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Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part V]
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Maki Yoko to star in NHK drama series this fall
Posted on June 2, 2011 by tokyograph
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.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Masuwaka Tsubasa becomes Milky Bunny for singing debut
Posted on June 2, 2011 by tokyograph
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: www.tokyograph.com |
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Idol group PASSPO stars in movie “High Tension Please”
Posted on June 2, 2011 by tokyograph
Idol group PASSPO is starring in a movie for the first time. The 10 members of the cabin attendant-themed group will appear in a comedy film called “High Tension Please.” The title is a play on the familiar phrase “attention please,” which was also the title of a manga and a drama series about cabin attendants in training.
“High Tension Please” is the third film produced this year by Universal J, after “Kikkake wa YOU!” and “RUN60.” The members of PASSPO will play cabin attendants in the movie, but the story will focus on their lives at the dormitory where they stay between flights. The pace of “High Tension Please” is being compared to a 4-panel manga, with a promise of a laugh about every 30 seconds.
Fans of the group will get to see the members in situations they are not normally seen in, such as relaxing in their pajamas.
The movie was filmed over 6 days in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, last month. The film is split into three parts, with an estimated total running time of 90 minutes. A premium screening and mini-concert is scheduled for June 18-19 at United Cinemas Toyosu in Tokyo, followed by a regular screening at the same theater on June 25-26.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Talent management agency Ken-On to stage charity fundraising event in July
Sunday 05th June, 05:37 AM JST
TOKYO —
Talent management agency Ken-On, which represents actresses Tomoko Yamaguchi, 46, Misaki Ito, 34, and actors Toshiaki Karasawa, 47, and Takashi Sorimachi, 37, is to hold a charity event to raise money for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
The event, dubbed “Message 2011,” will include all 41 of the company’s celebrities and take place at the C.C. Lemon Hall in Shibuya on July 27. Various fundraising activities are scheduled for the event, including a talk show at which stars will answer questions submitted by fans to Ken-On’s website. Ito, who hails from Fukushima, said, “It’s a tiny contribution in the long run, but every little bit helps.”
Money raised will be donated to victims via the Japan Red Cross. Tickets are on sale through the company’s webpage (http://www.ken-on.co.jp).
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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SHIHO, Akiyama Yoshihiro expecting first child
Posted on June 4, 2011 by tokyograph
Fashion model SHIHO (34) is now expecting her first child. Her management agency announced on Friday that she is five months pregnant, with an expected delivery date in November.
SHIHO married mixed martial artist Akiyama Yoshihiro (35) in 2009. Akiyama, who made his mixed martial arts debut in 2004 as part of K-1, is currently a part of the U.S.-based Ultimate Fighting Championship.
SHIHO is reportedly continuing with her work for now, and she has not yet decided when she plans to take her maternity leave.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Tower Records launches idol label with Vanilla Beans, Negicco
Posted on June 4, 2011 by tokyograph
Music store Tower Records held an event at its Shibuya branch on Friday (June 3) to announce the launch of its new idol-only label, T-Palette Records. The label’s first two artists are the duo Vanilla Beans and the Niigata-based trio Negicco.
On May 24, Vanilla Beans had announced that they would hold an “urgent press conference” on June 3, though they gave no details at the time. Along with the announcement of their move to T-Palette Records, they revealed that they are releasing a new single called “Tengoku e no Kaidan” on June 29, followed by a full album titled “Vanilla Beans II” on July 20.
“Tengoku e no Kaidan” is actually a cover of the famous Led Zeppelin song “Stairway to Heaven” (which is also known as “Tengoku e no Kaidan” in Japan). The single’s coupling songs are their early songs “nicola” and “a little crying,” plus a cover of Pizzicato Five’s “Baby Portable Rock.”
Meanwhile, Negicco will be getting their start with the mini-album “GET IT ON!,” also being released on July 20. The group has been active in the Niigata prefecture since 2003, mainly as promoters of the region’s yawahada-negi (a type of green onion), but their victory in the U.M.U Award 2010 idol audition put them on track to debut nationally.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Kurara Chibana looking for Mr Right
Monday 06th June, 11:00 AM JST
TOKYO —
Former Miss Universe Japan and television personality Kurara Chibana, 29, launched her new book “Make it up as you go” on Sunday. Although the title of her book espouses the virtues of flying by the seat of one’s pants and doing whatever works, Chibana told the assembled press that when it comes to men, she prefers the sensible type.
She strongly denied rumors that she is dating kabuki actor Kikunosuke Onoe, 33. “We’re not a couple. He’s just an artist I admire very much,” she said. “I’m turning 30 next year, which is an important year for Japanese girls, so I’m hoping to meet Mr Right sometime soon.”
Source: www.japantoday.com/ |
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NMB48 adds 23 research students in 2nd generation audition
Posted on June 5, 2011 by tokyograph
On Sunday, idol group NMB48 revealed its newest recruits. 23 new research students have been added as part of the group’s 2nd generation audition. Their ages range from 11 to 18, with an average age of 14.
NMB48 formed last year, and the group created its first team (Team N) in March of this year. With the group’s 25 current members, NMB48 now has a total of 48 members, though only 16 of them are currently assigned to a team.
The new members are:
Azuma Yuki
Ishida Yumi
Uno Mizuki
Otani Riko
Okada Risako
Koga Narumi
Kodakari Yuka
Sato Sorai
Shimada Rena
Jo Eriko
Takano Yui
Takiyama Akane
Tanigawa Airi
Nakagawa Hiromi
Nishizawa Rurina
Hayashi Momoka
Fujita Runa
Mita Mao
Murakami Ayaka
Murase Sae
Yagura Fuko
Yamamoto Hitomi
Yogi Keira
There are plans to have a performance for the 2nd generation members sometime this year.
NMB48 also announced on Saturday that they will release their first CD single, “Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo,” on July 20.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Post Last Edit by whitedove at 7-6-2011 16:47
AKB48's Kojima Haruna joins “Ikemen Desu ne” cast
Posted on June 5, 2011 by tokyograph
AKB48 member Kojima Haruna (23) has been added to the cast of the upcoming drama series “Ikemen Desu ne.” Announced last month, the show is a remake of the hit Korean series “You’re Beautiful” with a starring cast of Takomoto Miori, Tamamori Yuta (Kis-My-Ft2), Fujigaya Taisuke (Kis-My-Ft2), and Yaotome Hikaru (Hey! Say! JUMP).
[img]http://pics.livejournal.com/fennychan/pic/00002cqx[/img]   
As previously revealed, the story still revolves around a boy band named A.N.JELL, and Takimoto plays a nun-in-training who has to secretly take her twin brother’s place in the group. Kojima will take on the role of the popular idol singer NANA, originally named Yu Hee-Yi in the Korean series. Her character becomes involved in a relationship scandal with the band’s leader, played by Tamamori.
TBS will broadcast “Ikemen Desu ne” on Friday nights at 10:00pm this summer, starting in July.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Matsumoto Hitoshi’s “Dai-Nipponjin” getting Hollywood remake
Posted on June 5, 2011 by tokyograph
“Dai-Nipponjin,” the directorial debut of comedian and Downtown member Matsumoto Hitoshi (47), has a Hollywood remake in the works. Columbia Pictures has picked up the remake rights and attached producer Neil H. Moritz (“Prison Break”) and screenwriters Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi (“The Clash of the Titans”) to the project.
The cast and release window are still unknown. Matsumoto will have an advisory role in the story changes.
Originally released in 2007, “Dai-Nipponjin” is an odd documentary-like comedy starring Matsumoto as a seemingly ordinary man who transforms into a gigantic hero. Despite constantly saving Japan from monsters in publicly televised battles, he gets no love from his family nor gratitude from the public.
The film earned 1.2 billion yen in Japan during its theatrical run. It was released internationally under the title “Big Man Japan,” including a 26-city run in the United States.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Ex-PM Aso to attend opening ceremony for cultural events in China
Tuesday 07th June, 02:08 AM JST
TOKYO —
Former Prime Minister Taro Aso will attend an opening ceremony in Beijing on Wednesday for cultural events in China to introduce Japanese films, TV dramas and animation as a special envoy of Prime Minister Naoto Kan, the government said Monday. Aso of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party is known as an avid fan of comic books. In a rare move, he will represent Kan of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan at the ceremony to be held at the National Museum of China.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who agreed in May 2009 with then Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to hold events to introduce each country’s cultural works to the other, is also expected to attend the ceremony.
The events to be held in Beijing and Shanghai through June 18 will feature such Japanese films as ‘‘Akunin’’ (Villain), which earned best actress honors at the Montreal World Film Festival, and ‘‘Kaabee’’ (Our Mother) by prizewinning director Yoji Yamada.
Yamada and Lee Sang Il, who directed ‘‘Akunin,’’ will participate in the Japan film weeks in Beijing and Shanghai, respectively. Separately, Japanese animation festivals will be held in the two Chinese cities in late November, Japanese officials said.
In Japan, similar events to introduce Chinese cultural works are scheduled for later this year, the officials said.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Pink Lady play in Tokyo during reunion tour
Tuesday 07th June, 03:31 AM JST
TOKYO —
Pink Lady, a 1970s-era pop duo, performed in Tokyo on Sunday night at Tokyo International Forum. The nationwide tour, which involves 24 performances in 22 cities, marks the duo’s comeback after 30 years.
They played 22 classic hits for some 5,000 fans, including their popular song “UFO.” Kei and Mie, both 53, appeared in great shape despite their long hiatus.
Kei said, “We are touring Japan again because we want to help cheer everyone up, if only just a little.”
A reporter asked Mie, who has been divorced, if she had any plans to remarry, to which she responded coyly, “The fans are my paramours.”
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Conductor Ozawa to perform in concerts in July
Tuesday 07th June, 03:00 AM JST
GENEVA —
Renowned Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa will perform a special concert in Geneva on July 3 and in Paris on July 6, according to the Geneva-based school he founded.
The 75-year-old maestro, who has been taking a break after undergoing hernia surgery in January, intends to offer lessons at Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland from June 24 before conducting the concerts, the officials said.
Ozawa told an Austrian newspaper in March that he would take a break for treatment until January next year but will make a comeback in only six months apparently thanks to a strong recovery from the surgery.
When Ozawa underwent surgery for esophagus cancer in January last year, he made a comeback last summer.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Premium Live of “MUCC Day” is now available for viewing on Ustream through paid service
June 6, 2011 by J!-ENT
Tickets Sold Out in 6 Minutes, but Rest Assured!
Premium Live of “MUCC Day” is Now Available for Viewing
On Ustream through Paid Service
Ustream Channel: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/maniac-parade-97-11
MAVERICK DC Group (CEO: Masahiro Oishi) and Ustream Asia Inc. (‘Ustream Asia’ hereafter / CEO: Tomotaka Nakagawa) in cooperation of Sync Music Japan, a project organized to expand Japanese music market to a global scale, will provide paid service for the live streaming of “MUCC Day” on 6/9 (Thurs) to all the viewers around the world.
As the number 69 can be pronounced ‘Mukku’ in Japanese, which is how the band name MUCC is pronounced, 6/9 has been designated as “MUCC Day” over the years. MUCC plans and hosts a special event for “MUCC Day” every year and this year, they’re brining you a special live. The live title is “Maniac Parade 97~11,” taking parts of the titles from their Budokan 2DAYS “Chemical Parade” and “history GIGS97~11” and putting them together with ‘Maniac’ in front. This will most definitely be a special event that any fans would love to watch. There is no doubt that this live will be a ‘super’ live in many ways.
Unfortunately, the sad news was that the tickets were sold out only in 6 minutes when the ticketing began on 5/29! So, the urgent decision was made to broadcast it live on Ustream through paid service. Just as it was for the viewing of their Budokan live, the ticket for paid service is only 690 yen!!
Their previous viewing through paid service for Budokan live on 5/22 attracted many fans from 23 different countries around the world, proving that MUCC stands strong as an active band around the world. With great success of Budokan 2DAYS lives and their contract with a new music label, MUCC are taking another big step for a new beginning. Make sure to keep a close eye on their action not only for this year, but also for many years to come!
LIVE INFORMATION
¦Title: MUCC “Maniac Parade 97~11”
¦Date & Time: 6/9/2011 (Thurs) OPEN 18:00 / START 19:00 (JST)
¦Venue: Shinkiba STUDIO COAST
USTREAM Live Streaming Info
¦Ticket Price: 690 yen (tax in)
¦Ticketing Period: 6/3(Fri) 17:00 ~ 6/9 (Thurs) end of the live
¦Ustream Channel: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/maniac-parade-97-11 <http://www.ustream.tv/channel/maniac-parade-97-11>
¦Live Streaming Begins at:
19:00 (Tokyo)
14:00 (Moscow)
12:00 (Paris)
11:00 (London)
8:00 (Sao Paulo)
6:00 (New York)
3:00 (Los Angeles)
Source: www.nt2099.com/J-ENT |
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Ladies love cool Japan, and so does LL Cool J
Wednesday 08th June, 05:01 AM JST
By Kamasami Kong
TOKYO —
“Call me LL… LL is fine,” the 43-year-old rapper, actor, author and star of “NCIS: Los Angeles” confidently says over the phone.
His real name is James Smith, and his famous alias, LL Cool J, is an acronym for Ladies Love Cool James. Raised in Bay Shore, New York, this multi-talented star has visited Japan many times. Right from the beginning of our interview, LL makes it clear he is sending his love and prayers to all those people affected by the recent Tohoku disasters, adding that he feels sure “they’ll do an excellent job recovering.”
Best known for romantic ballads like “I Need Love,” “Around the Way Girl” and “Hey Lover,” LL explains that “NCIS: Los Angeles” — now going into its second season — takes place within the special operations office of the Naval Criminal Investigations Service.
“We do sting operations, we do busts, we do surveillance, we do all the work involved with terrorists, people that are threatening democracy or anyone who might be a threat to the safety of the public, especially if it’s perpetrated by anyone against the Navy, certain parts of the military, Marines, etc…”
LL, a former Boy Scout and paperboy, plays Agent Sam Hanna, a former Navy Seal. “My character is a very, very focused guy. He’s all about protecting his team and the people around him, and it’s very important for him to do whatever’s necessary to make sure the good guys win.”
On the show, Sam Hanna is fluent in Arabic and an expert on the Quran. LL, who in real life dropped out of school to pursue a recording career, adds that Hanna has made use of those specially-acquired skills to better understand his targets’ backgrounds.
I was curious to know if LL could speak any Arabic. The Def Jam rapper responded with some Arabic-sounding terms, but I wasn’t sure if he was just pulling the Afghan over my eyes. However, the in-demand superstar, who started rapping at the age of nine, did say, “I’ve definitely been studying [the Arabic language] so that I can understand what I’m saying and so I can understand the culture.”
When asked if he could actually rap in Arabic or if he’s considered busting out any Arabic rhymes in one of his songs, he impulsively adds: “No, no… I don’t think you want to hear me try that.”
To train for the part of Sam Hanna, LL said he visited Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where he met and engaged in in-depth conversations with members of the special ops. “These are guys who are willing to put their lives on the line and they gave me a lot of insight, helping me to understand why my character does what he does.”
Since he brought up the Navy Seals, I asked his opinion on the way they handled the recent bin Laden situation. LL paused for a moment, then said with confidence, “I think they definitely won that chess game. Checkmate. And the tournament’s still ongoing.”
LL admits not having been a fan of “NCIS” before he got the part, but after checking it out he enjoyed the banter, energy and vibe of the show. As he says, “I got into it!”
“NCIS: Los Angeles” airs weekly on FOX Japan: Fri 9:30-10:30 a.m. & 8-9 p.m., Sat 12-1 p.m., Sun 9-10 p.m., Mon 3-4 p.m.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Ozawa thrilled about orchestra's 1st tour of China in Sept
Wednesday 08th June, 03:41 AM JST
NAGANO —
Conductor Seiji Ozawa expressed his joy Tuesday about his orchestra’s first tour of China in September as part of events to mark the 20th anniversary of a music festival involving the group.
‘‘I couldn’t be happier because China is my birthplace,’’ the 75-year-old maestro, who was born in Shenyang in 1935, told a press conference in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, referring to the trip to Beijing and Shanghai from Sept 1 to 11 which will form the second part of the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto.
Ozawa, who leads the Saito Kinen Orchestra, also said he hopes the orchestra’s performances in China will help to promote the festival and encourage people to visit Matsumoto.
Ozawa will restrict himself to conducting Bela Bartok’s 70-minute one-act opera ‘‘Bluebeard’s Castle’’ four times in Japan and twice in China as he is still recovering from a hernia operation.
The first part of the festival will take place in Matsumoto from Aug 8 to 31, according to the organizer.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Tetsuya Bessho publicizes shorts film festival
Wednesday 08th June, 04:55 AM JST
TOKYO —
Actor Tetsuya Bessho, 45, is promoting the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2011. Taking place from June 16-26 in Tokyo and Yokohama, the festival is set to screen 68 shorts from 23 countries.
As a representative of the executive committee, Bessho said, “Almost three months have passed since the Tohoku disaster, and I am deeply moved to be able to show the world, via this festival, how Japan is still standing.”
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Final “Arakawa Under the Bridge” cast announcement adds Oguri Shun, Yamada Takayuki
Posted on June 7, 2011 by tokyograph
The live-action adaptations of “Arakawa Under the Bridge” have had their cast gradually revealed over the last few weeks, and the final announcement was delivered today. Oguri Shun (28) and Yamada Takayuki (27) have been chosen to play the Village Chief (Soncho) and Hoshi, respectively.
The Village Chief and Hoshi are two major characters in the story. The chief is most familiar in his kappa costume, claiming to be a centuries-old kappa (a type of legendary water sprite). Hoshi, on the other hand, is a self-proclaimed rock star who is in love with the main female character Nino (played by Kiritani Mirei).
It is said that the special makeup used for Oguri and Yamada’s characters requires more than 2 hours to apply.
TBS will begin airing the “Arakawa Under the Bridge” drama series on July 26 in a Tuesday night 12:55am-1:25am time slot. The affiliated MBS (in Osaka) will air the show on Saturday nights at 12:30am-12:58am, starting on July 30.
The movie version is still scheduled for release in February 2012.
www.tokyograph.com |
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AKB48 expands with Team 4
Posted on June 7, 2011 by tokyograph
Today, AKB48 announced the creation of its 4th team. 10 of the group’s research students have been promoted to the newly launched “Team 4,” with 6 more available spots to be filled in the future.
So far, AKB48 and its related groups have roughly followed a structure of having three 16-member teams (for a total of 48 main members) and a pool of “research students,” though the actual number of members assigned to a team has fluctuated with graduations and promotions.
AKB48 originally started just with Team A and later added Teams K and B. Naturally, they are continuing the naming scheme with Team 4, though it is unknown whether there are plans to eventually add a Team 8.
According to the announcement, Team 4's first 10 members are:
Ichikawa Miori
Oba Mina
Shimazaki Haruka
Shimada Haruka
Takeuchi Miyu
Nagao Mariya
Nakamata Shiori
Nakamura Mariko
Mori Anna
Yamauchi Suzuran
For now, the remaining 6 positions will be support positions, filled in by other research students (currently up to the 12th generation) during Team 4's stage performances.
The AKB48 blog has also announced details of the group’s upcoming nationwide tour, scheduled from August 1 to August 31. Team 4 has been assigned two of the tour dates, on August 2 in Kagoshima and August 8 in Tottori.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Okamoto Azusa stars in suspense film “Sentimental Yasuko”
Posted on June 7, 2011 by tokyograph
Fashion model and actress Okamoto Azusa (18) now has her first sole starring role in a movie. She will lead the cast of the suspense story “Sentimental Yasuko,” scheduled for release in spring 2012.
“Sentimental Yasuko” is originally a stage production by the theatrical group Cornflakes, led by director Horie Kei. Horie is also behind the camera for the movie.
The story revolves around a hostess named Yasuko (Okamoto), who has attempted suicide multiple times before. On her parents’ death anniversary, she winds up unconscious in an emergency ward after being strangled by someone. The police find her cell phone at the scene of the crime, and a veteran detective named Yamanaka narrows down the suspects to 7 men of different ages and occupations, each of whom she has been involved with. As the action proceeds nonstop from midnight to dawn, the shocking past is gradually revealed.
Okamoto’s previously pure image promises to change with this film, and she admitted that she is nervous about the planned bed scenes.
Besides Okamoto, the cast includes Wada Masato (D-BOYS), Takito Kenichi, Sakata Tadashi, Nishina Takashi, Takagi Manpei, Wagatsuma Miwako, Ikeda Narushi, and Yamazaki Hajime.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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