Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part IV]

whitedove

Living High on Royalties
       
September 15, 2010



Producer and TV regular Terry Ito (60, photo right) appeared at a PR event in Tokyo yesterday to promote his latest movie project. "10-okuen Kasegu" (Earn ¥1 Billion" is a documentary about Ito's efforts to make a fortune from royalties. The movie will be released in Tokyo cinemas on November 20.

Ito started out with ¥3 million (about $36,000) in funds for his project. Deciding to invest it in the cartoon character business, he had an unknown designer come up with an original character design and then set out to sign licensing agreements. By August, the pink bat Nanity was the basis of 16 contracts with Japanese companies and another 11 overseas.

A special guest at yesterday's event was musician Takahashi Joji (52, photo left), guitarist and vocalist with the rock band The Trabryu. The band made their breakthrough with the mega-hit "Road" in 1993. The single sold 2.2 million copies, earning Takahashi about ¥1.6 billion in royalties. He said that he spent most of that money in the space of a couple of years. But he still earns ¥7 every time someone sings the song at karaoke. And it adds up, as he reckons he makes about ¥12 million a year in royalties alone. Takahashi is married to actress Mifune Mika (28), daughter of the screen legend Mifune Toshiro (1920-1997).

Source: www.japan-zone.com

whitedove

Genre bending Japanese Rock-Electronic duo BOOM BOOM SATELLITES announce confirmed US tour dates in support of their best-of album OVER AND OVER now available digitally.

September 14, 2010 by J!-ENT



Absorbing both electronic and rock elements, Tokyo’s BOOM BOOM SATELLITES created a completely new and unknown sound; a sound that NME stated was “like The Prodigy fighting Underworld with bloody big sticks.” This sound not only established them as an exciting new band, but also boosted their profile as one of the most distinguished music producers in Japan.

The brain child of Bassist/programmer Masayuki Nakano and guitarist/vocalist Michiyuki Kawashima, BOOM BOOM SATELLITES have been combining distortion-drenched rock and punk guitars, with electronic dance music and heavy jazz elements to constantly evolve and refine their innovative sound over the last decade.

It’s not only music fans who are captivated with their mind blowing live performances, their music has also caught the attention of prominent anime film creators and Hollywood motion picture producers. A number of tracks from the group’s album, Full of Elevating Pleasures, contributed to the soundtrack of the CGI anime film Appleseed. “Easy Action” was included on the soundtrack of the mammoth anime film Vexille. Their tracks “Scatterin’ Monkey” and “4 A Moment of Silence” from their first album Out Loud, were featured in the film The Dark Knight and “Shut Up And Explode” became the opening theme song for the PlayStation Store exclusive and later television anime series Xam’d: Lost Memories.

Boom Boom Satellites Confirmed Tour Dates

October 10th, 2010 – New York, NY
New York ComicCon and Anime Festival – Far East To East Showcase (FETES)
w/ Puffy Amiyumi
Irving Plaza

October 13th, 2010 – Washington DC
9:30 Club

October 16th, 2010 – Asbury Park, NJ
The Wonder Bar

October 17th, 2010 – Philadelphia, PA
North Star Bar

October 20th, 2010 – New York, NY
CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival 2010 Official Showcase
Backstage Bar

October 23rd, 2010 – New York, NY
Best Buy Theatre
w/ Gary Numan

October 25th, 2010 – Los Angeles, CA
Troubadour

October 27th, 2010 – San Francisco, CA
The Independent

October 31st, 2010 – Portland, OR
Halloween Show
Peter’s Room (Roseland)

Special In-store Signings at Giant Robot LA & SF
CDs for these events will be bundled with a special BBS muffler towel!

Sunday, October 24th 5-7pm
GR2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
gr2.net
(310) 445-9276

Tuesday, October 26th 6-8pm
GRSF
618 Shrader Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
gr-sf.com
415-876-4773

Artist: BOOM BOOM SATELLITES
Title: OVER AND OVER
Genre: Rock/Electronic
Label: Sony Independent Network (SIN) / Sony Music Japan
Release Date: Digital – Sept.14th (In-Stores – Oct. 19th, 2010)
http://www.myspace.com/boomboomsatellites

Source: www.nt2099.com/J-ENT

whitedove

Miss Young Champion 2010
Tue, September 14, 2010 (10:57am EDT)

The 2010 Miss Young Champion idol audition announced its winners on Tuesday. More than 2,000 girls entered the contest, which was narrowed down to three winners through interviews, camera tests, and votes by readers of the Young Champion magazines. In the end, the grand prize was awarded to 15-year-old high school student Yuria Makino, who was a finalist in the 2009 Miss Seventeen competition.

The other two winners selected in the audition were Airi Osugi (21) and Saemi Shinohara (18). Osugi previously won in the entertainment category of the 2009 Elite Model Look competition.

Makino, Osugi, and Shinohara will release solo DVDs on October 8.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

whitedove

Aira Mitsuki to release next album under new D-topia, Universal label
Mon, September 13, 2010 (12:23pm EDT)



Management and promotion company D-topia is teaming up with Universal Music to launch a new record label named D-TOPIA UNIVERSE. The label's first release will be an album on November 17 by D-topia artist Aira Mitsuki (21), titled "???" (read as "three questions").

D-TOPIA UNIVERSE's catchphrase is said to be "Counterculture x Girls Entertainment." In terms of the business arrangement, D-topia will apparently handle the production, sales, and promotion, while Universal will handle distribution. Both companies will also work together on digital releases.

"???" will be Aira Mitsuki's third full album, and it is expected to consist entirely of unreleased songs. There are also plans to have other artists making guest appearances on the album. More details will be revealed in the near future.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

whitedove

EXILE's NAOTO stars in Nagoya-based drama special
Tue, September 14, 2010 (12:25pm EDT)



EXILE member NAOTO (26) has been chosen to star in a drama special titled "Okagesama de!" The show is being produced jointly by the Aichi-based Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting (CBC) and the Junior Chamber International Nagoya, which are both celebrating their 60th anniversaries.



The story is described as a love comedy set in Nagoya. The project was first revealed in May, but details were sparse until now. In addition to NAOTO as the main character, the cast will include Nako Mizusawa (16), Keiko Toda (53), and SKE48's Rena Matsui (19). Toda is originally from Nagoya, while SKE48 is based there.

Director Yukihiko Tsutsumi has also been tapped for the project, partly because he also hails from Nagoya.

CBC will broadcast the drama on September 18, starting at 3:00pm.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

whitedove

FPM, Koji Ueno form new band
Tue, September 14, 2010 (12:45pm EDT)



Several notable musicians are forming a new band called No No No, it has been revealed. Leading the list of names is the DJ Tomoyuki Tanaka, who is better known as Fantastic Plastic Machine, or simply FPM. The band also includes bassist Koji Ueno (Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, the HIATUS), Takashi Kato (Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra), Motokatsu Miyagami (THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS), Yuzuru Tomita, and Takashi Watanabe.

The artists involved announced the new project through Twitter and their official blogs. No No No will hold their first performance on October 10 as part of the all-night event "BACKLASH NIGHT Meets Grand-Tourisme" in Tokyo's Nishi-Azabu neighborhood. Tanaka is also serving as the event's resident DJ, and other bands and DJs are scheduled to perform.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

whitedove

STEALTH to release first album, offers free song
Tue, September 14, 2010 (12:04pm EDT)



Collaborative rock unit STEALTH is planning to release their first album "Alstroemeria" before the end of this year. Although the album's exact release date is not known, one song titled "sickbed" is available as a free download from the band's official website until October 13.

STEALTH's primary members are C4 vocalist TOKI and GLAY guitarist TAKURO. The group caught fans' attention with their debut single in 2002, but they never performed a live show until May 2009.

For the "Alstroemeria" album, the pair will be joined by bassist Junji and drummer Tomoi (both also members of C4) and guitarist HISASHI (of GLAY). Also participating on the album are three GLAY support members (Toshi Nagai, Seiichiro Nagai, and Masahide Sakuma), K-A-Z of Sads, and Mitsuhiro Konno. However, all of the songs on the album are being created by TOKI and TAKURO.

TOKI will also be donating all of the album proceeds to support a child welfare institution. He has held a strong interest in child welfare for a long time, and in the past he has often donated goods and participated in charity events.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

whitedove

AKB48 gets "dating fantasy game" on PSP
Tue, September 14, 2010 (11:33am EDT)



Bandai Namco Games announced on Tuesday that it is publishing a video game based on popular idol group AKB48. Titled "AKB 1/48 Idol to Koi Shitara...," this is the first official game to revolve around the group.

The game is described as the "ultimate dating fantasy game," featuring 48 members of AKB48. All of them will confess their love for the player, but along the way, the player will have to turn down 47 of them one by one in order to end up with the girl of their choice. The game is said to include more than 10,000 images of the AKB48 members, plus more than 80 minutes worth of video of the members confessing their feelings. All of their lines are said to be fully voice-recorded.

"AKB 1/48" is being released for the PlayStation Portable platform on December 23. Besides the standard edition, there will be three other versions: a limited-time edition with three member photos and a video UMD of footage that was not used in the game; another limited edition with the video UMD, 2 making-of DVDs, photos, and other goods; and a Premier Special Pack which contains all of those extras plus a specially-made PSP (designated as the PSP-3000AKB model) that has a kiss mark on the battery cover.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

whitedove

KinKi Kids to hold a concert tour in December
by ayachu - September 13, 2010 at 11:51 am



Japanese duo, KinKi Kids announced that they’ll hold a Japanese tour titled “KinKi Kids Concert Tour 2010-2011? on their Johnny’s official website earlier today.

The tour will begin on December 8th and will be held in four different locations, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Tokyo and Osaka. The tickets are priced at 7500 yen, which is approximately $89.

KinKi Kids Concert Tour 2010-2011 Information:

Marine Messe Fukuoka
12/08/2010 (Wed) 18:30
12/09/2010 (Thu) 18:30

Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center
12/18/2010 (Sat) 18:30
12/19/2010 (Sun) 16:00

Tokyo Dome
12/30/2010 (Thu) 17:30
12/31/2010 (Fri) 17:30
01/01/2011 (Sat) 17:30

Kyocera Dome – Osaka
01/08/2011 (Sat) 18:00
01/09/2011 (Sun) 18:00
01/10/2011 (Mon) 16:00

http://www.tokyohive.com

whitedove

Kano sisters keep it behind closed doors

Thursday 16th September, 04:25 AM JST



TOKYO —

Kyoko Kano, the older of the Kano sisters, has made her directorial debut with the steamy movie “Butterflista Subete Wa, Ai no Koi.” She and her sister Mika attended a preview screening for the movie, which explores such risque themes as homosexuality, S&M, sex toys and threesomes.

The movie is a compilation of six audacious and daring works on the idea of love without boundaries. “There are no taboos or limits when it comes to what we are prepared to do in the name of love,” explained Kyoko.

Politics, on the other hand, is a far more serious taboo for the sisters. When asked about the Democratic Party leadership vote that saw Prime Minister Naoto Kan retain his job, Kyoko refused to comment, saying, “We all have different tastes and preferences but that stuff should be kept behind closed doors, as far as celebrities are concerned. Mika and I talk about politics at home but we certainly don’t want to touch on it in public.”

The movie opens on Sept 23.

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

Kano sisters keep it behind closed doors

Thursday 16th September, 04:25 AM JST



TOKYO —

Kyoko Kano, the older of the Kano sisters, has made her directorial debut with the steamy movie “Butterflista Subete Wa, Ai no Koi.” She and her sister Mika attended a preview screening for the movie, which explores such risque themes as homosexuality, S&M, sex toys and threesomes.

The movie is a compilation of six audacious and daring works on the idea of love without boundaries. “There are no taboos or limits when it comes to what we are prepared to do in the name of love,” explained Kyoko.

Politics, on the other hand, is a far more serious taboo for the sisters. When asked about the Democratic Party leadership vote that saw Prime Minister Naoto Kan retain his job, Kyoko refused to comment, saying, “We all have different tastes and preferences but that stuff should be kept behind closed doors, as far as celebrities are concerned. Mika and I talk about politics at home but we certainly don’t want to touch on it in public.”

The movie opens on Sept 23.

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

SMAP kicks off international tour

Friday 17th September, 04:55 AM JST



TOKYO —

Japanese pop group SMAP kicked off an international tour, their first in two years, on Wednesday night at Tokyo Dome. Including those in attendance that night, the performance marked a milestone for the group – 10 million total concert attendees since the group’s founding. This is also the highest number ever recorded for any Japanese artist.

A jumbo screen behind the performers showed past live shows and messages of gratitude to fans. The Tokyo Dome performance drew a crowd of 50,000.

The band also debuted a new song at the show, “Can’t Stop!! –Loving- “. The 3 1/2-hour performance featured about 50 songs, both new and old.

On Oct 9-10, SMAP will continue the tour with their first-ever visit to Shanghai.

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

Members of S Korean pop group Tohoshinki suspend performances in Japan

Saturday 18th September, 03:07 AM JST



TOKYO —

Three members of South Korean male pop group Tohoshinki will not perform in Japan following the suspension of the five-member group in April, according to their agent in Japan. Junsu, 23, Jejung, 24, and Yuchun, 24, will not perform in Japan for the time being as the head of their South Korean agent had been imprisoned for improper conduct and due to trouble over contracts in South Korea, according to Avex Group Holdings.

The group, which debuted in South Korea in 2004, made their Japan debut the following year and had No. 1 hits such as ‘‘Purple Line’’ and ‘‘Mirotic.’’ The other two members are Changmin and Yunho.

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

Saturday 18th September, 04:09 AM JST

NEW YORK —

The U.N. headquarters in New York on Friday hosted a concert featuring a piano that survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima, calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

The concert, also featuring high school students from Kyoto Prefecture, was part of events to mark the International Day of Peace to be celebrated next Tuesday. It was held before and during a student conference, an official peace-day event, with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in attendance.

The piano is owned by Yoko Matsuba, 84, of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Makoto Kajita, 50, who heads the concert’s action committee, has rented it from the former Hiroshima resident and held concerts across Japan to raise money to bring it to the United States.

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

Emiri Henmi: 'Dating's going well'

Saturday 18th September, 07:00 AM JST



TOKYO —

Actress Emiri Henmi was the special guest at a launch event for Chinese appliance maker Haier’s new washing machine designed for duvets. Naturally, the media were more interested in the 33-year-old’s relationship with fellow actor Kenji Matsuda, 38, which came to the public’s attention in August.

When asked about her love life, Henmi replied, “It’s going well. Right now I’m happy.”

Asked about doing housework, Henmi said: “To be honest, when it comes to housework I prefer cooking rather than doing the washing. My specialty is hamburgers. My other half says he likes them too.”

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

Actor Keiju Kobayashi dies at 86

Sunday 19th September, 02:19 AM JST



TOKYO —

Japanese actor Keiju Kobayashi, whose earnest performances endeared him to viewers throughout a nearly seven-decade long career, died of heart failure at a Tokyo hospital Thursday, his agency said Saturday. He was 86.

A Gunma Prefecture native, Kobayashi made his movie debut in 1942 and gained popularity in the 1950s by starring in a series of comedy films featuring salaried workers with ordinary man-next-door personalities. Appearing in about 260 movies and TV dramas with his roles ranging from prime minister to police detective, Kobayashi received medals of honor from the government for his longtime achievements and cultural contributions.

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

Sugimoto, Tomochika, Michibata dispense advice on relationships

Sunday 19th September, 06:47 AM JST



TOKYO —

Actress Aya Sugimoto, “talent” Tomochika and model Karen Michibata came together recently to promote the Japanese release of the DVD box set of the American television drama, “Lipstick Jungle.”

The trio took part in a talk show. When the conversation came to love and relationships, Michibata exclaimed, “I think cheating is unforgivable.” Sugimoto offered a different opinion, however. “If it’s a truly trusting relationship, I don’t think it has to be completely exclusive.”

Tomochika, meanwhile, commented, “No one meets my standards at the moment anyway.”

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

Yukorin happy to be wearing Gundam uniform

Monday 20th September, 03:42 AM JST



TOKYO —

Television personality Yuko Ogura expressed joy as she wore an Earth Federation military uniform from the Gundam robot animation series during a recent promotion event in Akihabara area. “I am so happy to be able to wear this cute uniform,’’ said the 26-year-old nicknamed Yukorin.

Ogura and veteran narrator Toru Furuya, who performed the voice of Amuro in the animation series, attended the event to promote 945SH G Ver. GP30th—Softbank Mobile Corp’s new cell phone featuring Gundam.

Source: www.japantoday.com

whitedove

Tashiro Masashi Has Blown It Again       
September 16, 2010



Talento Tashiro Masashi (54) has allowed drugs to destroy yet another attempt to get his life back on track. According to the Kanagawa Prefectural Police, the once hugely popular star was arrested again in the early hours of this morning, this time for possession of cocaine. It is at least the fifth arrest on a variety of charges for the former singer, comedian and TV regular.

Police said that Tashiro was arrested on the spot at 2:10am when he was found in possession of two bags containing cocaine in a parked car in Akarenga Park, Yokohama. The area has increased security as it will be the venue for the APEC summit in November. Also arrested, for possession of stimulant drugs, was a 50-year-old beauty parlor owner Arai Chieko. Tashiro told police that he had bought the cocaine from a DJ about 3 months ago, adding that he had come to Yokohama to enjoy the night scenery and discuss work with Arai. She gave a different account, saying that she had supplied the cocaine to Tashiro.

A juvenile delinquent in school, Tashiro became an overnight star when he and the blackface doo-wop group the Chanels had a chart hit with "Runaway" in 1980. After several years of pop success, Tashiro switched to TV comedy, becoming a sidekick to Shimura Ken. Throughout the 1990s he was one of the most popular stars on TV.

But things started to change in 2000, when he was sent to the prosecutor's office for filming up a woman's skirt with a camcorder. He received a fine for that offense and spent about six months away from showbiz before asking for forgiveness. But within six months he was in trouble with the law again, this time for peeping through the bathroom window of a neighbor's house. A police search of his home turned up stimulant drugs and his arrest led to a suspended prison sentence. Another period away from TV was followed by a more subdued attempt to get back to work, this time as a video director.

The next slipup was a traffic accident he caused in June 2004, injuring a young motorcyclist after making an illegal U-turn. A few months later he was arrested again, for possession of a butterfly knife, stimulants and marijuana. This led to three and a half years in prison. During this time, he was subjected to a media blackout, with his image and voice removed from old recordings and the very mention of his name became taboo.

Since his various scandals first emerged, Tashiro has been something of an anti-hero for the online underground. This support plus jobs on radio and cable TV seemed to be enough to allow him to get some semblance of a career going again after his release from prison in June 2008. he recently published a book that included messages of support from various public figures.

Source: www.japan-zone.com

whitedove

Uchino Masaaki in Double Scandal       
September 17, 2010



Actor Uchino Masaaki (42) has got himself into a double scandal, and on his birthday no less. More than 100 reporters waited outside the Le Theatre Ginza yesterday to ask about photos published in this week's issue of the weekly magazine "Friday" that allegedly show him drinking and driving on more than one occasion, and in a romantic clinch with a married woman. The magazine says that, on his way back from rehearsals for "Ilias," his current stage production, he stopped at a convenience store and downed a can of "happoshu" (low-malt beer) before continuing home. On another occasion he allegedly drove home after eating and drinking alone at a Chinese restaurant. Management for Uchino released a statement saying that he had a driver at the time. And without any way to test his blood alcohol level now, the actor will not face any police investigation. But just last summer the drink-driving law was strengthened so this incident will not be treated lightly.

Meanwhile, Uchino will have a harder time wriggling out of the other scandal. It was reported earlier this year that he is separated from Ichiro Maki (45), his wife of four years, with whom he has a 3-year-old daughter. But the other woman in the magazine photos, taken in mid-August, is also married.

Uchino is a highly regarded actor who made his stage debut while a research student at Waseda University in 1995. His popularity grew the following year after he appeared in an NHK morning drama series. Other major roles on the conservative network came in "Semishigure" (2003) and the 2007 taiga drama "Fuurinkazan" (photo).

Source: www.japan-zone.com