Wed, January 16, 2008 (5:27pm EST)
Josei Seven reports that actress Ryoko Yonekura may have found a new romance with an unlikely partner. According to the magazine, she and comedian Atsushi Tamura (of London Boots) were seen in December walking together at night in Roppongi.
The two appeared together on "London Hearts" last February, and one skit had Tamura hitting on Yonekura. Josei Seven says that his advances became serious after the show, and it appears to have paid off.
Yonekura previously dated kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa, and last year was rumored to be dating former soccer star Hidetoshi Nakata. As for this recent rumor, Yonekura's agency said it had not heard about a relationship.
The two appeared together on "London Hearts" last February, and one skit had Tamura hitting on Yonekura. Josei Seven says that his advances became serious after the show, and it appears to have paid off.
Yonekura previously dated kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa, and last year was rumored to be dating former soccer star Hidetoshi Nakata. As for this recent rumor, Yonekura's agency said it had not heard about a relationship.
Wed, January 16, 2008 (5:08pm EST)
Reigning WBC flyweight champion Daisuke Naito will make his acting debut in the tokusatsu series "Tomica Hero Rescue Force," which is scheduled to premiere in April. The show, produced by toy maker TakaraTomy, stars Haruno, Seigo Noguchi, Kenta Izuka, Emi Hasegawa, and Hiroaki Iwanaga.
Naito's role has not yet been decided, but producers intend to make use of his boxing ability.
The show's broadcast details will be announced in March.
Naito's role has not yet been decided, but producers intend to make use of his boxing ability.
The show's broadcast details will be announced in March.
Wed, January 16, 2008 (2:39pm EST)
Actress Saki Takaoka has officially completed her transition to Avex's management agency, and her first work is a starring role in "Yesterday Once More," a short film directed by Kazuki Omori.
The movie is Omori's first period film. However, the story is a fantasy, revolving around a mother (Takaoka) whose son magically transforms into an adult (Ryuta Sato) in order to rescue her.
The movie is Omori's first period film. However, the story is a fantasy, revolving around a mother (Takaoka) whose son magically transforms into an adult (Ryuta Sato) in order to rescue her.
Wed, January 16, 2008 (2:15pm EST)
KinKi Kids member Koichi Domoto will sing the theme song for his upcoming movie, "Ginmaku Ban Sushi Ouji! ~New York e Iku~." This is his first time providing music for a film as a solo artist.
The song is titled "No more," and it is said to have an R&B flavor to fit the movie's setting of New York. The single has not yet been given a release date.
Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, the film is related to the "Sushi Ouji!" drama series that aired on TV Asahi last summer. It opens on April 19.
The song is titled "No more," and it is said to have an R&B flavor to fit the movie's setting of New York. The single has not yet been given a release date.
Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, the film is related to the "Sushi Ouji!" drama series that aired on TV Asahi last summer. It opens on April 19.
Wed, January 16, 2008 (5:07am EST)
An Oricon survey asked 800 young people, "which actor do you have high expectations for in 2008?" At the top of the list was 19-year-old Yusuke Yamamoto, who gained popularity last year for his role as Kashiyama in the drama series "Hanazakari no Kimitachi e."
That drama series also helped boost Masaki Okada (#2 in the survey) and Hiro Mizushima (#5). Meanwhile, Haruma Miura and Takeru Sato ranked 3rd and 4th, respectively.
That drama series also helped boost Masaki Okada (#2 in the survey) and Hiro Mizushima (#5). Meanwhile, Haruma Miura and Takeru Sato ranked 3rd and 4th, respectively.
Wed, January 16, 2008 (4:57am EST)
The 2006 TBS daytime drama "Mikon Roku Shimai" will see a sequel starting on March 3. Emi Hashino once again stars as the second eldest of six unmarried sisters.
Shinya Owada has been confirmed as another returning cast member, now joined by his son, Yuta. This is their first time appearing in a drama together.
Like the first series, "Mikon Roku Shimai 2" will be broadcast on weekdays at 1:30pm. The theme song will again be sung by THE ALFEE.
Shinya Owada has been confirmed as another returning cast member, now joined by his son, Yuta. This is their first time appearing in a drama together.
Like the first series, "Mikon Roku Shimai 2" will be broadcast on weekdays at 1:30pm. The theme song will again be sung by THE ALFEE.
Wed, January 16, 2008 (4:46am EST)
EXILE has been tapped to provide the theme song for the movie "Team Batista no Eikou," starring Yuko Takeuchi and Hiroshi Abe. The song is titled "You're my sunshine." The popular group has done music for television dramas and commercials before, but this is their first theme for a feature-length film.
The movie is based on an award-winning novel by Takeru Kaido. EXILE vocalist TAKAHIRO, who wrote the song's lyrics, is said to be a big fan of the original book.
The film is directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura and opens on February 9. The song's release date has not yet been announced.
The movie is based on an award-winning novel by Takeru Kaido. EXILE vocalist TAKAHIRO, who wrote the song's lyrics, is said to be a big fan of the original book.
The film is directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura and opens on February 9. The song's release date has not yet been announced.
Wed, January 16, 2008 (4:25am EST)
NHK announced on Wednesday that its spring drama series "Battery" will start on April 3, airing on Thursdays at 8:00pm.
The drama is based on Atsuko Asano's "Battery" novel series, which tells the story of a talented young pitcher and catcher. Yuma Nakayama is starring as the pitcher, while Sho Takada plays the catcher and Shintaro Morimoto plays Nakayama's younger brother. The three of them are all members of Johnny's Jimusho.
The drama is based on Atsuko Asano's "Battery" novel series, which tells the story of a talented young pitcher and catcher. Yuma Nakayama is starring as the pitcher, while Sho Takada plays the catcher and Shintaro Morimoto plays Nakayama's younger brother. The three of them are all members of Johnny's Jimusho.
Wed, January 16, 2008 (3:43am EST)
According to Nikkan Sports, X JAPAN's Tokyo Dome concerts will take place on March 28 and 30. The band will also launch an Asia tour this summer.
In addition, a memorial concert for guitarist hide will be held on May 2, his death anniversary. X JAPAN will reportedly be joined by LUNA SEA for the event.
In addition, a memorial concert for guitarist hide will be held on May 2, his death anniversary. X JAPAN will reportedly be joined by LUNA SEA for the event.
