Sun, June 10, 2007 (7:23pm EDT)
A special promotional poster for Kensaku Sawada's "Saiyuki" (opening July 14) has been rolled out in theaters across Japan. The poster, however, features a fake cast and is labeled with the title "Saiyugi" (the final kanji has been replaced with one that roughly means "joke").
The fake cast features Kiyotaka Nanbara (of Uchan Nanchan) as Son Goku, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi as Sa Gojo, Hiroshi Neko as Cho Hakkai, and Kumi Koda as Tripitaka (Sanzo Hoshi). The team was gathered in secret last December.
The poster contains several other parts parodying the real film, including UFOs in the background and changes to the credits and tagline.
The fake cast features Kiyotaka Nanbara (of Uchan Nanchan) as Son Goku, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi as Sa Gojo, Hiroshi Neko as Cho Hakkai, and Kumi Koda as Tripitaka (Sanzo Hoshi). The team was gathered in secret last December.
The poster contains several other parts parodying the real film, including UFOs in the background and changes to the credits and tagline.
Sun, June 10, 2007 (6:35pm EDT)
Talento Eriko Sato will make her debut as a novelist, collaborating with Naoki Prize-winning authors Ira Ishida and Kei Yuikawa. The three will work together on a story called "Trois."
In July, publisher Shodensha will launch "Feel Love," a triannual magazine containing only love stories. "Trois" will be the opening story of the first volume. The story focuses on a love triangle between a male lyricist, an unsuccessful female singer, and a female manager of an esthetic salon.
The story will be written in turns, with the authors writing from the perspectives of the characters (Ishida as the lyricist, Sato as the singer, Yuikawa as the salon manager). Each issue of "Feel Love" will include one part from each author. "Trois" is scheduled to last for six issues.
In July, publisher Shodensha will launch "Feel Love," a triannual magazine containing only love stories. "Trois" will be the opening story of the first volume. The story focuses on a love triangle between a male lyricist, an unsuccessful female singer, and a female manager of an esthetic salon.
The story will be written in turns, with the authors writing from the perspectives of the characters (Ishida as the lyricist, Sato as the singer, Yuikawa as the salon manager). Each issue of "Feel Love" will include one part from each author. "Trois" is scheduled to last for six issues.
Sun, June 10, 2007 (5:58pm EDT)
Talento Kaori Manabe is reportedly dating comedian Akira Kawashima (of Kirin). The two are said to be frequently together, and they often visit each other's homes.
The relationship started last December, when Manabe and Kawashima appeared on a variety show special. The two hit it off after Manabe openly confessed that she was a big fan of his and that she liked him.
The relationship started last December, when Manabe and Kawashima appeared on a variety show special. The two hit it off after Manabe openly confessed that she was a big fan of his and that she liked him.
Sun, June 10, 2007 (4:48pm EDT)
Rising teen star Erika Toda is set to take her first step as an international actress. She has been cast in the movie "Tea Fight," a collaborative work between Taiwan and Japan. The story follows a young Japanese girl who travels to Taiwan in search of a legendary tea that may help her father (Teruyuki Kagawa).
The idea for the tea-themed film began two years ago. The Taiwanese director approached a Japanese production company to discuss the project, and he was introduced to Toda, who at the time was acting in the Fuji TV drama series "Engine." He was impressed by her acting skills, and has been following her progress since then.
Toda has also been gaining popularity overseas due to her appearance in the "Death Note" movies.
"Tea Fight" is scheduled to open next year throughout Asia. Distribution will be handled by Movie-Eye Entertainment. Filming is planned to take place from late October to early December, with about 80% of the filming located in Taiwan. Casting for the major Taiwanese roles is currently in progress.
The idea for the tea-themed film began two years ago. The Taiwanese director approached a Japanese production company to discuss the project, and he was introduced to Toda, who at the time was acting in the Fuji TV drama series "Engine." He was impressed by her acting skills, and has been following her progress since then.
Toda has also been gaining popularity overseas due to her appearance in the "Death Note" movies.
"Tea Fight" is scheduled to open next year throughout Asia. Distribution will be handled by Movie-Eye Entertainment. Filming is planned to take place from late October to early December, with about 80% of the filming located in Taiwan. Casting for the major Taiwanese roles is currently in progress.
