http://www.japan-zone.com/news/ Keep up to date with all the news and developments in Japanese show business. 2009-11-12T07:16:11+09:00 http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2009/11/12/ponyo_astro_boy_shortlisted_for_oscar_nod.shtml
The Miyazaki Hayao anime feature "Gake no Ue no Ponyo" (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea) has been shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination. Along with the Hollywood CG adaptation of Tezuka Osamu's "Tetsuwan Atomu" (Astro Boy), it is among the record 20 feature-length animations announced by judges yesterday. The number will be whittled down, probably to]]> tokyoguy 2009-11-12T07:16:11+09:00 http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2009/11/11/tarachan_to_join_white_family.shtml
On Tuesday, Softbank Mobile announced their lineup of new models and a major new addition to the "White Family" who appear in their commercials. There have been more than 60 commercials in the series since it started in June 2007, based around characters played by Ueto Aya (Daughter, photo center), Dante Carver (Son, photo left), Higuchi Kanako (Mother) and a white dog as the Father. Joining them will be...
]]> tokyoguy 2009-11-11T07:14:16+09:00 http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2009/11/11/actor_morishige_hisaya_dies_at_96.shtml
Veteran actor Morishige Hisaya died of old age yesterday after several months at a Tokyo hospital. He was 96. Born to wealthy parents in Osaka, Morishige started acting in amateur dramatics while a student at Waseda University in the mid-1930s. A stage actor for several years, he later became an announcer for NHK, working in Manchuria before the outbreak of...
]]> tokyoguy 2009-11-11T03:34:04+09:00 http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2009/11/10/brad_pitt_makes_japan_tv_debut.shtml
Hollywood star Brad Pitt (45) filmed his first ever guest appearance on a Japanese variety show on his recent PR trip to Tokyo. He and director Quentin Tarantino (46) were in town last week to promote the movie "Inglourious Basterds" and they fitted in a visit to the Fuji TV show "SMAPxSMAP". The episode will be aired on Monday, November 16. The Hollywood duo appear on the...
]]> tokyoguy 2009-11-10T07:29:01+09:00 http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2009/11/09/sakai_noriko_gets_suspended_sentence.shtml
Former top idol singer Sakai Noriko (38) received her verdict in the drug case that has gripped the country for the last few months. At the Tokyo District Court this morning, judge Murayama Hiroaki handed her an...
]]> tokyoguy 2009-11-09T08:03:37+09:00 http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2009/11/07/maximum_the_hormone_take_hiatus.shtml
With an announcement not quite in keeping with their wild rock image, the band Maximum the Hormone said today they are taking an extended break from performing. The reason? Drummer Nao (33) has been told by doctors that the band's style and schedule is harmful for both her and her...
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