Thu, April 9, 2009 (4:17am EDT)
Popular idol Akina Minami (19) is slated to star in the latest "Ju-on" film. The cheerful Minami has frequently been in commercials, gravure, and TV variety shows, but her first starring role has turned out to be in a horror movie.
Past "Ju-on" films have starred big name actresses such as Chiaki Kuriyama (24), Megumi Okina (29), and Noriko Sakai (38). The series has gained fame not just in Japan, but also internationally. In 2004, director Takashi Shimizu remade the first theatrical "Ju-on" film as "The Grudge" for American release, and it became the first Japanese-directed picture to hold #1 at the box office for two consecutive weeks.
Shimizu, who wrote and directed the previous films, is supervising the new project, titled "Ju-on: Shiroi Roujo." There were several candidates for director, but in the end, Ryota Miyake (of the "Honto ni Atta Kowai Hanashi" series) was chosen to take the helm. The movie is scheduled to open in theaters this June.
The excited Minami commented, "I was too scared after reading the script, so I told my manager I didn't think I could do it. But since it was the leading role for the 'Ju-on' series, I thought that I had to do it by any means necessary."
The plot of the movie hasn't been fully released yet, but Minami plays a high school girl with a strong sense for the supernatural, whose friend died in a murder case during her elementary school days.
Past "Ju-on" films have starred big name actresses such as Chiaki Kuriyama (24), Megumi Okina (29), and Noriko Sakai (38). The series has gained fame not just in Japan, but also internationally. In 2004, director Takashi Shimizu remade the first theatrical "Ju-on" film as "The Grudge" for American release, and it became the first Japanese-directed picture to hold #1 at the box office for two consecutive weeks.
Shimizu, who wrote and directed the previous films, is supervising the new project, titled "Ju-on: Shiroi Roujo." There were several candidates for director, but in the end, Ryota Miyake (of the "Honto ni Atta Kowai Hanashi" series) was chosen to take the helm. The movie is scheduled to open in theaters this June.
The excited Minami commented, "I was too scared after reading the script, so I told my manager I didn't think I could do it. But since it was the leading role for the 'Ju-on' series, I thought that I had to do it by any means necessary."
The plot of the movie hasn't been fully released yet, but Minami plays a high school girl with a strong sense for the supernatural, whose friend died in a murder case during her elementary school days.
Thu, April 9, 2009 (3:27am EDT)
Actor Hayato Ichihara (22) has just launched his official musical career. Going by the name "Hayato," he released his first song "LIFE" as a digital exclusive on Thursday.
Ichihara is reportedly close to artists such as JESSE of RIZE, and since the age of 16, he has been trying to make his own music. The hip-hop tune "LIFE" features Ichihara rapping with lyrics that he wrote himself.
Before this, Ichihara rapped on screen in the 2006 movie "Chekeraccho!!" and gave away a song as a special bonus for a photobook, but "LIFE" is the first time that he has released a song on its own. "LIFE" is now available digitally, but it will also be coupled with another song titled "Noren" on a DVD that comes with his next photobook, "HigH LifE," on sale in May.
Ichihara is reportedly close to artists such as JESSE of RIZE, and since the age of 16, he has been trying to make his own music. The hip-hop tune "LIFE" features Ichihara rapping with lyrics that he wrote himself.
Before this, Ichihara rapped on screen in the 2006 movie "Chekeraccho!!" and gave away a song as a special bonus for a photobook, but "LIFE" is the first time that he has released a song on its own. "LIFE" is now available digitally, but it will also be coupled with another song titled "Noren" on a DVD that comes with his next photobook, "HigH LifE," on sale in May.
Thu, April 9, 2009 (3:19am EDT)
With springtime meaning lots of fresh graduates entering companies for the first time, Oricon conducted a survey of 20- to 40-year-olds, asking them which famous person they would like to have as their new co-worker. Sho Sakurai of Arashi and talento Becky took the top spots in the men's and women's rankings, respectively.
For the male rankings, one female stated that Sakurai "thinks quickly and seems like the type to remember things about work quickly." Working as a newscaster for NTV's "NEWS ZERO," Sakurai has gained a lot of attention for his opinions. In the survey, he was followed by Teppei Koike of the duo WaT and pro golfer Ryo Ishikawa.
For the male rankings, one female stated that Sakurai "thinks quickly and seems like the type to remember things about work quickly." Working as a newscaster for NTV's "NEWS ZERO," Sakurai has gained a lot of attention for his opinions. In the survey, he was followed by Teppei Koike of the duo WaT and pro golfer Ryo Ishikawa.
- Sho Sakurai
- Teppei Koike
- Ryo Ishikawa
- Hiro Mizushima
- Haruma Miura
- Satoshi Tsumabuki
- Yusuke Kamiji
- Takeru Sato
- Junpei Mizobata
- Eiji Wentz
- Becky
- Aya Ueto
- Yui Aragaki
- Maki Horikita
- Masami Nagasawa
- Aoi Miyazaki
- Haruka Ayase
- Saki Aibu
- Erika Toda
- Mikako Tabe
Thu, April 9, 2009 (2:51am EDT)
On Monday, weekly tabloid Shukan Gendai reported that popular group Mr.Children has plans to disband. The next day, the group addressed fans' concerns by issuing a statement on their website, completely denying any truth to the report.
The magazine's article seems to have been mainly speculation, focusing on the fact that Mr.Children has not yet announced any new releases or scheduled events beyond the end of their current tour in May. With this being the band's 20th anniversary year, an empty schedule seems unusual, which Shukan Gendai interprets as a sign that Mr.Children will wrap up their activities by the end of the year.
The notice on Mr.Children's website stated that both the band and their staff were extremely surprised by the article, but explained that they felt the need to answer their fans' worries and confusion.
The magazine's article seems to have been mainly speculation, focusing on the fact that Mr.Children has not yet announced any new releases or scheduled events beyond the end of their current tour in May. With this being the band's 20th anniversary year, an empty schedule seems unusual, which Shukan Gendai interprets as a sign that Mr.Children will wrap up their activities by the end of the year.
The notice on Mr.Children's website stated that both the band and their staff were extremely surprised by the article, but explained that they felt the need to answer their fans' worries and confusion.
Thu, April 9, 2009 (2:23am EDT)
The winners of the 17th Hashida Awards, given in the field of television, were recently announced. However, this was the 4th consecutive year without a grand prize.
In television shows, honors went to "Atsuhime," "Kaze no Garden," "Around 40," and the documentary "Gaia no Yoake." Among people, screenwriter Eriko Shinozaki was awarded a prize, along with actors Takuzo Kadono and Masato Sakai and actresses Keiko Matsuzaka and Atsuko Takahata.
The newcomer awards, which generally receive more attention for the press, were given to Eita, Juri Ueno, and Meisa Kuroki this year. Journalist Takanobu Fujita received a special award.
In television shows, honors went to "Atsuhime," "Kaze no Garden," "Around 40," and the documentary "Gaia no Yoake." Among people, screenwriter Eriko Shinozaki was awarded a prize, along with actors Takuzo Kadono and Masato Sakai and actresses Keiko Matsuzaka and Atsuko Takahata.
The newcomer awards, which generally receive more attention for the press, were given to Eita, Juri Ueno, and Meisa Kuroki this year. Journalist Takanobu Fujita received a special award.
Thu, April 9, 2009 (1:57am EDT)
Gravure idol Asuka Kinbara (19) has already retired from show business, reports this week's issue of Shukan Bunshun. Two months ago, another magazine published an article claiming that Kinbara was having an affair with actor Sousuke Takaoka (27), and in the aftermath Kinbara had to quit.
Takaoka is married to actress Aoi Miyazaki (23). In February, Josei Seven ran its claim of an affair, saying that Kinbara and Takaoka were seen together after a party, holding hands while entering Takaoka's apartment. The rumor was flatly denied by both sides, but it seems that the incident still heavily impacted Kinbara's career.
According to Shukan Bunshun, immediately after the rumor surfaced, Kinbara met with her parents in Hokkaido, and they decided that she should withdraw from show business. Last month, the idol informed her agency, Sun Music Brain, of her intention to quit. Kinbara is no longer listed on the company's website, and her last blog entry was posted just before the initial article appeared in Josei Seven.
Shukan Bunshun also notes that the incident had cost Kinbara her role as the image model of prep school Sundai Yobiko, resulting in 1 million yen wasted on posters that had already been printed.
Takaoka is married to actress Aoi Miyazaki (23). In February, Josei Seven ran its claim of an affair, saying that Kinbara and Takaoka were seen together after a party, holding hands while entering Takaoka's apartment. The rumor was flatly denied by both sides, but it seems that the incident still heavily impacted Kinbara's career.
According to Shukan Bunshun, immediately after the rumor surfaced, Kinbara met with her parents in Hokkaido, and they decided that she should withdraw from show business. Last month, the idol informed her agency, Sun Music Brain, of her intention to quit. Kinbara is no longer listed on the company's website, and her last blog entry was posted just before the initial article appeared in Josei Seven.
Shukan Bunshun also notes that the incident had cost Kinbara her role as the image model of prep school Sundai Yobiko, resulting in 1 million yen wasted on posters that had already been printed.
Thu, April 9, 2009 (12:51am EDT)
On Wednesday, Asmik Ace revealing their upcoming lineup of films, with most of the attention going to the announcement that Inio Asano's popular manga "Solanin" is being adapted as a live-action movie, starring Aoi Miyazaki.
The manga, which was serialized from 2005 to 2006, revolves around a young office worker named Meiko (Miyazaki) and her part-timer boyfriend Nario (Kengo Kora). The two live together, though Meiko is the one providing the real financial support. Nario is the vocalist of an amateur band, and Meiko tries to get him to take a professional music career more seriously. However, they both struggle to find their places as adults.
"Solanin" is being directed by Takahiro Miki, who is better known for making music videos.
Filming starts on April 25. One scene features Miyazaki's character performing on stage, so she has been training in guitar and vocals since the end of last year. Asmik Ace expects to release the film next year.
The manga, which was serialized from 2005 to 2006, revolves around a young office worker named Meiko (Miyazaki) and her part-timer boyfriend Nario (Kengo Kora). The two live together, though Meiko is the one providing the real financial support. Nario is the vocalist of an amateur band, and Meiko tries to get him to take a professional music career more seriously. However, they both struggle to find their places as adults.
"Solanin" is being directed by Takahiro Miki, who is better known for making music videos.
Filming starts on April 25. One scene features Miyazaki's character performing on stage, so she has been training in guitar and vocals since the end of last year. Asmik Ace expects to release the film next year.
