Last week, Chinatsu Wakatsuki went on leave for what has been explained as a cold caused by overworking. Officials announced this week that she is still on break.

Meanwhile, talento Ai Iijima has also been on break since Thursday due to a cold and fever. Iijima is a regular on "Sunday Japon" and "London Hearts."

A press conference was held on Sunday regarding the previously announced remake of Akira Kurosawa's movie "Sanjuro," during which the principal cast members were announced. Opposite Yuji Oda as Toshiro Mifune, Etsushi Toyokawa will play the role of the villain Hanbei Muroto. Other cast members include Tamao Nakamura and Kenichi Matsuyama. The film is scheduled to hit theaters in December 2007.

The winner of the 31st Horipro Talent Scout Caravan was announced on Sunday. Out of 38,224 applicants, the Grand Prix title was awarded to 14-year-old Anna Ishibashi, a second-year middle schooler from Fukuoka. The contest has been held annually since 1976 to search for new young talents, and has previously produced popular stars such as Kyoko Fukada and Satomi Ishihara.