Author: Fiona

Sakurai Sho Talks About the Great Hanshin Earthquake

by Fiona

There’s loads of Sho-kun news today, here’s another article:

On the 11th, Arashi’s Sakurai Sho (27) appeared at the preview event for his Fuji Television special drama “Hanshin・Awaji Daishinsai Kara 15 Nen: Kobe Shimbun no Nanokakan~Hisaichi ni Ikita Kishatachi no Tatakai~” which airs on Saturday January 16th at 9:00pm. In the docudrama, employees at Kobe Shimbun must confront the crisis they are faced with during the aftermath of the earthquake. While the office building housing the newspaper suffered damages, they are determined to keep the paper running. Sakurai plays the role of a photographer who has been working at the newspaper for the past four years.

Sakurai is very grateful for the chance to play this role, “There was a sense of fear that was unearthed [from the victim’s feelings]. Afterwards, there was also the Sarin Incident that occurred. The coverage of the Sarin Incident overshadowed the earthquake, so there was a side of the earthquake disaster that was never brought to light. I’m happy for the chance to uncover [the reality of the situation].” Playing his colleague, a new photographer, Fukiishi Kazue (27) was in Nara at the time of the earthquake and recalls being awakened by the tremors. “I still remember it. When I went to where my mother and brothers were, I could feel the place shaking.”

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Note: The Great Hanshin earthquake occurred on January 17, 1995. The Subway Sarin Incident occured two months later on March 20, 1995. This act of domestic terrorism killed twelve people when sarin gas was released on the subway. (Information from wiki)

From AsianFantasics

I’m really excited about this special, really intrigued since this event had a large impact in Japan. Sho-kun’s role is perfect for him and he will be able to incorporate his own experience. Look forward to it!

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Ninomiya Kazunari – First Gantz Trailer Revealed

by Fiona

Back in October word got out that Hiroya Oku’s hyper-violent ongoing sci-fi manga “Gantz” would be entering the realm of live-action features with a two-film franchise directed by Shinsuke Sato and written by Yusuke Watanabe. Now, a 15-second teaser has hit the Web, giving fans a brief look at what the future might hold for the film series.

“Gantz” follows a cynical Tokyo college student after his apparent subway tunnel death and subsequent reanimation at the hands of a mysterious black sphere. He and others like him are gathered in an anonymous room in the city, provided with weapons and loosed on bizarre alien-kiling missions. Very few are successful.

While the teaser posted on YouTube doesn’t reveal much about the film, there’s a quick shot of stars Kazunari Ninomiya (“Letters From Iwo Jima”) and Ken’ichi Matsumaya (“Death Note”) in their black combat suits, which appear to be pretty faithful to the source material.

There’s also more conversation than alien-hunting going on, and no sign of the series’ trademark weaponry aside from the superpower-enabling suits — but it’s worth noting that this very well could be the first time the actors have appeared in costume to date.

Dark Horse Comics’ manga import, along with ADV’s anime series collections have familiarized many American fans with the story, which originally wrapped in 2004 in its native Japan. The manga is currently nearing its 30th volume.

The series of films are rumored for Spring and Winter 2011 releases in Japan. At this time there’s no word on official English or other language localizations.

From MTV

Here’s the 15 second CM:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhz5XOIwS0Y

Awesome, ne! Just the glimpse of Nino and Kenichi-kun in their suits, makes you want to see more. This is going to be one of the biggest anticipated movie!!

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Sakurai Sho Reprising Role as Olympics Caster

by Fiona

NTV announced on the 10th the list of casters that will represent the station at the Vancouver Olympics, set to start on February 12th (13th Japan time to account for the time difference).

The main caster will be Arakawa Shizuka, gold medalist at the Torino Olympic Games for figure skating. The special caster will be Arashi’s Sakurai Sho. Sakurai will be reprising his caster duties following the 2008’s Beijing Olympics. “To be able to witness such a moment in history, it will always be something I’ll hold close to heart,” recalls Sakurai. There’s lots to be enthusiastic about in Vancouver as well. “I’d like to report the ‘crystals of athletes’ thoughts’ like snow shining in the sky in Vancouver,” said Sakurai. As well, Ogiwara Tsugiharu, who competed at the 1998 Olympics Games held in Nagano, will be taking on the caster role for the third time.

From AsianFanatics

I’m so happy for him, though it’s no surprise. Sho-kun is going to quite busy with the drama filming and the newscasting, hopefully, some rest time will be available during the second half of the year. Omedetou Sho-kun!

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