Earlier this week, it was rumored that gravure idol Asami Kumakiri and Yokohama BayStars pitcher Takumi Nasuno are currently in a relationship. On Saturday's broadcast of the Kansai TV show "Buttama!," Kumakiri acknowledged that they are dating. According to her, the two have been together for only two months.

Model and actress Meisa Kuroki will show off her singing voice for the first time in "Crows ZERO," director Takashi Miike's upcoming film based on Hiroshi Takahashi's popular manga "CROWS."

The story revolves around a group of juvenile delinquents. Shun Oguri plays the main character Takitani, who becomes attracted to a singer in a live house, played by Kuroki. She will perform two original songs during the movie. For one major scene, 200 extras were gathered to be her audience in the live house.

The movie, which also stars Takayuki Yamada and Kyosuke Yabe, is scheduled to open this fall.

Nikkan Sports has posted the winners of its 10th Drama Grand Prix. This year, a total of 14,252 votes were cast, with a vast majority of females (11,750). Most voters were in their 20s or 30s.

Kazunari Ninomiya won Best Actor for his role in "Haikei, Chichiue-sama." "Hana Yori Dango 2" demonstrated its popularity by being named Best Drama, as well as earning Mao Inoue the title of Best Actress and co-star Jun Matsumoto the title of Best Supporting Actor. Best Supporting Actress went to Kyoka Suzuki in "Karei Naru Ichizoku."