Showing posts with label j-drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label j-drama. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Nagano in an accident and Sakurai in a drama SP
It's being reported that back on Monday, Nagano Hiroshi of V6, was in a minor traffic accident. He had not been paying attention to the road and rear ended the car in front of him. From the sounds of the report he mustn't have been going very fast as no one was injured and the other car had stopped because of traffic.
Of course because of how minor the incident was I don't think Nagano is going to have to do more than pay the fines he needs to.
Tokyograph article.
In other news, Sakurai Sho will be in an upcoming drama special. This special will air in January 2010 as an anniversary special for the Great Kobe earthquake in 1995. The drama will focus on the reporters in the quake area and their dedication to get information out during the aftermath of the quake.
In a way I find it rather fitting that there is someone from Johnny's attached to a drama about the Kobe quake. It was from this disaster that J-Friends was created to help raise funds to help the children effected by the quake to continue with their education. So having them be apart of something about the quake fits, IMHO.
Tokyograph article.
Of course because of how minor the incident was I don't think Nagano is going to have to do more than pay the fines he needs to.
Tokyograph article.
In other news, Sakurai Sho will be in an upcoming drama special. This special will air in January 2010 as an anniversary special for the Great Kobe earthquake in 1995. The drama will focus on the reporters in the quake area and their dedication to get information out during the aftermath of the quake.
In a way I find it rather fitting that there is someone from Johnny's attached to a drama about the Kobe quake. It was from this disaster that J-Friends was created to help raise funds to help the children effected by the quake to continue with their education. So having them be apart of something about the quake fits, IMHO.
Tokyograph article.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Kanjani8 news
Well Kanjani8's upcoming single, now confirmed to be titled 急☆上☆Show!! (Kyu☆Jo☆Show!!) is up on Johnny's net if you want to see the track listing and cdjapan if you want to pre-order it. It has three versions, a regular with four songs with karaoke tracks, while the two limited editions will only have two songs, the title song and Hitotsu no Uta on the cd. There will be two different DVDs, one for each LE, with one with the PV for Kyu☆Jo☆Show!! and the other will have a PV for Hitotsu no Uta.
Also it looks like Ryo won't be the only member of the group that will be effected by the flu this year. It has been reported that currently Yasuda Shota has the flu and has gone home to recover. As he's in the upcoming fall drama, ROMES, he has and will miss some days of filming as he recovers. Thankfully the drama has yet to begin broadcasting so there doesn't look like it will have to be delayed, unlike Orthos no Inu was when Ryo fell ill.
Tokyo Graph article.
And then in the winter drama rumor mill, and something slightly less Kanjani8 focused, 2ch is reporting that Hidarime Tantei EYE is slated to become a weekly drama. Of course at this time it's safe to just say this is a rumor, but for the fall season 2ch was pretty much spot on about the dramas, so there is a chance they could very well be right about this. Now let's hope if this does come about they will give us more scenes of Yamada and Yokoyama together, as I loved seeing them act as brothers and want to see more of that, which a continuation could easily do. That and we can finally get a new Hey! Say! JUMP single out of it too.
Also it looks like Ryo won't be the only member of the group that will be effected by the flu this year. It has been reported that currently Yasuda Shota has the flu and has gone home to recover. As he's in the upcoming fall drama, ROMES, he has and will miss some days of filming as he recovers. Thankfully the drama has yet to begin broadcasting so there doesn't look like it will have to be delayed, unlike Orthos no Inu was when Ryo fell ill.
Tokyo Graph article.
And then in the winter drama rumor mill, and something slightly less Kanjani8 focused, 2ch is reporting that Hidarime Tantei EYE is slated to become a weekly drama. Of course at this time it's safe to just say this is a rumor, but for the fall season 2ch was pretty much spot on about the dramas, so there is a chance they could very well be right about this. Now let's hope if this does come about they will give us more scenes of Yamada and Yokoyama together, as I loved seeing them act as brothers and want to see more of that, which a continuation could easily do. That and we can finally get a new Hey! Say! JUMP single out of it too.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Konkatsu! First Impressions
I still have a couple of weeks before school starts up again and I figured I should catch up with my drama watching as I am so very behind. Right now my current line up is Konkatsu! and Battery, the former I've already begun watching and the latter I'll begin once done with Konkatsu! And then it'll depend with what I have finished DLing for what I'll watch next. Though hopefully I'll be on the summer dramas at least by the time school starts.
Konkatsu! is the Spring 2009 drama that starred Nakai Masahiro and was Ueda Tatsuya's drama debut as he played Nakai's character's younger brother.
I've found Konkatsu! rather interesting for the fact that it addresses an issue in Japan that probably a lot of people outside the country don't realize even exists. The heart of this issue is the shrinking population of Japan, especially that of the youth, which is the smallest percentage of the Japanese population. To fix this issue the Japanese government has tried many programs to get young people to marry and have children with a small amount of success but really not enough to turn the situation around. Konkatsu! focuses on showing the process of 'marriage hunting' and IMHO rather simplifies the issue, but I also think expecting much more from a drama would be asking too much.
I like Nakai and so far have found him fun to watch in this series. He plays his hapless hero character, Amamiya Kuniyuki, well and plays off well with the other actors, which is a plus for the comedy of the series. The story keeps focus on him for the most part so if you don't like Nakai for some reason then I doubt you'd enjoy the series much at all.
While Ueda doesn't show up much, but at least he seems to get a little screen time for each episode, I know I'm happy to see him. I don't think I've seen nearly enough to judge his acting yet but so far he fills his role nicely, as minor as it seems, and he's nice to look at too. (laugh)
The other characters so far I like as well. There's a few I really like and the others I have no real opinion of. There is also supposed to be a lot of female guest actors for this series, though I don't know many Japanese actresses so I'm not really interested in seeing any of them, but thankfully they seem to be worked into the plot well so their appearences aren't abrupt.
Storywise the first couple of episodes are still mainly setting things up. We get introduced to Kuniyuki, his family, friends and co-workers all rather quickly, but each introduction comes with a name caption to help people remember the name and face.
And for every episode there is an event shown that is one of the typical activities at the actual marriage hunting events in Japan, like the first episode shows off the 'speed dating' where men and women hold quick introductions and conversations with each other before switching partners. By the end of the event those most interested in hearing more from someone are allowed to find that person and see if they will be able to hit it off or not.
It's not the most engaging of stories so far, but I like the characters so far and I think it holds some promise so I'll continue to watch.
Konkatsu! is the Spring 2009 drama that starred Nakai Masahiro and was Ueda Tatsuya's drama debut as he played Nakai's character's younger brother.
I've found Konkatsu! rather interesting for the fact that it addresses an issue in Japan that probably a lot of people outside the country don't realize even exists. The heart of this issue is the shrinking population of Japan, especially that of the youth, which is the smallest percentage of the Japanese population. To fix this issue the Japanese government has tried many programs to get young people to marry and have children with a small amount of success but really not enough to turn the situation around. Konkatsu! focuses on showing the process of 'marriage hunting' and IMHO rather simplifies the issue, but I also think expecting much more from a drama would be asking too much.
I like Nakai and so far have found him fun to watch in this series. He plays his hapless hero character, Amamiya Kuniyuki, well and plays off well with the other actors, which is a plus for the comedy of the series. The story keeps focus on him for the most part so if you don't like Nakai for some reason then I doubt you'd enjoy the series much at all.
While Ueda doesn't show up much, but at least he seems to get a little screen time for each episode, I know I'm happy to see him. I don't think I've seen nearly enough to judge his acting yet but so far he fills his role nicely, as minor as it seems, and he's nice to look at too. (laugh)
The other characters so far I like as well. There's a few I really like and the others I have no real opinion of. There is also supposed to be a lot of female guest actors for this series, though I don't know many Japanese actresses so I'm not really interested in seeing any of them, but thankfully they seem to be worked into the plot well so their appearences aren't abrupt.
Storywise the first couple of episodes are still mainly setting things up. We get introduced to Kuniyuki, his family, friends and co-workers all rather quickly, but each introduction comes with a name caption to help people remember the name and face.
And for every episode there is an event shown that is one of the typical activities at the actual marriage hunting events in Japan, like the first episode shows off the 'speed dating' where men and women hold quick introductions and conversations with each other before switching partners. By the end of the event those most interested in hearing more from someone are allowed to find that person and see if they will be able to hit it off or not.
It's not the most engaging of stories so far, but I like the characters so far and I think it holds some promise so I'll continue to watch.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Some news updates
Sorry for the inactivity the past couple of days. Made last minute plans to visit friends before I returned to Japan. Today is my last full day home before I begin my trip home which will get me back in Japan on Thursday. But before I go I know I need to get around to finishing some things up here first, which includes catching up with the recent Johnny's related news.
First off it looks like Matsumoto Jun will be returning to the small screen as he is one of the actors listed to be a part of a special Fuji TV drama that is being made to celebrate the TV station's 50th anniversary. The drama will air over three nights in the spring of 2010 and MatsuJun will play one of 5 siblings in the drama, which is set in the 1940's-1960's.
Tokyograph article. (English)
Ikuta Toma has been announced to be starring in another movie, Seaside Motel, which will be released in theaters in Japan sometime in 2010. The movie is based off a manga series by the same name and began filming last month in August.
Tokyograph article. (English)
And some different kind of news, it was announced that Inohara Yoshihiko (V6) and his wife, actress Seto Asaka, are expecting their first child. Asaka has been four and a half months pregnant and has begun to slow down her work schedule in preperation for the upcoming birth, which is being reported should be in March of 2010.
Tokyograph article. (English)
First off it looks like Matsumoto Jun will be returning to the small screen as he is one of the actors listed to be a part of a special Fuji TV drama that is being made to celebrate the TV station's 50th anniversary. The drama will air over three nights in the spring of 2010 and MatsuJun will play one of 5 siblings in the drama, which is set in the 1940's-1960's.
Tokyograph article. (English)
Ikuta Toma has been announced to be starring in another movie, Seaside Motel, which will be released in theaters in Japan sometime in 2010. The movie is based off a manga series by the same name and began filming last month in August.
Tokyograph article. (English)
And some different kind of news, it was announced that Inohara Yoshihiko (V6) and his wife, actress Seto Asaka, are expecting their first child. Asaka has been four and a half months pregnant and has begun to slow down her work schedule in preperation for the upcoming birth, which is being reported should be in March of 2010.
Tokyograph article. (English)
Friday, September 4, 2009
Johnny's mini-drama, 0 Goushitsu no Kyaku
For six months various Johnny's will be starring in episodes of a late night mini-drama, titled 0 Goushitsu no Kyaku (Guests of Room Number 0), which will all be narrated by Kanjani8's Yokoyama Yu. Each episode will only be 15 minutes long and each story will be told over a month, so about 3 to 4 episodes per story.
The Johnny's that will be starring in the stories are, Ohno Satoshi, Maruyama Ryuhei and Yasuda Shota, Kato Shigeaki, Murakami Shingo, Koyama Keiichiro and Joshima Shigeru, in that order. The drama will air on Fuji TV beginning on October 23rd.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
Now this is a drama I feel truly excited about. I mean as a general Johnny's fan there's little else I could ask for from a drama, than perhaps it to run for longer so more Johnny's could have a role in it. XD
The Johnny's that will be starring in the stories are, Ohno Satoshi, Maruyama Ryuhei and Yasuda Shota, Kato Shigeaki, Murakami Shingo, Koyama Keiichiro and Joshima Shigeru, in that order. The drama will air on Fuji TV beginning on October 23rd.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
Now this is a drama I feel truly excited about. I mean as a general Johnny's fan there's little else I could ask for from a drama, than perhaps it to run for longer so more Johnny's could have a role in it. XD
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
NEWS news
I'm sure most people have heard already but Nishikido Ryo and Yamashita Tomohisa have been diagnosed with the flu. So far it hasn't been linked to the swine flu but in any case both of them will be taking time off to recover. So far the only thing known that will be affected by this might be the next episode of Orthos no Inu that Ryo had not finished filming all the scenes for.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
While it can't be fun to be sick with the flu, something I've had first hand experience with earlier this year, I'm sure the boys will be fine and perhaps they can find some enjoyment in being able to take time off of their busy schedules. Though hopefully the other group members make sure they get enough rest so they don't catch it as well, as well as anoyone else who was around them.
Also there is talk of the airdates and times for the two drama specials that are airing in the fall season. The first is the special that Kato Shigeaki is starring in, Chichi yo, Anata wa Erakatta, which is being reported scheduled to air on September 24th. Dareka ga Uso wo Tsuiteiru, the drama Tegoshi Yuya will be in will air on October 3rd.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
While it can't be fun to be sick with the flu, something I've had first hand experience with earlier this year, I'm sure the boys will be fine and perhaps they can find some enjoyment in being able to take time off of their busy schedules. Though hopefully the other group members make sure they get enough rest so they don't catch it as well, as well as anoyone else who was around them.
Also there is talk of the airdates and times for the two drama specials that are airing in the fall season. The first is the special that Kato Shigeaki is starring in, Chichi yo, Anata wa Erakatta, which is being reported scheduled to air on September 24th. Dareka ga Uso wo Tsuiteiru, the drama Tegoshi Yuya will be in will air on October 3rd.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Quick drama update
First off another Aiba Masaki will be getting a Johnny's for a supporting role in his upcoming drama, My Girl, Murakami Shingo from Kanjani8. Shingo's character is an original character for the drama series, which is an adaption of a manga series of the same name. The drama is slated to begin October 9th.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
Yamada Ryosuke will be returning to the small screen again in yet another detective role. The drama is a special and is called Hidarime Tantei EYE. It will add supernatural elements into the story so it's not exactly like the other detective roles he has done before, though I expect there will be a lot of brooding looks from him as there usually is. I really wish they would give him a role where he can just be goofy and silly, as there's not enough of that IMHO. But back to the actually news for this drama. Yokoyama Yu will have a small role in the SP too, as Ryosuke's older brother.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
And I will confess I am a bit excited over this drama SP, because I'm hoping there will be an end theme that Hey! Say! JUMP get to sing. Because I really want to hear a new song from them, especially if it can end up helping promote a new single or album.
Also cdjapan has listed DVD releases of the special dramas various Johnny's have starred in for the NTV 24hr program. The earliest release is for 2003, the year Nagase Tomoya was the star, and according to cdjapan's listing it had been released on VHS before. Then it jumps to 2006 for Kamenashi Kazuya's turn followed by Takizawa Hideaki in 2007, Matsumoto Jun in 2008 and of course Niskikido Ryo (featuring Yamada Ryosuke) in 2009.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
Yamada Ryosuke will be returning to the small screen again in yet another detective role. The drama is a special and is called Hidarime Tantei EYE. It will add supernatural elements into the story so it's not exactly like the other detective roles he has done before, though I expect there will be a lot of brooding looks from him as there usually is. I really wish they would give him a role where he can just be goofy and silly, as there's not enough of that IMHO. But back to the actually news for this drama. Yokoyama Yu will have a small role in the SP too, as Ryosuke's older brother.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
And I will confess I am a bit excited over this drama SP, because I'm hoping there will be an end theme that Hey! Say! JUMP get to sing. Because I really want to hear a new song from them, especially if it can end up helping promote a new single or album.
Also cdjapan has listed DVD releases of the special dramas various Johnny's have starred in for the NTV 24hr program. The earliest release is for 2003, the year Nagase Tomoya was the star, and according to cdjapan's listing it had been released on VHS before. Then it jumps to 2006 for Kamenashi Kazuya's turn followed by Takizawa Hideaki in 2007, Matsumoto Jun in 2008 and of course Niskikido Ryo (featuring Yamada Ryosuke) in 2009.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
24hr T-shirt & a couple of small news updates
Wanted to get this stuff out of the way before I begin typing up my concert report.
Since I was in the area I found the store that sold the 24hr T-shirts yesterday while waiting for the concert to begin. The place is in the Tokyo Station itself and is an official store for Nippon TV so there also a lot other official goods for the other programs the station has, like Gokusen. I also got a free uchiwa and phone strap when I got my T-shirt, and the uchiwa was a life saver as it was needed for dealing with the heat while standing in line for the concert.
Now for some news. Morimoto Shintarou will be in an upcoming drama SP. The drama is the big comeback for actress Shinohara Ryoko, who will star in the SP, after taking a year and a half for the birth of her first child.
Tokyograph article. (English)
In other news, J-pop artist Crystal Kay has updated her official website about her upcoming Best of album to celebrate her 10th anniversary that comes out on September 2nd. On it there are four special collaboration tracks and it has been announced that the fourth track will be a collaboration with KAT-TUN's Akanishi Jin. The song is called Helpless Night, and I personally hope it's as good as Wonder. That and I hope that Wonder will eventually get a cd release, like a B-side or album track on a KAT-TUN release someday, as it's a great song, which is why I have hope that Helpless Night will be great too.
Crystal Kay's Official Website What's New section. (Japanese)
Since I was in the area I found the store that sold the 24hr T-shirts yesterday while waiting for the concert to begin. The place is in the Tokyo Station itself and is an official store for Nippon TV so there also a lot other official goods for the other programs the station has, like Gokusen. I also got a free uchiwa and phone strap when I got my T-shirt, and the uchiwa was a life saver as it was needed for dealing with the heat while standing in line for the concert.
Now for some news. Morimoto Shintarou will be in an upcoming drama SP. The drama is the big comeback for actress Shinohara Ryoko, who will star in the SP, after taking a year and a half for the birth of her first child.
Tokyograph article. (English)
In other news, J-pop artist Crystal Kay has updated her official website about her upcoming Best of album to celebrate her 10th anniversary that comes out on September 2nd. On it there are four special collaboration tracks and it has been announced that the fourth track will be a collaboration with KAT-TUN's Akanishi Jin. The song is called Helpless Night, and I personally hope it's as good as Wonder. That and I hope that Wonder will eventually get a cd release, like a B-side or album track on a KAT-TUN release someday, as it's a great song, which is why I have hope that Helpless Night will be great too.
Crystal Kay's Official Website What's New section. (Japanese)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Upcoming drama news for Fall 2009
Catching up on some of the Johnny's related news. There have been two dramas announced for the Fall 2009 season that will be starring Johnny's talent.
The first is My Girl, which is based off a manga series of the same name, that will star Arashi's Aiba Masaki. This is Aiba's first time in a starring role for a drama and the first drama he's been in since 2003. It will broadcast on TV Asahi beginning some time in October.
Tokyograph article. (English)
Next up Kanjani8's Okura Tadayoshi will get to star in a drama for the first time as well. His drama is called ROMES: Kuukou Bougyo System and will air on NHK beginning on October 15th. Okura will be joined by fellow Kanjani8 member, Yasuda Shota, as part of the cast.
Tokyograph article. (English)
Even though there is no news about the theme songs for these dramas I'm personally going to bet that they will end up being done by the groups the members in the dramas are a part of. Though I do think there is a chance of me being wrong with Aiba's drama, as I'm not sure if Johnny's wants to release another Arashi single so close to the single collection release, but with how they've been releasing Arashi singles recently I wouldn't be surprised if they did so anyway. But I'm most certain of Kanjani8 doing the theme song for ROMES. I mean they have two members in the drama and it's been a while since the last Kanjani8 release so it would be a fitting time to release something new. Either way it'll probably be a bit of a wait to get close to when such things are announced, so it's just speculation on my part.
The first is My Girl, which is based off a manga series of the same name, that will star Arashi's Aiba Masaki. This is Aiba's first time in a starring role for a drama and the first drama he's been in since 2003. It will broadcast on TV Asahi beginning some time in October.
Tokyograph article. (English)
Next up Kanjani8's Okura Tadayoshi will get to star in a drama for the first time as well. His drama is called ROMES: Kuukou Bougyo System and will air on NHK beginning on October 15th. Okura will be joined by fellow Kanjani8 member, Yasuda Shota, as part of the cast.
Tokyograph article. (English)
Even though there is no news about the theme songs for these dramas I'm personally going to bet that they will end up being done by the groups the members in the dramas are a part of. Though I do think there is a chance of me being wrong with Aiba's drama, as I'm not sure if Johnny's wants to release another Arashi single so close to the single collection release, but with how they've been releasing Arashi singles recently I wouldn't be surprised if they did so anyway. But I'm most certain of Kanjani8 doing the theme song for ROMES. I mean they have two members in the drama and it's been a while since the last Kanjani8 release so it would be a fitting time to release something new. Either way it'll probably be a bit of a wait to get close to when such things are announced, so it's just speculation on my part.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Engine final impressions
I know I started this many months ago but I finally got around to watching the final episode this past week. And I'm glad I did.
Even though it had been some time since I watched the rest of the series it didn't take long to get right back into the story. I could still remember who everyone was and what was going on, which to me is one of the proofs of a good drama, that it's memorable.
The final episode really brought everything together nicely and showed how each character had changed through the course of the series. And I love how they worked in a cameo for Masahiko Kondo.
I really enjoyed this drama and it makes me want to see other Kimura Takuya dramas. Though I have heard that one of his detractors is that he plays all his roles the same way, so if this is true than I probably will only them sporadically. The other members of the cast were great to watch, and it seems so strange to see Arioka Daiki and Nakajima Yuto so young. And it makes me want to see them in more dramas.
It didn't exactly end the way I imagined it would, and I like that. Especially as it was still a rather satisfying ending to this series. The only thing I would have liked to have seen is another episode, as long epilogue, but there's no helping that.
But if you're like me and want to try out a KimuTaku drama, as he's such a big name for dramas, then I definitely would recommend trying out Engine. Especially if you're a Hey! Say! JUMP fan as you get to see two of the group's members in their younger days.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
SMAP new single Sotto Kyutto, Tokio's 2009 tour and other ramblings
Well today I decided to go in and pick up the new Arashi single, as it won't be included in the upcoming best of album. When I got to the store I bought my copy for I was surprised to see at the new single stand an announcement for a new SMAP single to be released on August 26.
When I came back home I found some more information on SMAP's official website that does announce the single release. It's titled Sotto Kyutto and will be the theme song for Kusanagi Tsuyoshi's drama Ninkyo Helper. Since the drama begins next Thrusday that's probably when it'll be heard for the first time.
SMAP's official page with the announcement. (Japanese only)
Also today's Johnny's net update is to announce that Tokio will be having a 2009 tour in late September and early October. They're only sceduled for three cities, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. I think I just might try to go to a Tokyo show, as Tokio has my Johnny's crushes in it, Masuoka Masahiro and Nagase Tomoya. ♥ ♥
I'd also like to take the time to note that I found a magazine with the furigana for Yabu Kota's character in Ninkyo Helper. This is great as I couldn't figure out how it should be read, and apparently was using a different reading for the last name than that being used. So for those interested, Yabu's character is named Takayama Mikiya.
And talking about theme songs, the D-Addicts wiki has it down that Takizawa Hideaki will be doing the theme song for Orthos no Inu and Tokio will be doing the theme song for Nagase Tomoya's drama, Karei Naru Spy. There is no source to back the information up, but at the same time it seems rather likely. And with Tokio having a theme song, and unless Johnny's just wants to be weird, a new single, it will leave Hey! Say! JUMP as the only active Johnny's group that has yet to release a cd this year. I hope Johnny's is trying to figure out a way to fix this, as the members of the group are getting more exposure with drama roles. And there's just my two cents on this issue again.
Also I picked up four magazines today, two TV related ones (for the summer drama previews), Only Star (it has pictures from the Junior concert) and one movie magazine (for the Gokusen articles). I really wish I had a scanner to share the Johnny's related pages, but I've decided to do the next best thing and took photos, as they're finally putting out photos of the cast members as their characters. I'll make making posts later today with the photos.
When I came back home I found some more information on SMAP's official website that does announce the single release. It's titled Sotto Kyutto and will be the theme song for Kusanagi Tsuyoshi's drama Ninkyo Helper. Since the drama begins next Thrusday that's probably when it'll be heard for the first time.
SMAP's official page with the announcement. (Japanese only)
Also today's Johnny's net update is to announce that Tokio will be having a 2009 tour in late September and early October. They're only sceduled for three cities, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. I think I just might try to go to a Tokyo show, as Tokio has my Johnny's crushes in it, Masuoka Masahiro and Nagase Tomoya. ♥ ♥
I'd also like to take the time to note that I found a magazine with the furigana for Yabu Kota's character in Ninkyo Helper. This is great as I couldn't figure out how it should be read, and apparently was using a different reading for the last name than that being used. So for those interested, Yabu's character is named Takayama Mikiya.
And talking about theme songs, the D-Addicts wiki has it down that Takizawa Hideaki will be doing the theme song for Orthos no Inu and Tokio will be doing the theme song for Nagase Tomoya's drama, Karei Naru Spy. There is no source to back the information up, but at the same time it seems rather likely. And with Tokio having a theme song, and unless Johnny's just wants to be weird, a new single, it will leave Hey! Say! JUMP as the only active Johnny's group that has yet to release a cd this year. I hope Johnny's is trying to figure out a way to fix this, as the members of the group are getting more exposure with drama roles. And there's just my two cents on this issue again.
Also I picked up four magazines today, two TV related ones (for the summer drama previews), Only Star (it has pictures from the Junior concert) and one movie magazine (for the Gokusen articles). I really wish I had a scanner to share the Johnny's related pages, but I've decided to do the next best thing and took photos, as they're finally putting out photos of the cast members as their characters. I'll make making posts later today with the photos.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Uta no Onii-san final impressions
Ok, I've put off finishing this drama for a while because I was just too busy with other things and I kept forgetting about it. But over the weekend I finished off the final episode so I just need to finish Engine (I only have the final episode of that to watch), and I'll be ready to start back up with new dramas. But on to the final Uta no Onii-san review.
While only eight episodes may seem short for a drama, it seemed to be too much for this drama. While I liked the first half the second just seemed to rehash the same thing over and over again. And characters that learned the lesson of the day returned to the next episode pretty much the same before. And while I don't mind repetitiveness, I would like to feel that the story to leading to something, but Uta no Onii-chan seemed to have gotten to the point of its story within the first couple of episodes.
The costumes were amusing and the guest spot with Sakurai Sho was fun to watch. A pity he was only there for one scene though. But on reflection for the full series it started out fine and carried on alright for a while before it's failings just became harder and harder to ignore and/or forgive.
I think the problem with Uta no Onii-chan was that it took itself too seriously at times with the, no matter what you do as long as you do it with pride it's good, message. I really think it should have just tried to be more fun and not throw a message like that in the audience's faces so much. And even though I didn't really enjoy the sub-plot with Yano's ex-band mates, it seemed rather necessary to have it, as it helped lenghten the series. Because honestly near the end I was thinking this would have done better as a special rather than a series.
I did like most of the actors though, which is probably the reason I chose to stick with it to the end, even though the last few episodes felt like they were dragging. I wouldn't mind seeing more of certain cast members, Ohno especially, in other dramas to see what they can do with a better series.
I guess though if you're just looking for something fun to watch where you don't have to think too much, Uta no Onii-san is good for that. It does start out rather well but it just doesn't really go anywhere after that.
While only eight episodes may seem short for a drama, it seemed to be too much for this drama. While I liked the first half the second just seemed to rehash the same thing over and over again. And characters that learned the lesson of the day returned to the next episode pretty much the same before. And while I don't mind repetitiveness, I would like to feel that the story to leading to something, but Uta no Onii-chan seemed to have gotten to the point of its story within the first couple of episodes.
The costumes were amusing and the guest spot with Sakurai Sho was fun to watch. A pity he was only there for one scene though. But on reflection for the full series it started out fine and carried on alright for a while before it's failings just became harder and harder to ignore and/or forgive.
I think the problem with Uta no Onii-chan was that it took itself too seriously at times with the, no matter what you do as long as you do it with pride it's good, message. I really think it should have just tried to be more fun and not throw a message like that in the audience's faces so much. And even though I didn't really enjoy the sub-plot with Yano's ex-band mates, it seemed rather necessary to have it, as it helped lenghten the series. Because honestly near the end I was thinking this would have done better as a special rather than a series.
I did like most of the actors though, which is probably the reason I chose to stick with it to the end, even though the last few episodes felt like they were dragging. I wouldn't mind seeing more of certain cast members, Ohno especially, in other dramas to see what they can do with a better series.
I guess though if you're just looking for something fun to watch where you don't have to think too much, Uta no Onii-san is good for that. It does start out rather well but it just doesn't really go anywhere after that.
Friday, June 26, 2009
My Summer Drama Early Look
Today I picked up the recently released issue of TV Life as it has early looks at a lot of the upcoming summer dramas. There's a lot of Koishite Akuma coverage in this issue but other dramas, especially the ones with Johnny's didn't get completely short changed either.
I am a bit disappointed that only Nakayama Yuma, Morimoto Shintarou, Kondo Masahiko and Kato Rosa are really the only cast members that are in the photo shoots. But that's probably my bias for Nakajima Kento at work there. I still don't think the drama will be anything special, but I'm willing to give it a shot, and it'll give me something to do with my free time during the summer.
One of the dramas I'm looking forward to is Ninkyo Helper, starring Kusanagi Tsuyoshi. I've always liked the yakuza comedy series, and I'm curious to see Yabu Kota in a drama. Especially since is seems his character, Yozan, is a bit of a player.
Then there's Orthros no Inu which holds the place as most anticipated drama for summer for me. There looks to be a lot of mysteries and events that connect everyone, as it has one of the most complicated character charts in the magazine. And then there's the fact that it has Nishikido Ryo, whom I've come to like as an actor from Ryuusei no Kizuna. And of course Yaotome Hikaru has a role, and I really want to see how he does acting. From the little blurb in TV Life, Hikaru's character, Kumakiri Masaru, is a suspect in a drug related murder and is the son of one of the men connected to Takizawa Hideaki's character, Ryuzaki Shinji. So he definately hasn't been given an easy role to play.
I was also really excited to see some coverage on, and it looks like there will be even more with the next issue of TV Life, is Nagase Tomoya's drama, Karei Naru Spy. Which does indeed mean it's finally been given a name, which I believe translates to Becoming a Magnificent Spy. And it has Nagase in a dorky suit and shows the shoe phone, which looks pretty much just like the shoe phone from Get Smart. I really can't wait for this drama to air, as it looks like it'll be a lot of fun. And from the preview for the next issue it will be getting a good deal of coverage in that.
I can't remember the last time I tried to follow so many dramas in one season. Hopefully none of them give me a reason to drop them part way through.
I am a bit disappointed that only Nakayama Yuma, Morimoto Shintarou, Kondo Masahiko and Kato Rosa are really the only cast members that are in the photo shoots. But that's probably my bias for Nakajima Kento at work there. I still don't think the drama will be anything special, but I'm willing to give it a shot, and it'll give me something to do with my free time during the summer.
One of the dramas I'm looking forward to is Ninkyo Helper, starring Kusanagi Tsuyoshi. I've always liked the yakuza comedy series, and I'm curious to see Yabu Kota in a drama. Especially since is seems his character, Yozan, is a bit of a player.
Then there's Orthros no Inu which holds the place as most anticipated drama for summer for me. There looks to be a lot of mysteries and events that connect everyone, as it has one of the most complicated character charts in the magazine. And then there's the fact that it has Nishikido Ryo, whom I've come to like as an actor from Ryuusei no Kizuna. And of course Yaotome Hikaru has a role, and I really want to see how he does acting. From the little blurb in TV Life, Hikaru's character, Kumakiri Masaru, is a suspect in a drug related murder and is the son of one of the men connected to Takizawa Hideaki's character, Ryuzaki Shinji. So he definately hasn't been given an easy role to play.
I was also really excited to see some coverage on, and it looks like there will be even more with the next issue of TV Life, is Nagase Tomoya's drama, Karei Naru Spy. Which does indeed mean it's finally been given a name, which I believe translates to Becoming a Magnificent Spy. And it has Nagase in a dorky suit and shows the shoe phone, which looks pretty much just like the shoe phone from Get Smart. I really can't wait for this drama to air, as it looks like it'll be a lot of fun. And from the preview for the next issue it will be getting a good deal of coverage in that.
I can't remember the last time I tried to follow so many dramas in one season. Hopefully none of them give me a reason to drop them part way through.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Matsuoka Masahiro to reprise role in third Shin Oishinbo SP, plus some drama ramblings
It has been announced that there will be a new SP for the Shin Oishinbo series, which Matsuoka Masahiro has starred in. He will once reprise his role as the lead character, Yamaoka Shiro. As the series revolves around food the theme for this SP will be beef.
Tokyo Graph article (English)
With all the recent drama news it has reminded me that there are a couple of series I need to finish up before I can move on to other dramas I have on my list to watch. And the list has been getting much longer with the summer drama season approaching.
Then there's also the fact that before seeing the Gokusen movie I want to rewatch all of that series. So I'll probably just finish the two dramas I need to finish and move on to Gokusen and maybe watch The Quiz Show 2 and/or Battery on the side, and hope I can quickly get through all of it in time for the new drama season.
Tokyo Graph article (English)
With all the recent drama news it has reminded me that there are a couple of series I need to finish up before I can move on to other dramas I have on my list to watch. And the list has been getting much longer with the summer drama season approaching.
Then there's also the fact that before seeing the Gokusen movie I want to rewatch all of that series. So I'll probably just finish the two dramas I need to finish and move on to Gokusen and maybe watch The Quiz Show 2 and/or Battery on the side, and hope I can quickly get through all of it in time for the new drama season.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Various Johnny's Related News
Here's the second post of the day. Just a few bits of news that I have let collect, as I've had other things I wanted to blog about.
First off is some SMAP related news. Katori Shingo will be doing more than just playing the character Kankichi Ryotsu in the upcoming Kochikame drama. He will also be lending a had to the police in Japan by appearing in posters and making public appearences as the character in a summer campaign to help prevent traffic accidents involving children.
Tokyo Graph article (English)
Also a couple other bits of drama related news the theme songs for Yamashita Tomohisa's upcoming drama, Buzzer Beat, and the upcoming Gokusen movie have been announced. Neither are going to be done by any Johnny's though. B'z (whose guitarist Tak Matsumoto wrote the music for KAT-TUN's Real Face), will be doing the theme song for Buzzer Beat. And Aqua Timez, the group that did the outro theme for the Gokusen 3 TV series will have a new song for the outro theme of the movie.
Tokyo Graph article (English)
Tokyo Graph article (English)
First off is some SMAP related news. Katori Shingo will be doing more than just playing the character Kankichi Ryotsu in the upcoming Kochikame drama. He will also be lending a had to the police in Japan by appearing in posters and making public appearences as the character in a summer campaign to help prevent traffic accidents involving children.
Tokyo Graph article (English)
Also a couple other bits of drama related news the theme songs for Yamashita Tomohisa's upcoming drama, Buzzer Beat, and the upcoming Gokusen movie have been announced. Neither are going to be done by any Johnny's though. B'z (whose guitarist Tak Matsumoto wrote the music for KAT-TUN's Real Face), will be doing the theme song for Buzzer Beat. And Aqua Timez, the group that did the outro theme for the Gokusen 3 TV series will have a new song for the outro theme of the movie.
Tokyo Graph article (English)
Tokyo Graph article (English)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Yabu to join cast of Kusanagi's new drama, plus Hey! Say! 7 returns to Minna no Uta
It has been announced that Yabu Kota will be joining the cast of Kusanagi Tsuyoshi's upcoming summer drama. In the drama Kusanagi's character is a yakuza boss and under directions of the higher up of the organization must work at a nursing organization for training. Yabu will play one of Kusanagi's underlings. (At this I can't help but get flashbacks to Koki's character from My Boss, My Hero.)
Daily Sports article. (Japanese only)
Even though I'm not a big fan of Yabu, I can't deny that I'm really happy for him. In fact I would have been happy for any of the Hey! Say! BEST boys to get a drama role at this point, since post-debut only two of the five have gotten drama roles. I hope this means that BEST will finally get more chances to do things, since unlike the Hey! Say! 7 members school and work restrictions aren't really a problem for most of them, so they can be doing a lot more than they have been.
And according to Johnny's net Hey! Say! 7 will once again have Salsa Ii na Ii ne played on the five minute program, Minna no Uta. It will air in June and July.
I'm hoping that with Salsa Ii na Ii ne getting back on air it means that just maybe Johnny's is getting ready to release something for Hey! Say! JUMP. I say this because if they plan on giving the song a cd release then it would be best to release the cd will the song is being aired for promotion. I really hope I'm right with this, and that this will be the start of Johnny's getting HSJ releases back on track.
Daily Sports article. (Japanese only)
Even though I'm not a big fan of Yabu, I can't deny that I'm really happy for him. In fact I would have been happy for any of the Hey! Say! BEST boys to get a drama role at this point, since post-debut only two of the five have gotten drama roles. I hope this means that BEST will finally get more chances to do things, since unlike the Hey! Say! 7 members school and work restrictions aren't really a problem for most of them, so they can be doing a lot more than they have been.
And according to Johnny's net Hey! Say! 7 will once again have Salsa Ii na Ii ne played on the five minute program, Minna no Uta. It will air in June and July.
I'm hoping that with Salsa Ii na Ii ne getting back on air it means that just maybe Johnny's is getting ready to release something for Hey! Say! JUMP. I say this because if they plan on giving the song a cd release then it would be best to release the cd will the song is being aired for promotion. I really hope I'm right with this, and that this will be the start of Johnny's getting HSJ releases back on track.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Shingo Katori to star in Kochikame drama, & some other drama news bits
The long running Shounen Jump manga, Kochikame, is being made into a drama and Katori Shingo from SMAP is set to star. The manga follows the life of a bunbling police officer, Kankichi Ryotsu. The manga has run for about 33 years now with 164 volumes of the manga published so far.
Anime News Network article. (English)
More cast for the Gokusen movie has been announced, but no more Johnny's are returning. A bit sad, though we all knew at least Jin's character wasn't coming back already.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
And Nagase's still untitled new drama has had the lead female actress announced, actress and model, Anne. Her character will be the 'Bond' girl of the series to go alone with the super spy plot of the series.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
Anime News Network article. (English)
More cast for the Gokusen movie has been announced, but no more Johnny's are returning. A bit sad, though we all knew at least Jin's character wasn't coming back already.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
And Nagase's still untitled new drama has had the lead female actress announced, actress and model, Anne. Her character will be the 'Bond' girl of the series to go alone with the super spy plot of the series.
Tokyo Graph article. (English)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Yamapi drama confirmed, Nagase drama and Tegomass concert cancellation
That drama rumor about Yamapi has been confirmed, so he will be starring in an upcoming summer drama, titled Match Point. The summary out so far mentions that the story will revolve around 'love, friendship and basketball'.
I can't find an online news article for it, but over on the LJ news_jpop community there is a scan from the magazine snippet that announces this drama.
Also coming in the summer is a new Nagase Tomoya drama. Nagase gets to play a superspy in a comedy drama that is still currently untitled, that will air on NTV. Nagase's character was originally a swindler that was imprisoned and the government decided to use his skills to good use and made him a spy.
From the synopsis given it sounds a bit more Get Smart than James Bond, especially since he will a shoe phone, which is fine with me as I love Get Smart. I also love seeing Nagase doing comedic roles so this drama is a must see for me. Also it boasts guests for every episode so I'm curious how many other Johnny's will get to be in this.
Tokyo Graph article (English)
Also, it seems with the outbreak of Swine Flu in Japan the Tegomass concert in Stockholm has been canceled. Most likely to make sure the virus isn't brought over to Europe, which is a part of the world currently untouched by the epidemic.
Official announcement (Swedish/English)
I can't find an online news article for it, but over on the LJ news_jpop community there is a scan from the magazine snippet that announces this drama.
Also coming in the summer is a new Nagase Tomoya drama. Nagase gets to play a superspy in a comedy drama that is still currently untitled, that will air on NTV. Nagase's character was originally a swindler that was imprisoned and the government decided to use his skills to good use and made him a spy.
From the synopsis given it sounds a bit more Get Smart than James Bond, especially since he will a shoe phone, which is fine with me as I love Get Smart. I also love seeing Nagase doing comedic roles so this drama is a must see for me. Also it boasts guests for every episode so I'm curious how many other Johnny's will get to be in this.
Tokyo Graph article (English)
Also, it seems with the outbreak of Swine Flu in Japan the Tegomass concert in Stockholm has been canceled. Most likely to make sure the virus isn't brought over to Europe, which is a part of the world currently untouched by the epidemic.
Official announcement (Swedish/English)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tegoshi in a new drama SP, plus Yamapi drama rumor
It has been announced that Tegoshi Yuya will have a role in an upcoming Fuji TV drama SP. He will play the eldest son of the main character played by actor, Mizutani Yutaka, who is starring in the drama. Tegoshi's character will be job hunting in the SP, and it's being reported one job he will be doing is that of a host. When the special will air has not been announced yet, but it will be sometime in 2009.
Fuji TV article (Japanese only)
There's also been a persistent rumor about Yamapi in an upcoming drama for the summer season, but nothing has been official confirmed about it yet.
Fuji TV article (Japanese only)
There's also been a persistent rumor about Yamapi in an upcoming drama for the summer season, but nothing has been official confirmed about it yet.
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