Been having the week from hell. This latest SMAP for Softbank CF lifted my spirits immensely. It’s the first time I’ve seen the guys not jam to Locomotion, or appear to be walking somewhere. If anyone’s curious, check out these older CFs here, and below I’ll also post another new CF set to Locomotion filmed in Singapore. But first you … Continue reading →
Zenkai Girl has been over for a month now, but I find myself actually missing it. Like missing a friend who has moved away and I can’t hang out with anymore. While the drama wasn’t perfect, it was always captivating to watch. Since ending the drama, Nishikido Ryo has officially left NEWS to be part of Kanjani 8, while Aragaki … Continue reading →
So when I did the post about J-actors, I was called out for ignoring so-and-so actor, regardless of my preemption in saying this was simply my list. However, there was one actor that I ought to have included but didn’t because I had a brain fart. Rather than go back and insert him, I was waiting for his new drama … Continue reading →
You know? The only time I liked Tendo Akane was when she had long hair. Of course that lasted all of, what, two episodes. And then I spent the remaining thirty-something books annoyed with her. Which is why I was hoping the upcoming Ranma 1/2 SP from Japan would let Akane keep her locks. But alas, the first stills have … Continue reading →
TBS has spared no expense for it’s 60th Anniversary production Nankyoku Tairiku (Antarctica), a dorama that from the first frame tells you this is going to be a eyeball enriching period piece. I watched episode 1 yesterday, leaving me at times bemused, at times awed, and most of the time emotionally engaged. Which is to say: this dorama is geared 110% … Continue reading →
Boku to Star no 99 Nichi is going to have a tough uphill climb if we take the ratings for episode 1 of Nankyoku Tairiku as any indication. KimuTaku’s dogs and Antarctica period feel-good drama premiered with a 22.1% Kanto ratings, which is kickass but for the fact that all KimuTakus doramas have debuted higher. It’s hard to top oneself … Continue reading →
As all the attention in Japan is focused on KimuTaku‘s upcoming Nankyoku Tairiku for TBS, but rival Fuji TV‘s Boku to Star no 99 Nichi (My 99 Days with the Star) could be the perfect counter programming for those looking for fluff. I’m not highbrow enough to dislike fluff on principle, and clearly love crappy dramas as long as it … Continue reading →
Are you ready for epic, folks? We’re talking feel good story of a nation rebuilding after a war, resilient and cute dogs, a snowy harsh environment, bromance up the wazoo, and did I forget to mention KimuTaku? Next week sees the premiere of Nankyoku Tairiku (The Antarctic Mainland) on October 16th, the drama being both the 60th anniversary production from … Continue reading →
How many times have I watched this video? Thank to the awesomer than awesome EternallyxShade, too many times to count, and I’m not even done yet. This just might be the single best Ouran High School Host Club live-action drama MV I’ve watched. Clearly I’m not over my KyoHaru fixation, but from the popularity of this video and the comments … Continue reading →
When I saw this recent ad for a Japanese hair care brand Syoss, my eyeballs almost popped out. All I could think of was “OMG, Sawajiri Erika is BACK!” Well, here in 2011 the Japanese entertainment is a completely different actress landscape than back in 2006 when she ruled the roost, but I immediately started having LOL flashbacks to the … Continue reading →
A couple of months ago I did a write up on TW-actors and TW-actresses, which was relatively easy to do since there just aren’t that many of them occupying the perch as certifiable leads. The same isn’t true elsewhere, which is why I’ve been hesitant to attempt it for other industries. Nevertheless, I suddenly got the urge to run down … Continue reading →
Honto? This I gotta see to believe. A manga I have long held is impossible to turn into a live-action adaptation is finally getting that treatment, albeit via a SP and not a full dorama. Fresh off the precious and warm Zenkai Girl is Aragaki Yui, who joins my small but growing list of J-actresses I adore (the other being … Continue reading →
It’s like this weird switch has been flipped on between Kim Tae Hee and myself. I won’t lie about how much she used to annoy me. But after My Princess, pretty much she’s turned over a new leaf in my eyes and I’m so easily charmed by her. It doesn’t hurt that she’s following up one sparkling rom-com with what … Continue reading →