Talento Eriko Sato and kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa XI now admit that they are dating. They had previously been reported as a couple by weeklies that caught them on dates, but they had denied it and stated they were only good friends.

When asked for further details, Ichikawa mentioned that they had started dating only recently. As for the question of marriage, they have both stated that there are currently no plans for it.

The popular 2001 TV drama "HERO" (starring Takuya Kimura) will be adapted to film next year. The original series received an impressive average rating of 34.3%, and the special episode that aired earlier this year had a rating of 30.9%. Producer Chihiro Kameyama, the chief of the motion pictures division of Fuji TV, explained that there had been hopes for a movie ever since the original series, and the popularity of the special proved that it could work.

The movie will continue the story after the special, so the original cast (including Takako Matsu and Hiroshi Abe, among others) is expected to appear as well. It has also been stated that the villain will be a big-name actor, and there is the possibility of some the action being shot overseas. The film will be directed by Masayuki Suzuki, who directed the original series. It will open in theaters in September.

ComiPress reported that Amazon currently lists four titles to be released next year by Viz Media that have not yet been officially announced as licensed. The titles and listed release dates are: Yurara (June 5), Ichigo 100% (July 3), Togari (July 10), and Pretty Face (August 7).