Japanese Drama [PART 2]~Update & Review~

sarah_ary2

whitedove posted on 7-8-2012 09:51 PM
Amami Yuki to portray Oda Nobunaga in an upcoming drama two-parter

Suke giler ngan Amami Yuki, sangat cool and cantik!!  Bukan dulu pun die ade berlakon jadi lelaki dalam pilem hikaru genji monogatari?? apapon i love her!!

whitedove

^ Kan? Mmg suka tgk dia especially dalam Boss tu.

whitedove

Nagasawa Masami to star in a new drama as a high school teacher



Actress Nagasawa Masami will be starring in Fuji TV’s drama series “Koukou Nyushi (High School Entrance Exam)” as a high school teacher. The drama will start in October, and will be showing every Saturday from 11:10pm onwards.

The screenplay is an original script written by bestselling author Minato Kanae, whose works include “Kokuhaku (Confession)”, “Shojo (Young Lady)”, and “Shokuzai (Atonement)”. The story will focus on the day before and the day of the entrance exam. This work shows Minato at her best as she lays down a subsidiary plot that develops into a mystery and ends with an unexpected twist. Nagasawa was enthusiastic to be involved in this drama as she commented, “It’s a very precious experience because I can come into contact with Minato-san’s unique outlook on the world, even if just a little. I’m much honored!”

Minato remarked, “The high school entrance exam is something that many people experience, but nobody has looked at it as the central material of a piece of work. I hope the audience would be able to think about what a high school entrance exam is, and how it was when you took it through this one-situation drama.”

Nagasawa will be acting as Haruyama Kyoko, a high school English teacher who has been living overseas since her high school years. Due to her long time overseas, she cannot comprehend the old-fashioned way of thinking in Japan. Haruyama is a sprightly and straightforward person who conveys her thoughts directly, and strikes a good relationship with the students. Nagasawa was previously casted as an elementary school teacher in the movie “Kiseki (Miracle)” in 2011, but this will be her first time acting as a high school teacher.

Minato also commented on Nagasawa, “We see a different side of Nagasawa Masami-san with each piece of her work. I’m very excited to see how she will act as a passionate teacher who is new to the job. I think we might be able to see a teacher that only Nagasawa-san can portray and in a way that she’s never done before.”

The story is centered around the entrance exam of a well-known prestigious prefectural high school. A number of incidents occur that threaten to wreck the entrance exam, and it seems to be the work of someone in the shadows. Who is the person behind all this and what is his or her motive!? Everybody is a suspect and the truth is only revealed at the end.  Hoshi Mamoru and Kitagawa Manabu will be in charge of the drama series. Hoshi’s previous works include the movie “Boku no Ikiru Michi” and the drama, “Kindaichi Kosuke Series”, while Kitagawa’s previous work includes “Zettai Reido ~ Tokushu Hanzai Sennyuu Sousa~”

Acting alongside Nagasawa will be a cast of high-caliber actors including names like Minamisawa Nao, Nakao Akiyoshi, Tokuyama Hidenori and Saiki Shigeru.

http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... igh-school-teacher/

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More details about Narimiya Hiroki’s character in ‘Aibou season 11′ revealed



In April it was announced that Narimiya Hiroki is going to become the new and third partner of Mizutani Yutaka in the upcoming eleventh season of the popular crime drama series ‘Aibou‘. Today they finally revealed the name and more details about his character.

The new partner for inspector ‘Sugishita Ukyo‘ (Mizutani) is called ‘Kai Toru‘ (Narimiya) and he’s an ambitious policeman who gradually climbed up the career ladder until becoming a detective. After graduating from university, he wanted to become a detective and deal with all those atrocious crimes. He passed the examination of the Metropolitan Police Department without problems, but he first had to prove himself for a very long time as an uniformed policeman at a local police box.

His great efforts and excellent performance eventually was recognized by his chief and he was allowed to take the selection test for becoming a detective and passed this one as well. He finally achieved his dream of becoming a detective at the Criminal Investigation Department.

General producer Matsumoto Motohiro commented, “What kind of guy is he? How is he going to become a member of the ‘Special Mission Task Force’? It certainly will be fun to find out all that and more. Aibou eleven is the beginning of a new adventure!” Of course, the first big highlight of the new season will be the first encounter between ‘Sugishita Ukyo’ and ‘Kai Toru’.

The highest viewer rating of ‘Aibou’ was recorded during the ninth season with 23.7%. It also was the most successful season with an average rating of 20.3%. The average of all 190 episodes that aired since 2000 amounts to 16.1%.

As usual, ‘Aibou season 11‘ is going to air on TV Asahi every Wednesday at 9:00 pm starting with the upcoming fall season in October.

http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... season-11-revealed/

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Naka Riisa to star in new medical drama ‘Resident ~ 5-nin no Kenshui’



On August 17th, it was announced that actress Naka Risa will be starring in the new TBS drama called ‘Resident ~ 5-nin no Kenshui‘ for the upcoming fall season.

Naka already starred in the late-night drama ‘Nihonjin no Shiranai Nihongo‘ (2010, NTV) and is going to star in a 10:00 pm drama called ‘Tsurukame Josanin‘ (NHK), which will start airing on August 28th, but ‘Resident’ is going to be her first starring role in a golden time (7~10 pm) drama.

The story revolves around a group of new medical interns at the emergency and critical care center of a university hospital. ‘Miyama Shizuku’ (Naka) is one of them and medical care seems to run in her blood, as both of her parents are private clinicians. However, at the hospital she soon realizes that reality is far different from her own ideals of “facing each patient with the utmost sincerity and benevolence”, as Naka described her character.

As the title suggests, the group consists of five new medical interns and the remaining four are played by Hayashi Kento, NEWS‘ Masuda Takahisa, Omasa Aya, and Ishibashi Anna.

Naka commented, “We’re all from the same generation and I’m looking forward to work together with them. It probably won’t be quiet at the set.”

The doctors who will guide the new medical interns are going to be portrayed by Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Furuta Arata, and Sudo Risa.

‘Resident ~ 5-nin no Kenshui’ is scheduled to air on TBS every Thursday at 9:00 pm, starting sometime in October.

http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... t-5-nin-no-kenshui/

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Tanihara Shosuke to become homeless man in new mini drama, ‘Tsugunai’



On August 16th, it was announced that Tanihara Shosuke is going to star in a new mini drama called ‘Tsugunai‘ on NHK BS Premium this fall.

‘Tsugunai’ is a human drama and mystery about a former elite doctor who lost everything and became homeless. It’s not only Tanihara’s first role as a homeless person, but also his first ever starring role in a serial drama in his 20-year-long career.

The story, which is based on a best-selling novel by Yaguchi Atsuko, doesn’t focus on the protagonist’s fall from an elite brain surgeon into poverty, but on his recovery a couple of years later. When he was cared more about his job as a doctor than his own family, he lost his only son to an illness, while his wife committed suicide soon after that. Haunted by guilt, he completely loses his spirit and eventually ends up homeless.

While wandering around the suburbs, he happens to run into the same boy who he saved from a case of sexual abuse 12 years ago. He wants to help this boy, since he seems to be lost in even greater despair than himself, and finds a new reason to live again. However, at the same time a serial murderer begins to target people low on the social ladder and a detective asks him to help in the investigation. Soon he realizes that all clues lead to the boy…

Tanihara stated that he’s very happy to have finally landed his first starring role in a drama serial since his acting debut in 1992. In order to portray a homeless man as authentically as possible, he had to go through a strict diet, avoiding carbohydrates.

He commented, “The protagonist is a burned-out man, thus I had to become thinner in order to portray him properly. I’ve been fasting for 3 days and lost 3 to 5 kilos (9 to 11 pounds). I weighed around 77 kg (170 pounds), now I’m around 68 kg (150 pounds). In total I lost around 10 kilos (22 pounds).”

In order to make his transformation complete, he sports a wig with long messy hair, an unshaved face, dirty clothes and a cheap backpack with all of his belongings in the first still pictures that were released along with the announcement.

The filming began earlier this month, and he already had a fun story to share: “During a break, I went to convenience store, and the clerk looked at me with real disgust, which made me really happy (laughs).”

In the drama, Tanihara is playing a man whose job always took priority over his own family. He only realizes what’s really important once he loses everything. However, in real life he’s the father of five children.

He commented, “In this drama, the protagonist’s life is taking the most extreme turn for the worse, but I want all viewers to become aware that every one of us could become like this someday. While participating in a family drama, I myself have once again began to realize the happiness that comes with the most ordinary things.”

Also appearing in the drama are Kimura Tae as a psychiatrist he dated in the past, Ashina Sei in a double role as his wife and another woman who looks just as her, and child actor Imai Yuki as the boy living in despair. Two other characters will be played by Komoto Masahiro and Nakahara Takeo.

‘Tsugunai’ will be made up of a total of 3 episodes and is scheduled to air sometime in November.

http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... ini-drama-tsugunai/

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Nagasawa Masami to star in a drama series in Taiwan



Actress Nagasawa Masami will be starring in a drama series in Taiwan. The series is based on popular Japanese manga “Chocolat” and will be broadcast in Taiwan during a golden time slot in the summer of next year. After that, the drama series will be shown in about 10 other Asian countries including Japan, Korea and China.

Nagasawa will be speaking in Mandarin for the entire series. Filming starts at the end of September and will take place for about 4 months in Taiwan. Nagasawa commented on her reason for accepting the offer, stating, “I’m very curious about acting and performing in another language, so by all means, I’m accepting it!” It’s reported that Nagasawa has been practicing Mandarin for every week since spring.

The manga was originally by Kubonouchi Eisaku and is set around a cake shop run by a former gang. Due to various circumstances, the lead character arrives from Japan and the story revolves around the bond she forms with the former gang members, and the former gang boss who eloped with her deceased mother. The lead character is of Chinese descent and grew up in Japan, and thus speaks Mandarin with a Japanese accent.

The series will consists of 13 episodes, each 90 minutes long. Co-starring in the series is popular Taiwanese actor Lan Zhenlong (33). Japanese director Kitamura Toyoharu, who’s been active in Taiwan, will also participate in the drama series.

Regarding her first overseas challenge, Nagasawa commented, “I haven’t yet come to the full realization that I will be making an appearance in a drama series overseas. It will be great if we can create an interesting piece of work and have good teamwork among the staff and co-stars.” The original manga has been translated into many languages and is familiar to readers overseas. About this, she added, “I will be happy if it’s a piece of work that people can enjoy, just like the original manga.”

http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... a-series-in-taiwan/

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Kitagawa Keiko to star in new NTV drama “Akumu-chan”



Kitagawa Keiko will be starring in a new Nihon TV drama series titled “Akumu-chan” that’s starting in October. The series will be aired every Saturday from 9pm-9.54pm. Kitagawa is taking on the role of a smart, pretty and svelte elementary school teacher. However, the character has another side to her- in reality, she’s a mean and scheming person.  Kitagawa expressed much enthusiasm at her first role as a teacher, “I think this is a role with a lot of impact and shock factor. My roles so far have been of pretty, fashionable and smiling ladies, so in some sense I’m breaking new ground.”

The original draft for the drama series is based on novel, “Yume Chigai” by popular novelist Onda Riku. The story is a science-fiction fantasy and revolves around how the lead character fight off crises as she solve various puzzling incidents that seem to have been foretold in dreams. The character that Kitagawa plays, Mutoi Ayami is sincere, beautiful, intelligent and seemingly perfect but actually has a mean personality. A young girl of 11, Koto Yuiko transfers to Ayami’s class. Yuiko sees a nightmarish future in her premonition dreams. Despite Ayami’s unwillingness to be involved in something troublesome, she grudgingly agrees to help Yuiko and embarks on solving puzzling occurrences, overcoming many obstacles on the way.

Kitagawa has looked through the script and gave a brief description of the character she plays, “She has a sense of justice and wouldn’t ignore those in need, despite thinking that it’s troublesome. At the same time she lives in a harsh reality and so she hedges her risks as she moves along. She is also rather aloof.”

About acting the role of a mean woman, Kitagawa expressed, “Everyone has parts of their personality that they express doubts about, thinking, ‘I have such a horrible veneer,’ ‘I do not like that aspect of me.’ On top of being like that, she also projects the outward appearance of ‘I must do this properly’. Rather than saying she has a dual personality, I would say that she has multiple personalities. I will keep an open attitude as I try to grasp this deformed character.”

Co-starring with Kitagawa is child actress Kimura Manatsu. Kimura is selected from an audition of over 500 hopefuls and will be playing the role of Yuiko. Also participating in the drama series are Kohinata Fumiyo, GACKT, Yuka, Hamada Mari and Okada Keisuke from MasudaOkada.  GACKT will be playing two characters in the drama series. He commented, “Through this drama, I would like to express the message that no matter how difficult a situation we end up in, as long as we have a strong will and work hard, we can change our future and fulfill our dreams.“ This will be the second time Yuka and Kitagawa are working together and Yuka is looking forward to filming, expressing “It seems that we will have a lot of interaction this time. It will be great if we could talk about various subjects.”

http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... v-drama-akumu-chan/

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Yonekura Ryoko to play a sexy surgeon in new drama ‘Doctor X ~Gekai Daimon Michiko~’



On August 21st, it was announced that actress Yonekura Ryoko will be starring in the upcoming TV Asahi fall drama titled ‘Doctor X ~Gekai Daimon Michiko~‘.

In the drama, she will be the playing the role of ‘Daimon Michiko’, who is a freelance surgeon unrestricted by any medical organization and possesses brilliant perception with the skills of a veteran doctor. It’s Yonekura’s first role as a doctor, but similar to many of the previous professions she portrayed in dramas and movies, she does it with a lot of style and sex appeal. By mixing short pants that expose her long legs and the white robe of a doctor, she’s embodying a unique – almost immoral – kind of doctor who’s fighting her way through life as a lone wolf.

She expressed, “Unlike all the women I’ve played (on this network) before, she isn’t suffering from a trauma or some kind of haunting shadow. Maybe I can actually try to show you a more sexy and mature Yonekura Ryoko this time.”

‘Daimon Michiko’ is a 37-year-old surgeon and is part of a questionable ‘doctor placement service’ that has her wander from hospital to another. She holds a scrupulous compliance when it comes to her working hours, never does any unnecessary chores that don’t require a medical license, and couldn’t care less about the power struggles within the hospitals. Nobody knows how she acquired such a top-level skill that allows her to claim exorbitant sums as reward, but her private life is an even greater mystery to everyone around her. There are rumors that she once had to leave the medical world due to money problems and a medical error, but nobody knows anything for sure…

Yonekura explained the underlying theme of the drama as follows, “The society of Japanese office workers has somehow become something like ‘the aesthetics of working overtime’.” She continued, “Many people think to themselves, ‘I’m devoting my whole life to my company whether I want it or not’. It would be great if those people could take a look at Daimon’s way of life and feel a little bit better.”

The script for will be written by Nakazono Miho, who already was responsible for another Yonekura drama titled ‘Nasake no Onna‘ (TV Asahi).

TV Asahi is going to air ‘Doctor X ~Gekai Daimon Michiko~’ every Thursday at 9:00 pm starting sometime in October.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... kai-daimon-michiko/

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Hayami Mokomichi to take over the ‘Asami Mitsuhiko’ series



On August 19th, actor Sawamura Ikki appeared at a graduation event for the TBS drama series, ‘Asami Mitsuhiko‘, at Akasaka Sacas. During this event, it was announced that actor Hayami Mokomichi will be taking over the series as the new Asami Mitsuhiko.

After 12 years of serving as Asami Mitsuhiko, Sawamura will be graduating from the role with the September 3rd broadcast of episode “Hashihaka Gensou“. He shook hands with Hayami and presented him with am “Asami jacket” he wore during his shoots.

“I can feel history taking place. I want to play the role of Asami my own way,” expressed Hayami. In response, Sawamura said, “He suits the role more than I had imagined, so I’m a little jealous. For the first time today, I felt that it’s going to change.”

When asked about his goal as the 3rd Asami Mitsuhiko, Hayami stated, “He’s also a traveler, so I’m ‘aiming on conquering the whole country’. Asami has also gone to Italy… Personally, I like Italy so…”

Hearing this, Sawamura said, “I’m sorry to say that it’s not a show where they take you to places you want to go.” He continued, “If you really go to Italy, I’ll appear as the criminal!”

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... i-mitsuhiko-series/

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Kanno Miho and Amami Yuki to co-star in new drama ‘Kekkon Shinai’



On August 22nd, Fuji TV announced another fall drama titled ‘Kekkon Shinai‘, co-starring actresses Kanno Miho and Amami Yuki.

The drama will be all about the lives of a woman in her mid 30’s (Kanno) and an ‘over-40′ woman (Amami) who either can’t or don’t want to get married. It will also focus on their friendship with each other, and their various struggles with love. Actor Tamaki Hiroshi is going to round out the main cast as one of many herbivore men who already suffer from a mental overload just by thinking about marriage.

In Japan, the number of unmarried women around the age of thirty and forty keeps on increasing rapidly and the drama is said to reflect the situation of those women as authentically as possible. It’s almost like an ‘adult version’ of last year’s Fuji TV drama ‘Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu‘, which focused on women in their twenties and their love problems.

Kanno portrays the 34-year-old ‘Chiharu’ who’s working as a contract employee and hasn’t had a boyfriend for five years. Although her 35th birthday is coming up very soon, she’s still living at her parents’ place. She does want to get married, but she’s too worried that it will end up in failure sooner than later. ‘Chiharu’ is a representative of women in their thirties who can’t get married. Kanno expressed her joy to be working together with Amami for the first time, “It’s such an honor“. She’s also at the same age as her character and continued, “I hope I’ll be able to portray the image of women these days in a proper yet humorous way. I’d like to focus all my energy on this project.”

Amami, on the other hand, portrays a representative of women in their forties who just don’t want to get married. The woman she plays is called ‘Haruko’, who is a very successful landscape gardening planner. She has been in an affair with her boss for a very long time, which is one of the reasons why she can’t seem to warm toward the idea of getting married and having children. Amami stated regarding her co-star Kanno, “It’s going to be so much fun.” She continued, “I hope that everyone will be able to discover a part of themselves (in those characters).”

‘Chiharu’ and ‘Haruko’ happen to meet each other for the first time at the wedding of Chiharu’s sister, where they it off right away and decided to move together at Haruko’s place. They are very different in terms of personality and age, which leads to a very delightful interaction between the two. Of course they frequently fight with each other, but they also support each other as much as they can.

One man (Tamaki) is going to influence their current way of life. He’s 32 years old, has a kind heart, and is working part-time as a florist, but unfortunately he’s a so-called ‘herbivore’, another social phenomena in Japan. Although he does seem to have all the qualities to become a good husband, he himself doesn’t think that he’s mentally and economically prepared for marriage and therefore tries to avoid it altogether. He commented on the two actresses, “I’m looking forward to feel the chemistry between those two.”

Fuji TV is planning to air ‘Kekkon Shinai‘ every Thursday at 10:00 pm starting sometime in October.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... rama-kekkon-shinai/

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Nishijima Hidetoshi and Kagawa Teruyuki to co-star in TBSxWOWOW joint drama ‘Double Face’



On August 23rd, it was revealed that the commercial TV network TBS and the private satellite network WOWOW will come together and collaborate for an upcoming fall drama titled ‘Double Face‘.

‘Double Face’ will be co-starring the two actors Nishijima Hidetoshi and Kagawa Teruyuki, however they won’t necessarily appear together on the screen all too often, because the drama will be split into two different perspectives inspired by the Hong Kong crime masterpiece ‘Infernal Affairs‘. Japan’s man for big-budget productions, Hasumi Eiichiro (‘UMIZARU’ series, ‘Wild 7′) will be directing this drama adaptation.

Nishijima will play a an undercover agent infiltrating an underground organization and be the main protagonist of the TBS version titled ‘Sennyu Sousa Hen‘ (‘Undercover Investigation’). Kagawa, on the other hand, will play a spy of said underground organization who infiltrated the police force as an elite detective. He will be the main protagonist of the WOWOW version titled ‘Gisou Keisatsu Hen‘ (‘Police Disguise’).

Kagawa praised Nishijima, “He’s as sharp as a blade, very stoic, always trying to find new challenges and full of vigor. I’ve known him for 20 years now, but this is actually the first time we get to appear in the same drama. As soon as we began the filming, I once again was able to confirm how great of an actor he is.”

Nishijima replied, “It’s actually the first time I get to work together with Kagawa, which makes me very excited. It would be great to have a productive giving and taking with him.”

As already mentioned, the drama is drawing a lot of inspiration from the Hong Kong movie ‘Infernal Affairs’ and its Hollywood remake ‘Departed‘. Nishijima’s character has been undercover for six years already and wishes to return to the police force, while Kagawa has been working as a spy for the other side. Things take a complicated turn when their fates begin to intertwine and it will certainly be necessary to watch the drama on TBS and WOWOW in order to grasp the whole picture.

Similar to the original, there will also be a female psychiatrist in both versions played by actress Wakui Emi. Other roles will be portrayed by actress Aoi Yui (WOWOW version only), actor Kadono Takuzo (TBS version only), and actor Ito Atsushi (both versions).

Habara Daisuke (‘Pacchigi!’, ‘Hula Girls’) is in charge of the script.

‘Double Face’ is going to start airing on TBS and WOWOW sometime on October.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... -drama-double-face/

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Kurashina Kana to star in drama adaptation of “Hana no Zubora-Meshi”



It’s been announced that actress Kurashina Kana will be starring in a drama adaptation of popular manga “Hana no Zubora-Meshi“. For Kurashina, who gained huge popularity through NHK’s morning drama “Welkame”, this will be the first time taking the lead role in a drama series for commercial broadcasting.

“Hana no Zubora-Meshi”, which is written by Kusumi Masayuki and illustrated by Mizusawa Etsuko, was ranked as the No.1 manga on the guidebook “Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2012 Female edition” (Takarajima-sha). The manga is about the daily life of a 30-year-old new wife, Hana, who cooks “Zubora Meshi”, while her husband is on a job transfer away from home.  ”Zubora-Meshi” is the corner-cutting and easy cooking people usually cook only for themselves to eat. Kurashina, who will play the protagonist Hana, commented, “I’m looking forward to see how I can express Hana-chan’s pickiness and fineness in her [sloppiness].”

“Hana no Zubora-Meshi” will air starting on October 23rd on TBS, and on October 25th on MBS (total of 10 episodes).

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... na-no-zubora-meshi/

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Ikuta Toma to star in new drama ‘Osozaki no Himawari’



On August 29th, Fuji TV has announced that actor Ikuta Toma will star in their upcoming fall drama ‘Osozaki no Himawari ~Boku no Jinsei, Renewal~‘ (lit. ‘Late Blooming Sunflower ~My Life, Renewal~’). It will be his first starring role in a drama series in three and a half years.

The drama is set at the beautiful Shimanto River in the Kochi prefecture and revolves around a group of seven men and women and the unfolding of their lives.

Ikuta plays a man named ‘Joutarou’, who’s a typical example of the so-called ‘lost generation’ in Japan. The term ‘lost generation’ refers to people who face a scarcity of employment right after graduating from school and therefore are left without any real perspective. He was lucky to find a regular employment, but it didn’t last long and he was laid off due to downsizing. Around the same time he was also dumped by his girlfriend. Fed up with his life, he somehow ends up in a ‘revitalization group’ of the Shimanto River area in Kochi.

Fuji TV already produced similar dramas about different individuals living together at the countryside such as ‘Kita no Kuni kara‘ (1981~2002) set in Furano, Hokkaido and ‘Hakusen Nagashi‘ (1996) set in Matsumoto, Nagano, which were very popular at the time. It seems, they are now aiming to transfer the same concept into the current generation.

Ikuta commented, “There have already been many great dramas about unique groups of people living together in regional towns. I want this drama to prove that our generation can create something just as wonderful as those masterpieces and meet everyone’s expectations of a drama about a youthful crowd.”

Actress Maki Yoko will play the heroine in the drama. You can also look forward to the appearances by Kiritani Kenta, Kashii Yu, Emoto Tasuku, Kimura Fumino, and Kuninaka Ryoko, as well.

‘Osozaki no Himawari ~Boku no Jinsei, Renewal~’ will air every Tuesday at 9:00 pm, starting sometime in October.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... sozaki-no-himawari/

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Maya Miki to star in drama series ‘Sousa Chizu no Onna’ as detective



Actress Maya Miki will be starring in TV Asahi’s new mystery drama “Sousa Chizu no Onna“, marking her first leading role in a drama series.

Maya will play a veteran detective named ‘Tachibana Tamako’, who belongs to the Criminal Investigation unit at Kyoto Prefectural Police, where she is known as the “map maniac”. Tamako has full knowledge of the streets in Kyoto, and she’s in charge of making an investigation map, utilizing her talent as a “human GPS.” She breaks suspects’ alibis using the investigation map as a reference.

Coincidently, Maya herself is a “map lover”offscreen. She commented, “When I received this offer, I honestly thought, ‘How come they knew so much about me!?‘” She went on, “I respect Ino Tadataka (known for completing the first map of Japan)…”

Maya also stated that she agrees with Tamako’s belief that “maps have lives“. She said of her role: “I would like to play the role, while cherishing her humanity and humor without being too eager and standing ready.”

Along with Maya, Ishiguro Ken (as Tamako’s partner), Nakamura Baijaku (as Tamako’s boss), Uchiyama Rina, Abe Tsuyoshi, and Ukaji Takashi (as Tamako’s co-workers), Watanabe Ikkei (as Tamako’s husband), Sano Gaku (as Tamako’s son-in-law), and Kusabue Mitsuko (as Tamako’s mother) will appear in the drama.

“Sousa Chizu no Onna” will start airing in October on TV Asahi every Thursday at 8:00 pm.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... -onna-as-detective/

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Takimoto Miori to star in the drama adaptation of Miyabe Miyuki’s ‘Perfect Blue’



On August 29th, it was announced that actress Takimoto Miori will be starring in the live-action drama adaptation of famed author Miyabe Miyuki’s mystery novel ‘Perfect Blue‘.

It will be Takimoto’s first time to have a sole starring role in a drama on a commercial network. Moreover, TBS will be airing the drama in prime time, which makes it an even greater opportunity for the young actress.

The story revolves around the all-female ‘Hasumi Detective Agency’, where Takimoto plays one of the female detectives named ‘Hasumi Kayoko’. The agency is run by her mother ‘Hasumi Kyoko’ (Zaizen Naomi). Terawaki Yasufumi is going to play the owner of a bar close to the agency. Another female detective will be played by Hirayama Aya, while the agency’s personal guard – a former police dog by the name of ‘Masa’ will be voiced by Funakoshi Eiichiro.

‘Perfect Blue’ was Miyabe’s first long novel and was released in 1989. In 2010, WOWOW already adapted it into a TV movie starring Kato Rosa, which was also screened in cinemas nationwide for a whole week. However, this time they are changing parts of the story by adding characters and elements from Miyabe’s other novel ‘Kokoro Torokasu Youna: Masa no Jikenbo‘, hence the addition of a speaking dog.

The producer stated, “While using the original novels as its base, we will try to add some bold arrangements to make it more modern, without ruining what makes Miyabe’s novels so great, such as her individual social viewpoint and her warm depiction of each person in her stories.”

He seems to be especially fond of the unique duo of a rookie female detective and a former police dog. He said, “With such universal hero-like characters, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is going to be turned into a longer series.”

Takimoto commented, “I’m really happy that I was picked for this drama. I’ve always wanted to co-star with a dog, so it’s going to feel like a dream come true. I hope I’ll grow accustomed to my lovely partner quickly.”

She also revealed that she’s not really the type that can guess who’s the criminal in mystery dramas, but that doesn’t she’s going to make it easier for the viewers. She said, “I hope it can be a drama that is gradually able to drag its viewers into the story and keep them on the edge of their seats all the time.”

TBS is going to air ‘Perfect Blue’ every Monday at 8:00 pm, starting on October 8th.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... yukis-perfect-blue/

whitedove

Fukada Kyoko to play an air traffic controller in new drama ‘TOKYO AIRPORT’



On August 31st, Fuji TV announced another fall drama called ‘TOKYO AIRPORT ~Tokyo Kukou Kansei Hoanbu~‘ (lit. ~Tokyo Airport Air Traffic Services Department~) starring actress Fukada Kyoko.

The drama is set at the Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airpot), and Fukada plays an enthusiastic rookie air traffic controller. She commented, “Please pay attention to the air traffic controllers and their great efforts and teamwork to protect the sky above Japan from behind the scenes. I’m very ambitious about this drama and will focus all my energy on this role.”

Air traffic controllers direct all aircraft traffic at airports. It’s the first drama on broadcast television to focus on the job of such a controller and to depict the work that happens within a control tower.

The original script for ‘TOKYO AIRPORT’ was written by Uda Manabu, who already created another air traffic controller drama called ‘TOKYO CONTROL‘ for Fuji TV’s pay-TV satellite channel ‘Fuji TV NEXT‘ in 2011. Fukada is playing a woman named ‘Shinoda Kaori’ who was working as a ground staff member at the airport. After receiving her state examination and going through a strict training period at the Aeronautical Safety College, she eventually becomes an air traffic controller just before turning thirty.

Haneda Airport is the busiest airport of Japan with at least one aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes. In one year, it handles around 62,000,000 passengers (around 170,000 per day), which makes it almost impossible not to face various troubles and difficulties every day.

In the first episode of the drama, ‘Shinoda’ almost causes a serious accident because of a careless mistake. Everyone in the control tower has to be absolutely concentrated, especially when bad weather is making their work more difficult than it already is; after all, they are protecting the lives of millions of people. There is more than enough material for a thrilling and fast-paced human drama, with each episode featuring realistic scenarios that have already happened at airports.

The filming is going to begin in mid-September and will be set at various places inside Haneda Airport. Fukada will also get the opportunity to enter the actual control tower and observe professional air traffic controllers in action.

Producer Sekiguchi Daisuke (‘Tokyo Control’, ‘Happy Flight’) commented, “The pass rate for air traffic controllers is said to be 1%. I couldn’t think of anyone else other than Fukada, who has recently become more mature and charming than ever, to play a woman tackling a job in which she has to protect millions of people.”

The co-workers of ‘Shinoda’ will be played by Sasaki Nozomi, Kaname Jun, Seto Koji, Seto Asaka, Tokito Saburo, and others.

Fuji TV is going to air ‘TOKYO AIRPORT ~Tokyo Kukou Kansei Hoanbu~’ every Sunday at 9:00 pm, starting sometime in October.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/08 ... rama-tokyo-airport/

whitedove

Mimura and Kakei Toshio to star in new NHK drama ‘Koisuru Hae Onna’



On September 1st, it was announced that actress Mimura will star in the new NHK drama ‘Koisuru Hae Onna‘.

Mimura will play an unappealing woman who is getting ‘trained’ into a magnificent woman by a mysterious man, who will be played by actor Kakei Toshio. Throughout the story, she gradually becomes attracted towards this man. It’s described to be a romantic comedy and like a modern version of ‘My Fair Lady‘.

This is the first time that Mimura and Kakei are working together. She commented, “I’m worried whether I’ll be able to keep up with his energy, but I’d like to try my best.”

NHK will air ‘Koisuru Hae Onna’ in their relatively young ‘Yoru Dora’ (night drama) time slot on Tuesdays at 10:55 pm. Only two dramas have occupied that time slot since its creation in fall 2011 so far. ‘Koisuru Hae Onna’ is slated to start airing on November 6th, right after ‘Nemureru Mori no Jukujo‘, which will start airing on September 4th.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/09 ... a-koisuru-hae-onna/

whitedove

Additional cast for upcoming “Aibou” drama revealed



The 11th season of popular detective drama “Aibou” starring Mizutani Yutaka will start airing on TV Asahi in October, and as tokyohive previously reported, Narimiya Hiroki has been picked as the new partner of the protagonist named “Kai Toru”.

On August 31st, it was announced that Takarazuka Revue’s former top star, Matobu Sei, and actor Ishizaka Koji will be appearing on the drama as regular cast members.

Matobu’s role will be “Toru”s (Narimiya) girlfriend “Usui Etsuko” who works as a flight attendant, and she will be the key person for the encounter between “Toru” and the protagonist “Sugishita Ukyo” (played by Mizutani Yutaka). Matobu, who played “Sugishita Ukyo” Takarazuka’s stage play version of “Aibou” back in 2009, claimed that she has been a big fan of “Aibou”. She commented, “I had a hazy dream to appear on this drama someday, so when I found out it was really happening, I cried for joy.”

Ishizaka will be playing “Kai Mineaki”, the father of “Kai Toru” and the Deputy Commissioner-General of the National Police Agency. One of the highlights of the drama will be a parent-child relationship between Ishizaka and Narimiya.

It was also announced that the first special episode will be set in Hong Kong, and will feature a case that happens at the official residence of Japan’s consul general. This will be the first “Aibou” episode to depict the case in overseas.

“Aibou Season 11″ will begin broadcasting every Wednesday at 9:00PM on TV Asahi starting in October.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/09 ... ibou-drama-revealed

whitedove

More cast members revealed for upcoming ‘Kindaichi’ special drama



Earlier we wrote that Hey! Say! JUMP’s Yamada Ryosuke would star in the upcoming Kindaichi Hajime drama.  Now, additional cast members have been revealed.

On September 1, it was announced that popular Taiwanese actress Vivian Hsu (37) would appear in the upcoming Nihon TV special drama “Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo  -  Hongkong Kowloon Treasure Murder Case” that will be broadcast in the winter.  It has been 11 years since she appeared in a Japanese drama as her last Japanese drama appearance was in Nihon TV’s “Honke no Yome”  back in 2001.

Vivian appears as fashion designer Ivy Liu, a key figure that is involved with the secret of and holds the key to the “Kowloon Treasure”.  She raised anticipation for her role with, “As a female who has a secretive past and who holds an important secret, my character is also a candidate for the criminal.  My character is a key person in the case.”  She continued with anticipation, “This is my first suspense drama.  I think this drama is interesting as it instills tension.”

The series is based off of the popular manga that started in 1992 as a serial in “Weekly Shonen Magazine” (Kodansha).  The manga that has been adapted to dramas several times, continues to garner a huge following even after welcoming their 20th anniversary.  Using the episode published on the July 11 issue as its base, the original writer of the story in the series, Amaki Seimaru, will, for the first time ever, write the script for the drama.  The drama revolves around a fashion show in Hong Kong that Kindaichi Hajiime’s childhood friend Miyuki attends.  During the show, “fourth-generation” Kindaichi Hajime (played by Hey! Say! JUMP’s Yamada Ryosuke) must solve an incident that arises at the event that is tied to a serial killer.

Additional cast members that will participate in the drama include stars from all around Asia.  Taiwanese idol group Farenheit’s former member Wu Zun (Wu Chun) will play Taiwanese security police Li Byron, while popular Korean group Big Bang’s V.I will play Korean exchange student Kim London.  Famous Taiwanese actor and MC Eric Tsang will play Wan Ron,“The King of Kowloon,” who ruled Kowloon in the early 90s and was assassinated by someone.

In addition, other Japanese cast members include Hey! Say! JUMP’s Arioka Daiki, who will play Kindaichi’s reliable junior and “video camera otaku” Saki Ryuji and Kiritani Kenta, who will play “Tokyo  Girly Mode” manager Takigawa Ryuta.  Arioka spoke enthusiastically with, “It is a bit strange to call Yamada my senior in the drama (as he was my junior in high school), but it is fun to film as a character that helps in solving the case.”  Kiritani also spoke enthusaistically with “In order to get people outside of Japan to say ‘Ohh!!!!’ because of the drama, I acted with my best efforts and used all of my strength.”

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/09 ... ichi-special-drama/