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Actress Nao Matsushita graduated from college today with a degree in music. Her talent is in playing the piano, which is pretty rare thing to find among the ranks of celebrity. Completing the degree proved to be a challenge as she had to juggle the exhausting demands of a budding career with her coursework.
Fresh out of high school and one of the most high sought after faces on the entertainment scene, Akina Minami wowed the media in this super sexy investigator outfit to promote the upcoming release of season 4 DVD of the Sci-Fi channel cult classic “The 4400.”
The answer to that question folks, is “Yes Please.” Who wouldn’t? The Japanese actress is one of the most highly sought after in the industry and has appeared in several films and dramas, with legions of fans who admire her beauty and acting talent.
NANA 2 is almost here, and it looks like it’s going to be just as heart-warming and captivating as the first one, which became a huge hit in Japan. Based on a manga series of the same name, it’s the story of two girls both named Nana and their friendship as they journey through life’s obstacles.
“Death Note : The Last Name” starring Matsuyama Kenichi and Fujiwara Tatsuya was released on the 3rd of November in Japan and the response has been phenomenal. The sequel to “Death Note”, which is based on the manga of the same name, has shattered Japanese box office records hauling in about 1,200,000,000 Yen since release. As a token of appreciation, Matsuyama and Fujiwara showed up in downtown Tokyo at Shibuya to greet the crowds and thank them for their support.
Directed by Otani Kentaro, the sequel to last year’s hit movie NANA, has finished filming and is set for release on December 9th of this year. Starring pop stars Nakashima Mika and actress Ichikawa Yui in her first turn as Nana, the movie is being highly anticipated by fans across the world. Nakashima and Ichikawa were putting the finishing touch on a scene in the movie where despite bad weather conditions, both persevered to complete the scene. As Otani called “cut” for the last time and both stars were given bouquets to celebrate the close of the movie’s filming. Over the course of filming, both stars have become friends and it’ll be great to see them pick off where the first movie left off.
19 year old actress Kashii Yuu was filming on location today in Kawasaki city today for her role in the upcoming film “Yume Juya” which debuts next spring. “Yume Juya” or “Ten Nights of Dreams” is based on a book of the same name by famed Japanese novelist Natsume Soseki. The blockbuster project will have 10 directors directing adaptations of the 10 stories for the big screen. Some big names are involved in the project, including Takashi Shimizu of “The Grudge” fame. Kashii Yuu had just finished up the filming for her drowning suicide scene yesterday, which was diirected by Shimizu, and her reward for that was a great big bouquet of flowers to use as a quality prop for our silly photographer instincts.
After a fantastic voyage into the newest offerings from Asian cinema and entertainment, the 2006 Tokyo Film Festival is drawing to a close. The closing was held at Orchard Hall at the Tokyo and Shibuya Bunkamura, the “first and largest multi-media, cross-cultural complex of it’s kind” in Japan. Actor Ishizaka Kouji along with actress Matsushima Nanako (who wore a stunning see through dress) presented the closing work, a remake of the critically acclaimed horror film “Inugami-ke no Ichizoku” (The Inugami Clan), directed by Ichikawa Kon. The subtitled version was just completed on the 28th, and about 2000 people packed the reception area to catch a glimpse of the star-studded cast. Regarded as one of the best Japanese horror films, “Inugami” will definitely bring loads of breathless suspense without the needless blood and gore plaguing so many horror films today when it hits theaters this December, so don’t miss it!
The cast of “Death Note 2: The Last Name” made a stage appearance to greet the press and promote their new film, which is based on the popular Japanese manga of the same name. Matsuyama Kenichi plays the role of the main protagonist Yagami Raito (Light), who fights evil via supernatural means. The interesting part is how Yagami does this. He is able to summon a murdering demon to kill whoever he lists in the notebook. The killings don’t go unoticed however, and detective L is hot on Light’s trail. (What’s with the L’s?) The first “Death Note” movie had some mixed reviews, but the sequel promises to be bring the story to life, so buckle up and get ready for more explosive action as L finally corners Light.
In another bit of the Japanese Charlotte’s Web news, television star Hiromi and husband Matsumoto Iyo will be appearing together for the first time in the major motion film, which opens on December 23. Something must be seriously wrong here though because unlike typical celebrity marraiges, they’ve been together for 13 years this November. But love goes on and the two were even a little nervous about their first press conference together
“As for the two of us coming out together since our marriage,” she said, “we were a little nervous last night.”
Tthe best-selling novel “Charlotte’s Web” by famed “Stuart Little” author E.B. White will soon be coming to the big screen in Hollywood. However, the endearing story will also be coming out in a Japanese version with Japanese actors. The basic plot line is about Wilbur the pig and his fear that one day he’ll end up either cooked, cured, or fried and his plot with a talking spider named Charlotte to make sure this never happens. It’s really a cool story with some charm. Starring Tsuruta Mayu as Charlotte and Fukuda Mayuko as the farm girl, it’ll be interesting in seeing how the Japanese version will be different than the mainstream. But in either version I promise the piggy will be just as cute.
Youko Aki’s new chick flick “TANNKA” marks Kurotani Tomoka’s first leading role and is set to drop on November 11th. To celebrate the occassion, around 200 women were invited to attend the special “Luxe Night” launch party. With a plot appealing to women, “TANNKA” is a romance film in which Kurotani plays the role of the protagonist in who becomes involved with a man and his younger wife. An integral part of the story is the love expressed between the two using tanka, which is a 31 syllable Japanese poem.
As far as life in big cities go, it doesn’t get much bigger than Manhattan, New York. A new drama series starring Katou Ai (age 23), Kuroki Meisa (18) and Junna Risa (35), titled “Manhattan Diary” chronicles the lives of three girls who meet by chance in Manhattan and through shared experiences in a foreign city, develop friendship while discovering more about themselves. The entire series was actually shot on location in Manhattan, USA which may have been a little overwhelming for the girls at first. Kurogi mentioned that staying so long in a foreign country was a little “uneasy, but as soon as the shooting began, it felt normal.” Slated for release next January, “Manhattan Diary” sounds like a worthwhile new series and it will be provided free of charge via computer broadcast by ＧｙａＯ.
Directed by Motoya Kentarou, the sequel to the hit Japanese movie “NANA” was officially announced today at Nikkatsu studio in Chofu city, Tokyo. The movie deals with the lives of two girls who happen to have the same name, but although they are completely different personality wise, they both have more in common than meets the eye. Unfortunately, the cast has changed a bit. Yui Ichikawa takes over Miyazaki Aoi’s role as Hachi (nooo! Miyazaki was perfect for the role!) and Ren is being replaced with Kyou Nobuo. The good news though is superstar Mika Nakashima will be returning. Based on the popular manga of the same name, I loved the original and highly recommend it to all fans of Japanese movies.
The 19th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is approaching and tickets go on sale today. As one of the largest film festivals, TIFF will run from October 21 to October 29 in the fashionable Tokyo Roppongi area, with ticket prices varying depending on section and venue. It’s Japan’s only officially approved international film festival and has a major influence on the Japanese entertainment industry. The latest Asian cinema has to offer will be shown, as well as major works such as Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of Our Fathers,” which deals with the epic battle of Iwo Jima. So if you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to check it out as the red carpet, bright lights, cameras, and your favorite celebrities come out for this special event.
17 year old actress Tabe Mikako, who’s been praised for her looks and charm that make her a top talent in Japanese entertainment is set to star in a film adaptation of Onda Riku’s best-selling novel, 『ココニイルコト』『青空のゆくえ』 The HIKONIO star has been enjoying herself on location, spending some quality time with her fellow actors. Since many of them are in the same age, they were able to check out some karaoke places and sample the local cuisine. She’s been getting some major props, so her next film should be a good one. She’s got a nice, fresh cute look that I think serves her well for these type of roles.
As a half Italian, and half Japanese, the stunning Rosa Katou has turned heads ever since she came onto the entertainment scene. Now she’s all set to star in her first major leading role on a silver screen movie roughly titled “The Cleanest Water.” Doesn’t sound that exciting in English, but I tell ya, something is always lost in translation. The film is set to be released on October 7th, and Katou was in downtown Tokyo today to greet fans at a private screening. The movie deals with the younger sister of Katou’s character waking up from an 11 year old illness and then helping her deal with reality. As an only child growing up, Katou enjoyed having a younger sister to take care of. Katou is still quite young, but with her unique looks and large following, she’s sure to be a major movie star soon.
After a three year hiatus, Japanese actress Rie Miyazawa is returning to play the leading role in a new romantic movie slated for release next fall. Despite previous rumors of drinking problems, eating disorders, and suicide attempts, Miyazawa is making a comeback. Along with co-star Akira Kase, they conducted a press event to promote their upcoming film, which is based on a popular novel by Asada Jiro concerning a young couple’s struggle to protect a small town cinema back in the Showa era. Miyazawa’s return is a good thing for Japanese cinema and I hope she’s over any personal issues she had. She’s quite talented and it’d be great to see her in some more roles.
Bikini model Monami Oguchi has a brand new DVD coming out featuring her in a variety of sexy get-ups that are sure to have your eyes glued to the screen. If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the picture above. But let’s get to the numbers. Oguchi is 165cm in height, with measurements of B91 W60 H88. She’ll be dressing up in eight different “costumes” including a revealing T-back apron that will draw attention to her full-figure. It’s nice to see some girls aren’t starving themselves into a bag of bones. I never really understood why it was appealing to see a living corpse in a bikini anyways. Go Oguchi!
Movie star Rena Tanaka showed up (front row second from right) at a downtown hotel press event today to publicize her upcoming film 夕凪の街 桜の国 which deals with the lives of those who survived the aftermath of the Hiroshima nuke. Directed by Sasabe Kiyoshi, the film explores questions of life, love and what it means to exist in the wake of one of the most devastating events in human history. Although the movie isn’t out yet, it’s getting some buzz as a contender for next year’s Cannes International Film festival. Rena Tanaka is pretty cute and she’s got some solid acting credits too, I’m looking forward to see this one, much more than some of the crap Hollywood is shitting.
Beautiful Erika Sawajiri was downtown today to promote her new horror flick titled “otoshimono.” There’s no stopping Erika these days, she seems to be getting her manicured fingers into every pie out there. First came the bikinis, then the album, and now she’s doing movies too. Sawajiri was on hand during a private screening to greet fans and take pictures with them. As a big fan of the horror genre, Sawajiri received strong inspiration from director Furuzawa, in terms of acting genuinely scared and expressing fear. If you don’t like horror, don’t worry, you’ll probably be too busy staring at her to notice anything else.
Japan likes ‘em young is all I can say. By now you’ve all probably heard of the teenage gravure model Saaya Irie’s F cup rack, which has to be seen to be believed. And they’re as real as far as I can tell. But, yet another 14 year old girl garnering some attention these days is movie star Riko Narumi. At the age of 14, she starred in a drama on Nippon Television Network last year titled “Ruri no Shima,” earning rave reviews for her looks and acting skills. Now she’s moved on to the big screen, as the lead star in an adaption of popular author Z- (aka Otsu Ichi)’s novel “Calling You.” The story is about a shy girl who has no friends and thus invents an imaginary cell phone. However, one day the phone rings and it’s a mysterious boy on the other side. The only part that doesn’t make sense is why a girl this hot would not have any friends. She could call me up and I’d play fantasy with her all day.
This morning I went to the library and borrowed two books and a DVD. The title of the DVD was “Being There.” (The Japanese title is “Chance”). On the way home, I happened to meet my friend. I wanted to talk with her but I couldn’t because she was dating. I envy her! After lunch, I watched the DVD with my dog. The main character’s name is Chance I like him since he’s a very peaceful person. 
He is an illiterate but his words made many people happy. Watching his gentle smile, I recalled my dear grandfather. I lost him in my childhood, so I don’t know about him very well. But from my memories, he was like Chance. Actually I’ve heard from my grandma that he was a heavy drunker and not a very peaceful person. I can’t believe it though because in all of my memories of him he is smiling. That’s why I liked him. My grandma will often say “Don’t get marry a fisherman!” since grandpa was a fisherman. Though she says so, I cannot help but have a good impression when I meet fishermen. There are a lot of fishermen in Japan because we really love seafood. I think sushi is one of the greatest foods which the Japanese produced!
