Action star Tak Sakaguchi will star in a live-action movie based on Akira Miyashita's shonen manga, "Sakigake! Otokojuku." The comic, about a school of violent delinquents, was serialized in Shonen Jump from the mid '80s to the early '90s, and spawned an animated television series and film.

In addition to playing the lead role of Momotaro, Sakaguchi will direct and handle the screenplay. Shoei will play the part of Momotaro's friend, Genji.

Filming began in April, with a target release date of early spring 2008. There is a strong possibility of overseas releases as well. More details will be revealed in the next issue of Super Jump (on sale August 8).

On Monday, Kyoko Kano's lawyer revealed that Kyoko has filed embezzlement charges against her sister Harue. The documents were submitted last month and were accepted by Harue. Kyoko is pursuing a total of 270 million yen in damages.

Investigations into the case have been going on since February, when Kyoko reported that Harue (who was serving as manager for the Kano Sisters) had disappeared with many of Kyoko's possessions, including a 10-carat diamond ring, clothing, and furniture.

According to Oricon's sales charts this week, Johnny's unit Hey! Say! 7 came in at #1 with their single, "Hey! Say!" They sold an estimated 121,000 copies, edging out TVXQ's "Summer Dream" by about 8,000 units.

With this release, the group has become the youngest male group to top the singles chart. The five members have an average age of 14.8. The previous record was set in 1987 by Hikaru Genji, with an average of 16.1.

Meanwhile, TVXQ was not the only Korean group in the Top 10. SS501 barely made the cut with "Kokoro," their Japanese debut. This accomplishment actually makes them the first Asian (non-Japanese) group to enter the Top 10 with their debut single.

On the album charts, Sukima Switch took #1 with their first best album, "Greatest Hits." Orange Range's two best albums were bumped to #2 and #3.

This coming winter, TV Asahi plans to broadcast a jidaigeki drama special titled "Teki wa Honnoji ni Ari." The plot is based on the novel "Akechi Samanosuke no Koi," the final work in a trilogy by Hiroshi Kato about the forced suicide of Oda Nobunaga at the temple Honnoji.

Historically, the general Akechi Mitsuhide is credited with causing Nobunaga's downfall. Kato's novel focuses on Mitsuhide's nephew Samanosuke, who fought alongside his uncle during the assault on Honnoji.

In TV Asahi's adaptation, Somegoro Ichikawa plays the lead role as Samanosuke, while Hiroshi Tamaki plays Nobunaga.