Thu, October 2, 2008 (3:03am EDT)
The new Avex-produced unit GIRL NEXT DOOR is off to a great start. After seeing their debut single reach #3 in September, the group has already announced their third single, and it has been chosen as the theme song of a TV Asahi drama series this fall.
"Jonetsu no Daisho" is being used as the theme for the manga adaptation "Giragira," which stars Kuranosuke Sasaki as a middle-aged man who returns to his former job as a host in order to provide for his family.
The song, which hits stores on November 19, is GIRL NEXT DOOR's third single in three consecutive months. Their second single, "Drive Away," has been given a tie-in with a Toyota commercial, and it goes on sale next week.
"Jonetsu no Daisho" is being used as the theme for the manga adaptation "Giragira," which stars Kuranosuke Sasaki as a middle-aged man who returns to his former job as a host in order to provide for his family.
The song, which hits stores on November 19, is GIRL NEXT DOOR's third single in three consecutive months. Their second single, "Drive Away," has been given a tie-in with a Toyota commercial, and it goes on sale next week.
Thu, October 2, 2008 (2:48am EDT)
The five members of the acting group TEAM NACS, led by Hiroyuki Morisaki, are trying their hands at filmmaking. Each of them is writing, directing, and acting in a 20-minute short film, to be part of a national tour called "TEAM NACS FILM TOUR 2008 N43°."
Morisaki and the others - Ken Yasuda, Shigeyuki Totsugi, Yo Oizumi, and Takuma Otoo - already started filming their shorts last month. They will be taking the completed films around the country starting on November 4, with each screening being followed by a talk event with all five actors.
Morisaki and the others - Ken Yasuda, Shigeyuki Totsugi, Yo Oizumi, and Takuma Otoo - already started filming their shorts last month. They will be taking the completed films around the country starting on November 4, with each screening being followed by a talk event with all five actors.
Thu, October 2, 2008 (2:31am EDT)
Actress Aya Hirayama was expected to make her theater debut in a play titled "Bentler, Bentler, Bentler," opening on the 8th of this month. However, due to acute pharyngitis, she has been forced to step down from the role. Ranran Suzuki is serving as her replacement.
Hirayama started had complained of a sore throat and sluggishness in mid-September. She was diagnosed with pharyngitis, and it was decided that she could no longer continue training for the part.
"Bentler, Bentler, Bentler" is the second production this year by the popular theatrical troupe Piper, which was formed 10 years ago by actor Hirohito Goto and Taiyo Kawashita. Goto is noted for writing the play "Midsummer Carol," which became the basis for Tetsuya Nakashima's latest film, "Pako to Mahou no Ehon" ("Paco and the Magical Picture Book").
Hirayama started had complained of a sore throat and sluggishness in mid-September. She was diagnosed with pharyngitis, and it was decided that she could no longer continue training for the part.
"Bentler, Bentler, Bentler" is the second production this year by the popular theatrical troupe Piper, which was formed 10 years ago by actor Hirohito Goto and Taiyo Kawashita. Goto is noted for writing the play "Midsummer Carol," which became the basis for Tetsuya Nakashima's latest film, "Pako to Mahou no Ehon" ("Paco and the Magical Picture Book").
Thu, October 2, 2008 (2:01am EDT)
Actress and talento Nana Katase is making her return as a singer after three years. The reunited rock band SBK (Sukebo-King) is having her participate as a vocalist on their upcoming album "RETURNS," due out on November 26.
Katase had a singing career from 2002 to 2005, releasing two original albums and six singles. Since then, she has mainly been active as an actress and television personality. About a year ago, she became friends with SBK vocalist Shigeo, and they decided to have her sing one song on their the band's first post-reunion album.
Katase is not the only artist participating on the album. Others include RIP SLYME and Dragon Ash's Kenji Furuya.
Katase had a singing career from 2002 to 2005, releasing two original albums and six singles. Since then, she has mainly been active as an actress and television personality. About a year ago, she became friends with SBK vocalist Shigeo, and they decided to have her sing one song on their the band's first post-reunion album.
Katase is not the only artist participating on the album. Others include RIP SLYME and Dragon Ash's Kenji Furuya.
Thu, October 2, 2008 (1:39am EDT)
The 21st Megane Best Dresser Awards, given to celebrities who look good in glasses, were held on Wednesday.
A total of six prizes were given out. Beach volleyball player Miwa Asao won in the sports category, while Suga Shikao took the sunglasses category. This year's special prize was given to actress Juri Ueno - although she doesn't normally wear glasses, she was chosen as a celebrity that people would like to see wearing them.
A total of six prizes were given out. Beach volleyball player Miwa Asao won in the sports category, while Suga Shikao took the sunglasses category. This year's special prize was given to actress Juri Ueno - although she doesn't normally wear glasses, she was chosen as a celebrity that people would like to see wearing them.
