Joined: 13 Oct 2004 Posts: 8550 Location: California Country:
Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 6:35 am Post subject:
MissMonika wrote:
AKB48 may be the pop group of the moment. Yesterday all 37 members of the idol group appeared in Akihabara, the spiritual home of Japan's geek culture and the place where offshoots like maid cafes and the concept of "moe" were born. They performed 12 songs including their second single "Skirt, Hirari", wearing mini-skirts which they duly flashed to reveal their "bloomers" underneath. All pure schoolboy fantasy stuff that had the 1,000 fans screaming for more. The group - the AKB is an abbreviation of Akihabara - were formed in 2005 as two troupes of 24 members, though the numbers have dropped to 20 and 17. One troupe performs every day at a special theater in the district nicknamed "Electric Town". With tickets priced at \1,000, the marketing concept is to have a group that fans can afford to "meet" every day. The oldest member is 22 and most are in their mid-teens. It remains to be seen whether AKB48 can have the broad appeal or staying power to become the new Morning Musume.
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 2652 Location: The OC Country:
Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:50 pm Post subject:
Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture:
June 6, 2006
As expected, the debut solo single by Yamashita Tomohisa (photo, 21) has gone straight to No.1 in the Oricon chart. "Daite Senorita" is the theme of the TBS drama "Kurosagi", in which he stars, and is the best-selling single by a solo male artist since Kuwata Keisuke's "Shiroi Koibito-tachi" in 2001. Yamashita has had six chart toppers as a member of the Johnny's Jimusho unit NEWS, and also released one of the biggest singles of the last six months, "Seishun Amigo", as one half of the duo Shuji & Akira with KAT-TUN's Kamenashi Kazuya (20). The latest single has already sold over 700,000 copies since it went on sale May 31. Yamashita also features in the new TV commercial for major beauty clinic chain TBC, which shows the singer in a shower scene.
• Oricon this week also released the overall rankings for the first half of this year. KAT-TUN's "Real Face" is the only million seller of the year so far, followed by "Konayuki" by Remioromen (which only reached No.2 in the chart), "Seishun Amigo", "Tada...Aitakute" by Exile, and "Supernova/Karuma" by Bump of Chicken. SMAP also have a couple of singles in the Top 10.
• Also topping the charts is the debut single from jealkb, the "visual-kei" rock band led by comedian Tamura Atsushi. "Metronome" has sold only a few thousand copies and is at No.63 in the overall Oricon chart, but that's enough to put it on top of the indie rankings. Five of the seven band members are with Yoshimoto Kogyo, the agency that represents most of Japan's top comedy acts. But Atsushi, best known as one half of London Boots, is clearly taking the project seriously. Using the stage name haderu, he wrote the music and lyrics for the new single and the band have a very professional website (http://jealkb.jp/). They also have top-notch support, including L'Arc en Ciel's sleeve designer, makeup artist of the late X Japan guitarist Hide, and famous visual-kei photographer Tanaka Kazuko.
• Former Morning Musume member Yaguchi Mari (23) has broken up with actor Oguri Shun (23), according to this week's issue of "Josei Jishin" magazine. Her agency confirmed that the two have not seen each other since April. _________________
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 2652 Location: The OC Country:
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:22 pm Post subject:
Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture:
June 7, 2006
Could they big the next big showbiz couple? Media mouths are watering at the prospect of romance between singer Gackt (age unknown) and actress Yonekura Ryoko (30). The pair appeared together yesterday in Tokyo at a PR event for the new TV commercial by Takano Yuri Beauty Clinic. Takano herself pushed the issue several times, asking the pair whether there was any romance between them. This was no doubt calculated to create more buzz about the commercial, and they played along by being as vague as possible. Dressed in matching white outfits, they arrived arm in arm and admitted that they were, at the very least, good friends who sometimes go out for dinner together. They also co-starred in last year's commercial, which featured Yonekura in a wedding dress. Following her breakup with kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo (28) last spring, the press have been speculating about who the next lucky guy will be. Gackt, who made his name as the vocalist of a "visual-kei" rock band, is more than a match for her in terms of looks and star status. But his very successful solo career has been as much about style as substance, and romance might hurt his usual androgynous and mysterious image.
• Actor Yanagiba Toshiro (45) is Japan's ideal showbiz Dad. The popular actor and former singer was chosen in the entertainment category of this year's "Best Father Yellow Ribbon Awards", held yesterday at a Tokyo hotel. Yanagiba brought his wife and 6-year old daughter to the award ceremony. He recently moved the family to his hometown in Akita Prefecture for the sake of his daughter, who just started elementary school. He said, "The thing I enjoy most is talking with my daughter as we take a bath together", referring to a common practice in Japan.
• The current trend in TV dramas about flight attendants seems to be continuing. Mizuki Arisa (29) will play one for the first time in the new NTV series "CA to O-Yobi!" (Call Me a Cabin Attendant!), set to air on Wednesday nights from next month. Filming began in Okinawa yesterday, with former models Mizuki, Karina (22) and Nishida Naomi (34) all in bathing suits for their first scene. The Japanese often refer to flight attendants as "succhi", derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the word stewardess. _________________
Could they big the next big showbiz couple? Media mouths are watering at the prospect of romance between singer Gackt (age unknown) and actress Yonekura Ryoko (30). The pair appeared together yesterday in Tokyo at a PR event for the new TV commercial by Takano Yuri Beauty Clinic. Takano herself pushed the issue several times, asking the pair whether there was any romance between them. This was no doubt calculated to create more buzz about the commercial, and they played along by being as vague as possible. Dressed in matching white outfits, they arrived arm in arm and admitted that they were, at the very least, good friends who sometimes go out for dinner together. They also co-starred in last year's commercial, which featured Yonekura in a wedding dress. Following her breakup with kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo (28) last spring, the press have been speculating about who the next lucky guy will be. Gackt, who made his name as the vocalist of a "visual-kei" rock band, is more than a match for her in terms of looks and star status. But his very successful solo career has been as much about style as substance, and romance might hurt his usual androgynous and mysterious image.
LOL. No, he's not gay. He says in an interview way back when that he enjoys having sex with women.
I see . He has said that he can love a man as much as a woman, but cannot have a physical relationship with one. He also wrote in his autobiography that if hyde were a woman, he'd fall in love with him. Gackt was even tempted to kiss him while asleep, but restrained himself since hyde is a man and married. Oh well, the autobiography was released way back anyway......he must have changed his sexual perspective in life recently _________________
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 2652 Location: The OC Country:
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 3:58 pm Post subject:
Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture:
June 8, 2006
Guys, you still have a chance. Actress Tokiwa Takako (34) says she has no plans to get married. She appeared yesterday at a PR event for the movie "Fudeko, Sono Ai", a biopic about the famous Meiji Period educator Ishii Fudeko (1865-1944). Filming will take place in Okayama Prefecture in July and August and the film is set to open in November. In the movie Ishii marries twice but when asked if she had any such plans in real life, Tokiwa answered, "I guess it's true what they say that wearing a wedding dress will mean you get married later. I haven't considered marriage at all." Japan Zone reported on her romance with actor Nagatsuka Keishi (30) last August, but things don't seem to have become more serious between them yet. Ishii was the first person to set up an educational establishment for the disabled in Japan. A member of a politically influential family at a time of great change in Japan, she was the first Japanese woman to study abroad following the Meiji Restoration.
• Popular comedian Razor Ramon HG (30) is to appear in his first overseas Yoshimoto Kogyo production. Hard Gay, as he is best known, will take part in the event "Suggoi Yoshimoto Shinkigeki, L.A. & Japan Tour" on July 1 at the famous Kodak Theater in Hollywood, home of the annual Academy Awards. Yoshimoto comedians have toured in the U.S., U.K. and Asia before, but the last event was in Shanghai in 2002. Other big names set to appear include Imada Koji (40), Higashino Koji (38), and Fuji Takashi (34). Not on the biull this time is Kazama Kampei (56), whose lewd behavior on previous tours drew criticism. Hard Gay is likely to take the reins in that department and should turn a few heads with his black leather outfit and hip thrusts.
• Trust the "Gorgeous Kano Sisters" not to miss a diamond-studded evening. And what's more, they officially brought along their "3rd sister" for the first time. Elders "sisters" Kyoko and Mika were joined by Harue for the "Diamond & Botswana Charity Gala", held last night at the Botswana embassy in Tokyo. All three sat together during the party, though Harue didn't speak to reporters after the event. Her elder "sisters" spoke for her and seem to be breaking her into the limelight gently. June 08, 2006 _________________
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 2652 Location: The OC Country:
Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 4:22 pm Post subject:
Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture:
June 9, 2006
Little known actor Ishibashi Masataka (27) is staying mum on his romantic relationship with divorcee singer Koyanagi Rumiko (photo, 53). Yesterday he made his first public appearance, at a PR event for the German fountain pen maker Mont Blanc, since news of the relationship broke. He refused to give a comment to the gathered reporters. Koyanagi had a very public and messy divorce from her former backing dancer, Osumi Kenya (40), in 2000 after the press got word of his extra-marital affairs. The former Takarazuka star has a clear preference for younger men. She married Osumi in 1989, when he was 23 and she was still in her 30s and looking good. Even now in her 50s she does still have the legs of a Japanese Tina Turner, but Ishibashi is generally thought to be looking for a bit of free publicity.
• Comedian Matsumoto Kenta (27) of the popular duo Regular is set to get married at the end of the month. He will marry Kitamura Megumi (29) - described as a "home helper" - to whom he proposed on stage at the end of May. Regular are best known for their lively "Aru Aru Tankentai" routine.
• Popular Korean group Shinhwa performed their first song in Japanese for fans at three events across the country yesterday. Split into three pairs, they attended events in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. "Bokura no Kokoro ni wa Taiyo ga Aru" (The Sun is in Our Hearts) will be released on June 14. They also predicted a successful World Cup for the South Korean team. The group are in the middle of a 5-nation Asian tour. They will play the Nippon Budokan on September 24 and Osaka Castle Hall on the 26th. _________________
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 2652 Location: The OC Country:
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:03 pm Post subject:
Entertainment news from Japan-zone.com-Your Guide to Japan and Japanese Culture:
June 11, 2006
Seiko's back on the road. Matsuda Seiko, the perennial "burikko" idol, is still on top of her game at 44. Sporting the shortest possible shocking pink miniskirt, she performed 25 songs - one for every year that she's been in showbiz - in a two-and-a-half hour set for 15,000 fans at the Saitama Super Arena on Saturday. The show kicks off her annual summer tour of the country, which this year takes in 8 cities across Japan. She wore five different outfits on Saturday, including one based on the popular sailor uniform worn by many of Japan's schoolgirls that just reinforced Seiko's image as the pop idol who refuses to act her age. Also in attendance was Seiko's daughter Sayaka (19), whose brief entertainment career is still on hold. She and her mother had a spat last year, with Sayaka claiming that she wanted to break away from her mother's control, and this was the the most public show yet that they have made up.
• Comedian Ueda Shinya (36) is a father. One half of the popular duo Cream Stew, he revealed on the NTV talk show "Oshare-ism" last night that his wife gave birth to their first child, a baby girl, on June 7. He and his wife, both of whom are from Kumamoto Prefecture, married in 2004 after a 15-year relationship. Ueda's comic partner Arita Teppei is known as one of showbiz's more prolific playboys.
• Ditzy talento Yamaguchi Moe (29) and company president Ozeki Shigeo (31) finally held their wedding ceremony and reception at a Tokyo hotel yesterday. The couple registered their marriage last November. Ozeki is CEO of the apparel company Zeel. _________________
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Register
Log in
. He has said that he can love a man as much as a woman, but cannot have a physical relationship with one. He also wrote in his autobiography that if hyde were a woman, he'd fall in love with him. Gackt was even tempted to kiss him while asleep, but restrained himself since hyde is a man and married. Oh well, the autobiography was released way back anyway......he must have changed his sexual perspective in life recently 
