Thu, March 5, 2009 (2:50am EST)
Shuzo Oshimi's sci-fi manga series "Hyoryu Net Cafe" is being adapted into a television drama this spring. The show will star actor Atsushi Ito, who is well known for his starring role in "Densha Otoko."
Also known as "Drifting Net Cafe," the original manga revolves around salaryman Koichi Toki (Ito), who leads a trouble-free but unexciting life. One day he stops by an internet cafe, where he runs into his first love whom he never forgot (played by model KIKI). A sudden electrical failure traps him and the other customers in the cafe, which has become a strange universe of its own.
As the manga is still fairly new, the original story's ending has not yet been decided, so the drama will possibly depart from the comic's storyline.
The supporting cast also includes Reina Asami. TBS will air the drama on Wednesday nights at 12:29am (12:44am for the first episode). It premieres on April 15.
Also known as "Drifting Net Cafe," the original manga revolves around salaryman Koichi Toki (Ito), who leads a trouble-free but unexciting life. One day he stops by an internet cafe, where he runs into his first love whom he never forgot (played by model KIKI). A sudden electrical failure traps him and the other customers in the cafe, which has become a strange universe of its own.
As the manga is still fairly new, the original story's ending has not yet been decided, so the drama will possibly depart from the comic's storyline.
The supporting cast also includes Reina Asami. TBS will air the drama on Wednesday nights at 12:29am (12:44am for the first episode). It premieres on April 15.
Thu, March 5, 2009 (2:23am EST)
NTV announcer Masumi Yamamoto (32) got married on Tuesday, which was Hinamatsuri in Japan. Her husband is a non-celebrity the same age as her. The network clarified that she is not pregnant and is planning to continue working.
Yamamoto has been part of NTV since 1999. She currently appears on a couple sports programs.
Yamamoto has been part of NTV since 1999. She currently appears on a couple sports programs.
Thu, March 5, 2009 (1:35am EST)
Rising female pop-rock band SCANDAL has just landed a tie-in with the popular anime series "Bleach." Their new song, "Shojo S," will be used as the show's opening theme starting on April 14.
SCANDAL just released "Sakura Goodbye," their second major-label single, on Wednesday. "Shojo S" is not on the single, and in fact, it has not yet been scheduled for a CD release.
Two of the band's members, guitarist MAMI and bassist TOMOMI, recently celebrated their graduation from high school.
SCANDAL just released "Sakura Goodbye," their second major-label single, on Wednesday. "Shojo S" is not on the single, and in fact, it has not yet been scheduled for a CD release.
Two of the band's members, guitarist MAMI and bassist TOMOMI, recently celebrated their graduation from high school.
Thu, March 5, 2009 (1:00am EST)
27-year-old singer AI is about to direct her first film, it was learned on Wednesday. Her work will be part of an anthology that is scheduled to open in August.
Last year saw the release of "R246 Story," a collection of short films themed around Japan's Route 246. Six directors participated in that project - Tadanobu Asano, Shido Nakamura, Yusuke Santamaria, Genki Sudo, ILMARI, and Verbal. AI's piece, tentatively titled "My Next Step," will be part of a similar anthology.
"My Next Step" is said to be a dance movie based on AI's own experiences and friends. Filming will take place this month in Los Angeles, where the singer was born.
Last year saw the release of "R246 Story," a collection of short films themed around Japan's Route 246. Six directors participated in that project - Tadanobu Asano, Shido Nakamura, Yusuke Santamaria, Genki Sudo, ILMARI, and Verbal. AI's piece, tentatively titled "My Next Step," will be part of a similar anthology.
"My Next Step" is said to be a dance movie based on AI's own experiences and friends. Filming will take place this month in Los Angeles, where the singer was born.
