Preview of "Guu Guu datte Neko de aru 2" - Spring 2016

Title: Guu Guu datte Neko de aru 2 グーグーだって猫である (Good-Good the fortune cat 2)
Official website: here
O.A. Start Date: 11 June 2016
Timeslot: Saturdays 10pm
Broadcast by: WOWOW
Original manga by: Oshima Yumiko
Insert song: Parade by Takada Ren feat. UA
Cast: Miyazawa Rie, Nagatsuka Keishi, Kuroki Haru, Maeda Atsuko, Nishida Naomi, Issey Ogata, Tanaka Min, Nakamura Yurika etc.

Nakajima Yuto to star in FujiTV Summer 2016 drama "HOPE ~ Kitai zero no shinnyu shain ~"

Hey! Say! JUMP's Nakajima Yuto will be starring in the upcoming FujiTV Summer 2016 drama "HOPE ~ Kitai zero no shinnyu shain ~" (HOPE ~ The new employee who is not expected to perform well ~) which will be shown from July in the Sundays 9pm timeslot. This will be Nakajima's first leading role in a primetime drama.

"HOPE" is the adaptation of South Korean drama "Misaeng" shown in 2014 which was based on a manga and the last episode had the second-highest ratings i.e. 10.3% in cable TV history. Despite a lack of romance in the story which is a signature trait of many Korean dramas, "Misaeng" attracted a lot of support and attention for its realistic portrayal of Korean corporate culture and its negative aspects.

In the Japanese version, Nakajima plays the lead character Ichinose Ayumu who had been striving to become a professional Go player since he was a child but fails to make the cut every year until the age limit of 22 years old. As a result, he becomes an intern at a trading company due to his mother's recommendation but gets ridiculed by his colleagues for lacking knowledge to do his job and how to behave in a corporate setting and even has to be taught how to use the photocopier. However, Ichinose tries hard to overcome the challenges and make a positive contribution to his company with his observation power and memory built up through training in Go games. There are no planned romance stories in the drama which will be focused on corporate culture and issues facing working people.

Filming begins in early May.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi

Mukai Osamu to star in TBS Summer 2016 drama "Kami no shita wo motsu otoko"

Mukai Osamu will be starring in the new TBS Summer 2016 drama "Kami no shita wo motsu otoko" (The man who has God's tongue) which will be shown from July in the Fridays 10pm timeslot. The drama will be directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko who is famous for works such as the Keizoku series and TRICK series and features Kimura Fumino as Mukai's partner in the drama. It is said that this drama had been planned by Tsutsumi for 20 years and is an original work talking about how a trio go on the search for a legendary geisha at an onsen but finds themselves embroiled in various cases during their journey. Mukai plays the role of a naive and geeky man named Asanaga Ranmaru who is able to detect the composition of items just by tasting them thus is nicknamed "God's Tongue". Kimura plays Kamekanbo Hikari who is a big fan of 2-hour suspense dramas and works with Ranmaru and Miyazawa Kanji (Sato Jiro) to solve the cases they encounter.

Filming began in early March and is largely done at various hot spring resorts.

Source: Sanspo / Sponichi

Preview of "Saigo no Resutoran" - Spring 2016

Title: Saigo no Resutoran 最後のレストラン (The Last Restaurant)
Official website: here
O.A. Start Date: 26 April 2016
Timeslot: Tuesdays 11.15pm
Broadcast by: NHK
Total number of episodes: 8
Original manga by: Toei Michihiko
Cast: Tanabe Seiichi, Kinami Haruka, Suzuki Kosuke, Ishiguro Hideo, Fukuda Mayuko, Takenaka Naoto, Triendl Reina, Ozawa Maju, Yamamura Momiji, Takeda Tetsuya etc.

Preview of "Totto Terebi" - Spring 2016

Title: Totto Terebi トットてれび (Totto TV)
Official website: here
O.A. Start Date: 30 April 2016
Timeslot: Saturdays 8.15pm
Broadcast by: NHK
Original novels: "Totto Hitori" & "Totto Channel" by Kuroyanagi Tetsuko
Narrator: Koizumi Kyoko
Cast: Mitsushima Hikari, Nakamura Shido, Nishikido Ryo, Mimura, Hamada Gaku, Yasuda Narumi, Matsushige Yutaka, Omori Nao, Takeda Tetsuya, Yoshida Eisaku, Kishimoto Kayoko, Yoshida Kotaro, Kuroyanagi Tetsuko 

Preview of "Contrail Tsumi to Koi" - Spring 2016

Title: Contrail Tsumi to Koi コントレール罪と恋 (Contrail Sin & Love)
Official website: here
O.A. Start Date: 15 April 2016
Timeslot: Fridays 10pm
Broadcast by: NHK
Total number of episodes: 8
Theme song: Nakitaiyo (written by Tamaki Koji & Suzuki Masayuki)
Cast: Ishida Yuriko, Iura Arata, Harada Taizo, Sakuraba Nanami, Horiuchi Keiko, Maruyama Tomomi, Matsuura Rihito, Nakanishi Ryota, Murata Takehiro and Nogiwa Yoko

Preview of "Kakkou no tamago wa dare no mono" (WOWOW)

Title: Kakkou no tamago wa dare no mono カッコウの卵は誰のもの (Whose cuckoo's egg is this)
Official website: here
O.A. Start Date: 27 March 2016
Timeslot: Sundays 10pm
Broadcast by: WOWOW
Original novel by: Higashino Keigo
Cast: Tsuchiya Tao, Hongo Kanata, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Ihara Tsuyoshi, Mano Erina, Takasugi Mahiru, Morinaga Yuki, Yano Masato, Toda Masahiro, Yamashita Yorie, Otsuru Gidan, Maeda Aki, Kataoka Reiko, Ginpuncho, Yajima Kenichi, Asano Kazuyuki

Hirose Arisu & Saito Takumi to star in new movie "Something Blue"

Hirose Arisu will be starring in the new movie "Something Blue" directed by Takuma Takayuki which will be shown in cinemas from 2 July. She plays the role of a deaf senior high school student holding a torch for a hair stylist played by Saito Takumi who is already married. The movie is based on an electronic novel published on the E Everystar website with a one-sided love theme and was shot at various locations such as Enoshima in last autumn.

Source: Sanspo

Completion screening event of TBS Spring 2016 drama "Watashi kekkon dekinain janakute, shinain desu"

The completion screening event of TBS Spring 2016 drama "Watashi kekkon dekinain janakute, shinain desu" was held on 11 April whcih was attended by cast members Nakatani Miki, Fujiki Naohito, Seto Koji, Tokui Yoshimi and Omasa Aya. The drama which is based on the book "Sparta Konkatsu Juku" by Mizuno Keiya, features Nakatani as a female doctor around 40 years old who finds herself left on the shelf despite being beautiful, rich and smart. Through her interaction with a restaurant owner played by Fujiki who doesn't mince his words and calls himself a romance specialist, she comes to realise her shortcomings as she tries to change the situation around.

Nakatani commented that the title of the drama resonated with her personal situation and the fact that the proposal made her laugh a lot was what made her decide to take on this drama although she thought initially that the script seemed to be mocking singles who can't get married. Although she thinks that marriage is something which won't happen in the near future, she hopes to be able to improve herself in the meantime and meet a nice guy one day. When asked about the similarities between her and her character, Nakatani revealed that they both enjoy their freedom as singles but somehow, people tend to view them as pitiful just because of their single status.

Meanwhile, Tokui who plays Nakatani's character's high school classmate and former love, is also single but said that he was on the verge of getting married twice in the past but somehow, things just didn't work out in the end. As for Fujiki, he said that his character is likely to offend the female viewers as the story progresses but asked for their understanding not to dislike him since he is just following the script. In response, Tokui joked that Fujiki's lines are actually the true feelings of men so he thinks that it's a bit scary to let the women know about these thoughts through this drama.

Sources: Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi / Sponichi

Production press conference of FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "OUR HOUSE"

The production press conference of FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "OUR HOUSE" was held on 10 April which was attended by cast members Ashida Mana, Charlotte Kate Fox, Yamamoto Koji, Kato Seishiro, Terada Kokoro and Matsuda Serika. The drama is a home comedy about a family with four children who are shocked to see their father (Yamamoto) bringing a foreigner home (Fox) and declaring her as their stepmother after a whirlwind romance and sudden marriage. In a bid to chase this unwelcome stranger from their household, Ashida's character steps up to protect her family.

Ashida revealed that there will be a number of scenes where she has to get into verbal arguments with Fox's character but thinks that she can handle the challenge. On the other hand, Fox who had been the lead in the NHK morning drama "Massan", commented that the filming schedule for this drama is less intense as that of the morning drama and finds that it is fun to be surrounded by so many kids on the filming set.

Source: Sanspo

Yoshida Yo & Hey! Say! JUMP's Nakajima Yuto rumoured to be dating?

According to the 11 April issue of "Shukan Post", Yoshida Yo and Hey! Say! JUMP's Nakajima Yuto are said to be dating. In the article, it was mentioned that Nakajima was spotted leaving Yoshida's apartment on a night in late March 15 seconds before she did and the two of them walked separately for a while before boarding a taxi on a main road. The two of them then had dinner at a popular Asian restaurant over drinks and left after an hour. Yoshida was said to have held onto Nakajima's arm as they walked back to her apartment together. The following morning, Yoshida left for work at 9am while Nakajima left in the afternoon. From that day onwards, it was reported that Nakajima had spent 7 nights in a row at Yoshida's place and had his own keys to her apartment which allowed him to come and go as he wished.

Yoshida and Nakajima who are about 20 years apart in age (Yoshida has not revealed her actual age), have never worked together but became acquainted through a common friend. When asked about the rumours, Yoshida's agency did not respond while Nakajima's agency denied that they are an item and they were merely talking about work since Yoshida is a senior in showbiz.

Sources: News Post Seven / Daily Sports

Screening event of TBS Spring 2016 drama "Juuhan Shuttai!"

The screening event of TBS Spring 2016 drama "Juuhan Shuttai!" was held on 5 April in Tokyo which was attended by cast members Kuroki Haru, Odagiri Jo, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Matsushige Yutaka and Yasuda Ken. The drama is set in the editorial department of a weekly manga magazine where Kuroki plays a newbie editor who strives hard in her job. This also marks her first leading role in a drama series.

When asked about his impression of Kuroki, Odagiri revealed that although she may seem very quiet on the surface, he was surprised to know that she is actually very different from her image and likes punk music from Sid Vicious, Sex Pistols and Nirvana.


Sources: Yomiuri Hochi / Sponichi

Production press conference of FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Love Song"

The production press conference of FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Love Song" was held on 4 April in Tokyo which was attended by cast members Fukuyama Masaharu, Fujiwara Sakura, Suda Masaki, Kaho, Mizuno Miki and Uzaki Ryudo. This is Fukuyama's first appearance in a drama since he got married to Fukiishi Kazue last September and he also wrote the theme song "soup" for this drama which is sung by Fujiwara. The release date of the song is undecided yet. In addition, he also wrote three other insert songs which will be played in the drama.

Fukuyama plays the role of a 44-year-old former professional musician working as a corporate counsellor who meets a lonely young woman where they find a common connection through music. He revealed that in a relationship, no matter how much a person loves his or her partner, there are bound to be differences between them. However, the belief that he or she is the only one the person wants to be with is represented by the soup where different ingredients come together to form a single dish.

Fujiwara who is making her debut as an actress in this drama, commented that she was very nervous during the press conference and recounted how she was in awe of Fukuyama when they first met during the audition which interviewed around 100 candidates. The latter praised her for being quick to pick up things and is very curious about everything so he finds it stimulating to work with her in this drama. At the end of the press conference, Fujiwara performed her own song "1995" together with Fukuyama.

As for the scene where Suda Masaki's character was involved in a clash with Fukuyama's character, Fukuyama revealed jokingly that Suda was so into his acting that he felt for the first time that the latter had such a frightening side which he didn't know before. Suda replied that he had to go to that extent since their characters are rivals in love.

Sources: Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi / Sponichi

Screening event of TBS Spring 2016 drama "99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi"

The screening event of TBS Spring 2016 drama "99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi" was held on 14 April which was attended by cast members Matsumoto Jun, Eikura Nana, Aoki Munetaka, Katagiri Jin, Maggy, Watanabe Machiko, Okuda Eiji and Kishibe Ittoku. Kagawa Teruyuki was absent during the event as he was away for a kabuki performance but had a pre-recorded video message played to the audience. Despite having only 325 vacancies for the screening event, the TV station received applications amounting to 40 times more than the available number of slots.

As this is the first time which Matsumoto is playing a lawyer, he commented that to be able to play such a role at this stage of his career was something he was really happy about and he hopes to make this his signature role. In addition, since the story is an original one, he hopes to be able to work with the crew and co-stars to find the best way to present the story to the viewers and find that elusive 0.1% to make this a successful drama.

Source: Oricon

Hirai Ken to sing the theme song for TV Asahi Spring 2016 drama "Good Partner Muteki no Bengoshi"

Hirai Ken will be singing a drama theme song for the first time in 15.5 years for TV Asahi's Spring 2016 drama "Good Partner Muteki no Bengoshi" starring Takenouchi Yutaka and Matsuyuki Yasuko. The song titled "Plus One" will be released as Hirai's 39th single on 25 May which will also include the official support song for the upcoming Ise Shima Summit. The last time when Hirai sang a theme song for a drama was "Ring" for 2002's NTV drama "Psycho Doctor".

Hirai commented that after reading the script and hearing the title of the drama, the nature of the relationship between Takenouchi's and Matsuyuki's characters was what inspired the song. Despite being at odds with each other, they both need each other in their lives.

Source: Oricon

Fujiki Naohito to star in TV Asahi drama SP "Eiko Kyouju no Jikenbo"

Fujiki Naohito will be starring in the upcoming TV Asahi drama SP "Eiko Kyouju no Jikenbo" (The Case File of Professor Eiko) which will be shown in May. The story is adapted from "Tokyo Teidai Eiko Kyouju", the historical mystery novel written by Kadoi Yoshinobu who was nominated for the 153th Naoki Award and features the lead character Unobe Eiko (Fujiki) who is a professor at a famous university and tries to solve a serial murder case which happened on campus. The concept of Eiko's character was based on Italian philosopher Umberto Eco. Although the time setting of the novel was during the Meiji era, the drama SP's setting will be in the current era. The story also features Tanaka Naoki who plays an useless police detective named Nanba Haruto that is serious about his work, has a strong sense of justice but keeps getting into trouble at work and has no luck with women.

For Fujiki who graduated from the science and engineering faculty of Waseda University, it will be a very different experience playing a professor working in the arts faculty who likes to check on past case studies and books to find the answers to his doubts. Despite Eiko's reputation as a learned man, he also comes across as someone who harps on things which other people do not care about and can be quite impolite at times so Fujiki will have to show the cool and comical sides of Eiko at the same time. He also commented that it was a challenge having to memorise so many lines and finds that his memory is failing me after he passed 40 years old to the extent that he can't remember what he ate the previous day. In addition, he finds it tough to remember names and facts about the arts when he comes from a science and engineering background.

Co-stars include Shirasu Jin who plays Eiko's assistance, Ukaji Takashi who plays a sub-section chief of Metropolitan Police Department's First Division and regards Eiko as a rival, Takeda Tetsuya who plays a section chief in the MPD's First Division and holds Eiko in high regard and Asano Yuko who plays the vice dean of Teito University where Eiko works at and treats him as an enemy.

Source: Oricon

The 3rd Confidence Award for Dramas - Winter 2016

Best Drama: Itsuka kono koi wo omoi dashite kitto naite shimau (FujiTV)

Best Leading Actor: Nagase Tomoya (Fragile)

Best Leading Actress: N.A.
Apparently, the judges couldn't decide on who among the three actresses to choose as the winner so they decided to forgo this award. The three who remained in the final round of selection were Hirosue Ryoko (Naomi to Kanako), Kiritani Mirei (Sumi ka Sumire) and Fukada Kyoko (Dame na watashi ni koishite kudasai).

Best Supporting Actor: Sato Ryuta (Naomi to Kanako)

Best Supporting Actress: Naka Riisa (Nigeru Onna)

Best Script: Sakamoto Yuji (Itsuka kono koi wo omoi dashite kitto naite shimau)

Best Newcomer: Nishijima Takahiro (Itsuka kono koi wo omoi dashite kitto naite shimau)

Source: Confidence Award

Kanno Miho to appear in the first episode of NTV Spring 2016 drama "Omukae Desu" as guest star

Kanno Miho will be the guest star in the first episode of NTV Spring 2016 drama "Omukae Desu" which marks her first appearance in a drama series since she gave birth last August. Coincidentally, she plays the role of a pregnant woman. Kanno commented that although she was pleased when Ito Shiro who plays her father praised her for her acting, she was actually wondering how she should portray her character since each pregnancy can be very different to the mother. Nonetheless, she was very happy to be back in a drama after she became a mother.

Ito plays the role of Yozo who has a daughter named Reiko (Kanno) and strongly objects to her impending marriage to her boyfriend Masamichi who does not have a fixed job. To make things worse, Reiko is already pregnant thus this leads to Yozo and her falling out because they cannot agree on the issue. Soon after, Yozo suddenly passes away and becomes a wandering spirit who doesn't want to reincarnate because he is still worried about Reiko.

Source: Oricon

Nomura Mansai and Ichikawa Ennosuke to work together in new movie "Hanaikusa"

Nomura Mansai and kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke will be co-starring in the new movie "Hanaikusa" which will be shown in 2017.  The film is based on the same-titled novel by Onitsuka Tadashi which was inspired by the legendary ikebana work "Osunamono" created by ikebana artist Ikenobo Senko in 1594 which was placed in the residence of Maeda Toshiie for the purpose of displaying to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The story talks about the little-known story of the friendship between Senko and Sen no Rikyu, a master of the tea ceremony and how Senko who was regarded as the leader of a group of Buddhist monks in Kyoto named Ikebono then, chose to take revenge against Hideyoshi with flowers rather than a sword.

During the 16th century where Kyoto was plunged into the chaos of war, there was a group of Buddhist monks named Ikenobo who believed that the art of flower arrangement would allow them to pray for peace and that people would have hope to continue living by looking at these creations. Just before Oda Nobunaga was about to unite the country, Senko, one of the monks in Ikenobo, was asked to create the Osunamono for Nobunaga and headed to Gifu Castle. While there, Senko meets a mysterious man. He also ended up offending Nobunaga with his creation but was saved by Nobunaga's young subordinate Kinoshita Tokichiro (later known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi). 12 years later when Nobunaga was no longer living and Hideyoshi had taken over, Senko reunited with the mysterious man he met who turns out to be Sen no Rikyu and had become Hideyoshi's tea master. The two of them became close friends who understood each other well. However, with his newfound power, Hideyoshi had beome a changed person. In his bid to practice his way of tea ceremony, Rikyu was forced to commit suicide by Hideyoshi. In addition, innocent people got killed as a result of Hideyoshi's madness. To take revenge for his buddy, Senko uses his skills in flower arrangement rather than resort to violence with a sword.

Nomura will play the role of Ikenobo while Ichikawa will play his rival Hideyoshi. Sato Koichi will play Ikenobo's friend Sen no Rikyu while Nakai Kiichi plays Oda Nobunaga and Sasaki Kuranosuke plays Maeda Toshiie.

Before the filming began on 10 April, Nomura underwent training in ikebana so as to convey the essence of this longstanding traditional art form and the atmosphere during that historical time period. The filming will cover many signature historical sights in Kyoto such as Daikakuji, Myoshinji, Rokuoin and Nanzenji.

Sources: Oricon / Cinema Cafe

miwa & Sakaguchi Kentaro to star in new movie "Kimi to 100 kaime no koi"

Singer-songwriter miwa and Sakaguchi Kentaro will be the joint leads in the new movie "Kimi to 100 kaime no koi" (The 100th romance with you) which will be screened in cinemas from February 2017. The manga version will be serialised in "Shukan Young Jump" from the 28th April issue while the novel version is set to be released after autumn. miwa plays the role of an university student Aoi who gets into an accident. In order to save her, Riku (Sakaguchi) who is Aoi'c childhood friend, goes back into time repeatedly to do everything he can. miwa will be singing the theme song which will be played within the movie while the two of them will also play together in a band with their friends in the movie.

miwa mentioned that when she read the script, she was so saddened by the ending that she kept crying. As compared to when she sings her own songs, she finds it interesting to be singing it with a band. Although this is already the second movie she is acting in, miwa expressed her worry about having to say so many lines this time due to her inexperience but is glad to work with the cast of which many including Sakaguchi are about the same age as her.

Sakaguchi who is playing a guitar for the first time, commented that having to sing with a guitar in front of an audience is something he had never experienced before. However, he hopes to put up a good performance so will spend time trying to get better at it. As for his co-star miwa, he commented that it should be an enjoyable experience to work with her on this movie.

Source: Oricon

Totsugi Shigeyuki & Ichikawa Yui expecting their first child to be born in autumn

Ichikawa Yui who got married to Totsugi Shigeyuki in September last year, announced through her agency on 7 April that she is currently 5 months pregnant and that she and her husband are eagerly awaiting the baby's birth in autumn. In her statement, Ichikawa revealed that even though she is concerned about the changes taking place in her body, she is happy to see her baby growing bigger and values the time now she can spend with her child. As for work, she will continue with activities as long as her condition allows and called for everyone's support. Meanwhile, Totsugi also expressed joy at the impending arrival of his new family member and pledged to work harder in his career.

Sources: Oricon / Sanspo

Summary of drama-related events and broadcasts affected by the Kumamoto earthquake

Here is a summary of the drama-related events and broadcasts affected by the Kumamoto earthquake to date. More announcements (if any) will be made known via the blog's Facebook page and Twitter.

It is indeed unfortunate that such a devastating disaster has happened and we hope for the best for those affected by it. In the meantime, we should be patient and understanding about these changes in the broadcast schedule since it's natural that the media coverage will focus on the disaster and that it's probably not the best time now to be engaging in promotional activities for the dramas. 

To go ahead with the broadcast or not is not a very easy decision to make. Considering that the dramas have to be shown within the three-month window period, rescheduling can be difficult and may also result in the reduction in the number of episodes just to ensure that the drama finishes its run on time. That can affect the quality of the whole production. Likewise, the pre-booked advertisement slots need to be adjusted. Given that all attention is focused on the news coverage nowadays, ratings of the drama will be affected too. Perhaps that is why some TV stations choose not to go ahead for the pilot episode broadcast since a low figure in the first episode does not look good.

- TV Asahi drama "Keishicho Sousa Ikkacho" starring Naito Takashi which was in the midst of its 2-hour pilot episode broadcast on 14 April was interrupted at 9.26pm when the earthquake took place and the TV station switched to an emergency broadcast. Although the episode was slated to be shown  again at 2.30pm on 16 April, the second earthquake took place in the early morning thus the broadcast was cancelled. The re-broadcast's date has been confirmed to be at 2.04pm on 18 April.

- The screening event and press conference for TV Tokyo's Spring 2016 drama "Doctor Chousahan ~ Iryou Jikou no Yami wo Abake ~" starring Tanihara Shosuke was scheduled to take place on 16 April but has been cancelled.

- NTV Spring 2016 drama "Omukae Desu" starring Fukushi Sota and Tsuchiya Tao had its pilot episode broadcast on 16 April postponed. Promotional activities on other NTV programmes on the previous day were also cancelled.

- Matsumoto Jun's live appearances on some TBS programmes today to promote his new drama "99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi" from 15 to 17 April had been cancelled. Broadcast of the first episode on the 17th is not affected. The production press conference on 16 April was cancelled.

- First episode of TBS Spring 2016 drama "Watashi kekkon dekinainjanakute, shinain desu" went ahead as scheduled on 14 April. However, "live" promotional appearances on other TBS programmes on the same day had been cancelled.

- The first episode of "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka?" will be postponed to next Thursday 21st April from its initial start date of 14th April.

- The 12th episode of NHK morning drama "Toto Neechan" scheduled on 16 April has been postponed to tomorrow i.e. 18 April at the usual timeslot.

- The production press conference for FujiTV's "Boku no Yabai Tsuma" was supposed to take place on 15 April but was cancelled. There are no plans to hold this again.

- The second episode of NTV's "Doctor Car" starring Gouriki Ayame which was scheduled to be shown on 14 April has been postponed to 21 April.

Yoshine Kyoko to be the heroine for new NHK morning drama "Beppin-san"

Yoshine Kyoko was announced to be the next heroine for the upcoming NHK morning drama "Beppin-san" (Beauty) which will begin its run from 3 October in the Mondays to Fridays 8am timeslot. She was picked out of 2,261 candidates through an audition to play the lead character Bandou Sumire who set up the first shop in Japan specialising in the sale of children's clothing. Bandou's character is modeled on the late Banno Atsuko who set up the children's clothing brand familiar.

Yoshine had prior experience acting in a NHK morning drama when she played the daughter of the heroine's best friend in 2014's "Hanako to Anne". However, despite having gone for auditions for the heroine role for three other morning dramas to date i.e. "Mare", "Asa ga kita" and "Toto Nee-chan", she failed to get past the first round twice. This time, she was told on 5 April that she had to go to Osaka for the final audition but was pleasantly surprised when it was announced that she had been selected to play the heroine and was to attend the announcement press conference the following day. Yoshine admitted that she didn't think that she could get the role especially since she only made her debut three years ago and that she might have needed more experience under her belt. As part of the audition, she had to undergo a sewing test. Since her late grandmother was a dressmaking teacher, Yoshine had confidence in her skills but was so nervous that she could not put the thread through the needle for about 3 minutes initially.

During the announcement press conference held at NHK Osaka on 6 April, Yoshine revealed that she was diagnosed with the Guillain-Barre syndrome when she was 14 which affected her mobility and caused her to take a year off school for the treatment. Since then, she has developed a new perspective towards life and thinks that it is important for her to convey her feelings especially of gratitude and being apologetic to others. She also recounted that after she recovered, she has become so good at running that she got No.1 during a long-distance race in school.

Filming will begin from May in places such as Osaka and Kobe.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo

Preview of "Good Partner Muteki no Bengoshi" - Spring 2016

Title: Good Partner Muteki no Bengoshi グッドパートナー無敵の弁護士 (Good Partner The Invincible Lawyer)
Official website: here
Official Instagram: here
Official Twitter: here
O.A. Start Date: 21 April 2016
Timeslot: Thursdays 9pm
Broadcast by: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Fukuda Yasushi
Theme Song: Plus One by Hirai Ken
Cast: Takenouchi Yutaka, Matsuyuki Yasuko, Kaku Kento, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Babazono Azusa, Okamoto Azusa, Miyazaki Karen, Uechi Haruna, Matsukaze Risaki, Sugimoto Tetta, Goda Masashi, Miyaji Masako, Okura Koji, Kunimura Jun

Preview of "Yutori desu ga nani ka" - Spring 2016

Title: Yutori desu ga nani ka ゆとりですがなにか
Official website: here
Official Twitter: here
Official Instagram: here
O.A. Start Date: 17 April 2016
Timeslot: Sundays 10.30pm
Broadcast by: NTV
Scriptwriter: Kudo Kankuro
Theme Song: Haikei, Itsuka no Kimi e by Kankaku Piero
Cast: Okada Masaki, Matsuzaka Toori, Yagira Yuuya, Ando Sakura, Taiga, Tezuka Toru, Shimazaki Haruka (AKB48), Nagata Yoshiko, Takahashi Yo, Aoki Sayaka, Yoshioka Kotaro

Preview of "Omukae Desu" - Spring 2016

Title: Omukae Desu お迎えデス (Welcoming Death)
Official website: here
Official Twitter: here
O.A. Start Date: 16 April 2016
Timeslot: Saturdays 9pm
Broadcast by: NTV
Original manga by: Tanaka Meka
Theme Song: Bokutachi no Mirai by Ieiri Leo
Cast: Fukushi Souta, Tsuchiya Tao, Suzuki Ryohei, Kadowaki Mugi, Hamada Kokone, Nomaguchi Toru, Morinaga Yuki, Ootomo Karen, Negishi Takuya, Hirukawa Yu, Matsukawa Akari, Kobayashi Rio, Ishino Mako, Oosugi Ren

Preview of "Sekai ichi muzukashii koi" - Spring 2016

Title: Sekai ichi muzukashii koi 世界一難しい恋 (The most difficult love in the world)
Official website: here
Official Twitter: here
O.A. Start Date: 13 April 2016
Timeslot: Wednesdays 10pm
Broadcast by: NTV
Theme Song: I seek by Arashi
Cast: Ohno Satoshi, Haru, Koike Eiko, Kotaki Nozomu (Johnny's WEST), Shimizu Fumika, Nishihori Ryo, Wakabayashi Makoto, Fudauchi Kota, Sugimoto Tetta, Maruyama Tomomi, Miyake Hiroki, Kitamura Kazuki

Completion screening event of NTV Spring 2016 drama "Sekai ichi muzukashii koi"

The completion screening event of NTV Spring 2016 drama "Sekai ichi muzukashii koi" was held on 4 April at Yokohama Museum of Art which was attended by cast members Ohno Satoshi, Haru, Koike Eiko and Shimizu Fumika. The drama which begins its run from 13 April in the Wednesdays 10pm timeslot, features Ohno in his first attempt at a love comedy where he plays the president of a hotel. As such, he had to wear various business suits during the filming and "complained" that this is the first time that he has to go through so many costume changes and he can't rest during filming breaks. In view of this, Ohno "pleaded" for the scriptwriter to arrange for the other characters to fall in love so that he can have some time to rest.

Haru who just wrapped up filming for "Asa ga kita", was asked about what is the perfect romance for her and commented that as long as it makes her happy and both of them will grow together, that will be best.


Source: Sanspo / Sponichi

Yamashita Tatsuro & Takeuchi Mariya to sing the insert song for FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka?"

Yamashita Tatsuro and his wife Takeuchi Mariya will be singing the insert song for FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka?" starring Matsushita Nao which begins its run from 14 April in the Thursdays 10pm timeslot. The song titled "Let It Be Me" is a duet by the couple which was included in Takeuchi's 2008 complete best hits album "Expressions" and is a cover of the song originally sung by American brothers duo The Everly Brothers active during the 50s and 60s. The song will be released through online portals from 20th April which is the week after the drama begins its run.

Source: Sponichi

Production press conference of FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka?"

The production press conference of FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka?" was held on 5 April which was attended by cast members Matsushita Nao, Kanjiya Shihori, Matsuzaka Keiko and Yashima Norito. The drama which will begin its run from 14 April in the Thursdays 10pm timeslot, is based on a popular short manga series featuring a 34-year-old single primary school teacher Hayako (Matsushita) who tries to find a marriage partner despite being seen as someone who is unlikely to be able to do so.

Although Hayako's age is slightly older than Matsushita's real age, she commented that it's about time that she is acting in a drama with marriage as the theme. Besides, she will be attempting a character which she has never done before where she will do scenes like dancing naked so it's a refreshing and satisfying experience for her. When asked about a turning point in her life, Matsushita cited that the decision to cut her long hair by 30cm for the first time in 15 years was something she deliberated on for a long time as she wanted to change her image but lacked the courage to do so. However, it turned out to be a good thing since this new hairstyle made her feel good and allowed her to take on this role. Initially, when the filming first started, Matsushita didn't feel that there were any similarities between Hayako and her but she has come to feel otherwise. For example, Matsushita is still living with her parents just like Hayako does and commented that the sense of security and ability to rely on them for things like meals must be probably what makes her not so keen on marriage yet. However, when asked if she has plans to move out and live on her own, Matsushita replied smilingly that she doesn't intend to do that.

Source: Sponichi

Dean Fujioka to star in NHK drama SP "Kensou no Machi, Shizuka na Umi"

Dean Fujioka will be starring in the upcoming NHK drama SP "Kensou no Machi, Shizuka na Umi" (The noisy street, the silent sea) which is due to be shown this year. The story is written by photographer Fujiwara Shinnya and describes the reunion between a father and his son after they have not met for 30 years. This will be the first leading role in a NHK drama for Fujioka along with Terao Akira who plays his father.

Fujioka plays the role of a cameraman while Terao plays a psychiatrist who participates in volunteer activities to help children who have no place to go to on the streets of Osaka at night. Fujioka's character then hides his own identity to get close to his father under the pretext of wanting to find out more about his volunteering activities. 30 years ago, the father had left his family while his son was still young and his wife died later without anyone by her side on her deathbed. The father and son then embark on a journey of repentance towards his wife and mother respectively and while interacting with a young girl grappling with loneliness, finds new meaning in their lives.

Co-stars include Wada Masato, Ichikawa Yui, Nakamura Yuri, Mizuhashi Kenji, Mikura Mana, Kubota Sayu and Kimura Midoriko.

Source: Oricon

Chiba Yudai & Shimizu Fumika work together in the new movie "Asahan no Yuge"

Chiba Yudai and Shimizu Fumika will appear together in the new movie "Asahan no Yuge" which is due to be shown in cinemas from 2 July. The story is about a couple who stay together for one summer amid the central theme of breakfast (nicknamed Asahan in the movie) and its importance in their relationship. Shimizu mentioned that the movie's story is full of warmth and that her co-star is as sparkling as the breakfast spread featured in the film. Chiba also commented that the movie is sure to make the viewers be in the mood for some delicious breakfast after watching it.

Source: Sponichi

Yamamoto Mizuki & Hey! Say! JUMP's Inoo Kei to star in movie adaptation of "Peach Girl"

Yamamoto Mizuki and Hey! Say! JUMP's Inoo Kei will be the joint leads in the upcoming real-life movie adaptation of "Peach Girl" directed by Shintoku Koji which will be shown in cinemas next year. The film is based on the same-titled manga by Ueda Miwa that was serialised between 1997 and 2004 in the manga magazine "Bessatsu Friend" and has sold more than 13 million copies to date. It is expected that the movie will be screened at 250 cinemas nationwide.

Yamamoto plays Momo, a senior high school student with her hair dyed in red and a dark complexion which leads her to be misunderstood by the people around her while Inoo plays the charismatic prince of their school Kairi. When rumours run wild about Momo and Kairi having kissed each other, they get embroiled in a love triangle along with betrayal and friendship issues.

Although Yamamoto and Inoo are both graduates from Meiji University (she studied life science while he studied architecture), this is the first time they are working together and they only met for the first time during the script-reading session. This is Yamamoto's first leading role in a romance movie and Inoo's first movie appearance and first leading role in a movie.

Filming began on 22 March.

Source: Nikkansports / Sponichi

Kawaei Rina to play a married woman in FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka?"

Former AKB48 member Kawaei Rina will be playing a married woman for the first time in the upcoming FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka?" which begins its run from 14 April in the Thursdays 10pm timeslot. Her character Fuko will be the younger sister of the heroine Hayako played by Matsushita Nao who is a 34-year-old single primary school student. Fuko is 10 years younger than Hayako and got married after a whirlwind romance of a few months with her senior at the company she worked at and manages the household well.

As Kawaei has to wear a ring on her left hand's fourth finger, she admitted that it felt strange for her to be doing so. However, the part about Fuko being great at housework is what she says is their greatest similarity although she always had to act silly while she was in AKB48. Kawaei revealed that she started living on her own since she was 18 so she has learnt to be good at cooking and doing housework. Kawaei was recently reported to be dating actor Asaka Kodai in January this year but when asked if she will get married in such a short time like Fuko, she said that it was impossible and she would prefer to do so when she is around 30. When asked about her collaboration with Matsushita for the first time, she praised the latter for being very approachable and hopes to show the closeness in their sisterly relationship in the drama.

Source: Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi

Kazama Shunsuke to be the guest in the 2nd episode of TBS Spring 2016 drama "99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi"

Kazama Shunsuke will be the guest star in the 2nd episode of TBS Spring 2016 drama "99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi" which will begin its run from 17 April in the Sundays 9pm timeslot. The 2nd episode is due to be shown on 24 April and this will mark his first collaboration with the lead Matsumoto Jun in a drama despite having known each other for almost 20 years since they were Johnny's Jrs. They last worked together in the stage play "WEST SIDE STORY" back in 2004 and 2005.

Matsumoto plays the lead Miyama who is a young lawyer specialising in criminal cases and would stop at nothing to find the truth. Meanwhile, Kazama will play the role of Yamashita who unwittingly kills a man with a knife after they get embroiled in an argument.


Source: Sanspo

Ikuta Toma to star in new movie "Karera ga honki de amu toki wa" as a transgender

Ikuta Toma will be starring in the new movie "Karera ga honki de amu toki wa" (When they are serious about knitting) which is directed by Ogigami Naoko and due to be shown in cinemas from 25 February next year where he will play a transgender for the first time. The movie is an original script by Ogigami who has been known for her previous works such as "Kamome Shokudo" and "Megane".

Ikuta plays the role of 32-year-old Rinko who has been troubled since young due to gender dysphoria. Despite being born as a boy, Rinko has always felt that he should be a girl and later underwent a sex change surgery to become a woman. Nonetheless, despite Rinko's physical appearance, she is still listed as a man on her family register and works as a carer at an old folks' home. Rinko lives with her lover Makio played by Kiritani Kenta and his niece Tomo (Kakihara Rinka) who was abandoned by her mother and she showers Tomo with love as if she is her real mother. Other than the flashback scenes, Ikuta will appear as a woman during most of the movie and he will have to do scenes where he's knitting or cooking.

Despite having put on women's clothing before for stage plays such as "Mishima Double" in the past, this is Ikuta's first attempt at becoming a "complete" woman. He commented as he began filming for the movie, he has come to realise how difficult it is to play Rinko and that it is rare for a role like this to come his way so he will strive to make it a success. The director Ogigami said that Ikuta was chosen partly because of his appearance which still looks pretty and natural even when dressed as a woman and thinks that he will be able to bring his character to life.

On the other hand, Kiritani who has been playing many manly characters in the past, will change to become a gentle and mild-mannered man this time. He commented that both Ikuta and him considers this movie to be a turning point in their careers and will strive to do well.

Filming is currently in progress.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi / Sponichi

Narimiya Hiroki & Hashimoto Manami to act in TV Asahi Spring 2016 drama "Fukigen na Kajitsu

Narimiya Hiroki and Hashimoto Manami will be joining the cast of TV Asahi Spring 2016 drama "Fukigen na Kajitsu" which is due to begin its run from 29 April in the Fridays 11.15pm timeslot. The drama which is based on the hit novel by Hayashi Mariko published in 1996, features Kuriyama Chiaki as a married woman who gets involved in a forbidden relationship with a music critic (Ichihara Hayato) as she is unhappy in her marriage with her husband played by Inagaki Goro.

Narimiya plays the filover of Kuriyama's character who is an employee at an advertising agency before she gets involved with the music critic. This is the first time in 12 years since Narimiya and Kuriyama worked together in the 2004 movie "Kagen no Tsuki ~ Last Quarter" where they played lovers. Narimiya commented that as he is already acquainted with Kuriyama, they wouldn't need to be overly conscious about the intimate scenes so will be able to relax and go with the flow. He is eagerly looking forward to how they will be able to bring out the erotic and adult sides of their characters' relationship. In addition, Narimiya had also consulted Naito Takashi who took on the same role in the 1997 adaptation starring Ishida Yuriko so as to get ideas on how to play his character.

Meanwhile, Hashimoto Manami will be playing Kuriyama's friend since their university students who is a model, housewife and popular blogger and gets involved in an extramarital affair with an instructor at a sports club;

Source: Sponichi

Hasegawa Kyoko to appear in TBS Spring 2016 drama "Watashi kekkon dekinainjanakute, shinain desu"

Hasegawa Kyoko will be appearing in the TBS Spring 2016 drama "Watashi kekkon dekinainjanakute, shinain desu" which will begin its run from 15 April in the Fridays 10pm timeslot. The drama features Nakatani Miki as the director of a beauty clinic who thinks that she can get married at any time but later meets a restaurant owner played by Fujiki Naohito who points out that she can't get married because of her faults, not because she chose not to. Despite his harsh character who doesn't mince his words, he has a wife (Hasegawa) who is a flower coordinator and he can't hold his head high in front of her at all . Hasegawa will appear from the 4th episode which is due to be shown on 6 May.

Hasegawa revealed that she has always wanted to work with Nakatani and was impressed with how the script pointed out things which would interest women of her age group in such a frank manner. In addition, she found it easy to chat with Nakatani during their filming breaks that they were so engrossed until they couldn't concentrate on the actual filming. As for Fujiki, she revealed that right from the first day they met, they had to film scenes where she was lecturing him but he always managed to respond with ease thus she found it easy to work with him.

Source: Yomiuri Hochi

Preview of "Busujima Yuriko no Sekirara Nikki" - Spring 2016

Title: Busujima Yuriko no Sekirara Nikki 毒島ゆり子のせきらら日記 (The naked diary of Busujima Yuriko)
Official website: here
Official Twitter: here
Official Instagram: here
O.A. Start Date: 20 April 2016
Timeslot: Wednesdays 12.10am
Broadcast by: TBS
Theme Song: Dakishimesasete by Kuroneko Chelsea
Cast: Maeda Atsuko, Arai Hirofumi, Watanabe Daichi, Nakamura Shizuka, Yagi Masayasu, Maeda Goki, Moromizato Daisuke, Kondo Yoko, Tomokawa Kazuki, Yamazaki Ginnojo, Takagi Wataru, Hashizume Jun, Kondo Yoshimasa, Kataoka Tsurutaro

Kikukawa Rei as the lead in FujiTV drama SP "Ichinenhan Mate"

Kikukawa Rei will be the lead in the upcoming FujiTV drama SP "Ichinenhan Mate" (Wait for one and a half years) which will be shown on 15 April at 9pm. The drama SP which is based on the same-titled novel by the late Matsumoto Seicho and has been adapted more than 10 times to date, will adopt the viewpoint of the lawyer Takimori Takiko rather than from the murder suspect Sumura Satoko. Kikukawa plays the lead character Takimori who defends Sumura (Ishida Hikari) in court as the latter is on trial for killing her husband who was unemployed, an alcoholic and violent towards his wife and son. This is the 5th Matsumoto Seicho production which Kikukawa has participated in to date.

Source: Oricon

Koshiba Fuka to act in FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka?"

Koshiba Fuka will be acting in the FujiTV Spring 2016 drama "Hayako-sensei, Kekkon surutte hontou desuka" starring Matsushita Nao which will begin its run from April in the Thursdays 10pm timeslot. This being her first drama series since her senior high school graduation, Koshiba will be playing a newbie teacher Akigawa Riri who works in the infirmary at the same school where Tachiki Hayako (Matsushita) works at. Despite her young age of 22 and her demure appearance, Riri is aggressive and takes the initiative to achieve her goal of getting married but tends to be clumsy when she's actually in a relationship. While her youthful appearance makes her endearing to the students, the children at the upper levels make fun of and tease her at the same time.

Koshiba revealed that the director initially tried to bluff her into thinking that she was going to be offered the role of a primary school student due to her young appearance so she hopes that by wearing spectacles and dressing appropriate for her character, she will look more convincing at a teacher in the drama.

Source: Oricon

Ieiri Leo to sing the theme song for NTV Spring 2016 drama "Omukae desu"

Ieiri Leo will be singing the theme song for new NTV Spring 2016 drama "Omukae desu" starring Fukushi Sota and Tsuchiya Tao which will begin its run from 16 April in the Saturdays 9pm timeslot. The song titled "Bokutachi no Mirai" (Our future) will be released as her 12th single on 11 May and is her 6th drama theme song to date. Coincidentally, this is the third drama featuring Fukushi which she is singing the theme song for after FujiTV's "Umi no Ue no Shinryojo" and "Koinaka".

"Omukae desu" is based on the same-titled manga serialised since 1999 in the magazine "LaLa" by Tanaka Meka which features Fukushi as Tsutsumi Madoka, an university student who is poor at expressing his emotions and Tsuchiya as Aguma Sachi who is a sporty girl unafraid to show her feelings. The two of them are unable to get along due to their differing personalities but gradually come to understand each other better through their part-time job of helping spirits enter the realm of reincarnation.

As the drama talks about death, Ieiri wanted to convey a positive theme about the importance of the bonds between people and how people experience happiness, sadness, setbacks and hope in their lives. She commented that she tended to write more songs of loneliness and self-reflection to date so this is a new challenge for her by writing a song with lots of positive words.

Source: Oricon

Kamiki Ryunosuke to star in the 2-part movie adaptation of "Sangatsu no Lion"

Kamiki Ryunosuke will be starring in the 2-part movie adaptation of Umino Chika's manga "Sangatsu no Lion" which is due to be shown in cinemas next year and directed by Ohtomo Keishi who was famous for his "Rurouni Kenshin" series. The manga which started in 2007, won various awards such as the 4th Manga Taisho 2011, the 35th Kodansha Mangasho in 2011, the Tezuka Osamu Bunkasho Manga Taisho in 2014 and Da Vinci BOOK OF THE YEAR 2015 (No.1 in comic ranking) and the anime version will be shown on NHK this autumn.

Kamiki plays the lead character Kiriyama Rei, a 17-year-old professional shogi player who made his debut during junior high which was extremely rare. He lives alone at a suburb town in Tokyo as his parents and younger sister died during a traffic accident when he was young. While coping with the loneliness in his life, Rei aims to become a top-class shogi player. One day, Rei comes to know three sisters from the Kawamoto family i.e. Akari, Hinata and Momo which offers him much-needed warmth in his life as he grapples with the struggles in the competitive shogi world.

When news of the movie adaptation first came out, Kamiki was one of those whose names were suggested as most suitable to play the lead character. Kamiki himself also expressed his joy when offered the role as he is a fan of the manga which is widely popular. Despite feeling the pressure, he promised to try to convey the heartwarming theme as projected in the original manga. Ohtomo who last worked with Kamiki in the Rurouni movies, expressed excitement at seeing how the latter has grown in the last two years and is looking forward to see how he will portray Rei this time. Meanwhile, the original manga's author also praised Kamiki for being a guy who feels as if there is a lion residing inside of him and is very happy about him playing the lead character.

Source: Oricon

Tsumabuki Satoshi & Mitsushima Hikari to work together in new movie "Guko Roku"

Tsumabuki Satoshi and Mitsushima Hikari will be working together in the new movie "Guko Roku" (The record of folly) adapted from the same-titled novel by Nukui Tokuro which was one of the nominees for the 135th Naoki Award. The film which is due to be shown in cinemas next year, features Tsumabuki as Tanaka, a reporter for a weekly magazine who is investigating the unresolved murder case of a family of three one year after it happened. Through the course of his investigation, Tanaka discovers that the perfect couple image projected by the deceased elite salaryman and his wife was merely an illusion and gradually finds out the truth behind the murders. Mitsushima plays his younger sister Hikaruko.

Tsumabuki commented that he has worked with Mitsushima many times to date and is very impressed with her level of involvement and concentration in her acting thus is looking forward to producing a good movie with her. Meanwhile, Mitsushima said that although she didn't take up the character because she liked it, she was keen to show how Hikaruko's way of loving was affected by her circumstances and hopes to show a different side of her acting this time. In addition, she felt assured by Tsumabuki's presence in the cast as she regards him as her elder brother thus is looking forward to taking up this new challenge with him.

Source: Oricon

Newcomer Matsukaze Risaki to make her debut in a drama through TV Asahi Spring 2016 drama "Good Partner Muteki no Bengoshi"

Newcomer actress Matsukaze Risaki who has just entered senior high school in April this year and is from the agency Sweet Power which also manages actresses such as Horikita Maki and Kiritani Mirei, will be making her debut in a drama through TV Asahi Spring 2016 drama "Good Partner Muteki no Bengoshi" which will be shown on Thursdays at 9pm. The drama features Takenouchi Yutaka as a corporate lawyer who is at loggerheads with his ex-wife played by Matsuyuki Yasuko who's also a lawyer. Matsukaze will play their 12-year-old daughter Mizuki who chose to stay with her father when they divorced since she can live with her mother later on when she gets older but it won't be that convenient with her father by then.

Despite the gap between her role and her actual age, Matsukaze says that she will try to recall how she was at that age in order to play Mizuki. She also expressed her anxiety and excitement about her first drama appearance but will try to learn from her seniors who she had only seen on TV in the past. In particular, she was honoured to be able to play the daughter of Takenouchi and Matsuyuki and that they have been very nice towards her since they first met.

Source: Oricon

Sato Shori & Hashimoto Kanna to be joint leads in new movie "Haruchika"

Sexy Zone's Sato Shori and Rev from DVL's Hashimoto Kanna will be joint leads in the new movie "Haruchika which is directed by Ichii Masahide and due to be shown in cinemas next year. The film which is based on the same-titled novel series by Hatsuno Sei that had sold more than 550,000 copies to date, features how childhood friends Haruta (Sato) and Chika (Hashimoto) who last met in primary 3 before he moved to another place, reunites in senior high school. Despite aspiring to join a brass band all this while, Chika is aghast to find that their school's brass band is about to be disbanded due to an incident. As such, to save the brass band and get the members together again, she gets Haruta to help in her efforts and uncovers a sad mystery behind the incident. Haruta will be playing the horn in the band while Chika plays the flute.

When informed of being offered his first leading role in a movie, Sato revealed that he was so excited that he immediately went to a bookstore near his house that night to buy the original novels. As he has to play the horn which is said to be the most difficult to play among the brass musical instruments, he will try his best to practise so as to play beautiful music in the movie. When asked about his impression of his co-star Hashimoto, Sato said that she resembles the energetic and cheerful image of Chika and thinks that her positive energy will rub off everyone.

Hashimoto revealed that after acting in the movie "Sailorfuku to Kikanjuu", she thought that she was going to be done with senior high school girl roles but this time, she's "going to enter high school again" so she's looking forward to showing a different side of her this time. As for her co-star Sato, she commented that there are similarities between them in that they both sing, dance and act so she hopes to learn things from him and is looking forward to their collaboration.

Filming begins in the middle of April.

Source: Sponichi / Oricon

Preview of "99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi" - Spring 2016

Title: 99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi 99.9 刑事専門弁護士 (99.9 Lawyers who specialise in criminal cases)
Official website: here
Official Twitter: here
Official Instagram: here
O.A. Start Date: 17 April 2016
Timeslot: Sundays 9pm
Broadcast by: TBS
Theme Song: Daylight by Arashi
Cast: Matsumoto Jun, Kagawa Teruyuki, Eikura Nana, Aoki Munetaka, Katagiri Jin, Maggy, Watanabe Makiko, Baba Toru, Emi Kurara, Ikeda Takafumi, Kishii Yukino, Fujimoto Takahiro, Okuda Eiji, Kishibe Ittoku

Preview of "Watashi kekkon dekinainjanakute, shinain desu" - Spring 2016

Title: Watashi kekkon dekinainjanakute, shinain desu 私結婚できないんじゃなくて、しないんです (It's not that I can't get married, I just don't do it)
Official website: here
Official Twitter: here
O.A. Start Date: 15 April 2016
Timeslot: Fridays 10pm
Broadcast by: TBS
Original novel by: Mizuno Keiya
Theme Song: Sweet! Sweet! Music! by Ikimonogakari
Cast: Nakatani Miki, Fujiki Naohito, Seto Koji, Natsuki Mari, Omasa Aya, Matsui Jurina, Azuma Rion, Hirata Kaoru, Midori Yurie, Morita Kanro, Ranju Tomu, Marcia, Tokui Yoshimi

Winners of the 19th Nikkansports Dorama Grand Prix (Winter 2016)

Numbers in brackets indicate the number of votes received:

Best Drama
1) Kaitou Yamaneko - NTV (503)
2) Dame na watashi ni koishite kudasai - TBS (353)
3) Asa ga kita - NHK (299)
4) Specialist - TV Asahi (223)
5) Sanadamaru - NHK (156)

Best Leading Actor
1) Kamenashi Kazuya - Kaitou Yamaneko (544)
2) Tamaki Hiroshi - Asa ga kita (373)
3) Kusanagi Tsuyoshi - Specialist (222)
4) Nagase Tomoya - Fragile (184)
5) Sakai Masato - Sanadamaru (167)

Best Leading Actress
1) Haru - Asa ga kita (572)
2) Fukada Kyoko - Dame na watashi ni koishite kudasai (542)
3) Ueno Juri - Kazoku no Katachi (166)
4) Horikita Maki - Higanbana ~ Keishicho Sousa Nanaka (156)
5) Arimura Kasumi - Itsuka kono koi wo omoidashite kitto naite shimau (151)

Best Supporting Actor
1) Narimiya Hiroki - Kaitou Yamaneko (351)
2) Dean Fujioka - Dame na watashi ni koishite kudasai (305)
3) Dean Fujioka - Asa ga kita (263)
4) Kusakari Masao - Sanadamaru (227)
5) Sasaki Kuranosuke - Kaitou Yamaneko / Nishida Toshiyuki - Kazoku no Katachi (122)

Best Supporting Actress
1) Hirose Suzu - Kaitou Yamaneko (395)
2) Nonami Maho - Dame na watashi ni koishite kudasai (195)
3) Minami Kaho - Specialist (181)
4) Koshida Fuuka - Asa ga kita (129)
5) Nagasawa Masami - Sanadamaru (101)

Source: Nikkansports

Preview of "Juuhan Shuttai" - Spring 2016

Title: Juuhan Shuttai 重版出来!
Official website: here
Official Facebook: here
Official Twitter: here
O.A. Start Date: 12 April 2016
Timeslot: Tuesdays 10pm
Broadcast by: TBS
Original manga by: Matsuda Naoko
Theme Song: Echo by Unicorn
Cast: Kuroki Haru, Odagiri Jo, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Nono Sumika, Nagaoka Tasuku, Maeno Tomoya, Kohinata Fumio, Takito Kenichi, Kaname Jun, Nagayama Kento, Muro Tsuyoshi, Takada Junji, Yasuda Ken and Matsushige Yutaka

Preview of "Our House" - Spring 2016

Title: Our House
Official website: here
O.A. Start Date: 17 April 2016
Timeslot: Sundays 9pm
Broadcast by: FujiTV
Scriptwriter: Nojima Shinji
Theme Song: Ai wo tomenaide by OFF COURSE
Cast: Ashida Mana, Charlotte Kate Fox, Yamamoto Koji, Kato Seishiro, Terada Kokoro, Matsuda Serika, Takayama Yoshihiro, Watanabe Mai, Inukai Atsuhiro, Tsukamoto Takashi, Matsushita Yuki, Hashizume Isao