Wed, November 19, 2008 (2:52am EST)
The 49th International Thessaloniki Film Festival is in progress in Greece, and on Tuesday, the festival awarded the Honorary Golden Alexander to filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, in recognition of his contributions to the film world. His latest work, "Achilles to Kame" ("Achilles and the Tortoise"), was screened at the festival.
Kitano is the first Japanese person to receive the Honorary Golden Alexander, though directors Hidenori Sugimori and Yoichiro Takahashi have each received a Golden Alexander in the past for winning the grand prize of the festival's competition section.
Kitano is the first Japanese person to receive the Honorary Golden Alexander, though directors Hidenori Sugimori and Yoichiro Takahashi have each received a Golden Alexander in the past for winning the grand prize of the festival's competition section.
Wed, November 19, 2008 (2:37am EST)
Successful idol group AKB48 is further expanding its operations. The first new project will start next spring as the group launches a new series of shows at its Akihabara theater. Every Saturday at 10pm will be "Saturday Night 48," based on an "adult idol" concept.
The "Saturday Night 48" shows will be restricted to fans who are 18 years or older, and the performers will also be chosen from AKB48's 18-and-over members. Producer Yasushi Akimoto hopes to differentiate the shows from normal live events, with one highlight being the use of sexier outfits instead of AKB48's typical uniforms.
In addition to the new concerts, Akimoto revealed that a new sister group is in the works. Earlier this year, SKE48 was launched in the Sakae ward of Nagoya. The next target is the Hakata ward of Fukuoka, which will be the home of the similarly named HKT48. Akimoto is planning to eventually launch additional branches in Osaka and Sapporo.
The "Saturday Night 48" shows will be restricted to fans who are 18 years or older, and the performers will also be chosen from AKB48's 18-and-over members. Producer Yasushi Akimoto hopes to differentiate the shows from normal live events, with one highlight being the use of sexier outfits instead of AKB48's typical uniforms.
In addition to the new concerts, Akimoto revealed that a new sister group is in the works. Earlier this year, SKE48 was launched in the Sakae ward of Nagoya. The next target is the Hakata ward of Fukuoka, which will be the home of the similarly named HKT48. Akimoto is planning to eventually launch additional branches in Osaka and Sapporo.
Wed, November 19, 2008 (1:50am EST)
Announcer Mona Yamamoto has been out of work again since her second scandal this past July, but she is apparently being productive with her time. It was learned on Tuesday that Yamamoto is currently studying to earn an MBA degree. She is said to be taking courses offered by a graduate school in Tokyo, attending class several times a week.
A source close to Yamamoto said that the announcer is still aiming to return to work.
A source close to Yamamoto said that the announcer is still aiming to return to work.
Wed, November 19, 2008 (1:37am EST)
Last week, singer-songwriter YUI released her B-side best album "MY SHORT STORIES." The collection sold a total of 174,000 copies to take #1 for the week. Mr.Children had a B-side album top the charts in May 2007, but the only female artist to previously achieve that was Seiko Matsuda in 1984. "MY SHORT STORIES" also marks YUI's third consecutive number-one album.
Three other female singers entered the top ten: Beyonce (#3), Christina Aguilera (#5), and Enya (#6). Dir en grey managed to make #4 with their new album, while The Birthday edged into the #10 spot.
On the singles chart, Dreams Come True took #1 with 46,000 copies of their latest, "Tsuretette Tsuretette." While the group now has 11 number-one singles, this is their first since becoming a duo in 2002. Their last chart-topper came 9 years and 10 months ago, which sets a record for the longest gap between number-ones by a group.
Right behind Dreams Come True were The GazetteE and the reunited girl band SPEED. The rest of the top ten included ORANGE RANGE, Mika Nakashima, Mai Satoda, Buono!, and The Gospellers.
Three other female singers entered the top ten: Beyonce (#3), Christina Aguilera (#5), and Enya (#6). Dir en grey managed to make #4 with their new album, while The Birthday edged into the #10 spot.
On the singles chart, Dreams Come True took #1 with 46,000 copies of their latest, "Tsuretette Tsuretette." While the group now has 11 number-one singles, this is their first since becoming a duo in 2002. Their last chart-topper came 9 years and 10 months ago, which sets a record for the longest gap between number-ones by a group.
Right behind Dreams Come True were The GazetteE and the reunited girl band SPEED. The rest of the top ten included ORANGE RANGE, Mika Nakashima, Mai Satoda, Buono!, and The Gospellers.
Wed, November 19, 2008 (12:54am EST)
The ongoing manga series "Mei-chan no Shitsuji" is being adapted as a live-action TV series on Fuji TV next season. Young actors Hiro Mizushima and Nana Eikura will co-star in the romantic comedy.
The original comic by Riko Miyagi, also known as "Mei-chan's Butler," is currently serialized in the Shueisha magazine Margaret. The story revolves around a young woman named Mei (Eikura) who finally finds the "butler of her dreams" (Mizushima), whom she has been searching for since a past encounter. Takeru Sato will play Mizushima's younger brother.
Fuji TV will air the show on Tuesdays at 9:00pm, starting in January.
The original comic by Riko Miyagi, also known as "Mei-chan's Butler," is currently serialized in the Shueisha magazine Margaret. The story revolves around a young woman named Mei (Eikura) who finally finds the "butler of her dreams" (Mizushima), whom she has been searching for since a past encounter. Takeru Sato will play Mizushima's younger brother.
Fuji TV will air the show on Tuesdays at 9:00pm, starting in January.
