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Sakanaction’s new single to be used as theme song for drama ‘dinner'
Rock band Sakanaction has revealed that the title of their new single will be “Music“. This title track will be used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s upcoming drama series, ‘dinner‘, starting January 13th.
“Music” is described as an ambitious track by Yamaguchi Ichiro (Vo, G), who commented, “I turned ‘how we should face music’ into a song.“ For its coupling track, the single will include a new song called “Eiga (Conte 2012/11/16 17:24)“. The single is slated for release on January 23rd.
‘dinner’ is Fuji TV’s new drama which will air during their “Dramatic Sunday” time slot. It’s set at a restaurant and will star Eguchi Yosuke and Kurashina Kana.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12 ... g-for-drama-dinner/ |
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Fukuyama Masaharu to provide theme song for drama ‘Tonbi’
It’s been revealed that Fukuyama Masaharu’s new song, “Tanjoubi ni wa Masshiro na Yuri wo“, has been picked up as the theme song for Uchino Masaaki’s upcoming drama series, ‘Tonbi‘ ( scheduled to air every Sunday at 9:00 pm on TBS).
Fukuyama received a request from producer Ishimaru Akihiko to create “a song that will make one have feelings to return to their hometown.” As such, for the very first time, Fukuyama wrote a song with his parents in mind. He commented, “I’ve always wanted to turn my feelings towards my mother and father into something, so I did my best to write it without being embarrassed. Even though we’re apart, I turned my expression of love into a song.”
Even the title is filled with appreciation for his mother as he sends her flowers every year on his birthday. Producer Ishimaru stated, “When I first heard the theme song, the world that Fukuyama-san spins opened up before me. I was very happy that he made a straightforward song.”
‘Tonbi’ is based on a best-selling novel by Naoki Award winner Shigematsu Kiyoshi. It portrays story about a man (Uchino) who raises his son (Sato Takeru) by himself after his wife passes away.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12 ... ng-for-drama-tonbi/ |
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Yonekura Ryoko’s drama achieves the highest audience rating among commercial broadcasting dramas in this year
On December 14, it was revealed that TV Asahi’s final episode serial drama “Doctor X ~Gekai Daimon Michiko~” (aired December 13, 9PM), which stars actress Yonekura Ryoko (37), garnered this year’s highest audience rating at an average of 24.4%.
The drama, which stars Yonekura in the role of a freelance female surgeon, has averaged 19.1% audience rating across all 8 episodes, which makes it the top prime time drama of the year. The final episode of the drama momentarily peaked at 29.9% at 10:01 PM.
Yonekura was grateful as she stated, “I am truly happy that many people – more than I could have ever imagined – tuned in to the drama,” and also commented that, “I hope that the viewers and Daimon Michiko will be able to meet again.” (Ratings are based off Video Research’s data for the Kanto region.)
The script for the drama was written by Nakazono Miho (53), who also wrote TV Asahi drama “Nasake no Onna ~Kokuzeikyoku Sasatsukan~” (2010) that also starred Yonekura.
At a pre-broadcast press conference, Yonekura spoke about the difficulties in using medical jargon with, “Until now, I have been using my physical body, but this time, I had to use my brain. I could not stop the slight yawn”, however, when it seems like the high ratings made her in high spirits due to the high ratings. She appeared fulfilled as she talked about wrapping up filming with, “It was too short, and flew so fast. Everyday, I was able to learn something.”
Then there is the matter of the exciting catchphrase. Just as Matsushima Nanako had popularized the phrase “Shochi shimashita” (“I admit it.”) in “Kaseifu no Mita,” Yonekura has popularized the catchprase “Watshi, shippai shinai no de” (“Because I do not fail.”)
Like her character’s catchphrase, Yonekura has not failed in TV Asahi’s dramas in which she starred – “Kurokawa no Techo” (2004) garnered 17.6% in ratings, “Kemonomichi” (2006) garnered 16.4% in ratings, “Koshonin” (2008) garnered 16.7% in views, and “Nasake no Onna” garnered 17.6% in ratings.
It seems that Yonekura’s appearance in the confirmed sequel will also “not fail” audiences.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12 ... ramas-in-this-year/ |
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AI to sing the theme song for drama ‘Yako Kanransha’
Singer-songwriter AI’s new song “VOICE” has been chosen as the theme song for actress Suzuki Kyoka’s upcoming drama, ‘Yako Kanransha‘.
This was announced by AI herself during a dinner show in Tokyo on December 14th. She sang just the chorus as the first song of her encore. “It’s a type of drama that I love, so I was surprised to receive this offer. I sing a lot of happy songs, but I will at last sing the theme song for a suspense drama,” she shared. “I made this song with a message that ’real love’ is important.”
Producer Arai Junko commented, “For this occasion, I ordered a song with suspense from AI-san, who has the image of singing happy and cheerful songs. I was looking forward to what kind of chemical reaction would occur, but I had her read the script, and she was able to make a song that was beyond my imagination.”
‘Yako Kanransha’ will air on TBS every Friday at 10:00 pm starting January 18th. “VOICE” will be available for download on January 16th and will be released as a single on February 13th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12 ... ama-yako-kanransha/ |
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Takahashi Minami to release her solo debut single + selected as opening theme song for upcoming drama ‘Saki’
It was announced that AKB48 group’s general manager Takahashi Minami’s solo debut single is set for release under NAYUTAWAVE RECORDS, in spring of 2013! The song is currently untitled but has already been chosen as the opening theme song to the upcoming drama ‘Saki‘ which will start airing on January 8th.
“Saki” is Fuji TV’s upcoming drama starring Nakama Yukie. As we reported last month, Nakama will be playing the same person she played in popular 2011 drama “Utsukushii Rinjin.” Though the opening theme song has not been recorded yet, it is said to be a dramatic and emotional rock ballad which symbolizes Takahashi’s solo debut.
Takahashi’s solo debut was announced during AKB48’s live concert “AKB48 in TOKYO DOME~1830m no Yume~” at the Tokyo Dome back on August 25th. Regarding the release of her solo debut single, Takahashi commented, “It is time for my dream to be a solo singer that I have wished for a long time, to come true. I know this would not have been possible without the fans who have trusted, and waited for me. Thank you very much. Though I feel little anxious that AKB48 members are not around me, I would like to put my all into the song, so my heart would reach to all of you.”
AKB48’s general producer, Akimoto Yasushi also commented about this, “Takamina has been leading the AKB48 group while encouraging the members that ‘your effort never goes unrewarded.’ Now it’s time to prove it by your own self as the general manager. Alright Takamina. We are ready for your solo debut.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12 ... pcoming-drama-saki/ |
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‘Rich Man, Poor Woman’ to return with a special episode
On December 25th, it was announced that the popular Fuji TV drama ‘Rich Man, Poor Woman‘ – starring Oguri Shun and Ishihara Satomi – is going to return with a special episode this coming spring.
The drama portrayed the relationship between ‘Hyuga Toru’ (Oguri), a young billionaire and manager of an innovative IT company, and the unemployed female college student ‘Natsui Makoto’ (Ishihara). Despite Toru’s unsocial behavior, Makoto is able to connect to him through various circumstances and difficulties, which eventually develops into romantic relationship towards the end of the drama. At the very end of the drama, Makoto has to go to Brazil for a job and the two of them end up in a long-distance relationship.
In the special episode, Makoto will be returning to Japan for one week to live at Toru’s place for the short stay. However, the lively and homely Makoto doesn’t seem to feel at home at his apartment, since he rather wants to live with as little furniture as possible. Throughout this one week, the two of them keep on colliding with their sense of values and their lifestyle, but it also makes them bond more like a family. Moreover, the special episode will explain how ‘Asahina Kosuke’ (Iura Arata) managed to return to Toru and his joint venture “Next Innovation”, which was left unanswered in the final episode.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12 ... -a-special-episode/ |
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‘SPEC’ to spawn another movie and drama special next fall
On December 27th, it was finally made official that the popular ‘SPEC‘ series – starring Kase Ryo and Toda Erika will be spawning another movie named ‘SPEC~Close~‘ in the fall of 2013. Moreover they announced that there is going to be another TV drama special titled ‘SPEC~Zero~‘ around the same time.
‘SPEC’ is about the two special detectives Toma Saya (Toda) and Sebumi Takeru (Kase), who deal with various minor and large-scale cases that are related to people with SPEC (special abilities). Their unique personalities and the exciting main plot has turned the series, including the TV special and the movie, into a huge success.
After the release of the movie ‘SPEC~Ten~‘, there have been many rumors about a possible continuation or maybe even a completely new and third iteration in the actual ‘Keizoku‘ series. Many surveys showed that fans definitely want the series to continue and things seem to have been in set in motion when the first talks about ‘SPEC~Close~’ began appearing on the official Twitter of the popular TV drama ‘ATARU‘, which often featured cameos of the ‘SPEC’ protagonists.
In the concluding chapter of the series, Toma and Sebumi are going to face their strongest enemy that is plotting to destroy mankind. Of course it will also further explore the deep relationship between the two of them. Since it’s once again an original creation by director Tsutsumi Yukihiko himself, there are not yet many more details known about the finale.
However, the producers already confirmed even before the filming that this is definitely going to be the final chapter in the series. TBS producer Ueda Hiroki stated, “We are planning to create a worthy final chapter and no matter how successful it’s going to be, there won’t be a continuation after that.”
The filming for the movie will begin in February next year. Toda commented, “I’m very grateful that we’ve managed to reach the final chapter. I’ll work my hardest in order to make you all enjoy it from the bottom of your hearts.” Kase added, “Whether you like it or not, this is going to be the last chapter. Together with Toda, I’d like to use up all of my strength for this.”
As mentioned above, there is also going to be another TV drama special around fall 2013. The title ‘SPEC~Zero~’ already hints that this is basically going to become an ‘episode 0′ of the series, which is going to further explore the secret behind Toma’s left hand and her past. The filming for this special is already underway.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12 ... -special-next-fall/ |
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Matsuyama Mary to star in first TV drama
On December 26, it was revealed that actress Matsuyama Mary (21) will star in the Kansai TV drama “Yome Daikou Hajimemashita.” (Thursdays, 1 AM); the drama will begin airing on January 10.
5-member idol group bump.y’s new song “COSMO no Hitomi” (to be released on January 16) will be used as the theme song of the drama; Matsuyama and Sakuraba Nanami (20) are members of the group. Matsuyama was elated as she commented, “It was my dream to have one of bump.y’s songs used as the theme song to a drama in which one of our group’s members stars in. I am truly happy that my group’s song will be used as the theme song of my first starring drama.”
The drama focuses on a girls bar in Osaka that starts doing business where the girls act as bridal agents to clients because it is at risk of closing. Matsuyama and co-star Marutaka Manami (22) are bar workers that are sent out to role-play as ideal brides. Hyogo-born Matsuyama stated, “Since we were filming in Osaka, there was a constant flow of Kansai-dialect around me, which made filming quite fun to film.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/12 ... -in-first-tv-drama/ |
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Kuwata Keisuke to sing the theme song for ‘Saikou no Rikon’
On January 6th, a preview screening for Fuji TV’s drama, ‘Saikou no Rikon‘, was held at Odaiba Cinema Mediage in Tokyo.
At the event, Eita, who plays the protagonist ‘Hamasaki Kosei’, and Ono Machiko, who plays his ex-wife ‘Yuika’, made an appearance together. While it was their first time starring together, they showed their good relationship by calling each other by their first names “Eita” and “Machiko”. Eita even helped Ono walk down the stairs by holding her hand.
During the event, it was also announced that Kuwata Keisuke will be singing the theme song for the drama. The song, “Yin Yang“, will be released as a triple A-side single on March 13th. This will be Kuwata’s first time providing a theme song for a drama since “Ginga no Hoshikuzu” for ‘CONTROL ~Hanzai Shinri Sousa~‘ back in 2011.
The drama’s ending will feature Eita, Ono, Maki Yoko, and Ayano Go dancing to “Yin Yang”. The men will be dressed in tuxedos and the women in dresses with a slit. The dance is said to change per episode.
On this day, Maki was absent from the event due to a cold and Ayano due to a strained back. ‘Saikou no Rikon’ will air every Thursday at 10:00 pm starting January 10th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... or-saikou-no-rikon/ |
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Rake to sing the theme song for ‘Apoyan ~ Hashiru Kokusai Kuukou’
Rake’s new single, “Runners Ai“, has been chosen as the theme song for the upcoming drama series, ‘Apoyan ~Hashiru Kokusai Kuukou~‘.
Set at Narita Airport, ‘Apoyan ~Hashiru Kokusai Kuukou~’ tells a story of travel agents who aim to settle various problems that occur at the airport. It will air on TBS starting on January 17 at 9:00 pm.
This will be Rake’s first time singing a theme song for a drama series that will air nationwide. He commented, “I am very happy to be able to sing the theme song for the drama ‘Apoyan ~Hashiru Kokusai Kuukou~’. I myself use airports often to move around for tours and events. The airport is the start of a journey and also a place to return to. Each person has their story, and the ‘ayapon’-sans that work at the airport have the mission of seeing people off and welcoming them home. The feelings, ties, and emotions that are born when mingling with other people. Along with the drama, I hope that the song I wrote, ‘Runners Ai’, will have an effect on many people.”
“Runners Ai” will be released on February 27th. For its coupling track, the single will include the song “ONE WAY“, which has already been distributed in Chaku-Uta form. This song is currently being used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s ‘Mezanew~‘ and Rake has been performing it during his nationwide tour that kicked off last October.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... iru-kokusai-kuukou/ |
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New ‘Unfair’ special drama starring Kitano Kie to premiere in March
The new special drama “Double Meaning Yes or No?“, from the “Unfair” series, starring Kitano Kie will air on March 1st.
“Unfair” was a popular drama series featuring a shrewd female detective named “Yukihira Natsumi” (played by Shinohara Ryoko). The series originally aired in January ~ March of 2006. There were also two special dramas as well as two movie adaptations.
In the previous special drama “Unfair the special ~Double Meaning Nijuu Teigi~“, aired in September 2011, Kitano starred as rookie detective “Mochizuki Akira” who was assigned to the special investigation unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department as the successor of ”Yukihira”, who was transferred to Hokkaido. The new special drama will be a sequel set two years later featuring “Mochizuki” and her partner “Yamaji Tetsuo” (played by Terajima Susumu) once again.
It was also announced that Kato Masaya and Abe Sadawo who have been part of the regular cast since in the original drama series, would be appearing, and as new cast members, Takashima Masanobu (as “Kazami Kengo”, the director of the special investigation team), Yamamoto Yusuke (as “Ozone Manabu”, the profiler of the crime laboratory), Ayano Gou (as “Machida Wataru”, a hostage) would also make appearances. Additionally, Ishigaki Yuma, Hashimoto Jun, Oshinari Shugo, Suruga Taro, Fukushi Seiji, and Asano Kazuyuki will also be joining as new cast members.
“Double Meaning Yes or No?” will premiere on March 1st on Kansai TV/Fuji TV.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... -premiere-in-march/ |
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Nihon TV to air 3 night special drama featuring AKB48 teams A, K, and B for their upcoming single
It was announced that AKB48 teams A, K, and B will each have their own respective dramas for their upcoming single. Each of the teams will be featured for 3 nights in a drama special titled “So long!” and it will air through Nihon TV.
The overall theme of the drama is “tears”, and out of the 3 dramas, the viewers will be able to vote for the drama that made them cry the most.
The drama starring team A will be a story about love and friendship that will center around a high school girl named “Kawakami Futaba” (played by Watanabe Mayu) who is into ballet, and her coach “Hara Jurie” (played by Shinoda Mariko), a ballerina who has a sad past.
Watanabe commented, “I am looking forward to co-starring with the team A members as I may be able to find a new side of them with this opportunity.” Regarding the ballet scenes, she said, “I am currently learning the basics. It is difficult because this is my first time dancing to ballet, and it’s different from AKB48’s dance.” According to Shinoda, she actually cried reading the script. She said, “Since I’m not good at acting, I feel uneasy, but I want to find something in common between me and Jurie-san, and to sympathize with her feelings when playing the role.”
Team K’s drama will be a story about two sisters who have opposite personalities. The older sister “Miho” (played by Oshima Yuko) who is shy and quiet, is always pushed around by her bright and spontaneous little sister “Tsubasa” (played by Matsui Jurina). Oshima commented, “I feel nervous acting in front of members, but I am actually enjoying the process to create something together with the members.” Matsui also stated about Oshima, “Since she is experienced in acting, I need to do my best playing her sister.”
Lastly, team B’s drama will be a story about a teacher and her students. A student at a girls’ high school “Hashimoto Asuka” (played by Shimazaki Haruka) makes every effort to connect the classmates’ hearts for their teacher “Komiyama Kaoru” (played by Kojima Haruna), whose days are numbered. Kojima commented, “Since it’s a touching drama that takes place in a school, I felt a little nervous if I would be able to perform properly, but I was told that I could act as my usual self. So I am not acting too much like a teacher, and it made it easier for me to act.” Shimazaki said, “I want to make it a better drama than the other teams’. Even though I have no confidence in my acting, the story itself is demanding, so I’m trying my best to make this drama a success. I hope everybody watches it with warm eyes.”
Reportedly, the original stories for all the dramas were written by Akimoto Yasushi, and Kuwamura Sayaka was in charge of the scripts.
The theme song will be AKB48’s upcoming 30th single “So long!” that is set for release on February 20th, and the dramas will be aired on February 11th (at 12:18 am), 12th and 13th (at 11:58 pm) on Nihon TV.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... ir-upcoming-single/ |
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Katori Shingo & Anne to co-star in a new drama ‘Kasuka na Kanojo’
It was announced that SMAP’s Katori Shingo will be starring in a new drama “Kasuka na Kanojo” (tentative title) that will start airing in April. In the drama, Katori will play a junior high school teacher “Koyama Akira” who has an ability to sense ghosts, and Anne will co-star with him as a ghost named “Akane” who used to be a teacher. It’s a love comedy in which Akira faces several problems happening at the school together with Akane.
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“Koyama Akira” has a traumatic experience from his previous school in which his actions in response to solving a bullying problem did not work out. When he transfers to a new school, he sets his mind on staying out of problems. When he moves into a new apartment, he encounters “Akane”, a ghost living in his apartment.
While being pushed around by Akane’s escapade and her advice from a “dead person’s point of view”, Akira gradually finds out what’s important as a teacher by facing several problems and solving them.
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Katori commented, “I hate ghosts. I’m scared of them. So I’ve kept avoiding a job that was related to ghosts until now, but I never expected the day when I would fall in love with a ghost, would come…” He continued, “While getting help from the love and comedy parts, I will try to enjoy the filming with the ghost! I will do my best to become a teacher loved enough by the students so that they run up to me while crying and saying ‘Sensei~!’ in the last episode! The first thing I have to do is to go attend a purification ceremony!!”
On the other hand, Anne who has played as a monster in drama “Yokai Ningen Bem” (NTV), will also play as a witch in “xxxHOLIC” (to begin airing on 2/24 on WOWOW), and now will play as ghost in this drama, said, “I accomplished the ‘full combo’ now! There’s nothing to be afraid of anymore!” Regarding her co-star, Katori, she said, “Even though I have worked with him several times in variety shows, this is my first time to co-star with him in acting, so my heart is fluttering. There will be many scenes that only two of us appear in, which makes me nervous, but I will put everything I have into the role!”
“Kasuka na Kanojo” will air on KTV/Fuji TV starting in April (every Tuesday at 10:00 pm).
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... a-kasuka-na-kanojo/ |
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Fukuyama Masaharu to star in “Galileo” sequel drama
Singer/actor Fukuyama Masaharu is starring in a new ‘Getsu 9‘ drama (currently untitled). The drama will be a sequel to the hit series from 2007, “Galileo“, in which Fukuyama played the genius physicist “Yukawa Manabu.”
Fukuyama commented, “It would have been great if it happened earlier, but I had a schedule for another drama for a whole year (referring to NHK Taiga drama “Ryomaden“), so it’s little late. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” He continued, “However, I was also waiting eagerly for the sequel. Maybe more than those of you who were waiting. I can’t wait for the filming, to watch it, and to let you watch it.”
“Galileo” is based on Higashino Keigo’s popular mystery “Galileo” series, and this sequel will feature four books from the series released during 2008 ~ 2012.
Though Fukuyama will continue to play “Yukawa Manabu”, who is known as the weirdo ‘Galileo’, his partner will be played by Yoshitaka Yuriko in the sequel. In the previous drama series and in its first movie adaptation “Yougisha X no Kenshin” (released in 2008), Shibasaki Kou played the partner, a rookie female detective named “Utsumi Kaoru”. However, she will be passing the baton to Yoshitaka. Yoshitaka’s role will be a young female detective from crime squad 1 of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, ”Kishitani Misa”, who is an original character for the drama.
Fuji TV’s production team explained, “A rookie female detective would be more suitable as the partner for Fukuyama’s Galileo,” and they also stated that it’s not that ‘Utsumi’ is graduating and she is still a part of the Galileo family. As they said, Shibasaki will be making an appearance as ‘Utsumi’ in the first episode of the sequel, and she may also appear in some important scenes after the first episode as well.
Shibasaki commented, “Due to some circumstances, I will be introducing my junior detective to Yukawa-sensei. As her senior, I am rooting for her.”
Yoshitaka, who will co-star with Fukuyama for the first time, also commented, “Galileo has been loved by many people. It is such an honor, and also a burden, but I will try my best.”
The new drama will start airing in April on Fuji TV.
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As reported previously, there will also be a new movie adaptation titled “Manatsu no Houteishiki“, and it was recently revealed that Anne will appear in the movie as “Narumi”, who is the key person to the case. In the movie, not only Yoshitaka Yuriko, the new partner of “Yukawa”, but Kitamura Kazuki, who has been in the previous drama series as a detective “Kusanagi Shunpei”, will also make appearance.
The release day of the movie “Manatsu no Houteishiki” is June 29th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... lileo-sequel-drama/ |
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Actress Kubota Sayu takes on 5 roles in first starring drama
On January 28, actress Kubota Sayu (13) of Gekidan Her Best appeared at the press conference and private screening of BS-TBS drama “Kami-sama no Itazura” (premiering February 4, Mondays at 11 PM) in Tokyo.
The drama revolves around the growth and maturation of middle school student Osawa Sayaka (Sayu), who attempted suicide and then happens to play “god’s pranks” by switching bodies with others. This is Sayu’s first starring drama and she takes on five roles including that of a yakuza and of a pet parakeet. She talked about filming the roles, commenting, “It was difficult as I did not know the image that needed to be portrayed for some of the roles.”
Sayu, who celebrated her birthday on the 18th of January, was also surprised with a cake at the event. She responded with the bright smile and said, “I am happy!”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... rst-starring-drama/ |
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Sakurai Sho to star in new drama “Kazoku Game”
Arashi member Sakurai Sho will be starring in the upcoming Fuji TV drama “Kazoku Game.”
“Kazoku Game” is based on Honma Yohei’s award-winning novel of the same name, and it has been adapted into live-action movies several times with one starring late actor Matsuda Yusaku, and two special dramas starring Kaga Takeshi as well as two drama series starring Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi.
The movie adaptation especially, which was directed by late film director Morita Yoshimitsu, received several awards.
The story revolves around an eccentric home tutor named “Yoshimoto” (played by Sakurai), who is hired to teach the second son of the Numata family. While being tossed around by the weird and unconventional home tutor, the remedial student and his family gradually start changing. Though the previous movie/dramas featured a fiercely competitive high school entrance examinations as its main theme, the 2013 version will also feature some modern problems like bullying and school refusal.
Apparently, Sakurai has had a home tutor in his actual life when he was in junior high school and high school. He stated, “I hope to reflect on my memories from those days [into] the drama, and I want to make it a drama that gives you a tinglly feeling when watching it with your family.” Regarding his “bizarre” role, he said, “I’m already excited that I will be able to show a new side of me.”
“Kazoku Game” will begin airing on Fuji TV (every Wednesday at 10:00 pm) starting in April.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... -drama-kazoku-game/ |
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Honda Tsubasa to star in a drama adaptation of ‘Gozen 3-ji no Muhouchitai’
Model Honda Tsubasa will be taking on her first lead role in BeeTV’s new mobile drama, ‘Gozen 3-ji no Muhouchitai‘.
The drama will be based on Nemu Yoko’s popular manga of the same title. Honda will play the protagonist ‘Nanase Momoko’, who works at a design company with dreams of becoming an illustrator. She will be joined by actor Odagiri Joe as ‘Tagaya’, and Yamashita Nobuhiro will direct.
As it’s her first lead role in a drama, Honda commented, “I was genuinely happy, but at the same time, I felt pressure. Please watch Momoko as she falls in love.” On Odagiri, she said, “At first, I was really nervous, but as we had more scenes together, we were able to talk about a lot of things. He’s very kind and humorous. I also received advice about acting. I really think he’s a wonderful person.”
Meanwhile, Odagiri expressed, “I haven’t been involved much with romance dramas, so I feel that I was able to face it with fresh feelings. I’m looking forward to how director Yamashita and director Imaizumi (Rikiya) will adapt the delicate psychological description that is portrayed from a woman’s point-of-view.” On Honda, he stated, “We are both shy, so it took time, but like Tagaya and Momoko, we were able to deepen our relationship by finding more about each other.”
The drama’s original story was serialized in the women’s magazine, ‘FEEL YOUNG‘, and its total circulation has exceeded over 50,000 copies. Aside from Honda and Odagiri, the drama will star Aoyagi Sho and Kinami Haruka.
Additionally, pop unit moumoon will provide their song “Never Enough” as the theme song for the drama. It will air via BeeTV and Docomo’s ‘d Video powered by BeeTV‘ starting March 20th. Each episode will be 12 minutes long for a total of 12 episodes.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... -ji-no-muhouchitai/ |
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Fuji TV announces ‘Legal High’ special drama to air in April
On January 31, Fuji TV announced that the lawyer comedy drama ‘Legal High‘ – starring Sakai Masato – will be returning with a special episode on April 13.
In ‘Legal High’, Sakai plays an eccentric, lavish and moody lawyer with a wicked tongue who partners up with a hot blooded rookie lawyer played by actress Aragaki Yui. Both will reprise their roles for the special, while actor Kitaouji Kinya has been added as the opposing lawyer in the new case.
The drama offered a lot of laughs, but at the same time it gave insight at how lawyers are able to use the law to their advantage and as a weapon against the opposing party.
Komikado Kensuke (Sakai) has quite a problematic personality, which earned him a bad image in the world of lawyers. However, his skills are unprecedented and he can boast with a 100% winning percentage for his cases. The main topic of the upcoming special is going to be bullying in junior high school. Komikado and Mayuzumi Machiko (Aragaki) take the side of the student who was bullied, while Kitaouji plays the veteran lawyer who defends the school. The manly veteran lawyer will be certainly one of the strongest opponents for both Komikado and Mayuzumi.
The producers thanked the enthusiastic supports by the viewers saying, “We have received many questions and playful threats on when we would broadcast a continuation of this drama from our viewers.”
Sakai stated, “I was jumping for joy when I heard the story of the special. I get to taste that wicked tongue again for another time. I’m really delighted.” He continued, “I worked together with Kitaouji in a drama four years ago and back then I was blown away by his presence and strength. I hope to compete with him as Komikado this time.”
Fuji TV will air the ‘Legal High’ special drama at 9:00 pm on April 13th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01 ... ma-to-air-in-april/ |
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Karasawa Toshiaki to star as a legendary thief in new TBS drama ‘TAKE FIVE’
On February 8th, it was announced that actor Karasawa Toshiaki will be starring in the upcoming TBS spring drama ‘TAKE FIVE‘, which the Japanese media has already dubbed as the Japanese version of ‘Ocean’s Eleven‘.
‘TAKE FIVE’ follows a group of five individuals from different backgrounds, age groups, and occupation who work together as thieves in order to steal money from all types of rich scoundrels. The drama is said to feature an entertaining and thrilling mixture of comedy, suspense, action, love, friendship, and humanity.
Karasawa plays the leader and is the most talented thief of the group. In his normal life he works as an ordinary university professor, but the truth is that there has never been a more legendary thief in the history of Japan than him. Other main characters are played by Matsuyuki Yasuko, Matsuzaka Tori, Baisho Mitsuko, and SMAP’s Inagaki Goro.
Matsuzaka plays a young thief who likes to think of himself as a better thief than their leader. He actually works for a security company and therefore is of much help when it comes to obtaining access to protected areas. Inagaki depicts a policeman who joins the group of thieves after being demoted / reduced in rank for certain reasons.
Actress Matsuyuki plays a female detective who is chasing this group of thieves while still feeling traumatized by her father’s suicide. Veteran actress Baisho portrays a mysterious homeless woman who makes the protagonist become a thief again 20 years after he stopped robbing rich people.
The drama is going to include wire action sequences featuring Karasawa and Matsuzaka. Both of their characters are also going to court the female detective played by Matsuyuki, resulting in an almost obligatory love triangle.
The remaining two members of the group of thieves are made up of a mechanic and inventor played by Rokkaku Seiji and a young driver and newest member of the group played Irie Jingi. Additional characters include Chiba Yudai as a rookie detective and Fukuda Ayano as a graduate student at the university where the protagonist works.
TBS is going to air ‘TAKE FIVE’ every Friday at 10:00 pm starting in April.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/02 ... bs-drama-take-five/ |
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Kamiki Ryunosuke & Narumi Riko to co-star in a new drama on NHK BS Premium
On February 8th, it was announced that Miyabe Miyuki’s best seller novel “Kogure Shashinkan” would be getting a live-action drama adaptation on NHK BS Premium starring Kamiki Ryonosuke. Narumi Riko has been cast as the heroine.
Kamiki and Narumi have co-starred with each other before in “Ruri no Shima SPECIAL 2007” (NTV) and “Wedding Planner SWEET Delivery” (Fuji TV).
In the drama, Kamiki is playing “Hanabishi Eiichi,” who is in the second year of high school. Eiichi’s family moved into a house that used to be a photo studio. One day, mysterious photos, which can be described as photographs of spirits, are brought in to him one after another. Eiichi sets out to investigate the riddles behind the photos, and the feelings of several people hidden in the photos start getting revealed. It also lets Eiichi and people around him grow up.
Narumi plays the role of the real estate agent who arranged the buying and selling of the photo studio. She is a curt, but also insightful, and she gives advice to the protagonist about the solution of the riddles. They say it’s a ‘no comment’ regarding the romance between she and Eiichi.
Other cast members are Ishiguro Ken (as Eiichi’s father), Matsushita Yuki (as Eiichi’s mother), Sasano Takashi, and Horii Arata.
“Kogure Shashinkan” will start airing on March 31st with a total of 4 episodes. (The first episode will start at 9:00 pm, and the rest will start at 10:00pm.)
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/02 ... -on-nhk-bs-premium/ |
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Post time 22-12-2012 01:56 AM
