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Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part IV]
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SMAP's Katori Feeled "Happier than Ever" about the New Movie "ZATOICHI THE LAST"
2010-05-31
SMAP member Shingo Katori attended the stage greeting of the movie "Zatoichi THE LAST" on its premiere at Roppongi in Tokyo. The movie is scheduled to be released in Thailand in 2010, and is expected to premiere in Europe and other Asian countries. "Today is a start. I hope there would be more and more people come to see the movie." said Katori with a smile; "I barely have had an experience like this, looking forward to the premiere and being so happy." he seemed overwhelmed by happiness. Takashi Sorimachi, standing on the stage, said: "We have been receiving letters from the director. I have two." And Katori said: "I have five.", while Yoshio Harada complained: "I have been working with the director for five or six times but I have never got a letter!"
Katori had been attending 7 stage greetings since May 29th to 30th. And he appealed to his fans in a humorous way: "Let's go together?" According to the costars, "Katori's body is big, as well as his acting skills. Katori's Zatoichi is very pure-hearted, and make people believe that 'this is what Zatoichi is.'"
Source: http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/new ... id=4729&start=1 |
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Reunion festival celebrates release of new Tetsuya Nakashima film
Saturday 29th May, 06:00 AM JST
TOKYO —
To celebrate the upcoming release of the Tetsuya Nakashima film “Kokuhaku,” starring Takako Matsu, a movie festival was held this week to screen Nakashima’s other works. On hand were actresses Kyoko Fukada, 27, and Anna Tsuchiya, 26, who appeared in the film “Kamikaze Girls,” and Miki Nakatani, 34, of “Memories of Matsuko.”
Fukada joked about the filming of “Kamikaze,” saying, “The director was always getting angry, Anna would suddenly get pissed off. It was really rough.” Tsuchiya commented critically about “Kokuhaku,” a film about juvenile delinquency, saying, “The film is really dark and completely different from Nakashima’s past works.”
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Jenson Button, Jessica Michibata reportedly split
Saturday 29th May, 10:00 AM JST
LONDON —
Formula One World Champion Jenson Button has broken up with his model girlfriend Jessica Michibata, British tabloid media reported Friday.
Button, 30, decided to end the 18-month relationship with Michibata, 25, just after the Monaco Grand Prix due to problems in maintaining a long distance relationship, according to the Sun newspaper. “Jenson is single again. He and Jessica have gone their separate ways,” the paper quoted his spokesperson as saying.
In another report, the Daily Mail quoted a friend of Button as saying: “Jenson had a great time with Jessica and it looked like things were moving in the right direction. But the logistics took their toll. With her living in Tokyo and him all around the world to races, it has been very tough. She was constantly flying out to meet him. And whenever there was a race in her part of the world, he’d fit a visit to Tokyo into his schedule. But it’s impossible to maintain that in the long term.”
Button is currently in Istanbul preparing for Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Tottori picked as location for popular Korean drama
Sunday 30th May, 04:27 AM JST
TOTTORI —
Tottori Prefecture in western Japan has been picked as the location site for a new series of the hit Korean TV drama ‘‘Iris’’ starring popular actor Lee Byung Heon, prefectural officials said.
The officials expressed excitement at being selected from among five Japanese prefectures that expressed hope of being a location site for the drama, as the previous location, Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan, has seen an increase in the number of Korean visitors.
“Iris” is an action drama about special agents set against the backdrop of the divided Korean Peninsula, and achieved viewer ratings exceeding 30% when it was broadcast in South Korea. Filming is expected to begin in late August in various areas of the prefecture, including the Tottori sand dunes, and is to be aired from around the fall.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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MAX launch their new exercise program
Sunday 30th May, 06:00 AM JST
TOKYO —
The four-woman music group MAX launched their new exercise program in Tokyo this week.
Except for Mina, 32, all members of the group are still single, but Lina revealed that she has a special someone in mind.
“I went to a palm reader a while ago, and was told that this is my lucky year for love,” the singer explained, “so I’m going to work out a lot and get a really nice body.”
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Nakamura, Chono delight fans at 'Iron Man 2' premiere
Monday 31st May, 03:00 AM JST
TOKYO —
Film and kabuki stage actor Shido Nakamura and pro wrestler Masahiro Chono appeared as “Iron Man” characters for the recent red-carpet premiere of “Iron Man 2.”
Nakamura, 37, who appeared as Iron Man, was recently voted the celebrity that fans would most like to see dressed up as Iron Man, according to the results of a poll by Paramount Pictures Japan. Chono, 46, was dressed as the film’s villain, Whiplash (played by Mickey Rourke).
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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MatsuJun Steps Into Spotlight
May 28, 2010
Matsumoto Jun (26, photo left) may be stepping out of the shadow of Kimura Takuya (37). Both are members of Johnny' Jimusho idol groups, of which KimuTaku's SMAP are the still hugely popular veterans, while MatsuJun and Arashi are being carefully groomed as the next dominant force. One indication of this is yesterday's announcement that Matsumoto has landed the lead role in a Monday night drama series on Fuji TV, making him the first Arashi member to do so.
The 9pm time slot is considered the most prestigious of all, and it was in that time slot that Kimura achieved audience ratings among the highest of modern times with shows like "Beautiful Life" (TBS, 2000) and "Hero" (Fuji, 2001). This spring, Fuji put Kimura in the spotlight with "Tsuki no Koibito" but as with his other recent dramas, ratings have been good rather than spectacular. So, attention will shift to how Matsumoto does in the romantic "Natsu no Koi ha Nijiiro ni Kagayaku." His love interest will be provided by always solid Takeuchi Yuko (30, photo right).
Matsumoto said, "I've been watching Monday night dramas on Fuji TV since I was a kid. So it's a great honor but also a lot of pressure. I will do my best to live up to it." The story is an original from Ohmori Mika (38), who wrote last year's basketball drama "Buzzer Beat." Matsumoto will play a struggling actor trying to get out of the shadow of his famous actor father.
Source: www.japan-zone.com |
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Kabuki Stars on the Hakata River
May 31, 2010
Thousands of residents of Fukuoka turned out yesterday to watch some veteran kabuki stars take to the Hakata River in what has become an annual ritual. Sakata Toujuro IV (78) and other cast members of the upcoming production at the Hakata-za theater were fortunate enough to have beautiful spring weather as they sailed down the river in 10 small boats. Some 40,000 fans ans passersby cheered from the banks and bridges across the river, which runs through Fukuoka. The kabuki production starts from June 2.
Source: www.japan-zone.com |
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Stardust Revue Make Guinness Book
The rock band Stardust Revue have been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2001, the band performed 101 songs at a folk festival in Tsumagoi, Shizuoka Prefecture, in sweltering summer heat. That total has been recognized as the most ever by an artist in a 24-hour period. Vocalist Nemoto Kaname (53) announced the news yesterday on the last night of the band's latest concert tour. They celebrate 30 years in the business next year.
Source: www.japan-zone.com |
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Aika Mire Fighting Fit
Former top Takarazuka star Aika Mire (45) was looking healthy yesterday as she promoted an autobiography detailing her battle with cancer. Appearing at the Book 1st store in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo, she talked about how she has fought to regain her health after being diagnosed with malignant lymphoma in March 2008. The disease is a type of cancer involving cells of the immune system, but Aika underwent chemotherapy that allowed her to return to work by August 2008. She currently goes for testing once every three months, but she insists she's feeling great. "I hope this book will be a source of strength for people with the same condition." She added, "When I had to step down from a theater production because of illness, it was a huge shock. But it also reminded me how much I love this job." Aika retired from Takarazuka in 2001 and has since worked on stage and TV. She and her husband (36) married on New Year's Day of 2009.
Source: www.japan-zone.com |
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J-Pop’s Number 1 Idol from HELLO! PROJECT to Appear at World Premiere Screening of KAI-KI: TALES OF TERROR FROM TOKYO
May 25, 2010 by J!-ENT
LOS ANGELES, Calif. and Tokyo, Japan (May 25, 2010) – Get your tickets now!
J-Pop’s #1 idol and Hello! Project singing (and now acting) sensation Erina
Mano will be attending and performing at the world premiere screening (and
secondary screening) of her break-out feature film role in KAI-KI: TALES OF
TERROR FROM TOKYO (based on the hit TV series Shin Mimi-Bukuro (Tales of
Terror), written by ghost story master Ryuta Miyake (THE GRUDGE: OLD LADY IN
WHITE), directed by Makoto Shinozaki (TOKYO ISLAND) and features the song
Returning Home-performed by Erina Mano) on July 1, 2010 (World Premiere at
noon and 2nd screening at 3:00 pm) at the world famous venue, Club Nokia, in
Los Angeles, California. More information can be found at:
www.Facebook.com/TalesofTerror and
advance tickets for both events are available at: www.Club2theMAX.com
Erina Mano will be in attendance at both screenings and will also partake in
a Q&A session with audience members and perform a mini-live concert at the
event as well, “I have heard that Japanese horror films are much enjoyed
outside of Japan, so I was glad to be chosen as an actress for this movie,
and excited to get to know fans in the United States”, exclaimed Ms. Mano.
In addition, Ms. Mano will also be partaking in a fan meet & greet and a
mini-autograph session for a limited time at the event.
“I am so excited to meet my U.S. fans,” states Ms. Mano, “I hope you all can
come out and join me!”
Also in attendance will be acclaimed horror/ghost-folktale aficionado and
“Shin Mimi Bukuro” author Kihara Hirokatsu whose work inspired the hit
Japanese TV series and now the highly anticipated theatrical release staring
Erina Mano.
Fans are encouraged to dress up or cosplay as their favorite ghost
characters to the event!
Join us on July 1, 2010 and experience two of the most suspenseful and
bone-chilling movie that guarantees you will never go to sleep with the
lights off again!
Pre-sale Ticket prices, can be purchased online at www.club2themax.com
and will be available for pick up at the Club
Nokia Box Office, are:
1st Show (July 1, 2010; noon-2:30 pm): $20.00 U.S. (includes Film, Q&A &
Mini-Concert)
2nd Show (July 1, 2010; 3:00 pm-5:30 pm): $15.00 U.S. (includes Film, Q&A &
Mini-Concert)
Day-of Ticket prices, can be purchased at the Club Nokia Box Office and will
be charged an additional $5.00 (1st Show: $25.00 U.S.; 2nd Show: $20.00
U.S.)
Join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TalesOfTerror
Follow us on Twitter (film official): www.twitter.com/ShinMimi
Official Synopsis:
KAI-KI: TALES OF TERROR FROM TOKYO
Tale 1
Tsukimono: The Possessed
In Tsukimono: The Possessed, a bizarre but seemingly harmless hiccupping
infection takes hold of a local college class; transforming them one by one
into enraged, murderous monsters.
Tale 2
Nozomi
In Nozomi, a young girl finds herself haunted by a ghost that may hold the
key to a long-buried family secret.
About CREATIVE LOUNGE CHICAGO, INSPIRED BY TOYOTA
Part of the TOYOTA Creative Global Network, the creative lounge CHICAGO
evolved from the TOYOTA collaboration with the Chicago fashion world. The
lounge promises to be a space that facilitates the interaction between
TOYOTA engineers and public opinion leaders, personalities, creative spirits
and artists brought together to foment ideas for the betterment of society
of tomorrow.
Additional support for event provided by:
United Television Broadcasting Systems, Shinca Entertainment, BS-TBS
(Japan), Goggle, Inc.; JP-Room, King Records and the Japan Film Society.
Source: www.nt2099.com/J-ENT |
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Reni in NHK Documentary
May 28, 2010 by J!-ENT
New York, NY –May 28-, 2010 – Aspire Communications, Inc. is pleased to announce Reni Mimura, a Japanese Cosplay Singer in NY, will be featured in NHK’s doumentary program “NY Wave” and aired on June 3rd twice at 9:45am and 11:45pm (EST).
What: Reni in NHK documentary “NY WAVE”
When: 6/3 Twice at 9:45am and 11:45pm (EST)
Where: TV JAPAN
For more :
http://www.tvjapan.net/en/
http://www.renireni.com /
Source: www.nt2099.com/J-ENT |
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Yui Ichikawa stars in jidaigeki drama
Thu, May 27, 2010 (10:03am EDT)
Now in her tenth year since her show business debut, actress Yui Ichikawa (24) will finally take on her first lead role in a drama series. She has been cast as a doctor in the jidaigeki drama "Katsura Chizuru Shinsatsu Nichiroku," being broadcast by NHK this summer.
Set in Edo in 1820, the story is adapted from a novel series by Hisako Fujiwara. Ichikawa plays Chizuru, the daughter of a doctor who practices Dutch medicine (Kenichi Endo). When her father suddenly dies, she continues his work, treating the poor people of her village. Ichikawa is also said to have trained in sword fighting for half a year in order to play the role.
The drama is set to run for 14 episodes. NHK has placed it in the Saturday 7:30pm time slot, starting on August 28.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Nozomi Tsuji looking forward to second child
Thu, May 27, 2010 (10:21am EDT)
Former Morning Musume member Nozomi Tsuji (22) is expecting her second child, it was announced on Wednesday.
Tsuji attended a public event on Tuesday, but she had apparently been feeling strange since the start of this month. On Wednesday, she underwent a medical examination, and her doctor informed her that she is currently seven weeks pregnant.
Tsuji married actor Taiyo Sugiura (29) in June 2007 and gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Noa, a few months later.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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More weddings for TV Asahi announcers
Thu, May 27, 2010 (10:43am EDT)
TV Asahi is currently experiencing a "marriage rush" among its announcers, as three more of them had their wedding plans revealed on Wednesday.
Sports announcer Teruji Kakuzawa (39) has decided to tie the knot by the time the 2010 World Cup kicks off on June 11. His wife-to-be is said to be outside of show business.
Meanwhile, Shinpei Nogami (25) is marrying fellow announcer Masako Yagi (24). The two have frequently worked together and are currently both regulars on "Super J Channel."
Besides these three announcers, it was revealed earlier this week that Emi Takeuchi (33) is engaged. In March, Yuuki Ooki (29) declared that she was getting married this month, and Nanako Uemiya (28) tied the knot in April.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Number three for IZAM, Miho Yoshioka
Sat, May 29, 2010 (5:05pm EDT)
Singer IZAM (38) and talento Miho Yoshioka (30) announced on Friday that they are expecting their third child. Yoshioka is currently pregnant and due to give birth around the end of November.
IZAM and Yoshioka married in 2006. Their son (3) was born the following year, and their daughter (1) arrived the year after that.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Announcers Yuri Akimoto, Minoru Aoi dating?
Sun, May 30, 2010 (10:47am EDT)
Fuji TV announcer Yuri Akimoto (26) and NHK announcer Minoru Aoi (29) are rumored to be dating, according to one evening newspaper. In its article, Nikkan Gendai included a picture of the two sitting together on the train, appearing to be close with each other.
Akimoto and Aoi both graduated from Keio University, though they were in different years and ended up working for different networks. They are said to share a serious attitude towards their work, though they occasionally find time to go on dates.
Both Fuji TV and NHK declined to comment on the rumor, stating that they do not talk about their announcers' private lives.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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SCARS rapper STICKY arrested
Sun, May 30, 2010 (11:33am EDT)
Rapper STICKY, a member of the hip-hop group SCARS, was arrested for drug possession on Friday by Kanagawa police.
STICKY, whose real name is Kyohei Matsumoto, was taken in for possession of marijuana after approximately 30 grams of the substance were discovered in his home. Police currently suspect that he may have intended to sell the marijuana.
SCARS, which includes several other rappers besides STICKY, formed in 2003 and released their first album in 2006. STICKY released his first solo album last December.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Shinji Higuchi directing monster drama "MM9"
Sun, May 30, 2010 (12:19pm EDT)
It was revealed last week that movie director Shinji Higuchi ("The Hidden Fortress," "Japan Sinks") has been placed in charge of his first television drama. Titled "MM9 -MONSTER MAGNITUDE-," the show is based on a sci-fi novel by sci-fi writer Hiroshi Yamamoto.
In the alternate reality of "MM9," monster attacks are a common occurrence in Japan. A special division of the Japan Meteorological Agency has been established to predict such attacks, as well as support the Japan Self-Defense Forces and minimize the damage from the attacks. The drama depicts the everyday lives of the unsung heroes working in the division.
Higuchi is well-known as a special effects director, having worked on the Heisei-era "Gamera" film trilogy. That trilogy's screenwriter, Kazunori Ito, has also been recruited for the "MM9" drama. While Higuchi is serving as the general director for the series, he is also personally directing three of the episodes. The other ten episodes have been split among directors Tomoyuki Furumaya, Ataru Oikawa, Takuma Tosaka, and Kiyotaka Taguchi.
Anna Ishibashi (17) and Machiko Ono (28) are co-starring in the show, respectively playing a rookie member of the special division and the member in charge of her training. The supporting cast includes Issei Takahashi, Yasuhi Nakamura, Satoru Matsuo, Sarutoki Minagawa, Takako Kato, and Yutaka Matsushige.
"MM9" is being produced by MBS and will air on Wednesday nights (1:30am), starting on July 7. It has also been announced that MBS is teaming up with King Records to make the series available to iPad users in Japan, offering each episode for free digitally on the same day that it airs on television.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2010
Sun, May 30, 2010 (8:57am EDT)
The MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2010 were held on Saturday at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. EXILE set a new milestone at the event, becoming the first group to receive three awards for three consecutive years. This year, they won in the categories for Best Video of the Year, Best Album of the Year, and the Asia Icon Award.
Shota Shimizu won for Best Male Video, while Namie Amuro won for Best Female Video for her second consecutive year.
Best Male Video: Shota Shimizu, "Utsukushiki Hibi Yo"
Best Female Video: Namie Amuro, "FAST CAR"
Best Group Video: TVXQ, "Share the World"
Best New Artist Video: BIG BANG, "Gara Gara GO!!"
Best Video of the Year: EXILE, "Futatsu no Kuchibiru"
Best Rock Video: Superfly, "Dancing On The Fire"
Best Pop Video: BIG BANG, "Koe wo Kikasete"
Best R&B Video: Miliyah Kato, "Aitai"
Best Hip Hop Video: KREVA, "Shunkan speechless"
Best Reggae Video: HAN-KUN, "KEEP IT BLAZING"
Best Dance Video: Lady Gaga, "Poker Face"
Best Video from a Film: JUJU with JAY'ED, "Ashita ga Kuru Nara" (from "Yomei Ikkagetsu no Hanayome")
Best Collaboration Video: w-inds. x G-DRAGON (BIG BANG), "Rain Is Fallin'"
Best Album of the Year: EXILE, "Aisubeki Mirai e"
Best Karaokee! Song: Miliyah Kato x Shota Shimizu, "Love Forever"
Asia Icon Award: EXILE
Best Director: Yuichi Kodama
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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