Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part IV]

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TV Tokyo announces third "Jyouou" series
Mon, August 23, 2010 (6:58pm EDT)



A third season of the "Jyouou" drama series is now on its way. Gravure idol Mikie Hara (23) will reprise her starring role from the second season, joined by several new cast members.

The original "Jyouou" drama aired in 2005 with Hiromi Kitagawa (29) as the lead, and was adapted from Ryo Kurashina's manga of the same name about young hostesses in Roppongi competing for a large cash prize and the title of number one. Last year, Hara took over the reins for the "Jyouou Virgin" series, based on the manga's sequel. The third season, titled "Jyouou 3 ~Special Edition~," will continue the story from "Jyouou Virgin."



The male lead this time will be played by Gota Watabe (24), while Mayu Sakuma (25) and AV star Kirara Asuka (21) play main characters. Other confirmed cast members include Megumi Nakayama, Ai Haneda, Rika Kawamura, Mitsuyoshi Shinoda, Takeshi Kongochi, Reon Kadena, and Megumi Kagurazaka.

"Jyouou 3" will naturally air in TV Tokyo's "Drama 24" time slot (Friday 12:12am), starting on October 8. The show's theme song will be sung by Ayabie vocalist Aoi.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Shun Oguri, Mao Inoue reunite in "Veterinarian Dolittle" drama
Mon, August 23, 2010 (6:17pm EDT)

 

It is now confirmed that Shun Oguri (27) and Mao Inoue (23) will co-star in a new drama series this fall. The pair, who appeared together in the live-action "Hana Yori Dango," have been cast in an adaptation of "Juui Dolittle" ("Veterinarian Dolittle"), a manga written by Midori Natsu and illustrated by Makiyoshi Chikuya.

Oguri plays the part of Kenichi Tottori, a highly capable veterinarian known by the nickname "Dolittle." He has a sharp tongue, and he maintains a strict attitude about issues such as money and proper pet care. But in addition to saving animals, he also helps fix the problems of their owners.



Inoue plays the female lead as Kenichi's co-worker Asuka Tajima, while Hiroki Narimiya (27) as rival veterinarian Masaru Hanabishi. The show will also focus on the love triangle between the three characters.

The show will air on TBS in the Sunday 9:00pm time slot, starting in October.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Ebi-chan, Oshikiri to appear at Girls Award 2010 Autumn/Winter

Wednesday 25th August, 04:03 AM JST



TOKYO —

Popular models Yuri Ebihara, 30, and Moe Oshikiri, 30, are to appear as special guests on Sept 18 at a fashion and music event called Girls Award 2010 Autumn/Winter at Yoyogi Daiichi Taiikukan.

The models are renowned for helping to establish the Tokyo Girls Collection as the number one fashion event in Japan. This time, the pair were eager to lend a hand to the up-and-coming Girls Award in the hopes of boosting its popularity in the fashion world.

The former rivals haven’t appeared together in a big Tokyo fashion event since the Tokyo Girls Collection Spring in 2007.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Southern All Stars' Kuwata discharged from hospital after cancer surgery

Wednesday 25th August, 06:51 AM JST



TOKYO —

Southern All Stars front man Keisuke Kuwata was discharged from the hospital Sunday after undergoing surgery for esophagus cancer and is recuperating to prepare for a comeback, his management agency said Tuesday.
   
In a message posted on his official website, the 54-year-old singer reported that he underwent treatment that would have ‘‘no effects’’ on his voice, saying he had laparoscopic surgery, which involves making small incisions to insert a camera and surgical equipment and using video images to conduct the operation.
   
‘‘The wound is very small as a laparoscope was used, and I did not lose weight thanks to a special nutrition therapy. The final pathological examination results indicated the cancer has not spread,’’ he said.
   
Kuwata said he hopes to resume recording his new album that has been put on hold due to his illness after getting his physical strength back.
   
On July 28, his management company Amuse Inc said Kuwata had an early stage of esophagus cancer and would cancel his nationwide concert tour which had been scheduled to start Oct 28.
   
The Southern All Stars made their debut in the late 1970s, and the group has remained popular in Japan’s mainstream pop and rock scene.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Shinohara Ryoko Back in the Lead       
August 25, 2010



Just a week after losing her father, actress Shinohara Ryoko (37) had a happier announcement yesterday. She is to play the lead role in an upcoming Nippon TV drama series about tax investigators. Starting in October and airing on Wednesday nights, "Ougon no Buta" (The Golden Pig) features Shinohara in her first drama starring role since she became a mother. Her last lead was in 2007's "Haken no Hinkaku." NTV have described the new series as a modern version of the long-running "Mito Komon." The show also stars Oizumi Yo (37) and Okada Masaki (21).

Shinohara said of her father, who died on August 17, "For me, he was my biggest fan and the person who understood me better than anyone. I want to devote myself to my work and hope that my father will be smiling down on me."

Source: www.japan-zone.com

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Oguro Maki to Take Medical Break



Singer songwriter Oguro Maki (40) is to take an indefinite break to undergo treatment for a variety of uterine diseases. She announced on her website that she will continue working until the end of October. She said that her medical problems have been getting progressively worse since they were first discovered at the end of 1996.

Oguro made her debut in 1992 and has had had a series of hits such as "Da-Ka-Ra" and "Natsu ga Kuru." She married in 2003.

Source: www.japan-zone.com

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Satoshi Kon has passed away

August 24, 2010 by J!-ENT



The twitterverse has been going wild with reports that anime director Satoshi Kon (“Paranoia Agent, “Perfect Blue”, “Millenium Actress”, “Paprika”, “Tokyo Godfather”) has passed away.

We have seen a comment from Masami Yuuki but we are still awaiting official news that the director did indeed pass away.  Gainax’s Takeda Yasuhiro has also posted a comment on Twitter in regards to Satoshi Kon’s death and has confirmed Satoshi Kon of dying of cancer.

Source: www.nt2099.com/J-ENT

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LUNA SEA plans press conference in Hong Kong
Wed, August 25, 2010 (9:55am EDT)



Rock band LUNA SEA appears ready to make a big announcement at the end of this month. Their official website was updated on Wednesday, indicating that they will hold an urgent press conference in Hong Kong on August 31.

LUNA SEA formed in 1989 and became one of the biggest rock bands of the '90s, before officially breaking up in December 2000. They reunited a couple times in recent years for one-time events, but their announcement (accompanied by the word "REBOOT") suggests that they may be getting back together for good.

The event will take place on August 31 at 3:00pm in Hong Kong (4:00pm in Japan), and it will be broadcast worldwide through Ustream (on both LUNA SEA's MySpace page and Sync Music Japan's page).

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Takaya Kamikawa stars in "Marks no Yama"
Wed, August 25, 2010 (10:18am EDT)

A press conference was held on Wednesday for the recently announced WOWOW drama series "Marks no Yama." The show is based on the Naoki Prize-winning novel by Kaoru Takamura, which was previously adapted by director Yoichi Sai in 1995 as a film starring Kiichi Nakai and Masato Hagiwara.



The mystery story starts with two murders, one of a former gangster and another of a Ministry of Justice official. As one police inspector (played by lead actor Takaya Kamikawa) investigates the case, he learns of a connection to a mysterious young man named "Marks" (Kengo Kora).



The cast for the show, which was revealed one person per day from August 3 up until the press conference, also features Fumiyo Kohinata, Ken Ishiguro, Manami Konishi, Ren Osugi, and Naho Toda. The first of the five episodes will air on October 17 at 10:00pm.



Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Charts: AKB48, Koshi Inaba
Wed, August 25, 2010 (10:53am EDT)



As expected, idol group AKB48 was #1 on the sales charts this past week. Their new single "Heavy Rotation" sold a total of 527,000 copies, setting a personal record for first-week sales. Their last single, "Ponytail to Chouchou," sold an initial 513,000 copies. With these two releases, AKB48 is now just the third female artist to sell half a million copies with consecutive singles, joining Hikaru Utada and Ayumi Hamasaki.

It was also announced on Wednesday that "Heavy Rotation" topped the weekly Recochoku charts in five categories: chaku-uta, chaku-uta full, video clip, chakushin movie, and chakushin melody.

The rest of the top ten singles included new songs by Acid Black Cherry and AAA (#2 and #3, respectively), as well as Shoko Nakagawa, Choshinsung, and Kishida Kyoudan in the bottom three spots.



On the album rankings, B'z member Koshi Inaba took the top spot with "Hadou," his first solo album in six years. It sold 127,000 copies in its first week.

Iron Maiden's latest album was #5. A "Katekyo Hitman Reborn!" character album ranked #7, and Hanako Oku barely made the list at #10.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Yasuko Matsuyuki leads first series in new Fuji TV drama time slot
Wed, August 25, 2010 (7:56pm EDT)



Fuji TV is launching a new drama time slot this October. The Sunday 9:00pm block will be known as "Dramatic Sunday," and the first series to fill the spot will be titled "Perfect Report," starring Yasuko Matsuyuki (37).

Matsuyuki plays a top-class TV reporter named Aoyama, who possesses both brains and beauty but is also known for being too rigid. Despite her cold and blunt outward appearance, on the inside she is passionate as a reporter, dedicated to collecting information and seeking out the truth. Keisuke Koide (26) plays a fellow reporter who works closely with her, and Saki Aibu (25) plays a formerly popular announcer who now works under Aoyama. Fumiyo Kohinata (56) and Jun Kaname (29) will both also appear on the show.

http://asiacue.com/images/persons/k/Kohinata,%20Fumiyo_image.jpeg

Fuji TV has not broadcast a drama series in the Sunday 9:00pm time slot since 1979. Now they will be competing for audiences with TBS, which has had several successful dramas in that slot. Next season, TBS will be broadcasting the series " Juui Dolittle," starring Shun Oguri (27) and Mao Inoue (23).

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Satomi Ishihara plays psychic in "Reinoryokusha Odagiri Kyoko no Uso"
Wed, August 25, 2010 (8:15pm EDT)



It was learned last week that Shinobu Kaitani's manga series "Reinoryokusha Odagiri Kyoko no Uso" is being turned into a live-action show. The primary cast has now been announced, with Satomi Ishihara (23) taking on the title role of the false psychic Kyoko Odagiri.

Kyoko Odagiri is known as a showy, charismatic and popular psychic, though in reality she has no special powers. Instead, the unusual heroine gathers information through her own effort, then plays up the role of the psychic, willing to create any kind of lie if it will help save someone. Shosuke Tanihara (38) will play the mysterious Ichiro Taniguchi, who becomes Kyoko's accomplice.



Ishihara's last leading role in a series was in the 2008 mystery drama "Puzzle."

TV Asahi will broadcast "Reinoryokusha Odagiri Kyoko no Uso" on Sundays at 11:00pm, beginning this October.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Hannya's Kanada dating Kanna Mori?
Wed, August 25, 2010 (7:35pm EDT)



According to the latest issue of Josei Seven, Satoshi Kanada (24) of the popular comedy duo Hannya is in a relationship with model and actress Kanna Mori (22).

Mori is said to be a big fan of the comedian. They were introduced to each other by a friend, and they apparently started dating around June. In mid-August, the two were seen meeting at Kanada's apartment, as evidenced by photographs that appeared in the magazine. It is also said that Kanada has already given Mori a spare key to his place.

So far, their agencies have not made any statements about the rumor.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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First official SMAP magazine goes on sale

Thursday 26th August, 03:16 AM JST



TOKYO —

The first official SMAP magazine, published by Magazine House and titled THE SMAP MAGAZINE, went on sale on Wednesday. The 176-page volume was developed this year in collaboration with the editing teams behind popular magazines Popeye and anan.

“SMAP are a national phenomenon who are always leading the pack and have won fans of all ages. Why do they endlessly attract fans like that? We wanted to explore the secret of their immense appeal, so we concentrated all of our efforts on creating this magazine,” explained a Magazine House spokesperson.

The magazine covers a lot of ground including photography from fashionable new shoots overseen by popular stylists as well as a wide variety of shots from the 1990s spanning most of the band’s career. It also features conversations between the band and other celebrities. Actor Takuya Kimura and Softbank President Son Masayoshi appear and Goro Inagaki chats with manga artist Naoki Urasawa.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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'Australia's Next Top Model' hopeful drops in on Tokyo

By Chris Betros



TOKYO —

Put a bunch of aspiring models into a house in Sydney and watch them try to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of modeling, as well as get on with each other. That‘s the premise of the popular Australian reality pay TV series “Australia’s Next Top Model,” which began on Foxtel on July 20. Hosted by supermodel Sarah Murdoch, the program is based on “America’s Top Model,” created by Tyra Banks.

In May, 16 hopefuls were selected after a nationwide audition to star in the sixth series of the program. During the series, these finalists are transformed from attractive girls-next-door into potential working models, while navigating their way through various modeling assignments and tasks. Each week, the judges assess task performance and potential to narrow the field until only two remain.

Recently, the final four girls spent a week in Tokyo, living it up in a suite at the Hilton Tokyo. The episode involving their Tokyo sojourn will air in mid-September (Tokyo residents will be able to view snippets on YouTube.

One of the models, 19-year-old Kelsey (she only uses her first name), describes it as a wonderful experience, but can’t say too much because everything is hush-hush. “One girl gets eliminated each week. We’re not allowed to tell anyone anything until the episode has aired,” she says at the Hilton.

Born in Perth, Kelsey lived on a little island for six years, three of which were in a lighthouse. Then she moved to Byron Bay on the eastern coast of Australia. During high school, she did a little bit of modeling and after finishing high school, decided to try for “Australia’s Next Top Model.“ “I had seen the American version and I saw the 5th series of the Australian version. I auditioned and was selected as one of the finalists. We started filming in May. For the first show, it was quite hard getting used to cameras in your face.”

In previous seasons, the girls have had to deal with the ups and downs of “model house” life: all the drama you’d expect when you put a group of ambitious girls under one roof. But Kelsey said that so far, there had been very little tantrum tossing. “ I think I am an easy person to live with, and quite tidy. My only bad habit is that I make the bathroom floor very wet once I get out of the shower.”

The Tokyo week was a welcome respite. For one thing, they didn’t have to clean up their rooms. “It’s my first time overseas and Tokyo is wonderful. We have had some long days, doing photo shoots. We shopped at Shibuya. The scramble crossing was amazing.”

Kelsey, of course, hopes she will be the final girl at the end of the season. The winner takes home a prize package including representation by a top modeling agency, a contract to appear in a campaign to be the face of iconic jeans brand Levi’s; a trip to New York to meet with one of the world’s top agencies, ELITE New York; a Ford Fiesta Zetec; $20,000 cash and an eight-page spread in Harpers Bazaar Australia.
Kelsey says her own fashion style is varied. “One day, I’ll be in a really girly dress and the next day, some ripped jeans and T-shirt. I really love Japanese fashion, especially the Harajuku girls. We even tried on a kimono. Now that was a challenge.”

Keeping in shape is another challenge. “I try and get to the gym at least three times a week. One of the girls in the house does Pilates and she has been teaching me that. We also have to be careful what we eat. Our house is full of Cherry Ripes (chocolates), but I’m happy to tell you that most of them are still there.”

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Ghibli film 'Arrietty' to be released in S Korea on Sept 9

Friday 27th August, 03:38 AM JST



TOKYO —

Studio Ghibli’s latest film ‘‘Karigurashi no Arrietty’’ (The Borrower Arrietty) will be released in South Korea next month, marking the first regular screenings outside Japan, promoters said Thursday.
   
The film, based on a story written by Hayao Miyazaki that was inspired by Mary Norton’s Borrowers novels, will be shown at around 300 theaters in Seoul, Busan and other cities starting Sept 9 amid the growing popularity of works produced by the Tokyo-based animation company.
   
Ghibli’s last major film, ‘‘Gake no ue no Ponyo’’ (Ponyo on the Cliff), was also screened in South Korea several months after it was released in Japan in July 2008.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Conductor Ozawa to shorten appearance at annual music festival in Nagano

Friday 27th August, 05:49 AM JST



TOKYO —

Conductor Seiji Ozawa, who recently underwent treatment for esophagus cancer, will sharply reduce his concert performance at an annual music festival in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, due to back pains he has long been battling with, festival organizers said Thursday.
   
While Ozawa, 74, has been making satisfactory progress since completing cancer therapy, his backache has gotten worse as he lost some muscles as a result of the treatment and his doctor has advised him not to conduct for long hours, organizers of the Saito Kinen Festival said.
   
Ozawa will be replaced by Tatsuya Shimono, 40, for a total of eight programs, including ‘‘November Steps’’ by Toru Takemitsu, on four orchestra performances Sept 5-9.
   
Ozawa will be conducting a newly added program—the first movement of Serenade for Strings by Tschaikovsky—on each of the four concert days.
  
‘‘I am truly sorry for causing inconvenience and concern,’’ Ozawa said in a statement. ‘‘After the festival ends in September, I would like to concentrate on back treatment to aim for Saito Kinen Orchestra’s performances at Carnegie (Hall in New York) in December.’’

Source: www.japantoday.com

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AKB48's Maeda turned on by vampires

Friday 27th August, 06:24 AM JST



TOKYO —

Atsuko Maeda, 19, of the pop band AKB48 was the special guest this week at the opening of Cafe Studio in Harajuku, a new cafe based on the successful “Twilight” books and movies.

Holding a copy of one of the vampire novels, which center around the relationships between vampires and human women, Maeda said: “They are great love stories. There is something sexy about the world of vampires. If my lover was a vampire, I’d want to become one, too.”

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Girl group KiSS&KiSS prepares for debut single
Thu, August 26, 2010 (11:17am EDT)

A new female idol unit called KiSS&KiSS held their debut event in Osaka on Tuesday. Based in the Kansai region, the group consists of 14 members, gathered from five different management agencies.

The girls of KiSS&KiSS are signed with Grace, KID Company, Partir, Treasure Factory, and SP!Ke. Each of them is already active as a solo artist or as part of a small group, but KiSS&KiSS appears to be an attempt to help build all of their careers simultaneously. Currently, the three youngest members are 14 years old.

KiSS&KiSS will release their first single on September 29. Their official website has already launched.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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More legal drama for Kaori Manabe
Thu, August 26, 2010 (11:45am EDT)



Kaori Manabe (29) is facing another lawsuit, it was recently learned. Still in the middle of a messy legal battle with her former agency Avilla, the company's owner Masaya Makino (43) has now filed a lawsuit seeking 100 million yen in damages for defamation.

Manabe's battle with Avilla stretches back to January 2009, when her former agency Avantgarde (run by Makino) was formally accused of tax evasion. Makino was eventually arrested in August 2009, and as part of the investigation, Manabe herself also fell under suspicion. Shortly after Makino's arrest, she filed a lawsuit seeking the dissolution of her contract with Avilla, but Avilla later countersued her for breach of contract, claiming that she failed to fulfill her work obligations.

The most recent lawsuit was filed earlier this week on August 23 by Makino himself. He is seeking 100 million yen for defamation, based on accusations that Manabe's side made during the ongoing trial for her original lawsuit. Manabe's lawyers presented documents in court saying that some celebrities had quit the agency due to sexual harassment by Makino, and that Makino's conduct included threats that he would force those women to have an abortion if they got pregnant. According to Makino's lawsuit, the claims are based on vague hearsay and are untrue. However, he says that they have still had a damaging effect on his reputation.

Sankei Sports tried reaching Manabe's lawyer for comment, but had not received a response by the time the news of the lawsuit was reported.

Source: www.tokyograph.com