Thu, September 4, 2008 (2:49am EDT)
19-year-old college student Kana Nishino, who made her international debut as a singer this past February, has been given a major task as the opening act for Cyndi Lauper's upcoming Japan tour.
Lauper, a pop icon of the 1980s, last performed in Japan 12 years ago. She begins her tour on September 23 in Osaka, and the next day she will perform at the Nippon Budokan.
When Nishino's record label heard about Lauper's visit, they suggested Nishino as a possible opener, figuring they had nothing to lose by making the offer. As it turned out, Lauper was pleased with her voice and her looks, and she eventually chose Nishino from among a large number of other offers.
Nishino will reportedly be warming up audiences with a 20-minute set at each venue. She has already released three singles this year, and she plans to unveil a new song during the tour.
Lauper, a pop icon of the 1980s, last performed in Japan 12 years ago. She begins her tour on September 23 in Osaka, and the next day she will perform at the Nippon Budokan.
When Nishino's record label heard about Lauper's visit, they suggested Nishino as a possible opener, figuring they had nothing to lose by making the offer. As it turned out, Lauper was pleased with her voice and her looks, and she eventually chose Nishino from among a large number of other offers.
Nishino will reportedly be warming up audiences with a 20-minute set at each venue. She has already released three singles this year, and she plans to unveil a new song during the tour.
Thu, September 4, 2008 (2:24am EDT)
A TV Asahi drama special called "Tsujitsuma" is being partly written by comedian Junichi Komoto, idol Shoko Nakagawa, and singer Ataru Nakamura.
The drama is comprised of three stories, each by one of the celebrity participants. Each of them was responsible for coming up with the general story, as well as establishing the first and last scenes. Of the three, only Komoto is involved in helping to write the script for his story.
Casting has not yet been announced, though Mitsuru Fukikoshi has been given the role of "storyteller." The show airs on September 26 at 11:15pm.
The drama is comprised of three stories, each by one of the celebrity participants. Each of them was responsible for coming up with the general story, as well as establishing the first and last scenes. Of the three, only Komoto is involved in helping to write the script for his story.
Casting has not yet been announced, though Mitsuru Fukikoshi has been given the role of "storyteller." The show airs on September 26 at 11:15pm.
Thu, September 4, 2008 (2:03am EDT)
Last year, Hello! Project created the group Buono! to sing the theme songs for the "Shugo Chara!" anime series. But starting in October, the unit is being joined by a newly formed group, assembled from members of Hello! Pro Eggs.
Details such as the group's name and its members have not been announced, but an official site for the project has hidden links to audio comments from the members. All will be revealed at an event in Odaiba on September 20, and the group will even give their first public performance of the new "Shugo Chara!" opening theme.
When asked about the future of Buono!, official sources said that the group will still be involved with "Shugo Chara!" In particular, Buono! is reportedly singing the show's next ending theme, which will be released as their 5th single on November 12.
Details such as the group's name and its members have not been announced, but an official site for the project has hidden links to audio comments from the members. All will be revealed at an event in Odaiba on September 20, and the group will even give their first public performance of the new "Shugo Chara!" opening theme.
When asked about the future of Buono!, official sources said that the group will still be involved with "Shugo Chara!" In particular, Buono! is reportedly singing the show's next ending theme, which will be released as their 5th single on November 12.
Thu, September 4, 2008 (1:47am EDT)
Popular rock band B'z will be featured in an the documentary program "NHK Special" on October 6, it has been announced. The show is said to explore the reasons behind the group's success, as evidenced by a 20-year career in which they have sold over 80 million CDs. Highlights include interviews with both Tak Matsumoto and Koshi Inaba, as well as footage from their recordings and this year's tour.
This will be the first time that B'z has been the focus of a documentary. It is also a rare case where "NHK Special" chooses a musician as its subject - the last artist featured on the show was Seiko Matsuda in an episode that aired in April 2007.
This will be the first time that B'z has been the focus of a documentary. It is also a rare case where "NHK Special" chooses a musician as its subject - the last artist featured on the show was Seiko Matsuda in an episode that aired in April 2007.
Thu, September 4, 2008 (1:34am EDT)
Kansai TV and Avex are producing a drama series this fall, tentatively titled "Mirai Seiki Shakespeare." The show will feature all 7 current members of the group AAA, marking their first drama appearance together.
The show will consist of several modern versions of Shakespeare's plays, with each story lasting 2 episodes. "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Merchant of Venice" have been confirmed for the series. The specific casting has not been revealed yet, but filming is expected to start in the next few days.
Kansai TV will air the series in a late-night time slot starting in October. The network has issued a press release on its website.
The show will consist of several modern versions of Shakespeare's plays, with each story lasting 2 episodes. "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Merchant of Venice" have been confirmed for the series. The specific casting has not been revealed yet, but filming is expected to start in the next few days.
Kansai TV will air the series in a late-night time slot starting in October. The network has issued a press release on its website.
Thu, September 4, 2008 (1:19am EDT)
The 2008 Beauty Week Award ceremony was held on Wednesday. The awards, which are now in their fifth year, are given to female celebrities who have stylish hair.
This year's leading award was in the "fresh" category and was given to idol Akina Minami. Rei Dan took the actress category, while volleyballer Megumi Kurihara won in the athlete category.
This year's leading award was in the "fresh" category and was given to idol Akina Minami. Rei Dan took the actress category, while volleyballer Megumi Kurihara won in the athlete category.
Thu, September 4, 2008 (1:07am EDT)
Singer YUI, who recently announced that she will be taking a short break from work to re-energize herself, has revealed plans for a compilation album this fall. The title is currently unknown, but it will reportedly contain all of the coupling songs from her 12 singles released to date. It will also include one new song, said to be near completion.
The album goes on sale November 12.
The album goes on sale November 12.
