The January 2007 issue of Anime Insider Magazine reports that ADV has licensed the anime series "009-1." The series will be released in the U.S. starting in March.

Tadayuki Nakashima of comedy duo Cunning passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 35. He and partner Takanori Takeyama started breaking into the big time in 2004, the same year Nakashima married and had a child. But in December of that year, Nakashima was diagnosed with leukemia and was hospitalized. He underwent treatment but was still in and out of the hospital. Two days before his death, his health took a sudden turn, and Nakashima ultimately died of pneumonia.

Veteran actress Kyoko Kishida died at the age of 76 on December 17. The cause of death was respiratory failure due to a brain tumor.

Kishida was the second daughter of playwright and novelist Kunio Kishida. In 1975, she became a founding member of the theater group Engeki Shudan En. She was recognized for many memorable film and theater performances throughout her career. Her most notable roles include the voice of animated character Moomin and a lead role in the 1964 film "Woman in the Dunes."

On Tuesday, the nominations for the 30th Japan Academy Awards were announced. SMAP member Takuya Kimura was nominated for best actor for his performance in "Bushi no Ichibun," but he declined the nomination. Kimura's agency, Johnny's Jimusho, explained that "he doesn't want to compete with the other nominees." This is the first time that a nominee has refused a nomination for a reason other than a schedule conflict.

"Bushi no Ichibun" was nominated in all 13 categories it was eligible for, but Kimura's refusal means that the film will miss its chance at a total sweep. Sang-il Lee's film "Hula Girl" was the next closest, receiving 10 nominations.

The awards ceremony will be held on February 16. It will be hosted by Hiroshi Sekiguchi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.