It was rumored in July that the 1968 film "Kurobe no Taiyou" (directed by Kei Kumai) would be seeing a live-action television adaptation. Now, Fuji TV has formally revealed its plans for a TV version next spring.

The original movie starred Yujiro Ishihara and Toshiro Mifune in a recounting of the construction of the Kurobe dam, the largest dam in Japan. The film was a huge success during its time, but according to Ishihara's wishes, it has not been seen outside a theater since the original theatrical run.

SMAP's Shingo Katori is taking on the lead role, filling in the shoes of Ishihara. Kaoru Kobayashi will co-star in place of Mifune. More cast details will be revealed at a future date.

Diggy-MO', the main vocalist of hip-hop group SOUL'd OUT, will be making his debut as a solo artist.　His first single, titled "Bakusou Yumeuta," goes on sale at the end of November, but it has already been made available as a mobile ringtone as of Wednesday.

SOUL'd OUT has been active since 1999 but didn't have a major label release until 2003. In the past, Diggy-MO' has been a guest rapper on songs by various other artists, but this will be his first CD release on his own.

"Bakusou Yumeuta" will be used as the next ending theme of the "Soul Eater" anime series. It was announced just yesterday that the show's opening song will mark the return of Tommy heavenly6.

Diggy-MO' is also planning for an album release in March and a solo live tour.

Fuji TV announcer Toshihiro Ito, 36, revealed during Thursday's live broadcast of "Mezamashi TV" that he is now a father. His wife gave birth to a son the day before.

Ito has been married since April 2004 to a former office lady that he had been dating for six years.