Three-man band Sambomaster's new tune, "I Love You" (on sale Wednesday), has become a "cheering song" for director Takeshi Kitano's new film, "Kantoku Banzai!" (in theaters on June 2).

The band, said to be big fans of Kitano, decided that they wanted to do something to help the new movie. When Kitano heard about their idea for a promotional song, he readily agreed.

A couple tie-ins have been decided so far. A doll resembling Kitano that is used in the movie will make an appearance at Sambomaster's concert in Shinjuku on the 26th, and it was even suggested that those who bought tickets for the movie would get to beat it up. Kitano will also appear with the band in a special music video for the song, which is planned to be unveiled at the movie's preview screening in late May.

It was announced on Tuesday that Korean star Lee Byung-Hun will appear in the upcoming "HERO" film, starring Takuya Kimura. He plays the role of a Korean prosecutor, completely opposite in personality from the unconventional Kohei Kuryu (Kimura). The two meet when Kuryu travels to Busan, Korea in pursuit of a case.

This is Lee's first appearance in a Japanese film. It is also the first time in the "HERO" series that filming has taken place overseas.

Actress Juri Ueno will make her "singing debut" with the release of the single "Onara Taisou." The song became popular last fall after it appeared in the "Nodame Cantabile" drama series, sung by her character Megumi Noda. After many fan requests for a CD release, the date has finally been set for May 23.

Recording took place at the end of February. It includes a previously unheard verse of the song. The single will also be coupled with two songs from the anime series: "Koi no G-Cup" and "Puri Gorota's Theme (Puri Gorota March)." Both songs can be heard in the April 19 episode of the show.

"Onara Taisou" will be made available on the Internet starting on April 20 through the Recochoku site.

Ueno is also appearing in a new commercial for NEC computers, along with Taro Yamamoto and "Nodame" co-star Hiroshi Tamaki. The commercial begins airing on the 18th.

Rock In Japan Festival 2007 has made its first lineup announcement, revealing almost 70 bands and artists that will play over the event's three days. This year's festival is being held on August 3-5, at the Kokuei Hitachi Kaihin Koen in Ibaraki.

Friday's lineup includes AI, Tamio Okuda, Guitar Wolf, Kaela Kimura, GO!GO!7188, Chara, and YUI. On Saturday, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Yosui Inoue, Ulfuls, and BENNIE K will perform. Sunday's roster includes Chatmonchy, Dragon Ash, Puffy AmiYumi, Salyu, and Fujifabric.

The current list of artists can be seen at the official site, or in our forums.

Hair care brand Lux conducted a survey of 600 women in the 10-40 age range, asking them which celebrities' hairdos and hair colorings were the most stylish.

Among women, Ayumi Hamasaki ranked first with a little more than 10% of the votes. She was followed by Yuri Ebihara, Kaela Kimura, YOU, Nanako Matsushima, Kumi Koda, Moe Oshikiri, Yukie Nakama, Anna Tsuchiya, and Uno Kanda.

Among men, the ever-popular Takuya Kimura was the favorite, receiving one-sixth of the total votes. Joe Odagiri and Shingo Katori were the next closest. The rest of the list included Masaharu Fukuyama, Tsuyoshi Domoto, Hiroshi Tamaki, Shun Oguri, Teppei Koike, and Tsuyoshi Shinjo. Mokomichi Hayami and Tomohisa Yamashita tied for tenth.

The survey also asked about foreign celebrities. On the women's side, Cameron Diaz came out on top by a landslide, getting three times as many votes as Angelina Jolie and Madonna. BoA managed to tie for eighth with Nicole Kidman, and Leah Dizon ranked tenth.

Meanwhile, Brad Pitt beat out Johnny Depp and David Beckham among males. Bae Yong Joon was ranked 7th, unexpectedly tied with Michael Jackson.