The official website for Genjiro Arato‘s film adaptation of Osamu Dazai‘s novel No Longer Human has been updated with a new 2+ minute trailer.
A quasi-autobiography, the novel was Dazai’s final literary work before committing suicide on June 13, 1948. This film was made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Toma Ikuta stars as the self-destructive, Dazai-based main character who can’t seem to veer off his despair-ridden path in life. According to Tokyograph, Satomi Ishihara will play the woman he married, though he had several other women in his life (as you can probably tell from the clip).
“No Longer Human” will be domestically released by Kadokawa Pictures on February 20, 2010.
Today the announcement that KAT-TUN had been chosen for the New Year's "Decotomo★DX" CM (mobile greeting interchange) appeared and brought a surprise with it"
KAT-TUN's New Song 「THE D-MOTION」
The information also comments about gorgeous set, glittering clothes (including a surprise) and comedic acting. Broadcast will start December 25. CM already up for download in Japan in two versions.
http://www.mti.co.jp/?p=1735
translation/ summary: http://tsuyaka.livej....com/45988.html
Japanese website Oricon Style announced yesterday the 10 Best Rated Dramas of 2009. Tsumabuki Satoshi's Tenchijin had the highest ratings at 26% for its third episode, taking the top spot on the list. In second place, the drama JIN, starring Osawa Takao had 25.3% ratings for its last episode. Third place was Kimura Takuya's Mr. Brain, which had 24.8% ratings for its first episode, while fourth place went to Yamashita Tomohisa's Code Blue Special with 23.1% ratings.
The fifth, sixth, and eighth spots went to Aibou Season 7 with 21.7% ratings for its eighteenth episode, Keiji Ichidai with 21.6% for its second episode, and Amami Yuki's police drama Boss, with 20.7% for its final episode. Adapted from a manga, Sazae-san, starring Mizuki Arisa had 20.9% ratings taking the seventh spot, while the ninth and tenth spots went to Welkame (20.6%) and NTV's 24 Hour Television Special Drama Niini no Koto wo Wasurenaide (20.5%).
Tenchijin Highest Ratings for 09 Dramas
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net
TOKYO — Pop band and dance group Exile have been given the job of creating the official anthem song for the country’s Samurai Blue soccer team.
The idea for the collaboration was born when Exile leader Hiro, 40, met national team coach Takeshi Okada, 53. Exile’s song will become the official song to support the Japan national team throughout the group stages of the South African World Cup and, hopefully, further.
Japan Today
KAT-TUN's Akanishi Jin makes his silver-screen debut in 2010 as the lead singer of an early 90s rock band called LANDS in the film Bandage directed by renowned music producer Kobayashi Takeshi. In addition to collaborating for the film, Akanishi formed the project unit LANDS with Kobayashi to release the movie theme song Bandage, which topped the charts with first-week sales of over 200,000! The single is just a teaser though for the real show in January which sees the release of the movie and the LANDS mini-album Olympos. The album contains six songs that Natsu (Akanishi Jin's character) performs in the movie plus two new songs specially composed for the album by Kobayashi for a total of eight tracks.
First Press comes with 24-page booklet; only while supplies last. Second Press will have an 18-page booklet and a different cover design.
The songs. (order of tracks not yet decided)
- BANDAGE (lyrics/music/arrangement: kobayashi takeshi)
- Olympus (lyrics: iwai shunji & kobayashi takeshi, music/arrangement: kobayashi takeshi)
- 20sai no sensou [a 20 year old's war] (lyrics: iwai shunji & kobayashi takeshi, music/arrangement: kobayashi takeshi)
- Genki [energy] (lyrics: iwai shunji & kobayashi takeshi, music/arrangement: kobayashi takeshi)
- Genki (Ska version) (lyrics: iwai shunji & kobayashi takeshi, music/arrangement: kobayashi takeshi)
- Yuuki [courage] (lyrics: iwai shunji & kobayashi takeshi & akanishi jin, music/arrangement: kobayashi takeshi)
- Thankyou (new song) (lyrics/music/arrangement: kobayashi takeshi)
- Kodou [pulsation] (new song) (lyrics/music/arrangement: kobayashi takeshi)
Teen actress Riko Narumi (17) will star in a movie about "performance calligraphy," directed by Ryuichi Inomata ("Mari to Koinu no Monogatari"). Its focus is the Shodo Girls Koshien event, which was started last year by the NTV show "Zoom In!! SUPER."
About ten years ago, "Zoom In!! SUPER" (then known as "Zoom In!! Asa!") started following performance calligraphy, which involves teams creatively drawing kanji on large sheets of paper. In July 2008, NTV collaborated with the Kami Matsuri (paper festival) in Ehime, which produces the largest amount of paper in Japan, to hold a Shodo Performance Koshien competition. The program drew a lot of attention for performance calligraphy, so the network started holding a regular tournament known as the Shodo Girls Koshien.
The first Shodo Girls Koshien was held on January 1, 2009. Teams of high school girls drew on 10m x 12m sheets of paper while performing routines to music. By September, two more tournaments were held, and a fourth has been scheduled for January 1, 2010.
In the movie, Narumi plays the head of her high school's calligraphy club, leading her team to the Koshien. She will undergo training in calligraphy soon, as filming begins in mid-January. The movie, which is scheduled for release in May 2010, does not have an official title yet. The title will be revealed on New Year's Day, when NTV broadcasts the 4th Shodo Girls Koshien during the four-and-a-half-hour-long "Zoom In!! SUPER" special.
Tokyograph
BAM! Marketing, Publicity, & Promotions has announced that the X Japan rock group will appear in Hollywood, California on January 9 for one night only. More details will be provided "soon." The group had planned to make a New York tour stop in 2008 before canceling those plans.
X Japan's most notable anime contributions were the songs in the X² music video collection and later X movie. The animation studio Madhouse adapted both productions from CLAMP's X manga. The surviving band members — Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama, Yoshiki Hayashi, Tomoaki "Pata" Ishizuka, and Hiroshi "Heath" Morie — reunited in 2007, ten years after they first disbanded and nine years after the death of guitarist Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto.
Anime News Network
SMAP is going to perform several pieces of music of Michael Jackson, the king of POP died suddenly in June 2009, on The 60th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. SMAP members met and performed with Michael Jackson on the program 'SMAP X SMAP' of June 5th, 2006. Nakai Masahiro, the leader of the group, was invited as the only Japanese to attend the world premiere ceremony of the posthumous film 'Michael Jackson THIS IS IT' held in Los Angeles, USA in October. SMAP is said to perform the hit songs of Michael such as 'Thriller' and 'BEAT IT'.
Arashi J-pop group member Kazunari Ninomiya and singer/actress Kou Shibasaki will star in the live-action film adaptation of Fumi Yoshinaga's award-nominated Ōoku: The Inner Chamber manga. ASMIK Ace will release the film in Japan on October 1, 2010.
The historical science fiction story takes place in an alternate history version of medieval Japan, in which a bizarre disease has dwindled the male population. This has led to a matriarchal society where women outnumber men by 4 to 1. The shogun and de facto ruler of Japan keeps her own harem of men, or Ōoku. The film will adapt the story in the first volume of the manga.
Ninomiya (Tekkonkinkreet, Letters from Iwo Jima) will play Hiroyuki Mizuno, the young man rising through the ranks of the Shogunate, while Shibasaki (Battle Royale, Dororo, Sekai no Chūshin de, Ai wo Sakebu) will play Shogun Yoshimune herself.
Fuminori Kaneko, a director best known for the live-action Kisarazu Cat's Eye and Ikebukuro West Gate Park television series, is overseeing the Ōoku film project. Natsuko Takahashi scripted the animated television version of another Yoshinaga work, Antique Bakery, before tackling this project.
The manga has been running in Hakusensha's Melody magazine since 2005, and Viz Media began releasing the manga in North America in August. Ōoku was nominated for Japan's prestigious Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize for the third year in a row this year, and it finally won the Grand Prize in April. The manga was also nominated for the first Manga Taisho Awards last year.
Yamashita Tomohisa has been busy performing as a member of NEWS, and also as an actor for an upcoming drama. At one film location he encountered snowfall. It was his first time in quite a while to see snow. Yamashita reminisced about old times. "When I was in elementary school, I placed snowflakes on my palm and tried to see the little crystal shapes just by watching intently with my bare eyes. I was dead serious (laugh)."
Yamashita also said that as he grew up there were fewer and fewer occasions where he could be genuinely amazed at something. Yamashita "As I grew older the things I like became clearer; they were 'music', 'dance' and 'acting'. But in turn I stopped taking notice about things that I wasn't interested in. For those things, once you experience them once or twice you eventually stop being amazed.
Today, we filmed in the suburbs of Tokyo, and one of the local kids was wearing a T-shirt that had been sold as merchandise at the concert venue [of his solo concert]. She was beaming at me, as if to tell me about the Yama-P [Yamashita's nickname] T-shirt she was wearing. That really made me happy! I became very excited to find someone who had come to my concert. Every time I see someone who's a fan of mine in a place I've never been to, it feels like a novel experience. It also made me wonder what sort of person I am from her perspective. I can't be sure, but from the way the little fan was waving at me, I think it's safe to say that she was very happy to see me too (laugh). As long as there are people that even for an instant enjoy watching me, I should continue to present to them new and impressive experiences, good music and any other stuff that I think will be great for them to see and hear."
Even though he's grown up, matters that he feels he should be serious about and must hold dear even now provides him with vital strength. Is Yamashita a precious person for you too?
Pop singer Mika Nakashima has planned the release of a new single, called ALWAYS, for January 20th.
ALWAYS, a song composed and written by Momota Rui, has been chosen as one of the theme songs of the upcoming movie "Sayonara Itsuka". The movie is scheduled to be released on January 23rd, only three days after the single drops.
BABY BABY BABY (with lyrics by Mika herself and music by Ryosuke ”Dr.R” Sakai) and SPIRAL (lyrics by Mika and Miyazaki Ayumi and music by RED-T) will both serve as b-sides. A special calendar design by the singer will also be available to those who purchase the first press of the single.
jame-world
Popular visual rock band Alice Nine announced the release of a singles collection called Alice Nine Complete Collection 2006-2009 for March 24th.
This collection CD will feature, as the title suggests, all their singles released from 2006 to 2009 - from Kowloon -NINE HEADS RODEO SHOW- to the newest one, Hana -. It will also include the main songs off all their three albums, including Velvet, cosmic world and the beautiful name.
A short new tour called Kikagaku no ri will also be held to promote the release, starting at Kawasaki CLUB CITTA', in Tokyo, on March 22nd and ending at Zepp Tokyo on April 10th, spanning a total of eight dates.
jame-world
TOKYO — Actress Kyoko Fukada, 27, revealed recently she had a hard time with her role as a nature photographer in “Ururu no mori no monogatari” (“A Tale of Ululu’s Wonderful Forest.”)
Fukada plays the younger sister of a man whose two children come up to Hokkaido to live with him for the summer, after his ex-wife and custodian of the kids is admitted to hospital in Tokyo. While there, the children become attached to a puppy they find nearby and name it Ululu. Soon after they are told it is likely to be a wolf from an extinct species, and will be taken into captivity. The kids decide to try to return the baby wolf to his mother and embark on an adventure in which they play in the vast expanses of nature. On the way, they come across many wild animals, including Ezo deers and foxes.
The heart-warming story was produced by the same people who made “Mari to koinu no mon ogatari” (“A Tale of Mari and Three Puppies”) in 2007.
Fukada, who is used to playing some eye-catching roles such as a Lolita-high school student in “Kamikaze Girls” or Doronjo in “Yatterman,” said that she tried not to stand out in the family-oriented movie. She added that starring in a more regular production was the most difficult role she has played to date.
“A Tale of Ululu’s Wonderful Forest” is in cinemas now.
Japan Today
Saori Hara Profile and Biography
Name: Saori Hara, 原紗央莉 はら さおり
DOB: January 1, 1988
Bith: Hiroshima, Japan
Height: 165cm
Measurements: B85/W61/H85 (E-Cup)
Hobbies: Yoga, Games, Dance
Aboug Saori Hara
Saori Hara (原紗央莉 / HARA Saori) is a Japanese gravure idol, singer, and AV actress. She was born on January 1, 1988 in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Saori Hara don't need a long time to make her as one of the best actress in 2009. Together with her senior like Rio (Tina Yuzuki), Akiho Yoshizawa, Yuma Asami, Elly Akira (aka Yuka Osawa), Kaho Kasumi, Hitomi, Risa Tsukino, Honami Takasaka, Rin Sakuragi, Kirara Asuka, Saori Hara was included in Best actress 2009 awards.
There has been a lot of buzz on the Internet recently about SOD’s new star, Saori Hara (原紗央莉). The soon to be 21 year old (born 1988, January 1st) will be making her debut with a new release from SOD on January 22nd. This beauty from Hiroshima is a quarter German (Grandfather was German). Saori first appeared in the entertainment scene in 2005 when she released a couple image videos and photo book. She was known as Mai Nanami (七海まい) at the time. She disappeared for a couple years and resurfaced in 2008 using the name Saori Hara. She released another image video called Clear Water. She finally posed nude for Sabra in November, which is when it was announced she will be working for SOD.
SOD seems pretty high on Soari Hara. She is already listed as one of their stars on the SOD Stars website. SOD has a huge banner near the 109 building in Shibuya, Tokyo, for their STOP STD campaign (pictured, see the full sized version at i rub your brog). They’ve featured past stars like Nana Natsume on it before, but now they’re featuring Saori. I have a feeling her debut DVD is going to sell a lot of copies. SOD has a special page to promote her debut which you can find here: SOD’s special Saori Hara page
If anything, this seems to be the year of Saori Hara. This girl came out of relatively nowhere to have an unprecedented rise to stardom. SOD pumped tons of marketing into this girl, and it paid off with an insane amount of buzz and record breaking sales. The quarter-German brown eyed beauty captured our attention with her unique, voluptuous looks. She certainly has a following among her fans. Our first ever post on Saori Hara was by far the most viewed post of the year, and our review of her beach video was the third most viewed post. She has been shockingly open about her personal life and feelings on her blog, and she has even revealed her real name in a recent autobiography. DMM lists 21 DVDs featuring Saori Hara in 2009, including compilations.
Miku Ohashi is the new actress idol from Japan, Miku Ohashi made her debut with Kawaii studios in year 2007, and the most recently while this is written, she is working as an exclusive idol actress with Mooodyz studio. With a young face and a voluptuous figure that turns heads, this super cutie looks absolutely charming especial in school uniforms.
Miku Ohashi lives up to the title of this piece with her blend of sexiness and eagerness, combined with a fine body and her unmatched ability to pleasure a guy
As a new favourite idol, Miku Ohasi also ranked for Top JAV Actress Ranking for October 2009.
Miku Ohashi Profile :
Name: Miku Ohashi (大橋未久)
Date of birth: 1987-12-24
Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
Height/Weight: 158 cm/ – kg
Measures: 86 – 58 – 85 cm
Hobbies: Badminton
Active since: 2007
Diary: Miku Ohashi Blog
Japan AV Ebisu Muscats release CD
Selasa, 15 Desember 2009 | Label: JAV, Minori Hatsune, Rio, Risa Kasumi, Sora Aoi, Yuma Asami
Ebisu Muscats, a group composed of 25 AV and gravure idols, will release their first CD next year. The single is titled "Banana Mango High School / 12 no 34 de Naite with Namida 4 Shimai" and will go on sale February 17, 2010.
The group was first formed on the late-night TV Tokyo variety show "Onegai! Muscat," which aired from April 2008 to March 2009. Featuring adult actresses and idols in various skits and games, the program was renewed under the name "Onedari!! Muscat" and has been on the air since April 2009.
Ebisu Muscats, which includes well-known stars such as Sora Aoi (26) and Yuma Asami (22), first performed the innuendo-filled "Banana Mango High School" on the show earlier this year. In addition to the standard release, they will also release separate versions performed by subgroups led by Risa Kasumi (25), Minori Hatsune (22), and Rio (23).
tokyograph
Actor Masaki Okada (20) and actress Yu Aoi (24) will co-star in the movie "Raiou," an adaptation of a popular novel by Mari Ueza. This will be their first time acting together, as well as their first roles in a jidaigeki work.
The story, set during the Edo period, tells of the tragic love between a solitary young man born to the shogunate's family (Okada) and a woman raised in the wild, deep in the mountains (Aoi).
The movie reunites director Ryuichi Hiroki and producer Takashi Hirano, who previously worked together on "Yomei Ikkagetsu no Hanayome." Filming will last for a month, starting next March. Theatrical release is targeted for fall 2010.
tokyograph
December 14th is known in Japan as the day the 'Genroku Ako Incident (元禄赤穂事件)' occurred during the Edo period in 1703. Oishi Kuranosuke was a samurai who served under Asano Takumi-no-Kami, the daimyo of Ako domain. Asano's rival lord, Kira Kozuke-no-suke, tricked Asano and had him executed; the execution of Asano resulted in the abolishment of Ako domain. A year later (in 1703), Oishi along with 47 other former samurai of the Ako domain exacted revenge by attacking and killing Asano. The incident became the basis of a story titled 'Chushingura (忠臣蔵)', which has been performed many times in joruri (浄瑠璃; dramatic narrative accompanied with music), kabuki (歌舞伎; traditional Japanese theater), films and dramas. The main character, the chivalrous and loyal samurai Oishi Kuranosuke, is portrayed as a man with sound judgment and adept at analyzing various situations. Who is most suited to act as Oishi?
A recent survey conducted by Oricon asked people which actor they thought was best suited to perform as the passionate Oishi. Oguri Shun, arguably the most popular of all actors in their 20s, received the most votes.
Beside his successful career as an actor, recently it was announced that he will become the youngest actor to direct a film. That has led fans to speculate that he can effectively lead other people as well. "Since he's going to direct a movie, he must have good leadership qualities too."
No.2 was Karasawa Toshiaki, and Kimura Takuya came in at No.3. Actors who played leaders in dramas tended to rank high.
music japan plus
Rock duo Porno Graffitti is in charge of their first drama theme song in more than four years. Their next single, "Hitomi no Oku wo Nozokasete," will be used in TV Asahi's "Shukumei 1969-2010 ~Once Upon A Time In Tokyo~," which starts on January 15.
The band's last drama theme was "Yo Bailo," used in the 2005 TBS series "Konya Hitori no Bed de."
"Hitomi no Oku wo Nozokasete" goes on sale on February 10.
tokyograph
Makoto Ogawa in manga "Momoiro Shoten e Youkoso"
| Label: Erika Tonooka, Makoto Ogawa, Morning Musume
Former Morning Musume member Makoto Ogawa (22) and Idoling!!! member Erika Tonooka (18) will co-star in a stage version of Pon Watanabe's popular manga "Momoiro Shoten e Youkoso." This will be Tonooka's first time acting in a play.
The story revolves around an ordinary young woman (Ogawa) who is suddenly appointed as the manager of a bookstore and struggles to deal with her customers. Tonooka has been cast as her younger sister who lives with her, which is an original character created for the stage version. The play focuses on the bond between the two siblings.
"Momoiro Shoten e Youkoso" will be performed at the Theater Green in Ikebukuro from April 10 to 18, 2010.
tokyograph
GACKT kept himself busy throughout 2009. He was asked to express what this year was like for him using just one kanji letter.
With a brush he masterfully wrote '謝 (Sha; gratitude)'. "For the past 10 years, my fans have continued to stay beside me, and even when I was acting on a whim they were there to support me. They have also always showed and expressed how happy they were to see me. I feel very grateful to have such fans."
He then quietly but passionately continued. "For these 10 years I've been working to 'become' a creator. Now having achieved that, for the next 10 years I have to make various works of art to express the many sides of myself as that creator. I hope everyone will be there to see and understand each step I take. I will put into concrete form the things I should and can do as a creator. I pledge to send you works that will fascinate everybody. Please look forward to them."
music japan plus
Broadcasting right now, the series Tokyo Dogs has her paired up with two ikemens, Oguri Shun and Mizushima Hiro. In real life, she is often making headlines paired with Tamaki Hiroshi. At only 21 years old and barely standing at 5 feet 2 inches, she may not be the prettiest face around. However, her determination to take on challenges and her comeback from a near-death experience has won her much recognition. A face constantly paired with ikemens, she has gained tremendous popularity in the past half year. Her name - Yoshitaka Yuriko.
While Yoshitaka Yuriko is not a household name yet, within the past year she has appeared in numerous dramas. Last summer she was in the drama Taiyou to Umi no Kyoshitsu, portraying a student of Oda Yuji. Earlier this year, she was in the drama Love Shuffle with Tamaki Hiroshi when their rumours began. Then she was in Shiroi Haru alongside actor Abe Hiroshi. While she has taken on many supporting roles, she has now raised the ranks to star alongside Oguri Shun and Mizushima Hiro in the drama Tokyo Dogs. Even though she's only 21, Yoshitaka's charisma and talent should not be underestimated.
Yoshitaka's biggest strength is her fearlessness and carefree attitude. For someone who had no interest in the entertainment world, she was discovered at age 16 by the same talent agent who discovered Ueno Juri. It was in this very half-hearted manner that she entered show biz. In 2006, she was chosen by controversial film director Sion Sono to appear in the movie Noriko's Dinner Table. Director Sion was the typical avant garde film director with a huge artistic temper. "Whenever I gave a bad performance, he will literally tell me to go die. Perhaps having endured this type of director in my first role, all the other projects I've worked on are much more relaxed in comparison." As a result of her surprising portrayal in the movie, Yoshitaka won the Best Newcomer Award at the Yokohama Film Festival. Japanese media also praised her for having more talent than the lead actress, Fukiishi Kazue.
Last year Yoshitaka officially took on a lead role in another avant garde film, Snakes and Earrings. However as she was preparing for the role, she was involved in a serious car accident that left her clinging onto life. After spending 5 days in ICU, she was finally out of the danger zone. As the whole production team continued to support Yoshitaka, she made a full recovery. In order to show her gratitude to the staff, she began filming shortly afterwards. After this near-death experience, it seems Yoshitaka has suddenly become more daring. She appeared fully nude in the movie, portraying a 19 year old girl facing the harsh realities of life. That role later earned Yoshitaka 3 Best Newcomer Awards.
Perhaps because of a such an unusual experience, the once ordinary Yoshitaka has become quite charismatic. The Japanese media describe her as someone who you'll never quite understand. No matter how much mystery this person holds, or how much lack of interest she shows to everything around her, it seems people can't get enough of her. The name 'Yoshitaka Yuriko' will surely become a household name in the near future.
Leading Lady Among Ikemens, Yoshitaka Yuriko's Popularity Skyrockets
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net
It was recently announced that last year's surprise hit movie "Real Onigokko" is getting a sequel. Now, it has been revealed that the heroine of "Real Onigokko 2" will be newcomer Jun Yoshinaga (16).
Based on a novel by Yusuke Yamada, the first film starred Takuya Ishida (22) as a young man named Tsubasa Sato. When the government begins a program to hunt down and eliminate people named Sato (the most common surname in Japan), he finds himself constantly on the run in order to survive. In the sequel, the young Yoshinaga plays Tsubasa's sister, who is also the leader of a resistance movement against the program.
Yoshinaga has been a fashion model for the magazine Hana*chu→ since junior high, though she is still an unknown in the entertainment world. Director Issei Shibata explained that Yoshinaga had previously auditioned for another movie, and he chose her for the part after remembering her good sense for acting.
"Real Onigokko 2" is scheduled to open in June 2010.
Tokyograph
Actress Saki Fukuda (19) is taking on the lead role in a play at the famous Meijiza theater in Tokyo next year. This will be only her second performance in a stage production, and her first time starring in a jidaigeki work.
Titled "Tsubaki, Tokitobi," the play is based on a sci-fi novel by author Shinji Kajio (61). Fukuda plays the part of Tsubaki, the daughter of a samurai in the Kumamoto Domain during the late Edo period. Using a "time machine," she travels through time and meets a science fiction writer in the present day, played by Masaru Nagai (31).
Other cast members include Hiroshi Katsuno (60), Takatoshi Kaneko (31), Erina Mano (18), and Jun Shibuki (41). Yutaka Narui is writing and directing. The play will be performed at the Meijiza from August 11 to August 29, 2010.
tokyograph
Pop star Kumi Koda (27) has just started her 10th year since her debut, and she has already announced a new album for next year. In fact, it will be a combined release of her 3rd best album and 8th original album, appropriately titled BEST ~third universe~ & 8th AL "UNIVERSE."
The release consists of 2 discs: one is the 16-song collection "BEST ~third universe~" while the other is a new original album called "UNIVERSE." The latter is expected to contain 13 tracks such as "Lick Me" and her upcoming single "Can We Go Back," including 8 new songs.
The albums will be sold in a standard 2CD edition, a 2CD+DVD edition (expected to include 18 video clips), and a 2CD+chaku-uta edition (which lets the buyer download the chaku-uta versions of all songs on the original album).
BEST ~third universe~ & 8th AL "UNIVERSE" goes on sale on February 3, 2010.
tokyograph
On January 27th 2010 L'Arc-en-Ciel bassist and leader tetsuya will release a book titled 'tetsuya / L'Arc-en-Ciel'! In the book tetsuya will reveal untold stories about the band, and a collection of high quality photos will be included! It takes a closer look at the bassist from every possible angle.
tetsuya is the founder and undisputed leader of L'Arc-en-Ciel. One of the notable features of the book is an extensive interview article spanning 30,000 letters, complete with pictures taken during the discussion. tetsuya, who has been the driving force of the band, talks in detail about his childhood, how L'Arc-en-Ciel came to be, the steps and missteps leading to their breakthrough, and also his thoughts and philosophy about music.
Fans can look back at the band's history through live photos taken over the years. Photos of various instruments and picks used by tetsuya to create the many L'Arc-en-Ciel masterpieces are included too. The book will also come with reissues of all the interview articles that were published in 'Bass Magazine' from 1997 to 2007. Many other rare articles, such as bass scores written by tetsuya himself, have been included as well! A must-have for all L'Arc-en-Ciel fans!
music japan plus
The very busy and extremely popular actors Miura Haruma and Sato Takeru will release a DVD titled 'HT ～N.Y.の中心で、鍋をつつく～ / HT ～N.Y. no Chushin-de Nabe o Tsutsuku～ [lit. 'Eating Japanese Hot Pot (Stew) in the Middle of New York']'. It shows a trip they took to New York which doubled as their summer holiday. Miura Haruma became popular for appearing in the drama/movie 'ごくせん / Gokusen', while Sato Takeru gained fame for his role in the drama/movie 'ROOKIES'. The two became good friends after costarring in the 2008 drama 'ブラッディ・マンデイ / Bloody Monday'. They often enjoy eating 'nabe (鍋; Japanese hot pot or stew)' together, and also compete with each other as rival actors.
In the DVD, the two enjoy their first trip to New York by visiting such places as Central Park and Times Square. The DVD is packed with rare footage of their genuine reactions; fans will get to see them being astonished and excited at every stop. People who watch the DVD will also get to hear their honest thoughts on a variety of subjects as they walk around the streets of New York. Because of their heightened popularity it would have been extremely difficult if they had tried to do the same in Japan.
After enjoying watching a musical in Broadway, they took dance lessons at the Broadway Dance Center with other students. They also seriously attempted to act spontaneously in an unscripted play.
On Brooklyn Bridge the two showed a more mischievous side as they tried to find out if a time-honored Japanese joke actually works. They say to passersby 'Hotta imo ijikuruna', which roughly means 'Don't play with the potatoes you dug up.' But when it's pronounced faster, it sounds more like 'What time is it now?' They became really excited when the New Yorkers actually understood what they were saying.
music japan plus
Bump of Chicken is jrock group from Sakura, Chiba, consits of 4 members such as Fujiwara Motoo (Guitar, vocals), Masukawa Hiroaki (Guitar), Naoi Yoshifumi (Bass), and Masu Hideo (Drums). Their famous single is Tentai Kansoku, has charted in the top ten on the Oricon Weekly.
Some notable of Bump Of Chicken's singles such as : Sailing Day which was used as ending theme to the animated movie, "One Piece: Dead End Adventure", and single Karma used as themes song for "Tales of the Abyss".
Bump of Chicken released their fifteenth single titled "R.I.P / Merry Christmas". This double side single will be their first single in two years.
Artist : Bump Of Chicken
single : R.I.P / Merry Christmas
Released Date : 25 November 2009
Track List :
1. R.I.P.
2. Merry Christmas
Watch Bump Of Chicken single Merry Christmas Full Version Video here
mery
kiMi67 | MySpace Video
Tokyo Jihen or Tokyo Incidents (東京事変) is a Jpop band created by Ringo Shiina, who famous for their second album "Adult" and won the 1st place in Oricon 2006. The members of the groups such as : Ringo Shiina, Seiji Kameda, Toshiki Hata, Ukigumo, Ichiyo Izawa.
Following their success in their single "Killer Tune" in 2007 who was chosen as "Best Technical Works Video" of Space Shower Music Video Awards 08 by Space Shower TV, now Tokyo Jihen come back with single "Noudoteki 3 Punkan" written and composed by Shiina Ringo
Artist : Tokyo Jihen
Single : Noudoteki 3 Punkan
Released Date : 02 December 2009
Track List :
CD
01 能動的三分間 - Noudoteki 3 Punkan
02 我慢
Watch 東京事変 Tokyo Jihen - 能動的三分間 Noudouteki 3 Punkan video here :
Just 5 months after her new released single "Sunrise/Sunset - Love is All", Japan famous female singer from Japan, Ayumi Hamasaki, released her new forty-seventh, "You Were". “You were…” was chosen as the theme song for the Japanese language version of Walt Disney’s animated film “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” (“Tinkaberu to tsuki no ishi.”)
Ayumi Hamasaki was chosen for the role as she “is as popular as Tinkerbell with Japanese women, and has the power to make those around her feel good,” says one industry insider. Hamasaki said: “I’m just honored to be part of something that is loved by people all over the world.”
Another of Hamasaki’s new songs – “BALLAD” – will be used as the theme song for “Sokyu no subaru” to be shown on NHK BS hi from Jan 2. Both “You were…” and “BALLAD” will go on sale Dec 29.
“Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” opens on Dec 23.
Artist : Ayumi Hamasaki
Single : You Were
Released Date : 29 Decemnber 2009
Track List :
1.[CD] You were. . . (Original mix)
2.[CD] BALLAD (Original mix)
3.[CD] RED LINE -for TA- (Original mix)
4.[CD] You were. . . (Music Box Mix) (subject to change)
5.[CD] You were. . . (Original mix -Instrumental-)
6.[CD] BALLAD (Original mix -Instrumental-)
7.[CD] RED LINE -for TA- (Original mix -Instrumental-)
8.[DVD] You were. . . (video clip)
9.[DVD] BALLAD (video clip)
10.[DVD] You were. . . (making clip)
Download and watch Ayumi Hamasaki 浜崎あゆみ new single "You were" MV video here
Super hot Japanese gravure idol Aki Hoshino (ほしのあき) appeared in front of the media last Saturday to promote her latest photobook titled “A-Ki-A-Zu-Ki”. This time the baby faced veteran model with a killer body put a different spin on her offering by posing with her beloved teacup poodle name Azuki (hence the title of the photobook).
Aki Hoshino with her teacup poodle Azuki
But the media’s focus was more on the recent rumor that Aki is dating popular JRA (Japan Racing Association) jockey pretty boy Kosei Miura (三浦皇成) who is 13 years her junior. When the 32 year old F cup gravure idol was approached by reporters asking about the reported romantic involvement, she only gave a vague reply by saying, “You can say we’re good friends but I can’t clearly explain our relationship.”
When asked whether she has a boyfriend, Aki sheepishly answered, “No, I don’t…right?” The A-team / A-PLUS artist added that she’d like to get married by the time she’s 40, which is a totally different answer from the one she used to give.
Aki Hoshino poses with rumored boyfriend Kosei Miura at the taping of her Fuji TV horse racing show “Minna no Uma Club” (みんなの☆ウマ倶楽部)
We can only envy the young jock Kosei. I think when a woman reaches a certain maturity level, she wishes to be ridden by a young stud full of energy who’s very good at “riding”!
About Aki Hoshino
Aki Hoshino is one of the most famous Japanese idols, often referred to as the ‘Angel of Japan’. Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1977, she barely looks over 20 with her beloved baby face. She has a pretty weird ability of being able to stuff her mouth with up to 10 grapes at one time.
Aki Hoshino Profile :
Name: Hoshino Aki (ほしの あき)
Nickname: Akki (アッキー)
Birth name: Hoshino Aki (星野 亜希)
Born: 14 March 1977
Hometown: Tokyo Japan
Nominal size (as of 2008)
Height / Weight: 165 cm / 47 kg
BMI 17.3 (low weight)
Three sizes: 88 - 56 - 87 cm
Bra size: E, F
Shoe size: 24 cm
Ethnicity: Japanese
Activities
Genre Gravure
General content model, swimsuit
Other activities of the entertainer, actress
Could Japanese veteran actor Masatoshi Nagase (永瀬正敏) be adding a young cutie to his list of possible girlfriends? Last week Japanese weekly FRIDAY reported that the soon to be 43 year old ciggie lover went on a driving date late at night with busty Japanese gravure idol Aki Kawamura (川村亜紀).
Aki Kawamura (L) and Masatoshi Nagase (R)
The former Miss Young Magazine (ミスヤングマガジン) gravure contest winner first met Masatoshi on the set of NTV drama Mike Hama Private Eye (私立探偵 濱マイク) back in 2002. Popular J-pop singer Mika Nakajima who had also appeared in the drama later became Masatoshi’s girlfriend. You can say the dude’s been quite the rico suave since his divorce with Japanese singer / actress and former mega idol Kyoko Koizumi.
According to the FRIDAY article, after dining with other fellow co-workers at a cafe in Tokyo, Masatoshi took the F cup equipped Aki on a joyride in his Cadillac at around 2am. The pimp mobile later headed toward his home. When Japanese daily Sankei Sports contacted Mr. Nagase’s agency for comment it was told, “He and Aki Kawamura are friends. Masatoshi doesn’t drink so he was acting as the designated driver.” The agency later placed the emphasis on the “friend” part again.
Akia Kawamura Profile :
Name : Aki Kawamura
Japanese Name : 川村亜紀
Birthday: 1980/10/15
Blood type: A
Home town: Tokyo
Height:157cm
Body measurements: 86 – 58 – 85 cm
In the newest issue of Metropolis (a popular magazine intended for foreign audiences in Japan), they are featuring Aoi Sora. Basically, Metropolis claims that the japan industry has gotten a lot better since its Yakuza driven days. Headlined by stars like Aoi Sora, popular AV stars are using AV as a spring board to other ventures such as J-Drama. If you didn’t know, Aoi Sora did that in 2006 in the drama called “Glory Days.”
An excerpt:
“Indeed, Aoi is the first of a new breed, a symbol of the AV industry that was rocked in 2000 by actress Ai Iijima’s tell-all book, Platonic Sex, which revealed the business to be as seedy as everyone had suspected. According to Iijima, AV was awash with girls picked up off the streets, unable to say no to lurid propositions or simply in need of cash. Platonic Sex inspired a change in the industry and propelled Iijima to stardom as a TV commentator, while new, “clean” companies revolutionized the business with no yakuza involvement at all.”
About Sora Aoi
Sora Aoi, also known very well as Sola Aoi is a Japanese AV superstar, very popular in Japan. She does fully hot modelling and media stuff. Her stardome eventually overflowed into a mainstream career for herself.
Sora is often referred to as Japan’s Jenna Jameson, primarily because she’s one of the most popular japanese idol ever. And of course she’s super sexy!
» Birthday: November 11, 1983 (she’s 25 years old currently)
» Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
» Measurements: 90 (G cup)-58-83cm, which is 35-23-33 inches
» Height: 1.55m, (5ft 1in)
» Eye Color: Brown
» Hair Color: Brown
The following chart covers sales from November 17, 2008 to November 22, 2009. No new manga volume of Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys was released in 2009. However over 2.6 million more copies of the suspense manga were still sold on the strength of the ongoing movie trilogy.
Similarly, sales of Riko Miyagi's Mei-chan no Shitsuji manga jumped thanks to the 2009 live-action television drama series. A week after the drama's January premiere, the first seven volumes of the manga entered the weekly top-30 sales chart and almost doubled their sales to date — even though the first volume was released back in November of 2006.
1 One Piece 14,721,241
2 Naruto 6,836,494
3 Bleach 6,471,021
4 Fullmetal Alchemist 4,733,511
5 Gintama 4,733,511
6 Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 3,076,659
7 Mei-chan no Shitsuji 3,076,659
8 Fairy Tail 2,886,942
9 20th Century Boys 2,655,379
10 Saint Young Men (Saint O-nii-san) 2,614,269
Anime News Network
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is providing two theme songs for the upcoming live-action "Solanin" movie. The film, first announced in April, is an adaptation of Inio Asano's manga of the same name.
The movie stars Aoi Miyazaki (24) as Meiko, an office lady who quits her job, hoping to escape the tedium of her daily life and finally figure out her place in the world. Her long-time boyfriend (Kengo Kora) is a part-timer who belongs to an amateur band, but he too is stuck in life. Meiko tries encouraging him to seriously pursue his music dreams, but things aren't that simple.
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION wrote the main theme "Solanin," based on a song that appears in the original manga. In the movie, Miyazaki performs the song on stage, so she had to undergo guitar and voice training for the role. ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION also wrote the movie's ending theme "Mustang," inspired by the manga.
Takahiro Miki directed the film, which is scheduled to open in April 2010. The supporting cast includes Kenta Kiritani, Sambomaster bassist Yoichi Kondo, Ayumi Ito, ARATA, Kento Nagayama, Sayuri Iwata, Jun Miho, and Kazuo Zaitsu.
tokyograph
Actress Ashina Sei (26) is going to play the lead in "Nanase Futatabi The Movie" that is scheduled to open next June. Konaka Kazuya will take the director’s seat and bring this monumental sci-fi novel of Tsutsui Yasutaka to the big screen. It’s rather a surprise to see this work being turned into a movie, but with Ashina they got an actress who perfectly fits into the role of the young woman who can read the minds of the people around her.
Tsutsui’s "Nanase Futatabi" (Nanase Once More) and "Toki o Kakeru Shōjo" (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time) are both considered as masterpieces among sci-fi novels. Nanase Futatabi tells the story of a young woman called Nanase who has the ability to read the thoughts of the people around here. She starts to meet other people with similar abilities and eventually ends up fighting against an organization that tries to hunt down all of those gifted people. There are already 4 doramas who adapted this storyline for the TV, but it’s the first time we get to see it as a movie.
For the producers it’s been a long process to turn this novel into a movie and they almost gave up on this idea. The biggest problem has been to find the right person for the leading role. "We want to stay as faithful to the original as possible." However, after more than 20 years of pursuing the plan to make the movie, they’ve finally found the perfect actress to play the role of Nanase.
Nanase was born with her supernatural abilities and therefore she had to experience a lot of difficulties and distress. Until the end she stays this cool beauty that she is, but not everyone can play such a role. That’s also the reason why all the dorama adaptions so far made her character into a very young and sweet girl, including the most recent one (Fall 2008) with Renbutsu Misako as Nanase.
Now thanks to picky producers we can finally see an adaption that will hopefully stay faithful to the original. Ashina Sei is an actress, but thanks to her other career as a model she adds a lot of style to the role. Her beautiful long black hair fits perfectly and her sad expressions are top-notch. "There is no better Nanase than Ashina."
Tsutsui is satisfied with their choice as well. "Of all the Nanase’s I’ve seen so far, she is the closest to the actual Nanase. When you look at her you can feel strength and dignity, that’s exactly how Nanase should be like." Ashina herself also talked a bit about this difficult role. "Nanase doesn’t think of her power as something special anymore. She doesn’t get surprised or amazed by her abilities, instead she feels like ‘Let’s just do it again…’ . I tried to convey those kind of feelings when playing as Nanase. The movie itself turned out as an absolutely fast-paced and thrilling experience from beginning to end without giving you even a single break to rest."
Let’s see it for ourselves when it opens in 6-7 months from now.
kawaii-joyuu
The manga publisher Yen Press has announced on Friday that it will adapt Cecily von Ziegesar's Gossip Girl series of high school novels into graphic novel form. The novels center around the drama between Blair, Vanessa, and the other girls of an elite New York City private high school. However, Korean artist Baek Hye-Kyung (Bring it On, Happy Spider, Chiro) will be drawing new stories instead of directly adapting the 13 existing novels. Baek's Gossip Girl: For Your Eyes Only work will appear Yen Press' monthly manga anthology, Yen Plus, starting in the January 2010 issue.
The original novels have been adapted into a live-action television series that is now in its third season on The CW network. According to Yen Press, Baek is already "a huge fan" of von Ziegesar's novels.
Yen Press and another Korean artist, Narae Lee, have been adapting Scott Patterson's Maximum Ride novel series since last year. Another Korean artist, Seung-Hui Kye (Recast), is adapting Patterson's Daniel X science fiction novel series. Both of these novel series have been optioned for film adaptations. Yen Press is publishing Takahiro Arai's Japanese manga adaptation of Darren Shan's Cirque du Freak novels and has revealed plans for Korean artist Young Kim's adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels.
Anime News Network
The Japanese company CoMix Wave Films has announced on Thursday that Jun Awazu, the director of the computer-animated Negadon: The Monster from Mars film, is directing a new CG film called Planzet for a 2010 opening in Japan. The story is set in 2053 when mankind faces a crisis. A teaser trailer will be unveiled on the film's official website in six days.
Like Negadon, Planzet is being created with many homages and nods to the Japanese special-effects films of the 20th century. CoMix Wave produced both Negadon and Planzet as well as the works of anime auteur Makoto Shinkai.
Central Park Media released Negadon in North America.
Anime News Network
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has announced that 15 animated feature films have qualified for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category for The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's Ponyo anime film is among the submitted features, but not David Bowers and IMAGI's computer-animated adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy manga.
The 15 submitted features are:
* 9
* Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
* Battle for Terra
* Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
* Coraline
* Disney's A Christmas Carol
* Fantastic Mr. Fox
* Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
* Mary and Max
* The Missing Lynx
* Monsters vs. Aliens
* Planet 51
* Ponyo
* The Princess and the Frog
* Up
The HFPA had announced that there will be five nominees for the Best Animated Feature category for the first time in the 67-year history of the awards. The nominees will be announced on December 15, and the awards will be presented on January 17. Members of the HFPA had voted to expand the number of nominations from the previous maximum of three to five, if 12 or more qualified films were submitted for consideration.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that a record 20 films, including Ponyo and Astro Boy, were submitted for possible Oscar nominations in the Best Animated Feature category of the 82nd Academy Awards. The Annie Awards' nominations were already announced, including two for Miyazaki and his Ponyo composer Joe Hisaishi, and two for Astro Boy's storyboards and script.
Anime News Network
Currently Imai Tsubasa is in the middle of a concert tour and performing in small to mid-size venues all around Japan. The tour is titled '☆D＆R ～ an extension★ TSUBASA IMAI LHT', and Imai has just completed his first performance in Tokyo.
Tsubasa "I really got fired up on Day 1 in Tokyo★ Right from the start I gave everything I've got, so I was sweating like crazy♪ I'll continue to give myself over to the music, but also be careful not to make any mistakes! After the show I phoned my partner [Tackey; Takizawa Hideaki]♪
To fans of Tackey &Tsubasa: We're sorry for keeping you waiting for so long. We promise we'll come back again, but please wait a little while longer. I hope you haven't gotten fed up. We know there are lots of people out there like you who are waiting. We constantly feel your love, and one day we will perform again together! We really appreciate your support."
What did Tsubasa talk about over the phone with Tackey? Currently both Tsubasa and Tackey are performing as solo artists. But along with their solo careers they still consider Tackey & Tsubasa as an important part of themselves. The fans' support is a vital source of energy for them, and doubtless the fans will continue to show their love for the two artists for years to come.
music japan plus
On December 2nd all 5 members of the popular Korean artist group Tohoshinki appeared in Fuji TV's '2009 FNS 歌謡祭 / 2009 FNS Kayo-Sai [Song Festival]'. The annual large scale Year end event has been held since 1974, and for this year the main hosts were SMAP member Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and actress Kuroki Hitomi.
The main concept for 2009 was 'collaboration'. Many young and veteran artists participated. Each young/veteran pair passionately performed memorable hit songs of each decade! Tohoshinki skillfully sang together with Tokunaga Hideaki.
Afterwards the group sat together with SMAP to have a chat. SMAP member Kimura Takuya lauded Tohoshinki. "Even though I'm a man, I find them charming." The Tohoshinki members in turn praised SMAP. YUNHO said "We think the SMAP members all look cool too. It's inspiring to see each of them showing high quality performances in various fields, such as singing, dancing and acting."
music japan plus
Japanese TV personality Ai Haruna said she wants her country to be more tolerant toward people of diverse sexual orientations, a month after she was crowned the world's most beautiful transsexual.
Haruna, 37, already a household name in Japan, was chosen Miss International Queen 2009 at a pageant in Thailand last month after judges picked her over runners-up from the host country and Brazil.
"I was surprised to see many transgender people work at hotels and restaurants with no problem in Thailand," she said at a Tokyo press conference.
"Japan can learn many things from other Asian nations like Thailand and the Philippines."
In Japan, people can legally change their gender on official documents, but transgender people still face spoken and silent discrimination, Haruna said.
She recalled condominium owners had declined to let her rent apartments because neighbours may object.
"I was rejected five straight times," she said. "I think Japan is behind."
Haruna, whose original name is Kenji Onishi, said she had lived with difficulties since when she was a child.
"I was born with a very masculine sounding boy's name. But I always wanted to be a girl, always dreamed of becoming a pretty idol seen on TV."
"But for a long time life was very difficult for me," she said in a quivering voice.
"Even after I had a sex change operation at the age of 19 and had my first boyfriend, I encountered many, many obstacles that constantly made me realise I wasn't a woman."
Now crowned the world's transsexual queen, Haruna said she wanted to work internationally to raise awareness for sexual minorities.
"I want to work for those who are troubled like me," she said. "I want to work in the world. And of course, I want to be married some day."
AFP
Idol group AKB48 will star in a TV Tokyo drama series this winter. Titled "Majisuka Gakuen," the show was planned and written by AKB48 producer Yasushi Akimoto.
The drama will revolve around adolescent "yankees," or delinquents. Although all of AKB48's members are planned to appear on the show, the main character will be Atsuko Maeda (18), who was voted #1 by fans in the group's "senbatsu" election earlier this year. Maeda has already acted in multiple films and dramas, and was recently announced as a cast member in NHK's 2010 taiga drama "Ryomaden," playing a niece of protagonist Sakamoto Ryoma (Masaharu Fukuyama).
"Majisuka Gakuen" will air in TV Tokyo's "Drama 24" time slot (Friday nights at 12:12am). The show premieres on January 8. The official website has already opened.
tokyograph
Teen actress Kie Kitano (18) will make her singing debut next year. On February 24, she is scheduled to release the single "Sakura Saku," which has been chosen for a commercial tie-in with the candy bar Kit Kat.
The song is also being used to cheer on students preparing for exams next year, as part of an annual campaign sponsored by Kit Kat. Kitano was appointed as the "captain" of the current campaign.
tokyograph
Johnny's member Ikuta Toma talked about his recently meeting with Arashi member Matsumoto Jun.
Ikuta "For the first time in ages I went out to eat dinner with Matsumoto Jun. Afterwards we ended up going to Matsumoto's house...I had a great time talking about lots of different things. Matsu-Jun [Matsumoto] is a very earnest person. He's a great source of motivation. While we were talking we discovered that we were using the same perfume. We 'argued' who should switch to a different one! 'I'll change first!' 'No, I will!'
That reminded me of when we had costarred in the theater production 'Stand by Me'. We quarreled practically everyday (laugh). We fought over the most insignificant things. But hey, we were just middle school students back then.
Now those 'brats' have grownup, and there we were talking while having a drink...gee, we've matured a lot (laugh)."
Fans would definitely have wanted to be there between them! The two longtime friends must have been surprised to find that have unwittingly been using the same perfume. Does anyone know exactly what brand they're using? As they grow older they are bound to continue being good friends and also be good influence for each other!
music japan plus
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