It was announced on Thursday that comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto (of Downtown) is directing his first feature film. The movie is titled "Dainipponjin," but no details were revealed regarding the plot or the cast.

According to the announcement, the concept came up five years ago, and filming began secretly in December 2005. The film is currently in the editing stage already. When asked about the subject, he replied that it is "something no one's ever seen."

The movie is scheduled for release in June.

The January 26 issue of photo-tabloid FRIDAY reports that singer Yo Hitoto is currently dating music producer Takeshi Kobayashi. According to the magazine, Kobayashi has frequently visited Hitoto's home, and the article is accompanied by photos of the two holding hands while walking.

Kobayashi was once the keyboardist for music group MY LITTLE LOVER. In 1996, he married the group's vocalist, akko, with whom he has two children. She recently revived the group last year as a solo project.

Both Hitoto's agency and Kobayashi's company had no comment.

Today, FUNimation announced the acquisition of "Shuffle!" (to be released in summer) and the 2-episode OVA "My Santa" (to be released in fall). FUNimation also announced that the first volume of "Tsubasa" will be released on May 22.