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Miki Fujimoto returns as soloist
Wed, February 13, 2008 (3:41pm EST)



Miki Fujimoto is back in action with a new solo single, her first in five years. The singer left Morning Musume last June after it was learned that she was dating comedian Tomoharu Shoji.

Her new song, titled "Okitegami," marks a shift away from her pop idol image. It falls under the kayokyoku genre, with composition by Masato Sugimoto (known for his recent hit "Waremokou"), lyrics by Haku Ide (who wrote Masao Sen's "Kitaguni no Haru"), and arrangement by Yu Hejun (who composed the theme song for the Korean drama "Winter Sonata").

The project started with singer Takao Horiuchi, also attached to Up-Front Agency. This past autumn, Ide wrote the song's lyrics and passed it on to Sugimoto. After creating the melody, Sugimoto thought it would be interesting to have Horiuchi sing it in chanson style, and Horiuchi accepted the offer.

At the same time, Up-Front staff were looking for a song that would be suitable for Fujimoto's comeback. They happened to hear the demo tape for "Okitegami," and they recommended the song to Fujimoto. As a result, the two singers are releasing different versions simultaneously on April 23.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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DJ OZMA to sing "Crayon Shin-chan" theme
Thu, February 14, 2008 (3:09am EST)



DJ OZMA has been placed in charge of the theme song for the next "Crayon Shin-chan" movie, which opens on April 19. Titled "Crayon Shin-chan: Chou Arashi wo Yobu Kinpoko no Yuusha," this is the 16th film for the franchise.

DJ OZMA's song, "Ninkimono de Ikou!," goes on sale April 16.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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"Bengoshi no Kuzu" author accused of plagiarism
Thu, February 14, 2008 (4:05am EST)

Hideo Iura, the mangaka behind "Bengoshi no Kuzu," has been accused of plagiarism. The manga, which runs in Big Comic Original, focuses on a comically shameless lawyer who will win at all costs. In 2006, it was adapted as a drama series starring Etsushi Toyokawa.

On Wednesday, lawyer Masatoshi Uchida petitioned the Tokyo District Court for a temporary injunction against publisher Shogakukan, asking that sales of the magazine's next issue be stopped. According to Uchida, the manga's current story arc, titled "Sanshoku Bengoshi," infringes on books he published in 2001 and 2005 that are based on his own experiences. He claims that Iura copied plot details and characters for the manga.

The next issue of Big Comic Original, which goes on sale next Wednesday unless the injunction is granted, contains the fourth chapter of "Sanshoku Bengoshi." Uchida demands that the arc is terminated, and for it not to be released as a tankoubon.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Fujiwara tops survey by bra maker
Thu, February 14, 2008 (6:20am EST)

Lingerie manufacturer Wacoal conducted a survey of 600 women between the ages of 20 and 39, asking various breast and brassiere-related questions. One of the items asked, "Which female celebrity do you think has nicely shaped breasts?"



Norika Fujiwara ranked 1st, receiving 35% of the votes. Ryoko Yonekura was a distant 2nd, barely beating out the iconic animated character Fujiko Mine of "Lupin III."

#4 was Eriko Sato and #5 was Takako Tokiwa. Koyuki tied for 6th with model SHIHO, closely followed by a three-way tie for 8th among Eiko Koike, Saki Takaoka, and Yuka.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Yoka Wao makes Broadway "debut"
Thu, February 14, 2008 (5:25am EST)



Former Takarazuka top star Yoka Wao has been announced as the star in a production of the Broadway musical "Chicago." The announcement was made on Tuesday in New York, when she appeared on stage during the curtain call of a performance. It was the first time ever that a cast member of a Japanese production of a Broadway musical has been introduced on Broadway.

This is Wao's first musical since retiring from the Takarazuka Revue in 2006. Announced last month, the production features a Japanese cast but will be produced by the same staff as the original Broadway run in 1975. Wao plays the part of Velma Kelly, while Ryoko Yonekura co-stars as Roxie Hart and singer Ryuichi Kawamura plays the lawyer Billy Flynn. Both Yonekura and Kawamura have never appeared in a musical before.

"Chicago" will be performed at the Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo from October to November.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Fashion model Lena Fujii to release first album
Thu, February 14, 2008 (4:38am EST)



Fashion model Lena Fujii, who appears in ViVi magazine, will release her first album as a singer on April 2.

DJ KAWASAKI is producing the 7-song album, which has been named "LENA." Fujii has previously worked with the DJ before - she appeared on the covers of his last two albums, and was a guest artist on the song "BRIGHT LIKE LIGHT" from his newest album, "you can make it," released at the start of this year.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Oricon: beautiful skin
Thu, February 14, 2008 (6:30am EST)



The website of Oricon's audition magazine De-View recently surveyed its users to see which actresses are considered to have beautiful skin. Aoi Miyazaki and Erika Sawajiri tied for first in the poll, both receiving praise for their skin's smoothness.

Nanako Matsushima, Koyuki, and Haruka Ayase were next on the list, in order. Yui Aragaki and Miho Kanno both ranked at #6. Erika Toda, Aya Ueto, and Emi Suzuki had a three-way tie to complete the top ten.

Beautiful skin:

1) Aoi Miyazaki
1) Erika Swajiri
3) Nanako Matsushima
4) Koyuki
5) Haruka Ayase
6) Yui Aragaki
6) Miho Kanno
8) Erika Toda
8) Aya Ueto
8) Emi Suzuki

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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m-flo to release only 1 copy of new single
Thu, February 14, 2008 (4:03pm EST)



m-flo's new best album, "Award SuperNova -Loves Best-," went on sale Wednesday. The CD is a collection of their "loves" series, but it includes one new song, titled "love comes and goes," featuring guest artists Emi Hinouchi, Ryohei, Emyli, YOSHIKA, and LISA.

On Thursday, m-flo announced that "love comes and goes" will be released as a special single - only one copy is being made. Those who purchase the best album can enter a lottery for the chance to buy the one-of-a-kind single. The CD will cost 1,050 yen, but it will come with the two life-sized busts of Verbal and Taku that appear on the jacket of the album. Made from polyester resin, the busts are worth an estimated total of 2 million yen.

The single goes "on sale" on the 27th. The album is currently #1 on the daily charts, and is expected to be #1 for the week.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Kuriyama rumored to be dating
Thu, February 14, 2008 (4:48pm EST)



The new issue of FRIDAY reports that actress Chiaki Kuriyama may be dating. Her rumored boyfriend is actor Makoto Koshinaka, formerly the vocalist of rock band Lucifer. Eyewitness have seen the actress visiting Koshinaka's apartment, and the magazine published photos of the two together.

Management for both celebrities denied the relationship, asserting that the two are just friends. Kuriyama's agency also said that she has been taking guitar lessons and voice training, and as a result, has become friends with many musicians.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Anime Boston hosting the pillows
Thu, February 14, 2008 (2:10pm EST)



Rock band the pillows has been announced as a musical guest at Anime Boston 2008. They will perform a show in the Hynes Convention Center on March 22. Opening for them is the Japanese pop group LUV AND RESPONSE.

Anime Boston is taking place on March 21-23. More details can be found at the official site.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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EINSOF announces more international X Japan tickets
Thu, February 14, 2008 (2:32pm EST)



EINSOF Marketing Group has announced an international ticket sale for X Japan's concert on March 29 at the Tokyo Dome. The show was added this week due to overwhelming demand for their two reunion concerts, scheduled for March 28 and 30.

Like Jrock Revolution and JaME are doing for the March 28 concert, EINSOF is providing international fans a rare opportunity to purchase tickets for this highly-anticipated event.

The sale is set to begin this weekend on Tix.com. More details will be announced today on EINSOF's website.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Takaaki Enoki to star in jidaigeki drama
Fri, February 15, 2008 (6:19pm EST)



Actor Takaaki Enoki has been cast as the star of TV Tokyo's jidaigeki drama "Mitsumei: Kangetsu Kasumi Kiri!" It is his first starring role in a television series in 20 years.

The drama is based on the "Mitsumei" novel series by Yasuhide Saeki. The 18-volume series has sold more than 4 million copies as of last month. Saeki was also the #1 author last year in terms of books sold, according to Oricon sales data.

Enoki plays Kanasugi Sozaburo, a samurai in the Kyushu countryside. After accepting a secret mission from his daimyo, he leaves his clan and travels alone to Edo to accomplish his task.



The cast includes Yumi Adachi, Kenjiro Nashimoto, Goro Ibuki, Minori Terada, Maho Toyota, and Go Kato. TV Tokyo will air the series on Friday nights at 8:00pm, starting on April 18.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Domoto announces first tour as ENDLI-x
Fri, February 15, 2008 (7:35pm EST)



Tsuyoshi Domoto announced on his official website that his solo project will go on its first tour since it was renamed to 244 ENDLI-x last month. The tour will start on March 29 at the Yokohama Arena and end in Sendai on May 8.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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"Tokyo Tower" dominates Japan Academy Awards
Fri, February 15, 2008 (1:27pm EST)

The 31st Japan Academy Awards were held in Tokyo on Friday. "Tokyo Tower," which was nominated in every category it was eligible for, came away with a total of 5 awards, including Best Picture.

The winners were:

    * Best Picture: Tokyo Tower
    * Best Animated Picture: Tekkon Kinkreet
    * Best Director: Joji Matsuoka (Tokyo Tower)
    * Best Screenplay: Suzuki Matsuo (Tokyo Tower)
    * Best Actor: Hidetaka Yoshioka (Always: Zoku Sanchome no Yuhi)
    * Best Actress: Kirin Kiki (Tokyo Tower)
    * Best Supporting Actor: Kaoru Kobayashi (Tokyo Tower)
    * Best Supporting Actress: Masako Motai (Soredemo Boku wa Yattenai)
    * Best Music: Michiru Oshima (Bizan)
    * Best Cinematography: Takahiro Tsutai (Bizan)
    * Best Lighting Direction: Yo#ake Hikita (Bizan)
    * Best Art Direction: Kyoko Heya (Soredemo Boku wa Yattenai)
    * Best Sound Recording: Hitoshi Tsurumaki (Always: Zoku Sanchome no Yuhi)
    * Best Film Editing: Junichi Kikuchi (Soredemo Boku wa Yattenai)
    * Best Foreign Language Film: Letters From Iwo Jima

Newcomer Awards were given to Eiji Wentz, Kento Hayashi, Haruma Miura, Yui Aragaki, Yayako Uchida, Kaho, and Kie Kitano.

The Popularity Awards went to "Kisaragi" and Yui Aragaki.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Ryo Nishikido cast in "Last Friends"
Sat, February 16, 2008 (8:59pm EST)

Earlier this month, Fuji TV announced a drama series titled "Last Friends," starring Masami Nagasawa, Juri Ueno, and Eita. Two additional cast members have been announced: Ryo Nishikido and Asami Mizukawa.



Nishikido will play Nagasawa's boyfriend, a young man working in a child welfare office. He has a violent side, however, and Nagasawa is the victim of his aggression.

Mizukawa plays a resident of the share house that the three main characters live in.

The series premieres on April 10.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Maximum the Hormone to tour North America
Sun, February 17, 2008 (3:25am EST)



About a week ago, rock band Maximum the Hormone announced that they will be performing in North America next month. On March 1-4, they will play four shows on the tour of American punk band Dropkick Murphys.

Dropkick Murphys have just finished touring the UK and will be playing in the U.S. before traveling to other European countries. Maximum the Hormone will join them for a short run on the West Coast:

    * 3/1 - Reno, NV
    * 3/2 - Anaheim, CA
    * 3/3 - Phoenix, AZ
    * 3/4 - Albuquerque, NM

After that, Maximum the Hormone will participate in Canadian Music Week, an international convention being held in Toronto on March 5-8. The band's performance will take place on the 8th.

See the band's official website for more details.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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"Proposal Daisakusen" SP scheduled
Sun, February 17, 2008 (4:11pm EST)

The special episode for Fuji TV's "Proposal Daisakusen" drama series has been given a broadcast date. The show will air on March 25 at 9:00pm.



The original series aired last spring, starring Tomohisa Yama$hita and Masami Nagasawa. The special episode continues the story, starting with a wedding in Hawaii for their friends, played by Nana Eikura and Gaku Hamada. Filming on location just wrapped up.

Nagasawa said that fans should be satisfied with the ending. It has also been reported that the episode will include a kiss scene between Yama#a and Nagasawa.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Suzanne prepares for acting debut
Sun, February 17, 2008 (5:00pm EST)

"Baka" talento Suzanne will have her first acting role in a Fuji TV drama series next season. Tentatively titled "Muri na Renai," the drama was announced near the beginning of this month, and stars Masaaki Sakai and Yui Natsukawa.

The story revolves around a 60-year-old divorcee (Sakai) who falls in love with a 35-year-old actress named Kaede (Natsukawa). Suzanne plays Kaede's colleague Madoka, an actress who has good looks but whose acting is awful. This is similar to Suzanne's image as a talento on "Quiz! Hexagon II," where she is known for her lack of knowledge.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Hitomi Nishina stars in silver screen debut
Sun, February 17, 2008 (6:18pm EST)



Talento Hitomi Nishina has landed the starring role in her first movie. Directed by Naoki Hashimoto, the picture is a family drama titled "Hikarisasu Kai, Boku no Fune." Filming has already started.

Nishina is the daughter of actor Hiroki Matsukata and actress Akiko Nishina, who divorced in 1998.

In the movie, Hitomi plays Nanako, a woman scarred by the loss of her younger brother. Her family is played by her mother, Akiko Nishina, and her older brother, Masaki Nishina.

"Hikarisasu Kai, Boku no Fune" opens in theaters this summer.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Odagiri, Kashii register marriage on birthday
Sat, February 16, 2008 (10:05pm EST)



Actor Joe Odagiri and actress Yu Kashii reportedly registered their marriage on Saturday, February 16. The date was chosen partly because their birthdays both fall on that day, but also because it fit best into Odagiri's busy schedule. He is starring in three overseas films this year, which are taking him out of the country for more than half of 2008.

The pair announced their engagement at the end of last year. In January, Odagiri began filming in Korea for Kim Ki-duk's "Bi-mong," which wrapped up in time for him to make an appearance at the Japan Academy Awards ceremony on Friday.

Next month, Odagiri is headed to Brazil for about two months. He has been cast in the China-Brazil-Japan collaboration "Plastic City," which is being directed by Yu Lik Wai and produced by Jia Zhangke.

Then in the summer, Odagiri will be in China for three to four months for a film produced by Bill Kong, based on a short story named "Rousaiki" by author Yasushi Inoue.

Odagiri and Kashii have not yet started living together, nor have they scheduled a wedding ceremony.

Source: www.tokyograph.com