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Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part IV]
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Hiroshi Tamaki to play Kenichi Matsuyama's rival in "Taira no Kiyomori"
Sat, November 27, 2010 (9:19pm EST)
 
Just a few days ago, it was confirmed that Kenichi Matsuyama (25) will be the star of NHK's 2012 taiga drama, "Taira no Kiyomori." It was then revealed yesterday that Hiroshi Tamaki (30) will be joining him, playing Matsuyama's rival.
Matsuyama will play the general Taira no Kiyomori, who led the Taira clan to power during the 12th century. Tamaki will play Minamoto no Yoshitomo, who became head of the Minamoto clan. Although the two were on the same side during the Hogen Rebellion in 1156, they later fought against each other during the Heiji Rebellion in 1159. Kiyomori's victory led to the downfall of the Minamoto clan and Yoshitomo's ultimate death.
Although Matsuyama has never appeared in a taiga drama before, Tamaki has previously appeared in two: "Komyo ga Tsuji" in 2006 and "Atsuhime" in 2008.
NHK will begin broadcasting "Taira no Kiyomori" in January 2012.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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"Misaki No. 1!!" adds Aya Omasa
Sat, November 27, 2010 (11:25pm EST)
Following up on the recent cast announcements for the "Misaki No. 1!!" drama series, one more major cast member has been revealed. Up-and-coming actress Aya Omasa (19) will play the main female student.
The series stars Karina (26) as a hostess who temporarily becomes the teacher for a class of problem students. Omasa has been cast as a student named Yui Sakurai, the only girl in a group known as the "ochikobore 5-nin-gumi" (which can be loosely translated as the "Failure Five"). Her energetic character acts like an older sister to the boys in the group, which include the previously announced Kis-My-Ft2 members Taisuke Fujigaya (23) and Hiromitsu Kitayama (25).
Although Omasa has been acting since 2006, she achieved mainstream popularity with her role as the heroine of the drama series "Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge" earlier this year. Since then, she was given starring roles in two upcoming films, "Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan" (opening January 2) and "Keitai Deka: The Movie 3" (opening February 5). She also has a supporting role in the live-action "Paradise Kiss" movie, set to open in May.
The "Misaki No. 1!!" drama series premieres in January.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Kinya Aikawa leads, writes, directs detective drama
Sun, November 28, 2010 (12:03am EST)
Actor Kinya Aikawa (76) is working on a new drama series titled "Renzoku Eiga: Minato Koshiro Keishi," for which he will be the lead actor, screenwriter, and director. Although he has taken on all three roles before for a movie, this is his first time doing so for a television drama.
Aikawa has apparently been working on this project since the start of this year. "Renzoku Eiga" is described as a suspenseful story about a police detective in charge of a murder case, though it will also incorporate themes of romance and human drama.
As an actor, Aikawa has already established his image as a detective for the past three decades through dramas such as the "Nishimura Kyotaro Travel Mystery" series.
"Renzoku Eiga" will air on BS Fuji on Sundays at 7:00pm. The first episode is scheduled for January 16.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Comedian Majime Ono marries nurse
Sun, November 28, 2010 (12:44am EST)
Comedian Majime Ono (33) of the duo Cool Poko recently tied the knot. He and his wife, a former nurse named Hitomi (28), submitted their marriage registration on November 22.
The two of them first met in May 2009, when Hitomi took a trip to Tokyo from her home in Fukuoka. They both attended a gathering held by a mutual friend, and it is said that Ono fell in love at first sight. They began a long-distance relationship that September, then one year later Hitomi quit her job and moved to Tokyo to live with Ono. At the start of this month, Ono proposed.
Ono, whose real name is Yoritaka Ono, formed Cool Poko in 2000 with Kentaro Senba, who is better known by the nickname Sen-chan.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Johnny's Jrs. hold "Tozai Uta Gassen," reveal new 52-member group
Sun, November 28, 2010 (1:36am EST)
 
On Saturday, approximately 250 members of Johnny's Jimusho participated in a concert event at NHK Hall in Tokyo. Titled "Nenmatsu Young Tozai Uta Gassen," three separate performances were held that day, revolving around an "East vs. West" battle between the Johnny's Jr. and Kansai Johnny's Jr. groups. A.B.C.-Z led the East team, while Yuma Nakayama (16) led the Kansai side. The program featured more than 20 songs, including a special medley of hits by popular Johnny's Jimusho artists.
   
During the medley, the Jrs. were joined on stage by several special guests: Tackey & Tsubasa (for Shonentai's "Kamen Butoukai"), Kazuya Kamenashi (for Masahiko Kondo's "Sneaker Blues"), Tomohisa Yamashita (for SMAP's "Shake"), and NYC (for Arashi's "A-RA-SHI"). Kamenashi and Yamashita (as Shuji to Akira) also performed their song "Seishun Amigo."
One of the highlights was when all 250 attending performers sang Masahiko Kondo's "Midnight Shuffle." Another was the introduction of a new Johnny's Jr. group called "Japanese HI!," written as ??PA??? HI! Some news sources, such as Oricon, report the group's name as simply ??PA???. Oricon also notes that the group consists of 52 Johnny's Jr. trainees.
The last of the three concerts on Friday will be broadcast by TV Asahi as a special program on New Year's Eve at 3:30pm.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Mana Ashida joins "Hankyu Densha" cast
Sun, November 28, 2010 (6:45am EST)
Child actress Mana Ashida (6) has been getting lots of attention since her outstanding performance in the drama series "Mother" this past spring. Since then, roles have been pouring in for the young star, and yet another one was announced on Saturday. She will play a supporting character in the movie "Hankyu Densha," which just started filming.
"Hankyu Densha" was first announced in August. Based on a bestselling novel by Hiro Arikawa ("Freeter, Ie wo Kau"), the film stars Miki Nakatani (34) at the center of several intertwined stories involving the people she encounters while riding the train. The movie's title comes from the Hankyu Railway, which serves as the main setting.
Ashida will share the screen with Nobuko Miyamoto (65), who plays Ashida's grandmother. One reason for Ashida's casting is that she is originally from the Hyogo prefecture, where the story takes place. As a result, she will also be speaking naturally in the local Kansai dialect.
Ashida's recent roles include the movies "Kokuhaku" and the "Ghost" remake. She has already been cast in NHK's 2011 taiga drama "Gou ~Himetachi no Sengoku~," as well as the movies "Usagi Drop" and "Inu to Anata no Monogatari: Inu no Eiga."
On the other hand, this will be Miyamoto's first movie role since "Bizan" in 2007.
The cast of "Hankyu Densha" also features Erika Toda (22). The movie is currently projected for release in April 2011.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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2nd TAMA Cinema Awards: "Kokuhaku," "Sankaku" win Best Picture
Sun, November 28, 2010 (8:26am EST)
The 20th TAMA Cinema Forum film festival concluded on Sunday. The day before, the festival presented its 2nd TAMA Cinema Awards, honoring several directors and actors.
 
This year, the two Best Picture winners were Tetsuya Nakashima's "Kokuhaku" and Keisuke Yoshida's "Sankaku." Director Koji Wakamatsu was presented a special award for his "Caterpillar."
While receiving his prize, Wakamatsu declared that his next film will be based on author Yukio Mishima.
   
Best Actor went to Shinichi Tsutsumi ("Kokou no Mesu") and Best Actress went to Shinobu Terajima ("Caterpillar"). Best Rising Actor awards were given to Shima Onishi ("Caterpillar") and Satoshi Kanada ("Watashi no Yasashikunai Senpai"). The corresponding Best Rising Actress awards were presented to Sakura Ando ("Kenta to Jun to Kayo-chan no Kuni," "SR: Saitama Rappers 2") and Shiori Kutsuna ("Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora," "BECK").
 
There were also two Best Rising Director awards, given to Hirofumi Kawaguchi for "Torokko" and Yutaka Yamamoto for "Watashi no Yasashikunai Senpai."
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Chemistry, Perfume win awards at 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards
Sun, November 28, 2010 (8:54pm EST)
 
The 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards were held in Macau on Sunday night. Although the annual event focuses on Korean pop music, guest artists from other countries attended, including the U.S.-based group Far East Movement. Japan was represented by CHEMISTRY and Perfume, who both received awards.
CHEMISTRY was named Best Asian Male Group, while Perfume was named Best Asia Pop Artist. For Perfume, the event was their first performance outside of Japan.
The complete list of winners can be seen on the Mnet website.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Kana Uemura's "Toilet no Kamisama" being turned into drama
Sun, November 28, 2010 (7:19pm EST)
Kana Uemura's song "Toilet no Kamisama" will be turned into a 2-hour drama special on TBS, it has been learned. The song, which is nearly 10 minutes in length, tells of Uemura's relationship with her grandmother, from her childhood to her grandmother's death. The song has been a major hit this year, earning Uemura multiple awards, as well as invitations to several year-end music shows, including NHK's upcoming Kohaku Uta Gassen.
 
Kie Kitano (19) has been chosen to play the part of the protagonist Kana, and Shima Iwashita (69) will play the grandmother. Mana Ashida (6) will play the childhood version of Kana. Also appearing in the drama are Yui Natsukawa as Kana's mother and Nenji Kobayashi as Kana's grandfather.
  
The "Toilet no Kamisama" will air across the country on TBS and MBS's network on January 5.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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More details revealed about Ebizo Ichikawa's assault
Sun, November 28, 2010 (6:11am EST)
Police have disclosed more information about the incident that led to kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa (32) being taken to the hospital on Thursday (initial details here). Investigators have ascertained that the incident took place in a 14-story building in Tokyo's Nishi-Azabu neighborhood, where Ichikawa's blood was found on the walls.
According to the investigation, Ichikawa had been drinking with several friends at a gay bar in Roppongi around 9:00pm on November 24. At some time past 11:30pm, they moved to a bar on the 2nd floor of the aforementioned building. After that, they went to a bar on the 8th floor, then finally Ichikawa, who was the only remaining member of his original group, ended up at a members-only karaoke bar on the 11th floor.
Ichikawa explained that he was looking after someone who had become sick from drinking too much. One man, who blamed Ichikawa for the person's condition, struck the actor in the face. Ichikawa described the man as a dark-skinned, foreign-looking friend of a friend, who claimed he was part of a biker gang.
Bloodstains, believed to be from Ichikawa's injuries, were found on the building's walls. In particular, blood was found in more than 10 spots, including the landings of the emergency staircase, all the way from the 11th floor to the 1st floor. It appears that the assailant continued to attack Ichikawa as he fled down the stairs, with one mark indicating that Ichikawa may have been pressed against the wall on the landing between the 2nd and 1st floors. The attack was particularly dangerous as the staircase was outside, meaning that a misstep could have easily resulted in Ichikawa falling over the staircase's waist-high railings.
Ichikawa's injuries include multiple facial fractures and bruises all over his body. It is reported that he will undergo facial surgery on Monday night. It is also said that Ichikawa's lawyer will file a damage report with police this coming week.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Ibaraki wooing S Korean, Chinese, U.S. filmmakers
MITO —
An Ibaraki prefectural office promoting the shooting of movies in the prefecture is courting film production companies in South Korea, China and the United States.
The office, which helps in the production of about 350 works a year, is in the process of selecting 100 companies in the three countries, all with major film industries, to send out information brochures to during the current fiscal year through March 2011.
Kazuro Takatsuka, who is in charge of the operation, has been drawing an example from Akita Prefecture, which saw an increase in the number of tourists since it was used as a location for South Korean TV drama ‘‘Iris.’‘
With the recent launch of direct flights linking Ibaraki with Seoul and Shanghai, Takatsuka said he hopes that greater accessibility will bring many more people to come and see the prefecture.
The prefectural office is backing an organization named Ibaraki Film Commission, which is being run by 14 municipalities in the prefecture.
The commission has drawn increasing interest, partly due to its ability to provide diverse location settings, such as old-fashioned streets for historical dramas, the Showa-era atmosphere of the former prefectural government building, and the prefecture’s natural environment, all in proximity to Tokyo.
It reached a milestone in January when the number of works it was involved in topped 2,000. Among them are foreign works, including the Hollywood movie ‘‘Babel’’ by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu featuring Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi as one of its main characters.
Inviting foreign filmmakers involves some hurdles. The works will be limited to those with scenery unique to Japan. There are no significant demands from such works, as many opt to use studio sets except for important scenes.
In some cases, garbage left after location shooting has caused problems for local residents. The process of selecting the 100 companies has to be strict, according to Takatsuka.
Also, even if Ibaraki is chosen as a location, that does not guarantee scenes in movies memorable enough to impact tourism.
‘‘It takes more than one lucky element to be like Akita,’’ Takatsuka said. ‘‘But we want to try out possibilities,’’ he said.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Kumi Koda to release first photo collection in 4 years
Tuesday 30th November, 03:38 AM JST
TOKYO —
Pop star Kumi Koda, 28, is set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her debut this December with the release of a new photobook. The book, titled “Brazil,” will be released in early December to coincide with Koda’s 10th anniversary concert at Tokyo Dome on Dec 5. The concert will mark 10 years since she emerged into the mainstream with her break out hit “Marco.”
The 168-page photobook was shot in early September in Brazil and involved 22 costume changes. Koda said of the shoot that she was aiming for a bewitching and, as always, more grown up image this time around. “I think there are some impressive shots in this collection,” she said. “I’m really pleased when people see the book and then say they’d like to visit Brazil.”
“Brazil” will be released by Wani Books on Dec 6 and is priced at 3,000 yen.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Bon Jovi in Japan for two Tokyo Dome concerts
Tuesday 30th November, 08:53 AM JST
TOKYO —
American rock band Bon Jovi arrived in Tokyo on Monday to play two concerts at Tokyo Dome on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The band, making its 15th tour of Japan, was last here three years ago. About 100 fans were on hand at Narita airport to greet the band members.
Lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, 48, thanked Japanese fans for supporting the band for the past 27 years since the group was formed, and promised a great live event. Promoters said there are still plenty of tickets available for both concerts, which start at 7 p.m.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Warrant Issued for Ebizo Assault
November 30, 2010
An arrest warrant has been issued for a Tokyo man following last week's assault on kabuki star Ichikawa Ebizo (32). The 26-year-old man is said to have beaten Ichikawa, leaving him with facial injuries including a broken cheekbone and a lost tooth, after they got into an argument at a bar in the central Tokyo district of Nishi Azabu in the early hours of Thursday morning. The actor's wife, talento Kobayashi Mao (28), called police after her bloodied husband returned home shortly after 7am. He was taken to hospital and a formal complaint was filed with Tokyo police on Sunday. A kabuki production that was scheduled to start today at the Minamiza theater in Kyoto has been postponed.
No specific details has yet been released on the alleged assailant, except that he is said to look like hulking former NFL player and K1 fighter Bob Sapp. It is widely assumed that he is a member of the yakuza, or Japanese mob. Ichikawa had been out drinking all night with several kabuki colleagues before ending up at the Nishi Azabu bar. There he drank a mob boss - who he says he met for the first time but is refusing to name - under the table, at which point the trouble started. Police found blood spattered on the wall and emergency stairs of the building where Ichikawa was dragged down eleven flights of stairs.
Source: www.japan-zone.com |
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Kohaku Gets a Headliner
November 30, 2010
NHK have managed to snag at least one headline-worthy act for this year's "Kohaku Uta Gassen." When the lineup for the 61st annual New Year's Eve song battle was announced last week, it was noticeably short of surprises or "medama" ("standout," lit. eyeball) artists. But yesterday it was announced that Southern All Stars vocalist Kuwata Keisuke (54) would appear, just six months after he underwent surgery for esophageal cancer. It will be his first time to perform on the live concert as a solo artist. He is being billed as a "special guest," as was legendary rocker Yazawa Eikichi (61) last year, in what will be his first public appearance since a concert by his wife and fellow SAS member, Hara Yuko (53), on July 4.
Source: www.japan-zone.com |
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"GANTZ" scheduled for U.S. release, 300 theaters planned
Mon, November 29, 2010 (11:25am EST)
The Japanese premiere of the first live-action "GANTZ" movie was held in Tokyo on Monday. Before the screening, it was announced that the film's U.S. premiere has been decided, with plans for distribution to approximately 300 theaters across the country.
The film, based on Hiroya Oku's popular manga of the same name, stars Kazunari Ninomiya and Kenichi Matsuyama. It is the first of two planned movies, which are scheduled for wide release in Japan on January 29 and April 23, respectively.
The U.S. will get a wide release of the film first, starting on January 20. Specific details about theaters and dates have not yet been announced.
It was also reported this summer that the "GANTZ" movies will be getting releases in at least several other countries, including France.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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"Ryomaden" wraps up with 21.3% ratings
Mon, November 29, 2010 (11:39am EST)
The final episode of the NHK taiga drama "Ryomaden" aired on Sunday. According to data by Video Research Ltd., the finale achieved ratings of 21.3% in both the Kanto and Kansai regions.
The series premiered on January 3 with ratings of 23.2% and reached its peak with the 5th episode (24.4%). Over all 48 episodes, the show averaged 18.7% in the Kanto area, compared to 19.5% in the Kansai area.
The 18.7% average in the Kanto region ties it with the 2007 series "Fuurinkazan," but places it behind the most recent taiga dramas; "Atsuhime" averaged 24.5% in 2008, and "Tenchijin" averaged 21.2% in 2009.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Kei Tanaka, Kento Nagayama, Nobuaki Kaneko revealed to be in Mao Inoue's "Ohisama"
Mon, November 29, 2010 (11:59am EST)
A few more key cast members have been announced for NHK's upcoming morning drama series "Ohisama," which stars actress Mao Inoue (23). Although the inclusion of Kengo Kora (23) was already known last month, three more male characters were revealed for the first time: Kei Tanaka (26), Kento Nagayama (21), and Nobuaki Kaneko (29). None of the four men have appeared in an Asadora before, nor have they acted with Inoue before.
"Ohisama" stars Inoue as the cheerful Yoko, alive during the time of World War II. The show follows her life as she becomes a teacher, then later marries Kazuya, the son of a long-standing soba shop family (Kora).
Yoko's two older brothers Haruki and Shigeki will be played by Tanaka and Nagayama, respectively. Kaneko will play Koichi, a friend of Haruki who also becomes Yoko's first love.
"Ohisama" begins next year on March 28 and ends on September 24, airing Mondays through Saturdays at 8:00-8:15am for a total of 156 episodes.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Horipro holding audition for regional idol units
Mon, November 29, 2010 (1:46pm EST)
Management agency Horipro and television network Tokyo MX are currently organizing a nationwide audition for a new idol group. Called the "U.M.U Award 2010," the competition will pit local idols from around the country against each other for the chance to make their major label debut.
The final round of the audition is scheduled for December 27 at the Galaxy Theatre in Tennozu Isle, Tokyo. A total of 10 groups will compete, with 6 of the spots already decided. The known finalists are:
Ringo Musume (Aomori)
Negicco (Niigata)
Pieace (Saitama)
Mira Maria (Tokyo)
Nagoya Meibutsu! Aijou Iinkai (Aichi)
PixyChicks (Nara)
Three more groups will be decided in the coming weeks, and the final spot will go to the winner of the "JUMP UP!! ~IDOL Pro Ama Battle Royale~" competition being held the day before the finals (December 26). Horipro is currently accepting applications for that contest.
More information about the audition and the competing idols are available on the official website.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Emi Takei in love triangle with Erika Toda and Haruma Miura for Fuji TV drama
Mon, November 29, 2010 (8:09pm EST)
Model and actress Emi Takei (16) will play a major part in Fuji TV's next Monday night drama, "Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta." The show, revealed a couple weeks ago, stars Erika Toda (22) and Haruma Miura (20) as two young teachers engaged to each other, but Takei will play the student that stands in the way of their relationship.
This will be Takei's first appearance in a drama aired in the "Getsu 9" timeslot. She was reportedly selected from 800 women who auditioned for the role.
Toda and Miura play two teachers, Natsumi Uemura and Shuji Kashiwagi, at the same high school who are set to get married in half a year. However, the night before the school year's opening ceremony, Shuji becomes involved with the young Hikari Saeki (played by Takei), without realizing that she will be a student in his class starting the next day. As Shuji struggles to help Hikari deal with the mental complex she is suffering from, he is also torn inside by his betrayal of Natsumi. Meanwhile, Hikari attempts to get closer to Natsumi, driven by feelings of jealousy and a desire to destroy the couple's relationship.
"Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta" starts airing this January.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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