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Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part IV]
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Hatoyama lookalike thanks PM for his time in the limelight
Friday 04th June, 03:00 AM JST
TOKYO —
In light of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama’s sudden resignation, Japanese comedian Kuruo Hatoyama, who enjoyed brief success because of his striking resemblance to the prime minister, now finds himself basically out of a job.
“I am so thankful that I was able to get so much work simply because I looked like Mr Hatoyama,” said the comedian, whose real name is Ken Tsurumi. “It’s too bad that I have nothing else to set me apart.”
Tsurumi, 35, enjoyed mild fame from the beginning of Hatoyama’s run in office. Comedian and politician met briefly at a cherry blossom viewing party in April, but Tsurumi expressed some regret that he was unable to speak to Hatoyama in more detail.
“One day, I would love to share a drink with him and speak with him about the future of Japan,” Tsurumi concluded.
Tsurumi, who toiled in relative obscurity for almost two decades, suddenly found the promised land when Hatoyama came to power. Prior to that, he had been an assistant to high-profile comedian, actor and film director Beat Takeshi, using the stage name Chuji Abesada.
But last May — just before the DPJ elected Yukio Hatoyama as its leader — Takeshi advised him to put on a suit and jacket because he looked like the man who was then being touted as the next prime minister.
That’s when he changed his stage name to Kuruo Hatoyama as well. In Japanese, Yukio’s “yuki” means “to go,” which is why the comedian went with Kuruo, with the “kuru” meaning “to come.”
Acting on his mentor’s instructions, he donned the suit and jacket — which before he only wore for funerals and wedding receptions — and changed his hairstyle for a taping of Takeshi’s TV program. When the show aired, his appearance generated an industry buzz.
After the DPJ won a landslide in the Aug 30 election, Takeshi told him to do his best “because you’ll have plenty of work for the next four years.”
From September, offers began pouring in for TV appearances and magazine interviews, the first time Tsurumi had been in demand in his 17 years in the entertainment business.
A company even started selling cans of green tea adorned with his photo at a store in Tokyo’s Akihabara district.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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VIZ CINEMA CONTINUES TO SPOTLIGHT ICONIC JAPANESE DIRECTORS IN JUNE WITH SCREENINGS OF CELEBRATED FILMS BY YASUJIRO OZU
June 3, 2010 by J!-ENT
Four Classic Films By Influential Director Include Tokyo Story, Early Spring, The Only Son And Record Of A Tenement Gentleman
San Francisco, CA, June 3, 2010 – VIZ Cinema and NEW PEOPLE continue to celebrate iconic Japanese filmmakers throughout June with the Untold Legends series and announce four films by director Yasujiro Ozu that will screen at the theatre between Saturday, June 12th and Thursday, June 17th. The series will continue with four films by director Kenji Mizoguchi set to screen Saturday, June 19th – Thursday, June 24th.
Yasujiro Ozu is one of the most influential film directors of the 20th Century and his Tokyo Story is consistently is ranked among the Top 10 films of all time. From Jean-Luc Godard to Wim Wenders to Aki Kaurismäki, many of cinema’s most acclaimed filmmakers have been deeply influenced by Ozu. VIZ Cinema proudly presents his four masterpieces – Tokyo Story, The Only Son, Record of a Tenement Gentleman, and Early Spring – in precious 35mm with English subtitles.
Tickets, screening times and more details are available at: www.vizcinema.com.
Tokyo Story, June 12th – 14th and also June 17th
(1953, 136min, 35mm, with English Subtitles)
Tokyo Story follows an aging couple, Tomi and Sukichi, on their journey from their rural village to visit their two married children in bustling, postwar Tokyo. Their reception is disappointing. Too busy to entertain them, their children send them off to a health spa. After Tomi falls ill she and Sukichi return home, while the children, grief-stricken, hasten to be with her. From a simple tale unfolds one of the greatest of all Japanese films it depicts generational conflict in a way that is quintessentially Japanese and yet so universal that it continues to resonate as one of cinema’s greatest masterpieces.
The Only Son, June 13th – 14th and also June 16th
(1936, 82min, 35mm, with English Subtitles)
Yasujiro Ozu’s first talkie, the uncommonly poignant The Only Son is among the Japanese director’s greatest works. In its simple story about a good-natured mother who gives up everything to ensure her son’s education and future, Ozu touches on universal themes of sacrifice, family, love, and disappointment. Spanning many years, The Only Son is a family portrait in miniature, shot and edited with its Ozu’s customary exquisite control.
Record of A Tenement Gentleman, June 13th, June 15th and also June 17th
(1947, 72min, 35mm, with English Subtitles)
A man finds a lost boy in a war-torn village and brings him to his tenement. He tries to find someone to take care for him but no-one accepts the responsibility. The child eventually ends up with a sour widow Tané despite her refusal.
Early Spring, June 12th – 13th and June 15th – 16th
(1956, 144min, 35mm, with English Subtitles)
In his first film after the commercial and critical success of Tokyo Story, Ozu examines life in postwar Japan through the eyes of a young salaryman who, dissatisfied with career and marriage, begins an affair with a flirtatious co-worker.
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.
NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.
Source: www.nt2099.com/J-ENT |
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"Aibou" lines up second movie, ninth drama series
Thu, June 3, 2010 (10:29am EDT)
With the incredible success of the "Aibou" movie in 2008, it was only natural that a second one would be made. On Thursday, which marked the 10th anniversary of the television drama's premiere, it was revealed that "Aibou: Gekijoban II" has been scheduled for a December 23 release.
The first movie grossed 4.44 billion yen at the box office, making it the fifth-highest earner among domestic films in 2008. Seiji Izumi, who handled the first film and most of the television series, will again direct. Since Yasufumi Terawaki (48) has left the show, the new movie will star the detective pair of Yutaka Mizutani (57) and Mitsuhiro Oikawa (40).
The show's anniversary is also being celebrated with the start of season 9 in October, along with the DVD release of season 8 in the same month.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Def Tech gets back together
Thu, June 3, 2010 (10:13am EDT)
The duo Def Tech is reuniting. Their website relaunched on Thursday, featuring a preview of a new song titled "The Come Back." They also have an album scheduled for this fall, and a nationwide tour is being planned.
Def Tech, currently consisting of Micro (29) and Shen (29), started in 2003 and debuted in 2005. They rocketed in popularity, especially due to their song "My Way," and their first, self-titled album charted at #1 and went on to sell 2.2 million copies. That same year (2005), they became the first indie label artist to perform at NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen.
The group experienced problems during their tour in 2006, and after the tour ended, Shen returned to his native Hawaii. Effectively on hiatus, they officially disbanded in 2007 and pursued solo careers.
This past October, Shen's wife gave birth to their first child, and they moved from Hawaii to Japan at the end of the year. Around the start of this year, some of Shen and Micro's mutual friends had a get-together, and the two musicians both happened to attend. After four years apart, they got along again, leading them to resume their activities together.
Although Def Tech's future is still tentative, they are said to have already completed eight new songs in preparation for their album.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Takao Osawa, Haruka Ayase in rumored relationship
Thu, June 3, 2010 (6:54pm EDT)
The latest celebrity romance rumor is between actor Takao Osawa (42) and actress Haruka Ayase (25). The latest issue of FRIDAY says that the two are in a serious relationship, though the article has no pictures of them together.
The magazine reports that Ayase visited Osawa's apartment multiple times last month, even when Osawa was not there. Sources say that she was driven there by staff from her agency, who apparently kept watch to prevent Ayase from being seen. FRIDAY speculates that the two are partially living together.
Osawa and Ayase first worked together in the 2008 movie "ICHI." They then appeared in the popular drama series "JIN" last year.
Ayase's agency says that Osawa is an actor she respects greatly and that there is nothing more to their relationship. Osawa's agency stated that the two get along well as co-actors, but denied that they are dating.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Jero tries a new look for latest song
TOKYO —
African-American enka singer Jero has swapped his cap for a Panama on the occasion of his latest song. It is the first time for Jero, 28, to work without without his trademark cap since his debut in February 2008.
When he performs his new song, “Uso Naki” (crocodile tears), Jero wears a pink Panama hat with an ‘80s-style, giving him a Gigolo feel and very different from his previous hip-hop fashion.
Jero said he really likes wearing a hat. Regarding the colorful suit, he said: “It’s too loud for my personal life, but when I sing a new song, I am able to get a better feel for it.” For the album, titled “Covers 3”, he wears an all-black outfit.
Jero said the change came about because he started working on a new song with composer Keisuke Hama, 64. Until now, Jero’s songs have been reworked versions of pop artists. He said that having received an offer for the first time by Hama, whome he called “Kayokai no Omono” (big shot in the music industry), his feeling of “being able to go up one level as an enka singer” pushed him to change.
However, Jero—who said he owns about 40 caps—pointed out that caps are an expression of his beliefs and style. Last November, when U.S. President Barack Obama gave a speech in Tokyo, Jero wore his cap to the event and stood out among the audience.
However, he said: “From now, I’d like to enjoy wearing knitted hats and such to match the songs. Who knows? One day, I might even get rid of the cap altogether.”
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Maki Goto takes the stage for first time since mother's death
Saturday 05th June, 03:58 AM JST
TOKYO —
Singer Maki Goto, 24, performed live on Thursday night at a club in Shibuya, the first time she has appeared on stage since the sudden death of her mother, Tokiko, in January. The singer looked different, her hair nipped into a bob cut, which she said represented her desire to make a fresh start.
Goto greeted about 200 fans, saying, “Since January, you’ve all supported me so much, and it’s thanks to you that I have finally, at long last, been able to stand here [on stage] again.” For her second song, Goto sang “Hoseki,” tears rolling down her cheeks.
A seat for her deceased mother was reserved at the show. Reporters asked Goto before the mini-concert what her mother in heaven might be saying. Tearfully, she replied, “I think she’s telling me to do my best.”
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Actor Jinnai, model Kato do voice-over for Pokemon film
Sunday 06th June, 03:37 AM JST
TOKYO —
Actor Takanori Jinnai and model Natsuki Kato were among celebrities who took part in a recent voice-over recording session for the animated film ‘‘Genei no Hasha Zoroark’’ (The ruler of illusion Zoroark) featuring Pocket Monster characters.
Jinnai, 51, who dubbed the voice of an adversary of the main character of the Pokemon series, jokingly said, ‘‘I had been declaring war on Pikachu during the persevering 30 years of my career. My dream has come true.’‘
Kato, 24, indicated she was happy with her role of a female secretary to a company president in the film, saying, ‘‘I’ve done voice-over before but the roles were a human-fish creature and a sarcastic young man.’‘
Up-and-coming actor Takashi Tsukamoto and TV personality Shoko Nakagawa also took part in the recording session ahead of the July 20 release of the film.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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SMAP event at Shanghai World Expo canceled due to security concerns
Sunday 06th June, 05:42 AM JST
SHANGHAI —
The Shanghai World Expo Coordination Bureau said Saturday on its official website that it has canceled an event by the Japanese pop group SMAP scheduled for June 13 at the Expo Cultural Center. The bureau said the appearance by the five-member group was canceled for ‘‘security considerations’’ given the large number of fans expected.
It was to be SMAP’s first appearance overseas as a group since it was formed in 1988, according to the group’s agent, Johnny and Associates, Inc. Last Sunday, a concert featuring popular South Korean artists at the Expo Cultural Center led to a stampede as thousands of fans were unable to get tickets, which were distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis on the day of the event.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Aya Sugimoto to appear in 3-D 'Kamen Rider' movie
Monday 07th June, 05:24 AM JST
TOKYO —
Aya Sugimoto will star in a 3-D version of the annual summer hero movie series, “Kamen Rider W Forever A-Z - Unmei no Gaia Memory” (Kamen Rider Double Forever: A to Z/The Gaia Memories of Fate).
Sugimoto, 41, will play the role of Maria S Cranberry. “My father will be really happy,” she said, confident that she is shapely enough to look good with an extra dimension. Genki Sudo, who plays a martial arts fighter and transvestite, said he’s looking forward to giving the role his all.
The film opens on Aug 7.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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Ninomiya injures woman in accident, Arashi announces album and tour
Fri, June 4, 2010 (11:01pm EDT)
Arashi member Kazunari Ninomiya (26) caused an accident while driving on Friday afternoon, hitting a 36-year-old woman on a bicycle and causing minor injuries. The same day, Arashi revealed that they will release a new album and launch a tour later this year.
At about half past noon on Friday, Ninomiya was driving in Tokyo's Meguro ward. As he approached an intersection with no traffic lights, a woman riding a bicycle came from the side, and Ninomiya's car bumped the side of her bicycle. Although Ninomiya was unharmed, the woman suffered an injury in her left leg that will take about a week to fully heal.
Johnny's Jimusho stated that Ninomiya had the day off, though he was driving on his way to a work-related meeting.
Police are currently investigating the matter. Meanwhile, Johnny's has reminded its other artists to drive carefully. Because of this accident and Jun Matsumoto's accident in February, the agency has decided to prohibit all five Arashi members from driving until the end of this year. This is apparently the first time that the company has enforced a driving ban for all members of a specific group.
The accident happened the same day that the group announced a new album, its first in over two years. Titled "Boku no Miteiru Fuukei," the album is scheduled for an August 4 release. It will at least include their four latest singles, ten new songs, and five solo songs.
In addition to the album, Arashi will go on tour from August 21 until January of next year. Like their tour last year, they plan to perform at the National Stadium and the five major Domes. During that tour, they became the first artist to play three consecutive days at the National Stadium. This time, their shows at the stadium won't be consecutive, but they will be the first to hold 4 concerts there in the same tour.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Aota suspends activities over Tamaki relationship
Sat, June 5, 2010 (1:11am EDT)
Talento Noriko Aota (42) announced on her blog on Friday that she is on self-suspension for an indefinite period of time, as a result of her relationship with Anzen Chitai vocalist Koji Tamaki (51).
It was learned last month that Aota and Tamaki are dating. Although she was warned by her agency, Oscar Promotion, to avoid being seen in public together, they were photographed at the airport on May 23. In front of the reporters there, Tamaki made several unexpected statements, including a claim that Oscar Promotion has made Aota quit and a public declaration that he and Aota are having sex.
With Aota's agency upset by Tamaki's actions, she decided to mitigate further problems with her self-imposed hiatus. At the same time, she denied that there are problems between Tamaki and Oscar Promotion. It is not known how long the suspension will last.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Mai Hosho retires
Sat, June 5, 2010 (1:55pm EDT)
33-year-old actress Mai Hosho announced on her official website that she has retired from show business as of May 31. She explained that she wants to focus on living life as herself from now on, rather than spending her time acting out roles.
Hosho got her entertainment start as a teenager in 1993 when she won the grand prize of Young Jump's 3rd "All Japan High School Girl Uniform Collection." She made her acting debut that same year in the television drama series "Twins Kyoushi." About five years later, Hosho enjoyed a boost in popularity when she appeared in the hit series "Shomuni." In 2007, she married a graphic designer.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Manami Kurose leaves show business
Sat, June 5, 2010 (11:24pm EDT)
Actress and singer Manami Kurose (18) is taking a break from show business, it was announced on Satuday. Her agency, Toho Entertainment, explained that she will be focusing on school for now.
Kurose has been wanting to pursue childcare for a long time. Around last summer, she began discussing with her agency about her desire to take a break. This time, with the end of her contract, she has officially decided to put work aside to focus on her education.
Kurose was the grand prize winner of the 2006 Toho Cinderella Audition. She made her debut later that year in the movie "Rough." In 2008, she released her first single as a singer.
It is not known if or when Kurose plans to return to entertainment, and she has not yet made a personal statement on the matter. Her agency has already removed her profile page from its website and closed her official blog.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Robert's Yamamoto causes car accident
Sun, June 6, 2010 (8:51am EDT)
Comedian Hiroshi Yamamoto (31), of the trio Robert, is the latest celebrity responsible for a car accident. On Friday afternoon, he caused a rear-end collision while driving on the Central Circular Route of the Shuto Expressway.
At around 4:40pm, while in slow traffic, Yamamoto's vehicle hit the rear end of another car. Neither Yamamoto nor the 70-year-old male driver of the other car was hurt.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Jero's first television drama role
Sun, June 6, 2010 (9:29am EDT)
Enka singer Jero (28) has been given his first role in a television drama. It was announced last week that he has been cast in NHK Osaka's "Tennoji Broadway," a drama special scheduled to air on July 30.
Set in Tennoji, Osaka, the drama is a comedy starring Airi Taira (25) as Kaede Kusunoki, the only child of a temple priest. Her father is concerned about finding a successor, but she has no interest in it and dreams of becoming a Broadway musical star. One day, she brings home her boyfriend Michael (Jero) from America, and he unexpectedly begins showing interest in becoming the temple successor.
Last year, Jero made his acting debut in the movie "Donju." He has also provided a voice for a "Crayon Shin-chan" film.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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Hirosue, Nagase co-star in "24 Hour Television" drama special
Sat, June 5, 2010 (2:20am EDT)
The drama special for this year's "24 Hour Television" telethon has been revealed. The drama is titled "Miporin no Ekubo" and will star Ryoko Hirosue (29) with TOKIO's Tomoya Nagase (31).
Hirosue and Nagase will play a married couple in this tearjerker, based on a true story of two parents who are told that their daughter Miho (played by Manatsu Kimura) has one year left to live due to a brain tumor. The drama depicts the family's remaining time together, including the 359 letters that Miho drew before her death.
NTV will air the drama on the night of August 28. The "24 Hour Television" program will start earlier that day.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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BEAT CRUSADERS to disband
Sun, June 6, 2010 (8:18am EDT)
On Sunday, the 5-member rock band BEAT CRUSADERS announced on their official website that they are splitting up. Their last scheduled performance together is in September.
In their message, they avoided using the word "breakup" but indicated that they are "spreading out." They also said that it was very difficult to explain their reasons for the decision.
The band will release a DVD single titled "Situation" on August 4. They stated that their final live performance will be on September 4 at the OTODAMA '10 music festival in Osaka. Before that, they also have performances scheduled at several other music festivals: SETSTOCK, Rock In Japan Festival, Summer Sonic, MONSTER baSH, and Sky Jamboree.
BEAT CRUSADERS was formed in 1997. They made their CD debut two years later, then finally signed with a major label in 2004.
Source: www.tokyograph.com |
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New 'gyaru' magazine hits bookshelves
Tuesday 08th June, 04:00 AM JST
TOKYO —
Even in the midst of one of the worst recessions the publishing industry has ever seen, “gyaru” magazines are still going strong. Publisher Futabasha rolled out new “gyaru” info magazine Edge Style on Monday, hoping to tap into the 10 billion yen market centered around these young Shibuya trend setters.
The magazine is unique in that it’s focused on businesses created by “gyaru,” for “gyaru,” with things like merchandise developed by the girls themselves.
Recently, TV variety shows have also gotten in on the act, with appearances by “gyaru” magazine cover girls like Jun Komori.
April saw even more “gyaru” magazines hit the market, with new magazine Nicky featuring fashion trends as seen by popular “gyaru” bloggers, as well as fashion magazine PopSister.
Edge Style will target those in their mid-20s who have outgrown traditional “gyaru” publications. According to a survey of “gyaru” done by Futabasha, many women wanted a magazine that combined fashion with celebrity gossip and other tabloid content.
The company is also developing cosmetics like fake eyelashes and lipstick with the input of their customers, hoping to save money on advertising by using their cover to promote the products. The magazine will also be published in Taiwan, where the Japanese “gyaru” boom is still heating up.
Source: www.japantoday.com |
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