as enjoying drinking and liking the same anime series. Yaguchi remarked that previously, some news sources inaccurately reported that she had fallen in love at first sight and aggressively pursued Nakamura, but the truth is that they instantly got along and began dating right away.

The two were also asked about Nakamura’s proposal. They were both in Osaka for work on Yaguchi’s birthday, and they went out to a fancy izakaya, where Nakamura presented her with an engagement ring with the words, “I’ll protect you for the rest of my life.” “He worked hard to buy that ring,” Yaguchi said. Nakamura explained, “I can’t say what my salary is, but it was more than three months’ worth.” Yaguchi jokingly countered, “It was probably about one year’s worth.”

Asked about their plans for children, Nakamura said that they both like kids, but because they are both working, they will leave it up to when the timing is right. Yaguchi admitted that she would like to have children soon.

The two have not yet decided on a date for their wedding ceremony.

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Matsuda Shota in film Hard Romanticker

2011-06-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

The latest film from director Gu Su-yeon (“Guuzen ni mo Saiaku no Shounen”) will star actor Matsuda Shota (25), it has been revealed. Titled “Hard Romanticker,” the film is based on Gu Su-yeon’s debut novel of the same name, a partially autobiographical account of his experiences as a second-generation Korean in Japan.

Matsuda plays the part of Gu, a high school dropout who works as a part-timer. He gets tangled in trouble through a gangster that he has known since he was a child (Maki Kurodo), leading to the involvement of a police detective (Watabe Atsuro).

For the role, Matsuda came up with the idea to dye his hair blond and slick it back. Filming started on April 29 and is planned to finish at the end of this month. The story is set in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi (where Matsuda’s father and legendary actor Matsuda Yusaku was born) and in Ogura, Fukuoka.

The supporting cast also features Nagayama Kento, Emoto Tokio, Maki Yoko, Watanabe Dai, Endo Yuya (D-BOYS), Ochiai Motoki (NAKED BOYZ), Ishigaki Yuma, Endo Kaname, Ashina Sei, Nakamura Shido, Hakuryu, Kaneko Nobuaki, Kawano Naoki, and Awaji Reiko.

“Hard Romanticker” is scheduled for release in early 2012.

Saki Fukuda in live action drama IS Intersexual

2011-05-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

Rokuhana Chiyo’s award-winning manga “IS ~Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei~” is being turned into a live-action series on TV Tokyo, co-starring actresses Fukuda Saki (20) and Goriki Ayame (18). This will be Goriki’s first lead role in a drama series.

“IS” stands for “intersexual,” a term referring to people who cannot clearly be classified as male or female, and who may biologically possess characteristics of both sexes. Rokuhana’s manga primarily deals with the troubles faced by the young Hoshino Haru (played by Fukuda), an intersexual who was registered as a girl at birth but has been raised as a boy.

Goriki plays Aihara Miwako, a mysterious classmate who tries to get close to Haru. Inoue Masahiro has been cast as Ibuki Kenji, a member of the soccer club whom Haru begins having feelings for. Nishida Naomi and Minami Kaho play Miwako’s and Haru’s mothers, respectively.

TV Tokyo has scheduled “IS” for a Monday 10:00pm time slot this summer, beginning in July.

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Ueto Aya in drama series Zettai Reido

2011-05-25T02:01:00.000-07:00

Ueto Aya (25) is confirmed to be returning to Fuji TV in a sequel to the 2010 drama series “Zettai Reido.” While the previous series had the subtitle “Mikaiketsu Jiken Tokumei Sousa,” the new series is subtitled “Tokushu Hanzai Sennyuu Sousa.”

The original show starred Ueto as rookie detective Sakuragi Izumi, who worked on difficult unsolved cases as part of a Special Investigations Office (based on an actual division established by Japan in 2009). This time takes place half a year later, after Sakuragi has been transferred to a different division that deals with current crimes.

The new “Zettai Reido” series will be broadcast in the same Tuesday 9:00pm time slot, starting in July. Before it begins, Fuji TV will air a 2-hour special episode called “Zettai Reido ~Mikaiketsu Jiken Tokumei Sousa~ Special,” which is set one month after the events of the first series.

Other returning cast members include Kitaoji Kinya (68), Miyasako Hiroyuki (41), and Yamaguchi Sayaka (31).

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Ishihara Satomi as Police in drama Bull Doctor

2011-05-25T01:59:00.000-07:00

Esumi Makiko (44) is starring in her first drama series in four years. Titled “Bull Doctor,” the show has her playing a forensic doctor, while Ishihara Satomi (24) plays a police detective. The series also features SMAP member Inagaki Goro (37) as another forensic doctor who is dating Ishihara’s character.

Esumi’s character Tamami is the “bull doctor” of the show’s title, which comes from the word “bulldozer.” Ignoring any opposition from the people around her, she uses any means necessary to determine the truth behind the deaths of the bodies she examines. Because of her personality, she is constantly at odds with both Ishihara and Inagaki’s characters.

The screenplay is being written by Hashibe Atsuko, who also worked on hit dramas like “Freeter, Ie wo Kau,” “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” and “Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji.”

NTV will broadcast “Bull Doctor” on Wednesday nights at 10:00pm this summer, beginning in July.

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Ninomiya Kazunari is dating with Nozomi Sasaki

2011-05-25T01:54:00.000-07:00

The Nikkan Sports newspaper reported today that Arashi member Ninomiya Kazunari (27) and popular model Sasaki Nozomi (23) are in a serious relationship, though the story has not been confirmed by any official sources.

According to the newspaper, Ninomiya and Sasaki got to know each other in April 2010 when Sasaki made a guest appearance on Arashi’s show “Himitsu no Arashi-chan!” (TBS). It is said that they started truly dating that winter. Due to their popularity, they have avoided going out on dates in public, instead finding room in their busy schedules to spend time together at Sasaki’s apartment.

That apartment is in a high-class building with many celebrity residents. One of the building’s residents, who was not identified in the newspaper’s article, stated that Ninomiya has been seen there as much as twice a week. It is also said that Sasaki’s apartment is a 2LDK (2 bedrooms, living, and dining room) with an area of more than 100 square meters, plenty enough for even a whole family.

According to the newspaper’s sources, Sasaki has told close friends about the relationship, happily declaring that she and Ninomiya are “practically living together.”
So far, neither side has issued a comment on the matter.

NEWS 24 indicated that the management agencies for Ninomiya and Sasaki have responded, each stating it has heard that the two are just friends.

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Miura Haruma in Asahi Drama Saigo no Bansan

2011-05-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

The TV Asahi drama special “Saigo no Bansan,” which aired on May 14, is getting a sequel in the form of a whole series this summer. Sato Koichi (50) will reprise his starring role. Miura Haruma (21), who only appeared on screen for 45 seconds in the drama special, will be playing a major role in the series.

“Saigo no Bansan” was previously described as the “ultimate mystery/suspense story,” featuring a star-studded cast, led by Sato as a police detective trying to solve a particular case. The series will take place after the events of “Saigo no Bansan,” as the case has not yet been completely closed. Sato’s character has received orders from above and has become a newly appointed instructor at a police school, while Miura plays one of the young trainees.

Like the special, Inoue Yumiko is writing the screenplay for the series.

The show has not yet been given an official title. TV Asahi will broadcast it on Thursdays at 9:00pm, starting in July.

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Gravure Idol Uehara Miyu dies suicide

2011-05-25T01:45:00.000-07:00

Talento and gravure idol Uehara Miyu has just passed away at the age of 24. She was found hanged in her apartment in Meguro, Tokyo, earlier today (May 12). Police are currently investigating the incident as a suicide.

According to the police, an acquaintance discovered Uehara at around 2:00am and called 119. An emergency team rushed to the scene to find an unconscious Uehara, and she was confirmed dead at a hospital about an hour and a half later.

Uehara made her debut as a race queen in 2006. She became popular about two years later for her reputation of being a “poor idol,” having grown up in poverty as the youngest of 10 children.

Just two days before her death, she wrote a blog entry talking about her worries with her love life, starting off with the words, “I hated the sky today.” She continued, “In reality, I can’t do love. I used to always be in a relationship, but I’m losing my understanding of how to love or have a romance.” It appears she closed her message with a genuine plea for advice.

Uehara just celebrated her 24th birthday on May 2.

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Maeda Atsuko and Horikita Maki in Hana Kimi drama series

2011-05-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Fuji TV announced today that the 2007 drama series “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise” is coming back this summer, but with an entirely new cast. Instead of the original lead actress Horikita Maki, the new series will be led by AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko.

Based on the popular manga series by Nakajo Hisaya, “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e” (abbreviated as “Hana Kimi”) tells the story of a girl named Ashiya Mizuki who lives in the United States. She falls in love with a young high jumper named Sano Izumi after seeing him on television, but when he suddenly quits the sport, she decides to take action. In order to get close to Sano and help him return to high jumping, she moves to Japan and disguises herself as a boy to enroll in Sano’s all-boys high school.

In the first drama series, the male leads were played by Oguri Shun and Ikuta Toma, though the show also featured other popular actors like Mizushima Hiro and Okada Masaki. The new show will reportedly have a fresh cast, and the setting and story will also be changed. Rather than being a sequel to the first series, Fuji TV’s announcement suggests that this will be a new retelling of the story. However, plot details are being kept secret for now.

The original series averaged 17.3% ratings over its 12-episode run, and the finale reached 21.0%.

Naturally, AKB48 will be in charge of the new show’s theme song, to be released in August, likely as the group’s 22nd single. The center member and other participants will be decided in AKB48′s Senbatsu election, which starts on June 9.

The drama series will start in July and air on Sundays at 9:00pm.

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Keiko Kitagawa is dating with actor Hosoda Yoshihiko

2011-05-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Previously linked with Matsumoto Jun, Kimura Ryo, baseball player Saito Yuki, Miyao Shuntarou and Yamashita Tomohisa, Kitagawa Keiko is currently rumoured to be dating actor Hosoda Yoshihiko, one year her junior. Both actors belong to the same management company and had roles in last season's TBS drama, LADY ~ Saigo no Hanzai Profile.

The latest edition of Josei Seven reports that both actors went out for a meal together at a popular yakiniku restaurant before returning to Kitagawa's apartment for the night. According to eyewitness accounts, the actors were joined by Hosoda's friends, who he introduced to Kitagawa. It seemed like he was the one who made the reservation at the restaurant, as he was attentive in ordering food for the group.

Their management company says that it's not uncommon for actors to go out for meals together, but insists they are not dating. The company also clarified that Kitagawa had friends over at her house that night and there were four of them altogether. However, Hosoda did not leave Kitagawa's apartment till 11:30 p.m. the following day. In other words, he was over there for 24 hours. Josei Seven has taken the opportunity to label Kitagawa as a nikushoku joshi (carnivore women).

Kitagawa Keiko Rumoured to be Dating Hosoda Yoshihiko
Excerpt from: Infoseek
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net

Perfume song Polyrhythm as Cars 2 film Soundtrack

2011-05-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Perfume’s hit song “Polyrhythm” will make its world debut this summer. The song will be used in all versions of Disney and Pixar’s upcoming movie “Cars 2,” the sequel to the 2006 animated film “Cars.” In addition, “Polyrhythm” will also be included on the movie’s CD soundtrack that will be released worldwide in June.

Like the first movie, “Cars 2″ features anthropomorphic cars in a story revolving around racing. “Polyrhythm” will play during a scene at a party the night before the World Grand Prix race in Japan.

The movie’s staff had been searching for music by a Japanese artist to use in that scene, and a Perfume fan on staff suggested the song to director John Lasseter. When they tried it out alongside the neon signs and other bright visuals in the scene, they found the cute pop tune to be a perfect match.

“Cars 2″ opens in the United States on June 24. In Japan, it will hit theaters on July 30.

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Koike Eiko in BeeTV romantic comedy drama

2011-05-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Koike Eiko (30) will finally achieve her dream of starring in a romantic comedy. She will play the main character of a BeeTV mobile drama called “Ese Nikushoku Joshi no Renai Jijou,” scheduled to begin this month.

Koike plays the 33-year-old Madoka, a single working woman whose stylish appearance causes everyone to assume that she is a “nikushoku-joshi” (“carnivorous woman”). However, when it comes to matters of romance, she is actually the opposite – a passive “soushoku” type (“herbivorous”). As a result, she is constantly getting her heart broken.

Her supporting cast will be played by Kaname Jun (30), Nonami Maho (30), Hiraiwa Kami (31), Suzuki Ami (29), Aijima Kazuyuki (39), and Masu Takeshi (55). The screenplay is by Nakazono Miho, the writer of shows like “Yamato Nadeshiko” and “Haken no Hinkaku.”

BeeTV will begin releasing the drama on May 20, with updates every Monday. A total of 12 episodes are planned, each approximately 10 minutes in length.

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Kyoko Fukada as heroine in film Wild 7

2011-05-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

The complete main cast of the “Wild 7” movie adaptation was uncovered on Monday during an on-location press conference in Kawaguchi, Saitama. It was previously reported that the film includes lead actor Eita and Kanjani8 member Maruyama Ryuhei as two of the titular group of outlaws, but it is now known that the rest are being played by Shiina Kippei, Abe Tsuyoshi, Ukaji Takashi, Hirayama Yusuke, and Matsumoto Minoru.

Also joining the cast is Fukada Kyoko, who will play the story’s heroine as Yuki, a mysterious woman working as a sommelier at an Italian restaurant. Her character is said to be an important one, holding the key to the story.

As explained in previous reports, “Wild 7″ is based on an action manga by Mochizuki Mikiya from the 1970s, telling the story of a motorcycle-riding group of former convicts (the “Wild 7″) who get selected by the police to combat terrorists and other criminals. Nakai Kiichi will be playing the police superintendent who oversees the group.

Kaname Jun and Motokariya Yuika have been cast as newspaper reporters chasing after the incidents that the “Wild 7″ are involved in. Yoshida Kotaro plays an official with the Public Security Intelligence Agency.

The film has now been given a release date around the start of 2012.

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Japan Rock Band Scandal will perfom in AM2 Convention

2011-05-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

The AM2 convention just announced visual-kei band Sadie as one of this year’s musical guests, but it immediately followed that up with the news that female pop-rock band SCANDAL will also be performing.

SCANDAL formed in 2006 and made their indies debut in 2008. That same year, they toured the U.S. as part of the SXSW Japan Nite tour, and they also made a stop at the Sakura-Con convention in Seattle. They also performed at conventions in France and Hong Kong that summer, before they made their major label debut a couple months later.

SCANDAL’s connections to anime include songs used in “Bleach” and “Fullmetal Alchemist.”

Ogura Yuko wedding with make up stylist in Hawaii

2011-05-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

According to the Sports Nippon newspaper, talento Ogura Yuko (27) is looking to hold her wedding this fall. It appears that she has decided to have it in Hawaii, and sources say she is currently there to visit a chapel that will likely be the venue for the wedding.

Ogura is engaged to popular hair and makeup stylist Kikuchi Isao (40). Their relationship was discovered in January of last year, and in November it was learned that Ogura had accepted Kikuchi’s proposal.

The two are said to be in the process of choosing a date for the wedding. On several occasions in the past, Ogura has declared that she wants to get married by the age of 28. Given that holding weddings on birthdays is not uncommon, there appears to be a good chance that they will aim for Ogura’s 28th birthday, on November 1.

Source:
Sponichi Annex

AKB48 Maeda Atsuko first single Flower

2011-05-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Rumors of a solo debut by AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko are now confirmed. Her first single is titled “Flower” and will be used in her movie “Moshi Koukou Yakyuu no Joshi Manager ga Drucker no Management wo Yondara” (“Moshidora”), which opens in theaters on June 4, 2011.

Maeda personally announced the news on Saturday during AKB48′s handshake event at Nagoya Dome. The song is said to be a slow ballad and will be released on CD on June 22. There will be 3 versions, with different coupling songs and DVD content. It will be released through King Records, the same label as AKB48. More details will be revealed at a later date.

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Kanjani 8 Maruyama Ryuhei in action movie Wild 7

2011-05-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Kanjani8 member Maruyama Ryuhei (27) will appear in his first movie, it was announced today. He is joining lead actor Eita (28) in the movie adaptation of Mochizuki Mikiya’s action manga “Wild 7,” which was unveiled in February.

The original manga, serialized between 1969 and 1979, revolved around a group of seven motorcycle-riding outlaws who receive authorization from the police to combat criminals and terrorists. Eita is playing Hiba Dairoku, the leader and the youngest of the group.

Maruyama has been cast as the member Pairou (or possibly Pyro), an original character for the movie taking the place of the character Happyaku from the manga. Pairou’s grandfather is American, making him a quarter-American. His specialties are explosives and machinery.

Filming is already in progress and is planned to finish in May. Warner Bros. has not yet set a release date for the movie.

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Asami Mizukawa is dating with Koide Keisuke

2011-04-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Josei Seven, which went on sale Thursday, reports that actor Koide Keisuke (27) and actress Mizukawa Asami (27) are dating. The two have been friends since appearing together in the 2006 drama series “Nodame Cantabile,” but it seems that it later turned romantic.

According to the magazine, the pair have been spotted on several dates since early February, such as at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, a spa, and a cafe bar. Mizukawa was also at a party for Koide the night before his birthday. In mid-April, the magazine snapped photos of Mizukawa as she was leaving Koide’s apartment building at night.

However, both of their agencies responded to inquiries by stating that they are just friends. Mizukawa’s agency said that there were several other friends present during their reported “date.”

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Nozomi Sasaki and Matsuda Shota in series Afro Tanaka

2011-04-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Noritsuke Masaharu’s gag manga series “Afro Tanaka” is getting a live-action movie adaptation. Matsuda Shota (25) will star as the afro-haired protagonist, while model Sasaki Nozomi (23) will play the heroine of the story.

The “Afro Tanaka” series, which runs in Big Comic Spirits, started with “Koukou Afro Tanaka” in 2002-2004 and was followed by “Chuutai Afro Tanaka,” “Joukyou Afro Tanaka,” and the current “Sasurai Afro Tanaka.”

The manga revolves around Tanaka Hiroshi, an afro-haired boy who transfers to a high school in a fictional city in Saitama, and his everyday life with his friends. The various series followed him as he left school, moved to Tokyo, and began working. It is not yet known which time period the movie will focus on, but filming is said to already be close to done.

“Afro Tanaka” is being directed by the young Matsui Daigo (25), who debuted as a screenwriter a couple years ago, when he became the youngest ever to write for an NHK drama series (“Futatsu no Spica”). He then directed part of the Fuji TV drama series “0 Go Shitsu no Kyaku.”

The script for the movie is written by Nishida Masafumi (“Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora”).

Theatrical release is scheduled for 2012.

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Super Junior released japan version of Bonamana "Bijin"

2011-04-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today it was announced that popular South Korean multi-entertainment group SUPER JUNIOR will make their first appearance in a Japanese commercial in addition to news that they’re releasing a Japanese version of “BONAMANA” in June.

Their commercial will be for the popular convenience store chain “Circle K Sunkus” that currently operates 6,257 stores throughout Japan. The members are going to promote the chain’s “South Korea Fair” that will be held in all stores from May 17th to June 13th. During that time you will be able to purchase various special products such as onigiri filled with bulgogi and other Korean dishes. The commercial will start airing on the 17th.

SUPER JUNIOR will also provide the theme song for the commercial, “Bijin“, a Japanese version of their hit song “BONAMANA”. That song will also become the first Japanese single that is going to become available in digital form on May 18. The CD release is going to follow on June 8th.

It is said that the recording with the Japanese lyrics back in March wasn’t much of a problem for the members and the commercial, that was actually already filmed in February, was almost done in one take, underling the professionalism and versatility of the group.

The group commented, “We hope that you will get to know as a bit more through our appearance in the commercial and our song ‘Bijin (BONAMANA)’.”

The group is also going to participate in the “The 4th K-Pop Super Live” concert in Chiba on May 15th.

Source: Sanspo, tokyohive
Posted by elf101586 (www.sup3rjunior.wordpress.com)

Koyuki is married with Matsuyama Kenichi

2011-04-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Multiple sources reported today that actor Matsuyama Kenichi (26) and actress Koyuki (34) have officially married. At least one source claims that Matsuyama will hold a press conference by himself later today (April 20).

Sources from both of their management agencies revealed that the couple registered their marriage on April 1, an auspicious day (“taian”) according to the rokuyo calendar, but they delayed the public announcement in consideration of those affected by the March 11 earthquake.

Matsuyama and Koyuki were dating for almost three years. They first met in 2008 when they worked together on the movie “Kamui Gaiden” (2009), as Koyuki replaced Kikuchi Rinko after Kikuchi suffered a serious injury during filming. News of Matsuyama and Koyuki’s romance publicly came out in April 2009, and Matsuyama personally confirmed it for the first time in January 2010.

The two are reportedly living together already. It is said that Koyuki plans to continue with her acting career.

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Nagasawa Masami is dating with Exile Akira

2011-04-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

According to the Sankei Sports newspaper, actress Nagasawa Masami (23) and EXILE member AKIRA (29) are currently in a romantic relationship.

A source with knowledge of the situation explained that both of them are originally from Iwata, Shizuoka, and their parents were acquaintances. They both went to the same elementary school and middle school, though several years apart. They later met again after they had both entered the entertainment industry. Nagasawa began turning to AKIRA for advice about work and life, and that developed into romance. It is said that they have been dating for more than a year now, and they frequently visit each other at their homes.

AKIRA reportedly invited Nagasawa to EXILE’s concert in Yokohama on September 12 of last year. The two have also been seen together at a restaurant in Tokyo.

AKIRA’s management office said that it would not comment on his private life. Nagasawa’s side has not yet been reached for comment.

Meanwhile, Sankei Sports also reported today that the rumored relationship between EXILE member HIRO and actress Ueto Aya still seems to be going strong.

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Ueto Aya and Abe Hiroshi in live action movie Thermae Romae

2011-04-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

Cameras are already rolling for the live-action movie adaptation of Yamazaki Mari’s “Thermae Romae” manga, but the main cast has just been revealed. Abe Hiroshi (46) will star, while Ueto Aya (25) will play the female lead.

The manga, which won the Manga Taisho and a Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize last year, is a comedy about Lucius (Abe), an ancient Roman bath house architect who travels through time to modern Japan and finds inspiration in its bath houses. Ueto will play the part of Mami, a young Japanese woman aiming to become a manga artist.

The film is being directed by Takeuchi Hideki, who handled the live-action “Nodame Cantabile” series and other dramas such as “Densha Otoko.” The screenplay was written by Muto Shogo, who also worked on “Densha Otoko,” as well as the “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e” drama and the “Crows ZERO” movies.

Filming started in Rome on March 14 and is expected to finish in early May. Theatrical release is planned for 2012.

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AKB48 album Kamikyokutachi sold half a million

2011-03-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

Idol group AKB48 reached half a million units sold with their best album “Kamikyokutachi” this week, after almost an entire year. Originally released on April 7, 2010, the album sold approximately 2,000 copies this week, pushing its total to 501,000. Although the group has had two million-selling singles in recent months (“Beginner” and “Sakura no Ki ni Narou”), “Kamikyokutachi” is their first album to hit the half-million mark.

In fact, the last female group to sell 500,000 copies of an album was Destiny’s Child, who did it with “#1′s” in 2006 (592,000 in current total sales). Not counting overseas artists, the last female group was Morning Musume with “4th Ikimasshoi!” in 2002 (515,000 in current total sales).

AKB48 is expected to outdo “Kamikyokutachi” with their first original album, “Koko ni Ita Koto,” which was previously scheduled for release on April 6 but is being delayed due to the effects of the March 11 earthquake. No new release date has been decided yet.

Meanwhile, AKB48, their related subgroups, and member Itano Tomomi (as a solo artist) experienced a small boost with their singles this week. Currently, there 12 AKB48-related singles in the Top 100.

Source:
Oricon

L'Arc~en~Ciel donate 20th anniversary concerts to Tohoku Earthquake

2011-03-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

Rock band L'Arc~en~Ciel announced that they will donate all of the revenue from their two 20th anniversary concerts to the Tohoku earthquake relief efforts.

L’Arc~en~Ciel has two scheduled concerts at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on May 28 and 29. In an announcement on their official website on Tuesday, the members and staff revealed that they will direct all of the concert revenue towards rebuilding in the earthquake-stricken areas.

The staff will also be taking extra measures to address safety and power usage concerns during the concerts.

Source:
Natalie

Kanjani8 single T.W.L / Yellow Pansy Street theme song for Crayon Shin Chan

2011-03-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

Kanjani8 will release three new singles in the next three months, it has been learned. The first will be the single “T.W.L / Yellow Pansy Street,” scheduled for April 20.

“T.W.L” are “Yellow Pansy Street” are theme songs for the “Crayon Shin-chan” anime series and the upcoming “Crayon Shin-chan” movie, respectively. The single will have two limited editions, each with a bonus DVD that contains the music video for one of the songs and making-of footage. A regular edition will also be released.

Then on May 11, Kanjani8 will release “My Home,” the theme song to Nishikido Ryo’s drama series “Inu wo Kau to Iu Koto ~Sky to Wagaya no 180 Nichi~” (starting in April). On June 8, they will follow up with “365 Nichi Kazoku,” the theme song to Horikita Maki’s drama series “Umareru” that also features Okura Tadayoshi (starting on April 22).

It was also announced that the delayed “KANJANI∞ LIVE TOUR 2010→2011 8UPPERS” live DVD has a new release date. It was originally planned for March 30, but it will now go on sale on April 13.

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Oguri Shun and Okasa Masaki in live action movie Uchuu Kyoudai

2011-03-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

Koyama Chuya’s award-winning manga “Uchuu Kyoudai” is getting a live-action movie adaptation, it has been announced. Oguri Shun (28) and Okada Masaki (21) will co-star as brothers.

The story revolves around two brothers named Mutta (Oguri) and Hibito (Okada) who made a promise as kids to become astronauts and travel to outer space. The older brother Mutta ignores the promise and grows up to become an engineer, while the younger brother Hibito actually becomes an astronaut. One day, after Mutta loses his job, a message from Hibito reignites his motivation to keep their promise.

Details such as the film’s release date have not yet been announced.

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Matsuura Aya in drama Sakura to Satsuki

2011-03-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

Matsuura Aya (24) is starring in a drama special called “Sakura to Satsuki,” scheduled to air late at night on April 1 on the local Kansai station ABC TV.

The drama was shot in the Kansai area and features an all-Kansai cast. Matsuura – who is originally from Himeji, Hyogo – will play a truck driver and former yankee named Sakura, speaking in Banshu-ben (a regional dialect of Kansai-ben). Trouble arises when she finds out that her good friend and former co-worker Satsuki (Hamaguchi Junko) is engaged to her ex-boyfriend Yuji (Hashimoto Jun).

The cast is rounded out by comedian Kobayashi Kotaro (of Choplin), Ina Kenji, Tokuda Naomi, and Oura Ai.

Matsuura will also sing in Banshu-ben for the theme song, titled “Futari Osaka,” which she wrote specifically for the show.

The official website has a trailer and will be updated with 5 “spin-off drama” episodes. Viewers can put together the Japanese characters shown at the end of each episode to form a keyword, qualifying them to enter in a lottery to win one of five 10,000 yen gift certificates. Those episodes are planned to start on the morning of March 25.

Kawashima Ai raising fund for Japan Earthquake Victims

2011-03-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Singer-songwriter Kawashima Ai (25) is currently touring around western Japan, raising funds for the earthquake relief efforts with a series of street performances. Counting her latest performance in Kobe on Sunday, she has so far raised close to 885,000 yen.

Kawashima started in Hiroshima on March 17 and has done a total of six street performances so far. For the Kobe performance, she sang three songs in front of a crowd of 350 people, including the song “Daijoubu da yo.” Because Kobe was hit the hardest by the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995, she appealed to the crowd by asking them to empathize with the pain of the current earthquake victims in the Tohoku region.

After her performance, she asked for donations, even as little as 1 yen. She also raised funds by selling her CDs, letting buyers set their own price, as long as it was at least 300 yen. In Kobe, she collected almost 150,000 yen. She performed again the same day in Kawanishi, Hyogo, and raised another 220,000 yen.

Morning Musume member Niigaki Risa in movie Bad Days Reason

2011-03-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

An audition announcement has revealed that Morning Musume member Niigaki Risa (22) is set to appear in a movie tentatively titled “Bad Days Reason,” part of the omnibus “Twilight File IX.” Specific details about the film are not yet known, but shooting is scheduled to start in fall 2011, presumably for a 2012 release.

The “Twilight File” series has been produced by Mirai Actors Promotion since 2006. Each omnibus so far has consisted of three films, historically tending towards a combination of mystery, horror, and romance. “Twilight File VII” opened in theaters last November. The eighth installment, which includes the film “Fighting Okan” with former Morning Musume member Nakazawa Yuko, should be released later this year.

For “Twilight File IX,” the only film revealed so far is “Bad Days Reason.” Director Yamaguchi Tatsuya is also writing the screenplay. Currently, Mirai Actors Promotion is accepting audition applications. The company is also holding auditions for the singer of the theme song, which will be produced by the well-known music production group HAL.

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Yui sing ending theme song for movie Paradise Kiss

2011-03-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

Singer-songwriter YUI (23) is handling both the opening and ending themes for the movie “Paradise Kiss,” it has been revealed.

This is the 6th movie that she has provided music for. The two songs, titled “HELLO ~Paradise Kiss~” and “YOU,” were written by YUI specifically for the film.

YUI is said to be a fan of the original manga, written by Yazawa Ai. This adaptation of the fashion-themed comic stars Kitagawa Keiko (24) and Mukai Osamu (29).

Directed by Shinjo Takehiko, the “Paradise Kiss” movie is scheduled to open on June 4, 2011.

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Ayumi Hamasaki send support for Earthquake Victims

2011-03-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

On the day after a devastating earthquake struck eastern Japan, countless celebrities have been offering their condolences and prayers for the victims of the disaster via Twitter.

Singer Hamasaki Ayumi offered her words of support on her Twitter account. "On this day, let's do everything we can do with all our might!" was the emotional call she sent out. Shortly after the earthquake itself, she tweeted this: "Me and my team have stopped everything today. Human life is so precious, so firstly and foremost, I am wishing and praying for the safety of each and every one of you.

Utada Hikaru, who is currently taking a break from her singing career, expressed her concern about the Fukishima Daiichi power plant radiation leak. "Everyone who is being evacuated, everyone who can't get in touch with their loved ones, please stay strong!"

Meanwhile, LA based rock singer Himuro Kyousuke also tweeted an urgent message. "The scale of the damage is shocking. Somehow, please keep on persevering". He also sent out his heartfelt wishes for the safety of everyone affected by the natural disaster.

X Japan's lead singer YOSHIKI tweeted in english "Is everyone alright? I'm praying for all the people who are missing members of family".

Actress Tanabe Seiichi, TERU from GLAY, Suzuki An, and many other famous figures posted encouraging messages on Twitter. It's certain that for people who are struggling to get information about friends, family, and the state of affairs, these celebrities have become an invaluable help to their many followers, giving them a little more courage.

Maria Ozawa disappears after Japan Earthquake

2011-03-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

Maria Ozawa aka Miyabi – 8.9 magnitude Richter Scale earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, on Friday (11/03/2011). Until now the number of victims continues to grow. Coverage in the media and social networking trending topic at all about the events in Japan. Starting from the greeting grief, questioning the amount of the victim until someone asked sexy Japanese actress Maria Ozawa aka Miyabi is still a live or dead in 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami. No one can answer this question becasue no one can reach her.

Producer Maxima Pictures, Ody Mulya who has twice worked with Miyabi in Indonesia was deeply concerned about the condition of this sexy artist.

“Frankly I lost contact with her (Miyabi), my last contact with him about 1-2 hours before the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami, then I sms and the phone she is not accept and also do not reply my sms,”said Ody Mulya.

Ody also said this condition makes it extremely worried and anxious, considering that Miyabi was regarded as friends and business associates. Ody said between himself and management Miyabi is still under contract to make two more films.

“I want to ask the situation, but it is difficult to call her, hopefully Maria Ozawa aka Miyabi is alright and still a live after this terrible earthquake and tsunami, cause I’m really worried,” said ody. Look for Miyabi latest condition here

Singer GACKT launches Show Your Heart for Japan Earthquake

2011-03-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

Singer GACKT is using his influence to help earthquake relief efforts, establishing a new emergency donation fund called “SHOW YOUR HEART.” The fund was organized with cooperation from popular online gaming portal Hangame, and a special webpage has been launched for the fund.

A large number of other celebrities have added messages of support on the webpage, including LUNA SEA’s Shinya, h.NAOTO, Fujiwara Norika, Izumiya Shigeru, Nightmare’s Ni~ya, BREAKERZ’s DAIGO, Jinnai Tomonori, Haruna Ai, Koike Eiko, Tamaki Nami, Ohguro Maki, and many more.

The donations, which are being accepted through a Sumitomo Mitsui bank account, will be given to the Japanese Red Cross and prefectural welfare organizations.

Sources:
Natalie
SHOW YOUR HEART

Nishikawa Takanori aims to organize charity event for earthquake relief

2011-03-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

In the wake of Friday’s massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, various organizations and individuals are working towards relief efforts. Among them is musician Nishikawa Takanori, also known by the name T.M.Revolution. Earlier today, he sent out a proposal on Twitter for a charity event at the end of this month, and plans are quickly progressing with the help of his followers.

Nishikawa was already planning to hold a release event at Zepp Tokyo on March 30, the day that his new album “CLOUD NINE” goes on sale. Naturally, there were talks of postponing it, like many other artists are doing with their upcoming events. However, Nishikawa said that since he has already reserved the venue, he would like to hold a charity event instead, and he asked for help from his more than 200,000 Twitter followers.

Nishikawa’s plans include donating all ticket proceeds to the relief efforts, making the event available online for free, holding a charity auction, and doing more fundraising at the event venue. He is hoping to gather other artists and creators to participate as well.

On Twitter, Nishikawa has been exchanging messages with many people who are offering to help. He admitted that he is not sure how far the plans will go, but things seem to be moving quickly. In a recent tweet, he revealed that a major company has contacted him, offering extensive support for the video streaming and online auction plans.

Sources:
Natalie
Nishikawa Takanori on Twitter

Poster Ohisama revealed starring Inoue Mao

2011-03-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Starring actress Inoue Mao (24), the promotional poster for NHK's spring asadora, Ohisama was revealed on March 1st. In the poster, Inoue appears basking in the sunlight with her hair softly swept by the wind. Wearing a sleeveless white top with her chin resting on her hand, the letters in the title are entwined with flowers above her. The entire composition gives off a simple, yet gentle feeling.

The poster was shot in studio back in January. When asked to describe the reasoning behind the poster, the chief producer says that "her expression is one that preserves through time." Posters featuring the remaining cast members will be revealed shortly afterwards.

Ohisama will start March 28, airing weekday mornings from 8:00 to 8:15. It will run for a total of 156 episodes.

Ohisama Poster Revealed
Source: Mainichi
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net

Shirota Yu new drama Shitsuren Hoken Kokuraseya

2011-03-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

Actor Shirota Yu (25) will be starring in a new drama series this spring, titled “Shitsuren Hoken ~Kokuraseya~.” This will be his first lead role in a television series.

“Shitsuren Hoken” will air in NTV’s Thursday 11:58 time slot, which is being re-branded from “Thursday Night Drama” to “Thursday Mystery Theater.”

In “Shitsuren Hoken,” Furuta Arata (45) plays a gay Shinto priest nicknamed Torako, whose side business is selling “heartbreak insurance.” Approved customers can pay 100 million yen for insurance against their love lives, receiving 10 times that amount in the event that they get rejected by the person they confess their love to. He and his team work to make the customers’ love lives succeed, as long as they confess at the specified time.

Shirota plays a young man named Ayumu, also nicknamed Luke. By day, he works as an associate ecology professor, but by night he works as one of the “insurance investigators,” using psychological techniques to uncover the customers’ feelings. Fukuda Saki (20) plays the college student Maruyama (nicknamed Maru), who works part-time as a shrine maiden at Torako’s shrine, and also as an “insurance investigator” with Luke.

“Shitsuren Hoken” premieres on April 7.

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Kiritani Mirei sing theme song for film Ranhansha

2011-03-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

Fashion model and actress Kiritani Mirei (21) will be in charge of the theme songs for the double feature film “Ranhansha / Snowflake,” it has been learned. This will be her singing debut, and she will perform the songs live for the first time on February 27 at the Girls Festival 2011 event at Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall.

Directed by Taniguchi Masaaki, the two films star Kiritani in separate roles. In “Ranhansha,” she plays a talented young poet in high school who has never known true love. In “Snowflake,” she plays a junior college student who encounters a young man resembling her dead childhood friend.

“Ranhansha / Snowflake” is scheduled to open in theaters this summer. The titles of the two theme songs and their CD release date have not yet been announced.

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Horikita Maki in TBS drama Umareru

2011-03-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

Actress Horikita Maki (22) is confirmed to star in a new TBS drama series titled “Umareru” this spring. Her supporting cast will include Tanaka Misako (51), Kanjani8 member Okura Tadayoshi (25), and Johnny's Jr. member Nakajima Kento (16).

Horikita plays the eldest daughter out of four siblings. One day, their 51-year-old mother informs them that she is pregnant, upsetting the balance of their home and threatening to expose a long-hidden family secret. The expecting mother will be played by Tanaka, who previously had an opposite role in the teen pregnancy drama “14 Sai no Haha.”

Okura will play the oldest son of the family, and Nakajima will play the second son. Miyake Yuji (59) has been cast as the father.

Screenwriter Suzuki Osamu, who is better known for variety shows like “SMAP x SMAP,” is in charge of the script. Kaneko Fuminori (“SPEC,” “Unubore Deka”) will direct, while Suzuki Sanae (“GM: Odore Doctor”) will produce.

TBS has scheduled the show for Fridays at 10:00pm, beginning in April.

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Japan Model Anne in series Name wo Nakushita Onnatachi

2011-03-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

Model and actress Anne (24) has landed her first starring role in a television series, leading the cast of Fuji TV’s “Namae wo Nakushita Onnatachi” (tentative title). The show will also be the first time that Anne plays a mother.

The story focuses on a group of mothers who all have children around the same age. These women form a bond through sharing their anxieties about raising their children, each coming from a different background. However, the friendship between the five women also turns to jealousy and betrayal, due to the fact that their children are all taking similar entrance exams for elementary school.

Anne plays the protagonist Yuko, whose set of values as a woman, wife, and mother have been overturned, and she struggles to climb back from her fallen state.

Meanwhile, her four fellow mothers are hiding serious problems at home, despite their appearances. Ono Machiko (29) plays a woman receiving verbal abuse from her husband on a daily basis, Kurashina Kana (23) plays a “yankee mama” who got pregnant as a teenager by a truck driver, Ryo (33) plays a capable woman running her own online shop, and Kimura Yoshino (34) plays a popular reader model for a women’s magazine.

Fuji TV will broadcast the show on Tuesdays at 9:00pm, starting in April.

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Soari Hara and Yukiko Suo in film Sex and Zen

2011-02-25T06:48:00.000-08:00

Because of the huge success of 3D films in US, Hong Kong-based filmmakers group have started filming the first ever pornographic film in the world of 3D technology.

The US$3.2 million ’3-D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy’, are scheduled to be released in May. The news has has made a huge buzz within the pornography, technology, and film industry, as well as generated interest in different part of the globe, which includes Asia, Europe, and U.S.

The first ever 3D porn film will be based on The Carnal Prayer Mat, a classical Chinese erotic literature, and will be starred by top class Japanese porn actresses Saori Hara, Hong Kong busty Vonnie Lui and Yukiko Suo. The movie will narrate the story of a young man who undertakes a journey of eroticism in the world of a duke.

“Orgies” and “very graphic sex scenes” are expected to be part of the production, according to Sunday Morning Post report.

On the other hand, a European porn producer Mark Dorcel has declared that he and his team is planning to recreate the classic erotic film called Kama-sutra, which will take full advantage of the new stereoscopic 3D technology.

Izumi Mori has a affair with married man Ken Koshizoe

2011-02-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Weekly magazine FRIDAY reports in its latest issue that model and talento Izumi Mori (28) was having an affair with a married man. The man in question is Ken Koshizoe (57), whose wife is former actress Nobuko Kotegawa (48), the sister of actress Yuko Kotegawa (51).

Koshizoe is part of the management of the Japan Professional Surfing Association. Mori is a surfing fan, and she met Koshizoe years ago when she visited a surfing shop run by him. The two started dating about three years ago, and FRIDAY says they were recently living together in Mori's Tokyo home, while his wife thought that he was away on business trips. The magazine also took pictures of them spending the weekend at Mori's vacation home in Chiba.

However, Mori claims she didn't know that Koshizoe was married. She says that she only found out about it when FRIDAY tried to interview her. According to Mori's agency, she has already broken up with Koshizoe.

FRIDAY also reveals that this isn't the first affair for Koshizoe. At the time that he was going to marry Kotegawa, it appears that he was already a husband and father.

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Saki Aibu in NTV drama Rebound

2011-02-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

Saki Aibu (25) has the lead role in an NTV drama series called "Rebound," airing this spring on Wednesday nights at 10:00pm. The show will use special makeup to make Aibu's character appear to be as heavy as 85 kilograms in weight.

"Rebound" is an original script by screenwriter Kazuhiko Yukawa, whose past dramas include "Magerarenai Onna" and "Joou no Kyoushitsu."

Aibu plays Nobuko, the daughter of a tonkatsu shop owner who grew up on tonkatsu and cake. As a result, she weighed 60 kilograms by the time she graduated from elementary school, and at age 20 she weighed 85 kilograms. In order to turn her life around, she quits eating cake and sheds 37 kilograms, leading to her current career as the editor of a fashion magazine.

When she goes to interview the "sweet prince," a fashionable pastry chef played by Mocomichi Hayami (26), she winds up breaking her ban on cake and begins "rebounding" from her diet. She soon finds herself having to decide between her currently slim lifestyle and a delicious romance with the handsome patissier. The show also features Chiaki Kuriyama (26) playing Nobuko's good friend Hitomi.

Aibu and Hayami last co-starred together in the drama series "Zettai Kareshi."

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Kyoko Fukada new film Yoake no Machi de

2011-02-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

In January, Kadokawa Pictures announced plans to distribute a film titled "Yoake no Machi de," based on a novel by Keigo Higashino. It has now been learned that the movie will be directed by Setsuro Wakamatsu ("Shizumanu Taiyo," "Whiteout"), featuring Goro Kishitani (46) and Kyoko Fukada (28) in the lead roles.

Higashino is said to have written the novel with inspiration from the Southern All Stars song "LOVE AFFAIR ~Himitsu no Date~." Set in Yokohama, the story revolves around a boss named Watabe (Kishitani) and one of his subordinates named Nakanishi (Fukada). The two have a chance encounter at a batting center, leading to an affair. However, Watabe soon learns that Nakanishi is suspected of murder. Her father's mistress was killed 15 years earlier, and the case is nearing its statute of limitations.

Filming is under way and is scheduled to finish in mid-March. Theatrical release is planned for fall of this year.

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Masami Nagasawa in TBS drama Okujo no Aru Apato

2011-02-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

TBS plans to broadcast a drama special titled "Okujo no Aru Apato" ("apartment with a rooftop") on March 21, starring actress Masami Nagasawa (23).

The story was originally a novel by Sawako Agawa, modeled after her experiences while she was living in an apartment in the United States. For the drama, the novel was adapted by screenwriter Noriko Yoshida ("Hanamizuki," "Nada Sousou").

Nagasawa plays a single 27-year-old woman named Asako, who begins working at an advertising firm after her previous company goes bankrupt. The drama focuses on this turning point in her life, as she deals with unemployment, job-hunting, and independence. The show's title refers to the apartment where Asako begins living on her own, surrounded by odd neighbors.

There is also said to be an element of romance between her and two older men, a company president played by Eisaku Yoshida (42) and an employee at a foreign company played by Haruhiko Kato (35).

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Aoi Miyazaki in movie The End by Abbas Kiarostami

2011-02-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

Actress Aoi Miyazaki (25) is reportedly in talks to appear in the next film by internationally acclaimed Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami ("Taste of Cherry," "The Wind Will Carry Us"). The movie, titled "The End," is said to be a sequel of sorts to his 2010 movie "Certified Copy," which opens in Japan this coming weekend.

"Certified Copy," starring Juliette Binoche, was a love story set in Tuscany and was Kiarostami's first film shot outside Iran. "The End" will also be a love story, but it is planned to focus on a young couple in present-day Japan.

Miyazaki is currently in filming for Masato Harada's "Waga Haha," along with Koji Yakusho (55) and Kirin Kiki (68). She also recently finished with Kiyoshi Sasabe's "Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimashite," and before that she was working on Yoshihiro Fukagawa's "Kamisama no Karute" with Sho Sakurai (29).

Miyazaki's agency, Hirata Office, acknowledged that it has received an offer, but no contract has officially been signed yet.

According to Variety magazine, filming is expected to start in April. The movie will be a joint production between France's MK2 and Japan's Eurospace.

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Yui Ichikawa TBS drama series Muscle Girl with Lee Hong Ki

2011-02-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Actress Yui Ichikawa (25) has been chosen to star in the TBS drama series "Muscle Girl!" this spring. Her co-star will be FTIsland vocalist Lee Hong Ki (20), making his first appearance in a Japanese drama.

Ichikawa plays the part of Azusa, the only child of the owner of a small female pro wrestling organization. After her father dies of illness, she has to take over the business, which is already losing money and is on the verge of shutting down. To make things worse, their referee suddenly disappears on the day of one of their shows, leaving behind only a resignation letter. The desperate Azusa then runs into a young Korean man (Lee). She persuades him to serve as a referee just for that day, though she doesn't realize he is actually a popular star in Korea.

While the show will be about Azusa's struggle to turn the organization around, it is said that there will also be an element of romance between the two leads.

The wrestling scenes will be done with the help of two female pro wrestling groups, JWP and Ice Ribbon.

FTIsland will be providing the show's theme song, though the title is currently unknown. The show will run for 10 episodes in a late-night time slot, starting in April.

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Yamashita Tomohisa in movie Ashita no Joe

2011-02-17T07:44:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Tomohisa Yamashita (25) and other cast members participated in a stage greeting for the movie "Ashita no Joe" at the Toho Cinemas in Roppongi Hills. During the event, distributor Toho announced that the film will be opening in 9 different regions overseas, including France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei.

The Taiwan release date has been set for March 18, while the others have not yet been decided. It appears likely that they will be scheduled sometime during March, when Yamashita will already be traveling around Asia for the rest of his solo tour.

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Junpei Mizobata in live action drama Detective Conan

2011-02-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

The "Detective Conan" franchise is confirmed to be getting a third live-action drama special, airing on NTV this April. Although Shun Oguri (28) previously starred in the 2006 and 2008 drama specials, the new one will feature Junpei Mizobata (21) as the protagonist Shinichi Kudo. The female character Ran Mori will be played by actress Shiori Kutsuna (18).

The drama special was produced to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the animated series and its theatrical films. The newest movie, "Meitantei Conan: Chinmoku no 15-fun," opens on April 16.

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Meisa Kuroki and Shingo Katori in drama Getsu 9

2011-02-10T02:04:00.000-08:00

SMAP's Shingo Katori (34) will star in Fuji TV's next Monday night drama series, it has been learned. The currently untitled series will have Katori playing a marriage agency advisor who prides himself on bringing together countless couples, with his motto of "the man who sells happiness." Meisa Kuroki (22) and Naohito Fujiki (38) have also been cast.

The screenplay is said to be an original love story. Kuroki plays one of Katori's clients, though she is "too beautiful" - the agency's advisors are not used to finding a match for someone like her. Although Katori begins to fall for her, he puts his effort into trying to set her up with the rich and handsome lawyer played by Fujiki.

This is Katori's fourth time starring in one of Fuji TV's "Getsu 9" dramas (Mondays 9:00pm). For Kuroki, this will be her first appearance in that time slot.

The series is scheduled to premiere in April.

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Yuri Ebihara as a Samantha Thavasa model for JAL

2011-02-10T02:02:00.000-08:00

Japan Airlines' Arashi-themed jet took its last flight on Monday. That same day, the airline held an event to introduce a new themed jet, this time for popular fashion brand Samantha Thavasa.

The jet, a Boeing 777-200 designated JA8983, is decorated with the Samantha Thavasa logo, as well as an image of model Yuri Ebihara (31). Ebihara's face will grace the jet during its three months of service, between February 8 and May 7. Like the Arashi jet, the Samantha Thavasa jet will be used for domestic flights.

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Rina Takeda as female ninja in film Kunoichi

2011-02-10T01:58:00.000-08:00

Action actress Rina Takeda (19) has been given her third starring movie role, playing a female ninja in a film titled "KUNOICHI."

Takeda has been practicing karate since the age of 10, winning multiple tournaments as a teenager. In 2008, she caught the attention of "Shaolin Shoujo" producer Fuyuhiko Nishi, leading him to cast her in his directorial debut, "High Kick Girl!" She also starred in the similar movie "KG: Karate Girl," which just opened in theaters this weekend.

In "KUNOICHI," Takeda plays a ninja who rescues women who have been taken captive. The film is directed by Seiji Chiba, known for wrks such as "Sengoku: Iga no Ran" and "Nukenin." The action director is Kensuke Sonomura, who coordinated the action scenes in "GANTZ" and other films such as Noboru Iguchi's "Machine Girl."

"KUNOICHI" will begin its theatrical run on March 19.

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Ayumi Hamasaki release four remix album ayu-mi-x

2011-02-10T01:50:00.000-08:00

Ayumi Hamasaki has presented her fans seven new releases to look forward to, which will all be released on March 30th.

First of all, the pop star will release four remix albums from her "ayu-mi-x" series:
ayu-mi-x 7 -version House-, ayu-mi-x 7 -version Acoustic Orchestra-, ayu-mi-x 7 presents ayu trance 4 and ayu-mi-x 7 presents ayu-ro mix 4.
These albums are also featured in the collection ayu-mi-x 7 -Limited Complete Box-, which comes with an additional alternate mix and thirteen LP-sized posters as a bonus.

Ayumi’s singles have also been bundled on a new DVD, called A 50 Singles -Live Selection-, featuring live recordings from previous concerts between 2000 and 2010.

Finally, a DVD containg footage of one of Ayumi’s latest Rock'n'Roll Circus shows at Yoyogi National Gymnasium, entitled Rock'n'Roll Circus Tour Final -7days Special- will also be available in March.

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Hideaki Takizawa in stage show Takizawa Kabuki

2011-02-10T01:47:00.000-08:00

Hideaki Takizawa is about to become a walking and talking history textbook as he plays famours warriors, leaders, and rebels in his upcoming stage show, it was revealed at a press conference in Tokyo on February 3, reports Sports Hochi, and Chunichi Sports.

It had been announced Takizawa would produce his upcoming stage show “滝沢歌舞伎 (Takizawa Kabuki)”, and play a series of historical Japanese figures including Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Nobunaga Oda, and Shiro Amakusa.

“I want younger people to get interested in history. I learnt the value of Japanese legends after working on a Taiga drama myself,” Takizawa said.

The show has been split into two parts with the first focussing on the 10 historical figures, followed by a second part where Takizawa reprises his show from last year, playing Taira no Masakado.

It has been reported the pop star will fill his show with large-scale special effects such as wire action, and is even planning on slipping in a historical woman character as one of the 10 heroes.

On top of his busy acting challenge, it will be the second time Takizawa has produced this show following his producer debut in 2010.

“(At last year’s show) I struggled because I hardly had any time for my own rehearsals. But it felt like a part of me was always on stage, even if I wasn’t in the scene. It also gave me the chance to see things from an audience’s point-of-view which helped me when I was trying to think of things that would make the fans happier,” he said.

It has also been reported the second part to the show will be different from last year.

“I got a lot of requests from fans saying they wanted to see a more evil me so I’m going to try and be as evil and scary as I can,” Takizawa said.

Of course, bloody scenes will not continue throughout the entire season becayse the star had revealed plans for the show’s second part to be replaced with a children’s show during the May public holiday season. It has been reported Takizawa had said he wanted to reprise his children’s hero role, TAKI-ranger, at this year’s show as well.

“Takizawa Kabuki” will be performed at Tokyo’s Nissay Theatre from April 8 to May 8.

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Yuu Kikkawa debut single Kikkake wa YOU

2011-01-28T07:32:00.000-08:00

Former Hello! Pro Egg member Yuu Kikkawa (18) has officially scheduled her anticipated debut solo single. She will release "Kikkake wa YOU!" under the Universal J label on March 30, with her name romanized as You Kikkawa.

In addition to the single, Kikkawa will star in a movie, also titled "Kikkake wa YOU!" The movie is scheduled to open in early May during Golden Week.

Kikkawa has also been chosen to serve as an opening act for Universal Studios Japan's special event "UNIVERSAL DREAM LIVE 2011," which was revealed a few weeks ago. She will perform on March 19, the first day of the three-day event. BEAST and SDN48 are already scheduled to perform on that day as well.

Kikkawa first gained attention in 2006 when she was a finalist in Morning Musume's 8th generation audition. She became an Egg the following year, and she was later placed in the 3-member group Milky Way, tied in with the anime series "Kirarin Revolution."

Her official website is now open.

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Ai Takahashi in musical Dance of The Vampires

2011-01-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

Morning Musume's Ai Takahashi (24) is set to appear in a new production of the musical "Dance of the Vampires" ("Tanz der Vampire"), being performed this coming fall. The musical is Takahashi's first work that has been scheduled for after her graduation from Morning Musume later this year.

The musical, based on the Roman Polanski film "The Fearless Vampire Killers," had its first Japanese production performed in 2006. It appears that Yuichiro Yamaguchi (54) and Kenji Urai (29) are returning in their roles as Graf Von Krolock and Alfred. The heroine Sarah will again be double cast, this time by Takahashi and actress Rina Chinen (29).

"Dance of the Vampires" will be the last production of the year at the Imperial Garden Theater, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The curtain will go up on November 27, and performances will run until December 24.

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Erika Sawajiri announce divorce with husband Tsuyoshi Takashiro

2011-01-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

Actress Erika Sawajiri (24) held her press conference at the Takano Yuri Beauty Clinic event on Sunday, though she did not take any questions from the press. During the event, she tearfully announced that she and her husband, media creator Tsuyoshi Takashiro (46) have mutually agreed to get a divorce.

According to Sawajiri, the divorce procedures are already in the final stages. There have been rumors since last year that the two would likely split up, though a couple months ago it appeared that they might be getting back together. However, it seems that her meetings with Takashiro were primarily to settle the divorce.

Last March, Sawajiri became the president of the management agency that she and Takashiro had established in Spain, but she revealed that she resigned from that position in December and became the president of a brand new agency that she founded on her own. It is still unknown whether she will be able to continue negotiations with Avex for a management contract in Japan.

Sawajiri stated that she currently has no work scheduled, though she affirmed that she strongly wants to return to acting. However, a commercial contract is in the works, with more details expected to be announced at another press conference on February 28.

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Ai Takahashi in drama Bittersweet Angel

2011-01-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, Morning Musume leader Ai Takahashi (24) attended a press conference for a new drama that she will star in. As this was her first time in front of the press since announcing her decision to graduate from Morning Musume, she also spoke about her plans for the future.

Takahashi's drama is part of a project called "Koi Choco," a collaboration between BS-TBS and candy company Morinaga Seika's Carre de Chocolat brand. The project will make use of an "augmented reality" application available on Android phones. When users take a photo of a package of the chocolate, a video clip from the drama will play.

The chocolate comes in four different flavors, and each of the four packages will be linked to a different video. There are two stories, titled "Bittersweet Angel" and "Amadan."

In "Bittersweet Angel," Takahashi will play Ayana, a cafe worker who is clumsy in love, while Dori Sakurada (19) will co-star as a young man named Anju who appears before her, calling himself an angel. The same story will be told from each of their perspectives, with "Ayana no Baai" lasting about 13 minutes in length and "Anju no Baai" lasting about 14 minutes in length.

The two parts of "Bittersweet Angel" will also be broadcast by BS-TBS on Valentine's Day (February 14) at 7:30pm. The drama and a making-of will be included on a DVD to be released on March 30.

"Bittersweet Angel" already became available on Thursday through the Android augmented reality application, along with the two parts of "Amadan," titled "Melodrama-hen" and "Seibugeki-hen." Details about "Amadan" have not been reported.

During the press conference, Takahashi stated that after taking on several acting roles, she has developed an interest in acting and wants to try taking on a variety of roles in the future. She also revealed that she is interested in going overseas, so she also hopes to do some language studies.

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Ringo Shiina as a model for Shiseido Cosmetics

2011-01-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

Rock singer Ringo Shiina (32) will model in a cosmetics commercial for the first time, it has been learned. She will appear in a new advertisement for Shiseido's Maquillage brand, scheduled to begin airing on February 20.

Shiina will also provide the theme song, titled "Onna no Ko wa Daredemo." She wrote the song specifically for the commercial, and it was arranged by well-known musician Takayuki Hattori.

Shiina announced at the end of last year that she would release a new single on February 23. It is now known that it will be a double A-side, featuring "Onna no Ko wa Daredemo" and another song written by Shiina and composed by Seiji Kameda, the bassist of Shiina's band Tokyo Jihen.

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Speed Member Takako Uehara in movie Koitanibashi

2011-01-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

SPEED member Takako Uehara (28) has been given her first starring role in a movie. She will headline the cast of "Koitanibashi: La Vallee de l'amour," directed by Koichi Goto, set for release this summer.

As an actress, Uehara won a Japan Academy Prize Rookie of the Year award for her role in the 1999 movie "Dream Maker." She has appeared in several other films since then, with her last one being the 2008 movie "Yume no Manimani."

In "Koitanibashi," Uehara plays Tomoko, a young woman who had headed to Tokyo to pursue her dreams but returns in frustration to her hometown. There, she becomes an okami (proprietress) at a hot spring inn and turns her life around. The story is based on "Ame no Naka no Hatsukoi: First Love in the Rain," a script that won the 1st Super Scenario Grand Prix.

Producers chose the Tottori prefecture for filming, which took place in November and December of last year.

Uehara's supporting cast includes Kensei Mikami, Miyuki Matsuda, Ichiro Ogura, Yuko Nakazawa, Hassei Takano, Mayuko Iwasa, Daijiro Kawaoka, Anna Tsuchiya, Shingo Katsurayama, Renji Ishibashi, Kazuko Yoshiyuki, and Hiroki Matsukata.

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Maki Horikita in Fuji TV Drama Kakashi

2011-01-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

Maki Horikita (22) has been chosen to star in an upcoming Fuji TV drama special, tentatively titled "Kakashi." The drama is based on the 1977 song of the same name by Masashi Sada.

This is the third time in recent years that one of Sada's works has been adapted to television. In 2008, his novel "Bizan" was made into a drama starring Takako Tokiwa (after already being made into a movie with Nanako Matsushima). In 2009, his song "Oyaji no Ichiban Nagai Hi" also became a drama, starring Masami Nagasawa.

The original song "Kakashi" tells of a family whose daughter has left home to live far away in the city. For the drama, producers decided to model the characters after a family of udon makers from the Goto Islands, who were the subject of a documentary program that previously aired on Fuji TV.

Horikita plays the role of Chizuru Saeki, the second daughter of the family. After graduating from high school, she leaves the family's home in the Goto Islands to pursue a career as a photographer in Tokyo. While working as an assistant, she ends up involved in some trouble, and after becoming tired of life in Tokyo she returns home after three years.

The parents of the family will be played by Ken Matsudaira and Jun Fubuki. Sousuke Takaoka and Shuga Nakamura will play Chizuru's brothers, while Noriko Nakagoshi and Karen Miyama will play her sisters. Sada himself will make a guest appearance as the manager of a small bookshop.

"Kakashi" was filmed in early October last year. Fuji TV plans to broadcast the special sometime this March.

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Erika Sawajiri returns to Japan from Spain

2011-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

It was learned on Thursday that actress Erika Sawajiri (24) is back in Japan, having quietly returned from Spain on Wednesday night. She was hounded by reporters outside her home, though she remained silent to all questions. However, multiple sources are reporting that she will hold a press conference on January 23.

Sawajiri's last appearance before the press was on September 5 of last year. She was scheduled to appear at an event on September 21, but she suddenly canceled the day before and went missing, triggering various rumors. It was learned that she later went back to Spain, where her current management office is based. It is also believed that she is again living there with her husband Tsuyoshi Takashiro (46), even though it previously appeared that they would likely divorce.

According to Sports Hochi, Sawajiri met yesterday with a representative for the Takano Yuri Beauty Clinic, which Sawajiri had been doing commercials for. The company is holding a big event on January 23, and it is expected that the actress will be in attendance. If she does indeed hold a press conference there, she will likely comment on the status of her marriage with Takashiro.

Sawajiri had previously planned to sign a management contract with Avex, but it is said that one of the conditions was that she had to divorce Takashiro. Avex has continued to not respond to questions regarding Sawajiri.

Sports Hochi also reports that there have been rumors of Sawajiri appearing in a Hollywood movie, though nothing has been confirmed yet. The newspaper notes that building her career overseas may be an alternative to trying to regain her foothold in Japan.

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Masami Nagasawa and Katsumi Takahashi in drama Tare Yori mo Kimi wo Aisu

2011-01-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

Katsumi Takahashi (49) and Masami Nagasawa (23) will co-star as father and daughter in a Fuji TV drama special this April. The show is tentatively titled "Tare Yori mo Kimi wo Aisu."

Set in Shizuoka, the show is a comedy about the owner of an unagi shop (Takahashi) whose daughter (Nagasawa) comes back home with her child, and their attempt to rebuild their bond as family. The screenplay was written by Yuki Fujimoto ("Chiritotechin"), based on a classic rakugo story.

Takahashi and Nagasawa have actually played father and daughter before in commercials, but this will be their first time doing so in a drama. Their supporting cast includes Shota Shunputei (51), a rakugo storyteller from Shizuoka.

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AKB48 as student in series Sakura Kara no Tegami

2011-01-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

Members of idol group AKB48 are going to star in a short television miniseries titled "Sakura Kara no Tegami ~AKB48 Sorezore no Sotsugyou Monogatari~." The show will consist of 17 episodes aired on 9 consecutive nights, from February 26 to March 6.

AKB48 will be playing themselves as 3rd-year high school students getting ready to graduate. One day, their homeroom teacher, played by Takaya Kamikawa (45), suddenly announces that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and only has three months left to live. As the students each begin reflecting on how to change their own lives, they come to understand the significance of "graduation."

Each of the episodes will be its own story, building up to the climactic final episode. The main cast will consist of Yuko Oshima, Atsuko Maeda, and the rest of the "media senbatsu" team (decided at last year's senbatsu), while the "under girls" and other AKB48 members will also appear as supporting cast. It is reported that all of the AKB48 members will make an appearance.

The drama's main theme song will be "Sakura no Ki ni Narou," whichb AKB48 will release as their next single on February 16.

The first episode will be 30 minutes long, and the last episode will be 60 minutes long, but the 15 episodes in between will each be 10 minutes long. In total, the drama has a running time of 4 hours. According to Mantan Web, the broadcast schedule will be:

* Episode 1 - February 26, 11:55pm
* Episode 2-4 - February 27, 11:55pm
* Episode 5-7 - February 28, 11:58pm
* Episode 8-10 - March 1, 11:58pm
* Episode 11-13 - March 2, 11:58pm
* Episode 14 - March 3, 12:38am
* Episode 15 - March 4, 1:28am
* Episode 16 - March 5, 12:50am
* Episode 17 - March 6, 10:30pm

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Aqua Timez 4th full album Carpe Diem

2011-01-13T00:06:00.000-08:00

The band Aqua Timez has just scheduled their first concert at Nippon Budokan, it has been learned. The concert will be held on August 24, the anniversary of their 2005 indies debut mini-album "Sora Ippai ni Kanaderu Inori" that launched them to fame.

Aqua Timez also announced that they will be releasing their 4th full album, "Carpe Diem," on February 16, almost two years since their last one. The album includes the song "Mayonaka no Orchestra," which is being released as a single on January 26.

After the album's release, the band will go on a nationwide tour, which will end with the show at Nippon Budokan. Details for the tour have not yet been announced.

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Aoi Miyazaki and Masato Sakai in movie Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimashite

2011-01-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Aoi Miyazaki (25) and Masato Sakai (37) will co-star in a movie version of "Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimashite," directed by Kiyoshi Sasabe. The two will play a married couple, bringing them together on screen for the first time since the 2008 taiga drama "Atsuhime," where they also played husband and wife.

"Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimashite" is based on a manga series by Tenten Hosokawa (41) that has sold over 600,000 copies. The story humorously retells Hosokawa's own experiences with her husband, who suddenly fell into depression. The couple battled the illness for a year and a half before the husband recovered. In 2009, NHK adapted it as a 3-part miniseries, starring Norika Fujiwara and comedian Taizo Harada.

In the movie version, Miyazaki plays the lead as manga artist Haruko Takazaki, modeled after Hosokawa. Sakai plays the husband Mikio, who fights the depression over the span of three years, helped by a pet iguana. Haruko's parents will be played by Kimiko Yo (54) and Ren Osugi (59).

Filming started on January 9 and is expected to finish in early February. The theatrical release is planned for fall of this year.

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Zard 20 Anniversary, a memorial concert for Izumi Sakai

2011-01-13T00:03:00.000-08:00

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the debut of the beloved pop group ZARD, so naturally several projects are in the works to honor the occasion. One of those is another set of memorial concerts for vocalist Izumi Sakai, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 40.

Although ZARD began as a five-member group in 1991, ZARD was essentially Sakai's solo project. During her career, she released 11 original albums and dozens of singles, with several of those releases becoming million sellers. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2006, she had been hospitalized for nearly a year before her accidental death in May 2007.

Several memorial concerts for ZARD were held in 2007 after her death, with so many fans attending that the concerts went on tour. Additional memorial concerts were held in 2008 and 2009. This year, a concert will be held on May 27 (Sakai's death anniversary) at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, followed by another on May 29 at the Osaka International Convention Center.

Like the previous shows, these will incorporate large screens displaying footage of Sakai singing (some of it previously unreleased), accompanied live by a group of guest musicians. One representative from ZARD's agency says that they are thinking of making this 20th anniversary concert the last one.

There will also be a few ZARD releases in the upcoming months: a 6-CD box set containing 99 songs (February 10), four separate photobooks (also on February 10), and three separate DVDs of the past memorial concerts (April).

A special exhibit about Sakai's 20-year career featuring photos, videos, and possessions will be doing a 4-city tour, starting in February. The Tokyo exhibit will take place on May 25-30 at the Takashimaya building in Shinjuku.

It has also been announced that a special 20th anniversary website will be launched on January 15.

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Tsumabuki Satoshi and Aoi Yu in stage Minami Be

2011-01-12T23:58:00.000-08:00

Actor Tsumabuki Satoshi (30) appeared at a press conference yesterday for his upcoming stage play 'Minami he'. Actress Aoi Yu (25), who co-stars with him in the stage play was also in attendance. Tsumabuki describes working with Aoi for the first time: "It was quite a good feeling. We were very compatible during practice. She's easy to get along with and takes her work seriously. She has a very pure heart." Aoi in turn praises Tsumabuki for having a lot of patience.

Written by Noda Hideki, 'Minami he' will be performed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space in West Ikebukuro from February 10 to March 31.

Tsumabuki Satoshi at Press Conference for 'Minami he'
Source: Sanspo
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net

Kana Uemura single Toilet no Kamisama top Oricon Charts

2011-01-12T23:55:00.000-08:00

Singer-songwriter Kana Uemura recently made her first appearance on NHK's year-end music show Kouhaku Uta Gassen. Her latest song, "Toilet no Kamisama," has been receiving a lot of attention since then. Due to the so-called "Kouhaku effect," the song not only reached #1 on the download charts, but it sold 11,000 copies this past week to achieve #1 on Oricon's single sales rankings, marking Uemura's first time ever at the top of the charts.

"Toilet no Kamisama" was first released as part of Uemura's mini-album "Watashi no Kakeratachi" in March 2010. The song became popular as a digital download later that year, and she released it as her 10th CD single on November 24. However, the song debuted at #12 and never broke the Top 10 before this past week.

The last time that a single rose to #1 from a spot outside the Top 10 in the preceding week was in 2004, when Kanjani8's "Naniwa Iroha Bushi" started out as a Kansai-only release and then began selling nationwide.

Also thanks to the Kouhaku effect, idol group AKB48 saw their singles climb the rankings to place four of them in the Top 10. "Chance no Junban" and "Heavy Rotation" were already in the Top 10 in the previous week but rose to #2 and #3 (from #3 and #8), while "Beginner" and "Ponytail to Chou-chou" jumped to #5 and #9 (from #11 and #25). This is the first time that a female group has had four singles rank in the weekly Top 10. Including female solo artists, they are only the second to achieve that, tying with Hikaru Utada's record from 1999.

Many other artists' singles benefited from appearances on Kouhaku or other music shows at the end of the year. These included SNSD's "Gee" (#13 to #6), EXILE's "I Wish For You" (#20 to #7), Ikimono Gakari's "Arigatou" (#40 to #15), KARA's "Mister" (#33 to #18), and Fuyumi Sakamoto's "Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru" (#48 to #29).

On the album charts, AKB48 sub-unit No Sleeves (no3b) achieved their first #1 album. The self-titled "no3b," released on January 1, sold 59,000 copies to top the rankings. Like Uemura, this is their first number-one release.

The last sub-unit of a female music group to have a #1 album was Morning Musume's Petitmoni in 2002.

Meanwhile, Ikimono Gakari's best album "Ikimono Bakari ~Members BEST Selection~" officially reached 1 million in actual sales, after nine weeks on store shelves. The album has now sold a total of 1.04 million copies. This is the first million-selling album by a group with female vocals since Russian duo t.A.T.u. in 2003.

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Gravure Idol Meguru Ishii is retiring and getting married

2011-01-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

Talento and gravure idol Meguru Ishii (23) announced in her blog on December 31 that she is retiring from show business. At the same time, she revealed that she is getting married to a man not in show business, who is three years older than her.

Ishii made her debut as a gravure idol in 2004. She also began acting in minor roles in television, film, and theater in 2005. However, she has had very little work since 2008, and during the past two years she decided to leave show business.

Ishii is the older sister of Koune Nakazawa (21), another gravure idol managed by the same agency.

Aya Ueto is dating with Exile member Hiro

2011-01-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

Back in October, news outlets began reporting that actress Aya Ueto (25) and EXILE member HIRO (41) had started dating. In this week's issue of FRIDAY, it is now being claimed that Ueto has moved into an apartment in the same building as HIRO's, but on a different floor.

FRIDAY reports that Ueto has been frequently in and out of the apartment building where HIRO lives. According to the magazine, she recently became a tenant in that building, though she is still living separately from HIRO.

Sankei Sports followed up with Ueto's agency, Oscar Promotion, which said that the news is not exactly true. The company explained that the apartment is actually leased by Oscar Promotion and is not Ueto's private residence. The agency also said that other talents besides Ueto use the apartment. When asked about Ueto and HIRO's relationship, the company simply restated that it is leaving her private life alone.

However, Sankei Sports also contacted HIRO's management, whose comments suggest that the relationship is progressing. "Both of them are supported by many people, and they have a social responsibility in their position. When conditions are ready for a solid announcement to be made, it will be announced then, so until that time please warmly watch over them."

Based on that quote, it appears that the two could be headed for marriage, and that arrangements are perhaps already being made to prepare for such an announcement.

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Ayumi Hamasaki married Austrian Actor Manuel Schwarz in US

2011-01-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

Singer Ayumi Hamasaki (32) has announced that she will soon get married. According to statements she made on her Twitter account and on her fan club website just after the start of the new year, she will be tying the knot with Austrian actor Manuel Schwarz (30).

Hamasaki met Schwarz in August of last year. At that time, Schwarz (who is also known as Mannie) played her husband in the music video for her song "Virgin Road." Then in October, he appeared in two more of her music videos, for the songs "Love Song" and "Last angel." Within those two months, the two became very close, frequently exchanging e-mails and phone calls.

On December 31, Hamasaki performed "Virgin Road" as the opening act of NHK's Kouhaku Uta Gassen, wearing a white wedding dress. After that, she headed to Yoyogi National Gymnasium for her own countdown concert. However, she decided to wait until after those performances before announcing the news of her marriage online.

Hamasaki's management has acknowledged her announcement. Although she does not have any upcoming work in her schedule at the moment, it is said that she does not plan on retiring. It is also reported that she is not pregnant.

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