Sat, March 31, 2007 (11:14pm EDT)
Word spread earlier this month that there are plans for a second season of the drama series "Haken no Hinkaku" that ended on the 14th. Nikkan Gendai reports that the sequel has indeed been decided.
The series, which starred popular actress Ryoko Shinohara, averaged a 20.1% viewer rating, with the finale reaching 26.0%. Because of the high ratings, NTV apparently approached Shinohara about a sequel while the original series was still being broadcast. The network also seemed to be aiming for the continuation to air as early as this summer, but due to conflicts with Shinohara's schedule, the project has been moved to the fall.
The series, which starred popular actress Ryoko Shinohara, averaged a 20.1% viewer rating, with the finale reaching 26.0%. Because of the high ratings, NTV apparently approached Shinohara about a sequel while the original series was still being broadcast. The network also seemed to be aiming for the continuation to air as early as this summer, but due to conflicts with Shinohara's schedule, the project has been moved to the fall.
Sat, March 31, 2007 (10:37pm EDT)
On Saturday, Yoshimoto Kogyo held a press conference for its upcoming comedy festival, "Live Stand 07." The event will take place on April 28-30 at the Makuhari Messe.
Approximately 200 comedy acts will perform over the three 7-hour days. There will be one main stage and two substages. Attendance for each day is expected to be around 20,000.
This is the first time Yoshimoto Kogyo has held such an event in its 96-year history.
Approximately 200 comedy acts will perform over the three 7-hour days. There will be one main stage and two substages. Attendance for each day is expected to be around 20,000.
This is the first time Yoshimoto Kogyo has held such an event in its 96-year history.
Sat, March 31, 2007 (4:37am EDT)
Comedian Takanori Takeyama revealed that he has finally gotten married. His wife is an older woman who is not a celebrity. The two have been dating for approximately 15 years, and have been living together for almost 6 years. They registered their marriage last month.
Takeyama had mentioned his intentions of marriage many times, but he apparently felt he could not do so during the past two years. He was once a member of the duo Cunning, but his partner Tadayuki Nakashima was diagnosed with leukemia at the end of 2004 and subsequently was hospitalized.
Nakashima passed away last December, and Takeyama waited until after the 49-day period following Nakashima's death before getting married. (This 49-day period is important in Buddhism.)
Takeyama and his wife do not plan to hold a wedding ceremony.
Takeyama had mentioned his intentions of marriage many times, but he apparently felt he could not do so during the past two years. He was once a member of the duo Cunning, but his partner Tadayuki Nakashima was diagnosed with leukemia at the end of 2004 and subsequently was hospitalized.
Nakashima passed away last December, and Takeyama waited until after the 49-day period following Nakashima's death before getting married. (This 49-day period is important in Buddhism.)
Takeyama and his wife do not plan to hold a wedding ceremony.
Sat, March 31, 2007 (2:48am EDT)
Idol/talento Jun Matsuda announced on her blog that she is getting married. One of Matsuda's hobbies is diving, and her partner is a manager of a diving service. She did not give any further details, such as a wedding date or plans for a press conference.
Sat, March 31, 2007 (2:28am EDT)
Grade school duo Kigurumi, who were responsible for last year's "Tarako Tarako Tarako" hit, will be in charge of the theme song for Fuji TV's Saturday morning program, "Mezamashi Saturday."
The song will be a Japanese cover of The Nolans' "I'm in the Mood for Dancing" (known in Japan as "Dancing Sisters"). The original song has found widespread popularity in the country - it has appeared in television programs, and is currently being used in a SoftBank commercial featuring Cameron Diaz.
"Mezamashi Saturday" will begin using the new theme on April 7, and Kigurumi will appear as guests on the show. The song will be released as a double single on May 30 with "Kurutto Mawatte Ikkaiten," which has been assigned as the new ending theme for the "Sgt. Frog" anime series.
The song will be a Japanese cover of The Nolans' "I'm in the Mood for Dancing" (known in Japan as "Dancing Sisters"). The original song has found widespread popularity in the country - it has appeared in television programs, and is currently being used in a SoftBank commercial featuring Cameron Diaz.
"Mezamashi Saturday" will begin using the new theme on April 7, and Kigurumi will appear as guests on the show. The song will be released as a double single on May 30 with "Kurutto Mawatte Ikkaiten," which has been assigned as the new ending theme for the "Sgt. Frog" anime series.
Sat, March 31, 2007 (1:57am EDT)
Tecmo announced that idol Leah Dizon is the new image girl for its "Ninja Gaiden" video game series. Two new titles are being released this year: "Ninja Gaiden Sigma" for the Playstation 3 (to be released in Japan on June 14) and "Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword" for the Nintendo DS (release date unannounced). Dizon will appear in television commercials and magazine advertisements for the new games.
Sat, March 31, 2007 (1:47am EDT)
On April 1, Tackey & Tsubasa will make a special guest appearance on the "One Piece" anime series. While their song "Crazy Rainbow" plays during the opening, animated versions of the duo will appear together with Luffy and the other characters.
The song is being released on April 18 as a double A-side single with "X ~Dame~." A limited edition version of the single will feature a special One Piece jacket and a bonus DVD, which includes Tackey & Tsubasa's scene as animated characters.
The song is being released on April 18 as a double A-side single with "X ~Dame~." A limited edition version of the single will feature a special One Piece jacket and a bonus DVD, which includes Tackey & Tsubasa's scene as animated characters.
