Actress Mariko Ishihara has once again drawn attention with reports that she has found a new fling. She recently shook the entertainment industry when she published her autobiography, "Fuzoroi na Himitsu," which included allegations of abuse and harassment within the industry, along with details of her relationships with many prominent celebrities. Earlier this month, she also made the news when it was revealed that she had been convicted twice for stalking while in the United States.

Now, Ishihara has apparently found a new man. Her partner is young actor Ryunosuke Kawai, who is 20 years younger than her. To top it off, Kawai has also been cast in the film adaptation of Ishihara's book as Koji Tamaki, one her previous lovers.

According to Ishihara's representatives, the relationship quickly progressed after the casting announcement last month. Kawai reportedly admits an attraction to older women, and Ishihara is already thinking of marriage.

24-year-old actress Yoko Maki will appear as a regular in a drama series for the first time this spring. She will play the role of a social studies teacher in Fuji TV's "Watashitachi no Kyoukasho," which stars Miho Kanno.

Since Maki's debut as an actress in 2000, she has been in many movies and drama specials, but she has not yet had a regular role in a television series.

Author and illustrator Lily Franky has been cast in his first starring role in a major film. He is currently best known for his best-selling novel "Tokyo Tower," which has recently been adapted into a drama series and a film. The novel has sold 2.1 million copies to date.

"Gururi no Koto" is an original work by director Ryosuke Hashiguchi, who garnered some attention at Cannes in 2001 with his movie "Hush!"

Hashiguchi's new film is about people finding hope in life. Lily Franky plays the role of a courtroom sketch artist named Kanao, and actress Tae Kimura plays the role of his wife Shoko. The story takes place in the 1990s, involving real-life events from that time.

Lily Franky previously starred in the independent film "Moju vs. Issun Boshi" in 2004, but this will be his first lead role in a major theatrical release. This is also Kimura's first starring role in a movie.

Filming for "Gururi no Koto" will start on April 3 and is scheduled to take two months. The movie will open in theaters next year.

Talento Patrick Harlan became a father on Friday afternoon. His wife, Mei, gave birth to a healthy boy, who they named Rigel.

Harlan has been married since 2004. He is best known as Pakkun of the comedy duo Pakkun Makkun, and as a host on "Eigo de Shabera Night."

Musician/author Kenji Otsuki's autobiographical novel, "Gummi Chocolate Pine," is being adapted into a film, directed by Keralino Sandorovich. Otsuki is currently the vocalist of rock band Kinniku Shojotai.

"Gummi Chocolate Pine" is based on Otsuki's high school days, particularly being in a band and falling in love. For the movie, actor Takuya Ishida plays the lead role, though he is still in the process of gaining an extra 10 kilograms for the part. Mei Kurokawa has been cast as the love interest, and Nao Omori is the adult version of Ishida's character.

The movie is scheduled for release next winter.

Actress Yu Kashii will be traveling to Canada this spring to study English, as a requirement for the university she attends. She leaves Japan on April 8 and will return in the summer after three months of study.