|
|
news: movie
Director Shinobu Yaguchi returns with airplane flick
Tue, December 11, 2007 (4:49pm EST)
Director Shinobu Yaguchi ("Swing Girls," "Water Boys") is working on his first feature-length film since 2004. Tentatively titled "Happy Flight," the movie will be a comedy set in the airline industry.
The story centers on a flight from Japan to Honolulu and deals with a variety of characters, such as a scatterbrained cabin attendant, a scary instructor, and a young mechanic.
Yaguchi conducted research for the movie through ANA during the spring of 2006. Filming is set to begin in April, and there is a possibility that some of it may be shot with a real airplane. Yaguchi is aiming for theatrical release in the fall. Auditions for the cast are currently under way.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: dorama SP
"Proposal Daisakusen" SP announced for spring
Tue, December 11, 2007 (3:17pm EST)
 
The popular Fuji TV drama series "Proposal Daisakusen," which aired this past spring, is getting a special episode. Starring NEWS' Tomohisa Yama$hita and Masami Nagasawa, the episode will take place after the original series.
According to the network, the ambiguous ending led to thousands of phone calls and e-mails from viewers, asking about the rest of the story and whether a continuation was planned.
 
As a result, a two-hour special is in the works. Filming begins in late January and will include scenes in Hawaii. Producer Madoka Takiyama says that the story will start there, with the friends Tsuru (Gaku Hamada) and Eri (Nana Eikura) holding their wedding ceremony.
  
Yuta Hiraoka, Naohito Fujiki, and Hiroshi Mikami will return for the special, which is scheduled to air this coming spring.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
[ Last edited by whitedove at 17-12-2007 06:31 PM ] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: movie
Saki Fukuda to co-star with Sho Sakurai in "Yatterman"
Tue, December 11, 2007 (3:28pm EST)
It was revealed on Tuesday that actress Saki Fukuda has been cast as the female lead in the upcoming live-action "Yatterman" movie, based on the 1970s anime series.
Arashi member Sho Sakurai has already been announced in the starring role of Gan. Fukuda plays his girlfriend Ai, and together they form the team of Yatterman.
The movie, directed by Takashi Miike, is slated for a spring 2009 release.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: singer
Former pop singer Goto Yuuki (21) has been re-arrested for robbery and assault. As the leader of a group of teenage thieves, he was arrested in October for stealing 48 coils of copper electrical wiring (worth about |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: dorama
Johnny's Jr. member to make acting debut in lead drama role
Wed, December 12, 2007 (3:36pm EST)
13-year-old Yuma Nakayama, a member of Kansai Johnny's Jr. (TOP KIDS), will make his debut as an actor this coming spring. He will star in an NHK drama series titled "Battery."
The drama is based on Atsuko Asano's popular novel series of the same name, which was turned into a movie this past March. The story revolves around a talented young pitcher-catcher duo, also known as the "battery" in baseball terms.
Nakayama has experience with baseball, as he has been part of his school's rubber baseball team since first grade.
"Battery" will premiere in April, but the time slot has not been announced.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: music awards
Hikawa sweeps Nihon Yusen Taisho
Wed, December 12, 2007 (4:02pm EST)
Enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa was the big winner of the 40th Nihon Yusen Taisho, which was held on Wednesday. He won his fourth Grand Prize, the most achieved by any artist. Hikawa also picked up the awards for Most Requested Artist and Most Requested Song ("Kiyoshi no Soran Bushi").
The only other award, Best New Artist, went to the group RSP.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: movie
Aoi Nakamura, Yoshiki Saito starring in baseball movie
Wed, December 12, 2007 (5:50pm EST)
16-year-old actors Aoi Nakamura and Yoshiki Saito will co-star in a movie called "Hyakuhachi," directed by Yo$hitaka Mori. Nakamura was the Grand Prix winner of the 2005 JUNON Superboy Contest.
The title, which translates to the number 108, refers to the number of stitches on a baseball and to the number of kleshas (worldly passions) in Buddhism.
Nakamura and Saito play two reserve members of a strong high school team in Kanagawa led by a demanding coach (Riki Takeuchi). To secure a place on the bench, they are willing to do anything to prove their value to the team.
The two actors, who are managed by different agencies, were chosen by audition, but by coincidence they are actually classmates at a private Tokyo high school. Neither had any experience in baseball, so they spent three months in special training for their parts.
Also part of the cast is Ichiro Hashimoto, the son of actor Koji Yakusho. Hashimoto appeared in "Ore wa, Kimi no Tame ni Koso Shini ni Iku" earlier this year, but this will be his first time in a speaking role.
"Hyakuhachi" is scheduled for release in 2008.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: dorama
"Gokusen 3" confirmed for spring
Wed, December 12, 2007 (3:16pm EST)
Rumors of a third season of the "Gokusen" drama series were confirmed on Wednesday. Yukie Nakama will reprise her role as the teacher Kumiko Yamaguchi (affectionately known as "Yankumi").
Based on a manga by Kozueko Morimoto, "Gokusen" has already had two previous seasons. The first, in 2002, averaged ratings of 17.4%, while the 2005 sequel averaged ratings of 28.0%.
The third series will premiere in April on NTV, though the specific time slot has not yet been announced. Casting for the students will be decided around the end of this year.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: entertainment
[JAPAN] Sale of Japanese unit put HMV group in profit
Mainichi Daily News reported, 揫b]HMV Group PLC said Wednesday the sale of its Japanese unit pulled the company into profit in the first half of the year, offsetting a loss on continuing operations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: celebrity
Sawajiri, Takashiro spotted together at Led Zeppelin concert
Thu, December 13, 2007 (3:44am EST)
As was reported last month, Erika Sawajiri was invited to the Led Zeppelin reunion concert in London that took place on Monday. She flew to England at the end of last week with her manager, but her real companion while she was there was her boyfriend, media creator Tsuyoshi Takashiro, whom she was recently revealed to be dating.
The couple was seen enjoying Led Zeppelin's concert together, and photos of them after the show have been published in Josei Seven this week.
Daily Sports also took pictures of them arriving together at Narita Airport on Wednesday, dressed in similar outfits (black jacket, sunglasses, and jeans). A friend of Takashiro met them there and took their luggage while the couple walked calmly to the parking lot. They apparently were not disturbed by the people around them staring and taking pictures, though they silently ignored all questions.
Josei Seven reports that Sawajiri and Takashiro have plans to visit England again before the end of the year.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
survey
Oricon: men want to sing Ai Otsuka tunes
Thu, December 13, 2007 (5:53am EST)
Oricon recently asked a thousand men and women which artist of the opposite sex they would sing karaoke to.
The top choice by men was Ai Otsuka, known for many lively hits such as "Sakuranbo." YUI ranked second, followed by a tie for third between Miyuki Nakajima and Ayaka, while aiko ranked fifth.
Women, on the other hand, favored KinKi Kids. The next most popular choices were L'Arc~en~Ciel, Porno Graffiti, Mr.Children, and Kobukuro.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: mobile phone dorama
Hiro Mizushima stars in mobile phone drama
Thu, December 13, 2007 (6:27am EST)
Actor Hiro Mizushima is starring in a mobile phone romance drama titled "100 Scene no Koi." It consists of three separate 15-minute episodes, in which he takes on the roles of a surfer, a stylist, and a beautician.
The first episode became available for mobile phones on Wednesday. The second will be released in January, and the third will be released in February.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: artiste
Yo Hitoto to give away ringtone for new song
Thu, December 13, 2007 (6:16am EST)
Singer Yo Hitoto has a Christmas present for her fans - from December 19 to 31, the ringtone for her new song "Ukeirete" will be available for free in Japan.
There have been many cases of popular artists giving away previously released songs, or new artists giving away music to gain exposure. However, it is unusual for such a big artist to make an unreleased song free. There are no plans yet for a CD release, but it may depend on how many people download the song.
"Ukeirete" was composed by Hitoto's friend, singer-songwriter Minako Kuwae, while Hitoto wrote the lyrics. The free ringtone is an acoustic version of the song, but a separate version has been recorded for radio airplay starting on the 17th.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: dorama
Kusanagi, Tanaka to star in drama version of "My Sassy Girl"
Thu, December 13, 2007 (3:32pm EST)
TBS has announced a drama adaptation of the hit 2001 Korean movie "My Sassy Girl," which is known as "Ryokiteki na Kanojo" in Japan. The series will star SMAP's Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and actress Rena Tanaka.
 
The romantic comedy, which originally starred Cha Tae-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun, was highly successful in Korea, and its popularity quickly spread throughout the rest of Asia. Immediately following its release in Japan in 2003, multiple television networks reportedly began fighting over drama adaptation rights. However, it wasn't until Kusanagi was attached to the project that a deal was made this past spring.
The character backgrounds and plot details will be changed for the drama. While the protagonists in the original film were college students, this time the pair will be a marine biology professor (Kusanagi) and an aspiring writer (Tanaka).
Nao Matsu$hita, Emi Suzuki, Yoshie Ichige, Nahomi Matsushima, Shosuke Tanihara, and Takaya Kamikawa have also been announced as cast members.
Hidenori Iyoda is producing, and Yuji Sakamoto is handling the script. Filming already started earlier this month, with the series scheduled to premiere in April.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: music awards
Enka singer Hikawa Kiyoshi (30) won a record 4th Grand Prix at this week's annual Nihon Yusen Taisho music awards. The awards show, being held for the 40th time, took place at the TBS studios in Akasaka, Tokyo. Known as the "Prince of Enka", Kiyoshi also won the award for most requested artist and thanked his (mostly middle-aged female) fans for his decade of success. He then sang a tearful version of his most famous hit, "Kiyoshi no Souran Bushi", which won the award for most requested song. The award for best newcomer went to the female unit RSP.
The following day, Hikawa performed two shows for a combined 10,000 fans at the Tokyo International Forum. He went through six costume changes and 21 songs during the show. Referring to the previous night, he said that despite the fact that he recently turned 30, he'll probably be known as the "Emotional Prince".
Source: www.japan-zone.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interview: actor
[JAPAN] Interview with Watanabe Ken (English)
Japan Times David McNeill had the opportunity to interview actor Watanabe Ken recently.
In an excerpt from that interview, 揔en Watanabe抯 latest film opens with an image of a polar bear resurfacing into the brilliant spring sunlight after months living underground. It抯 tempting to see the scene as a metaphor for a career that has alternated between stretches of intense, highly acclaimed work and long periods of hibernation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: actor
Kenichi Matsuyama injures thigh during filming
Fri, December 14, 2007 (4:41pm EST)
Actor Kenichi Matsuyama is currently taking a break from the filming of "The Legend of Kamui" (directed by Yoichi Sai) after suffering an injury at the end of last month.
On November 28, a sword fight scene was being shot in Kyoto. Matsuyama was struck strongly on his right thigh, leaving a bruise that is said to take three weeks to fully recover. He still attended the opening day press event for "Tsubaki Sanjuro" on December 1, but he concealed the pain from his injury.
Because of his many action scenes in "The Legend of Kamui," Matsuyama is taking a break to recover. His scenes have been postponed until the start of the year, but filming will continue without him. Producers are still aiming to wrap up filming in February, as Matsuyama has to begin working on the "Detroit Metal City" movie, which is scheduled for a summer release.
"The Legend of Kamui" is based on Sanpei Shirato's manga of the same name ("Kamui Gaiden"). The movie will be released in 2009.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: dorama
Natsukawa, Shiina in drama "Top Sales"
Fri, December 14, 2007 (7:37pm EST)
 
This spring, NHK will broadcast an 8-episode drama series titled "Top Sales," starring Yui Natsukawa and Kippei Shiina. The story is set in 1974 and follows a female employee of a successful company who becomes a car salesperson.
The cast includes Keizo Kanie and Daijiro Harada. 18 classic automobiles have also been gathered for the show, with some of museum quality.
"Top Sales" will air on Saturdays at 9:00pm, starting in April.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news: artistes
Lucky fans to act with w-inds., chat with Lead, and more
Fri, December 14, 2007 (8:34pm EST)
  
On November 21, Vision Factory released a two-disc compilation album titled "Christmas Harmony," featuring a total of 14 artists such as w-inds., Lead, and DA PUMP. On Thursday, the company revealed details of its special lottery for fans who purchased the album.
Each of the 14 groups and artists has prepared a Christmas "present" to be given away to a fan. For example, one person will get to co-star with w-inds. in a short drama that will be broadcast on Vision Factory's mobile site Vision Cast.
Other gifts include a phone call from Lead on Christmas Eve, a Christmas cake from MAX, and a hat from ISSA.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Post time 17-12-2007 06:24 PM
