[News] Fukuyama Masaharu & Shibasaki Kou’s unit KOH+ to make a comeback to sing for upcoming “Galileo” drama.

[News] Fukuyama Masaharu & Shibasaki Kou’s unit KOH+ to make a comeback to sing for upcoming “Galileo” drama.
Cr. - tokyohive

On April 8th, it was revealed that Fukuyama Masaharu and Shibasaki Kou’s music project KOH+ will be making a comeback to sing the theme song for the upcoming Fuji TV drama, ‘Galileo‘.

The song is titled “Koi no Maryoku“, and it was written and composed by Fukuyama. As the drama will broadcast in 70 locations worldwide, KARA’s Hara and Taiwanese singer A-Lin will be covering the song in Korean and Chinese, respectively. This will mark Fukuyama’s first time collaborating with singers from other countries.

KOH+ was formed back in 2007 when Fukuyama and Shibasaki co-starred in ‘Galileo’. They attracted attention by singing the drama’s theme song, and were also in charge of the theme song for the movie, ‘Yougisha X no Kenshin‘, which was released a year later.

It’s been 5 years since the two last worked together. Fukuyama wrote “Koi no Maryoku” by overlapping the image of the two heroines, Kaoru (played by Shibasaki) and Misa (Yoshitaka Yuriko), and it’s described as an up-tempo love song.

The song was recorded at a studio in Tokyo in mid-February. While it has been 5 years, the two were completely in sync. Shibasaki commented, “It once again made me think that Fukuyama-san is a ‘producer’. He’s good at putting feeling into it.” Meanwhile, Fukuyama praised her, saying, “She’s added more power into her delicate expressiveness that she’s had since 5 years ago. We were pretty much okay with the first take.”

For this song, KARA’s Hara will work under the name ‘HARA+‘ and A-Lin under the name ‘A-Lin+‘. Fukuyama said in astonishment, “When putting a different language onto the melody and backtrack that I created, it turns into a completely different sound.” He continued, “I’m looking forward to how it will reach each country.”
‘Galileo’ will air on Fuji TV every Mondays at 9:00 pm starting April 15th.

[News] Kara’s Goo Hara to Sing for Japanese Dorama with Fukuyama Masaharu.

[News] Kara’s Goo Hara to Sing for Japanese Dorama with Fukuyama Masaharu.
Cr. - enewsworld

Letting her talents shine, Kara’s Goo Hara participated in a Japanese OST recording with the famed and multitalented Fukuyama Masaharu.

On April 9, DSP Media stated that Goo Hara and Fukuyama Masaharu created a project group called Hara+ to sing the main theme song of the Japanese dorama, Galileo 2.

 With Goo Hara at the microphone and Fukyama Masaharu as the producer, Hara+ will be creating a Korean version of the song, The Spell of Love. This is the first time Fukuyama Masa haru has collaborated with a singer from abroad.

“I’m very honored to be singing the Korean version of The Spell of Love. It’s a very famous drama in Korea and I think it will be a special experience working with Fukuyama Masaharu. There are a lot of things I lack in, but I will do my best,” said Goo Hara.

Galileo 2 will premiere on Japan’s Fuji TV on April 15 and Korea’s MBC QueeN and MBC Plus Media on May 6.

[News] Remakes of Japanese Dramas Continue to Score with ′That Winter′ and ′God of the Workplace′.

[News] Remakes of Japanese Dramas Continue to Score with ′That Winter′ and ′God of the Workplace′.
Cr. - enewsworld

Japanese remake dramas have been taking over television.

Following the successful landing of screenwriter Noh Hee Kyung′s That Winter, the Wind Blows, KBS2′s God of the Workplace has also found its way into the hearts of viewers, scoring another win for dramas with Japanese originals.

God of the Workplace, which aired its first episode on April 1, is based on a Japanese drama that aired through NTV in 2007. It starred such actors as Ryoko Shinohara, Ai Kato, Yo Oizumi and Kotaro Koizumi, son of the former Japanese Prime Minister.

The drama was fairly popular in its time for its comical depiction of a talented contract worker.

 

Six years later, it was reborn in Korea as God of the Workplace, with Kim Hye Soo playing the super contract worker.

Viewers applauded the drama as an acceptable description of the joys and woes of contract workers, and the colorful acting of Kim Hye Soo, Oh Ji Ho, Lee Hee Jun and Jung Yu Mi added to the praise and expectation.

Noh Hee Kyung also recently scored with her own first remake. The SBS drama That Winter, the Wind Blows is based on a Japanese drama titled Love Isn′t Necessary, Summer, and despite the concerns voiced in its production stages, managed to find its way into the favors of viewers.

Officials especially believe Noh Hee Kyung′s way of mixing in Korean emotions without changing too much in the original was what made the drama a success. Add to this That Winter′s stylish videos, Zo In Sung and Song Hye Kyo′s perfect chemistry and such actors as Kim Tae Woo and Bae Jong Ok, and you get a remake that goes beyond the boundaries of a remake.

The remake trend is expected to continue for some time. MBC plans to soon produce a remake of the 2005 Japanese drama The Queen′s Classroom, a drama about an tyrranical female teacher and her students, with Go Hyun Jung is in talks to join the drama.

Remakes have been fairly successful so far in 2013, proving the unique and creative subject matter of Japanese dramas definitely appeal to viewers.

Concerns about the flood of remakes, however, still remain, leading officials and viewers to continue to keep their eyes on whether the boom will soon die down.
 

[News] EXILE’s NAOTO to appear in 1st serial drama ‘Last Cinderella’.

[News] EXILE’s NAOTO to appear in 1st serial drama ‘Last Cinderella’.
Cr. - tokyohive

On March 29, it was revealed that EXILE’s NAOTO will appear in Fuji TV’s serial drama “Last Cinderella” (Thursdays 10 PM).  The drama begins airing on April 11; this is NAOTO’s first ever serial drama.

The series is a romantic comedy that realistically depicts “Oyaji Joshi,” who are clumsy, but powerful woman who acts like an old man and are fully immersed in their jobs.

NAOTO plays Kashiwagi Tomonori, the assistant to the protagonist, a deputy manager at a beauty salon named Touyama Sakura (played by Shinohara Ryoko, 39).

On the production’s website, NAOTO’s character is described as “Perfect for the ‘romantic, the bullied, and the comedic’”. His character undergoes training in cutting hair, shampooing, and the like from a hair stylist friend. 

He spoke about becoming unreserved around Shinohara soon after filming started with, “It is similar to system shock – I am doing my best so that everyone will remember me as ‘NAOTO, the actor.’”

[News] 'Rich Man, Poor Woman SP' will be air on 1st April.

[News] 'Rich Man, Poor Woman SP' will be air on 1st April.
Original - http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Oguri Shun comeback with 'Rich Man, Poor Woman SP' this Spring Season.

After successfully carrying on a long distance relationship and wooing his poor woman, this rich man is finally returning to the small screen to delight us all again with more of his quirky antics.

'Rich Man, Poor Woman' had a relatively successful run last Summer and enough of a fan base that the network announced in December that it was bringing the whole cast back with a SP. The story will plug the gap between when Makoto went off to Brazil and the end of the dorama when she came back.

While Makoto was away working in Brazil, she gets a week off and returns to Tokyo. But she’s already moved out of her apartment so she crashes with her boyfriend Hyuga. The two opposites grow closer by bickering and fighting their way through very different living habits. Asahina will also be featured in the SP which will explain how and why he returned to Next Innovation at the end of 'Rich Man, Poor Woman.'

'Rich Man, Poor Woman SP' start from over 21 month period, Makoto (Ishihara Satomi) works in Brazil. For one week, she travels back to Japan. Makoto doesn't have a place to stay, so she stays at Toru's (Oguri Shun) house. As they live together, conflicts arise from their different life styles.

Rich Man, Poor Woman Special Episode will be air on 1st April at Fuji TV.

[News] Itazura na Kiss Manga Gets New Live-Action TV Drama.

[News] Itazura na Kiss Manga Gets New Live-Action TV Drama.
Cr. - animenewsnetwork

Kaoru Tada's classic unfinished shōjo manga Itazura Na Kiss is getting a new television drama adaptation starting on March 29. The Itazura Na Kiss ~Love in Tokyo drama will star 16-year-old model and actress Honoka Miki (Suzuki-sensei, Maria Watches Over Us) as Kotoko and 25-year-old Yūki Furukawa (High School Debut, Rich Man, Poor Woman) as Naoki. Miki herself is a huge fan of Tada's work, and owns all of the manga volumes.

Yūki Yamada (2012's GTO, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger) will also star in the series as Naoki's love rival Kinnosuke Ikezawa. The series will have a total of 16 episodes.

In the romantic comedy, a high school girl named Kotoko finally tells a fellow senior named Naoki that she has loved him from afar since she saw him on their first day of high school.

However, Naoki, a haughty "super-ikemen" (handsome male) with smarts and sports talent, rejects her offhand. Fate intervenes when a mild earthquake ruins Kotoko's family house. While the house gets rebuilt, Kotoko and her dad stay at the home of her dad's childhood friend...whose son is Naoki.

The story follows Naoki and Kotoko through high school and beyond, but the manga is unfinished because Tada passed away in an accident in 1999. The popular manga has more than 30 million copies in print.

The story was previously adapted into a television drama series in Japan in 1996, two drama series in Taiwan under the name It Started with a Kiss in 2005 and 2007, a 2008 stage play, a 2008 television anime series, and a drama series in South Korea in 2010.

Digital Manga Inc. is publishing the series in North America, and the company will release the 10th volume in November.

[News] Kanata Hongo starring in the “Real Onigokko” TV drama.

[News] Kanata Hongo starring in the “Real Onigokko” TV drama.
Cr. - nipponcinema

According to Cinema Today, 22-year-old actor Kanata Hongo will be getting his first lead TV drama role in a new series called Real Onigokko: THE ORIGIN, playing the protagonist Tsubasa Sato. The series is based on Yusuke Yamada's 2001 novel Real Onigokko (aka The Chasing World), which was hugely popular among teens.

The novel has already spawned a slew of adaptations, including manga, anime, and a series of films. According to Hongo, the drama will be the most faithful adaptation of the original work to date.

Onigokko is a Japanese version of the children's game "tag" in which one player is designated "oni" (demon) and must try to catch the other players.

Real Onigokko is set in the near future, when people with the surname "Sato" are chased down and killed if they're caught. The drama will stick to this basic premise with a clear and concise series of plot developments.

Fumika Shimizu, known best for playing Yuki Jojima in Kamen Rider OOO and Kamen Rider Fourze, will play Sato's little sister Ai. Ryusei Yokohama (Joker Game) will play his best friend Hiroshi Sato.

Filming of "Real Onigokko: THE ORIGIN" began in early February. It will air every Tuesday on Teletama, Chiba TV, and tvk beginning on April 9.

[News] "Iron Chef" to end its run in March this year.

[News] "Iron Chef" to end its run in March this year.
Cr. - doramaworld

"Iron Chef", the long-running popular cooking battle programme which was renewed just last October, will be ending its run in March.

During the April programming changes press conference held on 1 March.

Fuji TV admitted that despite the fact that they were happy with the quality of the programme, they couldn't deny that the programme was suffering from poor ratings so they had no choice but to axe the programme.

However, the programme may return as a SP in future so it doesn't mean that viewers will not get to see it again.

[News] Itano Tomomi to become a delinquent for Nakajima Kento’s upcoming drama.

[News] Itano Tomomi to become a delinquent for Nakajima Kento’s upcoming drama.
Cr. - tokyohive

It was announced that AKB48 member Itano Tomomi would make an appearance on NTV’ upcoming late-night drama, “BAD BOYS J“, which will star Sexy Zone’s Nakajima Kento.

As reported previously, the drama is based on Tanaka Hiroshi’s manga “BADBOYS”, which had also been adapted into a live-action movie previously in 2011. The story is set in Hiroshima where powerful delinquent groups are crowded together, and it depicts the intense youth of these “bad boys”.

In the drama, Nakajima will play as the leader of a delinquent group “Gokurakuchou”, named “Kiriki Tsukasa”. Also, Kis-My-Ft2′ Nikaido Takashi will be making an appearance as “Danno Hidenori”, the leader of the top group of gangs in Hiroshima, called “Beast” while A.B.C-Z‘ Hashimoto Ryosuke will play as “Hiro”, the leader of “Hiroshima Night’s” that is the opposed group to “Gokurakuchou.”

Itano’s role will be “Naki Kaori”, the boss of a female delinquent group who supports “Danno” (Nikaido). Additionally, some Nogizaka46 members and model Triendl Reina will also appear in the drama. The Nogizaka46 members include Hashimoto Nanami, Matsumura Sayuri, Akimoto Manatsu, Ito Marika, and Ito Nene. Hashimoto will be playing as the heroine “Yoshimoto Kumi” who is the love interest of “Kiriki” (Nakajima).

“BAD BOYS J” will begin airing on April 6th on NTV (every Saturday on 12:50 am).

[News] Yakusho Koji & Okada Junichi to star in the movie adaptation of ‘Higurashi no Ki’.

[News] Yakusho Koji & Okada Junichi to star in the movie adaptation of ‘Higurashi no Ki’.
Cr. - tokyohive

On March 11, it was announced that Hamuro Rin’s award-winning novel ‘Higurashi no Ki‘ is going to be adapted into a film by director Koizumi Takashi (‘After the Rain’, ‘Best Wishes for Tomorrow’).

The period drama that depicts the love between a master and his pupil, the love between a husband and wife, and the love between the members of a family – is going to star Yakusho Koji as the protagonist. The supporting cast is lead by V6 member Okada Junichi – a long-time fan of Yakusho – as well as the two actresses Horikita Maki and Harada Mieko.

‘Higurashi no Ki’ received the prestigious Naoki Award in 2012 and Asada Jiro, member of the Naoki Award selection committee, described it as the highest level of completion he had ever read.

Director Koizumi who served as an assistant director of the late Kurosawa Akira for 28 years, is very ambitious about this project and visited author Hamuro to share his vision for the adaptation. Koizumi also brought along many of the staff that had already worked together with him and Kurosawa on numerous films.

“Danno Shozaburo” (Okada) caused a bloody affair within a castle. Fortunately, he was able to escape from committing ‘Seppuku’, but he was ordered to keep a watch on a man named “Toda Shukoku” (Yakusho) until the man will perform Seppuku 3 years later.
Shukoku has been confined with his family since 7 years ago under a suspicion for having illicit liaisons with a concubine of a former feudal lord, and also for killing a page who discovered the infidelity.

Under normal circumstances, he should be ordered to perform Seppuku right away, however, he was in the middle of recording a genealogical table for the feudal domain. Therefore, Shukoku’s Seppuku was postponed to be committed 10 years later until he finishes making the genealogy.

Doing the job, Shukoku would know all the secrets of the federal domain, so Shozaburo’s job was to keep an eye on Shukoku, and he was also ordered to kill Shukoku and his family if Shukoku ever tries to escape.

However, as Shozaburo actually lives together with Shukoku, his wife “Orie” (Harada), his daughter “Kaoru” (Horikita), and his son “Ikutaro”, he starts having doubts if Shukoku really committed such a crime, and he begins searching for the truth of the case.

‘Higurashi no Ki’ is slated for a release in 2014 and will be filmed in 10 different locations all over the country from the end of April until the end of June this year.

[News] ‘Itazura na Kiss’ to get a live-action drama adaptation once again.

[News] ‘Itazura na Kiss’ to get a live-action drama adaptation once again.
Cr. - tokyohive

It was announced that big hit manga “Itazura na Kiss“, which was serialized on “Bessatsu Margaret” (Shueisha) during 1990 ~ 1999, will get a live-action drama adaptation with the title “Itazura na Kiss ~Love in TOKYO.”

Previously, it was adapted into a live-action drama back in 1996, but it was not just in Japan as there were also live-action drama adaptations in Taiwan (in 2005, 2007), as well as in Korea (in 2010). Though the manga was unfinished due to the unexpected death of the author, Tada Kaoru, it still shows its strong popularity as it receives offers for picturization from all over the world even now.

This is a romantic comedy which follows a devoted one‐sided love of the protagonist “Aihara Kotoko” who is a clumsy and upright girl. Kotoko falls in love with a genius and handsome guy named “Irie Naoki” who has the IQ of 200.

In the drama, “Kotoko” will be played by model/actress Miki Honoka (16), and this will mark her first starring drama. Miki who claims to be a huge fan of the original manga, commented, “I feel pressured as there are fans of the original manga series, and also that I may be compared with the Korean and Taiwanese versions, but I’m confident that our 2013 Japanese version will be the ‘Itazura na Kiss’ which only we can make.” She also talked about the story, “This is a dreamy story for girls. There is no villain, and you can be happy watching it, so I hope we can give the viewers chuckles and comforts.”

The role of “Naoki” will be taken by actor Furukawa Yuki (25). Furukawa said, “The character (in the original manga) is a very attractive person even from a man’s point of view. So I wonder if I would be enough, but I want to try my best to meet the high expected image for the role.”

It was also announced that the drama will feature “Ikezawa Kinnosuke” who is in love with Kotoko, and takes Naoki as his rival, more so than how it was written in the original manga. Kinnosuke will be played by Yamada Yuki (22), and he said, “I want to betray the expectations in a good way, and make the viewers worry, ‘Would Kotoko go for Kin-chan?’”

“Itazura na Kiss ~Love in TOKYO” will begin airing on Fuji TV TWO (one of the premium television stations operated by Fuji TV) starting on March 29th, with 16 episodes in total (every Friday on midnight). There will also be a special program on March 21st on Fuji TV (only in Kanto region).

[News] Kawashima Umika to appear in Ono Erena’s upcoming drama.

[News] Kawashima Umika to appear in Ono Erena’s upcoming drama.
Cr. - tokyohive

Kawashima Umika will make an appearance on Ono Erena’s starring drama “Tank Top Fighter.”

As announced previously, “Tank Top Fighter” is a suspense action drama that follows college students sisters named “Kai” and “Riku” who become bounty hunters in order to repay 100 million yen (~$1 million USD) supposedly stolen by their father who gets arrested on suspicion of burglary and murder.

In the drama, Ono will play “Kai” and Kawashima will be the older sister “Riku.” “Kai” uses her physical strength by handling mixed martial arts, while “Riku” supports her by collecting information. Kawashima, who claims to be inexperienced with playing intellectual roles, said, “This will be a new challenge for me, so I’m little nervous.”

Regarding her role as the older sister of Ono, she commented, “When I first heard about it, I was worried if I would be able to play the role (as Kawashima and Ono are same age). Though I feel a little pressured, I will try my best to be a reliable older sister.”

Other cast members include Dankan (as the sisters’ father), Mitsuya Yoko (as a mysterious female lawyer who involves the sisters in the world of bounty hunters), and Nakamura Aoi (as a classmate).

It was also announced that girls’ unit 9nine, which Kawashima belongs to, will be singing the opening theme song.

“Tank Top Fighter” will be aired in a late-night time slot on TBS/MBS starting in April.

[News] Sasaki Nozomi to appear in Takei Emi’s new drama.

[News] Sasaki Nozomi to appear in Takei Emi’s new drama.
Cr. - tokyohive

On March 5th, it was revealed that actress Sasaki Nozomi will be challenging herself to her first announcer role in Takei Emi’s upcoming drama, ‘Otenki Oneesan‘ (TV Asahi), starting in April.

Sasaki expressed, “Female TV announcers have a gorgeous image, but in reality, I have no idea what their lifestyle is like or what they talk about. So it’s fun to think about it right now.”

The drama revolves around a genius weather forecaster named “Abe Haruko” (Takei) who acquired her qualification at the age of 11. Haruko is the weather forecaster for a morning news program and is nicknamed as ‘bomb cyclone woman’ because of her unfriendly personality that provokes negative feelings from the program’s staff and other casters. On the other hand, she helps the police to solve difficult cases from another point of view by using her vast knowledge of weather.

Sasaki will play “Hashimoto Akane”, a popular announcer who serves as the main caster for the morning news program. While she is confident with her beauty and intelligence, her position and popularity start to decline because of Haruko. She becomes irritated with how Haruko disturbs the harmony of the staff’s teamwork.

‘Otenki Oneesan’ will begin airing every Wednesdays at 11:15 pm starting in April.

[News] Tsukamoto Takashi to star in a serial drama for the first time in about 5 years.

[News] Tsukamoto Takashi to star in a serial drama for the first time in about 5 years.
Cr. - tokyohive

It was announced that actor Tsukamoto Takashi will star in a new WOWOW drama “Haitatsu Saretai Watashitachi.”

The drama is written by scenario writer Isshiki Nobuyuki (“Watashi wo Ski ni Tsuretette”), based on his personal experience in overcoming depression. It will be a human comedy that depicts meeting, parting, and revival with love and humor.

Tsukamoto will play the protagonist, a 32-year-old man  ”Sawano”, who loses his job while suffering from depression, and his relationship with his wife and 6-year-old son is not going smoothly either. One day, at a ruin he visits in order to commit suicide, he finds 7 letters which were abandoned 7 years ago. He decides to deliver those letters, making it as the countdown of his life, and gradually, he starts discovering the importance of lives.

His co-stars will include Kuriyama Chiaki and Hasegawa Kyoko. Kuriyama will play a hairdresser who was abandoned by her mother when she was little. She will be the one who Sawano first delivers one of the letters to. Reportedly, there will be a love scene between Kuriyama and Tsukamoto. Meanwhile, Hasegawa will play Sawano’s wife.

This will mark Tsukamoto’s first starring serial drama in about 5 years since his last one, “Kansa Hojin” (NHK: June in 2008).

In the drama, Tsukamoto will play a man who is married and has a child, but in a real life, he is also the father of 2 children. “If I didn’t marry at the age of 25, and didn’t have 2 children, I would not have been able to play the role in the way I did.” Tsukamoto said.

WOWOW drama “Haitatsu Saretai Watashitachi” will start airing on May 12th (total 5 episodes).

[News] Hirosue Ryoko & Eikura Nana to make guest appearance on upcoming ‘Legal High’ special drama.

[News] Hirosue Ryoko & Eikura Nana to make guest appearance on upcoming ‘Legal High’ special drama.
Cr. - tokyohive

On February 28, it was revealed that actresses Eikura Nana (25) and Hirosue Ryoko (32) will make a guest appearance on Fuji TV’s special episode of “Legal High,” which will be broadcast on April 13.

Broadcast as a serial drama last April, this special episode of the comedic law drama will reunite actor Sakai Masato, who plays the role of a genius lawyer protagonist, and Aragaki Yui (24), who plays the hot-blooded and stubborn rookie lawyer heroine.
The theme of the special episode will be bullying in middle school.

 It will focus on the proceedings between the protagonist, who will represent a bullied student, and the school’s lawyer (played by Kitaouji Kinya), who will try to protect the school’s reputation.  Eikura will play the hot-blooded teacher who holds the important key to the bullying problem, while Hirosue will play the cool presiding judge who hands down the verdict during the climax of the episode.

Both are fans of the series and Eikura expressed her gratefulness towards being chosen to appear in the episode with, “Sakai and Aragaki welcomed me warmly, which relieved me of the pain I had in my stomach until yesterday due to nervousness.”

Hirosue, who is playing a judge for the first time ever, appealed for team work with, “Sakai is perfect as Komikado.  Aragaki always does her best and is cute!”  Sakai, who faces the two beautiful ladies in the drama, added, “The special would not be complete without these two magnificent actresses.”

[News] Takei Emi & Okura Tadayoshi to co-star in TV Asahi’s upcoming late-night drama.

[News] Takei Emi & Okura Tadayoshi to co-star in TV Asahi’s upcoming late-night drama.
Cr. - tokyohive

It was announced that Takei Emi will star in TV Asahi’s upcoming late-night mystery drama “Otenki Oneesan” that will begin airing in April.
In the drama, Takei will play as a weather woman named “Abe Haruko.”

Abe Haruko is somewhat of a weather prodigy as she acquires her qualification to become a certified weather forecaster at the young age of 11. She serves as a weather woman in a morning TV show and is nicknamed as ‘bomb cyclone woman’ because of her gruff personality, provoking negative feelings everyday from the staff members and other news casters of the show. On the other hand, Haruko also uses her vast weather knowledge to solve difficult criminal cases from different a point of view for the police. She teams up with a rookie detective Aoki Gota, and hunts down criminals.

The rookie detective “Aoki Gota” will be played by Kanjnai 8 member Okura Tadayoshi. Medical examiner named “Mikumo Sanpei” who is an enthusiastic fan of Haruko, will be played by Sasaki Kuranosuke. The script will be written by Oishi Shizuka who is known for her works like “Futarikko” and “Second Virgin.”

This will mark the first time for Takei and Okura to co-star with each other. Regarding the co-starring with Okura, Takei said, “When I was in junior high school, Okura-san was my favorite member from Kanjani 8, so I’m happy to co-star with him honestly.”
Okura also commented, “I had a scary image toward Haruko as she would have no face expression and act recklessly, but the real Takei-san was a bright woman, so I’m looking forward for the filming to start. I’m glad she usually is not a scary person.” About his role, he said, “I hope ‘Gota’ will be a comfortable character for the viewers during the process of solving cases.”
According to Takei, she got a flowery and bright image toward the drama from the title, however, “I was excited to be able to play such a role, but I was told ‘No, if anything, your role is expressionless who hardly smiles.’ So I was like…’I am playing another quirky role…!’ I hope I can create mysterious atmosphere. Please look forward to seeing unbalanced conversation between Haruko and Gota as well.”
“Otenki Oneesan” will air on the “Friday Night Drama” time slot for TV Asahi (every Friday at 11:15 pm).

[News] Shinohara Ryoko to star in a new drama with Fujiki Naohito & Miura Haruma.

[News] Shinohara Ryoko to star in a new drama with Fujiki Naohito & Miura Haruma.
Cr. - tokyohive

Shinohara Ryoko is starring in a new drama series (currently untitled) on Fuji TV that will start airing in April.

It is said that 60% of unmarried women between the ages of 25 ~ 35 find themselves becoming more masculine. The drama will feature “Oyaji Joshi (lit. old-guy woman, a woman who acts like she is an old man )” who devotes herself to work.

“Sakura” (Shinohara) is a 39-year-old woman who has not had a boyfriend in 10 years. Though she works as a vice store manager at a beauty parlor, she is careless about her style. She has a tender heart and a strong sense of justice, but she can be cowardly in terms of love. Recently, she is flustered that a couple of beard hairs start growing on her chin, which she thinks is due to overworking and a hormonal imbalance.

The two guys who will be involved in the protagonist’s love story will be played by Miura Haruma and Fujiki Naohito. Miura’s role is a pro BMX rider named “Hiroto” who is very popular with girls, and Fujiki will play “Rintaro”, the manager at the beauty parlor where Sakura works. Though Rintaro looks cool at first sight, he has a wicked tongue and loves dirty jokes.

Other female cast members have also been announced. Otsuka Nene and Iijima Naoko will appear as Sakura’s friends. Otsuka will play “Miki”, a housewife who is distressed by her relationship with her mother-in-law and her sexless marriage. Iijima’s role will be “Shima”, who is loaded with sex appeal and aggressive towards men. Additionally, Nanao will be making an appearance as “Chiyoko”, a daughter of a rich family who falls in love with Rintaro (Fujiki).

As this will mark Shinohara’s first serial drama after giving birth to her second child back in February of last year, Shinohara commented, “Though I feel pressured, I would be happy if the viewers can laugh, cry, and that their hearts will flutter at the ‘Oyaji Joshi’ struggling in love. I hope it will be the kind of drama that can make the viewers think, ‘I want to fall in love!’ in the end.”

[News] Ito Hideaki & Sakaguchi Kenji to team up as detectives in new drama ‘Doubles’.

[News] Ito Hideaki & Sakaguchi Kenji to team up as detectives in new drama ‘Doubles’.
Cr. - tokyohive

On February 22, TV Asahi announced that the two actors Ito Hideaki and Sakaguchi Kenji will co-star in the upcoming detective drama titled ‘Doubles‘.

10 years has passed since Ito and Sakaguchi last starred together in a project and in ‘Doubles’ they are going to deal with heinous crimes as the strongest detective partners on TV. The drama is set at the central police station in Shinjuku, Tokyo and said to feature plenty of action, drama and comedy.

Both actors have already been portraying strong and ‘fighting men’ in their trademark series ‘Umizaru‘ and ‘Iryu‘, respectively. The last time they actually co-starred together was in the 2002 drama ‘Tentai Kansoku‘ (Fuji TV). This time they are playing hot-blooded and righteous detectives who fight against increasing number of heinous crimes in Shinjuku.

Ito is portraying a thoughtless detective named ‘Yamashita Shunsuke’ who doesn’t seem to care about the minor details when being on a case. Sakaguchi is playing a more serious and more hot-blooded kind of detective named ‘Tashiro Keiichi’. Their actions and opinions are often clashing with each other, but despite those disputes they always end up cooperating in order to solve all the different cases.

Ito commented, “Kenji and I are of the same age, but when we worked together 10 years ago, we were still in our twenties. Back then we sort of tried to keep each other in check and weren’t able to be all that upfront with each other. Now we get the chance to work together again at the end of our thirties, and with that part between us gone, I’d like us to create a great drama together.”

He continued, “My character will do a lot of action, handle guns and catch a lot of those small details related to a case. I want to create a character that even the very young viewers will admire and think of as ‘cool’. There have been many detective dramas already, but I hope the two of us will be able to leave our mark with this new detective series.”

Sakaguchi stated, “I’m looking forward to work together with Hideaki again after 10 years. Moreover it’s going to be a detective drama! I’m really happy since we boys love detective dramas (laughs) I want to try my best as long as my physical strength lets me to.”

He continued, “In our twenties, I strongly felt of Hideaki as my rival. I absolutely couldn’t lose to him and observed him all the time, but right now I can only think about how nice it will be to create a great drama by joining our forces. I want us to build a duo that people simply won’t be able to hate, although they always act recklessly.”

The story follows detective Yamashita and Tashiro as they get transferred to a new special unit of the very best detectives that operate from the station in Shinjuku. This new unit is often being referred to as ‘Section 0′.

‘Doubles’ is written by Ozaki Masaya (‘Umechan Sensei’) and TV Asahi is going to air this drama every Thursday at 9:00 pm starting in April.

[News] Omasa Aya and Honda Tsubasa to become beautiful vampires in a new drama.

[News] Omasa Aya and Honda Tsubasa to become beautiful vampires in a new drama.
Cr. - tokyohive

It was announced that actress Omasa Aya will star in TV Tokyo’s upcoming drama “Vampire Heaven” that will begin airing in April.

Omasa will play a beautiful vampire named “Sakurako” while Honda Tsubasa will be Sakurako’s best friend and also vampire named “Komachi”. The human male, whom the two vampires fall in love with, will be played by Hiraoka Yuta.

The drama will be written and directed by Seta Natsuki who has worked with Omasa in movie “Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan“, and this will mark the first time for her to direct a TV drama.

The synopsis will be a sad love story in which two beautiful vampires “Sakurako” (Omasa) and “Komachi” (Honda) fall in love with a man named “Hayato” (Hiraoka).

After violating a taboo in the world of vampires, Sakurako and Komachi come down to the world of humans, and encounter a human male, Hayato. Though Sakurako instantly falls in love with Hayato, vampires have the disposition that the more they love somebody, the more they desire the person’s blood. Sakurako finds out she can resist the uncontrollable impulse to suck blood somehow when she plays music, thus she strums on a guitar while thinking of her loved one. Komachi worries about Sakurako, but eventually, she also becomes attracted to Hayato.

Reportedly, Skurako’s real age is 170 years old although she looks 20. She is particularly beautiful even among the vampires, but she has no experience with love. Komachi is actually 165 years old, but looks 20, and has a very vampire-like personality as she can be a little selfish and also has a cruel side.  On the other hand, Hayato is a good looking guy, trying to become a professional musician. He keeps himself above all the vulgarity around him, but has an arrogant attitude toward others.

“Vampire Heaven” is scheduled to air starting on April 12th (Every Friday at 12:52 am).

[News] Takanashi Rin to play a ‘yankee’ dance teacher in new drama.

[News] Takanashi Rin to play a ‘yankee’ dance teacher in new drama.
Cr. - tokyohive

On February 24th, it was announced that actress Takanashi Rin is going to star in an upcoming TBS late-night drama titled ‘Houkago Groove‘.

Takanashi is known for her good looks and her vibrant on screen performances. She already gained global recognition as the heroine in Abbas Kiarostami’s Japanese-language film ‘Like Someone in Love‘ which screened at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. It’s her first time to star in a TV drama.

‘Arakawa Under the Bridge‘ director Iizuka Ken is set to direct the drama which was born from the fact that since April 2012, “dance” has become a part of the junior high school curriculum in Japan.

Takanashi is playing a physical education teacher with no dancing skills. Moreover, she used to be a delinquent (‘yankee’) during her student days and left school during senior high school, but thanks to her persistence and fighting spirit she somehow managed to become a teacher. She believes that you should always see something through once you got a taste of it.

Takanashi commented about her role, “When I heard about the story, I immediately wanted to get this role. A sports-minded former delinquent is a fresh character and a nice challenge. I’m already all excited about this.”

Director Iizuka is bound to give this drama a peculiar charm similar to his previous works and Takanashi is looking forward to work with him. She said, “I’ll work hard so that the viewers can enjoy all those surreal interactions between the characters.”
TBS is going to air ‘Houkago Groove’ every Monday shortly after midnight starting on April 22nd.