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49th Japan Record Award winners announced
Thu, November 29, 2007 (4:02pm EST)

The judging committee of the 49th Japan Record Awards has revealed its list of winners. The 10 winners of the Gold Award are:

    * "Jewelry day" by Ayaka
    * "LOVE IS THE GREATEST THING" by w-inds.
    * "Toki no Kakera" by EXILE
    * "PEACH" by Ai Otsuka
    * "Kanazawa No Ame" by Miyuki Kawanaka
    * "Koi no Uta" by Kumi Koda
    * "Tsubomi" by Kobukuro
    * "Kiyoshi no Soran Bushi" by Kiyoshi Hikawa
    * "LOVE LETTER" by BoA
    * "Hitori Satsumaji" by Kaori Mizumori

The New Artist Award winners are:

    * 癈-ute
    * JYONGRI
    * Stephanie
    * Satomi Takasugi

Other winners include Man Arai's "Sen no Kaze ni Natte" (Composer Award), Tetsuya Chiaki for "Waremokou" (Lyricist Award), and Seiji Kameda (Arranger Award). A special award is being given to Masafumi Akikawa, Yu Aku, Hideaki Tokunaga, and Ryoichi Hattori and his two sons, Katsuhisa and Takayuki.

The Japan Record Award and Best Singer (both selected from the Gold Award winners), as well as Best New Artist (selected from the New Artist Award winners), will be announced at the actual awards ceremony on December 30.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Daito to star in film about Chiharu Matsuyama
Thu, November 29, 2007 (4:55pm EST)



Relatively new actor Shunsuke Daito has been selected to star in the movie "Ashoro Yori," based on an autobiographical novel by folk singer Chiharu Matsuyama.

"Ashoro Yori" was published by Matsuyama in 1979, two years after his debut. It became a hit, selling more than 700,000 copies. It went out of print in 1981, but it was reissued in May of last year. Based on the sales of the reissue and a drama CD version, a film version was decided.

The story follows Matsuyama's life from his meeting with the late radio director Kenji Takeda, who guided Matsuyama to fame, to his major debut. Masato Hagiwara will play the role of Takeda.

The film, directed by Kazuhisa Imai, is said to have a budget of about 300 million yen. Filming begins next spring in Ashoro, Hokkaido, and theatrical release is scheduled for November.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Lenny Kravitz to sing "L" theme
Thu, November 29, 2007 (5:19pm EST)



American rock singer Lenny Kravitz will sing the theme song to the "Death Note" spinoff "L change the WorLd." This is Kravitz's first theme song for a Japanese film.

The song used will be Kravitz's latest release, "I'll Be Waiting," which went on sale last month.

The use of an American rock artist is not unusual for the franchise. The previous two films featured music by Red Hot Chili Peppers.



"L change the WorLd," directed by Hideo Nakata and starring Kenichi Matsuyama, opens in Japanese theaters on February 9.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Shokotan sings with Mao Inoue?
Thu, November 29, 2007 (6:42pm EST)



According to an entry on Shoko Nakagawa's blog on Thursday, she and actress Mao Inoue have finished recording a song together. The post included a picture of the two together in a recording studio, but offered no details about the song.

Inoue is starring in a drama version of "Anmitsu Hime" on Fuji TV in January. Nakagawa also appears in the drama, and her mention of it on the blog suggests that the song will be used in the show. Whether it is the theme song or an insert song has not yet been announced.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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American singer Alicia Keys (26) had Tokyo's office workers buzzing when she gave a free mini-concert in Marunouchi yesterday. Performing on a piano in the lobby of the Maru Building, a glittering symbol of the rebirth of Tokyo's business district, she shared the stage with an 8m Christmas tree whose illuminations were changed to champagne pink for the event. She described the show as "an early Christmas present for all the hard working ladies", and the aisles on the first to sixth floors facing the lobby were packed with an estimated 2,500 people, mostly "office ladies". The 9-time Grammy Award winner performed three songs, including "No One", the U.S. chart-topping first single from her latest album "As I Am."

Source: www.japan-zone.com

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[LONDON] Yamaguchi Tomoko joins Nicole Kidman and cast at 揟he Golden Compass

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Michelin guide star of the chart
Shigefumi Takasuka / Daily Yomiuri Staff Writer

The debut edition of the Michelin dining guide to Tokyo, published Nov. 22, immediately hit the top of the bestseller list provided by Kinokuniya Co., a nationwide book chain. The publication of the French-based tire company's first restaurant guidebook for an Asian city has become a popular topic of conversation, especially as eight Tokyo venues were awarded the top three-star rating.

Homeless Chugakusei (Memoir of a homeless middle school student who grew up to be a successful comedian) has remained very popular since its publication in September and now occupies the second place on the list.

Third place is occupied by Kanjani 8 "Eh! Homma!? Bikkuri!! Tour 2007" Micchaku Dokyumento Shashinshu, a photo book covering idol group Kanjani 8's national tour, while Shin Ningen Kakumei (New Human Revolution), Vol. 17 by Daisaku Ikeda, honorary president of Soka Gakkai, Japan's biggest lay Buddhist organization, is in fourth place.

Ningen no Kankei (Human Relations) on the fifth spot is an essay on life by popular novelist Hiroyuki Itsuki. This is a special publication by Poplar Publishing Co., a Tokyo-based firm known for children's books, to commemorate its 60th anniversary.

Sixth place is occupied by Daiingu Ai (Dying eye), a mystery about an amnesic man, written by popular novelist Keigo Higashino.

Za Shikuretto in seventh place is a translation of The Secret, a New Age self-help book written by Rhonda Byrne. In this controversial book, Byrne claims that one's positive thoughts are powerful magnets attracting wealth, health and happiness, but that negative thoughts will create terminal illness, poverty and even large-scale disasters.

In the eighth place is Ie, Sambiki no Kobuta ga Machigatteitakoto (Mistakes the three little pigs made in building homes), in which the two authors criticizes the current earthquake resistance standards for wooden houses in Japan.

Motomenai (Freedom from lust) in ninth place is a poetry book by Shozo Kajima, a poet, ink-brush painter and American literature researcher, while Kimizora: Koizora, Another Story (Your sky: Another story of "Love sky") in 10th place, is a romantic novel originally carried on a cell-phone Web site.

--Shigefumi Takasuka

(Nov. 30, 2007)

Source: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/book/20071130TDY17005.htm

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Charts: TOKIO, Kazumasa Oda
Mon, December 3, 2007 (4:43pm EST)



TOKIO was able to claim to the #1 spot on the singles chart this week, as "SEISYuN" sold only 46,000 copies against even weaker competition. This is their first chart-topper since last year's "Sorafune," and their sixth overall.



Meanwhile, Kazumasa Oda once again demonstrated his lasting popularity, reaching the top of the albums chart with his latest hits collection, "Jiko Best 2," which sold 176,000 copies. At the age of 60 years and 3 months, he remains the oldest artist to have a #1 album, having set the previous record in 2005. He also set the same record for singles with "Kokoro" this past August.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Matsu's agency confirms relationship, denies marriage
Fri, November 30, 2007 (4:23pm EST)



On Friday, Takako Matsu's agency finally commented on the recent news report that she is getting married to guitarist and producer Yoshiyuki Sahashi. According to her management, the couple is indeed involved romantically, but there are no plans for marriage.

Sports Hochi had reported that Matsu's schedule was clear until April, suggesting preparation for marriage, but the agency also denied this. Matsu's schedule is said to be full with projects that have not yet been announced. Currently, she is reportedly working on a new album and filming for a television drama.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Suo, Takeuchi, Narumi win Fumiko Yamaji Awards
Fri, November 30, 2007 (4:33pm EST)



The ceremony for the 31st Fumiko Yamaji Awards was held on Friday. Director Masayuki Suo won the Film Award for "Soredemo Boku wa Yattenai." Yuko Takeuchi earned the Actress Award for her performance in "Sidecar ni Inu," and Riko Narumi earned the New Actress Award for her roles in several films this year, including "Shindo" and "Kimi ni Shika Kikoenai."

Screenwriter and director Shinobu Hashimoto received an award honoring him for his many years of contributions to film, while director Akio Kondo earned the Social Welfare Award for his movie "Fumiko no Umi." Writer Hideo Osabe was given the Culture Award.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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NHK cutting back on jidaigeki dramas
Fri, November 30, 2007 (5:32pm EST)

Public broadcaster NHK has decided to reduce airtime for its jidaigeki dramas. The network currently has a 45-minute jidaigeki time slot on Thursdays at 8:00pm, but starting in April, that block will be moved to Saturdays and shortened to only 30 minutes.

The popularity of such dramas has been decreasing in recent years, and according to the ratings, the shows appear to only attract much older viewers. In September, TV Asahi also decided to end its Tuesday jidaigeki time slot.

In its bid for viewership, NHK plans to use the free time slot as a new drama block, targeted at families and younger audiences.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Hollywood to remake Fukasaku's "XX"
Fri, November 30, 2007 (6:35pm EST)

Kenta Fukasaku's horror flick "XX" ("Ekusu Kurosu") is reportedly getting a Hollywood remake. The offer was brought to the table by producer Tim Kwok, who has worked on films such as "Fight Club" and "L.A. Confidential" (though he is apparently uncredited for both of them).



The original film, which stars Nao Matsu$hita and Ami Suzuki, opens in Japan on December 1. No cast details or production dates have been announced for the remake.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Yu Aoi to star in WOWOW's "Yottsu no Uso"
Sat, December 1, 2007 (6:45pm EST)



Actress Yu Aoi will star in a WOWOW drama series this winter, titled "Yu Aoi x Yottsu no Uso: Camouflage."

The series consists of four 3-episode chapters, each handled by a different director. The directors were given freedom in their stories, but they all share a common theme: lies.

The four directors are said to be Mitsuyoshi Takasu (who handles "Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!"), commercial planner Takuma Takasaki, Yuki Tanada (who has already been working with Aoi on her next film "Hyakumanen to Nigamushi Onna"), and Nobuhiro Yama#a ("Tennen Kokekko," "Linda Linda Linda").

Filming for the drama begins in mid-December. WOWOW will broadcast the series on Wednesdays at midnight, starting on January 30.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Eguchi stars in Kaz Kiriya's "Goemon"
Sun, December 2, 2007 (4:55pm EST)



Actor Yosuke Eguchi has been given the starring role in Kazuaki Kiriya's "Goemon," it was learned on Sunday. Eguchi plays the legendary 16th-century bandit Ishikawa Goemon, though Kiriya's film is said to be a new interpretation on the character.

Kiriya's Goemon, who works for a military commander, has an unusual appearance. His hairstyle resembles modern fashion, rather than the traditional chonmage style, and his outfit is a combination of kimono, Western armor, and long boots. The setting is said to feature Western-style architecture, unlike the original time period. It appears that the whole story has been somewhat modernized.

Kiriya stated that from the outset, he has been creating the film with global audiences in mind.

Filming took place from late August to late November, and much of it seems to have been shot in front of a greenscreen so that the backgrounds can be done with CG. It is said that the CG processing will take a whole year, twice as long as it took for Kiriya's last film, "Casshern."



Takao Osawa plays the role of the ninja Kirigakure Saizo, while Ryoko Hirosue plays the heroine Chacha. In the film, both characters are childhood friends of Goemon. Another famous ninja, Sarutobi Sasuke, serves as Goemon's follower, played by comedian Gori (of Garage Sale).

"Goemon" is scheduled for theatrical release in 2009.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Misaki Ito to star as teacher in "Edison no Haha"
Sun, December 2, 2007 (6:11pm EST)



Actress Misaki Ito will take on a starring role in a TBS drama series titled "Edison no Haha."

Described as partly comedy, the series focuses on Noriko Ayukawa (Ito), the teacher of a class of first-graders. One day, a boy named Kento transfers into her class from another school, where he was treated as a problem child. In reality, the inquisitive Kento actually displays potential as a prodigy, and it's up to Noriko to figure out how to handle him.

The story draws inspiration from the childhood of famous inventor Thomas Edison, who was also considered a problem child by most adults around him.

Ito commented that she loves children, and is actually qualified as a kindergarten and nursery teacher.



The role of Kento will be played by 6-year-old Yuya Shimizu. This is his first major role in a drama. Maki Sakai has been cast as Kento's mother, and Shosuke Tanihara plays a university professor who is Noriko's ex-boyfriend. Other cast members include Kaoru Sugita and Yuki Matsu$hita.

TBS will broadcast the drama on Fridays at 10:00pm, starting on January 11.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Third divorce for Koji Tamaki
Sat, December 1, 2007 (4:29am EST)



49-year-old singer Koji Tamaki has divorced for the third time. He announced the news on his website on Saturday, the same day the divorce papers were submitted.

Tamaki's first marriage was with a non-celebrity, whom he divorced in 1986. In 1991, he married actress and singer Hiroko Yakushimaru, but they separated in 1998. In December of the following year, he married his most recent wife, keyboardist Satoko Ando.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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Semi-retired newscaster Kume Hiroshi (63) is to make his first TV drama appearance in 29 years. The former comedian and variety show host, main anchor for a decade on TV Asahi's popular News Station, will appear on the final, two-part special episode of "Galileo", the Fuji TV drama series starring Fukuyama Masaharu and Shibasaki Kou. The episodes will air on December 10 and 17.

Source: www.japan-zone.com

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Pop stars SMAP have got their own store in Tokyo, for the season anyway. The SMAP Shop opened in the Omotesando Hills shopping complex in central Tokyo, with the first day's 2,000 entry tickets being snapped up in an hour. At the front of the line were a family who had lined up from 4am. Other fans came from as far away as Pusan, Korea. The store idea started last year and drew 50,000 fans over the Christmas/New Year season. On display in addition to the licensed goods on sale are stage costumes, illustrations by the five group members and videos of all their various TV commercial appearances. The store will be open until January 7.

Source: www.japan-zone.com

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GUNZE revives Yusaku Matsuda for CMs
Mon, December 3, 2007 (3:53pm EST)



Clothing company GUNZE is launching a new product line this month called THE GUNZE, and it has selected the late actor Yusaku Matsuda as its image character.

The company chose nearly 60 clips from the 1979 television drama "Tantei Monogatari," in which Matsuda famously played the detective Shunsaku Kudo. Using computer-generated graphics, GUNZE dressed his character in their products.

The ads begin airing on Wednesday. There are four 15-second versions and a one-minute version.

Source: www.tokyograph.com

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GosPE***Rs sing first movie theme
Mon, December 3, 2007 (3:38pm EST)

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It was confirmed on Monday that The GosPE***Rs are singing the theme

song for the film "Utatama," directed by Makoto Tanaka and starring

Kaho. This is their first movie theme song.



The movie centers on a high school chorus group. The theme song, titled "Aoi

Tori," is also being used in the story as a song performed by the chorus

group in a competition. The GosPE***Rs member Yoichi Kitayama, who composed

the tune, was in charge of training the actors to sing it.

In addition, "Utatama" is the first big screen appearance for The

GosPE***Rs, though they have minor parts. They were originally cast as

competition judges with their own personalities and spoken lines, but as

production went on, their roles were reduced to barely a single line.

The movie, whose supporting cast includes Hiroko Yakushimaru and Gori, opens

in theaters in March. "Aoi Tori" goes on sale March 22.

Source: www.tokyograph.com