Category: Japanese

Give the Tokujo Kabachi cast a call

by Fiona

The new dorama “Tokujo Kabachi!!” starring Sakurai Sho and Horikita Maki will try something new and unique for doramas.

Every week during the broadcast of the newest episode they will show a question that the viewers need to answer. However, this isn’t about receiving some free merchandise as a present but instead you get the chance to make a phone call to one of the actors/actresses! For the first episode on the 17th, the one lucky viewer will be able to call starring actor Sakurai Sho even though he is going to have a concert with Arashi in Nagoya on that day. This is the first time that a dorama is trying to interact with their viewers in such a direct way.

The concept is simple. During the episodes they show a question with 3 possible answers and a number you have to call in order to answer the question. They immediately process your answer and then they randomly call back one of the people who said the right answer during the 2nd half of the episode. The person calling you back will be from the cast of the dorama.

The reason for that experiment is easy to understand as well. The producer explains that they are trying to make people watch it live rather than having them record the dorama like many people do these days. They offered this concept to all of the stations and it will be interesting to see how this “real time” interaction is going to work for doramas. “We can’t control what is going to happen during the live broadcast, but we will be able to have an unedited interaction with our viewers. This is much more precious to us than only seeing them as numbers in the ratings.”

They are also going to introduce the whole new project on the special program “Tokujo Kabachi!! Navi” that will air at 2pm on the 17th.

From Kawaii-Joyuu

Exciting, ne! What a wonderful way to promote the series, I’m sure that many will call and the campaign will become a success. I would be doing the same if the long distance rate didn’t cost an arm and a leg. LOL

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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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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.

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