Fri, March 7, 2008 (9:15pm EST)
Comedian Naoki Tanaka (of Cocorico) will soon celebrate the birth of a second child. A women's magazine reports that his wife, actress Shie Kohinata, is scheduled to give birth to their second boy on May 3.
Tanaka and Kohinata married in 2003. Their first son will turn 4 later this year.
Tanaka and Kohinata married in 2003. Their first son will turn 4 later this year.
Fri, March 7, 2008 (9:10pm EST)
Actress Miki Nakatani has been chosen as one of the presenters at the 2nd Asian Film Awards, which marks the start of the Hong Kong International Film Festival on the 17th. Nakatani won Best Actress at last year's awards for "Memories of Matsuko."
Tadanobu Asano and director Hideo Nakata are also participating as presenters.
A list of the nominees can be seen at the awards' official website.
Tadanobu Asano and director Hideo Nakata are also participating as presenters.
A list of the nominees can be seen at the awards' official website.
Fri, March 7, 2008 (5:22pm EST)
The nominees for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards Japan have been announced. Voting has also opened.
EXILE, Mr.Children, and Tokyo Jihen are in the running for Best Video of the Year. Ken Hirai, SEAMO, and Tamio Okuda are competing for Best Male Video, while Ai Otsuka, Kumi Koda, and Mika Nakashima battle for Best Female Video.
The nominees for Best Group Video include m-flo (and guest artists), Mr.Children, and RIP SLYME. ERIKA, Motohiro Hata, and Satomi Takasugi are contenders for Best New Artist Video.
The MTV website has a complete list of awards and nominees.
EXILE, Mr.Children, and Tokyo Jihen are in the running for Best Video of the Year. Ken Hirai, SEAMO, and Tamio Okuda are competing for Best Male Video, while Ai Otsuka, Kumi Koda, and Mika Nakashima battle for Best Female Video.
The nominees for Best Group Video include m-flo (and guest artists), Mr.Children, and RIP SLYME. ERIKA, Motohiro Hata, and Satomi Takasugi are contenders for Best New Artist Video.
The MTV website has a complete list of awards and nominees.
Fri, March 7, 2008 (5:10pm EST)
The new issue of FRIDAY magazine includes an interview with comedian Hitori Gekidan in which he talks about his current relationship with talento Akane Osawa. This is his first time publicly commenting on the matter.
The two have been dating since last spring. Gekidan says that they have discussed marriage before, but nothing is definite yet. However, he appears optimistic about it.
Both of their agencies have stated that the relationship is going well, but it is not yet at the marriage stage.
The two have been dating since last spring. Gekidan says that they have discussed marriage before, but nothing is definite yet. However, he appears optimistic about it.
Both of their agencies have stated that the relationship is going well, but it is not yet at the marriage stage.
Fri, March 7, 2008 (5:07pm EST)
According to Sports Hochi, it appears that Kumi Koda's upcoming tour will go on as originally scheduled.
Due to a controversial statement she made on the radio, Koda has essentially been suspended since early February. She stated last month that she wanted to postpone her tour, but Avex wanted to proceed with it.
As of Friday, Koda issued a serious apology to her fan club members that appears to signal a preparation for her return to work. Tickets have already been on sale, and with the tour's April 12 start date fast approaching, it is very likely that there will be no postponement after all.
Due to a controversial statement she made on the radio, Koda has essentially been suspended since early February. She stated last month that she wanted to postpone her tour, but Avex wanted to proceed with it.
As of Friday, Koda issued a serious apology to her fan club members that appears to signal a preparation for her return to work. Tickets have already been on sale, and with the tour's April 12 start date fast approaching, it is very likely that there will be no postponement after all.
