Sat, May 24, 2008 (2:30pm EDT)
"Shonen Meriken Sakku," the upcoming comedy film by Kankuro Kudo that stars Aoi Miyazaki, is experimenting with a special PR campaign that will last from now until its opening next February. A few theaters throughout Japan will be showing "making-of" clips of the movie, with 20 different episodes being released on a biweekly basis.
"Making-of" footage is usually released as a DVD bonus or as a television special, but producers have decided to try using it as publicity material. Kudo had the scenes filmed on two digital cameras. For the theaters that don't have the capability to screen digital video, the clips will be shown on monitors in the lobby. Each video will also be available on the movie's website after it finishes its two-week run.
"Making-of" footage is usually released as a DVD bonus or as a television special, but producers have decided to try using it as publicity material. Kudo had the scenes filmed on two digital cameras. For the theaters that don't have the capability to screen digital video, the clips will be shown on monitors in the lobby. Each video will also be available on the movie's website after it finishes its two-week run.
Sat, May 24, 2008 (2:51am EDT)
Takuji Ichikawa's best-selling novel "Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu" is getting an audio drama CD release, after having already been adapted as a 2004 film (which led to the marriage between Shido Nakamura and Yuko Takeuchi) and a 2005 television series. The story has also been picked up for a 2009 U.S. remake titled "Be With You," starring and produced by Jennifer Garner.
The drama CD will feature voices by popular seiyus Aya Hirano and Megumi Ogata, among others. It will be released on June 25.
The drama CD will feature voices by popular seiyus Aya Hirano and Megumi Ogata, among others. It will be released on June 25.
Sat, May 24, 2008 (2:42am EDT)
Some of the winners of the 45th Galaxy Awards were announced on Friday. Sponsored by the non-profit Japan Council for Better Radio and Television, the awards honor contributions in radio and television between April of last year and March of this year.
Actress Aoi Miyazaki was given the Individual Award for television, based on her starring role in the NHK taiga drama "Atsuhime." This is the first time a taiga drama lead has won that prize since it was established during the 21st Galaxy Awards.
A special 45th anniversary award was given to 75-year-old talento/writer/composer Rokusuke Ei. Last year's drama series "Utahime" won the My Best TV Award, which is determined by public vote.
The other awards will be announced on June 3.
Actress Aoi Miyazaki was given the Individual Award for television, based on her starring role in the NHK taiga drama "Atsuhime." This is the first time a taiga drama lead has won that prize since it was established during the 21st Galaxy Awards.
A special 45th anniversary award was given to 75-year-old talento/writer/composer Rokusuke Ei. Last year's drama series "Utahime" won the My Best TV Award, which is determined by public vote.
The other awards will be announced on June 3.
Sat, May 24, 2008 (2:31am EDT)
Sponichi Annex is reporting that the former husband of model/actress/singer Anna Tsuchiya has passed away at the age of 25, though no details about his death are known at the moment.
Tsuchiya, 24, married a model known as Joshua in June 2004. They had met through their modeling careers when they were both in high school. Shortly after their marriage, Tsuchiya gave birth to a son, but they later divorced in 2006.
Born in the U.S., Joshua was the younger brother of talento Friedia, who was previously known by her old stage name Rin Kozue.
A source said that Joshua died at the start of this week. A private funeral is being held, and more details, such as the cause of death, are expected to be revealed next week.
Tsuchiya, 24, married a model known as Joshua in June 2004. They had met through their modeling careers when they were both in high school. Shortly after their marriage, Tsuchiya gave birth to a son, but they later divorced in 2006.
Born in the U.S., Joshua was the younger brother of talento Friedia, who was previously known by her old stage name Rin Kozue.
A source said that Joshua died at the start of this week. A private funeral is being held, and more details, such as the cause of death, are expected to be revealed next week.
