Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part IV]

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Anime Expo 2011 to host Kalafina
Posted on May 6, 2011 by tokyograph



The Anime Expo 2011 convention has announced that the female band Kalafina will be performing as guests of honor. The group has provided plenty of theme songs for various anime series, including “Kara no Kyoukai,” “Kuroshitsuji,” and “Puella Magi Madoka Magica.”

Assembled by popular composer Kajiura Yuki, Kalafina debuted in 2008 and has since then charted in the Top 10 several times. The group previously appeared at the Anime Boston convention in 2009.

At Anime Expo, Kalafina will perform at Club Nokia on July 2. They will also be holding a meet-and-greet, an autograph signing, and a focus panel.

Anime Expo is being held on July 1-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. More information is available on the convention website.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Visual-kei band Sadie to perform at AM2
Posted on May 6, 2011 by tokyograph



AM2, an “animation, music and manga” convention based in Southern California, has announced visual-kei band Sadie as one of its guests of honor. Details about the band’s performance have not yet been revealed.

The convention has already announced several other guests, including heidi. and Wakeshima Kanon.

AM2 takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center on July 1-3, the same weekend as Anime Expo. More details can be found on its official website.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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SCANDAL to perform at AM2 convention
Posted on May 6, 2011 by tokyograph



The AM2 convention just announced visual-kei band Sadie as one of this year’s musical guests, but it immediately followed that up with the news that female pop-rock band SCANDAL will also be performing.

SCANDAL formed in 2006 and made their indies debut in 2008. That same year, they toured the U.S. as part of the SXSW Japan Nite tour, and they also made a stop at the Sakura-Con convention in Seattle. They also performed at conventions in France and Hong Kong that summer, before they made their major label debut a couple months later.

SCANDAL’s connections to anime include songs used in “Bleach” and “Fullmetal Alchemist.”

More details about AM2 can be found on the convention’s website.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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New “Futari Ecchi” live-action project in the works
Posted on May 6, 2011 by tokyograph

The manga “Futari Ecchi” by Katsu Aki is getting another live-action adaptation this summer, it has been announced. Details about the format and the cast will be revealed in this year’s 10th issue of Young Animal (Hakusensha), which goes on sale on May 13.

“Futari Ecchi,” also known by various other names such as “Manga Love Story,” is about a young newlywed couple who both lack experience in sex. The story follows the couple’s growth as they explore their sexuality.

In 2000, WOWOW adapted the manga as a 3-part television drama starring Inada Chika (34) and Yamanaka Sou (39).

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Ogura Yuko planning autumn wedding in Hawaii?
Posted on May 6, 2011 by tokyograph



According to the Sports Nippon newspaper, talento Ogura Yuko (27) is looking to hold her wedding this fall. It appears that she has decided to have it in Hawaii, and sources say she is currently there to visit a chapel that will likely be the venue for the wedding.

Ogura is engaged to popular hair and makeup stylist Kikuchi Isao (40). Their relationship was discovered in January of last year, and in November it was learned that Ogura had accepted Kikuchi’s proposal.

The two are said to be in the process of choosing a date for the wedding. On several occasions in the past, Ogura has declared that she wants to get married by the age of 28. Given that holding weddings on birthdays is not uncommon, there appears to be a good chance that they will aim for Ogura’s 28th birthday, on November 1.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Concert hall provided by Japan inaugurated in Italy's L'Aquila

Sunday 08th May, 03:34 AM JST

L'AQUILA —

An inauguration ceremony was held Saturday to mark the completion of a concert hall built by Japan in L’Aquila, Italy, as a token of support to the area severely hit by a deadly earthquake in 2009.

At the event, a message from Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was read out in which he said that just as Japan and Italy had recovered from the ruins of World War II, he hopes Japan’s Tohoku region, struck by the devastating March 11 quake and tsunami, and L’Aquila will find the chance to develop and grow amid their misfortunes.

Japanese Ambassador to Italy Hiroyasu Ando expressed hope that the concert hall will ‘‘remain in the hearts of people for a long time to come as proof of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.’‘

The 220-seat concert hall, designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and featuring walls and ceilings made by assembling paper pipes, was built to replace a hall that was destroyed in the April 2009 quake that jolted the central Italian region.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Yakusho hopes new film will make people laugh again after March 11 disaster

Sunday 08th May, 05:30 AM JST

By Kevin Mcgue



TOKYO —

Director Shuichi Okita currently has his hands full as he directs the comedy pairing of veteran actor Koji Yakusho (“Babel,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Shall We Dance?”) with young star Shun Oguri (“Surely Someday,” “Snakes and Earrings”).

The film, which has a working title of “Kitsutsuki to Ame” (The Woodpecker and The Rain), has Yakusho as a 60-year-old lumberjack who takes a young apprentice, played by Oguri, under his wing. The cast is rounded out by Kengo Kora, Asami Usuda and another old pro, Masato Ibu.

The film is only the second to be helmed by Okita, whose debut — “Chef of the South Pole,” about a team of reluctant workers at a research base in Antarctica — became a surprise hit.

Yakusho, 55, worked as a civil servant before becoming an actor, and chose his stage name, which means “ward office,” after a stint at the Chiyoda Ward Office. He also sees his current work as a kind of public service. “After the natural disasters, Japan is desperately trying to rebuild,” the performer reflects in a statement. “The cast and crew of this film were wondering if it is really okay to make a comedy like this at such a time. But our job is creating fictional worlds, and we are working hard to make a film that we hope will make the public laugh again.”

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Teens in Saga webcast musical performances to encourage quake victims

Monday 09th May, 05:54 AM JST

SAGA —

A teenage troupe called Teens Musical SAGA in Saga City on Japan’s southwestern main island of Kyushu has begun airing musical performances through a video webcasting site hoping to lift the spirits of people struck by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

About 15 to 30 minutes of programs on Teens Musical SAGAonUSTREAM have been uploaded on the Ustream site from 6:18 p.m. every Saturday from April 23. They plan to continue the webcasting for a year.

‘‘We hope to somehow encourage them through our activities,’’ said Tsubasa Nakanami, an 18-year-old high school student.

Nakanami leads the program as emcee while other members sing and dance.

The program is recorded in a small studio of about 3 square meters, set up in their musical practice location in the city.

The first program was a performance in sync with the tune ‘‘Kimi wo Nosete’’ (carrying you), the theme song of Studio Ghibli’s animation film ‘‘Castle in the Sky.’’

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Tokyo Girls Collection fashion show held in Beijing

Monday 09th May, 01:46 AM JST

BEIJING —

Tokyo Girls Collection, a Japan-originated popular fashion show, was held Saturday in Beijing, drawing an audience of several thousand. About 50 models from Japan, China, South Korea and other Asian countries, including Japanese fashion models Karina and Yu Yamada, exhibited what the organizers called stylish everyday clothes during the event.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama expressed gratitude for Chinese support over a devastating quake and tsunami in Japan as he spoke during the event.

Eleven fashion brands took part in the event, which was the third Tokyo Girls Collection show in Beijing.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Sendai-based group to perform at chorus festival in New York

Monday 09th May, 02:13 AM JST

TOKYO —

A chorus group based in the quake-hit city of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture will perform at a concert scheduled for later this month in New York’s Carnegie Hall.

The mixed chorus group Hagi will perform at the Japan-U.S. Chorus Charity Concert for Sendai scheduled for May 20. ‘‘We want to empower people of the disaster-afflicted area through singing, which we do as a proof that we are alive,’’ one of the members said.

The concert was organized by Masaki Shirota, 61, a Sendai native who is a member of the Men’s Glee Club of New York.

About two years ago, a group of people who formerly belonged to Tohoku University’s men’s choir came up with the idea of holding a joint Japan-U.S. chorus festival at Carnegie Hall to deepen bilateral ties. The plan led to the creation of Hagi, which drew its members from chorus fans in Sendai as well as from the former members of the university choir.

When the massive earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan on March 11 ahead of the concert scheduled for May, it appeared that the event would likely be cancelled, as days passed without being able to know even the whereabouts of the group’s members.

But organizers decided to hold the event after quake-affected members raised their voice saying, ‘‘Now is the time to sing.’’ The organizers turned the concert into a charity event in the course.

Among performances by the group at the event, which will also feature renowned American chorus groups, are songs with deep ties with the prefecture, such as ‘‘Aobajo Koi Uta,’’ a 1970s hit song, and ‘‘Saitara Bushi,’’ a Miyagi folk song.

‘‘It will be the best opportunity to directly deliver the message of gratitude from the disaster-hit area and to deepen friendship with the United States,’’ Shirota said. ‘‘It will be a chance for those hit by the disaster to strongly demonstrate their resilience to the world.’’

Source: www.japantoday.com

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'Star Wars' saga coming to Blu-ray

Monday 09th May, 04:11 AM JST

TOKYO —

George Lucas’ sci-fi classic “Star Wars” is finally coming to Blu-ray in Japan. The influential movies are to go on sale as a 9-disc box set titled “Star Wars: The Complete Saga.”

The Blu-ray set will feature the same remastered Special Edition versions of the films as the 2004 Original Trilogy DVD boxed set. Lucas explained that restoring the theatrical versions of the original trilogy to Blu-ray quality would have been prohibitively expensive.

For fans looking for original material, there are documentaries, deleted scenes, commentaries, interviews and never-before-seen footage that have taken years to compile. Including the bonus material, the Blu-ray box set contains around 40 hours of footage, which is certain to satisfy “Star Wars” fans who have been awaiting the Blu-ray release.

The box set is to be released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment on Sept 16, priced at 17,325 yen.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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AYABIE signs with major label, plans more DEATHBIE
Posted on May 8, 2011 by tokyograph



Visual-kei band AYABIE announced during an event on Saturday that they will make their major label debut this summer. Guitarist Yumehito also updated his blog with the news. The band has signed with TOY'S FACTORY and will release a CD in July, though they have not disclosed any further details about it.

AYABIE will also be doing a summer tour titled “SUMMER DIVER,” taking them to 10 cities throughout Japan between July 24 and August 30.

In addition, Yumehito stated that their “dark” alter-ego DEATHBIE will be seriously starting activities as a band. The group has performed as DEATHBIE on rare occasions before, but Yumehito’s message suggests that they will be turning it into a full-fledged project.

AYABIE was created in 2010 by four former members of the visual-kei band Ayabie, after they split due to a conflict with Ayabie vocalist Aoi.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Morning Musume taking applications for 10th generation audition
Posted on May 8, 2011 by tokyograph



It has only been four months since idol group Morning Musume added four new members as part of its 9th generation, but the group unexpectedly announced on Sunday that it is already preparing for its 10th generation audition.

During their concert at the Nakano Sun Plaza, current leader Takahashi Ai (24) introduced a video message from producer Tsunku (42). In it, he stated that he is looking to recruit girls who will “energize Japan with their smiles.” The 10th generation audition is being titled “Genki Jirushi” (“mark of liveliness”) to reflect that goal.

The audition requirements state that applicants must be between the ages of 10 and 17 as of April 1st of this year. The deadline for applications is June 13. More information about the audition will be posted on a special website.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Babies: Okina Megumi’s second, Tenshin Kimura’s first
Posted on May 8, 2011 by tokyograph



Actress Okina Megumi (31) gave birth to a daughter at a Tokyo hospital on the afternoon of May 4th. Okina has been married since March 2009, and she gave birth to her first child, a son, in September of that same year. Sources report that she intends to resume work as early as this summer.

Meanwhile, comedian Kimura Takuhiro (34) became a father. Also known as Tenshin Kimura (since he is part of the comedy duo Tenshin), he has been married since 2007. His wife gave birth to a baby girl on the night of May 6 at a hospital in Himeji, Hyogo.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Koike Eiko stars in romantic comedy on BeeTV
Posted on May 8, 2011 by tokyograph



Koike Eiko (30) will finally achieve her dream of starring in a romantic comedy. She will play the main character of a BeeTV mobile drama called “Ese Nikushoku Joshi no Renai Jijou,” scheduled to begin this month.

Koike plays the 33-year-old Madoka, a single working woman whose stylish appearance causes everyone to assume that she is a “nikushoku-joshi” (“carnivorous woman”). However, when it comes to matters of romance, she is actually the opposite – a passive “soushoku” type (“herbivorous”). As a result, she is constantly getting her heart broken.

Her supporting cast will be played by Kaname Jun (30), Nonami Maho (30), Hiraiwa Kami (31), Suzuki Ami (29), Aijima Kazuyuki (39), and Masu Takeshi (55). The screenplay is by Nakazono Miho, the writer of shows like “Yamato Nadeshiko” and “Haken no Hinkaku.”

BeeTV will begin releasing the drama on May 20, with updates every Monday. A total of 12 episodes are planned, each approximately 10 minutes in length.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Watanabe Ken stars in big-budget film about Hayabusa space probe
Posted on May 8, 2011 by tokyograph



Some details have been released regarding Toei’s movie about the Hayabusa space probe, tentatively titled “Shouwakusei Tansaki Hayabusa: Harukanaru Kikan.” The big-budget film will star actor Watanabe Ken (51) as a character modeled after Kawaguchi Junichiro, the project manager behind the Hayabusa probe. In addition, Watanabe will be serving as project manager for the movie itself, working with director Takimoto Tomoyuki (“Hannin ni Tsugu,” “Ikigami”).

Toei is pouring in 1.5 billion yen for the movie’s production, which includes building 3 life-sized models of the Hayabusa probe (about 6 meters long) under the guidance of JAXA. The studio Toei Animation will be doing CG work for the film.

The script for “Shouwakusei Tansaki Hayabusa” is originally based off a work by journalist Yamane Kazuma, but it also includes information from exclusive interviews with more than 50 people associated with the project. The story covers the challenges faced by the mission’s team over Hayabusa’s 7-year flight to the asteroid 25143 Itokawa and back, becoming the first mission to bring back an asteroid sample to Earth.

The probe, which successfully returned to Earth last year, is the subject of at least two other feature films, including one by 20th Century Fox starring actress Takeuchi Yuko.

The rest of the cast for “Shouwakusei Tansaki Hayabusa” will be announced in the near future. In order to learn the technical knowledge necessary for the film, the cast is conducting technical rehearsals until May 20, when the film begins shooting. In mid-July, they plan to shoot part of the movie overseas, and filming will wrap up at the end of that month.

Toei is aiming to complete post-production in December of this year, making the film ready for release in 2012.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Depp sends message to Japan at 'Pirates' world premiere

Monday 09th May, 11:00 AM JST



ANAHEIM, Calif —

The latest installment in the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” series premiered at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on Saturday night with a message of support for Japan.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” the fourth in the series, is directed by Rob Marshall and stars Johnny Depp, 47, as Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush, 59, as Captain Barbossa. This time out, the pair embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard, played by Ian McShane, 68, and his daughter Angelica, played by Penelope Cruz, 37, are after it, too.

The world premiere took place at a temporary outdoor amphitheater, on a massive screen which sat on an island in the middle of the Disneyland Rivers of America attraction. It was the world’s first outdoor 3D premiere.

Around 22,000 people gathered to meet the stars. Former Japanese soccer star Hidetoshi Nakata, 34, and comedian Takaaki Ishibashi, 49, were in attendance and gave the movie rave reviews. “The movie’s impact is immense,” said Ishibashi.

A banner expressing support for Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami which hit the country on March 11 was hung prominently at the star-studded event. Ishibashi and Cruz both wrote messages on the banner to express their condolences and support for affected areas. The banner will travel with the movie as it makes its way around the world before being delivered to the Japanese premiere, which is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on May 17.

Depp, who is unable to attend the Japanese premiere, said, “To all my fans in Japan. I’m so sorry I can’t be there this time. I promise to come back as soon as possible.”

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is set for simultaneous worldwide release on May 20.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Toei honorary chairman Okada dies at 87

Tuesday 10th May, 03:17 AM JST

TOKYO —

Shigeru Okada, honorary chairman of Japanese movie producer Toei Co, died Monday morning of pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital, the company said. He was 87.

After graduating from the University of Tokyo, Okada joined a predecessor company of Toei, and was involved in movie production throughout his career.

Okada made many popular period films in his early career before producing a series of traditional chivalrous yakuza movies, which became the company’s trademark film series.

His next undertaking, the ‘‘Jingi Naki Tatakai (Battles Without Honor and Humanity),’’ based on a true story of a gang-war between yakuza, became a blockbuster and later serialized to become a hallmark of the film company.

A native of Hiroshima Prefecture, Okada served as president from 1971 to 1993, and subsequently became chairman and adviser for Toei. He took the post of honorary chairman in 2006.

Okada also tried to revive the Japanese film industry as head of Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan Inc.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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Anna Tsuchiya shows her 'Black Swan' side

Tuesday 10th May, 03:00 AM JST



TOKYO —

Model, singer and actress Anna Tsuchiya, 27, sees herself as very much like a black swan. Tsuchiya was participating in a promotional event for Darren Aronofsky’s movie “Black Swan” in Tokyo on Sunday.

Dressed in stunning black, Tsuchiya walked the runway together with other models in a black and white fashion show to promote the film which explores the innocent and dark sides of a talented young ballerina played by Natalie Portman, in an Oscar-winning performance.

Asked which one she considers herself to be -– a black or white swan—Tsuchiya answered without hesitation: “Black. I talk dirty and have a bad attitude. I can’t find any white swan characteristics in myself.”

“Black Swan” opens in Japan on Wednesday.

Source: www.japantoday.com

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“Uchuu Kyoudai” movie to shoot scenes at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center
Posted on May 9, 2011 by tokyograph



The Florida Today newspaper reports that the movie “Uchuu Kyoudai” (“Space Brothers”) will have some scenes filmed at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida next month. As noted by Anime News Network, the article does not specifically say whether lead actors Oguri Shun and Okada Masaki will be there, but it mentions that the film crew will be shooting “with the stars of ‘Space Brother’ and a group of local acting extras.”

Based on an award-winning manga by Koyama Chuya, “Uchuu Kyoudai” tells the story of two brothers who make a promise as kids to become astronauts when they grow up. While the younger brother Hibito (Okada) achieves that goal, the older brother Mutta (Oguri) takes a different route as an engineer, until one day when he loses his job.

The casting of Oguri and Okada was announced in March. The rest of the cast has not been officially revealed.

According to the Florida Today article, the movie “will include 15 to 20 minutes of scenes shot in Brevard County,” where the Kennedy Space Center is located. The crew will be shooting for six days in June, though they will also be there for another week to do “preparation and follow-up work.”

“Uchuu Kyoudai” is planned for release in spring 2012.

Source: www.tokyograph.com