Nakama Yukie to join the cast of TV Asahi Autumn 2016 drama "Aibou season 15"

Nakama Yukie will be joining the cast of TV Asahi Autumn 2016 drama "Aibou season 15" which will begin its run from 12 October. Her character Yashiro Miyako last appeared in "Aibou season 13" which was shown in autumn 2014, This time, Yashiro will be the section chief of the PR section in the general affairs department while Kaburagi Wataru (Sorimachi Takashi) will be assigned to her department as her subordinate after joining the Metropolitan Police Department despite him applying for another department. Nakama will also be appearing in the new movie "Aibou - Gekijouban IV" which will be shown in cinemas next year.

The lead actor of the Aibou series Mizutani Yutaka commented that he was surprised that Nakama will be reappearing in the series and that Wataru (Sorimachi) is assigned to her department rather than his. As for Nakama, she revealed her excitement at being able to play Yashiro again in the world of "Aibou".

Source: Oricon

Murakami Nijiro to star in new movie "Nidome no natsu, nidoto aenai kimi"

Murakami Nijiro will be starring in the movie adaptation of Akagi Hirotaka's light novel "Nidome no natsu, nidoto aenai kimi" (The second summer, unable to meet you again) which is directed by Nakanishi Kenji and due to shown in cinemas in autumn 2017. Murakami plays the role of the lead character Shinohara who is a senior high school student while the heroine Moriyama Rin will played by Yoshida Madoka who is the vocalist cum guitarist in girls' band Tankobuchin. Co-stars also include AKB48's Kato Rena, Kinjo Mana, Yamada Yuki Kikuchi Akiko and Honjo Manami.

The novel which was published in 2015, describes how Shinohara who just transferred to Aoba Kita Senior School, tries to form a band which can perform during the cultural festival. However, the school rules forbids band activities. Despite so, Shinohara manages to form a five-member band including his classmate Moriyama Rin. The performance turns out to be a success but Rin collapses whereby Shinohara first learns of her suffering from a terminal illness. Just before Rin passes away, Shinohara confesses his feelings for her but is rejected by her who reacts violently to the confession. Shinohara realises that he shouldn't have done that and deeply regrets tormenting Rin with his action. 2 months after her death, Shinohara is still plagued by his guilt and accidentally goes back into time at six months ago. This time, he will try to suppress his feelings and allow Rin to leave this world with a smile.

Moriyama Rin who has a terminal illness, falls for a new transfer student Shinohara. When he confesses his feelings to Rin, it is too late as she is on the verge of dying. Out of the blue, he experiences a time leap which offers him a second chance to prevent any regrets.

Filming is expected to begin from 1 October.

Source: Eiga.com

Top 100 songs which have influenced Japan (Music Station Ultra Fes 30th)

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Music Station held the Ultra Fes 30th on 19 September which was broadcast for 10 hours. During the programme, the show also featured a ranking of the top 100 songs which have influenced Japan over the years. Check out the list below to see if your favourites are in the top 100 and click on the links to watch the songs' music videos or live performances or sound clips. Unfortunately, due to the length of this list, I will only provide the video links up to No.40. There are some songs without official videos which could be due to the songs being too far back in time or the artistes do not upload their PVs online for some reason so there will be some songs in the top 40 without the video links.

Frankly speaking, I was surprised by a number of the entries here and some obvious omissions like SPEED's White Love, Utada Hikaru's First Love, Tsunami by Southern All Stars, KinKi Kids' Garasu no Shounen or FLOWER, V6's Change The World, TOKIO's Ambitious Japan, SMAP's Lion Heart or Dreams Come True's Love Love Love. It also looks as if each artist was "restricted" to one song only. I don't know for sure how these results were derived (sales or how much it was talked about?) but this ranking does seem odd in one way or another.

Note that the year which the song was released is indicated in the brackets:

1) Sekai ni hitotsu dake no hana - SMAP (2003)
2) Ue wo muite arukou - Sakamoto Kyuu (1961)
3) Automatic - Utada Hikaru (1998)
4) Katte ni Sinbad - Southern All Stars (1978)
5) Let It Go ~ Ari no mama de - Matsu Takako / Elsa (2014)
6) Kawa no nagare you ni - Misora Hibari (1989)
7) Let It Be - The Beatles (1970)
8) Koi suru Fortune Cookie - AKB48 (2013)
9) Makenaide - ZARD (1993)
10) A.RA.SHI - Arashi (1999)

11) Ii hi tabidachi - Yamaguchi Momoe (1978)
12) Love Machine - Morning Musume (1999)
13) I LOVE YOU - Ozaki Yutaka (1983)
14) Thriller - Michael Jackson (1982)
15) Sakurazaka - Fukuyama Masaharu (2000)
16) Eikou e no kakehashi - Yuzu (2004)
17) R.Y.U.S.E.I. - Sandaime J Soul Brothers (2014)
18) Tsukematsukeru - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (2012)
19) CAN YOU CELEBRATE? - Amuro Namie (1997)
20) Ringo no Uta - Namiki Michiko (1946)

21) Rydeen - YMO (1980)
22) Imagine - John Lennon (1977)
23) Rising Sun - EXILE (2013)
24) Jidai - Nakajima Miyuki (1975)
25) UFO - Pink Lady (1977)
26) Nando demo - DREAMS COME TRUE (2005)
27) Christmas Eve - Yamashita Tatsuro (1983)
28) Kurenai - X JAPAN (1989)
29) Okuru Kotoba - Kaientai (1979)
30) Kiseki - GReeeeN (2008)

31) Memeshikute - Golden Bomber (2009)
32) Sakura - Moriyama Naotaro (2003)
33) Arigatou - Ikimonogakari (2010)
34) RPG - Sekai no Owari (2013)
35) ultra soul - B'z (2001)
36) Zankoku na Tenshi no Teeze - Takahashi Yoko (1995)
37) PERFECT HUMAN - RADIO FISH (2015)
38) Blue Chateau - Jackie Yoshikawa to Blue Comet (1967)
39) Tokyo Gorin Ondo - Minami Haruo (1963)
40) Robinson - Spitz (1995)

41) Diamond Head - The Ventures (1965)
42) Get Wild - TM Network (1987)
43) Polyrhythm - Perfume (2007)
44) Akai Sweet Pea - Matsuda Seiko (1982)
45) innocent world - Mr.Children (1994)
46) Kandagawa - Kaguyahime (1973)
47) HOWEVER - GLAY (1997)
48) Kekkon Shiyou - Yoshida Takuro (1972)
49) Kimi to itsumademo - Kayama Yuuzo (1965)
50) Nagoriyuki - Iruka (1975)

51) Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun! - Shimon Masato (1975)
52) Subaru - Tanimura Shinji (1980)
53) Haru yo, koi - Matsutoya Yumi (1994)
54) Koukou Sannensei - Funaki Kazuo (1963)
55) B.BLUE - BOOWY (1986)
56) Torisetsu - Nishino Kana (2015)
57) Tentai Kansoku - BUMP OF CHICKEN (2001)
58) Jupiter - Hirahara Ayaka (2003)
59) Senbonzakura - Hatsune Miku (2011)
60) Sen no Kaze ni natte - Akikawa Masafumi (2006)

61) Suudarabushi - Ueki Hitoshi (1961)
62) Umi no koe - Kiritani Kenta (2015)
63) Shounen Jidai - Inoue Yosui (1990)
64) Kaettekita Yopparai - The Folk Crusaders (1967)
65) Gimichoco!! - BABYMETAL (2014)
66) Hana no kubikazari  - The Tigers (1968)
67) Matsuri - Kitajima Saburo (1984)
68) Kanpai - Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi (1980)
69) DESIRE Jounetsu - Nakamori Akina (1986)
70) Rouningyou no Yakata - Seikima II (1986)

71) Gee - Girls Generation (2010)
72) LA LA LA LOVE SONG - Kubota Toshinobu (1996)
73) Linda Linda - THE BLUE HEARTS (1987)
74) Sakura - Kobukuro (2005)
75) Youkai Taiso Daiichi  - Dream5 (2014)
76) Tsubasa wo kudasai - Akai Tori (1971)
77) YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A) - Saijo Hideki (1979)
78) evolution - Hamasaki Ayumi (2001)
79) Sanbyaku Rokujuugoho no March - Suizenji Kiyoko (1968)
80) Kotoba ni dekinai - Oda Kazumasa (1982)

81) Ruby no Yubiwa - Terao Akira (1981)
82) Merry Christmas Mr.Lawrence - Sakamoto Ryuichi (1983)
83) Giza Giza Heart no Komoriuta - Checkers (1983)
84) EZ DO DANCE - TRF (1993)
85) POKER FACE - Lady Gaga (2008)
86) Ai wa katsu - KAN (1990)
87) Odoru Bonbokorin - B.B. Queens (1990)
88) Donna toki mo - Makihara Noriyuki (1991)
89) Sailor fuku wo nugasanaide - Onyanko Club (1985)
90) Katte ni shiyagare - Sawada Kenji (1977)

91) Shimauta - THE BOOM (1993)
92) JAM - THE YELLOW MONKEY (1996)
93) Himawari no yakusoku - Hata Motohiro (2014)
94) Hanamizuki - Hitoto Yo (2004)
95) Wine Red no Kokoro - Anzen Chitai (1983)
96) DEPARTURES - globe (1996)
97) STORY - AI (2005)
98) Guts daze - Ul-fuls (1995)
99) Kanpaku Sengen - Sada Masashi (1979)
100) Nada Sousou - Natsukawa Rimi (2001)

Katsuji Ryo to appear in NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Rental Kyuuseishu"

Katsuji Ryo will be appearing in the upcoming NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Rental Kyuuseishu" starring Sawamura Ikki which begins its run from 9 October in the Sundays 10.30pm timeslot. He plays the role of Kii Roy, an overly-excited mechanic who is the eldest son of a family which owns an electrical appliances store. Being known as the person who can fix anything, he is able to make some strange devices to help the lead character Akenabe Yuugo (Sawamura) in his work which sometimes involve following people and wire-tapping. Unknown to others, he actually has a huge problem while working in the Rental Kyuuseishu company.

Katsuji commented that as the title of the drama suggests, it is a story with a comedic touch but with a sense of reality since everyone would wish for some help when they are in trouble. Although it is often regarded that being patient and tolerant is a virtue of the Japanese, he finds that sometimes even a word of concern is enough to help those in need so he can identify with the theme of the drama.

Source: Oricon

Completion press conference and screening of new movie "Shoujo"

The completion press conference of new movie "Shoujo" was held on 12 September which was attended by the director Mishima Yukiko, the author of the original novel Minato Kanae and cast members Honda Tsubasa, Yamamoto Mizuki, Mackenyu and Sato Ryo. After the press conference, GLIM SPARKY who sings the movie's theme song, also appeared at the completion screening event along with them. However, Inagaki Goro who also appears in this movie, did not appear at the event. The movie which will be shown in cinemas from 8 October, features Honda as Sakurai Yuki and Yamamoto as Kusano Atsuko who are second year senior high school students with dark secrets. In order to fulfill their desire of seeing the moment when people die, the two of them spend their summer in their own ways to achieve that goal.

Honda commented that as her character is very different from those she had played in the past, she engaged in regular discussions with the director so as to show a completely different side of herself. As for Yamamoto, she revealed that she felt at ease working with Honda and wanted to protect her since the latter is so frank and forthcoming about her insecurities. In the end, their relationship has become somewhat like their characters in the movie which Honda agreed with and said that she felt assured that Yamamoto will be around to help her whenever something happens.

Sources: Sanspo / Oricon

Oguri Shun, Kitagawa Keiko, Hamabe Minami & Kitamura Takumi star in new movie "Kimi no suizou wo tabetai"

Newcomer Hamabe Minami and idol group DISH's Kitamura Takumi will be joint leads in the new movie "Kimi no suizou wo tabetai" (I want to eat your pancreas) which will be shown in cinemas during summer 2017. The movie which is based on the same-titled bestseller novel by Sumino Yoru which was ranked No.2 in the 2016 Honya Taisho, is set in two time frames. Hamabe and Kitamura will be playing the past of the leads while Oguri and Kitagawa will be playing the present versions.

The story features the heroine Yamauchi Sakura who is suffering from a serious illness in her pancreas and the only person who knows about her illness is the lead character "Boku" (I) who is Sakura's classmate. As the story shuttles between the past and present spanning 12 years, it talks about the death of people dear to you and how feelings are conveyed through something more than words.

Oguri is playing an original character who didn't appear in the original novel so he was surprised when offered the role but decided to accept it due to the passion showed by the staff in crafting a brand new story. He also hopes to be able to receive the innocence and energy from his younger co-stars and deliver a performance which fits well in this movie. As for Kitagawa, she expressed anticipation at working with Oguri for the first time.

Although Hamabe is a new actress, she has appeared in dramas such as NHK's morning drama "Mare". Hamabe commented that she was surprised by the offer but is very happy to be given the opportunity to play Sakura. Kitamura who was recently seen in the TBS drama "Aogeba Totoshi", has already appeared in 4 movies this year. He remarked that he hopes to be able to show the change of "Boku" after he meets Sakura and do his best in this movie.

Filming is expected to be done in September and October. The movie will be directed by Tsukikawa Sho and the script is written by Yoshida Tomoko.

Source: Oricon

Kuroki Meisa & Arai Hirofumi star in TBS Autumn 2016 drama "Haikei, Minpaku-sama"

Kuroki Meisa and Arai Hirofumi will be co-starring in the upcoming TBS / MBS Autumn 2016 drama "Haikei, Minpaku-sama" which will begin its run from October. The drama will start on 23 October at 12.50am on Sundays via MBS while TBS will show it 2 days later on 25 October at 1.28am on Tuesdays.

The drama is set at Ota Ward in Tokyo which is one of two areas in Japan where house owners are allowed to rent out private residences legally to overseas visitors for short-term stays. Kuroki plays the role of Yamashita Saori who works at the Labour Standards Inspection Office and is a fierce wife to her husband Kanta (Arai) who works at a game company. One day, Kanta gets retrenched by his company and doesn't dare to tell Saori about this. He decides to start the minpaku (private residence) business because it is the current trend but encounters many setbacks. Meanwhile, news of his retrenchment reach Saori which brings the couple to the brink of divorce.

Kuroki mentioned that this is the first time she is acting as a scary wife who makes her husband shudder in fear but feels that Saori must be doing this for Kanta's sake. As such, she hopes to be able to show the love between them in this drama. As for Arai, he commented that although this is a late night drama, there are no sex scenes, crude jokes or violence so he called upon viewers to watch it without being concerned about these things.

Co-stars include Nakano Yuuta who plays Saori's elder brother Shohei, Konno Anna who plays Tachikawa Miyu and is in love with Shohei and Suzuki Masayuki who plays Kanta's father who used to be a former ryokan owner.

Sources: Sanspo / Sponichi / Oricon

Completion screening event of new movie "Oke Roujin"

The completion screening event of new movie "Oke Roujin" was held on 19 September which was attended by the director Hosokawa Toru and cast members An, Kuroshima Yuina, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Fujita Yumiko, Sasano Takashi, Komatsu Masao and Ishikura Saburo. The event was also the first public appearance of An after she gave birth to twin girls in May this year. When asked about this, An commented that it had been a while since she appeared in public so she was naturally feeling nervous and excited about being able to meet the audience. When congratulated by the host about the birth of her daughters followed by applause from the audience, An thanked them with a smile.

The movie which will be shown in cinemas from 11 November, is based on the same-titled novel by Araki Gen about an amateur orchestra said to be the "oldest" in the world as the average age of its elderly members is very high. An plays the role of a senior high school teacher who is tasked to be the conductor of this orchestra. As An had to learn conducting and how to play the violin, she found that more stressful than being the lead actress in the movie. However, she had derived a lot of energy from her older co-stars and felt that she had to match up to them by putting in more effort.

As the event was held on Respect-for-the-Aged Day, the younger actors i.e. An, Sakaguchi, Kuroshima and Hosokawa offered shoulder massages for Sasano, Komatsu, Ishikura and Fujita as an expression of thanks. Sasano praised An for being powerful enough since she has to carry her daughters and said that he might live three years longer, thanks to her massage.

Sources: Oricon / Eiga.com

KinKi Kids' Domoto Tsuyoshi to appear in the real-life adaptation movie of "Gintama"

KinKi Kids' Domoto Tsuyoshi will be appearing in the new real-life adaptation movie of "Gintama" starring Oguri Shun which is due to be shown in cinemas next year. This marks Domoto's first movie appearance in 12 years since his last film "Fantastipo" in 2005.

In this movie, Domoto plays the character Takasugi Shinsuke, who is the biggest rival of Sakata Gintoki (Oguri) and a very skilled swordsman. He is the leader of Kiheitai, an exclusionist group and regarded as the most dangerous man. During the filming which was already concluded, the two of them had a fierce battle scene which was designed by an action directing team from South Korea at the suggestion of Oguri. It has been 21 years since Domoto acted in an intense action scene like this  for his 1995 stage play "Hanakage no Hana - Oishi Kuranosuke no Tsuma". He recounted that it was tough this time especially because of Oguri's height of 1.84m which was 20cm more than his height.

As the director Fukuda Yuichi wanted Domoto to play a baddie this time, he found it very tough and stressful due to Takasugi's popularity among the fans and how he was supposed to play the cool yet pretentious Takasugi which was very different from his real personality. Luckily, through discussions with the director, he was finally able to get through the filming. Domoto and Fukuda had worked together previously in dramas such as FujiTV's 33-pun Tantei and TBS' "Tenma-san ga yuku" so they are quite familiar with each other. Domoto "complained" that Fukuda was making a lot of unreasonable demands of him like how he had been practising to play the shamisen while sitting down for two weeks but was told to do it standing up just two days before the filming. In addition, Domoto "joked" that he wanted to play Elisabeth initially instead of Takasugi.

Meanwhile, announcements on the cast lineup were also made on the same day. Arai Hirofumi will be playing Okada Izou, who is a dangerous figure in the Kiheitai while Sato Jirou will play a strategist in the same group named Takechi Henpeita. Nanao will appear as Kijima Matako who is nicknamed the Red Bullet and can use guns with both hands. Yasuda Ken will play Murata Tetsuya while his younger sister Tetsuko will be played by Hayami Akari. Arai commented that he was wondering why he had no gags to do in this movie since this is a Gintama movie by Fukuda after all but was glad that the action scenes turned out to be very different from the usual sword-fighting scenes in samurai movies. As for Sato who is a regular in Fukuda movies, he said that he thought of this film as Fukuda's first and last "big" production and supported him with this thought in mind. Nanao expressed her worry about how to show the strong visual side of her character and tried her best to challenge herself. In addition, she was impressed by the handmade sexy dresses which had very delicate designs produced for her character. As for Yasuda, he was conscious of the fact that he had to speak louder for his character as depicted in the manga but when he actually started doing it on set, it was tougher than he thought. Hayami revealed that she had gone to a blacksmith factory to see and learn how swords are being forged so as to prepare for her role.

On a related note, the official Twitter page of the movie had accumulated more than 117,000 followers from 1 July to 12 September. In particular, the tweet which Fukuda directed to Oguri at the end of the filming was retweeted 66,000 times and had 108,000 likes.

Sources: Sanspo / Eiga.com / Oricon

JY (Jiyoung) to appear in the last episode of FujiTV Summer 2016 drama "Suki na hito ga iru koto"

JY (Jiyoung) will be making a cameo appearance in the last episode of FujiTV Summer 2016 drama "Suki na hito ga iru koto" which will be shown on 19 September at 9pm. JY plays the role of Yoshioka Jun, a patissier who comes to Seas Sons for an interview after Kanata (Yamazaki Kento) declares that he wants to hire a new patissier. At the end of episode 9, Misaki (Kiritani Mirei) finally comes clean with her feelings and reveals that she likes Kanata but his reply that he no longer likes her catches her by surprise. Despite so, Misaki tries to work hard to make the Dining Out event a success so that she can regain her pride as a patissier and continue to work at Sea Sons but the appearance of a possible replacement shakes her faith.

JY who also sings the theme song for the drama, commented she was already very grateful to be given the chance to sing the theme song so when she was asked to appear in the drama, she felt that it was like a dream come true. As such, she hopes to be able to show the singer and actress sides of herself to the viewers. During the filming, she revealed that the realisation of her appearing in the drama didn't sink in until she saw her initials on the script's cast list and that it was an unusual feeling to be able to take part in this drama by making a cameo appearance.

Source: Oricon

Cast announcements for NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Jimi ni sugoi! Kouetsu Girl Kouno Etsuko"

Honda Tsubasa will be appearing in the upcoming NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Jimi ni sugoi! Kouetsu Girl Kouno Etsuko" starring Ishihara Satomi which will begin its run from 5 October in the Wednesdays 10pm timeslot. She plays the role of Morio Toyoko, an editor working for the fashion magazine "Lassy" released by the publisher Keibonsha where Ishihara's character Kouno Etsuko also works at. Toyoko also happens to be Etsuko's junior back in senior high school.

Aoki Munetaka plays Kaizuka Hachirou, a popular editor who looks down on the proofreading department which Etsuko belongs to while Kishitani Goro plays the manager of the proofreading department. Co-stars also include Wada Masato, Eguchi Noriko, Kaga Takeshi and Taguchi Hiromasa.

Source: Oricon

B'z to sing the theme song for new movie "Shippu Rondo" starring Abe Hiroshi

B'z will be singing the theme song for new movie "Shippu Rondo" starring Abe Hiroshi which is due to be shown in cinemas from 26 November and adapted from the same-titled novel by Higashino Keigo. Being a big fan of B'z, the director Yoshida Teruyuki approached the duo who accepted the offer readily. The song titled "Fukiarenasai" is the first movie theme song by B'z since "PRAY" which was the theme song for 2009 movie "TAJOMARU".

B'z commented that they had read the original novel where they had a deep impression of the flashy yet comical scenes which happened amid the characters' belief in heading down the paths they believed in. As such, they wanted to show this type of emotion in the setting of a snowstorm and hoped that viewers will be able to enjoy the movie's impressive images along with their song which took 1.5 months to produce. Meanwhile, Abe revealed that he was very excited when he was told that B'z was going to write the theme song for the movie and believed that there is no other song which fits the ending credits of this movie that has suspense, action and comedy elements rolled into one. He hopes that viewers will leave the cinema theatres with feelings of exhilaration after watching the movie to the end. As for Yoshida, he expressed his gratitude to B'z for granting them the honour of using their song for their movie but joked that viewers might remember the song more than the movie after leaving the cinemas.

The release date of "Fukiarenasai" has not been decided yet.

Sources: Sanspo / Oricon

Inamori Izumi to appear in NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Rental Kyuuseishu"

Inamori Izumi will be appearing in the upcoming NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Rental Kyuuseishu" which begins its run from 9 October in the Sundays 10.30pm timeslot. She plays the role of Shino, the wife of the lead character Akenabe Yugo, who supports him wholeheartedly with her child-like innocence. Although she already has a daughter, Shino is still dreaming of her ideal wedding in Hawaii which has yet to take place and is unaware that her husband has a debt of USD 1 million. Inamori recounted when she read the script, she was surprised at the wide variety of characters featured in the story showing a wide spectrum of emotions and thinks that her free-spirited character might be somewhat of a surprise to viewers. The producer Fukui Yuuta commented that Inamori is a perfect fit to show the warm and comical sides of the clueless wife and is eagerly anticipating how she will portray the character in the drama.

Source: Oricon

Yonekura Ryoko in New York for the filming of TV Asahi Autumn 2016 drama "Doctor X 4 ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko ~"

Yonekura Ryoko was in New York for the first overseas filming of her TV Asahi Autumn 2016 drama "Doctor X 4 ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko ~" which begins its run from October in the Thursdays 9pm timeslot. The filming took place over 2 days and describes how Daimon was in New York before she is hired by Toutei University Hospital at the start of the 4th installment of this popular drama series. The staff went to places such as Brooklyn Bridge and the streets along East River for the filming. Yonekura vouched for the "authenticity" of these location shoots and hopes that viewers will visit the places featured during their holidays.

Ever since Yonekura starred in the 2012 Broadway musical "Chicago", she has been to New York many times for private trips and is quite knowledgeable about the city. Having improved on her English during those trips, she was able to translate for the local and American staff and didn't need a translator when she visited restaurants for meals.

Before the drama begins its run, Yonekura will appear in the variety SP "Yonekura no nandemo itashimasu! Watashi, Hawaii demo shippai shinai no de SP" (Yonekura's I will do everything! I will not fail even in Hawaii SP" which will be shown on 9 October at 1.55pm. She did a similar SP in New York before the start of "Doctor X 3" and this time, Hawaii will be featured in the programme. Joining her will be her co-star Katsumura Masanobu and TKO's Kinoshita Takayuki who will be featuring the latest exercise SUP Yoga developed in Hawaii, look at luxury properties there and take part in the Hawaii Gourmet Quiz for an extravagant lunch. Yonekura commented that she felt more relaxed in Hawaii since she was the only cast member in New York but when Katsumura and Kinoshita met up with her, she was able to have fun during the filming of the SP.

Sources: Sanspo / Oricon

Third round of cast announcements for new movie "Sangatsu no Lion"

The third round of cast announcements for new movie "Sangatsu no Lion starring Kamiki Ryuunosuke was made on 12 September. The movie which is based on the same-titled manga by Umino Chika, is due to be shown as an anime on NHK this autumn and features Kamiki as the lead character Kiriyama Rei who is a 17-year-old talented shogi player living in the suburbs of Tokyo. Takahashi Issei will be playing the role of Hayashida Takashi, a teacher at the senior high school which Rei attends while Iwamatsu Ryo will play the role of Jinguji Takanori, the president of the Japan Shogi Association. Saiki Shigeru will play Yanagihara Sakutaro who is the oldest active shogi player in rank A even after passing the age of 60. Rei's seniors in shogi who also form a duo i.e. Misumi Tatsuyuki and Matsumoto Issa will be played respectively by Nakamura Tomoya and Onoue Hiroyuki. Okuno Keita plays Yamazaki Junkei, the rival who plays against Rei in the newcomers' match and Komoto Masahiro will play Yasui Manabu, a fellow shogi player who poses distraction to Rei. Itaya Yuka will play Misaki, the mamasan of a club frequented by the shogi players who is also the aunt of the Kawamoto sisters.

Part 1 of the movie will be shown in cinemas from 18 March while Part 2 will be shown from 22 April. The 4th round of cast announcements is expected to be revealed in the near future.

Source: Oricon

Oosugi Ren to appear in NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Rental Kyuuseishu"

Oosugi Ren will be appearing in the NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Rental Kyuuseishu" which begins its run from 9 October in the Sundays 10.30pm timeslot. He plays the role of Kurou Kanta, the president of the "Rental Kyuuseishu" company and is Akenabe Yugo's (Sawamura Ikki) boss who hired the latter out of sympathy for his circumstances. Kurou is a mysterious man who set up the company for an unknown reason, is easily excited and has a comedic side in his personality. Oosugi commented that Kurou is someone who doesn't care about hardship and difficulties when doing things for others and this is a type of character which he has never played before.

Source: Oricon

List of Japanese films screened as special entries in the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival

The 29th Tokyo International Film Festival will be held from 25 October to 3 November and here is the list of 6 Japanese films which will be taking part in the special entry category along with their information:

1) Satoshi no Seishun starring Matsuyama Kenichi
The closing film of the festival
To be shown in Japan from 19 November

2) Kono sekai no katasumi ni
Animation film about the people who lived in Hiroshima during WWII
To be shown in Japan from 12 November

3) Museum starring Oguri Shun
To be shown in Japan from 12 November

4) Tane maku tabibito Yume no tsugiki starring Takanashi Rin & Saitou Takumi
To be shown in Japan in November

5) Ikinari sensei ni natta boku ga kanojo ni koi wo shita starring Yesung from Super Junior & Sasaki Nozomi
To be shown in Japan from 3 November

6) Itazura na Kiss THE MOVIE High School Hen
To be shown in Japan from 25 November

Source: Eiga.com

Koizumi Kotaro to play Amami Yuki's rival in FujiTV Autumn 2016 drama "Chef ~ Mitsuboshi no Kyuushoku ~"

Koizumi Kotaro will be playing the rival of Amami Yuki in the upcoming FujiTV Autumn 2016 drama "Chef ~ Mitsuboshi no Kyuushoku ~" which begins its run from October in the Thursdays 10pm timeslot. He plays the character named Shinoda Shogo who is the owner of a famous French restaurant in Ginza, has a MBA and is known for his shrewd business ways which prioritise profits over everything. Shinoda dislikes how his chef Hoshino Mitsuko (Amami) at his restaurant La Cuisine de La reine, ignores his orders and keeps making dishes without a care for the bottomline and fires her from his restaurant. Due to Shinoda's obstruction tactics, Hoshino finds it difficult to find her next job and is approached to take part in a variety programme by Yaguchi Saki (Tomochika) where she has to cook meals for primary school students. At first, she thought that school meals are a breeze to cook but upon suffering bad reviews from the children, she resolves to cook these meals well and suffers setbacks in the process.

Koizumi who used to play a lot of good guy roles in the past, took on the first baddie role in TBS Autumn 2015's "Shitamachi Rocket" for the first time in his then 14-year career as an actor. This time, he will play another cool business owner who sees the lead character as an enemy. Koizumi and Amami last worked together in the FujiTV April 2012 drama "Kaeru no Oujosama" but this is the first time that they are playing rivals. Koizumi hopes to be able to show the sparks between their characters and is preparing for his role by talking to friends who are both chefs and owners of their restaurants so as to see how he can portray Shinoda's struggles and hard work in keeping the business afloat.

Co-stars include Endo Kenichi who plays Araki Heisuke, the nutritionist at Mitsuba Primary School who is serious and stubborn thus he has a lot of clashes with Hoshino. This will be his third time working with Amami after the 2009 drama "Fumou Chitai" and drama SP "Watashi to iu na no hensoukyoku". Kawaguchi Haruna will play the role of Takayama Haruko who is the assistant cook at Mitsuba while Arakawa Yoshiyoshi plays Komatsu Minoru who regards Hoshino as a rival. Okudera Kenji, the sous chef who is able to replicate Hoshino's dishes, will be played by Toyohara Kosuke.

Sources: Yomiuri Hochi / Oricon

Oguri Shun & Yamada Yu expecting their second child; due to be born early next year

Oguri Shun and Yamada Yu are expecting their second child who is expected to be born early next year, according to media reports on 17 September. According to insiders, Yamada is currently 5 months' pregnant and has revealed the news to some of her closest model friends and work personnel. She will begin her maternity break depending on her condition and is expected to return to work after giving birth. Yamada commented in her statement that they are wishing for a smooth delivery and the baby to be healthy and asked for the support and well-wishes of everyone.

Oguri and Yamada got married on 14 March in 2012 and their first daughter was born in October 2014. Meanwhile, Oguri is very busy with his career with an upcoming movie "Museum" due to be screened from 12 November and "Gintama" to be shown next year. He is also appearing in the first Hulu original Japanese drama series "Daishou" which will be shown this autumn in Japan and the US. He will also participate in the stage play "Dokurojo no Shichinin" which begins its run from March next year.

Sources: Oricon / Sanspo

Tabloid "Shuukan SCOOP!" featuring Fukuyama Masaharu on the cover to be released on 30 September

In conjunction with the impending screening of new movie "SCOOP!" starring Fukuyama Masaharu from 1 October, the fictitious tabloid which appears in the movie i.e. "Shuukan SCOOP!" will be released with Fukuyama as the cover person on 30 September. There will be 100,000 copies of the magazine available for sale at 420 yen each which is produced by the editorial department of "Shuukan SPA!" and managed by the movie's director Ohne Hitoshi. Besides a 12-page long interview of Fukuyama, there will also be interviews of the cast members Nikaidou Fumi, Yoshida Yo, Takito Kenichi, Lily Frankie, a chat between Ohne and the chief editor of "Shuukan Bunshun", group discussion of current tabloid reporters who have their identities hidden as well as special features and photos of gravure idols.

The new movie is based on the 1985 movie "Tousha 1/250 byo" written and directed by Harada Masato which describes the story of how the photographers and reporters of tabloids work to get exclusive scoops on various topics such as scandals of celebrities and society cases. Fukuyama plays a very skilled cameraman who had uncovered many sensational scoops in the past while his partner who is a newbie reporter is played by Nikaidou.

Source: Oricon

Preview of "Cold Case Shinjitsu no Tobira" (Autumn 2016)

Title: Cold Case Shinjitsu no Tobira コールドケース　真実の扉 (Cold Case The window of truth)
Official website: here
Official Instagram: here
O.A. Start Date: 22 October 2016
Timeslot: Saturdays 10pm
Broadcast by: WOWOW
Cast: Yoshida Yo, Nagayama Kento, Takito Kenichi, Mitsuishi Ken, Miura Tomokazu, Miyazawa Kazufumi, Fujisawa Ema, Hirata Kaoru

Romaji lyrics of "Suki na hito ga iru koto" by JY (Theme song of FujiTV Summer 2016 drama "Suki na hito ga iru koto")

Title: Suki na hito ga iru koto
Artist: JY
Lyrics: JY / Yamamoto Katsuhiko
Melody: Yamamoto Katsuhiko
Theme song of FujiTV Summer 2016 drama "Suki na hito ga iru koto"

moshi gohun mae ni modoreru nara
nani wo shimasuka?
watashi wa sakki no henji mou ichido shitai
doushite anna ni sokkenaku suruu shichatta no?
anata no mae dato nandaka umaku ikanai

jinsei wa koukai bakari
demo naite waratte sukoshi zutsu susumu no

moshi gohun mae ni modoreru nara
sunao de iyou
anata no soba ni itakunaru sonna hi deshita

nee jikan wa makimodosenai kedo
nando mo nando mo yarinaoseba ii yo ne
konya wa namida de afuretemo
ashita waraeba ii janai
yasashii sono te ni fureru made
zutto anata no yume wo miteru
konya wa oyasumi me wo tojiru yo

lululu...

moshi deatta ano hi ni modoreru nara
nani wo shimasuka?
mou sukoshi yasashii kao de waraou kana
soshite me ga attara motto waraou kana
sore nara kitto hajime kara umaku itta no ni
demo jinsei wa kiseki no kumiawase
hitotsu demo machigaeba nani mo kamo kawacchau no

moshi deatta ano hi ni modoreru nara
nani wo shimasuka?
yappari watashi wa ano mama kawaranakute ii

nee jikan wa makimodosenai kedo
nando mo nando mo yarinaoseba ii yo ne
ashita onaji basho wo arukeba
tonari de waratte kuremasuka?
yasashii sono te ni fureru made
zutto anata no yume wo miteru
arigatou oyasumi
jaa mata ashita ne

mou gohun mae ni modorenakutemo
sunao ni kikou
anata wa suki na hito ga iru no desuka?

nee anata ni koishicha dame desuka?
ima kara tomodachi ijou ni naremasuka?
watashi kono mama de ii desuka?
tonari de waratte kuremasuka?
suki na hito ga iru koto nante
nigakute amakute setsunai yo
konya wa oyasumi me wo tojiru yo

lululu...

Watanabe Ken & Miyazaki Aoi attend the Toronto International Film Festival for their movie "Ikari"

Watanabe Ken, Miyazaki Aoi and director Lee Sang-il attended the official screening of their new movie "Ikari" on 10 September during the 41st Toronto International Film Festival. After the screening, the 1,400-strong audience stood up to clap which led Watanabe to feel so touched that tears welled up in his eyes. Watanabe said that he was at a loss for words upon seeing the audience's response and revealed that this is already the second time he had watched the film and attributed his loss of composure to the director.

The movie features a murder case where during the course of searching for the true murderer, it brings up the central theme of the meaning of believing people. Besides Watanabe and Miyazaki, the cast also boasts of big names such as Tsumabuki Satoshi and Matsuyama Kenichi. Coincidentally, these four actors were also the leads for NHK Taiga dramas.

This is the first time that Watanabe is attending this film festival which is also the largest in North America. Due to his appearance in various Hollywood movies in the past, he is well-known there as seen from the 300-odd fans who had gathered before the Elgin Theatre to see him. During the film festival, there is no award decided by judges but rather the film festival goers will choose their favourite for the "People's Choice Award" among the films featured. Coincidentally, Leonard DiCaprio's movie 'Before The Flood" is also in the running for the award. Although Watanabe and DiCaprio contacted each other by phone and wanted to meet up in Toronto, it was not meant to be since they were busy with their respective schedules. The two actors last worked together in the 2010 movie "Inception".

Results of the "People's Choice Award" will be announced on 18 September local time.

Sources: Sanspo / Sponichi

Shimizu Fumika and Iitoyo Marie to star in new movie "Ankoku Joshi"

Shimizu Fumika and Iitoyo Marie will be co-starring in the new movie "Ankoku Joshi" directed by Yakumo Saiji where she will play an evil girl for the first time. The movie which is due to be shown next spring, is the real-life adaptation of the 2013 same-titled mystery novel by Akiyoshi Rikako. The film talks about how Shiraishi Itsumi (Iitoyo) the Madonna of an all-girls' senior high school who fell to her death under mysterious circumstances with a lily bell flower in her hand which leads to suspicion falling on the five members of the literature club which Shiraishi set up for having caused her death. After taking over the reins, Sumikawa Sayuri (Shimizu) who is Shiraishi's best friend, organises a regular reading session where she engages the rest of the members to talk about Shiraishi's death where the five of them take turns to expose who is the true culprit by mixing lies and truth during the discussions. Co-stars include Seino Nana, Tamashiro Tina, Kojima Riria and Taira Yuna.

Shimizu commented that she is looking forward to the sordid cheating among the characters and feels that this will be a movie which shows the dark side of girls fully. As for Iitoyo, she described her character as someone who enters her own world easily and that she feels worried about playing such a character for the time. However, she hopes to be able to put in her best effort with the help of the director, crew and cast members.

Sources: Sanspo / Eiga.com

Announcement about NHK's 2018 Taiga "Segodon" featuring Saigo Takamori

NHK announced on 8 September that their 2018 Taiga drama will be "Segodon" which is based on the same-titled novel by Hayashi Mariko currently serialised in "Hon no Tabibito". The script will be written by Nakazono Miho who was known for her works such as NHK morning drama "Hanako to Anne" and TV Asahi's "Doctor X Gekai ~ Daimon Michiko ~". The drama features the lifetime of Saigo Takamori who was regarded as a hero in the Meiji Restoration era. Filming is expected to begin in the summer of 2017 and the drama will consist of 50 episodes which will be shown from January 2018.

Saigo experienced two banishments to islands and three marriages during his lifetime and was credited for his part in overthrowing the Tokugawa Bakufu and realising the Meiji Restoration. His last days were spent fighting the new Meiji government. There is a bronze statue of him at Ueno Park in Tokyo but there is no photo or picture of him and little is known about his life.

Rumours have it that Tsutsumi Shinichi was initially selected to play the role of Saigo in this Taiga but rejected the offer in the end. However, NHK has not confirmed nor denied the rumours to date.

Source: Oricon

Completion screening event of new movie "Otousan to Itou-san"

The completion screening event of new movie "Otousan to Itou-san" (Father and Mr. Itou) was held on 8 September which was attended by the director Tanada Yuki and cast members Ueno Juri, Lily Frankie and Fuji Tatsuya. The movie describes how the heroine Aya (Ueno) is cohabiting with her boyfriend Itou-san who is 20 years older than her and how her father's (Fuji) sudden visit to their apartment causes chaos in their peaceful lives.

Ueno who married Wada Sho from TRICERATOPS in May this year, was asked during the event about the advantages of getting married to which she replied that it was impossible to find someone to have meals with her when she was single and she didn't like having food from the convenience stores. Even if she buys ingredients from the supermarket to cook, it would take her at least two days to finish the food. Now, the portions are just right for two people and she finds that she has become more relaxed than before. Upon hearing this, Lily who is single, said that he would probably die alone and it would take 3 weeks before anyone will notice that so he hopes that he can be "discovered" in three days if that happens.

As Ueno's mother-in-law is the culinary expert Hirano Remi, she revealed that she has grown to be better at cooking and enjoys it for its creative aspect. When Fuji asked Ueno what she cooked yesterday, she revealed that it was pasta and steak. When asked about details, Ueno said that she was with her mother-in-law until 6pm so she couldn't go to buy any ingredients and resorted to using what was in her fridge. In the end, she made a tomato-based sauce with basil, eggplant, onions, tabasco sauce, anchovies for the pasta with natto, eggs and shiso as the topping. In response to this, Lily asked if she had used the Remi-pan which is the brand of frypans which her mother-in-law endorses and Ueno confirmed that she did use that to grill her steak.

Source: Oricon

Filming ends for TV Asahi Summer 2016 drama "Gurame! ~ Souri no Ryoriban~"

The filming for TV Asahi Summer 2016 drama "Gurame! ~ Souri no Ryoriban~" was wrapped up sometime in September. After the cast including Gouriki Ayame, Kohinata Fumio, Miyake Hiroki, Shinkawa Yua and Matsuo Yukimi shot the final scene at the Prime Minister's Office side hall, they were presented with bouquets of flowers by the staff. Gouriki who was touched by the atmosphere, recounted that she was so surprised that she was allowed to do many things at her own pace such as eating even though she was supposed to be cooking. As such, it was a very enjoyable experience for her. Gouriki also praised her co-stars such as Kohinata for brightening the mood on set and being a good role model for her to learn from and Miyake for treating her like a friend even though their ages are quite far apart. Although she was supposed to be leading everyone as the heroine of the drama, she felt that she was still not good enough to do that and hoped to be able to work together again in future when she can show that she has improved. At the end, she thanked the staff and cast for their hard work during the last few months.

Source: Oricon

Nakamura An to appear in NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Rental Kyuuseishu"

Nakamura An will be appearing in the upcoming NTV Autumn 2016 drama "Rental Kyuuseishu" starring Sawamura Ikki which is due to begin its run from 9 October in the Sundays 10.30pm timeslot. She plays the role of Hadano Iroha, the cool-headed and mysterious secretary of the lead character Akenabe Yugo who blows hot and cold at times. The producer Fukui Yuta commented that this character is very different from the image of Nakamura to date so the staff are eagerly anticipating how she will play Hadano in this drama. As for Nakamura herself, she said that she will have to resort to a fair bit of trial-and-error to see what is the best way to portray Hadano and hopes that this drama will be the one where she will see a breakthrough in her career.

Source: Oricon

Mukai Osamu, Kimura Fumino & Sato Jirou to be back in the movie version of "Kami no shita wo motsu otoko"

The movie version of TBS Summer 2016 drama "Kami no shita wo motsu otoko" starring Mukai Osamu will be shown in cinemas from 3 December. The film which is titled "RANMARU Kami no shita wo motsu otoko ~ (abbreviated) ~ Hoozuki Death Road Hen", will be written and directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko who was also responsible for the drama series.

The movie continues from the last episode of the drama when Ranmaru (Mukai) finally finds the only woman he can kiss i.e. Miyabi (Hirosue Ryoko) but falls out of love nonetheless. After solving the last case at an onsen resort, he parts ways with his "partners" Kamekanbo Hikaru (Kimura Fumino) and Miyazawa Kanji (Sato Jirou) and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. During the trip, he collapses at a village where he meets another woman who his mouth "favours" and begins to work at the local onsen resort when another murder case takes place.
　
Besides the three main cast members, Kimura Tae will join the movie as Takeda Rindou, a beautiful doctor at the village. Co-stars also include Ichihara Hayato who plays Nonomura Ryuunosuke, the young master of the onsen ryokan Bohemian and is dressed in western-style clothes but speaks the Yamagata dialect, Zaizen Naomi who plays Katsuragi Yuki, the female manager at the ryokan and Kurotani Tomoka who plays the president of the local water factory.
　
As the full title of the movie is very long i.e. "RANMARU Kami no shita wo motsu otoko Sakagura wakadanna kaishi jiken no kage ni hisomu Tekisasu otoko to Bohemian Okami, soshite bijinmura ishi wo oitsumeru nazo no kagome kagome rouba gundan to sankensha no mura no noroi ni 2 sasu mania with miyaken to goddotan, beroncho adobencha! ryaku shite...Ranmaru wa nido shinu. Hoozuki Death Road Hen" which means "RANMARU the man who has God's tongue The Texan man and Bohemian female manager who hide behind the weird death case of the brewery's young master, and the mysterious old women's woven-bamboo pattern group who force the beautiful female doctor into a corner and the curse of the Sankensha Village and 2 suspense maniacs with Miyaken, Goddotan and Beroncho Adventure! abbreviated to...Ranmaru dies twice Ghost Light Death Road Chapter", it was thus decided that most of the central portion would be abbreviated to make the title shorter.

Filming took place in places like Shizuoka, Kyoto and Yamanashi during June and July. Mukai commented that he didn't expect the drama to be made into a movie and hopes that viewers will enjoy the scaled-up images shot during their tough summer filming. Tsutsumi commented that the passion of the staff and cast knows no boundaries so they are able to make this movie. He hopes that everyone will continue to support and offer them encouragement and criticism. at the same time.

Source: Oricon

THE YELLOW MONKEY to sing the theme song for TBS Autumn 2016 drama "Suna no Tou ~ Shirisugita Rinjin"

THE YELLOW MONKEY which reunited in January this year, will be singing the theme song for the TBS Autumn 2016 drama "Suna no Tou ~ Shirisugita Rinjin" which will be the rock band's first single in 15 years and 9 months. The song titled "Primal" will be released on 19 October and is the first theme song in 19 years since the band's "BURN" which was used for the 1997 TBS drama "Shokuinshitsu".

The drama which begins its run from 14 October in the Fridays 10pm timeslot, features Kanno Miho as the lead, a housewife who has just moved into a high-rise condominium complex where she faces a possible disintegration of her family due to her strange neighbour played by Matsushima Nanako. The medium-tempo theme song describes the pride, vanity, jealousy, messy relationships and human dynamics among the women living in the condominum. Vocalist Yoshii Kazuya commented that they hope that the song will be the icing on the cake for the drama and marks the return of a new THE YELLOW MONKEY after they tried various things to come up with the new song.

Sources: Yomiuri Hochi / Oricon

"Fuben na Benriya" returns as a drama SP on TV Tokyo

TV Tokyo will be broadcasting the drama SP sequel of "Fuben na Benriya" (The inconvenient convenience store) which was first shown in Spring 2015 as a full series written and directed by Hokkaido-based creator Suzui Takayuki. The drama SP titled "Fuben na Benriya 2016 Hatsuyuki" (The inconvenient convenience store 2016 First snow) is expected to be shown at the end of this year or during the New Year holidays.

"Fuben na Benriya" features Okada Masaki as Takeyama Jun who is a scriptwriter with a wild imagination and poor common sense and lives at a nameless town in Hokkaido. Along with Matsui Hideo (Suzuki Kosuke) who owns a handyman business and Umemoto Soichi (Endo Kenichi) who is a former prison officer and has been divorced thrice to date, the three men will return in the drama SP with a new heroine. In addition, the short film produced by the three actors in the drama will be shown during the 11th Sapporo International Short Films Festival 2016 taking place between 10 Oct and 16 Oct before the drama SP is broadcast.

In the 2015 drama series, the cast and crew broke a Guinness record when they made 2,036 snowmen within an hour. At the end of the drama, Takeyama had quit the convenience business and left Hokkaido. The drama SP will be set 18 months later in the autumn when Takeyama returns to Hokkaido and meets his old friends. Co-stars include Triendl Reina and Tanaka Yoji who also appeared in the original drama series.

Sources: Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi / Oricon

ONE OK ROCK to sing the theme song for new movie "Museum" starring Oguri Shun

Rock band ONE OK ROCK will be singing the theme song titled "Taking Off" for the new movie "Museum" starring Oguri Shun which is due to be shown in cinemas from 12 November. The song will be available on music streaming sites from 16 September.

The movie which is based on the same-titled 2013 manga by Tomoe Ryousuke, features Oguri as a police detective Sawamura Hisashi who is in charge of investigating a series of strange and violent murders which took place only on rainy days where weird notes were left behind at the crime scenes. During his pursuit of the culprit who wears a frog mask along with a newbie police detective Nishino Junichi (Nomura Shunichi), he finds himself being targeted by the frog mask man and his wife Haruka (Ono Machiko) ends up being abducted by the murder suspect. Co-stars include Maruyama Tomomi, Tabata Tomoko, Ichikawa Mikako, Oomori Nao and Matsushige Yutaka. However, the identity of the actor who plays the frog man is still a mystery for now.

The movie's director Ootomo Keishi who has worked with ONE OK ROCK since the "Rurouni Kenshin" movie series, revealed that he chose the band as he believed that they could show the film's theme of reaching a breaking point through their song. He commented that he has always liked ONE OK ROCK and was very impressed with their talent ever since he watched a documentary film about them. As such, he hopes that viewers of the movie will be able to enjoy their song fully through the good sound systems in the cinemas and experience the charm of their music.

Source: Oricon

First-day screening event of new movie "Shigatsu wa kimi no uso"

The first-day screening event of new movie "Shigatsu wa kimi no uso" was held at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills on 10 September which was attended by the director Shinjo Takehiko and cast members Hirose Suzu, Yamazaki Kento, Nakagawa Taishi, Ishii Anna and Dan Rei. The movie features Hirose as a free-spirited violinist Miyazono Kaori who changes the life of Arima Kousei after he stops playing the piano due to his mother's demise. In order to prepare for the filming where they have to play the violin and piano, Hirose and Yamazaki started learning the musical instruments 18 months earlier.

As there are many passionate fans of the heroine in the original manga series by Arakawa Naoshi, Hirose said that she felt a lot of pressure when she acted as Kaori that she felt like she was about to die. To make things worse, Kaori was not an easy character to play so it was a brand new challenge for Hirose. Upon reading the favourable comments left by viewers which praised her performance, Hirose revealed that she was so thankful that she felt like crying. Yamazaki also expressed his thanks to the viewers who thought well of his performance.

During the event, the audience brought in cardboards wishing Yamazaki a happy birthday and containing various messages. Of these, there was one which said that even if he is an idiot, the fan would still like him which led his co-stars to burst out laughing. However, Yamazaki was not sure how he should react in such situations and was visibly flustered when the message was brought to his attention.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Sponichi / Oricon

First-day-screening event of new movie "Dare ka no Mokkin"

The first-day-screening event of new movie "Dare ka no Mokkin" (Somebody's xylophone) was held at Yurakucho Subaruza on 10 September which was attended by the director Higashi Yoichi and the leads Tokiwa Takako and Ikematsu Sousuke. The suspense movie which is based on the novel by Inoue Areno, features Tokiwa as a housewife named Sayoko who moves to a new town and goes to the local hair salon where she meets the handsome hair stylist Kaitou (Ikematsu). After having her hair cut by him once, Sayoko becomes besotted with Kaitou and gradually becomes a stalker. The story describes Sayoko as a woman who doesn't know how to cope with her loneliness and Kaitou who comes face-to-face with the desperate hunger of a woman.


When asked to comment about the feelings that Sayoko feels for Kaitou, Tokiwa said that it's probably a sense of loneliness that is prevalent in the current society. For Tokiwa though, she actually enjoys being alone and would even turn off the lights in her room and cry loudly even though nobody can hear her. However, she thinks that her feeling of loneliness might not have reached such a level that it's unbearable so that's why she is still enjoying this so far. Tokiwa also commented that whenever she sees or reads about news relating to people having affairs, she always wonders where the line is to be drawn before one is considered to have strayed from his or her partner. Especially since there is no way we can find out what the other party is thinking, she feels that it's a rather frightening thing to experience. Tokiwa felt that this film will probably set viewers thinking about this topic and hopes that they will watch it a few times to understand the story better.

On the other hand, Ikematsu also echoed Tokiwa's view and said that he enjoys being alone. However, humans are by nature lonely if they can't talk to people so they would want to feel fulfilled at times. He feels that society in general still holds a negative view about being alone but that shouldn't be the case.

To celebrate the movie's first day of screening, there was a kagamibiraki ceremony i.e. breaking of a sake cask. The director Higashi revealed that there was actually no sake inside the cask since they didn't want it to splash onto the actors' clothes and the screen. In actual fact, he didn't want to do it since it felt like they were lying but had to go ahead with the idea due to the occasion. Higashi joked that the staff might be angry at him for letting the cat out of the basket which led the audience to laugh.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi / Sponichi / Oricon

First-day-screening event of new movie "Nigakute Amai"

The first-day-screening event of new movie "Nigakute Amai" was held at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku on 10 September which was attended by the director Kusano Shogo and cast members Kawaguchi Haruna, Hayashi Kento, Fuchikami Yasushi, Sakurada Hiyori, Nakano Hideo and Ishino Mako. The movie which is based on the same-titled manga by Kobayashi Yumio published in WEB comic maagazine "EDEN" since 2009, features Kawaguchi as Eda Maki who has no luck with men and begins to live together with Katayama Nagisa (Hayashi) who is a culinary expert, vegetarian and gay. Despite their lifestyle differences, they gradually grow to understand each other better.

Kawaguchi revealed that there was a scene where Hayashi and Fuchikami had to kiss onscreen and joked that Hayashi didn't seem to mind it at all. She also praised him for having the best of both worlds in him with a masculine side and a gender-neutral type of gentleness in his character. In response, Hayashi recounted that the kiss ended up being more intense than what was described in the script which led Fuchikami to remark jokingly that the kiss tasted good.

In line with the theme of bittersweet, the cast were asked about the things they have to overcome in real life. Kawaguchi said that she didn't eat raw oysters in the past until she went to a tempura shop and was strongly recommended to give it a shot by the staff there. Since then, she has grown to love raw oysters. As for Hayashi, he didn't like umeboshi at all but happened to eat it yesterday in his cold noodles. It turned out to be delicious especially when eaten during summer and it's said that people won't get stung by mosquitoes after eating umeboshi.

The movie will be shown in Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan from mid October and will also be participating in the Singapore Japanese Film Festival this month (actually, it's this Saturday and Sunday) and Hawaii International Film Festival. With regard to this, Kawaguchi said that she is very happy about this and hopes that there will be many people overseas who can watch their movie.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Oricon

Sakurai Sho to star in FujiTV New Year drama SP "Kimi ni sasageru Emblem" as wheelchair basketball player

Arashi's Sakurai Sho will be starring in the FujiTV New Year drama SP "Kimi ni sasageru Emblem" (The emblem I want to offer to you) which is based on the true story of former J-league soccer player Kyoya Kazuyuki. Kyoya met with an accident in 1993 which led to spine injuries thus causing him to retire from soccer. He later became a wheelchair basketball player.

Sakurai plays the role of Takajou Kazuya who is modeled after Kyoya in the drama SP. Kazuya was chosen as a national team player and about to get married when he met with an accident that left him with spine injuries and having to move around in a wheelchair. With the support of his wife, Kazuya becomes a wheelchair basketball player with the dream of participating in the Paralympics.

The production crew spent 5 years interviewing Kyoya and people involved in the sport of wheelchair basketball. Their intention is not to produce a tearjerker about handicapped people but rather to show how people refuse to be defeated by difficulties in life. Sakurai had interviewed people who participated in wheelchair basketball when he was doing a TV feature on sports for the handicapped so he finds that it's meaningful to be able to participate in this drama which features such sports. However, he is worried about the wheelchair basketball scenes since he tried doing that before and it was a very tough experience for him. On the other hand, he is glad that he had played soccer up till he was in the second year of junior high so he should be able to manage the soccer scenes in the drama. Sakurai is expected to undergo training from Kyoya after the end of the Paralympics this year as the latter is away in Rio de Janeiro as the assistant coach for the wheelchair basketball team.

Sources: Sanspo / Cinema Today

Yoshitaka Yuriko to star in NTV Winter 2017 drama "Tokyo Tarareba Musume"

Yoshitaka Yuriko will be starring in the new NTV Winter 2017 drama "Tokyo Tarareba Musume" (Tokyo What If Girls) which will begin its run from January 2017 in the Wednesdays 10pm timeslot. This marks her first drama appearance in two years and three months since the NHK morning drama "Hanako to Anne" in 2014.

The love-comedy drama which is based on the same-titled manga by Higashimura Akiko and had sold more than 1.8 million copies to date, features Yoshitaka as Kamata Rinko, a scriptwriter in her 30s who is facing a bottleneck at work and has no boyfriend. She spends her nights having girls-only gatherings with her buddy at an izakaya while lamenting about the "what ifs" in her life and how things will turn out better if certain things or conditions are fulfilled. For example, if she is prettier, she would be able to find a good man. If she falls in love with someone, she would be able to get married. If she puts in effort, she can get anything she wants in her life. All of a sudden, she realises that she still hasn't matured as a woman despite having entered her 30s as she reflects on her inadequacies.

Yoshitaka recounted that when she read the original manga, she could not stop laughing as the story pointed out a lot of things which really hit home for her. She commented that Rinko keeps talking about the what ifs during her gatherings but does not take any concrete action to turn things around which leads her to think that she's somewhat like Rinko as well. As for acting in a drama after such a long break, Yoshitaka said that she is looking forward to acting as Rinko and asked for the viewers to wait till January when the drama begins its run.

Sources: Nikkansports / Yomiuri Hochi / Sponichi

Fukuyama Masaharu expresses anger at the trial of the intruder who broke into his apartment

The first hearing of the trial involving Miyamoto Mariko, a former concierge who broke into the apartment of Fukuyama Masaharu and Fukiishi Kazue, was held at Tokyo District Court on 8 September. During the hearing, the prosecutor read aloud the written testimony from Fukuyama who expressed his fear upon hearing that the culprit had been a concierge staff at the apartment complex where he lived at and asked for her to be punished with a prison term. Miyamoto who was said to be a fan of Fukuyama since 2009, allegedly abused her position as a concierge and used a spare key to enter the apartment of Fukuyama and Fukiishi when she was caught in the act by Fukiishi who happened to return home. According to prosecutors, she had chosen to enter the apartment when the couple was out so that she could see their apartment and personal belongings.

In the written statement from Fukuyama, he also described how they could not live in the same way as before as his wife was shaken by the encounter with Miyamoto. He expressed his fear and anger that Miyamoto could have attacked Fukiishi when the latter caught her in their apartment. On the other hand, Fukiishi's statement revealed that she was surprised to find the lock to their apartment door unlocked when she returned home on that evening on 6 May and a stranger barged out from the kitchen, trying to get away from Fukiishi while apologising profusely for making a mistake. Fukiishi chased after Miyamoto till the lift lobby and questioned the latter's identity but Miyamoto still managed to escape. Fukiishi expressed her fear after that incident and is still feeling uneasy to date. Miyamoto was said to have reported to work as usual even after the incident before she was identified through surveillance camera footage and arrested on 22 May. As a result of what happened, the couple had to shift house.

The trial was concluded after the accused pleaded guilty and the prosecutors asked for a prison sentence of one year. Miyamoto apologised for the inconvenience caused by her sudden impulse to see Fukuyama's guitar when she was questioned in court. The verdict will be announced on 28 September.

Ever since Miyamoto became a fan of Fukuyama, she learnt how to play his songs on the guitar and entered his fanclub. She was also said to have waited outside various locations such as TV stations for at least 15 to 16 times. She moved from Chiba Prefecture to a location in Tokyo near Fukuyama's apartment in 2013 and switched jobs from a shoes salesperson to the concierge at his apartment complex. Miyamoto revealed that she came to know that Fukuyama lived at the apartment complex after she started working as a concierge. However, there was speculation that she had changed jobs just to get near to Fukuyama.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi