Nozomu Iwao, one half of the owarai unit Football Hour, will debut as an actor in Kenta Fukasaku's horror flick "XX," which opens December 1. Although no details were revealed about his role in "XX," he is said to play an important part in the film's story.

While Football Hour has won several awards and competitions, Iwao also has the unfortunate honor of topping Monthly Yoshimoto's annual "busaiku (ugly) ranking" three years in a row (2003-2005).

It was also announced that Iwao has a second movie role lined up in Takashi Miike's "Kamisama no Puzzle," due out next summer.

Singer Nana Kitade is releasing her first "best album" on October 31. Titled "Berry Berry SINGLES," the album will include all nine of her singles to date, plus three self-covers. Producing and participating on the compilation are former Megadeth member Marty Friedman and Japanese musician ROLLY.