Sato Takeru and Kasumi Arimura talk about love and confessions during movie PR

Actor Sato Takeru(27) and actress Kasumi Arimura(23) are in the midst of promoting for their new movie “Nanimono” which airs 15th October 2016.

Sato Takeru was all smiles in an event where only females attended. “I can’t stand it. Everyone is cute!” Kasumi Arimura said “It’s my first time attending a female-only event, it’s fresh and calming. If only we can do more girls talk.”

Considering the theme of the movie, which is about love, the audience were asked if they valued love over friendship. Sato Takeru shared his views “It can’t be compared, but a person who places importance on love would be good. Her friends would understand it.”

On the topic of confessions, Sato Takeru said “This should be something the guys initiate originally. But i’d be happy if the girls try to confess to me.”

Kasumi Arimura said “I’d be happy if the guys confess to me. But i’d probably say it myself if i want my feelings to be known.”

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Teaser for movie which also stars Suda Masaki, Nikaido Fumi, Masaki Okada. It is about college students going through the phase of job placements.

Ishihara Satomi’s fall drama “Jimi ni Sugoi” premieres at 12.9%

Actress Ishihara Satomi’s fall drama “Jimi ni Sugoi!”premiered yesterday with 12.9% ratings.

The drama is based on a novel by Miyagi Ayako. Ishihara plays Etsuko, someone who dreams of working as an editor for fashion magazines.After repeated interviews with Lassy, she finally gets employed. However she was assigned to the proofreading department. She was told that if her abilities were acknowledged, she might get transferred to her dream team.

Co-actors include Suda Masaki and Honda Tsubasa.

 

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Aragaki Yui gets into contract marriage for new Jdrama

Actress Aragaki Yui(28) and actor/singer Hoshino Gen(35) will be starring in new TBS drama “Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu” (translated as “Escaping is Embarrassing but Useful”) and it starts airing on 11th October 2016.

Adapted from a manga, Aragaki will be playing a jobless and boyfriend-less girl who gets into a contract marriage with Hoshino Gen, a serious employee who hasn’t dated in his life. Aragaki said of her role “She’s one who works hard, but in the midst of it she wants to be loved.” When asked about contract marriages, she said “It’s the freedom between 2 people. This structure exists too. It’s good i feel.”

This is Aragaki Yui’s first collaboration with Hoshino Gen. When asked about his impressions of Aragaki, Hoshino Gen said “It’s fun when we’re together. She’s a normal girl outside the studio, but a star infront of the camera.”

Aragaki got embarrassed and tried to stop him from speaking further.

It was also revealed that Hoshino Gen’s new song “Koi” will be the theme for this drama. “I wanted to make it a fun love song. It’s a song which will make you dance, so pls do!”

Other actors present were Otani Ryohei and Ishida Yuriko.

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Hoshino Gen’s new song

 

CM Kings and Queens for 1st half 2016

According to Nihon Monitor, the CM King and Queen so far in 2016 are Arashi’s Aiba Masaki(3rd year in a row) and Matsuko Deluxe.

In essence, Arashi continues to sweep the men’s category while AKB48 disappeared entirely.

Men’s category:
1. Aiba Masaki (12 CMs)
2. Sakurai Sho, Nishikori Kei, Ninomiya Kazunari (11 CMs)
3. Matsumoto Jun (10 CMs)
4. Ohno Satoshi, Matsuoka Shuzo (9 CMs)
5. Nishijima Hidetoshi, Yutaka Matsushige (8 CMs)
6. Abe Hiroshi, Oguri Shun, Ayumu Goromaru, Suda Masaki, Daigo, Tamaki Hiroshi, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Mukai Osamu, (7 CMs)

Women’s category:
1. Matsuko Deluxe (12 CMs)
2. Kasumi Arimura, Hirose Suzue, Yoshida Yo  (11 CMs)
3. Rola  (10 CMs)
4. Ueto Aya, Ayase Haruka, Kiritani Mirei, Matsuoka Mayu (9 CMs)
5. Ishihara Satomi, Kimura Fumino, Takei Emi, Yamomoto Mizuki (8 CMs)
6. Ann, Kanno Miho, Taira Yuna, Nanao, Honda Tsubasa, Miyazaki Aoi, Watanabe Naomi, Yoshida Saori (7 CMs)

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Disappearance of 48Group from the list

In the golden years of 2011, Oshima Yuko had 19 CMs, while Maeda Atsuko and Shinoda Mariko had 17. In the Top 20, more than half would come from AKB.

“CMs are also a barometer for popularity. We can see changes in the “national idol group” which is supported by a core group of fans through this ranking.” – idol magazine writer

This change could also be felt in Fuji TV’s broadcast of the 2016 Senbatsu Sousenkyo last month. The average ratings was 8.7% in Kanto region from 7pm to 9pm. Also, there were calls for TV networks to stop broadcasting and just stream on the Internet.

“AKB has failed in its generation succession. This year, people do not know anyone below the rank of Top 6 so CM offers will probably not come in. CMs are the biggest revenue for AKB, so the management would probably work their hardest to get income from other avenues. Recently, their theaters started selling limited edition photos and also replicas of the Sousenkyo trophies.”

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Artistes to lookout for in latter half 2016

Dean Fujioka
The multilingual actor rose to popularity after acting as “Godai-sama” in “Asa ga Kita”. He had zero CMs last year but clinched 6 already this year.

Atsugiri Danielson
A comedian (actually IT employee) aka American In Japan who jokes about his difficulties learning Japanese. He had 2 CMs last year, and 5 this year.

Mitsuki Takahata & Yoshine Kyoko
Both are heroines in NHK morning dramas this year. Mitsuki Takahata is currently leading “Toto Neechan” with high ratings while Yoshine Kyoko is set to takeover the same slot in October with “Beppin san”. They have 3 or 4 CMs currently.

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Sato Takeru to release 10th anniversary Photobook + DVD

Photo credits

Sato Takeru will be releasing a Photobook & DVD in commemoration of his 10th year anniversary as an actor. Titled “X(ten)”, It is set to release on 12th September 2016.

The photobook was filmed in South America – Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni. It follows his travels and a documentary movie is recorded in DVD format.

In a long interview, he reflects on his debut of 10 years, and shows a matured self after filming hits such as “Rurouni Kenshin”, “Tenno no Ryoriban” etc.

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Preorder his 2016 photobook here:

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Ishihara Satomi spotted attending Yamapi’s home party

Ishihara Satomi has been spotted visiting Yamashita Tomohisa’s apartment one night in early May.

The 2 were co-actors and lovers in last year’s Fuji TV drama “5-ji kara 9-ji made”.

Ishihara won a “Lead Actress” award and Yamashita won a “Supporting Actor” award in the 19th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix.

“Ishihara isn’t known for dating rumors with other talents usually, and the only one which was reported was a serious relationship with a cameraman. Her ideal type is the sincere kind. She likes dating indoors, so it’s hard to imagine that she’d go for popular types like Yamapi.” – acquaintance of Ishihara

Indeed Yamapi has always been spotted while on his night outs with friends. He was also reported to be in a relationship with Kitagawa Keiko and Abiru Yuu. But when did he get serious with Ishihara?

-Paragraph describes how Ishihara got attracted to Yamapi after filming the kiss scenes in last episode of 5-ji kara 9-ji made-

After the drama, Ishihara went for meals with the co-actors frequently.

“At first, 3 or 4 of them would meet, gradually it became the 2 of them. It was more of Ishihara who initiated the meetings.” -drama acquaintance

On the night when Ishihara was spotted visiting Yamapi’s house, it was also the occasion when the cast of “5-ji kara 9-ji made” were having a home party.

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Another article reports on how Yamapi is stressing over his “blank schedule” ahead, a result of his ex-manager Iljima leaving Johnny’s and leaving him now in an awkward position with the company. He grew closer to Ishihara, who has been supporting him all these while.

Bunshun spots Kamiki Ryunosuke and Sano Hinako on a date

Last year, the so called “genius child actor” Kamiki Ryunosuke(23) and actress Shida Mirai(23) were reported to be in a relationship by tabloid FRIDAY. Fast forward to May, the girl spotted visiting Kamiki’s house is now Sano Hinako.

On the 28th May, the 2 were spotted coming out from Kamiki’s house, wearing a couple look. The 2 hopped into a taxi and headed to a friend’s house in Shibuya. When they emerged the next morning, Sano headed to the convenience store while Kamiki waited outside. When questioned by reporters, Kamiki explained in a flustered manner that they were “friends”. When Sano came out of the store, she just smiled till the end. On this day too, Sano went back to Kamiki’s house.

Their agencies explained that they were good friends.
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Kamiki Ryunosuke, known for his role in Rurouni Kenshin movie

Sano Hinako, acted in Death Note 2015

Kis-My-Ft2 Fujigaya Taisuke and Takimoto Miori have broken up

Kisumai’s Fujigaya and Takimoto Miori, who did not deny their relationship when news broke in June last year, have reportedly broken up. This was mainly due to a change in management for Kis-My-Ft2 after SMAP’s disbandment saga earlier this year.

“Kis-My-Ft2 was previously managed by I, who left Johnny’s Jimusho in a bid to go independent. The new manager  told Fujigaya that relationships are NG” – showbiz pro

After the relationship news broke, it seems that staff lectured Fujigaya. Takimoto’s heart also grew cold. The final straw was K’s(new manager) directions after the SMAP saga.

“In Feb this year, K persuaded Fujigaya so they talked about ending the relationship. She also heard of complicated issues so they progressed to talk of breaking up.” – acquaintance of Takimoto

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NHK morning drama “Toto Neechan” off to a good start with 21.7% ratings

NHK morning drama “Toto Neechan” which stars actress Mitsuki Takahata(24) as female lead is off to a good start, averaging 21.7%(Kanto region) in ratings in its first week.

This is the drama taking over 156-episode “Asa ga Kita”, which ended with an average rating of 23.5%, the highest in this century. “Asa ga Kita” had slightly lower ratings of 20.3% in its first week.

“Toto neechan” is a story taking place in the showa era of high economic growth. Having lost her father, Kohashi Tsuneko(played by Mitsuki) takes on the role of leader in her family and starts a magazine with practical articles for females.

The drama theme song “Hanabata wo Kimi ni” is written by and sung by Utada Hikaru. This marks her return to music activites after 5.5 years.

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Maeda Atsuko to release drama theme song in first album

Actress Maeda Atsuko(24) will release her first album on 22nd June 2016.

This release date is the same as that of her solo debut single “Flower” 5 years ago. The theme song for her new drama “Busujima Yuriko no Sekirara Nikki” will also be included in the album.

Maeda said “This is the first album I’ve been waiting for. It’s being released on my 5th year anniversary since my solo debut so i’m happy.”

On the song “Selfish” which is theme song for her new drama, she said “I’m singing with the feelings of my character i play in the drama. It’s a song which everyone would sing in Karaoke. It’s sad and cool at the same time. Certainly the perspectives from my drama would be communicated to everyone.”

There will be other new songs included in the album.

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Tidbit: In the drama, she plays the role of a reporter who is in a relationship with 2 guys at the same time.

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Preorder her first album here:

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