|
|
NHK Asadora “Teppan” finishes at 17.2% average
Posted on April 4, 2011 by tokyograph
The NHK morning drama series “Teppan,” starring Takimoto Miori (19), finished airing on Saturday, April 2nd. Viewership data released on Monday reveals that the final episode achieved 22.0% ratings in the Kanto region, and 17.5% ratings in the Kansai region. Overall, the series averaged 17.2% (Kanto) and 16.2% (Kansai) over its 6-month run.
Compared to the highly popular “Gegege no Nyoubou” series that preceded it, the “Teppan” average was 1.4 percentage points lower (from 18.6%) in the Kanto area, though it was actually 0.3 points higher (from 15.9%) in the Kansai area.
Because of the earthquake, NHK suspended broadcasts of “Teppan” on March 12, but they resumed on March 19. On March 23, the series reached its highest ratings of 23.6% in the Kanto region, tying it with the ratings peak of “Gegege no Nyoubou.”
Out of the 20 NHK morning dramas of the past decade, “Teppan” achieved the 11th highest Kanto average. Counting only the 10 dramas in the past five years, “Teppan” is 4th.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kudo Kankuro wins screenwriting prize for “Unubore Deka”
Posted on April 5, 2011 by tokyograph
Writer and actor Kudo Kankuro (40) has been chosen as the recipient of the 29th Mukoda Kuniko Prize, an annual award for screenwriters. He earned the award with his screenplay for the TBS drama series “Unubore Deka” that aired last summer, starring TOKIO’s Nagase Tomoya (32).
During the press conference for the award held on Tuesday, Kudo talked about his experience with the Tohoku earthquake, since he is originally from the Miyagi prefecture. He revealed that he was unable to contact his family back home for about a week after the earthquake, but he finally was able to contact his mother and learned with relief that everyone was safe.
Kudo said that he hopes to contribute to the recovery of the affected areas somehow, particularly through his works as a creator. He also indicated that he plans to return to his hometown in Miyagi, as well as visit other areas like Minami Sanriku to see the situation firsthand.
The Mukoda Kuniko Prize was first awarded in 1982 and is named after screenwriter Mukoda Kuniko, who passed away in 1981 in the Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 accident.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Japanese Americans” drama wins grand prize in 19th Hashida Awards
Posted on April 9, 2011 by tokyograph
The winners were recently announced for the 19th Hashida Awards, which are presented annually to works and individuals in the field of television. This time, the grand prize was given to the TBS drama special “99-nen no Ai ~Japanese Americans~” from last November that starred SMAP member Kusanagi Tsuyoshi.
The Hashida Award was also given to “Shogen Kiroku: Heishitachi no Sensou” (NHK), screenwriter Sakamoto Yuji (“Mother,” NTV), and actor Fukuyama Masharu (“Ryomaden,” NHK).
The newcomer award went to Matsushita Nao and Mukai Osamu for their roles in the popular NHK series “Gegege no Nyoubou.”
A special prize was awarded to actress Nomura Akiko for “Wataru Seken wa Oni Bakari” (TBS).
The awards ceremony will be held on May 10 in Nishi-Waseda, Tokyo.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Winter 2011): Aibou Season 9
Posted on April 11, 2011 by tokyograph
Last week, Nikkan Sports revealed the results of the winter season of its 14th Drama Grand Prix. Surprisingly, the big winner was the 9th season of “Aibou,” taking three of the five categories.
Voting started on March 3 and continued until March 16 – despite the Tohoku earthquake – collecting a total of 2,248 votes. As usual, the winter awards were conducted early in preparation for the overall annual awards, but Nikkan Sports has announced that it will not hold the annual awards this time due to the effects of the earthquake.
Best Drama:
Aibou season 9 – 350
Fuyu no Sakura – 282
Utsukushii Rinjin – 190
Bartender – 176
Gaikoukan Kuroda Kosaku – 167
Best Actor:
Mizutani Yutaka (Aibou season 9) – 510
Kusanagi Tsuyoshi (Fuyu no Sakura) – 415
Aiba Masaki (Bartender) – 310
Oda Yuji (Gaikoukan Kuroda Kosaku) – 260
Eguchi Yosuke (School!!) – 227
Best Actress:
Nakama Yukie (Utsukushii Rinjin) – 537
Tabe Mikako (Deka Wanko) – 372
Matsushita Nao (CONTROL ~Hanzai Shinri Sousa~) – 247
Takimoto Miori (Teppan) – 222
Ueno Juri (Gou ~Himetachi no Sengoku~) – 220
Best Supporting Actor:
Oikawa Mitsuhiro (Aibou season 9) – 254
Kagawa Teruyuki (Gaikoukan Kuroda Kosaku) – 203
Takashima Masanobu (Fuyu no Sakura) – 197
Miura Haruma (Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta) – 180
Toyokawa Etsushi (Gou ~Himetachi no Sengoku~) – 180
Best Supporting Actress:
Imai Miki (Fuyu no Sakura) – 285
Takei Emi (Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta) – 266
Dan Rei (Utsukushii Rinjin) – 244
Shibasaki Kou (Gaikoukan Kuroda Kosaku) – 222
Fuji Sumiko (Teppan) – 168
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kikukawa Rei stars in “Kansatsui Sayoko” drama adaptation
Posted on April 12, 2011 by tokyograph
Yasutomi Takashi’s mystery manga “Kansatsui SAYOKO” is being turned into a live-action drama special, starring actress Kikukawa Rei (33). She is playing the role of medical examiner Nanaura Sayoko, who uses her skills in both forensics and profiling to stop a serial killer while also dealing with her own past trauma.
Kikukawa’s supporting cast features Hakamada Yoshihiko as the detective that Sayoko pairs up with, despite their conflicting personalities; Tamura Ryo as his boss; and Harada Mieko as Sayoko’s boss.
To prepare for their parts, both Kikukawa and Harada interviewed a forensic scientist. They also viewed autopsy materials and even visited an actual autopsy room.
The drama will be broadcast by Fuji TV on April 22, under the title “Kansatsui Nanaura Sayoko ~Houigakusha no Jiken Profile~.”
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“JIN” sequel licensed for broadcast in 80 countries
Posted on April 12, 2011 by tokyograph
The highly anticipated second season of the drama series “JIN” will start in Japan this Sunday (April 17), but it has now been announced that the show has also been picked up for broadcast in 80 countries and territories worldwide. This is the first time that a TBS drama has been licensed overseas before it airs in Japan.
Based on Murakami Motoka’s manga about a brain surgeon sent back in time to the Bakumatsu era, “JIN” first aired in 2009 and averaged over 19% ratings, with the final episode hitting 25.3%. It has received numerous awards, and the show was highly praised overseas as well. At last year’s MIPCOM content market in Cannes, it won the MIPCOM Buyers Award for Japanese Drama.
While it is common for Japanese dramas to begin airing overseas after the broadcast is over in Japan, the new season of “JIN” will be starting in Taiwan just 6 days after its premiere in Japan, and Hong Kong will begin its broadcast in May. Korea is expected to start showing “JIN” in July, followed by other parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States. Currently, no parts of South America have been reported as part of the 80 countries and territories.
“JIN” will air on Sundays at 9:00pm, starting on April 17. The first episode will be a special lasting 2 hours and 5 minutes long.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irie Jingi stars in drama series “Kingyo Club”
Posted on April 21, 2011 by tokyograph
Teen actor Irie Jingi (17) has captured his first lead role in a drama series. He will star in NHK’s “Kingyo Club” this summer, with young fashion model Kariya Yuiko (14) as the heroine of the story. This is also Kariya’s first time as the female lead of a drama.
“Kingyo Club” was originally a mobile phone novel by author Tachibana Hana, distributed through the site Mahou no iRando. The story received the NHK Award in the iRando Taisho, a set of awards given to works with a lot of support from readers. As a result, NHK decided to adapt it to television, and it held an audition to select the main cast.
Irie plays Hiiragi Haru, a third-year high school student with no real interest in women or higher education, instead choosing to live his life idly. When he notices a first-year student named Harukawa Koto being bullied, he lends her a hand, and the two form a “goldfish club” just for themselves. While love begins to bloom between them, the bullying against Koto continues to escalate.
NHK will begin airing “Kingyo Club” in July, every Saturday night from 11:30pm to 11:59pm. Each of the 10 episodes is expected to last only 20 minutes, followed by a 9-minute live segment presenting messages sent in by viewers.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shirota Yu, Katase Nana, Abe Natsumi added to “Arakawa Under the Bridge”
Posted on April 28, 2011 by tokyograph
Several more cast members have been revealed for the live-action “Arakawa Under the Bridge” project. Co-stars Hayashi Kento and Kiritani Mirei are being joined by Shirota Yu, Katase Nana, and Abe Natsumi, playing the parts of Sister, Maria, and P-ko, respectively.
As previously announced, the comedy manga “Arakawa Under the Bridge” by Nakamura Hikaru is being turned into a live-action film and a television drama, featuring the same cast. Hayashi plays the young man known as Riku, while Kiritani plays the strange girl Nino who saves his life and causes him to live with her in her makeshift home under a bridge in Tokyo’s Arakawa district.
The other characters in the story include Sister (Shirota), a man who dresses like a nun but always carries a gun; Maria (Katase), a beautiful but sadistic woman; and P-ko (Abe), a dangerously clumsy girl.
The drama series will be broadcast first by MBS and TBS in a late-night time slot this summer. Sony Pictures Entertainment will release the film in theaters in spring 2012.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kuroki Hitomi to star in drama adaptation of “Karyu no Utage”
Posted on May 1, 2011 by tokyograph
Hayashi Mariko’s novel “Karyu no Utage” is being adapted as a television drama series, starring actress Kuroki Hitomi (50). The series will run for eight episodes on NHK, in a Tuesday 10:00pm time slot.
“Karyu no Utage” tells the story of a housewife (Kuroki) from a middle-class household who has tried to raise her son with the belief that putting in great effort will result in even greater results, but his laziness leads to conflict between them. On top of that, he meets a woman over the Internet who is a part-timer like he is, and he later declares that they’re going to marry. As the mother faces a widening gap between her ideal and her reality, the story explores the same gap that exists in modern society.
The cast also features Nogiwa Yoko, Yo Kimiko, Kato Natsuki, Minami, Watanabe Ikkei, and Endo Kenichi. The actor playing the son has not yet been announced.
The series premiere is schedule for May 31. Up-and-coming singer Takahashi Yu has written the show’s theme song, titled “Dare ga Tame ni Kane wa Naru.” It will be released as his next CD single in June.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kojima Fujiko gets first starring role in “Asu no Hikari wo Tsukame” sequel
Posted on May 1, 2011 by tokyograph
Fashion model Kojima Fujiko (17) has captured her first lead role in a television drama series. She will star in Fuji TV’s daytime drama “Asu no Hikari wo Tsukame 2,” the sequel to the series “Asu no Hikari wo Tsukame” that aired last summer.
The first series starred Hirose Alice (16), but this one will focus on a different story with the same setting. Watanabe Ikkei (48) is reprising his role as the head of the “Dandelion Farm” that serves as a place of rehabilitation for youths who have been emotionally hurt. While the new series will again explore the relationships among the troubled youths, there will also be a story of romance between Kojima’s character and a high school soccer captain played by Matsushita Yuya (20).
Other cast members include Morita Naoyuki, Shinkawa Yua, Nishino Mami, Takahashi Kento, Miki Honoka, Fujita Yumiko, and Ogawa Natsuna.
The series begins on July 4, 2011.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tezuka Osamu’s “Ningen Konchuki” goes live-action
Posted on May 5, 2011 by tokyograph
Tezuka Osamu’s manga “Ningen Konchuki” is getting a live-action television series on satellite station WOWOW. Originally published in 1970-1971, the manga has never before been adapted to the screen, either in live-action or animated form.
Also known as “The Book of Human Insects” or “Human Metamorphoses,” the manga tells the story of a naive girl in high school named Tomura Toshiko, who instinctively steals the talents of the people around her. Her resulting transformation – into an actress, a screenwriter, a designer, and an author – parallels an insect’s metamorphosis from egg to adult.
Toshiko is being played by model and actress Minami (24). Minami commented that she is a Tezuka fan, so she was overjoyed to be able to bring one of his works to life.
Minami’s supporting cast features Kitamura Yukiya (37), Tsurumi Shingo (46), and actress Matsunaga Kyoko (29). Minami and Matsunaga will share a love scene together.
The broadcast dates for the drama have not been announced.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Koike Eiko stars in romantic comedy on BeeTV
Posted on May 8, 2011 by tokyograph
Koike Eiko (30) will finally achieve her dream of starring in a romantic comedy. She will play the main character of a BeeTV mobile drama called “Ese Nikushoku Joshi no Renai Jijou,” scheduled to begin this month.
Koike plays the 33-year-old Madoka, a single working woman whose stylish appearance causes everyone to assume that she is a “nikushoku-joshi” (“carnivorous woman”). However, when it comes to matters of romance, she is actually the opposite – a passive “soushoku” type (“herbivorous”). As a result, she is constantly getting her heart broken.
Her supporting cast will be played by Kaname Jun (30), Nonami Maho (30), Hiraiwa Kami (31), Suzuki Ami (29), Aijima Kazuyuki (39), and Masu Takeshi (55). The screenplay is by Nakazono Miho, the writer of shows like “Yamato Nadeshiko” and “Haken no Hinkaku.”
BeeTV will begin releasing the drama on May 20, with updates every Monday. A total of 12 episodes are planned, each approximately 10 minutes in length.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eita, Mitsushima Hikari co-star in “Soredemo, Ikite Yuku”
Posted on May 9, 2011 by tokyograph
Eita (28) will be starring in a new Fuji TV drama series this summer, with Mitsushima Hikari (25) playing the heroine of the story. The two just played a married couple in Miike Takashi’s upcoming movie “Ichimei” – a remake of the classic film “Seppuku” which will be competing at the Cannes Film Festival this month.
The drama series, titled “Soredemo, Ikite Yuku,” revolves around a man (Eita) whose younger sister was killed by a friend, who meets the friend’s sister (Mitsushima) 15 years after the incident. Both of their families have been burdened with grief, but through their meeting they struggle to find a brighter tomorrow.
This is Eita’s first drama series since his father passed away in February. However, he indicated his desire with this role to express his own struggle of starting from sadness and despair and working to find hope.
“Soredemo, Ikite Yuku” will air on Thursdays at 10:00pm, starting in July. Oda Kazumasa (63) will provide the theme song, “Tokyo no Sora,” while pianist Tsujii Nobuyuki (22) will be handling the show’s background music.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matsuda Shota, Fujiki Naohito, and others join Matsuyama Kenichi, Tamaki Hiroshi in “Taira no Kiyomori”
Posted on May 11, 2011 by tokyograph
At a press conference on Wednesday, the primary male cast of next year’s NHK taiga drama “Taira no Kiyomori” was revealed. It was already known since November that the series stars Matsuyama Kenichi as the 12th century general Taira no Kiyomori, while Tamaki Hiroshi plays his rival Minamoto no Yoshimoto. The newly announced members include other popular actors, including Matsuda Shota and Fujiki Naohito.
A total of 15 actors are now officially confirmed to be part of the cast. Besides Matsuyama and Tamaki, the casting is as follows:
Matsuda Shota (Go-Shirakawa-tennou)
Fujiki Naohito (Saigyo / Sato Norikiyo)
Nakai Kiichi (Taira no Tadamori)
Kohinata Fumiyo (Minamoto no Tameyoshi)
Mikami Hiroshi (Toba Joko)
ARATA (Sutoku-tennou)
Kunimura Jun (Fujiwara no Tadazane)
Yamamoto Koji (Fujiwara no Yorinaga)
Abe Sadao (Shinzei / Fujiwara no Michinori)
Nakamura Baijaku (Taira no Iesada)
Kamikawa Takaya (Taira no Morikuni)
Fujimoto Takahiro (Fujiwara no Tadakiyo)
Daito Shunsuke (Taira no Iemori)
Filming is planned to start this August. The series will run for 50 episodes, starting in January 2012.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AKB48's Maeda Atsuko stars in new “Hana Kimi” drama series (Updated)
Posted on May 12, 2011 by tokyograph
Fuji TV announced today that the 2007 drama series “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise” is coming back this summer, but with an entirely new cast. Instead of the original lead actress Horikita Maki, the new series will be led by AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko.
Based on the popular manga series by Nakajo Hisaya, “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e” (abbreviated as “Hana Kimi”) tells the story of a girl named Ashiya Mizuki who lives in the United States. She falls in love with a young high jumper named Sano Izumi after seeing him on television, but when he suddenly quits the sport, she decides to take action. In order to get close to Sano and help him return to high jumping, she moves to Japan and disguises herself as a boy to enroll in Sano’s all-boys high school.
In the first drama series, the male leads were played by Oguri Shun and Ikuta Toma, though the show also featured other popular actors like Mizushima Hiro and Okada Masaki. The new show will reportedly have a fresh cast, and the setting and story will also be changed. Rather than being a sequel to the first series, Fuji TV’s announcement suggests that this will be a new retelling of the story. However, plot details are being kept secret for now.
The original series averaged 17.3% ratings over its 12-episode run, and the finale reached 21.0%.
Naturally, AKB48 will be in charge of the new show’s theme song, to be released in August, likely as the group’s 22nd single. The center member and other participants will be decided in AKB48's Senbatsu election, which starts on June 9.
The drama series will start in July and air on Sundays at 9:00pm.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casts unveiled for “Futari Ecchi” live-action projects
Posted on May 13, 2011 by tokyograph
The latest issue of Young Animal has unveiled details about the “Futari Ecchi” live-action project that was announced last week. There will actually be two adaptations with separate casts, one as a theatrical film and the other as a web drama.
“Futari Ecchi” is originally a manga by Katsu Aki about the sexual growth of a inexperienced young couple. It was previously turned into a 3-part television drama by WOWOW in 2000.
The movie version will star gravure idol Morishita Yuri (26) and “Juken Sentai Gekiranger” actor Miura Riki (27) as the couple. Their supporting cast includes adult star Yokoyama Miyuki, as well as Ninomiya Atsushi, Nakamura Aimi, Emi Hidehiko, Nakamatsu Hideki, Ochi Takahiro, and Kubota Mika.
The web version, on the other hand, stars adult actress Nanaumi Nana (22) and actor Fukushima Shinnosuke. The supporting cast has Kase Takao, Handa Sasa, Shiraishi Marumi, Tomoda Ayaka, YUKIO, Kamata Natsumi, Tochihara Rakuto, Seto Saki, Suo Yukiko, and Suwa Taro.
Both the movie and the web drama are planned for release this summer. More details will be announced in future issues of Young Animal.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sato Koichi, Miura Haruma team up in “Saigo no Bansan” sequel
Posted on May 15, 2011 by tokyograph
The TV Asahi drama special “Saigo no Bansan,” which aired on May 14, is getting a sequel in the form of a whole series this summer. Sato Koichi (50) will reprise his starring role. Miura Haruma (21), who only appeared on screen for 45 seconds in the drama special, will be playing a major role in the series.
“Saigo no Bansan” was previously described as the “ultimate mystery/suspense story,” featuring a star-studded cast, led by Sato as a police detective trying to solve a particular case. The series will take place after the events of “Saigo no Bansan,” as the case has not yet been completely closed. Sato’s character has received orders from above and has become a newly appointed instructor at a police school, while Miura plays one of the young trainees.
Like the special, Inoue Yumiko is writing the screenplay for the series.
The show has not yet been given an official title. TV Asahi will broadcast it on Thursdays at 9:00pm, starting in July.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yamada Takayuki levels up for RPG-themed drama
Posted on May 16, 2011 by tokyograph
Yamada Takayuki (27) will soon be on a quest as an RPG hero, playing the lead role in a Dragon Quest-inspired live-action series called “Yuusha Yoshihiko to Maou no Shiro.” The show is an original project by multimedia creator and writer Fukuda Yuichi (“33-pun Tantei”), who is also taking on director duties.
The story is set in an ancient time, when the whole country was covered in thick forests. A mysterious plague breaks out, resulting in countless deaths. A pure young man named Yoshihiko becomes chosen as a hero, and he sets out on a journey in order to save a village. He has two goals – to bring back the legendary plant that can cure the plague, and to rescue his father Teruhiko who left to find the plant but never returned.
Yamada is playing the role of Yoshihiko. The supporting cast includes Kinami Haruka as an unreliable companion that Yoshihiko meets during his journey, Muro Tsuyoshi as a wizard whose skills are limited to weak magic, Takuma Shin as a hot-blooded warrior, and Okamoto Azusa in a currently unknown role.
The series will be broadcast by TV Tokyo in the “Drama 24” time slot (Friday nights at 12:12am), starting on July 8.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gekidan EXILE, Omasa Aya, Kitahara Rie in “Rokudenashi Blues” live-action series (Updated)
Posted on May 16, 2011 by tokyograph
The classic boxing manga “Rokudenashi Blues” by Morita Masanori is reportedly being adapted as a live-action television series this summer. Originally serialized between 1988 and 1997, the story tells of a high school delinlquent named Maeda Taison who aims to become a world boxing champion.
Complete details are not yet known, but Gekidan EXILE will apparently be involved. Omasa Aya has been chosen as the story’s heroine Chiaki, while AKB48 member Kitahara Rie will play the part of a classmate named Kazumi.
The drama will begin airing in July. More details should be revealed in this week’s issue of Weekly Young Jump.
Sources:
Anime News Network
Manga News
Update: Gekidan EXILE’s Aoyagi Sho (26) will star. Four other members – Ozawa Yuta, Akiyama Shintaro, Harukawa Kyosuke, and Shirahama Aran – will also appear. The series will air on NTV (Wednesdays, 12:59am) starting on July 6.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
no3b mobile drama “Kotodama no Onnatachi” returns for sequel
Posted on May 16, 2011 by tokyograph
AKB48 sub-unit no3b will be in a mobile drama again, starting next month. Titled “Zoku Kotodama no Onnatachi,” the short 4-episode drama is a sequel to their “Kotodama no Onnatachi” series that was released last July.
Like the first series, “Zoku Kotodama no Onnatachi” is being released through au’s LISMO service, targeted at mobile phones, cable televisions, and PCs.
no3b consists of Kojima Haruna, Takahashi Minami, and Minegishi Minami. The three play members of a mysterious group who receive orders from their boss to use their powers to heal the hearts of troubled people.
Episodes will be released on Fridays, starting on June 3.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Post time 7-4-2011 06:07 PM
