Wed, January 28, 2009 (12:23pm EST)
Rock trio DOES will have a part in the movie "Crows ZERO II." Their song "Torch Lighter" (on sale April 8) is being used in the film, and they will even play the song on-screen in one scene. This is the first time they have written music for a movie, as well as their first movie appearance.
"Crows ZERO II," which is the sequel to 2007's hit movie "Crows ZERO," opens on April 11.
"Crows ZERO II," which is the sequel to 2007's hit movie "Crows ZERO," opens on April 11.
Wed, January 28, 2009 (12:22pm EST)
"Akumu no Elevator," written by actor/author Hanta Kinoshita, is being turned into a movie. The suspense comedy, which is based on the first installment of Kinoshita's popular "Akumu series," will be the directorial debut of actor Keisuke Horibe.
The story unfolds in a stopped elevator, where four men and women are trapped. Masaaki Uchino has been given the lead role. Filming already finished at the end of last year, and theatrical release has been scheduled for this coming fall.
The story unfolds in a stopped elevator, where four men and women are trapped. Masaaki Uchino has been given the lead role. Filming already finished at the end of last year, and theatrical release has been scheduled for this coming fall.
Wed, January 28, 2009 (2:56am EST)
Mai Kuraki's latest album, "touch Me!," sold 50,000 copies this past week to take #1 on the albums chart. Her last #1 was four albums ago, in 2003. The popular singer has seen all 30 of her singles reach the top ten, and she hopes to extend that streak in April when she releases the double A-side "PUZZLE / Revive." "PUZZLE" is being used as the theme for the upcoming "Detective Conan" movie, while "Revive" is the current opening theme for the "Detective Conan" series.
The rest of the top ten on the albums chart saw new releases from May'n at #2 and Sakanaction at #8.
On the singles chart, TVXQ scored their fourth consecutive #1 with 89,000 copies sold of their triple A-side "Bolero / Kiss the Baby Sky / Wasurenaide." "Bolero" is being used as a theme song for the movie "Subaru." Meisa Kuroki, who stars in the film, is featured on the single's jacket.
Nana Mizuki's newest song came in at #2, while Buono! and Motohiro Hata entered at #4 and #5, respectively. Also in the top ten were visual kei band D (#6), ALI PROJECT (#9), and the latest "Minami-ke" single (#10).
The rest of the top ten on the albums chart saw new releases from May'n at #2 and Sakanaction at #8.
On the singles chart, TVXQ scored their fourth consecutive #1 with 89,000 copies sold of their triple A-side "Bolero / Kiss the Baby Sky / Wasurenaide." "Bolero" is being used as a theme song for the movie "Subaru." Meisa Kuroki, who stars in the film, is featured on the single's jacket.
Nana Mizuki's newest song came in at #2, while Buono! and Motohiro Hata entered at #4 and #5, respectively. Also in the top ten were visual kei band D (#6), ALI PROJECT (#9), and the latest "Minami-ke" single (#10).
Wed, January 28, 2009 (2:10am EST)
Young actress Maki Horikita will star in a two-part drama special on Fuji TV titled "Chance! Kanojo ga Seikou Shita Riyuu," described as a comical success story. The show will also feature Hitori Gekidan and Meisa Kuroki.
Horikita plays a 22-year-old who struggles to find a job, finally landing one at a travel company. Kuroki plays a career woman at the same firm who happens to have the same last name. One day, they mistakenly take each other's cell phones, and as a result, Horikita's character ends up having to give a critical presentation. This becomes her "chance" at success.
Fuji TV will broadcast the drama at 11:10pm on March 7 and March 14.
Horikita plays a 22-year-old who struggles to find a job, finally landing one at a travel company. Kuroki plays a career woman at the same firm who happens to have the same last name. One day, they mistakenly take each other's cell phones, and as a result, Horikita's character ends up having to give a critical presentation. This becomes her "chance" at success.
Fuji TV will broadcast the drama at 11:10pm on March 7 and March 14.
Wed, January 28, 2009 (12:24am EST)
Idol group 9nine, which has had only 8 members since the removal of Rubi Kato two years ago, is now shrinking to a total of five. Midori Yamaoka, Mai Yoshida, and Marie Ashida will graduate from the group on March 27 with a final concert at Harajuku's Astro Hall.
The concert will be split into two halves. The first half is the last performance featuring all 8 members, while the second half is the first performance by the new 5-member lineup.
Yamaoka, Yoshida, and Ashida are said to each be continuing with a new path, though no specific plans have yet been announced.
The concert will be split into two halves. The first half is the last performance featuring all 8 members, while the second half is the first performance by the new 5-member lineup.
Yamaoka, Yoshida, and Ashida are said to each be continuing with a new path, though no specific plans have yet been announced.
