Wed, November 12, 2008 (3:50am EST)
Anime News Network has posted a pair of stories related to U.S. live-action films based on anime and manga properties.
According to one, Leonardo DiCaprio has stated that his production company is Appian Way is waiting on a final script draft for the adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo's "Akira," while giving some assurance to fans that he isn't planning to move forward with "Akira" (or "Ninja Scroll," which he is also working on) "until the script is in the right shape." DiCaprio also said that he is planning to only take on a producer role for the films and will not be acting in them.
Meanwhile, 20th Century Fox has set a new U.S. release date for its "Dragonball" film, moving it to April 8, 2009, the Wednesday before Easter weekend. The picture was originally slated for August 15 of this year, but it was later delayed.
According to one, Leonardo DiCaprio has stated that his production company is Appian Way is waiting on a final script draft for the adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo's "Akira," while giving some assurance to fans that he isn't planning to move forward with "Akira" (or "Ninja Scroll," which he is also working on) "until the script is in the right shape." DiCaprio also said that he is planning to only take on a producer role for the films and will not be acting in them.
Meanwhile, 20th Century Fox has set a new U.S. release date for its "Dragonball" film, moving it to April 8, 2009, the Wednesday before Easter weekend. The picture was originally slated for August 15 of this year, but it was later delayed.
Wed, November 12, 2008 (3:13am EST)
The famous Irish singer Enya has been recruited by Fuji TV to sing the theme song for the upcoming drama series "Arifureta Kiseki." This is apparently the first time that an Enya song will be used as the theme of a television drama anywhere in the world. The song chosen is titled "Dreams Are More Precious," and it appears on her newly released album "And Winter Came."
The drama was announced last month, publicized for being the first series written by Taichi Yamada in 11 years and for starring Yukie Nakama and Ryo Kase. Now, the show also has the backing of Enya's music.
"Arifureta Kiseki" premieres on January 6. Enya's new album went on sale internationally this week.
The drama was announced last month, publicized for being the first series written by Taichi Yamada in 11 years and for starring Yukie Nakama and Ryo Kase. Now, the show also has the backing of Enya's music.
"Arifureta Kiseki" premieres on January 6. Enya's new album went on sale internationally this week.
Wed, November 12, 2008 (2:50am EST)
Two popular artists in the underground hip-hop scene have tied the knot. Turntablist DJ BAKU and female rapper RUMI held their wedding ceremony this past Sunday, which was attended by many other hip-hop artists.
During high school, the pair were part of a hip-hop group called Hannya, along with rapper YOSHI (who later changed his performance name to Hannya). They have also done multiple collaborations in the years since then.
During high school, the pair were part of a hip-hop group called Hannya, along with rapper YOSHI (who later changed his performance name to Hannya). They have also done multiple collaborations in the years since then.
Wed, November 12, 2008 (2:35am EST)
Singer Miliyah Kato released her album "BEST DESTINY" last week. It sold 92,000 copies to capture the top of the charts, giving Kato her first #1 album. Her previous best ranking was #2 with her first album "Rose" in 2005. Asian Kung-fu Generation had the only other new music album in the top ten, taking #2 with "Surf Bungaku Kamakura," which sold 56,000.
On the singles chart, Arashi's "Beautiful days" claimed victory with 352,000 in sales. This is their 13th consecutive #1 single and 20th overall. It also marks their fourth #1 this year, tying them with TVXQ. The last Johnny's Jimusho artist to have four chart-toppers in the same year was KinKi Kids in 1999.
Yuzu ranked in at #2 with their new song, while Kazumasa Oda and Spitz charted at #4 and #5, respectively. Three other releases made the top ten: Berryz Koubou (#6), BREAKERZ (#9), and Chatmonchy (#10).
On the singles chart, Arashi's "Beautiful days" claimed victory with 352,000 in sales. This is their 13th consecutive #1 single and 20th overall. It also marks their fourth #1 this year, tying them with TVXQ. The last Johnny's Jimusho artist to have four chart-toppers in the same year was KinKi Kids in 1999.
Yuzu ranked in at #2 with their new song, while Kazumasa Oda and Spitz charted at #4 and #5, respectively. Three other releases made the top ten: Berryz Koubou (#6), BREAKERZ (#9), and Chatmonchy (#10).
Wed, November 12, 2008 (2:10am EST)
Actress Alisa Mizuki is starring in a TV Asahi drama special called "Nikutai no Mon." The show is based on a 1947 best-selling novel by Taijiro Tamura that has been adapted to film several times in the past.
Like her role in TV Asahi's "Yoshiwara Enjo" drama last year, Mizuki plays a prostitute. However, this story takes place just after Japan's defeat in WWII, and follows the protagonist's day-to-day struggle.
The drama began shooting in late August and is scheduled to air sometime next month.
Like her role in TV Asahi's "Yoshiwara Enjo" drama last year, Mizuki plays a prostitute. However, this story takes place just after Japan's defeat in WWII, and follows the protagonist's day-to-day struggle.
The drama began shooting in late August and is scheduled to air sometime next month.
Wed, November 12, 2008 (1:21am EST)
The 1929 novel "Kanikousen" by Takiji Kobayashi is being re-adapted as a film. Director SABU is helming the picture, and Ryuhei Matsuda has been chosen for the starring role.
The original novel, which depicted the proletarian struggle of abused workers on a crab-canning ship, saw a revival of interest this year and went on to sell an additional 600,000 copies so far in 2008. It was previously turned into a movie in 1953, directed by and starring Sou Yamamura, and recently it was adapted as a manga.
SABU said that his take on the story would focus less on social critique, opting instead for a more entertaining, pop sensibility, filled with black humor. He further mentioned that the film is not set in any specific era, though it will have a modern pop influence in its costumes and design, including capsule hotel-like beds aboard the ship. SABU is also planning to use CG for the film.
Filming for "Kanikousen" starts at the end of this month. Release is scheduled for 2009, and there are plans for international distribution and participation in film festivals.
The original novel, which depicted the proletarian struggle of abused workers on a crab-canning ship, saw a revival of interest this year and went on to sell an additional 600,000 copies so far in 2008. It was previously turned into a movie in 1953, directed by and starring Sou Yamamura, and recently it was adapted as a manga.
SABU said that his take on the story would focus less on social critique, opting instead for a more entertaining, pop sensibility, filled with black humor. He further mentioned that the film is not set in any specific era, though it will have a modern pop influence in its costumes and design, including capsule hotel-like beds aboard the ship. SABU is also planning to use CG for the film.
Filming for "Kanikousen" starts at the end of this month. Release is scheduled for 2009, and there are plans for international distribution and participation in film festivals.
Wed, November 12, 2008 (12:38am EST)
Fuji TV announcer Kyoko Sasaki, 35, officially got married again on Tuesday. It was learned last month that she was already pregnant and had decided to remarry. She is currently in her fourth month of pregnancy.
Sasaki was previously married to newscaster Hiroyuki Ikeda, but they separated less than a year later.
Sasaki was previously married to newscaster Hiroyuki Ikeda, but they separated less than a year later.
Wed, November 12, 2008 (12:30am EST)
At the start of this year, actress Mao Inoue starred in "Anmitsu Hime," a Fuji TV drama special based on the manga of the same name. Fuji TV has now revealed that there will be an "Anmitsu Hime 2" to once again ring in the new year.
Inoue will of course reprise her role as the tomboy princess. One of the highlights of this year's episode is a sword fighting scene between Anmitsu-hime and a villain, played by movie actor Riki Takeuchi, who last appeared in a television drama in 1999. Asahi Uchida will play a supporting role.
"Anmitsu Hime 2" will air in early January.
Inoue will of course reprise her role as the tomboy princess. One of the highlights of this year's episode is a sword fighting scene between Anmitsu-hime and a villain, played by movie actor Riki Takeuchi, who last appeared in a television drama in 1999. Asahi Uchida will play a supporting role.
"Anmitsu Hime 2" will air in early January.
