Thu, January 15, 2009 (3:41am EST)
Pop-punk band ketchup mania posted a message to their fans on their official website, breaking the news that the group has decided to disband.
ketchup mania has been active since 1999. They made their major label debut in December 2005 under Universal Music, and in 2007 they transferred to TOY'S FACTORY. That same year, they made their U.S. debut at A-Kon, followed by performances in 2008 at Sakura-Con and on the SXSW Japan Nite tour.
According to the band's announcement, the four members gradually grew apart in their vision for the band. It is expected that each will be pursuing separate music careers.
On April 8, the band will simultaneously release two best albums, one for their major label releases and one for their works as an indie band. They have also scheduled their final concerts for May 5-6 in Tokyo and May 10 in Nagoya.
ketchup mania has been active since 1999. They made their major label debut in December 2005 under Universal Music, and in 2007 they transferred to TOY'S FACTORY. That same year, they made their U.S. debut at A-Kon, followed by performances in 2008 at Sakura-Con and on the SXSW Japan Nite tour.
According to the band's announcement, the four members gradually grew apart in their vision for the band. It is expected that each will be pursuing separate music careers.
On April 8, the band will simultaneously release two best albums, one for their major label releases and one for their works as an indie band. They have also scheduled their final concerts for May 5-6 in Tokyo and May 10 in Nagoya.
Thu, January 15, 2009 (3:05am EST)
Voice actor Showtaro Morikubo (34) and voice actress Yuu Asakawa (33) are no longer married. Asakawa revealed the news on her own blog on Wednesday, explaining that there were strong differences in their personalities and ways of thinking.
Morikubo and Asakawa barely married in February 2007, but after realizing their differences, they decided that they should quickly separate.
The two both have a long list of credits. Morikubo's roles include Kadaj in "Final Fantasy VII Advent Children" and Shikamaru Nara in "Naruto," while Asakawa is known for roles such as Sakaki in "Azumanga Daioh" and Luka Megurine in the next version of Vocaloid.
Morikubo and Asakawa barely married in February 2007, but after realizing their differences, they decided that they should quickly separate.
The two both have a long list of credits. Morikubo's roles include Kadaj in "Final Fantasy VII Advent Children" and Shikamaru Nara in "Naruto," while Asakawa is known for roles such as Sakaki in "Azumanga Daioh" and Luka Megurine in the next version of Vocaloid.
Thu, January 15, 2009 (2:30am EST)
The winners of the 51st Blue Ribbon Awards, chosen by a committee of critics and writers from seven of Tokyo's major sports newspapers, were declared on Wednesday.
This year, the winners included a son and mother-in-law: Masahiro Motoki took Best Actor for his role in "Okuribito," while Kirin Kiki captured Best Supporting Actress for "Aruitemo Aruitemo." Meanwhile, Hirokazu Koreeda picked up his second Best Director win, and author/artist Lily Franky became the oldest winner ever of the Best Newcomer award.
The full list of winners:
This year, the winners included a son and mother-in-law: Masahiro Motoki took Best Actor for his role in "Okuribito," while Kirin Kiki captured Best Supporting Actress for "Aruitemo Aruitemo." Meanwhile, Hirokazu Koreeda picked up his second Best Director win, and author/artist Lily Franky became the oldest winner ever of the Best Newcomer award.
The full list of winners:
- Best Picture: Climber's High
- Best Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
- Best Actor: Masahiro Motoki
- Best Actress: Tae Kimura
- Best Supporting Actor: Masato Sakai
- Best Supporting Actress: Kirin Kiki
- Best Newcomer: Yuriko Yoshitaka, Lily Franky
- Best Foreign Film: The Dark Knight
Thu, January 15, 2009 (1:35am EST)
32-year-old actress Haruka Igawa is currently pregnant, her agency announced on Wednesday. She has been married to fashion designer Ato Matsumoto since November 2006.
Sources say that Igawa learned about the pregnancy during the fall, and she is scheduled to give birth in the early summer. She hopes to continue working as late into her pregnancy as possible. She also plans to continue her career after the child is born.
Sources say that Igawa learned about the pregnancy during the fall, and she is scheduled to give birth in the early summer. She hopes to continue working as late into her pregnancy as possible. She also plans to continue her career after the child is born.
