Fri, November 14, 2008 (2:32am EST)
Naoki Tanaka, one half of the comedy duo Cocorico, will be playing a key role in an upcoming NTV drama series. "Reset" is inspired by a horror comic written by mangaka Mayuri Yamamoto, who is also known for "Honto ni Atta Kowai Hanashi" and the "Reinousha" series.
The drama consists of individual stories, each featuring a different star. In each episode, the main character is faced with an "ultimate choice" that will determine whether they can "reset" their lives for the better. Tanaka will play a "time guide" named Anri who watches over the protagonists and appears to them during their crucial moments.
The series will lead off with a 2-hour special starring Masahiko Tsugawa as Anri, followed by Tanaka taking over the role later the same night. NTV will premiere the show in January, placing it in the Thursday 11:58pm time slot.
The drama consists of individual stories, each featuring a different star. In each episode, the main character is faced with an "ultimate choice" that will determine whether they can "reset" their lives for the better. Tanaka will play a "time guide" named Anri who watches over the protagonists and appears to them during their crucial moments.
The series will lead off with a 2-hour special starring Masahiko Tsugawa as Anri, followed by Tanaka taking over the role later the same night. NTV will premiere the show in January, placing it in the Thursday 11:58pm time slot.
Fri, November 14, 2008 (2:06am EST)
Back in May, it was announced that Meisa Kuroki will be starring in a drama special titled "Danso no Reijin," based on the life of the Manchu princess Yoshiko Kawashima. It has now been revealed that former actress/singer Ri Kouran (also known as Yoshiko Yamaguchi) will be a character in the story, played by Maki Horikita.
As previously reported, the drama focuses on Kawashima, who served as a spy for the Kwantung Army and as a military leader for Manchukuo. Yamaguchi, on the other hand, was a Japanese woman born in China, where she initially built her career as an actress. Although the two were of different generations, they were said to be closely linked at one point.
In 2007, TV Tokyo aired a drama special about the life of Yamaguchi, and Kawahima was a key character in that show. In that version, Aya Ueto played Yamaguchi.
The supporting cast in "Danso no Reijin" includes Yuki Yagi, Miki Maya, Masatoshi Nakamura, and Masanobu Takashima. TV Asahi will broadcast the drama on December 6.
As previously reported, the drama focuses on Kawashima, who served as a spy for the Kwantung Army and as a military leader for Manchukuo. Yamaguchi, on the other hand, was a Japanese woman born in China, where she initially built her career as an actress. Although the two were of different generations, they were said to be closely linked at one point.
In 2007, TV Tokyo aired a drama special about the life of Yamaguchi, and Kawahima was a key character in that show. In that version, Aya Ueto played Yamaguchi.
The supporting cast in "Danso no Reijin" includes Yuki Yagi, Miki Maya, Masatoshi Nakamura, and Masanobu Takashima. TV Asahi will broadcast the drama on December 6.
Fri, November 14, 2008 (1:31am EST)
36-year-old comedian Kendo Kobayashi is dating 21-year-old gravure idol Akina Aoshima, according to the newest issue of FRIDAY. The magazine spotted the couple a week ago eating at an Okinawan cuisine restaurant before taking a taxi back to Kobayashi's apartment.
Yoshimoto Kogyo says that the two are good friends. Similarly, Aoshima's agency stated that they have not heard anything about a relationship.
Yoshimoto Kogyo says that the two are good friends. Similarly, Aoshima's agency stated that they have not heard anything about a relationship.
