Thu, August 23, 2007 (9:06pm EDT)
Kenta Fukasaku's new horror film "XX" (also known as "Ekusu Kurosu" or "X-Cross") will have its theme song sung by American pop duo Aly & AJ.
The two teenage sisters have been a big hit in the U.S. since their 2005 debut album "Into the Rush," which recently went platinum. "XX" will use their single "Potential Breakup Song" from their second album, "Insomniatic."
The movie, based on Nobuyuki Joko's novel "Sono Keitai wa XX de," stars Nao Matsushita and Ami Suzuki. It opens in Japan on December 1.
The two teenage sisters have been a big hit in the U.S. since their 2005 debut album "Into the Rush," which recently went platinum. "XX" will use their single "Potential Breakup Song" from their second album, "Insomniatic."
The movie, based on Nobuyuki Joko's novel "Sono Keitai wa XX de," stars Nao Matsushita and Ami Suzuki. It opens in Japan on December 1.
Thu, August 23, 2007 (8:31pm EDT)
Teen fashion magazine SEVENTEEN revealed the winners of its Miss Seventeen 2007 model competition on Thursday. 15-year-old Mayuko Arisue and 14-year-old Asami Tanaka were selected from a total of 5,238 applicants.
Actresses Nana Eikura and Erika Toda made guest appearances at the announcement, presenting the two winners with bouquets.
Actresses Nana Eikura and Erika Toda made guest appearances at the announcement, presenting the two winners with bouquets.
Thu, August 23, 2007 (8:10pm EDT)
Actor Shosuke Tanihara has been appointed as the new "main character" of monthly fashion magazine Men's Club. In the publication's 53-year history, that role has been served by many well-known celebrities, starting with model-turned-actor Bunta Sugawara.
Tanihara will appear on the cover of every issue for a year, starting with the October issue (on sale next month).
Tanihara will appear on the cover of every issue for a year, starting with the October issue (on sale next month).
Thu, August 23, 2007 (7:49pm EDT)
Fuji TV announcer Mizuki Sano (the Saturday caster on "Sport!") is married again. He was previously married to a TV Shizuoka announcer from 2000 to 2004.
Sano's new wife, who is 11 years younger than him, is not in the entertainment industry. The two were introduced to each other by a friend about a year ago, and their relationship quickly progressed.
It has also been unofficially announced that Sano is being assigned to work in New York starting in October.
Sano's new wife, who is 11 years younger than him, is not in the entertainment industry. The two were introduced to each other by a friend about a year ago, and their relationship quickly progressed.
It has also been unofficially announced that Sano is being assigned to work in New York starting in October.
Thu, August 23, 2007 (6:08pm EDT)
Actor Suzuki Matsuo revealed on his personal blog that he is now divorced after 10 years of marriage. He and his wife did not have any children, but they did have a pet cat that has apparently been taken by her.
Thu, August 23, 2007 (5:20pm EDT)
This year's Venice Film Festival (August 29 - September 8) is introducing a new award for directors. The prize is named after Takeshi Kitano's latest movie, "Kantoku Banzai!," whose English title is "Glory to the Filmmaker!" It has also been revealed that the first recipient of the Glory to the Filmmaker! Award is Kitano himself.
Kitano has made his mark at Venice multiple times, having won the Golden Lion for "HANA-BI" in 1997 and the Silver Lion for "Zatoichi" in 2003. This year will be his fifth trip to the festival.
A ceremony for the award will take place at the festival on the 30th at 4:30pm (local time).
Kitano has made his mark at Venice multiple times, having won the Golden Lion for "HANA-BI" in 1997 and the Silver Lion for "Zatoichi" in 2003. This year will be his fifth trip to the festival.
A ceremony for the award will take place at the festival on the 30th at 4:30pm (local time).
Thu, August 23, 2007 (2:57am EDT)
At the start of this month, the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan (also known as Eiren) launched its official movie database. It currently covers all movies made or distributed by Shochiku, Toho, Toei, and Kadokawa Pictures after the year 2000. Earlier films will be added to the database in the future.
