Japanese Entertainment News

Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture: :D

November 24, 2005

Yesterday saw singer Koda Kumi (23), popular in the club scene, become the mama of a different kind of club for a day. It was all part of the promotion for her greatest hits album - she said that if it became a million sller, she'd "open" her own hostess club in the upscale Ginza district. Well, the album has sold 1.4 million copies and Koda already had a day's training from a real Ginza mama. So she got dolled up in a kimono, in contrast to her usual no-bra low-cut style, and arrived at the club by limousine. She had 30 "Koda-musume" lookalikes on hand to cater to the 100 or so music industry types and three fans lucky enough to get a special invite, out of 10,000 who applied. Today she returns to her regular job, but has another marketing stunt up her sleeve. From December 7, she will release a new single every week for 12 weeks. And if the all make the Top 5? "Hmm, maybe take a turn as a pro wrestler?" she wondered.

• Yesterday also saw singer Hajime Chitose (26) make her first appearance since becoming a mother. She was on the Sony Music Online website to promote her newly released single "Katari Tsugu Koto" (Hand-me-downs), her first release in almost two and a half years. It was also her first live Web appearance since she made her debut in 2002.

Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture: :D

November 25, 2005

Pop duo and anime idols Puffy took part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York yesterday. They are the first Japanese artists to join the annual event. Their parade float was a recreation of the tour bus that appears in the animation series "Hi! Hi! Puffy AmiYumi," and featured giant versions of their cartoon characters. At the end of the route, they performed a song for delighted young female fans.

• Hollywood watch: Brad Pitt continues his feud with the foreign media in Japan. He and Angelina Jolie are due to give a press conference in Tokyo on Monday for their new movie "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", but have barred any foreign media from attending. It will be the pair's first official public appearance together since off-screen romance was reported between them during the summer. Japanese media will have to sign a document promising not to ask personal questions or distribute their coverage outside the country. Foreign reporters were also kept out of the press conference for "Ocean's Twelve" in January, Pitt's last PR trip and just after he split with Jennifer Aniston.

• And Kiefer Sutherland (38) is in Japan for the first time. He has already featured in a series of TV commercials for Ohtsuka Seiyaku's Calorie Mate drink, based on his Jack Bauer character, but is in town to promote the latest "24 Season IV" DVD release. At a press conference yesterday he said he had jet lag the night before and wandered the streets of Shibuya. "But I've been thinking of doing a documentary in Tokyo so I shot some film," he admitted.

not sure where to put this..


RIP Pat Morita.

died yesterday, at the age of 73.

krim wrote:not sure where to put this..


RIP Pat Morita.

died yesterday, at the age of 73.

This probably more for the General Discussion thread, since he's an American actor...

Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture: :D

November 28, 2005

A couple of firsts for kabuki over the weekend. On Friday, UNESCO announced its decision to designate kabuki as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The traditional Japanese theater form dates back to the Edo Period, Japan's renaissance. It joins noh,similarly designated in 2001, and bunraku puppet theater designated in 2003. Kabuki's candidacy still needs to be ratified by a few more countries, but is expected to receive formal protection under the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage sometime in 2006. Among those delighted by the news was Sakata Tojuro IV, the first kabuki actor to take that stage name in 231 years. Formally known as Nakamura Ganjiro, the "living national treasure" spoke to the press at Minamiza theater in Kyoto before the annual "kaomise" performances that begin on Wednesday. About 5,000 fans turned out to celebrate his ascension to the new name earlier this month.

• Meanwhile, the Kabukiza theater in Tokyo's Ginza saw young ladies in swimsuits take to its hallowed catwalk for the first time. The Shochiku movie studio held the finals of its Star Gate audition for young actresses. In its 110th year, and from over 10,000 hopefuls, the studio chose 19-year-old student Ebise Hanako (photo), who was also chosen as a winner in the Kyoto Kimono Queen pageant earlier in the year.

• And finally, it was announced Saturday that popular young kabuki actor Nakamura Shido (33) recently became a dad. His wife, actress Takeuchi Yuko (25), gave birth to a baby boy at a Tokyo hospital last Tuesday. The couple married in June.

Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture: :D

November 29, 2005

Arriving at Narita Airport by private jet on Sunday were Hollywood's hottest "couple," Brad Pitt (41) and Angelina Jolie (30). The two, in town to promote "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," walked through the airport lobby with Jolie's two adopted children Zahara (9 months) and Maddox (4). About 200 fans, and 50 reporters were kept in check by 50 additional security staff. The stars, who have yet to acknowledge their relationship or repond to speculation about marriage, gave a press conference yesterday - with foreign media excluded - and attended the movie's premiere last night. The movie opens on December 3.

• Also arriving at Narita, though by regular scheduled flight, was actress Toda Naho (31). Speculation of romance between her and New York Yankees outfielder Matsui Hideki (31) has been in the news again. Toda returned from New York on Sunday and was met at the airport by those busy 50 reporters and questions about love and marriage. While she publicly admitted that she and "Godzilla" are romantically involved, she refused to be drawn on the question of wedding plans. Matsui recently signed a new 4-year, $52-million contract with the Yankees that makes him the best-paid Japanese player in the major leagues.

• And one more arrival. Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi (26) arrived at Narita Sunday from London, and is here to promote "Sayuri," the Hollywood version of Arthur Golden's bestseller "Memoirs of a Geisha." Directed by Rob Marshall, the movie also features top Japanese stars such as Watanabe Ken, Yakusho Koji and Kudo Yuki (Youki). The movie opens on December 10.

Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture: :D

November 30, 2005

The red carpet was rolled out on Tuesday night for the world premiere of "Sayuri." The Hollywood version of the bestselling novel "Memoirs of a Geisha" features scenes at a sumo tournament, so the star-studded event was held at the Tokyo Kokugikan stadium, where tournaments are held three times a year. The Columbia Pictures movie, co-produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Rob Marshall, opens here on December 10. Though it tells the tale of a young Japanese geisha, three of the major female parts are played by Chinese actresses Zhang Ziyi (26), in the lead role, and Gong Li (39), as well as Malaysian-born former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh (43). Over 700 reporters turned out to cover the pre-event press conference on Monday. (photo © CNSPhoto)

• A slightly smaller media barrage was waiting for Brad Pitt (41) and Angelina Jolie (30). But the 500 reporters who packed a room at the Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel included no members of the foreign press, and local media were also banned from releasing anything outside the country. The two stars of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" were separated on the stage by a producer but exchanged plenty of comments and looks. Sankei Sports reported that Pitt looked a bit less wild than usually and a bit more "fatherlike." But with his characteristic humor, Pitt joked that his co-star was too big-headed and he didn't want to perform with her again! About 1,800 fans turned out for a red carpet event at Roppongi Hills Arena in the evening, though only 600 were lucky enough to get inside.

• Actress Yamamura Momiji (45) was punched in the face while filming at a shrine in Kyoto. The actress was working with 15 crew members, filming an introduction to the shrine for the satellite Kyoto Channel. She was standing in front of the honden (inner sanctuary) when a man next to her suddenly landed a single punch to her left cheek. Staff restrained the man until he was arrested by police. The man admitted the attack but gave no reason, and refused to provide his name or identification.

bmwracer wrote:
November 28, 2005

A couple of firsts for kabuki over the weekend. On Friday, UNESCO announced its decision to designate kabuki as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The traditional Japanese theater form dates back to the Edo Period, Japan's renaissance. It joins noh,similarly designated in 2001, and bunraku puppet theater designated in 2003. Kabuki's candidacy still needs to be ratified by a few more countries, but is expected to receive formal protection under the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage sometime in 2006. Among those delighted by the news was Sakata Tojuro IV, the first kabuki actor to take that stage name in 231 years. Formally known as Nakamura Ganjiro, the "living national treasure" spoke to the press at Minamiza theater in Kyoto before the annual "kaomise" performances that begin on Wednesday. About 5,000 fans turned out to celebrate his ascension to the new name earlier this month.

As a big Kabuki fan, I am delighted too !!!!! Finally !!!!!! :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :dancing:

And finally, it was announced Saturday that popular young kabuki actor Nakamura Shido (33) recently became a dad. His wife, actress Takeuchi Yuko (25), gave birth to a baby boy at a Tokyo hospital last Tuesday. The couple married in June

Congrats to Shido and Yuko. Will this baby boy be a Kabuki actor like his father in the future ????

Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture: :D

December 1, 2005

Gorgeous singer Arahiro Beni (19) has been chosen as the 2nd "Triumph Little Devil," the award from the ladies' lingerie maker. She was presented with a Little Devil Bra, which comes with two locks and keys...The singer releases her new single, "Cherish," on December 7.

• Actor Akai Hidekazu (46) chased a burglar out of his Tokyo home early last Wednesday morning, according to police. The former pro boxer was woken by his wife at about 5am, when she heard someone in the first floor living room of their house in Setagaya Ward. Akai shouted as he came down the stairs and the man escaped through the broken bathroom window he had entered through. He stole about \500,000 in cash and three watches worth another \1.9 million.

• Actor Watari Tetsuya (63) is to make his first live appearance on a news show. He will be a guest commentator on tomorrow's Hodo Station on TV Asahi, withe the theme being middle-aged divorce, also the theme of his current drama series "Jukunen Rikon."

• Actress Miyazaki Masumi (37) sent a fax to the media yesterday announcing that she has breast cancer and is scheduled to undergo surgery tomorrow. The former Clarion Girl published a nude photo book in 1993 and moved to the US, where she married a Japanese photographer the following year.

Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture: :D

December 2, 2005

The media expressed great surprise that singer Wada Akiko will be taking part in this year's Kohaku Uta Gassen, NHK's annual New Year's Eve song spectacle. The surprise is largely because she'll be taking part as a member of rap trio "m-flo Loves Akiko Wada." The gimmick act, featuring "Akko" and popular rap duo m-flo, released one single earlier this year, "Hey!" And though Wada is a popular star, the single was her first time in 33 years to make the Oricon Top 10. The move is seen as yet another attempt to revive the struggling ratings of the once-mighty jewel in NHK's crown. Another was last month's announcement that "king of the emcees" Mino Monta would be given that role for the show, the veteran's first venture onto the public broadcaster. Other first-timers scheduled to appear include folk veteran Matsutoya Yumi (51), sexy club queen Koda Kumi (22), and WaT, the duo of Wentz Eiji (20) and Koike Teppei (19) who made their major label debut just last month.

• Actor Sakaguchi Kenji (30) and actress Ito Misaki (28) have been awarded this year's "Best Dresser Award". Sakaguchi was dressed in a black suede jacket and jeans for the award ceremony, but said he only has two jackets altogether. The actor, who spoke briefly for the first time about his split from girlfriend Koyuki (28) earlier in the year, said, "I can't easily describe what I've been through this year," adding that the award was both an honor and pressure. Ito wore a camisole-type long white dress. Other winners were music producer Matsutoya Masataka (54) and Cyber Agent CEO Fujita Susumu (32).

bmwracer wrote:Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture: :D

December 1, 2005

Gorgeous singer Arahiro Beni (19) has been chosen as the 2nd "Triumph Little Devil," the award from the ladies' lingerie maker. She was presented with a Little Devil Bra, which comes with two locks and keys...The singer releases her new single, "Cherish," on December 7.

the article writer misspelled the name, it's beni arashiro......:P

Tu_triky wrote:the article writer misspelled the name, it's beni arashiro......:P

We must be on the same wavelength today, 'cause I noticed that when I posted the new entry for today...

I said to myself, "Hmm, that looks misspelled, from what I recall on the OSCAR promotion site." ;)

bmwracer wrote:
We must be on the same wavelength today, 'cause I noticed that when I posted the new entry for today...

I said to myself, "Hmm, that looks misspelled, from what I recall on the OSCAR promotion site." ;)

this young singer reminds of a japanese cindy crawford ...sans mole.
she looks a little like a young cindy crawford to me....

dim photo i took in roppongi

[image]

Tu_triky wrote:this young singer reminds of a japanese cindy crawford ...sans mole.

Hmm, that's pretty lofty company... I'll haveta wade through the OSCARpromtion site for a few more pics before making that assessment. ;)

bmwracer wrote:
Hmm, that's pretty lofty company... I'll haveta wade through the OSCARpromtion site for a few more pics before making that assessment. ;)

haha....okay..not in terms of status just facial structure..i.e. looks.

Tu_triky wrote:just facial structure..i.e. looks.

That's what I meant, too. :mrgreen:

bmwracer wrote:
That's what I meant, too. :mrgreen:

oh hehe...

Tu_triky wrote:oh hehe...

To the superficial man, looks are everything and the only thing.

Status? Pffft.

:hehe:

bmwracer wrote:
To the superficial man, looks are everything and the only thing.

Status? Pffft.

:hehe:

hhaha...

well in this world we live in, sir, looks impart a status all on its own....

that's why girls get a way wit murda!

bmwracer wrote:
To the superficial man, looks are everything and the only thing.

Status? Pffft.

:hehe:

We need to ask kitakaze about this, then. :hehe: