Mon, May 12, 2008 (10:32am EDT)
49-year-old singer Koji Tamaki is suspending his activities as a musician due to chronic pancreatitis, according to the latest issue of Josei Jishin.
Due to his poor physical condition, he was hospitalized for a month at the end of last year to undergo tests, which resulted in the diagnosis of his pancreatitis. His management stated that Tamaki will be stopping his work until he recovers.
Due to his poor physical condition, he was hospitalized for a month at the end of last year to undergo tests, which resulted in the diagnosis of his pancreatitis. His management stated that Tamaki will be stopping his work until he recovers.
Mon, May 12, 2008 (2:01am EDT)
The animated movie "Gegege no Kitaro: Nihon Bakuretsu!!" (directed by Go Koga) will mark a first in Japanese film history. It is getting a total of 6 different versions, each catering to a specific region in Japan.
One of the changes between versions is the character of Neko Musume, who will have a different appearance according to the area the movie is screened in. For example, in Hokkaido/Tohoku she will resemble a yukinko ("snow sprite"), in the Kinki region she will be a maiko (apprentice geisha), and in Kyushu/Okinawa she will look like a shisa (a lion/dog-like creature). Ideas for the other regions (Kanto/Koshinetsu, Chubu/Hokuriku, Chugoku/Shikoku) are still being discussed, though an Akihabara maid version has been listed as a possibility for the Kanto area.
The overall plot of the film will be constant across all versions, though various scenes will be different. In total, several minutes of animation are expected to change for each version.
The idea was proposed by production staff as a special project for the 40th anniversary of the "Gegege no Kitaro" anime series. Fuji TV's current incarnation of the anime will also be part of the project starting in September, with different spirits from all over Japan facing off against spirits from other countries. Through a voting process on the show's website, fans will be able to decide which ones make their appearance, and the whole ensemble will unite for the first time in the movie, which opens in December.
One of the changes between versions is the character of Neko Musume, who will have a different appearance according to the area the movie is screened in. For example, in Hokkaido/Tohoku she will resemble a yukinko ("snow sprite"), in the Kinki region she will be a maiko (apprentice geisha), and in Kyushu/Okinawa she will look like a shisa (a lion/dog-like creature). Ideas for the other regions (Kanto/Koshinetsu, Chubu/Hokuriku, Chugoku/Shikoku) are still being discussed, though an Akihabara maid version has been listed as a possibility for the Kanto area.
The overall plot of the film will be constant across all versions, though various scenes will be different. In total, several minutes of animation are expected to change for each version.
The idea was proposed by production staff as a special project for the 40th anniversary of the "Gegege no Kitaro" anime series. Fuji TV's current incarnation of the anime will also be part of the project starting in September, with different spirits from all over Japan facing off against spirits from other countries. Through a voting process on the show's website, fans will be able to decide which ones make their appearance, and the whole ensemble will unite for the first time in the movie, which opens in December.
Mon, May 12, 2008 (12:17am EDT)
This year, the talent audition known as the Horipro Talent Scout Caravan will enter its 33rd iteration. And for the first time ever, the audition will focus on finding a young girl with prospects of becoming an action star and being cast in a Hollywood film.
For the past 32 years, the audition has sought young actresses with a "pure" image, discovering stars such as Kyoko Fukada, Aya Hirayama, Satomi Ishihara, and Haruka Ayase. Special themes have been used in the past before, such as the male audition in 1991 and the singing audition in 2003, but this will be the first time an emphasis is placed on a "kakko-kawaii" (cool-cute) image.
The judging reportedly includes a wire-action segment, among other things. Preliminaries start in September and will conclude with the final competition in late October. As always, the winner will receive a monetary prize and a contract with Horipro. This year's prize also includes an overseas trip for the girl and her family.
For the past 32 years, the audition has sought young actresses with a "pure" image, discovering stars such as Kyoko Fukada, Aya Hirayama, Satomi Ishihara, and Haruka Ayase. Special themes have been used in the past before, such as the male audition in 1991 and the singing audition in 2003, but this will be the first time an emphasis is placed on a "kakko-kawaii" (cool-cute) image.
The judging reportedly includes a wire-action segment, among other things. Preliminaries start in September and will conclude with the final competition in late October. As always, the winner will receive a monetary prize and a contract with Horipro. This year's prize also includes an overseas trip for the girl and her family.
Mon, May 12, 2008 (12:16am EDT)
TBS has revealed its lineup of guest casters for its broadcast of the World Olympic Qualification Tournament for volleyball. The main caster, announcer Maya Kobayashi, is being joined by actor Yasufumi Terawaki (of the hit "Aibou" series) and former Morning Musume members Hitomi Yoshizawa and Rika Ishikawa.
Coverage starts on May 17. It was previously announced that Hey! Say! JUMP is providing the Japanese team's support song, titled "Dreams come true."
Coverage starts on May 17. It was previously announced that Hey! Say! JUMP is providing the Japanese team's support song, titled "Dreams come true."
Mon, May 12, 2008 (12:14am EDT)
28-year-old Haruka Minowa of the comedy duo Harisenbon is currently in a relationship. Minowa made the revelation on Saturday's broadcast of "Koi no Karasawagi" on NTV, saying that she has been dating someone since half a year ago.
The comedienne did not personally provide any details about her boyfriend, but one source says he's an assistant director at a TV production company.
The comedienne did not personally provide any details about her boyfriend, but one source says he's an assistant director at a TV production company.
Mon, May 12, 2008 (12:13am EDT)
Young actress Mitsuki Takahata will co-star in a TBS afternoon drama series titled "Natsukoi." Adapted from a mobile phone novel, the story follows a mother and daughter who both meet their first loves again. Takahata plays the role of the daughter, a middle schooler named Natsuki, while talento Chiharu plays the lead role as the mother.
Takahata is also singing the series' theme song, a currently untitled piece written by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi. It is scheduled to go on sale July 30.
The drama began shooting last month and premieres on June 30, airing on weekdays at 1:30pm. The story will also be released as a novel in late June.
Takahata is also singing the series' theme song, a currently untitled piece written by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi. It is scheduled to go on sale July 30.
The drama began shooting last month and premieres on June 30, airing on weekdays at 1:30pm. The story will also be released as a novel in late June.
Mon, May 12, 2008 (12:10am EDT)
Fuji TV's anticipated drama series "CHANGE" starts this Monday (May 12). While the starring actor Takuya Kimura is already sure to bring in an audience, the network has announced a special publicity campaign to help boost ratings even more.
The campaign is a collaboration with Toyota. First off, Kimura will be appearing in a new commercial for the automobile maker, which begins airing the same day as the drama's premiere. However, the bigger news is that Fuji TV is giving away a car to one lucky viewer. The car is called the "Star Fielder," a one-of-a-kind special edition of the Toyota Corolla Fielder.
To win the car, viewers will have to regularly pay attention to the show. At the end of each episode, a quiz question about the episode will be asked during the preview for the next week. Viewers can then submit their answers at the official website, but only during the half-hour period following each episode. At the end of the whole series, one winner will be chosen from those who answered all of the questions correctly, and he or she will receive the car.
The quiz questions will also reward 50 participants every week with an "eco bag," coming in a different color each time.
The campaign is a collaboration with Toyota. First off, Kimura will be appearing in a new commercial for the automobile maker, which begins airing the same day as the drama's premiere. However, the bigger news is that Fuji TV is giving away a car to one lucky viewer. The car is called the "Star Fielder," a one-of-a-kind special edition of the Toyota Corolla Fielder.
To win the car, viewers will have to regularly pay attention to the show. At the end of each episode, a quiz question about the episode will be asked during the preview for the next week. Viewers can then submit their answers at the official website, but only during the half-hour period following each episode. At the end of the whole series, one winner will be chosen from those who answered all of the questions correctly, and he or she will receive the car.
The quiz questions will also reward 50 participants every week with an "eco bag," coming in a different color each time.
