[News] Cast members playing “CRUDE PLAY” in upcoming “Kano-Uso” movie revealed.

[News] Cast members playing “CRUDE PLAY” in upcoming “Kano-Uso” movie revealed.
Cr. - tokyohive

As reported earlier, Aoki Kotomi’s popular manga “Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru” is getting a live-action movie adaptation starring Sato Takeru, and recently, cast members who will play the members of “CRUDE PLAY“, the band within the story, have been revealed.

“Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru” is a love story between a genius music creator named “Ogasawara Aki” (played by Sato) and a regular high school girl named “Koeda Riko” (played by Ohara Sakurako). In the story, “CRUDE PLAY” is described as a popular 4-member male band. All the members are good looking, and they always top the charts, and sell out tickets for their live concert at Tokyo Dome in 2 minutes.

The members of “CRUDE PLAY” will be played by Miura Shohei (as the vocalist & guitarist “Sakaguchi Shun”), Kubota Masataka (as the bassist “Shinohara Shinya”), Mizuta Kouki (as the guitarist “Ohno Kaoru”), and Asaka Kodai (as the drummer “Yazaki Teppei”).

Reportedly, these four will show their actual performance in the movie, and “CRUDE PLAY”s songs will be produced by Kameda Seiji who was a member of Tokyo Jihen, and is also serving as the music producer for the movie.

Miura showed his ambition saying, “We would like to aim for CD debut, an appearance on Kohaku Uta Gassen, and even advancing overseas as CRUDE PLAY.”

Live-action movie “Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru” is scheduled to be released in December of this year.

[News] Changmin Wins “Best Rookie Actor” For Japanese Movie “Fly With The Gold”.

[News] Changmin Wins “Best Rookie Actor” For Japanese Movie “Fly With The Gold”.  
Cr. - soompi

On March 8, DBSK‘s Changmin attended the 36th Annual Japanese Academy Awards Ceremony and took home the “Best Rookie Actor” Award.

He made his Japanese large screen debut in the film “Fly With The Gold” as an under cover North Korean spy named “Momo” taking the guise of a foreign exchange student.

According to sources, Changmin blew film officials out of the water with his perfect Osaka accent. Receiving an award from the Japanese Academy Awards committee is considered to be a prestigious honor in the field of drama and film.

In other news, DBSK released their sixth Japanese studio album “Time” on March 6 and within two days over 20,000 copies have been sold. On April 27, DBSK will be kicking off their “TIME” dome tour starting in Saitama super arena and then onward to Tokyo dome, Osaka Kyocera dome, Fukuoka Yahoo Japan dome, etc.

[News] Matsumoto Jun & Ueno Juri wrap up filming for ‘Hidamari no Kanojo’.

[News] Matsumoto Jun & Ueno Juri wrap up filming for ‘Hidamari no Kanojo’.
Cr. - tokyohive

On the morning of March 5, Arashi’s Matsumoto Jun (29) and actress Ueno Juri (26) wrapped up filming for their first co-starring film “Hidamari no Kanojo” (directed by Miki Takahiro).  The pair play the role of lovers in the film. Filming began on January 18 of this year and after filming together for approximately 1.5 months, they were filled with emotions as filming wrapped up and expressed their desire to co-star with each other again soon.

After filming ended, Matsumoto stated, “This film has led me to think that perhaps this is the last movie I’ll film in my 20’s.”  Regarding Ueno, who plays as his lover in the film, Matsumoto said satisfactorily, “Her attitude towards her role is very wonderful, and it was exciting. I was comfortable with her, and she was pleasant to film with.”

Ueno shrugged her shoulders as she said, “Until now, I have not exactly filmed a love story…,” and followed with, “I learned a lot.”  She also sent out a love call to Matsumoto with, “I have found many wonderful things about him. I felt that I had a lot in common with Matsumoto. As a person, he is wonderful and I think it would be great if could appear together in a film with him again regardless of the type of role.”

The film is based off of the popular romance novel of the same title by author Koshigaya Osamu.  It follows the romance of Kosuke (Matsumoto) and Mao (Ueno) and their decision to marry. However, Mao is keeping one big unbelievable secret to herself…  The film will open in October in Toho cinemas across Japan.

[VOD & News] Nichkhun’s movie ‘Ouran High School Host Club’ to be released on White Day.

[VOD & News] Nichkhun’s movie ‘Ouran High School Host Club’ to be released on White Day.
Cr. - allkpop

Remember in 2011 when Nichkhun was cast in the film adaptation of the popular drama, ‘Ouran High School Host Club‘?

Well, the Japanese version of the movie was released last year in March, but the movie will finally be released in Korea on March 14th – White Day! Nichkhun plays the older brother of Michelle, an international student played by AKB48’s Shinoda Mariko.

His character is the president of Singapore’s leading corporation, and he wears a a business suit for the entire film, giving 2PM fans some suit eye candy.

Nichkhun speaks in both Japanese and English in the movie, and he’s the first 2PM member to star in a Japanese film as well. The movie is very fittingly going to be released on White Day, so single Hottests can spend some time with Nichkhun if they get a little lonely.

Check out the trailer below!

[VOD & News] IU reveals Lyric Movie for Japanese track “New World”.

[VOD & News] IU reveals Lyric Movie for Japanese track “New World”.

Cr. - tokyohive

IU is scheduled to release her Japanese mini-album ‘Can You Hear Me?‘ on March 20 and earlier today a Lyric Movie for one of the tracks was revealed.

The official YouTube channel of EMI Music Japan shared the lyric movie for “New World” the 5th track off of her mini album. The video shares 52 seconds of the song and the lyrics as well. The video also showcases IU’s improving Japanese and her beautiful voice.

Check out the Lyric Movie below.

[News] T-ara's Hyo-min to Star in Japanese Movie.

[News] T-ara's Hyo-min to Star in Japanese Movie.

Cr. - Chosun Ilbo

Hyo-min of T-ara is to star in a Japanese film, a first for a member of a Korean girl band.

Hyo-min has been cast in romantic film "Jinx" directed by Naoto Kumazawa.

She will play a Korean student in Japan alongside Kurumi Shimizu and Kento Yamazaki .

"I am nervous as I’m the first Korean female singer to star in a Japanese film, but I want to get good reviews as an actress," Hyo-min said.

"Jinx" will be released simultaneously in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan this fall.

Filming starts in mid-February. 

[News] "Our Homeland" Wins 3 Awards in Japan.

Japanese actor Arata (left), Japanese actress Sakura Ando (center) and Korean director-actor Yang Ik-jun (right) in award-winning film "Our Homeland." [Mirovision]

[News] "Our Homeland" Wins 3 Awards in Japan.

Cr. - kstar10 

Second-generation Korean-Japanese director Yonghi Yang has been awarded the Best screenplay award for her film "Our Homeland" at the 64th Yomiuri Prize for Literature on February 1st. 

"Our Homeland" has so far won three screenplay awards in Japan. It was given the Best Screenplay Award at the 67th Mainichi Film Award and the 15th Kikushima Ryuzo Award from the Writers Guild of Japan.

The film`s excellence was also recognized at the 55th Blue Ribbon Awards where it was given Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress awards.

Director Yang said, “The continuous win is overwhelming. The story has been on my mind for more than 10 years, and it was reborn as a 100-minute film, thanks to the passion of production staff and actors.”

"Our Homeland" is an autobiographical film about the director herself and her brother who visits Japan from North Korea after being away for 25 yeas. The film stars Sakura Ando of "Ain`t No Tomorrow," Arata of "Air Doll" and Korean director Yang Ik-jun of "Breathless" plays a North Korean agent.

The film won the International Confederation of Art Cinemas Award at 2012 Berlin International Film Festival and was screened at 16 different international film festivals in 15 countries.  "Our Homeland" is set to be released in Korea on March 7.

Korean director-actor Yang Ik-jun (right) in award-winning film "Our Homeland." [Mirovision]

Second-generation Korean-Japanese director Yonghi Yang, who won the International Confederation of Art Cinemas Award at 2012 Berlin International Film Festival. [Mirovision]

Japanese actor Arata (top), Korean director-actor Yang Ik-jun (center) and Japanese actress Sakura Ando (bottom) in the international poster of "Our Homeland." [Mirovision]

[News] Main cast members for the movie adaptation of “Oshin” revealed.

[News] Main cast members for the movie adaptation of “Oshin” revealed.

Cr. - tokyohive

The legendary NHK morning drama “Oshin” will be getting a movie adaptation which will be directed by Togashi Shin, and the main cast members have been revealed at the public presentation held on February 5th.

“Oshin” was written by a scriptwriter Hashida Sugako, and it was aired during 1983 ~ 1984 with a total of 297 episodes. The drama received a peak rating of 62.9%, and average rating of 52.6% (in Kanto region, according to Video Research) which are the highest rating number in the TV drama history in Japan. Set about 100 years ago, the drama depicts the life of “Oshin”, a woman who was born in a poor village in Yamagata, and lives strongly without losing to hardships. It was also broadcast in 86 countries and regions all over the world.

The movie adaptation will mainly feature “Oshin”s girlhood. It will depict “Oshin” growing up earnestly and charmingly in the severe, yet magnificent nature in Yamagata, while thinking of her family regardless of many hardships. It will be based on the script written by Hashida for the TV drama 30 years ago, but will be adding some new stories.

The main cast members announced on this day include Hamada Kokone as the protagonist “Oshin”, Ueto Aya as “Fuji” (Oshin’s mother), Kishimoto Kayoko as “Tsune” (a servant at a timber store under Oshin’s first employer), Kobayashi Ayako as “Mino” (the young mistress at Kaga-ya, Ohin’s second employer), Nogi Ryosuke as “Seitaro” (the master of Kaga-ya), Yoshimura Jitsuko as “Naka” (Oshin’s grandmother), Mitsushima Shinnosuke as “Shunsaku” (a deserter), Guts Ishimatsu as “Matsuzou” (a charcoal-burner), and Izumi Pinko as “Kuni” (the mistress of Kaga-ya).

At the public presentation, Ueto, Izumi, Hamada, Hashida, and the director Togashi made appearances,

Ueto commented, “I’m thankful to people who chose me over many actresses, but I feel pressured at the same time. I know there will be those that voice that it’s still too early for me to play the role, or I do not look like a mother, but Pinko-san gave me great advice: ‘It’ll be fine as long as you put your all into the role. I know you can do it.’ so I will play this role putting my all into it!” Izumi who played as Oshin’s mother in the previous TV drama, whom Ueto will be playing in the movie, said, “I’m glad that Aya-chan will be playing the role. I’m sure it will be a great movie if we work hard.” The rookie child actress Hamada who was chosen among 2,500 people in audition, appeared in costume for the role, and said, “I will try my best in playing the role of Oshin,” while turning red in the cheeks.

The whole filming will be held in Yamagata, and it is said to start in the middle of February. The movie will be open in theaters in October.

[News] ‘Thermae Romae II’ announced for Golden Week 2014.

[News] ‘Thermae Romae II’ announced for Golden Week 2014.
Cr. - tokyohive

On January 30 (JST), it was announced that one of the most successful movies of 2012 – ‘Thermae Romae‘ will be receiving a sequel in 2014!

All the main actors from ‘Thermae Romae’, lead by Abe Hiroshi as the protagonist will be reprising their roles in ‘Thermae Romae II‘, which is slated for release during the Golden Week of 2014 (early May) and will be directed by Takeuchi Hideki again. The filming will take place in Bulgaria, a first for a Japanese movie production, and it will include a movie reconstruction of the Roman Colosseum in actual scale.

In ‘Thermae Romae’, Abe played Lucius, a bath design engineer who slips through time between Ancient Rome and modern Japan. This comedy became one of the highest grossing films in Japan in 2012 with a revenue of 5,980,000,000 Yen ($65,959,400 USD).

Lucius is going to face another tough challenge in ‘Thermae Romae II’ as he gets ordered to construct a thermae (bath house) inside the Colosseum. When he accidentally slams into a wall with his head, he once again travels to the future and awakes in modern Japan.

Abe already stated his excitement and that he can’t wait to start working on the sequel.

Ichimura Masachika, Kitamura Kazuki, and Shishido Kai will once again portray the ‘deep faced’ characters of Ancient Rome alongside Abe as Lucius. The ‘flat faces’ of modern Japan will be played by Ueto Aya, Takeuchi Riki, and Sasano Takashi again. Additional characters and more details about the sequel will be released at a later date.

[News] Sato Eriko and Kitamura Kazuki talk about their kiss scene at event for ‘Night People’.

[News] Sato Eriko and Kitamura Kazuki talk about their kiss scene at event for ‘Night People’.

Cr. - tokyohive

On January 26, actress Sato Eriko (31) and co-star Kitamura Kazuki (43) appeared at an opening day event for their film “Night People” (directed by Kadoi Hajime) at Cinemart Shinjuku in Tokyo.

The film revolves around a beautiful, yet mysterious woman (Sato) who extorts 200 million Yen from a big-name politician.  The film builds in suspense as a bar owner (Kitamura) falls in love with her.  When asked about her kiss scene with Kitamura, Sato responded with discontent, “According to the script, it was supposed to be a deep, rich kiss, but it was more like ‘Chuu’ [a peck]…”

Kitamura cringed as he said, “There were many people on-location when we filmed the scene, so I don’t remember too much about it…”

[News] Ueto Aya to star in a new movie with Kora Kengo.

[News] Ueto Aya to star in a new movie with Kora Kengo.

Cr. - tokyohive

On January 24, it was revealed that actress Ueto Aya (27), who married EXILE leader HIRO (43) last September, will star in the film “Bushi no Kondate.” The film will open in theaters this winter.  This is her first film since her marriage to HIRO and she will play the supportive wife named “Oharu” of on-screen husband Kora Kengo.

Ueto spoke with anticipation, “Although this film is a period film, I hear that the film will be both painful longing and humorous as it depicts how relations between man and wife have not changed much now compared to then.”

The film is based on historical happenings in the Kaga Domain during the Edo period.  Oharu (Ueto), who has great sense with his tongue with superb cooking skills, is discovered her skills by Funaki Tennai (Nishida Toshiyuki) and marries into the Funaki family, which has served as chefs for the domain from generation to generation.

 With the help from Man (Yo Kimiko), her mother-in-law, she tries hard to teach her husband “Yasunobu” (Kora) who is supposed to be the successor, but lacks cooking skill.  Through giving the cooking lessons for the husband, the couple begin to establish an emotional bond with each other, and the two mature together as husband and wife.

Ueto, who will start filming in Kyoto, talked about the various dishes that appear in the film with, “As it is called ‘Bushi no Kondate’(Samurai’s Menu), please look forward to the various menus of the time period that appear in the film.” She appealed for the film with, “I hope that the film would be enjoyable for many people, especially for women.”

The film will be directed by Asahara Yuzo, who directed the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series.  He spoke about the film with, “In order to make it enjoyable for people living in this era, especially women, it will be painful longing, beautiful, but also bright and humorous.”  The script will be written by Kashiwada Michio, who also wrote the script for the popular film “Bushi no Kakeibo” (opened 2011), which starred Sakai Masato.

[Photo & News] Mizushima Hiro to make a comeback as an actor with “Black Butler” movie.

[Photo & News] Mizushima Hiro to make a comeback as an actor with “Black Butler” movie.

Cr. - tokyohive

On January 8, it was announced that Mizushima Hiro would be making a comeback as an actor after a 3 year hiatus through the movie “Kuroshitsuji ( Black Butler).”

He last made a appearance in the movie “BECK” which was released back in September 2010. Since then, Mizushima has not appeared in a drama or movie as he was only seen in music video and CM. “Since I stayed away (as an actor) for a while, I feel uneasy.” Mizushima said. He continued, “I am actually surprised at my decision to return as an actor, but I figured that to encounter such a great work could change my mind.”

His comeback movie “Kuroshitsuji” is a dark and mysterious fantasy based on Toboso Yana’s ongoing manga of the same name which is currently being serialized on Monthly GFantasy.The manga was adapted into TV anime during 2008~2010, and it also got stage performance adaptation.

In the movie, Mizushima will play a butler of the Phantomhive household, named ”Sebastian Michaelis.” His figure, culture, dignity, martial skills…he’s perfect at everything. Also along with his tasks as a butler, he also solves complicated murder cases. Moreover, “Sebastian” is not a human being, but a demon. Reportedly, this movie adaptation will be set in 130 years later from the manga and follow a completely original story.

It is said that the producer of “Kuroshitsuji”, Matsuhashi Sinzo was first offered Mizushima over a year and a half ago, with his conviction of “Only Mizushima Hiro can play this role”, and eagerly visited him numerous times. Mizushima finally accepted the offer because of Matsuhashi’s enthusiasm, and the fascination of the original series.

Mizushima said, “Up until now, my actions were based on the answers coming from my brain no matter what I do, but this time, I will have to follow the intuition that I should believe in Matsuhashi-san and this work. Right now, I am spending every day thinking how I can make ‘Kuroshitsuji’ a great work.“ The filming for the movie will start in April, and prior to that, Mizushima has already started reducing his weight for the role, as well as the training for actions.

The movie will be directed by Otani Kentaro and animator Sato Keiichi, and is scheduled to be released sometime in 2013.

[VOD & News] Popular drama ‘ATARU’ to be continued with a movie.

[V)D & News] Popular drama ‘ATARU’ to be continued with a movie.

Cr. - tokyohive

On January 6th, TBS offered a pleasant surprise for the fans of the popular drama ‘ATARU‘ at the end of its four-hour long special episode.

The drama – starring SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro – is going to be continued even further with an upcoming movie titled ‘ATARU THE FIRST LOVE & THE LAST KILL‘ (tentative).

Not much information is known about the movie adaptation other than TOHO is going to distribute it nationwide and that its official website can be accessed via www.ataru-eiga.com.

‘ATARU’ is an original drama by scriptwriter Sakurai Takeharu and features Nakai Masahiro as the lovable ‘Chokozai’ aka ‘Ataru’, who is suffering from the savant syndrome. Chokozai helps two detectives – played by Kuriyama Chiaki and Kitamura Kazuki – solve various difficult cases by using his extraordinary memory and deductive skills. The drama started off with a high television rating of 19.9% and even recorded a single-episode rating of 21.7% during its run.

Therefore, TBS offered it a special episode that aired on the 6th. It was split into two separate stories titled ‘Suteyama Tanteisha Monogatari ~’Anan Kota-kun Yuukai Jiken’ ni Chokozai tachi ga Idomu!!~‘ and ‘ATARU Kanzen Shinsaku Special – New York Kara no Chousenjo!!‘.

The latter featured guest stars such as Horikita Maki, Okada Masaki, and AKB48’s Shimazaki Haruka.

[News] Fukuyama Masaharu to play his first role as a father in upcoming movie.

[News] Fukuyama Masaharu to play his first role as a father in upcoming movie.

Cr. - tokyohive

Actor/singer-songwriter Fukuyama Masaharu will be teaming up with director Koreeda Hirokazu for a new movie called ‘Soshite Chichi ni Naru‘.

In the film, Fukuyama will play his first father role and his wife will be played by actress Ono Machiko. The second couple will be played by Maki Yoko, who has co-starred with Fukuyama in ‘Ryomaden‘, and Lily Franky.

The story of ‘Soshite Chichi ni Naru’ will revolve around the growth and hardships of a man named Ryota (Fukuyama) and his family. One day, he receives a phone call from the hospital and finds out that his 6-year-old son is someone else’s son.

Director Koreeda commented, “I discussed each scene one by one with Fukuyama-san, and together, we constructed this three-dimensional character named Ryota. Both the good points and the bad points. It was very fun group work.” He continued, “By creating a contrast between Fukuyama-san and Lily-san’s father roles as well as Ono-san and Maki-san’s mother roles, I think we were able to portray it as humanly as possible. I am confident that I was able to draw out Fukuyama-san’s charm that people have never seen before.”

On working with director Koreeda, Fukuyama reflected, “He’s like a singer-songwriter. He’s a type that will show his unconscious mind that he’s not aware of through his works. I think he’s a person that will arrive at a place that he cannot control.”

Ono expressed, “Since entering this world, I’ve paid attention to Koreeda-san, and I’ve wanted to be in his film, so I was genuinely happy. While working with him, my lines and feelings changed rapidly. I was excited, and I had fun. My co-stars were all people I love, so I was very happy.”

Maki, who stated he admires director Koreeda, said, “It was a calm place. With a calm mind, I was able to sincerely face my role. I was embarrassed to play a married couple with Lily-san, but my mock married couple experience wasn’t bad.” On Fukuyama, she stated, “I think people will be able to see a Fukuyama-san they’ve never seen before. I’m looking forward to its completion as a part of the audience as well.”

The movie will also star Fubuki Jun, Kunimura Jun, Kiki Kirin, and Natsuyagi Isao. Filming for the movie started back on May 6th.

‘Soshite Chichi ni Naru’ is scheduled to open in theaters on October 5th of next year.

[News] ‘SPEC’ to spawn another movie and drama special next fall.

 

[News] ‘SPEC’ to spawn another movie and drama special next fall.
Cr. - tokyohive

On December 27th, it was finally made official that the popular ‘SPEC‘ series – starring Kase Ryo and Toda Erika will be spawning another movie named ‘SPEC~Close~‘ in the fall of 2013. Moreover they announced that there is going to be another TV drama special titled ‘SPEC~Zero~‘ around the same time.

‘SPEC’ is about the two special detectives Toma Saya (Toda) and Sebumi Takeru (Kase), who deal with various minor and large-scale cases that are related to people with SPEC (special abilities). Their unique personalities and the exciting main plot has turned the series, including the TV special and the movie, into a huge success.

After the release of the movie ‘SPEC~Ten~‘, there have been many rumors about a possible continuation or maybe even a completely new and third iteration in the actual ‘Keizoku‘ series. Many surveys showed that fans definitely want the series to continue and things seem to have been in set in motion when the first talks about ‘SPEC~Close~’ began appearing on the official Twitter of the popular TV drama ‘ATARU‘, which often featured cameos of the ‘SPEC’ protagonists.

In the concluding chapter of the series, Toma and Sebumi are going to face their strongest enemy that is plotting to destroy mankind. Of course it will also further explore the deep relationship between the two of them. Since it’s once again an original creation by director Tsutsumi Yukihiko himself, there are not yet many more details known about the finale.

However, the producers already confirmed even before the filming that this is definitely going to be the final chapter in the series. TBS producer Ueda Hiroki stated, “We are planning to create a worthy final chapter and no matter how successful it’s going to be, there won’t be a continuation after that.”

The filming for the movie will begin in February next year. Toda commented, “I’m very grateful that we’ve managed to reach the final chapter. I’ll work my hardest in order to make you all enjoy it from the bottom of your hearts.” Kase added, “Whether you like it or not, this is going to be the last chapter. Together with Toda, I’d like to use up all of my strength for this.”

As mentioned above, there is also going to be another TV drama special around fall 2013. The title ‘SPEC~Zero~’ already hints that this is basically going to become an ‘episode 0′ of the series, which is going to further explore the secret behind Toma’s left hand and her past. The filming for this special is already underway.

[News] Sakurai Sho to star in the sequel to “Kamisama no Karute”.

[News] Sakurai Sho to star in the sequel to “Kamisama no Karute”.
Cr. - tokyohive

It was announced that there will be a sequel to the movie “Kamisama no Karute“, which was released back in August of last year starring Arashi’s Sakurai Sho. The sequel “Kamisama no Karute 2” is scheduled for release in 2014, and Sakurai and Miyazaki Aoi, who played as his wife, will continue participating in it. Sakurai said, “This is a very precious work to me. I am glad to be able to participate in this again.”

“Kamisama no Karute” is based on a novel series by novelist and real life doctor Natsukawa Sosuke. It revolves around a physician ‘Kurihara Ichito’ (Sakurai) who puts all his effort on medical support in the countryside, in Matsumoto, Nagano. There have been three volumes released so far, and 2,200,000 copies were sold in total. The previous movie also made 1.9 billion yen (23,013,565.8915 USD as of today) at the box office.

The sequel will be based on the second volume of the series which will be set a few months later from the previous movie, and there will be an addition to the cast members. Ichito’s friend from college, and a physician ‘Shindo Tatsuya’, who comes to Ichito’s hospital from Tokyo, will be played by Fujiwara Tatsuya. This will be the first time for Fujiwara to play the role of a doctor and a father.

Other newly added cast members are Fukiishi Kazue, Ichige Yoshie, and Hamada Gaku, while Emoto Akira and Harada Taizo, who appeared in the previous one, will continue their appearances in the sequel.

‘Ichito’ tries his best on medical activities at the hospital that is on alert 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, and ‘Shindo’ prioritizes his family and is unable to be reached after leaving the hospital at the stated time. Through the conflict of opinions between ‘Ichito’ and ‘Shindo’, the movie will answer the questions of, ‘what is it like to be a doctor?’, ‘what is the meaning of work?’, and ‘what is the meaning of family?’

Another core plot of the sequel will be the love between ‘Ichito’ and his wife ‘Haruna’. In the previous movie, the couple found out ‘Haruna’ was pregnant, but in this sequel, they will depict ‘Haruna’ giving birth as well. Miyazaki commented, “Being able to watch over ‘Ichito-san’, and being able to live as ‘Haruna-san’, I am looking forward to it very much.”

Reportedly, the distributor Toho is considering making another sequel even after the “2″.

[News] ‘Hotaru no Haka’ to get live-action movie adaptation in England.

[News] ‘Hotaru no Haka’ to get live-action movie adaptation in England.
Cr. - http://www.tokyohive.com/

It’s been revealed that Nosaka Akiyuki’s novel, ‘Hotaru no Haka‘ (‘Grave of the Fireflies‘), will be getting a live-action movie adaptation in England.

‘Hotaru no Haka’ is a semi-autobiographical novel that’s set in Kobe during the end of the Pacific War. It tells a story about a young boy and his little sister who desperately struggle to survive the war.

The novel was published in 1967 and was awarded the 58th Naoki Prize. In 1988, it received an anime adaptation directed by Takahata Isao through Studio Ghibli. It was released the same time as Miyazaki Hayao’s ‘Tonari no Totoro‘ (‘My Neighbor Totoro‘).

According to Screen, Dresden Pictures has acquired the rights to the live-action adaptation. It will be produced by Liam Garvo and James Heath for a release sometime in 2014.

‘Hotaru no Haka’ received a live-action TV film adaptation back in 2005 starring Matsushima Nanako. It was then released as a movie in 2008 directed by Hyugaji Taro. This will be the first time ‘Hotaru no Haka’ will see a live-action adaptation outside of Japan.

Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no haka) - English Trailer/Interview [1988]




Grave of the Fireflies - Movie Trailer

[VOD & News] ‘Night People’ full trailer released.

[VOD & News] ‘Night People’ full trailer released.
Cr. - http://www.tokyograph.com/

A full trailer for the upcoming hard-boiled thriller ‘Night People’ was recently released on its official website.
As reported with the announcement of the movie on November 8th, ‘Night People’ is based on a short story titled ‘Tokai no Yajuu‘ from one of award-winning author Osaka Go’s early collections of short stories ‘Joujou Kanteinin‘. It’s a thrilling story that revolves around a stolen sum of money of 200,000,000 Yen (2.5 million USD).

Sato Eriko plays ‘Moeko’, a puzzling woman who suddenly appears in the bar of ‘Shinji’, played by actor Kitamura Kazuki. ‘Shinji’ is completely captivated by this woman, and before he knows it, he’s already wrapped around her finger. Sugimoto Tetta makes the very unique and distinct trio of actors complete as an elusive and ominous detective. Moreover it features plenty of gunfights and various homages to genre paragons such as Barry Gifford and Naito Chin.

‘Night People’ is going to hit selected theaters in early spring 2013.

[VOD & News] ‘Strawberry Night’ movie releases full trailer.

[VOD & News] ‘Strawberry Night’ movie releases full trailer.
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The official website of the upcoming ‘Strawberry Night‘ movie – starring Takeuchi Yuko – was recently updated with a full trailer that gives fans of the TV drama a better look at the new difficult case and the character development.

‘Strawberry Night’ is a movie sequel to the popular Fuji TV drama series of the same name that aired from January until March this year. The series is based on Honda Tetsuya’s ‘Himekawa Reiko‘ novel series, and the movie is going to follow the story of ‘Invisible Rain‘ published in November 2009. Takeuchi is playing ‘Himekawa Reiko’, a female detective who was already promoted to assistant inspector at the age of 27, despite being an actual non-career woman. Moreover, she has to be very thick-skinned in the male-dominated profession.

In the movie, Himekawa is chasing after a serial murderer who already killed four people. However, she is soon running into a wall, because people inside the police don’t want this case to come to a conclusion in order to conceal a certain incident. Driven into a corner, she is even being forced to leave the police force and becomes dangerously close to the Yakuza boss ‘Makita’ (Osawa Takao), who seems to be the key to the whole puzzle. While it all may just be a move to find out what the higher ups are trying to hide and to catch the serial murderer, the ice is becoming thinner under her feet the close she gets to the truth.

Among those who are going to reprise their roles from the TV drama are Nishijima Hidetoshi, Ukaji Takashi, Koide Keisuke, Maruyama Ryuhei, and Takeda Tetsuya. New characters will be played by Miura Tomokazu, Sometani Shota, Kaneko Ken, Kaneko Nobuaki, Ishibashi Renji, and Tanaka Tetsushi.

‘Strawberry Night’ is slated for a release on January 26th, 2013.

[News] Ikuemi Ryo’s manga “Kiyoku Yawaku” to get movie adaptation starring Nagasawa Masami & Okada Masaki.

 

[News] Ikuemi Ryo’s manga “Kiyoku Yawaku” to get movie adaptation starring Nagasawa Masami & Okada Masaki.
Cr. -  http://www.tokyohive.com/

It was reported that Ikuemi Ryo’s popular manga “Kiyoku Yawaku” would be getting a movie adaptation starring Nagasawa Masami and Okada Masaki. This will mark the first time that Nagasawa and Okada will co-star alongside each other.

The original manga was serialized in “Cookie” from 2004 ~ 2010, and it received a Kodansha Manga Award in the Shojo category back in 2009. The story features the growth and romance of young people who try to overcome the sorrow of losing a precious person. It was written in an omnibus style, and this movie adaptation will focus on the climax episode of the manga series.

“Seto Kanna” lost her childhood friend, “Haruta”, due to a traffic accident in the summer of the first year of high school. “Kanna” grew up with a scarred heart, and one day, “Kanna” encounters “Akazawa Roku”, who also has a painful past. “Roku” tries to free “Kanna”, who has been stifling her feelings ever since “Haruta” died.

Nagasawa, who will play protagonist “Seto Kanna”, commented, “Since I’m a fan of the original manga, I felt uneasy about whether I would be good enough, but after remembering how I was encouraged by the protagonist trying to step forward, I have decided to try my best as well. By having good team work with all the cast members, I hope this will be a wonderful movie.”

Okada, who will play protagonist “Akazawa Roku”,  explained, “This is quite a cute and charming role with both adult and childlike sides.” He continued, “While cherishing the world view of its original work, I would like to create a new ‘Kiyoku Yawaku’, who we can express only in a movie, with Nagasawa-san.”

“Kiyoku Yawaku” will be directed by Shinjo Takehiko (“Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru”, “Paradise Kiss”), and it is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2013.