news: movie
Oda, Amami enjoy perks of filming in ItalyMonday 04th May, 05:07 AM JST
http://www.japantoday.com/images/size/200x/2009/05/oda.jpg
TOKYO
news: idol
Mikie Hara becomes CinderellaMon, May 4, 2009 (1:35am EDT)
http://26maret90.googlepages.com/080121gt20080121071_MDE00326G080120T.jpg
Talento and gravure idol Mikie Hara is taking on her theatrical acting debut this summer. She will star in the musical "Cinderella," taking on the title role. Her supporting cast includes Eiji Takigawa and Aki Mizusawa.
The musical will be performed at Tokyo's Mitsukoshi Theater from July 25 to August 2.
Hara previously starred in TV Tokyo's live-action adaptation of "Cutie Honey" in 2007-2008. She currently appears in the drama series "Yakou no Kaidan" on TV Asahi.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
survey
Oricon: good womenMon, May 4, 2009 (4:24am EDT)
Oricon surveyed 600 females ranging from their teens to their forties, asking them which celebrity they consider to be a "good woman" ("ii onna").
http://img1.mtime.com/pi/d/2007/36/20079416350.56447172.jpg
The #1 answer was actress Yuki Amami, described as being cool, strong, and beautiful. Once a member of the Takarazuka Revue, Amami has developed her image as an admirable and capable woman.
At #2 was Miki Maya, also a Takarazuka graduate. Women who voted for Maya commented on qualities such as her natural beauty and her elegance.
Nanako Matsushima ranked 3rd. While her good looks and acting skills certainly earned her points, women also admired her for her abilities at home. She is currently the mother of two children with her husband, actor Takashi Sorimachi.
1. Yuki Amami
2. Miki Maya
3. Nanako Matsushima
4. Norika Fujiwara
5. Namie Amuro
6. Ryoko Yonekura
7. Hitomi Kuroki
8. Ryoko Shinohara
9. Eri Fukatsu
10. Becky
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: celebrity
Aki Hoshino looks hot for horse racing showMonday 04th May, 11:48 AM JST
http://www.japantoday.com/images/size/200x/2009/05/hoshino.jpg
TOKYO
news: singer
Chanson singer Hideo Ko dies at 90Monday 04th May, 11:19 PM JST
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MkPdlG6cL._SL75_.jpg
TOKYO
news: dorama
Hiroki Narimiya transforms into an "owlman"Tue, May 5, 2009 (1:20am EDT)
http://asiabeam.com/gallery/d/38935-3/Hiroki+Narimiya+x+Oguri+Shun+_Replique+Bis_+vol_8_+5.jpg
Actor Hiroki Narimiya (26) will star in an omnibus drama titled "Toshi Densetsu Sepia: Fukurou Otoko." The show is based on a novel by author Minato Shukawa, who earned the Naoki Prize in 2005 for "Hana Manma."
In "Toshi Densetsu Sepia: Fukurou Otoko," Narimiya plays a worthless guy named Takehiko Saeki. He decides to fabricate a legend of an "owlman" in his town, so he starts spreading rumors on internet bulletin boards. As the legend grows, Saeki takes it one step further and begins playing the role of the "owlman."
The drama will be broadcast by WOWOW on July 26 at 10:00pm.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: dorama
Another starring role for Johnny's Jr. NakayamaTue, May 5, 2009 (12:32am EDT)
http://photos.friendster.com/photos/04/74/86964740/1_706076714m.jpg
Yuma Nakayama (15), a member of Kansai Johnny's Jr., will star in a drama series on Fuji TV this summer. Nakayama previously starred in the NHK series "Battery" last spring, which also marked his acting debut.
http://a2.vox.com/6a00e3989859ee000200fa967bb5d20003-500pi
Details about the drama's story or characters are still unknown. However, it is has been revealed that Johnny's veteran Masahiko Kondo (44) will also appear in the drama. Although he has been in a string of annual 2-hour drama specials since 2006, this is Kondo's first real role in a series since "Don't Worry!" in 1998.
The new drama series is scheduled to start in July, airing in Fuji TV's Tuesday 10:00pm time slot.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: actor
New father Katsunori Takahashi becomes "kidnapper"Tue, May 5, 2009 (3:56am EDT)
http://www.jpstar.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Takahashi%20Katsunori.jpg
Actor Katsunori Takahashi is starring in the next film directed by actor Hideo Sakaki. Although Takahashi has had a regular television role since the end of March, this movie will be his first acting job since he became a father in February.
Titled "Yuukai Rhapsody," the movie is based on a novel of the same name by writer Hiroshi Ogiwara. Takahashi plays a useless man with no money, no family, and no lover. One day, he inadvertently ends up on a road trip with a young boy, leading him to be mistaken as an evil kidnapper.
The role is quite a change for Takahashi, who has generally played parts with a more heroic flavor. He is best recognized for his lead roles in dramas like "Tokumei Kakarichou Tadano Hitoshi" and "Salaryman Kintaro."
"Yuukai Rhapsody" is scheduled for theatrical release this December.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: celebrities
It's over for Itakura, OtaniTue, May 5, 2009 (2:40am EDT)
http://www.jdorama.com/img_a/002625.jpghttp://tarstarkas.net/pics/movies/cast_cooldimension02.JPG
Comedian Toshiyuki Itakura (31), one half of the duo Impulse, and actress Mitsuho Otani (26) have broken up. Otani publicly revealed the fact during a festival event in Shibuya on Monday.
Their relationship was first discovered in May 2007, and at the time, Otani's agency stated that they had been dating for less than half a year. In mentioning the breakup, Otani did not say when the relationship ended.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: celebrities
It's over for Itakura, OtaniTue, May 5, 2009 (2:40am EDT)
http://www.jdorama.com/img_a/002625.jpghttp://tarstarkas.net/pics/movies/cast_cooldimension02.JPG
Comedian Toshiyuki Itakura (31), one half of the duo Impulse, and actress Mitsuho Otani (26) have broken up. Otani publicly revealed the fact during a festival event in Shibuya on Monday.
Their relationship was first discovered in May 2007, and at the time, Otani's agency stated that they had been dating for less than half a year. In mentioning the breakup, Otani did not say when the relationship ended.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: comedian
Yoshio Kojima dyes hair blonde for new Nissin Cup Noodle commercialWednesday 06th May, 05:00 AM JST
http://www.japantoday.com/images/size/200x/2009/05/kojima.jpg
TOKYO —
Comedian Yoshio Kojima, 28, will star in the commercial for Nissin Foods’ new Cup Noodle product, which will air from Thursday. Kojima dyed his hair blonde for the first time in 10 years for the commercial, and wears a gold bow-neck tie in addition to his underpants – also gold in the commercial.
The revised “Cup Noodle Sio” product went on sale Monday, and boasts a richer flavor coupled with a hint of lemon. The commercial features the slogan “Yoshio yori Shio!” and Kojima adjusted his catchphrase on Monday, shouting “Sonna ni kankei nai!”
Kojima said: “I entered the show biz world hoping to become a rich blonde, so I’m happy my dream has come true.”
Source: www.japantoday.com
news: movie
Ken Watanabe cast in new Christopher Nolan filmWed, May 6, 2009 (2:47am EDT)
http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/070103/watanabe_l.jpghttp://img62.imageshack.us/img62/7290/nov2911thannualmenofthexq7.jpg
Ken Watanabe has joined the cast of "Inception," an upcoming film by Christopher Nolan that stars Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie is described as a "contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind."
DiCaprio plays a CEO-like role, supported by a team that includes Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, and Marion Cotillard. Watanabe has been cast as the villain, a man blackmailing DiCaprio.
This is Watanabe's second time in a film by Nolan, as he previously appeared in "Batman Begins" in 2005. "Inception" is dated for 2010.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: idols
Takashi Murakami illustrates AKB48 coverWed, May 6, 2009 (3:00am EDT)
http://welshjapanotaku.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/akb481.jpg
Artist Takashi Murakami has been tapped to provide the jacket art for AKB48's next single, "Namida Surprise!" The single is set to go on sale June 24.
AKB48 recently attended a PR event for the completion of Murakami's new animated work, "SUPERFLAT FIRST LOVE." The piece is a follow-up to his "SUPERFLAT MONOGRAM" from 2003, which was also made in conjunction with Louis Vuitton. Erena Ono of AKB48's Team K sings the image song for "SUPERFLAT FIRST LOVE."
Murakami has previously done artwork for other musicians such as Kanye West and Yuzu.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
survey
Oricon: drama sequels you would like to seeWed, May 6, 2009 (4:29am EDT)
http://yanchen.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/furuhata.jpg
In March, Oricon polled a group of 900 men and women ages 20-49, asking them which television dramas they would like to see return for another series. Mystery and police shows dominated the list, with #1 being taken by Fuji TV's "Furuhata Ninzaburo," which starred Masakazu Tamura. The show ran for three seasons during the 1990s, but due to its popularity, it was revived for three specials in 2006 and one last year.
At #2 was "Odoru Daisousasen," also known by the English title "Bayside Shakedown." Starring Yuji Oda, the franchise spawned multiple specials and movies. In fact, the second film, released in 2003, currently holds the record for the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film at over 17.3 billion yen.
Ryoko Shinohara's "Haken no Hinkaku" stood out at #3, being one of the few comedies in the top ten and the only one in an office setting. It was also the only representative for NTV. Aside from two TV Asahi dramas, the rest of the top ten were all broadcast by Fuji TV.
1. Furuhata Ninzaburo
2. Odoru Daisousasen
3. Haken no Hinkaku
4. Galileo
5. SP
6. TRICK
7. Nodame Cantabile
8. Dr. Koto Shinryojo
9. Jikou Keisatsu
10. Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: stage play
Yoji Yamada to direct stage version of Ozu's "Early Summer"Wed, May 6, 2009 (2:38am EDT)
The acclaimed 1951 film "Early Summer" ("Bakushu") by director Yasujiro Ozu is being adapted to theater next year. Taking the reins as director and scriptwriter is Yoji Yamada, who is best known for the "Otoko wa tsurai yo" movie series and recent hits like "Love and Honor" ("Bushi no Ichibun").
"Early Summer" is set in Tokyo during the 1950s and revolves around a three-generation family. In particular, the center of the story is a single woman named Noriko, living with her parents and her brother's family. She is pressured by her relatives into accepting a marriage set up for her, but she ultimately goes against their wishes, taking on a partner that they disapprove of.
Yamada was inspired to adapt the Ozu film after watching a play in early 2008 done in the style of Shinpa, a school of theater that emerged in response to kabuki. He decided to use "Early Summer" as a base, modifying it into the Shinpa style. Although the full cast has not been decided, it will at least include Yaeko Mizutani and Kuriko Namino, both members of the Gekidan Shinpa troupe that performed the play Yamada watched.
Yamada's adaptation will be performed at the Mitsukoshi Theater in Tokyo in January 2010. Around the same time, Yamada's next movie, "Otouto" (details previously announced here), will open in movie houses.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: chart
Charts: Johnny's all aroundWed, May 6, 2009 (12:28am EDT)
Johnny's Jimusho proved dominant on the music charts this week, earning 1st on the album, single, and DVD rankings.
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8394/302143521.jpg
KAT-TUN's 4th album, "Break the Records -by you & for you-," sold 200,000 copies to lead the albums chart, continuing the streak from their first three. Elephant Kashimashi charted at #3 with their newest release. Also making the top ten were a request album for guitarist hide (#7) and the latest effort from Tommy heavenly6 (#9).
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/04/25/05/32/3406303_bigthumb.jpg
Similarly, NEWS extended their own streak, sending their 11th consecutive single to the top of the charts. "Koi no ABO" sold 234,000 copies, far ahead of SID's new single, which ranked 2nd at 59,000 in sales. They were followed by new songs from JUJU (#3) and Shoko Nakagawa (#4). Idol groups Buono! (#7) and Idoling!!! (#10) also broke the top ten.
http://pics.livejournal.com/ennink/pic/0000k8q9/s320x240
Meanwhile, Hey! Say! JUMP's tour DVD claimed #1 in the overall DVD rankings, moving 77,000 copies. With an average age of 16.8 years old, they qualify as the youngest male artists to top the overall DVD chart.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: idols
T&C Bomber launching two memorial concertsWed, May 6, 2009 (3:37am EDT)
http://otomepastanikandou.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/tcbombercover.jpg
Hello! Project unit Taiyo to Ciscomoon, also known by the name T&C Bomber, has officially announced two memorial concerts, scheduled for later this year. The four-girl group made their debut ten years ago in 1999, though they broke up in 2000 after releasing eight singles and two albums.
Since last year, even before the release of their "Mega Best" collection in December, the group's members had been talking with their former management agency about the possibility of a reunion concert as a 10th anniversary memorial. However, the company's response was negative, so the girls began a petition through their official blog that started last year. With the support of their fans, they collected roughly 2,200 signatures as of April 30, ultimately earning their agency's approval for the shows.
It has now been revealed that there will be two concerts. The first is on September 26 in Osaka, and the second is on October 4 in Tokyo. General ticket sales are scheduled to start on August 1, though information about advance orders is available on their blog.
It is being said that their "reunion" is limited to these two dates, so there are currently no plans for later concerts.
Source: www.tokyograph.com
news: music/artistes
JapanFiles and Nitroplus begin partnership with soundtracks for 揚hantom of Infernonews: actor
Role of inmate gives Nishijima new perspective on death penaltyThursday 07th May, 04:06 AM JST
http://www.filmex.net/2005/img_jury/ph_Abolfazl.jpg
TOKYO
news: actress
Yuki 'The Boss' Amami takes part in traffic safety event in GinzaThursday 07th May, 06:00 AM JST
http://www.japantoday.com/images/size/200x/2009/05/amami.jpg
TOKYO