Thu, February 12, 2009 (5:40pm EST)
Anime Expo put out a press release today announcing their first official Guest of Honor for this year's convention: popular idol group Morning Musume. While they have performed special concerts in Hawaii before, this will be their first time performing in the continental United States. Online music store JapanFiles.com will also be launching Morning Musume's digital catalog on February 18 with their latest single, "Naichau Kamo."
Anime Expo is being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on July 2-5.
Anime Expo is being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on July 2-5.
Thu, February 12, 2009 (4:23am EST)
X Japan's Yoshiki has announced that he is serving as the main sponsor and producer of the Dome Racing Team, which participates in the Super GT. His involvement with the team is in conjunction with the ROCK STAR energy drink that he produces. His team, which includes drivers Ryo Michigami and Takashi Kogure, will begin competing on March 21.
Meanwhile, X Japan has also scheduled two shows at Tokyo Dome on May 2-3. There are also plans for concerts in Osaka, but because negotiations with Kyocera Dome have fallen apart, the band is seeking out other potential venues, including Koshien Stadium.
Meanwhile, X Japan has also scheduled two shows at Tokyo Dome on May 2-3. There are also plans for concerts in Osaka, but because negotiations with Kyocera Dome have fallen apart, the band is seeking out other potential venues, including Koshien Stadium.
Thu, February 12, 2009 (3:59am EST)
The TV Asahi drama "Kyoto Chiken no Onna" is coming back for a 5th season this spring. The mystery series, which stars Yuko Natori as a public prosecutor, has previously aired in 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007. Over those four seasons, the show averaged 16.7% ratings in the Kansai area, where the show is set.
The returning cast includes Toru Masuoka and Ikkei Watanabe, while Susumu Terajima has been added.
The new series begins in April, airing every Thursday at 8:00pm.
The returning cast includes Toru Masuoka and Ikkei Watanabe, while Susumu Terajima has been added.
The new series begins in April, airing every Thursday at 8:00pm.
Thu, February 12, 2009 (1:53am EST)
Jun Matsumoto and Yui Aragaki will co-star in a new TBS drama series titled "Smile." Takayuki Takuma ("Hana Yori Dango") is handling the script, though he is using his real name rather than his usual pen name of Mikio Satake.
Matsumoto plays a half-Filipino whose father has died and mother has disappeared. Despite his misfortune and the issues he deals with, such as race, he lives his life positively with a constant smile.
Similarly, Aragaki plays a young woman living cheerfully despite losing her ability to speak due to an accident. Her character is said to be modeled after a real actress in the theatrical troupe that Takuma runs.
The supporting cast includes Kiichi Nakai as a lawyer who watches over Matsumoto and Aragaki.
"Smile" will air on Friday nights at 10:00pm, starting in April.
Matsumoto plays a half-Filipino whose father has died and mother has disappeared. Despite his misfortune and the issues he deals with, such as race, he lives his life positively with a constant smile.
Similarly, Aragaki plays a young woman living cheerfully despite losing her ability to speak due to an accident. Her character is said to be modeled after a real actress in the theatrical troupe that Takuma runs.
The supporting cast includes Kiichi Nakai as a lawyer who watches over Matsumoto and Aragaki.
"Smile" will air on Friday nights at 10:00pm, starting in April.
Thu, February 12, 2009 (1:12am EST)
Fuji TV's live-action "Zettai Kareshi" series is coming back for a special episode. Based on the manga by Yuu Watase, the series originally aired from April to June 2008.
The special, titled "Zettai Kareshi ~Kanzen Muketsu no Koibito Robot~," is set after the end of the series. Mocomichi Hayami will reprise his role as the robot Night (Naito) Tenjo, along with co-stars Saki Aibu and Hiro Mizushima. The cast will have a couple of additions, with Ryoko Kuninaka playing a brilliant scientist and Asahi Uchida playing her assistant.
Fuji TV will broadcast the episode this spring.
The special, titled "Zettai Kareshi ~Kanzen Muketsu no Koibito Robot~," is set after the end of the series. Mocomichi Hayami will reprise his role as the robot Night (Naito) Tenjo, along with co-stars Saki Aibu and Hiro Mizushima. The cast will have a couple of additions, with Ryoko Kuninaka playing a brilliant scientist and Asahi Uchida playing her assistant.
Fuji TV will broadcast the episode this spring.
