Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part IV]

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Yuji Oda ties the knot
Sat, August 21, 2010 (7:21am EDT)



Actor Yuji Oda (42) is now a married man. He and his management agency officially announced the good news on Saturday, revealing that Oda and his wife (30) registered their marriage on August 16. No other information about the woman was provided.

Oda has been popular since early in his career with hits such as the dramas "Tokyo Love Story" and "Okane ga Nai!" His most recent major roles were in the movies "Amalfi" and "Odoru Daisousasen: The Movie 3."

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Shoko Nakagawa's mobile drama gets limited theater screenings
Sat, August 21, 2010 (10:08am EDT)



On Saturday, Shoko Nakagawa (25) held a live performance to celebrate the release of her new single, "Flying Humanoid / Sen no Kotoba to Futari no Himitsu." During the event, she announced to her fans that her recent mobile phone drama is going to be shown in theaters for a limited time.

As announced last month, Nakagawa got her first starring drama role in "Koi no Tadashii Houhou wa Hon ni mo Sekkeizu ni mo Notteinai," a mobile phone drama that began distribution through DOR@MO on August 8. Because of its popularity, it was decided that the ten-episode series will be shown as a movie in select theaters across the country, for a two-week period starting on October 2.

Directed by filmmaker Tetsuo Shinohara ("Metro ni Notte," "Heaven's Bookstore"), the drama uses Nakagawa's song "Sen no Kotoba to Futari no Himitsu" (from the new single) as its motif. Nakagawa plays a librarian named Izumi Noda who has trouble connecting with other people. Her friend sets up a group date, where she meets an aspiring architect named Neru Yonetani (played by Hiroki Suzuki of D-BOYS), and a romance between them unfolds.



The drama's fourth episode will be released on August 22.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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L'Arc~en~Ciel to start 2011 with anniversary concert
Sun, August 22, 2010 (12:03am EDT)



In 2008, rock band L'Arc~en~Ciel indicated that they would not be doing another live performance until 2011, to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Now, two years later, more details have finally been revealed.

The band's big concert will take place at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, with an estimated capacity of 20,000 for the event. The concert has been named "L'A HAPPY NEW YEAR!" and will appropriately start when the clocks turn to midnight on December 31, 2010, and the new year begins.

L'Arc~en~Ciel's last concert together was at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka in June 2008, finishing off a world tour that started two months earlier. Since then, the four members have mainly been active with their solo projects, though they did have a few releases during that time.

The band has other plans for their anniversary year as well. In addition to the New Year's concert, they have already said that there will be a new single, and they are currently planning a tour that will be at least as big as their 2008 tour, which was attended by 320,000 people over 10 concerts in 7 cities.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Visual-kei group VKB428 makes live debut
Sun, August 22, 2010 (2:31am EDT)

A new male group made held its first live performance on Saturday. The unit is called VKB428, which stands for "Visual-kei Boys Shibuya" (since "428" can be read as "Shibuya"). Although it currently only has 7 members, the group will have a structure similar to idol group AKB48, with the members being divided into three "teams."

VKB428 was created by producers Seiji, who is the vocalist of rock band SAMURAI BALL and has been involved with projects such as the host club Club ACQUA, and Yoshinobu Toida, who has done music for bands such as X Japan and GLAY. They held an audition with more than 2,000 candidates to select the group's initial members.

For their first live performance, they sang several songs, danced, and even did a short skit. The group's leader, Shota, told the audience that the members trained for the event for a month without rest, sometimes sleeping only two or three hours at a time. The group was also joined on stage by two guests: DaizyStripper vocalist Yugiri and drummer Kazami.

VKB428 currently plans to perform about once a month in Shibuya. As more members are added through future auditions, they will be split up into the "V Team," the "K team," and the "B team." Only the first two teams will perform on stage, while the "B team" members will serve as substitutes.

VKB428's next live performance will be on September 25.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Vision Factory audition discovers new model
Sun, August 22, 2010 (3:23am EDT)

Management agency Vision Factory teamed up with the free fashion publication Bishoujo Zukan to hold a talent audition in Yokohama on Saturday. The audition, called "Bishoujo Museum," received approximately 10,000 applications. Among those candidates, the grand prize went to 18-year-old Mio Saijo, a third-year high school student from the Shiga prefecture.

Actress Manami Higa (24) took the stage to present Saijo with the trophy, which also comes with a 1,000,000 yen prize and a contract with Vision Factory. For the next year, Saijo will serve as a model for Bishoujo Zukan, but she also stated that she dreams of becoming an actress.

Vision Factory and Bishoujo Zukan plan to hold a second audition next March.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Lonboo's Tamura undergoes surgery
Sun, August 22, 2010 (3:33am EDT)



Comedian Atsushi Tamura (36), of the popular duo London Boots 1go 2go, has just been released from the hospital, he revealed on Saturday.

Tamura was hospitalized for five days, receiving surgery to remove a polyp found inside his nose. He was expected to remain in the hospital for two more days, but he left on Saturday morning in order to appear at a talk event that night. Committed to his work, he stated that he used his vacation days for the surgery so that it would not affect his schedule.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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X Japan's Toshi details solo projects
Sun, August 22, 2010 (4:00am EDT)



X Japan vocalist ToshI (44) recently stated in an interview that he will be resuming his solo activities later with a new single next month. He also mentioned that he will team up with Yoshiki to start a new project next year.

Earlier this year, ToshI revealed that he was divorcing his wife Kaori after more than 12 years of marriage. He also finally severed ties with the Home of Heart group (labeled by many as a cult), though he had to declare personal bankruptcy as most of his money has gone to that organization. In February, he held a "sayonara concert" to symbolize his break away from his past.

Now, with the help of his friend and bandmate Yoshiki, ToshI is getting back on his feet. In May, ToshI finished a piano and violin ballad titled "Crystal Piano no Kimi" and recorded it at Yoshiki's studio in Los Angeles. The song will be released as a single in late September.

In addition, the two of them are launching a project in January called "ToshI feat. YOSHIKI," though it will start off as just a solo project by ToshI. They are still determining how it will develop, though they seem to be planning to release CDs and hold concerts domestically and overseas, while still being involved with X Japan.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Nao Minamisawa stars in Red Cross PR film
Sun, August 22, 2010 (4:29am EDT)



Young actress Nao Minamisawa (20) is starring in the first PR film from the Japanese Red Cross Society. Titled "Hachigatsu no Nijuusou," the short movie is based on the true story of 20-year-old Miho Sugawara, who founded a Student Red Cross group in Iwate last year.

Miho's younger sister Miyuki died of acute leukemia in the summer of 2007. The movie tells the story of the five years that the Sugawara family spent fighting Miyuki's illness, including Miho becoming a marrow donor.

As the main character, Minamisawa plays the part of Miho during the last four years. In order to capture the actual story of the family, Miho was actually present for the entire filming process, which wrapped up earlier this month.

The Red Cross has seen a huge drop in blood donors over the past decade. The "Hachigatsu no Nijuusou" movie is one part of the organization's effort to raise awareness, particularly among young people. The film will be shown for free in blood donation centers and public institutions across the country, starting in late September. Toei, the studio that produced the picture, also plans to hold preview screenings in its chain of theaters.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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"Ancient Dogoo Girl" returns with sequel
Sun, August 22, 2010 (6:40am EDT)



MBS's fantasy/comedy television series "Kodai Shoujo Dogu-chan" ("The Ancient Dogoo Girl") is returning with a sequel this fall. The new show will be titled "Kodai Shoujotai Dogoon V," and will have starring actress Erika Yazawa (19) joined by a new group of "dogoo girls."

The original series was broadcast from October to December in 2009, and it proved popular enough to get a movie version into theaters earlier this year. The story revolved around an ancient yokai (monster) hunter inadvertently revived in modern times. Although Yazawa (a member of Idoling!!!) was billed as the main attraction of the show, it also drew attention due to the famous directors attached to the project, including Noboru Iguchi, Takashi Shimizu, and Keisuke Toyoshima.

In "Dogoon V," the show will introduce a group of five female apprentice yokai hunters, clad in the same kind of clay bikini as Yazawa's character. The members of the group are the "Doki Doki Wave"-shooting Doji-chan (Misaki Momose, 17), the battler Doro-chan (Rina Takeda, 19), the super-strong Doka-chan (Manami Nomoto, 14), the nurse Dore-chan (Maria Yoshikawa, 21), and the dreamer Dori-chan (Haruka Dan).

The regular cast includes Teruhiko Saigo (63) and Shogo Suzuki (21). Like the first show, the modern-day monsters will be played by guest actors, including Sei Ashina (26), Yuko Ito (36), Kenji Otsuki (44), Megumi Kagurazaka (28), Ayumu Saito (45), and Momoko Tani (25).

Most of the original staff will return. Besides Iguchi and Toyoshima, some of the confirmed names are Yoshihiro Nishimura, Tsuyoshi Kazuno, and Ryuta Miyake.

MBS will start airing the new series in October. More details will be announced on the show's official website.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Yuji Oda to return in drama sequel to "Amalfi"
Sun, August 22, 2010 (7:05pm EDT)



Actor Yuji Oda (42), who just got married last week, will be reprising his role in a sequel to last year's hit movie "Amalfi: Megami no Hoshu." However, this time it will be turned into a television series, rather than another film.

The drama is tentatively titled "Kaikoukan Kuroda Kosaku." As the name indicates, the show will focus on the diplomat Kosaku Kuroda, Oda's character in "Amalfi." After the success of the movie, sources say that Oda strongly wanted to play the character in a television series. While the movie told the story of a single kidnapping, the drama will take on a much bigger scale, with Kuroda becoming involved in various situations such as international terrorism and domestic crimes. Right now the script is in development, though details will have to wait until Oda returns from his honeymoon overseas.

Fuji TV will broadcast the drama. It is planning to start the series in January in the Thursday 10:00pm time slot, though filming will begin as early as mid-September.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Yutaka Takenouchi, Aya Ueto co-star in Fuji TV's Monday night drama
Sun, August 22, 2010 (6:49pm EDT)



Fuji TV's Monday night drama series this fall will star Yutaka Takenouchi (39) and Aya Ueto (24), it has been learned. The show does not yet have an official title.

Takenouchi has been in several "Getsu 9" dramas before, including the 1997 show "Beach Boys." His last time starring in one was with Ryoko Hirosue (30) in the 2001 series "Dekichatta Kekkon." Ueto, on the other hand, was most recently in last year's "Konkatsu!"

In the new series, Takenouchi plays an aquarium employee named Kengo, who seems ordinary at first glance but actually possesses a secret that he would sacrifice everything in order to protect. Meanwhile, Ueto plays Risa, a young woman working in the sex trade in order to pay off her brother's debt, though her situation has led her to contemplate suicide. These two characters, both full of despair, meet each other and end up entering a contract marriage purely for its benefits. However, as they overcome various troubles, their relationship begins turning into true love.



Shota Matsuda (24) and Kie Kitano (19) have also been confirmed as cast members. The series will begin in October, airing every Monday at 9:00pm.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Keiko Kitagawa to star in "Paradise Kiss" movie adaptation
Sun, August 22, 2010 (11:18am EDT)



Anime News Network reports that Ai Yazawa's popular "Paradise Kiss" manga series will be turned into a live-action film, starring Keiko Kitagawa and Osamu Mukai. The project will be announced in the next issue of the fashion magazine Zipper.

"Paradise Kiss" tells the story of a high school girl named Yukari (Kitagawa) who meets a group of fashion school students. After they transform her into a model, she gains a passion for fashion and meets a romantic interest.

The supporting cast is said to include Natsuki Kato, Aya Omasa, Kento Kaku, Shunji Igarashi, and Yusuke Yamamoto.

The release date for the film is not yet known.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Performer narrates Okinawa's history through dance

NEW YORK —

To many, the name Okinawa may conjure up an image of islands scattered between the rest of Japan and Taiwan, or picturesque blue sea and white beaches, or U.S. military bases surrounded by protesters.
   
These images are all very common, but Okinawa has much more to offer beneath its surface, says Junko Fisher, a New York-based performer specializing in traditional dances from her native Okinawa Prefecture.
   
Since last summer, Fisher has been teaching a workshop on Okinawa’s traditional dance in Queens Library in New York. A rare program focusing exclusively on Okinawa’s culture, it combines dance performances with talks on the prefecture’s history.
   
Fisher says she used to perform traditional Okinawa dances at Japanese and American events, such as cherry blossom festivals. But she felt ‘‘something was missing’’ about two years ago.
   
‘‘I would typically perform a piece for about 10-20 minutes and that was it. People will only remember it as a ‘Japanese dance.’ But I felt I needed to interact with the audience to tell them about Okinawa,’’ she said, recalling her motivation to start the workshop.
   
Now part of the library’s Adult Services program aimed at encouraging continued learning, the workshop is being offered at branches throughout Queens—one of the five boroughs of New York City.
   
Doris Jones, the library’s programs assistant, said the library has offered a number of Japanese performances in the past but that Fisher’s workshop is unique as the performer doubles as history teacher.
   
‘‘It allows for a very intimate learning experience,’’ she said.
   
The Okinawa dance is also known as the Ryukyu dance, after the name of the independent kingdom that used to rule the region from the 15th to the 19th century. Old European maps sometimes refer to the kingdom as Lequeo Grande or the Great Ryukyu as a distinct entity from Japan.
   
As China and Japan both restricted maritime activities, the kingdom prospered through intermediary trade. It did business with a diverse group of nations across Asia, including the powerful Malacca Sultanate in Southeast Asia.
   
Reflecting this history, the 90-minute program opens with a demonstration of a dainty court dance called ‘‘Yotsutake,’’ or four bamboo pieces.
   
In the dance, two pairs of bamboo pieces are used as castanets by a performer clad in a bright yellow kimono known as ‘‘bingata’’ and red footwear that was only worn at court. The dance was developed to entertain Chinese envoys who visited the kingdom to approve its new ruler.
   
The piece is then followed by ‘‘Nubui Kuduchi,’’ which depicts a journey of a young Ryukyu official visiting feudal Japan’s Satsuma domain, which roughly corresponds to today’s Kagoshima Prefecture.
   
Fisher tells the audience about the evolution of these dances—from sumptuous pieces for entertaining ambassadors to those that are more pleasing to common people. She then demonstrates a joyous piece called ‘‘Kanayo’’ (My Dear One), depicting a young couple’s courtship in which a red woven towel is used as a symbol of affection.
   
‘‘I didn’t know that performing arts in Okinawa were so closely related to its history, for example, its trade relations with China,’’ said Susan Hamaker, a freelance writer who recently attended the workshop. ‘‘It’s great that you can have a history lesson while learning to dance,’’ she said.
   
Another participant, Jasmine Akhter, from Bangladesh, said she was amazed how similar some of the movements were to those of her home country’s dances. ‘‘There is something universal about dancers’ emotional expressions,’’ she said.
   
Born Junko Nagahama in the village of Yomitan, Fisher grew up in a family of dancers—both her mother and uncle are accomplished Ryukyu dance performers.
   
Fisher came to New York City in 1988 to polish her Japanese-English interpreting skills, her career back then, but ended up settling there after meeting her American husband at a publisher she worked for after graduation.
   
Fisher continued her interpreting work after the couple’s marriage in 1991, but the amount of work plummeted following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
   
She said the sudden drop in her workload put her into a state of psychological slump.
   
‘‘Day after day, I kept asking myself ‘Who am I?,’’ Fisher said.
   
After about two years, Fisher said she discovered her true calling. ‘‘I came to realize that I really wanted to dance. And that’s what saved me.’‘
   
Fisher says she gets inspiration from her fellow New Yorkers from all over the world who keep their cultural heritage alive in the American melting pot.
   
‘‘I meet people talking passionately about their cultural traditions, such as Argentine tango and Chinese Peking opera. They speak with such a passion that I can visualize everything like a movie. I strive to be like them.’’

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Karina judges fashion contest

Tuesday 24th August, 03:19 AM JST



TOKYO —

Fashion model Karina, 26, served as a judge at a runway show for fashion magazine Nissen over the weekend. About 100 readers of the magazine entered the design contest that culminated in the show with Karina participating.

When asked what her perfect fashion for a date would be, Karina replied, “I don’t know. I’m not dating!” But she did advise fans to wear something that will catch a partner’s eye, but still feels comfortable.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Yu Sakai makes US Debut! Live EP set to be released in Japan and the US!! His first solo tour begins in September!

August 23, 2010 by J!-ENT



Equipped with a uniquely translucent and “tear-inducing silky” voice, combined with a wide range of musical influences including soul, R & B, jazz, gospel, and rock which guide his pop music, Yu Sakai has been known for his masterful sound production since his debut.

In October 2009, his debut single Story historically set the most records on FM power play, and his second single Manazashi Daydream was featured as the opening theme of the final episode of the hit TV animation series “Nodame Cantabile”. Additionally, his new single Train was the theme song of the film “Permanent Nobara,” featuring Kanno Miho’s first role in 8 years, and his highly anticipated first album Yes!!, released in June was welcomed with huge sales.

Yu Sakai’s May performance in the Apple Store Ginza launched “Live from Tokyo,” which will be exclusively released on the Japan/US iTunes stores as an EP! “Live from Tokyo” is part of iTunes’s original music series where live sessions are recorded at the Apple stores in London, New York, Tokyo, Montreal Sydney, Munich and various cities and Yu Sakai was also nominated to be featured in the highly regarded “iTunes Japan Sound of 2010”.

Yu Sakai collaborates with the iTunes Store that supports the work of countless talents. At 20, Yu Sakai decided to become a musician and at 22, he moved to LA and taught himself the piano. His sense of rhythm and groove deviates from his Japanese roots, and his first digital release in the US mirrors the catchphrase of his album, “this pop music is a worldwide standard!!” The live EP features performances of his original hit songs Ushimitsubito and Train and his very popular covers of Sade’s Kiss of Life and Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On.

On September 9th, Yu Sakai will launch his solo tour “Yu Sakai Tour 2010 Yes!!” in Nagoya. With a dynamic live show, it would be a shame to miss him and his “tear-inducing silky voice” and his unique sense of rhythm and groove.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

-Release Information-

Artist: Yu Sakai
Title: Live from Tokyo
Label: Sony Independent Network (SIN)
Release Date: August 31, 2010 (Digital Release)

Source: www.nt2099.com/J-ENT

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Announcer Aya Takashima to leave Fuji TV
Mon, August 23, 2010 (9:06am EDT)



Aya Takashima (31), one of Fuji TV's most popular announcers, will be leaving the network by the end of this year. Before that, she will step down from her position on the morning show "Mezamashi TV" at the end of September.

Affectionately known as "Ayapan," Takashima joined Fuji TV in 2001, and two years later she became one of the faces of "Mezamashi TV." Although she will leave the show next month, she plans to continue her other appearances on regular shows and special programs until her official departure.

Although she has not said anything about retirement, it is not known what her plans are after leaving Fuji TV.

UPDATE: The media are speculating that this points to a likely marriage between Takashima and her boyfriend, Yujin Kitagawa of the band Yuzu, but both Fuji TV and Yuzu's management agency say they have not heard about any marriage plans.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Idol Yuzuki Aikawa turns to wrestling
Mon, August 23, 2010 (9:46am EDT)



Gravure idol Yuzuki Aikawa (27) is looking to rejuvenate her career by entering the world of professional wrestling. She held a sudden press conference on Monday to announce that she will make her debut in the ring on October 31 at the Shin-Kiba 1st Ring.

Aikawa said that she won't be using her 100cm bust as a weapon, instead planning to show off her taekwondo skills, including her special maneuver "Yuzupon Kick." Aikawa has apparently been undergoing pro wrestling training in an actual ring since May, as well as practicing her taekwondo and shoot boxing. She acknowledged that wrestling fans may look down on her, but she insisted that she will work hard to surpass their expectations.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Hakamada, Kawanaka to become parents
Mon, August 23, 2010 (10:02am EDT)



Actor Yoshihiko Hakamada (37) and gravure idol Ai Kawanaka (25) just got married on August 8, but it was revealed on Sunday that they are already expecting their first child.

Kawanaka is said to be in her third month of pregnancy. The couple found out about the pregnancy at the end of last month, shortly after they publicly announced their marriage plans. At the time of that announcement, Hakamada openly stated that he was hoping to have children as soon as possible.

The child is scheduled to be born next spring. In the meantime, Hakamada will be busy with his supporting role in the NHK taiga drama "Gou ~Himetachi no Sengoku~," which starts filming next month.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Anri Okamoto becomes next "Keitai Deka"
Mon, August 23, 2010 (10:18am EDT)



The popular BS-TBS drama franchise "Keitai Deka" will launch its 8th series this December. Titled "Keitai Deka Zenigata Yui," the show will star SEVENTEEN model Anri Okamoto (16).

The "Keitai Deka" ("mobile phone detective") dramas started in 2002 with Aoi Miyazaki (24) as the lead actress. Every series has featured a different main character with a different name, played by actresses such as Maki Horikita, Kaho, and Aya Omasa. All of the heroines have possessed unique skills - this time, Okamoto's character Yui will be skilled at rope tying, which she will use to capture the criminals she chases.

Okamoto's roles before this include the "Yatterman" movie, the "Sunadokei" movie, and the drama series "Shokojo Seira."

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Toshiyuki Nishida stars in "Hoshi Mamoru Inu"
Mon, August 23, 2010 (11:05am EDT)



The manga "Hoshi Mamoru Inu" will become a live-action film, directed by Tokiyuki Takimoto. The movie depicts the close bond between a middle-aged man, played by veteran actor Toshiyuki Nishida (62), and his dog, an Akita Inu named Happy.



The story starts with the discovery of the remains of the unidentified man and the dog in the mountains. An examination reveals that the man has been dead for half a year, but the dog passed away only one month ago. A young civil servant (Tetsuji Tamayama) decides to explore the matter further, and he ultimately learns about the lives of the two during the past few years, including their final trip together.

Umika Kawashima, Kimiko Yo, Kayoko Kishimoto, Tatsuya Fuji, and Tomokazu Miura have also been cast. Toho will distribute the film in theaters nationwide in summer 2011.

Source: www.tokyograph.com