Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part V]

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Kase Ryo to portray director Kinoshita Keisuke in “Hajimari no Michi”
Nov 07,2012 - by tokyograph



Actor Kase Ryo has been chosen to star in the movie “Hajimari no Michi,” a biopic of the late film director Kinoshita Keisuke. The movie will be the first live-action film directed by Hara Keiichi, better known for his work on animated movies such as the “Crayon Shin-chan” series, “Summer Days with Coo,” and “Colorful.”

Kinoshita was a successful and critically acclaimed director who got his start in the 1940s. Although he was a contemporary of directors like Kurosawa Akira and Ozu Yasujiro, he was not as well known as them overseas. Some of his best known works were the 1954 “Twenty-Four Eyes” and the 1951 comedy “Carmen Comes Home” (Japan’s first color film).

“Hajimari no Michi” is being created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Kinoshita’s birth (December 5, 1912).

Kase will portray the role of Kinoshita, while his mother will be played by Tanaka Yuko, who actually starred in a 1987 remake of “Twenty-Four Eyes.” Kinoshita’s brother will be played by Yusuke Santamaria, and Hamada Gaku will play a handyman.

Filming is set to run from November 9 until late November. Locations include Shizuoka, Nagano, and Gunma. A release date has been set for June 1, 2013.

Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/k ... -hajimari-no-michi/

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Uchino Masaaki, Tokiwa Takako, Sato Takeru to lead drama series “Tonbi”
Nov 06,2012 - by tokyograph



Actor Uchino Masaaki will star in a TBS drama series next year, titled “Tonbi.” This will be his first lead role in a TV series since the second season of the “JIN” in 2011, and it will reunite him with several key staff members from that popular show: producer Ishimaru Akihiko, director Hirakawa Yuichiro, and screenwriter Morishita Yoshiko.

“Tonbi” was originally a 2008 bestselling novel published by Naoki Prize-winning author Shigematsu Kiyoshi, and it was turned into a 2-part drama special in 2012, starring Tsutsumi Shinichi. The story depicts the bond between a bumbling father named Ichikawa “Yasu” Yasuo and his son, whom he has raised on his own after losing his wife in a tragic accident.

Uchino will obviously play the father, while actress Tokiwa Takako will play his wife. Sato Takeru has been cast as the son, starting from the age of 16. Other cast members include Fukiishi Kazue, Kato Takako, Nomura Hironobu, Aso Yumi, and Emoto Akira.

TBS will broadcast “Tonbi” on Sunday nights at 9:00pm, beginning in January.

Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/u ... drama-series-tonbi/

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Uchimura Teruyoshi to appear on the cover of FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ new single



It’s been revealed that comedian Uchimura Teruyoshi will be appearing on the cover of FUNKY MONKEY BABYS‘ new single, “Sayonara Janai“.

FUNKY MONEY BABYS has used celebrities on their jacket covers ever since their debut. “Sayonara Janai” has already been picked up as the theme song for the movie, ‘Boku Tachi no Koukan Nikki‘, which is directed by Uchimura.

The music video for “Sayonara Janai” was shot in mid-October at an old movie theater in Yamanashi. Uchimura also stars in the PV playing the role of a projectionist at the theater.



Uchimura commented, “The three of them get along really well, and they have honest personalities. I was able to reconfirm that those qualities are portrayed in their songs. Those three are wonderful.”

Meanwhile, member Franky Kato expressed, “Tears flowed out of my eyes when I saw the finished work. I want everybody to experience it as soon as possible.”

“Sayonara Janai” is scheduled for release on November 21st, and ‘Bokutachi no Koukan Nikki’ will open in theaters on March 23rd.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... y-babys-new-single/

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Ninomiya Kazunari’s “Platina Data” supporting cast announced
Nov 06,2012 - by tokyograph



Back in January, it was learned that Arashi’s Ninomiya Kazunari will be starring in a movie adaptation of Higashino Keigo’s mystery novel “Platina Data,” along with supporting actor Toyokawa Etsushi. Four more main cast members have now been revealed: Suzuki Honami, Namase Katsuhisa, Anne, and Mizuhara Kiko.

As previously described, the story is set in the near future, when the Japanese government is aiming to secretly control the genetic data of the country’s population. Ninomiya plays the role of Kagura, a DNA analysis specialist at an institution established by the National Police Agency, but who suddenly becomes the prime suspect in a murder when his own DNA is discovered at the scene of the crime. Toyokawa is playing a veteran police detective pursuing Kagura.

Suzuki will play the role of Mizukami, a doctor with international influence in genetic research. The character slightly differs from the original novel, particularly changing from a male character to a female character.

Namase will play Shiga, the head of the DNA analysis institution; Anne will play Shiratori, another staff member at the institution; and Mizuhara will play Tateshina, a “pure and mysterious” genius mathematician.

“Platina Data” will open in theaters on March 16, 2013.

Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/n ... ing-cast-announced/

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20 artists announced for 2012 Best Hits Kayousai
Nov 06,2012 - by tokyograph



Yomiuri TV has announced its lineup for the 2012 “Best Hits Kayousai.” 20 artists have been named, including first-timer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

The announced artists, in Japanese alphabetical order, are:

aiko
Ieiri Leo
Usuzawa Misaki
AKB48
EXILE
EXILE ATSUSHI
SKE48
NMB48
Kato Miliyah
Kis-My-Ft2
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
GLAY
Kobukuro
Sandaime J Soul Brothers
Shimizu Shota
Tiina Kariina
Perfume
Makihara Noriyuki
Moritaka Chisato
Yuzu

The 2-hour show will be broadcast live on November 22nd at 7:00pm. Miyane Seiji, Wentz Eiji, and Nishiyama Maki will host the show together for the fourth year in a row.

Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/2 ... best-hits-kayousai/

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Tanami Ryoko announces her 2nd pregnancy



On November 7th, model Tanami Ryoko (39) announced her 2nd pregnancy through her official blog.

Currently in her 5th month of pregnancy, Tanami expressed, “It’s a miracle to me that I am able to be pregnant with my 2nd baby in my late 30s.” She continued, “For the first time, I understand the pain of morning sickness. I never had it the first time around. This is also a good experience.”

Tanami married Nojiri Yoshihiko (40), the president of a wedding-related company, in April of 2007. She delivered her 1st son in March of 2011.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... -her-2nd-pregnancy/

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YUKI announces three new releases



Singer-songwriter YUKI has announced the release of her Tokyo Dome concert, a Blu-ray, and an album box in the coming months!

This is parts 2, 3, and 4 of YUKI’s 4-month consecutive release project that she announced back in September. The first was a coupling collection titled “BETWEEN THE TEN“, which went on sale on November 7.

YUKI’s Tokyo Dome concert will be released in DVD and Blu-ray forms on December 5. It will be called “YUKI LIVE ‘SOUNDS OF TEN’ at TOKYO DOME 2012.05.06“. Meanwhile, her Blu-ray, ’Yuki Video Trilogy‘, containing all of her music videos will be released on January 9.

Finally, the album box (currently untitled) will be released on February 6, which marks YUKI’s 11th anniversary since her solo debut.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... three-new-releases/

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Yaguchi Mari and Nakamura Masaya chosen as “hottest couple”



On November 7, talento Yaguchi Mari (29) and actor Nakamura Masaya (26) attended a presentation event for ‘The First Nestle Brite Hottest Couple‘.

This marked the couple’s first public appearance together since their wedding ceremony back in May. During the event, Yaguchi rated her husband Nakamura “95 points,” and said, “I tell him to surpass me before he turns 30 years old.”

Upon hearing this, Nakamura responded, “In order to reverse things, so that she will be called ‘Nakamura’s wife’, I will do my best by borrowing Mari’s name for another 5 years.”

Yaguchi expressed, “It was my dream to win an award like this together, so I’m happy!” She also shared that they talk about each other’s days when they get home from work. Nakamura, who carried Yaguchi in his arms during the photo shoot, was asked about today’s performance. “I’ll praise her,” he said with a smile.

The couple revealed that they aren’t planning on having kids just yet. “We want to give priority to our work, and we still want time together.”

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... -as-hottest-couple/

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AKB48’s upcoming single “Eien Pressure” to be released on December 5



On November 7, it was revealed that Shimazaki Haruka (18), the winner of the AKB48’s “3rd Janken Tournament” that occurred in September, would be the center for the first time in the group’s upcoming release “Eien Pressure” (to be released on December 5).

Anticipated as the next generation ace and nicknamed Paruru, Shimazaki sped to the path of becoming the Janken queen overnight.  The track was written by executive producer Akimoto Yasushi (54) to suit Shimazaki, who possesses another nickname, Ponkotsu, to suit her image.

Shimazaki explained, “The song is about a girl with no self confidence,” and appealed to fans, saying, “When I first saw (the lyrics of the) song, I thought ‘How does Akimoto-sensei know what I think?’ Because it is an up-tempo and cute song, I will be happy if many people sing the song.”

The album cover jackets feature the image of a women’s dormitory where the top 16 girls of the Janken tournament live. In addition, it has been decided that SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48 songs will be recorded as well.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... ased-on-december-5/

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Horikita Maki receives ‘Fountain Pen Best Coordinate Award’



On November 8, actress Horikita Maki attended the award ceremony for the ‘Fountain Pen Best Coordinate Award 2012‘.

The award is sponsored by Heart Line Project who conducted a poll on their website in order to let people choose two celebrities that look the best with a fountain pen. The actress was picked as one of the winners.

Horikita commented after the ceremony with a fountain pen she received as a gift in her hand, “I’d like to take this opportunity to become a woman with beautiful handwriting. First, I’d like to work on writing my own name.” Reporters asked whether she is going to use a fountain pen for her future marriage registration as well, and she replied while looking at the pen, “You’re right, I should use this one.”

The pen she received as an extra prize is a NAMIKI Maki-e (decorated with gold and silver lacquer) fountain pen titled ‘Ume to Uguisu‘ (English title: ‘Apricot Tree and Warbler’) worth 100,000 Yen (1,250 USD) by the Pilot Corporation.

She was clearly delighted to receive the beautiful pen, especially because she played the role of a girl named ‘Ume-chan’ in the NHK morning drama ‘Umechan Sensei‘ until recently. In the drama, she was often seen using a fountain pen, but those scenes weren’t met without problems. She revealed, “To be honest, I often smeared the ink or ripped the paper. I had a hard time using it.”

Horikita continued, “This whole year was all about ‘Ume-chan’. Maybe I should write down my feelings with this fountain pen. (With the upcoming Kouhaku Uta Gassen), this very special year is coming to an end for me. Even if I won’t be able to avoid mistakes, I’d like to bring it to a conclusion with a smiling face.”

The second awardee picked by the popularity poll is the head coach of the Japanese women’s national football team, Sasaki Norio. The remaining awardees were chosen by the winners of the previous year.

Actor Ito Shiro picked actress Hada Michiko as this year’s awardee, while actress Suzuki Kyoka’s vote went to scriptwriter Inoue Yumiko. Okada Takeshi, the former head coach of the Japanese national football team, elected the former manager of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows baseball club, Furuta Atsuya.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... t-coordinate-award/

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HKT48 to make their major debut next year



It’s been revealed that AKB48’s sister group HKT48 will be making their major debut under Universal Music next year. This was announced by the members on November 8th after their performance at HKT48 Theater in Hakata, Fukuoka.

HKT48 made their theater debut on November 26th of last year, and will soon be celebrating their 1 year anniversary. They are the youngest among the AKB48-related groups with an average age of 14.7. While being active in Fukuoka, the girls recently started a regular program in the Kanto region called ‘HaKaTa Hyakkaten‘.

Following SKE48 and NMB48, HKT48 will become AKB48’s 3rd sister group to make their CD debut. The title, release date, and other details will be revealed later.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... or-debut-next-year/

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Gouriki Ayame and Sugi-chan have the ‘Best Smile of the Year 2012′



On November 8th, actress Gouriki Ayame and comedian Sugi-chan were chosen by 65,000 dentists for the ‘Best Smile of the Year 2012‘ award. They received the award at a small ceremonial event at Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo.

Their smiles seemed even brighter that day and Gouriki commented, “I always try to wear a smile. After all a smile is said to attract only good things. This time it allowed me to receive this wonderful award. It makes me even happier to think of it as the result of my efforts to always face people with a smile. I hope that my smiling face can deliver even more happiness and energy to everyone from now on.”

Gouriki also was asked to reveal her impression of Sugi-chan and replied, “He has an amazing smile and a great image.”

Sugi-chan responded in return, “It’s obvious why she was chosen for this award. How can there be someone with such a lovely smile in this world?”

Previous winners include Takei Emi, Matsushita Nao, Becky, Nagasawa Masami, and others.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... e-of-the-year-2012/

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Arai Moe’s starring drama “Soshite Sekai wa Subete Owaru” to get a DVD release



On November 8, it was announced that drama “Soshite Sekai wa Subete Owaru“, which stars actress Arai Moe (17), and actors Ryusei Ryo (19) and Matsushima Shota (21), will be released on DVD, and also air for one day in a movie theater.

The film is based off of a cell phone novel website ‘Mahou no iRando’s best seller that has been sold to over 1,000,000 people.  It was adapted into a drama this summer, and because of its popularity through pay-per-view distribution, it’s been decided on for release on DVD, as well as in a theater.  The DVD will go on sale on February 8 of next year and will air the next day at United Cinema Toyosu in Tokyo.

The novel and film depicts the love story between 4 high school students and centers on unrequited love of the protagonists.  Arai did PR for the film as she commented, “I can’t believe the DVD release has been decided on and we can see it on the big screen.  I am extremely happy.  I think you will be able to enjoy it in a different way from the website!!  I am looking forward to the event.”

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... -get-a-dvd-release/

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Sato Eriko and Kitamura Kazuki to star in the hard-boiled thriller ‘Night People’



On November 8, it was announced that actress Sato Eriko will be playing a bewitching and mysterious woman who toys with men in the upcoming movie ‘Night People‘.

Sato made herself a name as an actress with her award-wining performance as an overly ambitious and narcissistic woman in the 2007 hit movie ‘Funuke Show Some Love, You Losers!‘

‘Night People’ is based on a short story titled ‘Tokai no Yajuu‘ from one of award-winning author Osaka Go’s early collections of short stories ‘Joujou Kanteinin‘. It’s a thrilling story that revolves around a stolen sum of money of 200,000,000 Yen (2.5 million USD).

Sato plays ‘Moeko’, a puzzling woman who suddenly appears in the bar of ‘Shinji’, played by actor Kitamura Kazuki. ‘Shinji’ is completely captivated by this woman, and before he knows it, he’s already wrapped around her finger. Sugimoto Tetta makes the very unique and distinct trio of actors complete as an elusive and ominous detective.

In addition to the sheer tension created by the individual performances of those three actors, the movie is said to depict some intense gunfights as well. One of the bigger shootouts was even filmed in the middle of an actual gangland war.

The title ‘Night People’ was picked as an homage to American author and screenwriter Barry Gifford. One of the names in the movie is also an homage to the late comedian and actor Naito Chin. Both of those names should ring a bell for fans of hard-boiled fiction and give them an idea of the style they were trying to pursue with this movie.

The movie is directed by Kadoi Hajime who made himself a name with his movie ‘Kyuuka‘ (international title: ‘Vacation‘) that touched on the topic of the death penalty in Japan. It screened at the Montreal World Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival among others in 2008 and gained him international recognition. Five years later, he’s back with a suspense-packed hard-boiled thriller.

Kadoi incorporated even more twists into ‘Night People’ than the original short story, which is not always a good thing, but Osaka himself has already praised the movie adaptation. He commented, “After watching this movie, you will certainly want to read the original it’s based on. Even I myself immediately went to read my own story again. (laughs) To be honest, it’s difficult to tell which version is better.”

‘Night People’ is going to hit selected theaters in early spring 2013.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... iller-night-people/

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TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE to release their 3rd album



It’s been revealed that TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE will release their 3rd album (currently untitled) on January 30, 2013!

The girls are getting ready to perform their first Nippon Budokan concert on December 22. Their upcoming album will feature singles released after their 2nd album, “Limited addiction“, as well as new songs that will be performed for the first time at Nippon Budokan.

The album will be released in 3 different types: Type A (CD+Blu-ray), Type B (CD+DVD), and Type C (CD-Only). The Blu-ray will include all of their 13 music videos along with special footage. Meanwhile, the DVD will contain 3 music videos and its making-of, ‘Odekake Movie‘, and live footage.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... se-their-3rd-album/

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Kuriyama Chiaki, Fukushi Sota join “Toshokan Sensou” cast
Nov 09,2012 - by tokyograph



A few more cast members have been announced for the live-action “Toshokan Sensou” (Library Wars) movie, which was first revealed in August with V6 member Okada Junichi and actress Eikura Nana as the leads. Joining them are Kuriyama Chiaki, “Kamen Rider Fourze” star Fukushi Sota, Tanaka Kei, Ishizaka Koji, Hashimoto Jun, and Nishida Naomi.

“Toshokan Sensou” is a popular novel series by Arikawa Hiro that has also been adapted as a manga and an anime. The story is set in a future Japan where the government is trying to restrict freedom of expression by censoring “harmful” media, and a paramilitary organization known as the Library Defense Force has taken on the task of defending libraries against government censorship.

Okada is playing the movie’s protagonist Dojo Atsushi, a member of the Library Defense Force, while Eikura is playing the heroine Kasahara Iku, a new recruit. Kuriyama has been cast as Kasahara’s roommate and friend Shibasaki Asako. Fukushi and Tanaka are playing Tezuka Hikaru and Komaki Mikihisa, two other members of the Defense Force. Ishizaka and Hashimoto are playing captains within the force, while Nishida will play a reporter.

“Toshokan Sensou” is being directed by Sato Shinsuke (“GANTZ”). The film is scheduled to open in Japan on April 27, 2013.

Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/k ... shokan-sensou-cast/

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D-DATE’s Horii Arata stars with Shimizu Kurumi in mobile drama
Nov 09,2012 - by tokyograph



D☆DATE member Horii Arata (20) and actress Shimizu Kurumi (18) will both star in a drama series for the first time, leading a BeeTV mobile drama called “High School Drive ~Megasametara Koukousei Datta~” (High School Drive ~When I Woke Up, I Was a High School Student~).

Horii will play the role of Sota, the ace of his high school’s basketball team, while Shimizu will play the role of Kana, an ordinary high-school girl who loves talking with her friends more than anything. The story will revolve around the two of them, involving love, friendship, and misunderstanding.

Although the story sounds like a typical teenage drama, what sets this show apart is that there are two additional unlikely characters: two 38-year-olds whose spirits have entered the hearts of Sota and Kana. However, neither of them can actually do anything other than witness the relationship between Sota and Kana and sympathize with them.

Nukumizu Yoichi has been cast as the man who has entered Kana’s heart, while comedian Mitsuura Yasuko has been cast as the woman who has entered Sota’s heart. Both Nukumizu and Mitsuura will be providing voices only for their roles, narrating and commenting as the story unfolds.

Other cast members include Matsuoka Mayu, Sagara Itsuki, Goto Kaoru, Kitamura Takumi, Nakayama Erina, Shukugawa Atom, Sano Kazuma, Taiga, and Hara Mikie.

Author Shibazaki Ryuto wrote the screenplay. Seta Natsuki (“Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan”) is directing. The series will last 10 episodes, starting on November 20 and updating on Mondays.

Source: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/d ... mi-in-mobile-drama/

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moumoon to release new single, “DREAMER DREAMER / Doko e mo Ikanai yo”



moumoon will release their 14th single, “DREAMER DREAMER / Doko e mo Ikanai yo“, on December 12th.

“DREAMER DREAMER” is described as a pop number that’s filled with YUKA’s (Vo) positive message. Meanwhile, “Doko e mo Ikanai yo” is a heart-warming tune that’s currently being used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s drama series, ‘Yuusha Yoshihiko to Akuryo no Kagi‘.

The single will be released in both CD+DVD Edition and CD-Only Edition. The DVD will include the music video and making for “DREAMER DREAMER”.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... oko-e-mo-ikanai-yo/

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Yoshimoto idol group YGA announces breakup



On November 9th, the 10-member idol group YGA (Yoshimoto Gravure Agency) of the Yoshimoto Creative Agency shocked their fans when they suddenly announced after their one-man concert at LUMINE the YOSHIMOTO in Shinjuku, Tokyo that they will be breaking up on March 3rd, 2013 – the Girl’s Festival in Japan.

Their leader Tani Yukako (21) suddenly addressed their fans and said, “We have an important announcement to make.” She continued in tears, “All members of YGA are going to graduate on March 3rd. We’ve discussed this together with all of the members and the staff and came to the conclusion that this is the right decision in order to advance forward.”

Member Hayashi Sanae (20) expressed, “It has always been our dream to perform at the Shinagawa Stellar Ball and on March 3rd, we are going to perform our graduation concert there. It’s thanks to all of you that we were able to have so many dreams. We’re going to give out best until that day and we hope that you will support us (until the end).”

Though their fans were quite shocked by this announcement, they responded with loud “YGA” cheers in order to show the girls that they can rely on their support.

The Yoshimoto agency is known for its many great entertainers, but YGA was their very first self-produced idol group. YGA made their CD debut in July 2008 and has been trying to make a name for themselves amidst this tough competition. After five years, their journey will come to an end on March 3rd, 2013 along with the very last single for their fans. Now the Osaka-based idol group NMB48 will be the only idol group attached to Yoshimoto.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... -announces-breakup/

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Miike Takashi reveals supporting cast and movie poster for ‘Wara no Tate’



On November 9th, Miike Takashi revealed the supporting cast for his upcoming action suspense movie ‘Wara no Tate‘ starring Osawa Takao and Matsushima Nanako. The announcement also came with the release of the movie poster that solely focuses on the atrocious murderer played by Fujiwara Tatsuya.

‘Wara no Tate’ is based on an early novel by mangaka Kiuchi Kazuhiro (‘Be-Bop High School’) and starts with the murder of the granddaughter of ‘Ninagawa Takaoki’, one of the most powerful man in political and business circles. Furious, he addresses the public and declares with full-page advertisements in three major newspapers, “Please kill this man. Your reward will be 1 billion Yen.”

The murderer, ‘Kiyomaru Kunihide’ (Fujiwara) suddenly faces a whole nation that is trying to kill him, which forces him to surrender himself to the prefectural police of Fukuoka in order to save his own skin. Now the job of the police is to safely escort him back to the Metropolitan Police Department in Tokyo and they gathered five of the best SPs in order to get the job done. However, with a bounty of 1 billion Yen on Kiyomaru’s head, it’s five people against a whole nation with the intent to kill.

Osawa and Matsushima are the two protagonists and part of the five-man elite group. Today it was announced that the remaining three SPs will be played by Kishitani Goro, Ibu Masato, and Nagayama Kento. The role of Ninagawa is being portrayed by Yamazaki Tsutomu.

The poster shows Fujiwara as the handcuffed ‘Kiyomaru’ with big letters that read, “Please kill this man.”

‘Wara no Tate’ hits theaters on April 26th, 2013.

Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/11 ... r-for-wara-no-tate/