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Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part VI]
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Honjo Manami gives birth to her 2nd child
On March 8th, actress Honjo Manami (37) announced through her official website that she has given birth to her 2nd child.
According to the announcement, Honjo gave birth to a healthy 3,000 gram (about 7 lbs) baby boy on the morning of the 8th. She reported, “He’s crying loudly beside me.”
Honjo revealed her current condition, saying, “The sunlight that shines on the bed is bright and warm. Right now, I’m kindly being supported by my family and staff. After this, I would like to take a brief rest.” She also called out to her fans, “I hope that it will be a good spring for everyone as well.”
The actress married a non-celebrity man back in 2002 and gave birth to their 1st child in December of 2006.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... h-to-her-2nd-child/ |
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Fukuyama Masaharu to release a new double A-side single in April
On March 9th, singer/actor Fukuyama Masaharu announced during his radio show, ‘Tamashii no Radio‘, that he would release a new double A-side single ‘Tanjoubi niwa Masshiro na Yuri wo/Get the groove‘ on April 10th. This release will be his 30th single.
One of the title tracks “Tanjoubi niwa Masshiro na Yuri wo” is the theme song to TBS’ ongoing drama “Tonbi” which stars Uchino Masaaki, while the other title track “Get the groove” is the CM song for Asahi Super Dry.
Two songs “Ai wa Kaze no youni” and “Good Job“, which were recorded from his live concert “Fuyu no Daikanshasai Sono Juuni” held back in December 2012, will be included as coupling tracks.
Fukuyama also revealed that he would start performing on music programs along with the release of this new single.
Additionally, a new season of the drama “Galileo“ starring Fukuyama will also begin airing on April 15th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... de-single-in-april/ |
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9mm Parabellum Bullet announces new single + special live
9mm Parabellum Bullet has announced that they will be releasing their new single, “Answer And Answer“, on May 29th. In addition, the band will be holding a special live called ‘Chaos no Hyakunen vol.9‘ on September 9th at Yokohama BLITZ.
This year, 9mm Parabellum Bullet will be celebrating the 9th year since their formation. The single will be the first release of their anniversary year. It will contain a total of 3 songs including the title track, a new song called “Snow Plants“, and an instrumental number titled “Mr. Brainbuster“.
The complete production edition of the single will come with a DVD featuring footage from their special live, ‘39-Thank You- LIVE‘, they held on March 9th, the members’ interviews, and a documentary.
Furthermore, their annual live, ‘Chaos no Hyakunen’, will be held in Yokohama which is where the band originally formed. Their official website is currently accepting applications for ticket pre-reservations until March 24th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... ingle-special-live/ |
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androp to release first PV collection + live house tour
androp will be releasing their first PV collection titled ‘androp music clips 2009-2012‘ on May 22nd. They will also be holding their nationwide tour ‘one-man live tour: angstrom 0.6 pm‘ from November to December.
‘androp music clips 2009-2012′ will be a compilation of 10 PVs from 2009’s “Roots” to 2012’s “End roll“. It will also feature an interview with film director Kawamura Masashi as well as making-of footage.
androp’s upcoming tour will kick off on November 16th at Hiroshima CLUB QUATTRO for a total of 11 shows in 8 locations. The finale will be held on December 23rd at Zepp Fukuoka. The free member page on the band’s official website is currently accepting applications for ticket pre-reservations until April 2nd at 11:00 pm.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... on-live-house-tour/ |
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Miike's new crime thriller an intense human drama
By Ryoko Kokuba
ENTERTAINMENT MAR. 14, 2013 - 06:36AM JST ( 6 )
From left: Director Takashi Miike, actress Nanako Matsushima, actor Takao Oosawa and actor Tatsuya Fujiwara pose at an event to promote their new action movie, “Wara no Tate.”
Photo by Ryoko Kokuba
TOKYO —
Cult director Takashi Miike is pushing himself to go beyond the normal Japanese crime thriller with his upcoming film, “Wara no Tate” (Straw Shield). The film, which stars Tatsuya Fujiwara, Nanako Matsushima and Takao Osawa, is based on the book by Kazuhiro Kiuchi.
Filmed in both Japan and Taiwan, “Wara no Tate” deals with a hitman (Fujiwara) who kills the granddaughter of a tycoon. When the tycoon places a 1 billion yen bounty on his head via full-page newspaper ads, he gives himself up to police. A special squad has to escort him from Fukuoka to Tokyo in one piece. Complicating matters is the fact that some of the police team are ambivalent about risking their lives for the hitman.
Asked if he was starting to copy generic Hollywood crime thrillers, Miike, 52, said during a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, “No, I’m not trying to copy anyone. But I am trying to go beyond the limits of past Japanese action movies.”
On the other hand, Hollywood might come calling and ask him to direct an English version of the film. “In that case, I’d do it—for the money,” Miike said.
Fujiwara said he relished playing a bad guy. “I want to be hated by the entire nation,” he joked. “But only on the screen, of course.”
Source: http://www.japantoday.com/catego ... intense-human-drama |
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Yakusho Koji & Okada Junichi to star in the movie adaptation of ‘Higurashi no Ki’
On March 11, it was announced that Hamuro Rin’s award-winning novel ‘Higurashi no Ki‘ is going to be adapted into a film by director Koizumi Takashi (‘After the Rain’, ‘Best Wishes for Tomorrow’).
The period drama that depicts the love between a master and his pupil, the love between a husband and wife, and the love between the members of a family – is going to star Yakusho Koji as the protagonist. The supporting cast is lead by V6 member Okada Junichi – a long-time fan of Yakusho – as well as the two actresses Horikita Maki and Harada Mieko.
‘Higurashi no Ki’ received the prestigious Naoki Award in 2012 and Asada Jiro, member of the Naoki Award selection committee, described it as the highest level of completion he had ever read. Director Koizumi who served as an assistant director of the late Kurosawa Akira for 28 years, is very ambitious about this project and visited author Hamuro to share his vision for the adaptation. Koizumi also brought along many of the staff that had already worked together with him and Kurosawa on numerous films.
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“Danno Shozaburo” (Okada) caused a bloody affair within a castle. Fortunately, he was able to escape from committing ‘Seppuku’, but he was ordered to keep a watch on a man named “Toda Shukoku” (Yakusho) until the man will perform Seppuku 3 years later.
Shukoku has been confined with his family since 7 years ago under a suspicion for having illicit liaisons with a concubine of a former feudal lord, and also for killing a page who discovered the infidelity. Under normal circumstances, he should be ordered to perform Seppuku right away, however, he was in the middle of recording a genealogical table for the feudal domain. Therefore, Shukoku’s Seppuku was postponed to be committed 10 years later until he finishes making the genealogy.
Doing the job, Shukoku would know all the secrets of the federal domain, so Shozaburo’s job was to keep an eye on Shukoku, and he was also ordered to kill Shukoku and his family if Shukoku ever tries to escape.
However, as Shozaburo actually lives together with Shukoku, his wife “Orie” (Harada), his daughter “Kaoru” (Horikita), and his son “Ikutaro”, he starts having doubts if Shukoku really committed such a crime, and he begins searching for the truth of the case.
—
‘Higurashi no Ki’ is slated for a release in 2014 and will be filmed in 10 different locations all over the country from the end of April until the end of June this year.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... of-higurashi-no-ki/ |
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Arashi’s latest single sets new record, sells over 750,000 copies in the first week
Arashi’s 40th single “Calling/Breathless” (released on March 6) sold 756,000 copies in the first week, and topped Oricon’s weekly ranking for the week of March 18.
This was the best first week sales for the group since their debut back in November 1999, as their previous best sales for a single was 572,000 copies with “Hatenai Sora” (released in November 2010). Their best first week sales for an album was 753,000 copies with “All the BEST! 1999-2009” (released in August 2009).
It is also the first time in 6 years and 11 months that a single from a male artist eclipsed 700,000 copies in the first week since it was last achieved by KAT-TUN with their debut single “Real Face” (sold 754,000 copies in the first week/ released in March 2006).
“Calling/Breathless” is their 29 consecutive single (and 36th single in total) to top the chart.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... -in-the-first-week/ |
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Lil’B to release first album after AILA’s graduation
On March 13th, Lil’B will be releasing her first album in about a year and a half.
Lil’B became a solo unit after rapper AILA graduated back in June of 2011. Her first album since will be titled “Namida Love Letter” and it will have the theme “broken heart”. It will feature a total of 13 songs that portray a broken heart in various situations.
The album will be released in both limited and regular editions. The limited edition will come with the PV for “Aitai to Negau feat. KOJIMA” starring Ando Misako.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... r-ailas-graduation/ |
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Voice actor Takishita Tsuyoshi passes away
On March 11th, a talento agency Aoni Production announced on the official site that voice actor Takishita Tsuyoshi passed away before dawn on the 10th at the age of 37.
According to the announcement, Takishita’s death was due to a fall while he was on the way home. Other details on the accident have not been revealed.
Takishita is known for the voice of Shiba Yi (Shima Yi) from PS2 game “Shin Sangokumusou (Dynasty Warriors)” series, and was also active in many games, animes, and TV programs for narrations. In private, he married voice actress Shikano Jun back in 2009.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... uyoshi-passes-away/ |
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RADWIMPS reveal their new song “Buriki”
RADWIMPS have revealed their new song, “Buriki“, through their official YouTube channel.
“Buriki” is a medium-tempo number with a gentle melody and vocals. Along with the new song, a comment from Noda Yojiro (Vo, G) was uploaded onto the band’s official website. The band hasn’t revealed whether or not this song will be released in physical form.
Additionally, RADWIMPS will release their new single, “Dreamer’s High“, on March 27th. They’ll then hold a live, ‘RADWIMPS LIVE 2013 Haru Urara Remidoso‘, on April 17th and 18th at Yokohama Arena.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... ir-new-song-buriki/ |
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PUFFY to release new single, “Datsu Dystopia”
It’s been revealed that PUFFY will be releasing their new single, “Datsu Dystopia“, on May 22nd.
The title track is currently being used in H.I.S.’s ‘Jiyuu na Tabi‘ CM starring the members of PUFFY themselves. Omiya Emi was in charge of both the CM and the music video for the song.
More details on PUFFY’s new single will be revealed at a later date, so stay tuned! In the meantime, you can check out the CM here.
http://www.his-j.com/tyo/theme/cm/?cid=ntu=172
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... gle-datsu-dystopia/ |
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Voice actor Naya Goro passes away due to chronic respiratory failure
On March 11, it was reported that voice actor Naya Goro had passed away on the 5th at 3:00 am due to chronic respiratory failure. He was 83-years-old.
Naya’s funeral was held with family and close relatives. There will be a farewell meeting for him in the coming days. He leaves behind his wife Katsuko.
Naya was born in Hokkaido. After dropping out from Ritsumeikan University, he joined the Todo acting troupe and became an actor and director for Theatre Echo.
As a voice actor, he’s voiced the Japanese dubs for big-name actors such as Rick Jason (Hanley in ‘Combat!‘), Charlton Heston, John Wayne, Clark Gable.
In the anime industry, Naya is known for voicing the character Inspector Zenigata in ‘Lupin III‘. He was also the voice of Captain Okita in ‘Space Battleship Yamato‘ and the leader of evil organization Shocker in ‘Kamen Rider‘.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... espiratory-failure/ |
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Sandaime J Soul Brothers to release a new single in April
It’s been revealed that Sandaime J Soul Brothers‘ new single, “SPARK“, will be released on April 24.
The title track serves as the CM song for Samantha Tiara / SAMANTHA SILVA which started airing on March 6. The CM stars Ebihara Yuri, Yamamoto Mizuki, Tsuchiya Hazuki, and Itano Tomomi (AKB48). The single will be released in both CD+DVD and CD-Only versions.
Additionally, Sandaime J Soul Brothers’ live DVD and Blu-ray, ‘Sandaime J Soul Brothers LIVE TOUR 2012: 0~ZERO~‘, will go sale on March 13. This will feature footage from the group’s first one-man tour, and it will also contain a clip of “24karats TRIBE OF GOLD” which was performed together with the members of EXILE. DISC 2 also comes with a 85-minute tour documentary.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... ew-single-in-april/ |
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the GazettE announces their plans for this year
On March 10th, visual kei band the GazettE wrapped up their nationwide tour, “LIVE TOUR 12-13 ‘DIVISION’ GROAN OF DIPLOSOMIA“, at Saitama Super Arena. This was their first time in 4 years to hold a live at this venue.
After mesmerizing 15,000 fans with their large-scale performance, the GazettE announced their plans for this year all at once. First, they will be releasing footage from this concert on DVD titled ‘the GazettE LIVE TOUR12-13 FINAL MELT Live at 03.10 SAITAMA SUPER ARENA‘ on June 26th. In August, they will release “FADELESS“, their first single in about 2 years.
In addition, it was announced that the band’s 7th album, “BEAUTIFUL DEFORMITY“, will be released in October. To coincide this release, they will embark on a nationwide tour called, “LIVE TOUR 13 ‘BEAUTIFUL DEFORMITY’ MAGNIFICENT MALFORMED BOX“. The tour will kick off on November 2nd in Yokosuka and will wrap up on December 28th in Sendai for a total of 23 shows.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... lans-for-this-year/ |
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mihimaru GT to hold their 10th anniversary live in September
It’s been announced that mihimaru GT will be holding their 10th anniversary live in September.
On March 9th and 10th, mihimaru GT held their fan club event, ‘mihimaPARTY’13 ~☆10 Shunen☆ mihimaru Bansankai~‘. During this event, they announced that their anniversary live will be held on September 16th at SHIBUYA-AX and on September 22nd at Shibuya Kokaido. Ticket pre-reservations are currently ongoing via mihimaru GT’s official mobile fanclub site until March 18th at 11:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale via PlayGuide later.
Furthermore, mihimaru GT will simultaneously release their all-time best-of album, “10th Anniversary BEST 2003-2013“, and PV collection, “mihimaClip5“, on March 20th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... -live-in-september/ |
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Amuro Namie to provide the theme song for Aragaki Yui’s new drama
It was announced that singer Amuro Namie will provide the theme song for TBS’s upcoming drama “Sora Tobu Kouhoushitsu” which stars Aragaki Yui.
The theme song titled “Contrail” was exclusively written for the drama, and it’s said to be a medium-tempo number with a very positive worldview. The song also contains the sound effects of the airplane associated with the title.
This is the first time in a year and a half for Amuro to sing a theme song for a drama since she previously provided “Love Story” for Fuji TV drama “Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu“. ”Contrail” was written and composed by Nao’ymt who has been in charge of many of Amuro’s songs.
As previously reported, “Sora Tobu Kouhoushitsu” is a live-action drama adaptation of Arikawa Hiro’s best selling novel of the same name. The story takes place at the public relations office of the Air Self‐Defense Force, and it depicts the growth of a TV director (Aragaki) and a former fighter aircraft pilot (played by Ayano Go), while they both run into obstacles presented in their lives.
“Sora Tobu Kouhoushitsu” will start airing on April 14th on TBS (every Sunday at 9:00 pm), while details regarding the date of release of the song haven’t been finalized at the moment.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... aki-yuis-new-drama/ |
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Perfume to hold a live tour with 3 different artists
It was announced that Perfume will hold be holding their live tour, “Zutto Sukidattanjake~ Sasurai no Men Kata Perfume FES!!“. This will be their first tour using the ‘Battle of bands’ style in which Perfume will appear with three different artists.
The artists are Saito Kazuyoshi, Okuda Tamio, and MAXIMUM THE HORMONE. The live tour will be held at Zepp music halls in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, and there will be 6 performances in total.
Perfume commented regarding the reason why they chose these artists.
“MAXIMUM THE HORMONE-san, who we have determined since ago that ‘if we ever hold a live with other artist, it would be them!’ Our senior from the same hometown, Okuda Tamio-san who has performed our ‘Laser beam’ at Itsukushima Shirine, and Saito Kazuyoshi-san who we have loved one-sidedly for a long time. Since we received this opportunity, we are planning to do some kind of collaboration with them!!”
There’s sure to be a big scramble to get the tickets for the live tour.
=====
May 29, 2013 (Wed) Zepp DiverCity TOKYO
May 30, 2013 (Thu) Zepp DiverCity TOKYO
<Artists>
Perfume / Saito Kazuyoshi
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June 4, 2013 (Tue) Zepp Nagoya
June 4, 2013 (Tue) Zepp Nagoya
<Artists>
Perfume / Okuda Tamio
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June 17, 2013 (Mon) Zepp Namba
June 17, 2013 (Mon) Zepp Namba
<Artists>
Perfume / MAXIMUM THE HORMONE
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... -different-artists/ |
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More cast members announced for “Kazoku Game”
On March 12, it was announced that actress Suzuki Honami (46) will appear in the Fuji TV drama “Kazoku Game,” (Wednesdays at 10 PM) which will start airing on April 17. This is her first commercial serial drama in 15 years. She will play the role of the mother in the Numata family. Arashi’s Sakurai Sho (31) will star as the unconventional tutor character that is hired by the family.
Other well-known cast members will star as members of the Numata family. Kamiki Ryunosuke (19) plays the role of the eldest son who is in his 2nd year of high school. Although everybody thinks of him as a prodigy, he carries a darkness in his heart.
Uragami Seishu (13) plays the role of second son, who is a failing 3rd year middle school truant, and apparently, Uragami was chosen from 200 applicants through an audition. The drama revolves around the battles between the family’s eccentric tutor (Sakurai), and their problem child (Uragami). Itao Itsuji (49) plays the role of the father who only loves his eldest son. Kutsuna Shiori (20) plays the role of the mysterious girl who seduces Itao’s character.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... ed-for-kazoku-game/ |
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Mr.Children to provide the theme song for Sato Takeru & Ayase Haruka’s upcoming movie
It was revealed that Mr.Children would provide the theme song for upcoming movie “Real ~Kanzen naru Kubinagaryu no Hi~.”
The theme song “REM” was exclusively written for the movie. Sato Takeru who will be the lead for the movie, commented, “It’s an aggressive and cool song that I feel like I’ve never heard from Mr.Children. I’ve been a huge fan of Mr.Children-san since in junior high school, so I am really happy. I can’t wait to feel how the song would intersect with this movie, and what kind of chemistry it would create.”
As reported previously, “Real ~Kanzen naru Kubinagaryu no Hi~” is based on Inui Rokuro’s award winning novel, and it will star Sato Takeru and Ayas Haruka as the double leads. It’s a love and mystery story in which ‘Koichi’ (Sato) tries to save his girlfriend ‘Atsumi’ (Ayase), who is under comatose state after a suicide attempt, by using “sensing” which is a new technique in neurosurgery to communicate and enter the mind of a person who is in a coma. It will convey “the reason of living” and “the reason of loving” through the story.
Other cast members are as great as the lead stars and include Nakatani Miki, Odagiri Joe, Koizumi Kyoko, and more.
“Real ~Kanzen naru Kubinagaryu no Hi~” will open in theaters on June 1st.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... kas-upcoming-movie/ |
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AKB48 to form ‘Team BS’ for NHK BS campaign
It’s been revealed that the members of AKB48 will be forming a ‘Team BS‘ on March 20th as a part of NHK BS‘ upcoming campaign.
The campaign will have the catch phrase, “Anata wa Dare Oshi? Watashi wa BS Oshi!” (“Who do you support? I support BS!“). As the face of this campaign, 10 popular members from AKB48 and their sister groups were chosen to become ‘Team BS’. The members include AKB48’s Oshima Yuko, Watanabe Mayu, Takahashi Minami, and Shimazaki Haruka, SKE48’s Matsui Jurina and Matsui Rena, NMB48’s Yamamoto Sayaka and Watanabe Miyuki, HKT48’s Sashihara Rino and Tashima Meru.
During the campaign, the girls will give the appeal of BS1 and BS Premium through tv spots between programs and street posters nationwide.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/03 ... or-nhk-bs-campaign/ |
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