Category: Artists

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!!

Possibly Related Posts:


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!

Possibly Related Posts:


Tokujo Kabachi Press Conference Held Today

by Fiona

Arashi member Sho Sakurai and actress Maki Horikita attended the press release conference for the new drama “Tokujo Kabachi/特上カバチ!!” in Tokyo a few days ago. The character played by Horikita, an administrative scrivener, is quite “S” and always torments the character of Sakurai. “It is my first challenge to a character of an aggressive career woman.” commented Horikita. “She becomes ‘S’ gradually during the hard work. She feels better when she is more dominant than others.” she said with a quick grin.

And Sakurai introduced himself with “This is Sakurai with the masochistic face”. The colleague actor Kenichi Endo commented Sakurai’s character: “Last time, Arashi appeared in a singing program, and I thought Sho-kun was going to sing. But suddenly he rapped fluently. I was shocked. Though my character in the drama is always angry (with Sho-kun), I admire him a lot.” On the other hand, Sakurai mentioned his experience with senior actors with his eyes sparkling: “I don’t have a lot of experience in playing with many seniors. I feel quite fresh with Endo-san, Katsumi Takahashi-san, and Masatoshi Nakamura-san. And I have learned a lot from them in a joyful way.”

Horikita said jokingly: “Though it is my first time to play with Sakurai-san, Tamura (Sakurai) and Misuzu (Horikita) hate each other in the drama, I try to be unlovely in the always.” “It’s totally not like this! We couldn’t stop laughing in the spot!” Sakurai explained quickly. According to the title of drama, Horikita was asked about the “Tokujo/特上”(premium) experience recently, “It’s quite not that luxury yet. I drink tea in a champagne glass. Some one sent me a set of superfine glasses, but I don’t drink alcohol in home and I don’t want to waste it…” answered Horikita.

From Music Japan Plus

I’m excited about this drama, cannot wait to see the interaction between Sho-kun and Maki-chan. They seem to be enjoying themselves on the set, who wouldn’t when Sho-kun’s around.

Possibly Related Posts: