Thu, June 11, 2009 (3:21am EDT)
The animated film "Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai" ("Miyamoto Musashi: Souken ni Haseru Yume") has reportedly been invited to both the 62nd Locarno International Film Festival and the 13th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.
Written by Mamoru Oshii and directed by Mizuho Nishikubo, the movie opens in Japan this coming weekend. It documents the life of the famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi, who founded the Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu swordfighting style. Oshii based the script on the information found in Musashi's "The Book of Five Rings," considered a classic text on military strategy.
The Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in Korea is taking place July 16-26. The screening of "Musashi" there will mark its Asian premiere outside of Japan. The movie will then be shown the following month at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, being held August 5-15.
Written by Mamoru Oshii and directed by Mizuho Nishikubo, the movie opens in Japan this coming weekend. It documents the life of the famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi, who founded the Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu swordfighting style. Oshii based the script on the information found in Musashi's "The Book of Five Rings," considered a classic text on military strategy.
The Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in Korea is taking place July 16-26. The screening of "Musashi" there will mark its Asian premiere outside of Japan. The movie will then be shown the following month at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, being held August 5-15.
Thu, June 11, 2009 (2:53am EDT)
Actor Yosuke Eguchi (41) has just been hospitalized due to an unfortunate accident on his motorcycle.
At about 7:30pm on Wednesday night, Eguchi filled up his motorcycle at a Shibuya gas station and was making a left turn onto the street. He suddenly stepped on his brakes to avoid colliding with an approaching bicyclist, but it resulted in his motorcycle overturning. Eguchi was taken to the hospital and is said to have fractured his collarbone and a rib. The 36-year-old salaryman who was riding the bicycle was not injured.
Eguchi is set to co-star with Nanako Matsushima in the fourth season of Fuji TV's "Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji" drama series, scheduled to start on July 7. The severity of his fractures has not yet been reported, and it is not yet known how much the injuries will impact production on the drama.
At about 7:30pm on Wednesday night, Eguchi filled up his motorcycle at a Shibuya gas station and was making a left turn onto the street. He suddenly stepped on his brakes to avoid colliding with an approaching bicyclist, but it resulted in his motorcycle overturning. Eguchi was taken to the hospital and is said to have fractured his collarbone and a rib. The 36-year-old salaryman who was riding the bicycle was not injured.
Eguchi is set to co-star with Nanako Matsushima in the fourth season of Fuji TV's "Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji" drama series, scheduled to start on July 7. The severity of his fractures has not yet been reported, and it is not yet known how much the injuries will impact production on the drama.
Thu, June 11, 2009 (2:18am EDT)
Yukiya Sakuragi's comedy manga "Inubaka" is being adapted as a live-action movie, starring popular talento Suzanne (22). The film is scheduled for release this fall.
"Inubaka" has been serialized in Young Jump since 2004. Suzanne plays the part of Suguri Miyauchi, a young woman with a great love for dogs. For some reason, even the fiercest of dogs grow attached to her, and she deals with them regularly as she spends her days working in a pet shop. Suzanne commented that she herself is a dog lover, so she is looking forward to filming.
Other details, such as the staff and supporting cast, will be revealed in the future through the movie's official website.
"Inubaka" has been serialized in Young Jump since 2004. Suzanne plays the part of Suguri Miyauchi, a young woman with a great love for dogs. For some reason, even the fiercest of dogs grow attached to her, and she deals with them regularly as she spends her days working in a pet shop. Suzanne commented that she herself is a dog lover, so she is looking forward to filming.
Other details, such as the staff and supporting cast, will be revealed in the future through the movie's official website.
Thu, June 11, 2009 (1:43am EDT)
Fashion model Lena Fujii (24) has confirmed rumors of her dating DA PUMP member ISSA (30). Last week's issue of Josei Seven had published photos of the two sharing a kiss together late at night.
On Wednesday, Fujii held a press conference presenting a red wedding dress that she produced. Reporters at the event took the opportunity to ask her about the magazine article, and she admitted that the rumor is true.
ISSA's past romances include actress Kou Shibasaki (27) and talento Yu Abiru (22). His agency declined to comment on his relationship with Fujii, saying that it is a private matter.
On Wednesday, Fujii held a press conference presenting a red wedding dress that she produced. Reporters at the event took the opportunity to ask her about the magazine article, and she admitted that the rumor is true.
ISSA's past romances include actress Kou Shibasaki (27) and talento Yu Abiru (22). His agency declined to comment on his relationship with Fujii, saying that it is a private matter.
