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Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part VI]
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Kimura Kaela & Eita are expecting their 2nd baby
It was revealed that Kimura Kaela, who married actor Eita back in September 2010, will be having her second baby.
According to a source, Kaela is five months pregnant, and will give birth in November. Kaela, who is busy preparing for the establishment of her private label, will continue with her work for the time being while considering her condition and getting support from Eita.
Reportedly, she found out about her pregnancy when she received a medical check-up in the beginning of April, and the couple were highly pleased.
Kaela wrote on her official site, “I’m blessed with a second child. I’m frightfully happy that we are having an addition to our family again, and a precious life is growing in my belly. I will continue my efforts as a woman, and as an artist, so please watch over me warmly. Though I will take a break from live concerts, I am still creating new works. Please continue to support me.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ing-their-2nd-baby/ |
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Sakai Masato & Ueto Aya to co-star in new TBS drama ‘Hanzawa Naoki’
On May 15, TBS announced that for the upcoming season they will be adapting Ikeido Jun’s much-discussed novels about the economic bubble into a TV drama titled ‘Hanzawa Naoki‘ (tentative), starring actor Sakai Masato as the protagonist.
The drama is based on Ikeido’s novels ‘Oretachi Bubble Nyuukou-gumi‘ and ‘Oretachi Hana no Bubble-gumi‘. Sakai plays an unconventional and charming banker named ‘Hanzawa Naoki’ who gets employed by a major bank during the period of an economic bubble in Japan. The story portrays his ups and downs as a banker and vividly depicts the difficult lives full of trouble and suffering of the generation that entered this line of work during the economic bubble.
Hanzawa can drive all of his enemies inside and outside the bank into a corner. He also doesn’t care in to his superiors and is bold enough to fight the system. However, in front of his subordinates and his family he is a very kind man. Actress Ueto Aya plays Naoki’s bright and eloquent wife ‘Hana’. It’s the first time for Sakai and Ueto to co-star in a drama in 10 years.
Actor Kagawa Teruyuki is going to play the director of the bank, the youngest they ever had. Other main characters will be played by Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Dan Mitsu, Nakajima Yuto (Hey! Say! JUMP), and Kitaouji Kinya.
TBS will be airing ‘Hanzawa Naoki’ every Sunday at 9:00 pm starting on July 7.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... rama-hanzawa-naoki/ |
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Mizuki Alisa’s starring drama “Saito-san” to have a sequel
On May 15th, it was announced that drama “Saito-san” which was aired in 2008 starring Mizuki Alisa, will be having a sequel titled “Saito-san 2” staring in July.
The protagonist “Saito-san” (Mizuki), a mother of a son, hates to do wrong, and carries out justice. Her straight talk isolates her from other mothers, but the show itself received much support from the viewers as its average viewer rating was 15.6%, and reached 19.6% for the final episode.
The previous drama was set at a kindergarten, but the sequel will be set at an elementary school. In the sequel, Saito-san will move to a new town, and meet new people and also face various “enemies”.
This will mark Mizuki’s 26th starring drama. She commented, “I’m very happy to be able to play as Saito-san, whom I love so much, once again. I hope to show an even more powerful Saito-san.”
“Saito-san 2″ will begin airing on NTV (every Saturday at 9:00 pm).
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... n-to-have-a-sequel/ |
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Yamamoto Mizuki to appear in upcoming “Kuroshitsuji” movie as a clumsy maid
http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... e-as-a-clumsy-maid/
It was revealed that model/actress Yamamoto Mizuki will make an appearance on a live-action film adaptation of “Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)” that is set for release in early spring of 2014.
This live-action movie “Kuroshitsuji” follows a differnt story, as the story is set in a city in Asia in 2020, when West and East cultures are mixed, while the original manga is set in 19th century England. Mizushima Hiro will play a butler “Sebastian Michaelis”, and Gouriki Ayame will play his master “Genpou Shiori.”
Yamamoto will be playing a clumsy maid “Rin” who serves the Genpou family. “Rin” is a new character for the movie, but uses ”Mey-Rin”, a character from the original manga, as its basis.
Yamamoto, who is a popular model for fashion magazine CanCam, grabbed attention with her role in movie “Kirishima, Bukatsu Yamerutteyo“. She is known as a manga and cosplay lover, and says that she’s been a fan of “Kuroshitsuji”.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... e-as-a-clumsy-maid/ |
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Opening day for NMB48’s first movie announced
Namba, Osaka-based NMB48’s first starring film “NMB48 Geinin! THE MOVIE Owarai Seishun Girls!” (directed by Uchida Hidemi) will be released nation-wide starting on August 1.
The film is a tale of youth set in the “Comedy Club” of the prestigious “Namba Girls School” and it was also screened at the March Okinawa International Film Festival. At the time, the opening date had not been decided and both NMB48 members along with fans anxiously awaited the opening date announcement.
Yamamoto Sayaka (19) stated, “I am extremely happy that the opening theater has been decided. I hope everyone will feel the warmth and joy that comes from the youthful bonding between the characters.” Watanabe Miyuki (19) added, “I am both nervous and excited. Because we tried our best to be comedic, I hope everyone will have a smile on their face once they see the film,” and Yamada Nana (21) commented, “I am praying that it becomes a hit.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... st-movie-announced/ |
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Former Morning Musume member Iida Kaori announces the birth of her baby boy
Former Morning Musume member Iida Kaori announced on her official blog that she gave birth to her second baby at 9:12 on May 13.
Through a blog post titled “Announcement”, she wrote, “I’m full of happiness as I am now able to hold my baby who I’ve wanted to see. Seeing him crying hard, but falling asleep when I or my husband hold him, make me realize that I’ve become a parent. I’m sure there will be many difficult times ahead, but together with this baby, I want to grow, and become a firm mother.”
Iida married Kenji, the vocalist of a rock band 7HOUSE (disbanded in 2002), back in July of 2007, and they were blessed with their first son in January of 2008, but he unfortunately passed away after 6 months due to chronic renal failure. Since then, Iida had refrained from her activities, but made a comeback with a concert in January of 2009. She also became a member of Dream Morning Musume in 2011.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... th-of-her-baby-boy/ |
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COMEBACK MY DAUGHTERS to release new album in July
The track list for COMEBACK MY DAUGHTERS’s new album “MIRA“, which will be released on July 3, has been revealed.
This will be their first album since they transferred to the NIPPON COLUMBIA record label. All 12 songs in the album were recorded in New York, and the group released a sample digest of their songs on YouTube. In the video, there are scenes of them in the studio performing live as well as scenes of them in New York, which gives an idea of the album’s concept.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... -new-album-in-july/ |
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Kanjani8 announces new single “Namida no Kotae”
Kanjani8 will be releasing a new single titled “Namida no Kotae“, which will be used as the theme song for member Okura Tadayoshi’s movie “100-kai Naku Koto“ (premiering in theaters on June 22) on June 12.
The title track is a ballad song written and composed by SEKAI NO OWARI members.
Limited editions A, B, and a regular edition will be available. The music clip for limited edition A has a storyline in which friends who are walking on each of their own paths have a reunion and look back on their old times together. For limited edition B, a different video of the members singing and the making-of will be included.
The first pressed copies of the regular edition will come with the special track “∞th ANNIVERSARY Single’s Remix” that was used during the credit roll for the group’s live DVD “KANJANI∞ LIVE TOUR!! 8EST ~Minna no Omoi wa Donandai? Bokura no Omoi wa Mugendai!!~.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... le-namida-no-kotae/ |
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DAZZLE VISION to release live CD from Tekkoshocon performance
Japanese metal band DAZZLE VISION will release a live CD ”LIVE in Pittsburgh“ on July 5 from their performance at Tekkoshocon 2013. This will be the band’s first complete live CD release.
DAZZLE VISION and opening band CANTOY set the record for the highest-ever concert attendance at Tekkoshocon, with 1100 fans attending the live performance at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center during the weekend of April 5-7.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... shocon-performance/ |
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Kis-My-Ft2′ Tamamori Yuta to star in a live-action drama adaptation of “Pintokona”
On May 16th, it was announced that Kis-My-Ft2 member Tamamori Yuta will star in TBS’ upcoming drama “Pintokona” as the son of a noble Kabuki family. This will mark the first serial drama to feature the world of Kabuki, a Japanese traditional performing art.
“Pintokona” is a live-action drama adaptation of Shimaki Ako’s ongoing manga, which is being serialized on monthly Shoujo manga magazine “Cheese!” (Shogakukan).
Tamamori will play the protagonist named “Kawamura Kyonosuke”, who is born into a noble Kabuki family Kijima-ya. Tamamori said, “It’s such an honor to be able to play the world of Kabuki that has a long history of 400 years, in a drama.” After actually viewing a Kabuki play, he left the comment, “They had the power and presence beyond description. Now I’m even more interested in Kabuki, and I want to challenge on all kinds of things.”
Reportedly, Tamamori has begun practicing to play the role of a Kabuki actor. “I realized in person that it cannot be mastered in a day, as I have to use the muscle I usually don’t use, and have to be concerned about each of my actions,” he said.
One of the main cast members is NYC’s Nakayama Yuma. He will play “Sawayama Ichiya”. Though Ichiya is from a family with no relation to Kabuki, he still tries hard to aim high in the world of Kabuki using his own ability. Nakayama commented, “By learning about Kabuki, I hope I can come to know more about Japanese traditional performing art, as well as the pride of Japan.” As Nakayama is currently practicing for “Oyama” (male actor playing female roles in Kabuki), he jokingly said, “Since I’m consciously acting womanly in the way I walk or sit, I’m worried if I will be able to return to how I used to be after the filming ends.”
The heroine of the drama “Chiba Ayame” will be taken on by Kawashima Umika. She will be involved in the love triangle between those Kabuki actors. “I was amazed at Tamamori-san and Nakayama-san when they dressed in the costume with the Kabuki make-up. I can’t wait to see their Kabuki scenes in the drama,” Kawashima said.
Other cast members include Johnny’s Jr’ Matsumura Hokuto (as “Sawayama Shohei” who burns with jealousy toward Ichiya), and Jesse (as “Sakamoto Haruhiko”, the best friend of Kyonosuke), as well as Yamamoto Koji, Takashima Masahiro, Enoki Takaaki, Enami Kyoko, and Kishitani Goro. There is also a plan for real Kabuki actors to appear in the drama.
“Pintokona” is scheduled to begin airing in July.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ation-of-pintokona/ |
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URBANGARDE to release best-of album and start nation tour
Japanese “Trauma Techno Pop” band URBANGARDE will release their first best-of album “Koi to Kakumei to URBANGARDE” (Love, Revolution, and URBANGARDE) on June 19.
The album features all of URBANGARDE’s previous singles including their major debut “Skirt Kakumei“, and new songs “Hatsukoi Jigoku Hen” & “Tokai no Alice“, produced by Sakuma Masahide. The fan-favorite “Baby Boom“, performed at every live show, has been recorded for the first time, and “Momoiro Chronicle” received a special remix with a choir-style arrangement for this release.
Starting in July, URBANGARDE will begin a national tour of Japan titled “Koi to Kakumei to Nihon wo Torimodosu” (Getting Back Love, Revolution, and Japan).
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... -start-nation-tour/ |
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Ono Erena to release her first album + short PV for “Fighting☆Hero”
It’s been revealed that Ono Erena will be releasing her first album, “ERENA“, on June 19th.
Ono, who made her solo debut in June of 2012, commented, “It’s been about a year since my solo debut, and I’m very happy to finally make an album, which was one of my goals. I’ve elaborated and talked it over with the staff, and it’s an album that’s filled with what I want to do.” She continued, “I want everyone to see the real Ono Erena before I turn 20-years-old. I also want everyone to remember me.”
The album will come in 3 different types: Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, and Regular Edition. More details will be revealed soon.
Furthermore, Ono will release her new single, “Fighting☆Hero“, on May 29th. This is the ending theme for her starring drama, ‘Tank Top Fighter‘.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... hting%E2%98%86hero/ |
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Yuzu’s new song to be used in NHK’s ‘Minna no Uta’
Yuzu’s new song, “Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~“, will be used in NHK’s ‘Minna no Uta‘ from August to September.
“Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~” is a ballad number that was written by Kitagawa Yujin as the song for the junior high school division for ‘The Nationwide Contest of Music sponsored by NHK‘. This is the first time Yuzu’s song will be used in ‘Minna no Uta’.
In related news, on May 26th from 1:05 pm, NHK Sougou will air its special program, ‘Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~ Yuzu Kara Chuugakusei e no Message‘. Yuzu will be joined by a choir to sing their new song, “Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~”.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... -nhks-minna-no-uta/ |
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Former Momoiro Clover member Hayami Akari to star in a movie
Former Momoiro Clover member and current actress Hayami Akari (18) will star in the movie “Momose, Kocchi wo Muite“, which will mark her first feature film. The movie is based on Nakata Eiichi’s novel of the same name about a first love which starts from a “painful lie.”
The story depicts a time limited pseudo-romance between a sprightly girl, “Momose Yo”, and her unappealing classmate, “Aihara Noboru”.
Hayami will be playing the protagonist “Momose Yo” who trifles with Noboru, and in order to prepare for the role, she’s cut 45cm (~17.5″) of her long hair. She said enthusiastically, “Since my theme for 2013 is ‘give it all I got,’ I will give it all I got so that I can make a wonderful work together with the cast members and staff members regardless of my anxiety.” Regarding the role, Hayami said, “I think me and the ‘Momose Yo’ are very alike as both of us are frank.”
The role of “Aihara Noboru” will be played by rookie actor Takeuchi Taro (23), and Kudo Asuka (21) will play Noboru’s senior named “Miyazaki Shun”, while Ishibashi Anna (20) will be Shun’s girlfriend “Kanbayashi Tetsuko.”
A film production company ROBOT will be in charge of the production, and it will be directed by Yakumo Saiji who belongs to ROBOT.
“Momose, Kocchi wo Muite.” is set for release next spring.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... to-star-in-a-movie/ |
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FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ last performance on TV to be the next episode of “MUSIC STATION”
It was revealed that FUNKY MONKEY BABYS will appear on the next episode of TV Asahi’s music program “MUSIC STATION” (to be aired on May 24th). This will mark their final performance on TV, as they will disband after their 2-day live concert at the Tokyo Dome on June 1st and 2nd.
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS have appeared on “MUSIC STATION” 20 times until now. Their first appearance on the program was the episode on February 2nd, 2007, in which they performed “Lovin’ Life“.
Seeing their performance, the MC of the program, Tamori, made a comment regarding DJ Chemical, who had just danced throughout the performance, saying “This song, the DJ isn’t really involved, is it?” After the broadcast of the episode, there was a flood of inquiries to the program asking “Who is the Chemical?”, and as a result, the band was featured on the program February 23rd, in which DJ Chemical’s serious DJ play was introduced.
Ito Hiroaki, the general producer of TV Asahi, said, “I appreciate them for making an appearance on MUSIC STATION once again. They are a rare artist who can shake the soul of the audience with their passion. Their last stage on TV, their final words, Chemical’s lively performance…everything will be a must-see. Let’s watch Fan-mon’s last all together.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... e-of-music-station/ |
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Sandaime JSB to sing the theme song for a novel
It was revealed that 7-member dance and vocal unit Sandaime J Soul Brothers will sing the theme song for a lyricist Odake Masato’s first novel “Sora ni Sumu.”
The theme song is titled “Sora ni Sumu ~Living in your sky~“, and it will be on sale at book stores nation wide starting on June 1st (CD and the novel make a set).
Odake has been written the lyrics for many artists include Sandaime J Soul Brothers, Koizumi Kyoko, Nakayama Miho, Fujii Fumiya, Nakashima Mika, Kubota Toshinobu, and EXILE.
He wrote the lyrics for the theme song getting the idea from his first novel.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... e-song-for-a-novel/ |
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BABYMETAL to perform at the “Summer Sonic 2013″
On May 18th, BABYMETAL announced that they will attend the “Summer Sonic 2013“ rock festival (to be held in August).
The announcement was made at their live concert held at ZEPP DiverCity Tokyo, and it will mark their second consecutive year to attend the Summer Sonic. Last year, BABYMETAL’s appearance for the Summer Sonic was only at the venue in Tokyo, but this year, they will perform at venues in both Tokyo and Osaka.
BABYMETAL is a sub unit of idol group Sakura Gakuin consisting of SU-METAL (Nakamoto Suzuka), MOAMETAL (Kikuchi Moa), and YUIMETAL (Mizuno Yui). There is a rule that Sakura Gakuin members graduate from the group with their graduation from junior high school, and a member SU-METAL (Nakamoto Suzuka) graduated from Sakura Gakuin back in March. However, she continues her activities in BABYMETAL.
The live held the day was the final stage for their tour “BABYMETAL DEATH MATCH TOUR 2013 -Gogatsu Kakumei-“, and about 7,000 fans attended the tour for four stages in total.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... -summer-sonic-2013/ |
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Momoiro Clover Z to release a live DVD/Blu-ray & “5TH DIMENSION” analog edition
Momoiro Clover Z will be releasing a live DVD and Blu-ray “Momoiro Clover Z JAPAN TOUR 2013 ‘5TH DIMENSION‘” on July 24th.
The live DVD/Blu-ray will contain the group’s live concert held at the Nippon Gaishi Hall in Aichi on March 17th, which was a part of their arena tour. The arena tour was held prior to the release of their second full album “5TH DIMENSION” (released on April 10th), and the live concerts were held in a unique way as the members wore masks, and its setlist was equaled to an ordered list of tracks in the album.
Additionally, they will also release an analog edition of the album “5TH DIMENSION” on August 4th. Just like their first album “Battle and Romance” had, this album will also be available on two LPs. On the same day of the release of the analog edition, the group is scheduled to hold their biggest-scaled sole live concert “Summer Dive 2013” at Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa prefecture.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ion-analog-edition/ |
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HOME MADE Kazoku to release new single, ‘Kimi ga Ita Kara’
HOME MADE Kazoku’s new single “Kimi ga Ita Kara” is set for release on July 31st.
Today, May 19th (JST), is the day they made a major debut 9 years ago. Their new single will be the first single of their 10th anniversary year. Regarding the new song, the members commented, “This is a love song for all the people we met through music. Please accept our heart until now and from now on.”
The new single will have a limited edition that will come with a DVD containing the music video of the title track, as well as the digest video for their “Kazoku Fes. 2012“, and a regular edition that will only have a CD.
Additionally, HOME MADE Kazoku will hold their hosting live event “KAZOKU FES.” in their hometown Aichi. This is the 4th time for this particular live event. This year, it will be held at Laguna Gamagori Laguna Beach on October 12th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... e-kimi-ga-ita-kara/ |
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Kaho to play a nurse in the upcoming horror drama ‘Akuryo Byoto’
On May 19th, TBS announced that they will air an original late-night horror drama titled ‘Akuryo Byoto‘ starring actress Kaho this coming summer season.
Kaho plays a nurse with psychic abilities named ‘Ogami Runa’, which is her first role in a horror project. She commented, “I’ve always wanted to challenge the horror genre, so I was really happy when I received the offer. I’ll work hard for this role.”
‘Akuryo Byoto’ is based on an original draft by the famed haunted house producer Gomi Hirofumi, who teamed up with horror director/writer Tsuruta Norio (‘Orochi’, ‘Hontoni Atta Kowai Hanashi’) for this project. The drama will be set at an suburban hospital and follows a nurse with psychic abilities who experiences various bizarre phenomena happening around her. She is being suspected by other nurses that she is the main cause for all those calamities.
The drama will be a part of Gomi’s new project ‘Kuroi Ha‘, and it will be linked to the haunted house which is going to operate at the same time during summer in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Moreover, it will spawn a short novel and the drama will be distributed digitally for people who missed the episode after each broadcast has finished. This will be the first time that a haunted house is spawning a drama and a novel at the same time.
Gomi commented, “You are going to feel a cold shiver running down your back after watching the drama, reading the novel and then experiencing the horror yourself in the haunted house. I’ll make sure to give you a refreshing summer experience.”
Kaho expressed, “To be honest, I don’t like scary stuff and I’ve never watched any horror movie so far. However, the script was so fascinating that I couldn’t put it down. I want the drama to give the viewers same excitement. All the people involved are extremely creative, so it’s definitely going to become an very intriguing and scary drama.” She continued, “I’d like to watch and study various horror movies before the filming, starting with all the projects done by director Tsuruta.”
‘Akuryo Byoto’ will have a total of ten episodes, which TBS/MBS are going to air every Thursday night at 01:00 am starting in July.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... drama-akuryo-byoto/ |
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