Fri, February 8, 2008 (9:31pm EST)
On Thursday, Kumi Koda appeared in an exclusive interview on Fuji TV's "FNN Super News" to apologize for a remark she made on "All Night Nippon" last week. She had stated that "when women turn 35, their amniotic fluid goes rotten," leading to many angry reactions from the public.
During Thursday's interview, she attempted to explain her comment and tearfully apologized for the harm she caused.
Not everyone was convinced, however. An informal poll taken after the broadcast through Sankei Sports' website indicated that 81% of the viewers felt the apology was insufficient, while only 9% said it was enough. Fuji TV later announced that by midnight on Thursday, it had received almost 300 phone calls about the broadcast. About a third of them carried heavy criticism, such as saying that Koda's apology felt insincere. Only 9 of the callers defended the singer.
According to Video Research Ltd., Koda's appearance did not boost ratings. Her apology drew ratings of 10.1%, the same as the average for the show's second half.
During Thursday's interview, she attempted to explain her comment and tearfully apologized for the harm she caused.
Not everyone was convinced, however. An informal poll taken after the broadcast through Sankei Sports' website indicated that 81% of the viewers felt the apology was insufficient, while only 9% said it was enough. Fuji TV later announced that by midnight on Thursday, it had received almost 300 phone calls about the broadcast. About a third of them carried heavy criticism, such as saying that Koda's apology felt insincere. Only 9 of the callers defended the singer.
According to Video Research Ltd., Koda's appearance did not boost ratings. Her apology drew ratings of 10.1%, the same as the average for the show's second half.
Fri, February 8, 2008 (5:18pm EST)
Actress Yoko Maki has been given her first starring role in a drama series. The show, titled "Shukan Maki Yoko" ("Weekly Yoko Maki"), will air on TV Tokyo late on Wednesday nights (1:20am-1:50am). That slot is currently occupied by the "Mahou Sensei Negima!" live-action adaptation.
The drama is a collaboration with Shinchosha's "Gekkan Series," a popular set of monthly "mooks" (magazine-book hybrids) that each feature a different celebrity. Maki will be the 99th in the series (on sale February 13), and hers is photographed by Lily Franky.
For the television series, Maki will play a total of 12 different roles, such as a wife, a cabaret club hostess, and a high schooler. It has also been decided that Maki will perform the drama's opening theme song, marking her "debut" as a singer. The song will be included on the show's soundtrack.
Some big names are involved as staff. Lily Franky is writing the source material for the first episode, while Keishi Nagatsuka and Nobuhiro Yamashita will direct episodes 6 and 7, respectively.
"Shukan Maki Yoko" premieres on April 2.
The drama is a collaboration with Shinchosha's "Gekkan Series," a popular set of monthly "mooks" (magazine-book hybrids) that each feature a different celebrity. Maki will be the 99th in the series (on sale February 13), and hers is photographed by Lily Franky.
For the television series, Maki will play a total of 12 different roles, such as a wife, a cabaret club hostess, and a high schooler. It has also been decided that Maki will perform the drama's opening theme song, marking her "debut" as a singer. The song will be included on the show's soundtrack.
Some big names are involved as staff. Lily Franky is writing the source material for the first episode, while Keishi Nagatsuka and Nobuhiro Yamashita will direct episodes 6 and 7, respectively.
"Shukan Maki Yoko" premieres on April 2.
Fri, February 8, 2008 (4:37pm EST)
The main student cast for the NTV drama "Gokusen 3" has been revealed. Yuya Takaki (of Hey! Say! JUMP) will play the lead male role, and is joined by Haruma Miura, Hideo Ishiguro, Junta Nakama (B.A.D.), Akito Kiriyama (also of B.A.D.), and Shohei Miura.
Roughly 600 actors applied for the parts, and 300 were selected for an interview and audition.
As previously announced, Yukie Nakama is reprising her role as "Yankumi." The series begins this April.
Roughly 600 actors applied for the parts, and 300 were selected for an interview and audition.
As previously announced, Yukie Nakama is reprising her role as "Yankumi." The series begins this April.
Fri, February 8, 2008 (2:50pm EST)
Rock band Asian Kung-fu Generation is bringing back the NANO-MUGEN FES., a rock festival they started at the Shinjuku LOFT in 2003. It moved to the Yokohama Arena in 2005 and 2006, but it was not held last year. This year, it will again take place in Yokohama, and is scheduled for July 20-21.
Past participants include ELLEGARDEN, chatmonchy, BEAT CRUSADERS, and Straightener. This year's lineup will be announced later through the festival's official website.
Past participants include ELLEGARDEN, chatmonchy, BEAT CRUSADERS, and Straightener. This year's lineup will be announced later through the festival's official website.
