'Shitsuren Chocolatier' to get a live-action drama adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun

Arashi member Matsumoto Jun will star in Fuji TV's next 'Getsu 9' drama "Shitsuren Chocolatier" which will begin airing in January. This will be the third time that Matsumoto is starring in a 'Getsu 9' drama after "Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku" (2010) and "Lucky Seven"(2012).


"Shitsuren Chocolatier" is a live-action drama adaptation of Mizushiro Setona's popular manga of the same name, which was awarded the '36th Kodansha Manga Award' (Shoujo category).

In the drama, Matsumoto will be playing a Chocolatier who gives his heart to a woman.

=====

The protagonist "Koyurugi Sota" (Matsumoto) is a student at a confectionary school. He has been in love with a girl one year older than him, named "Saeko", who Sota fell in love at first sight with when he was in high school.

Right before Christmas, Sota and Saeko begin dating. Since Saeko loves chocolates, Sota made chocolate for her and gave it to her on the day before Valentine's day. However, Saeko refused to take it and told him that she was never his girlfriend in the first place. Even so, Sota still can't give up on Saeko. In order to gain her attention, he decided to improve his chocolate-making skills and go over to France to become a first-class chocolatier....

=====

Matsumoto commented, "Though it's a love story, its theme is a broken heart. I would try to express not only the delight of love, but also the pain of it carefully. I want to make it a 'sweet and fun time' when the viewers would want to support Sota's love while enjoying the chocolates appear in the drama."

Source & Image: Sanspo (1+2+3) & Fuji TV

Matsumoto Jun encourages Morisanchu's Oshima Miyuki for 24-Hour TV marathon

On August 10, comedian trio Morisanchu's Oshima Miyuki, who will be the charity runner for this year's '24-Hour Television 36 Ai wa Chikyuu wo Sukuu' (August 24th & 25th), held a public workout in Kanagawa. Matsumoto Jun of popular group Arashi came to encourage Oshima for the second time.


Oshima, who claims to be a big fan of Arashi, ran the last 4 km (about 2.5 mi) side-by-side with Matsumoto in the 36ºC (about 97ºF) heat. She revealed, "This training is like a dream. When we were running together, I was smiling from start to finish," and said, "I have enough spirit. I absolutely want to make the goal at Budokan."

This was the first day of Oshima's 2-day training camp. In the intense heat, she ran 7 km (about 4.3 mi) in the morning and 9 km (about 5.6 mi) in the afternoon. Matsumoto was surprised at Oshima's transformation, "In the past 3 months, she become a different person. Both her weight and her frame of mind, I can see that she's gradually improving in order to run the marathon." He also commented, "I can't imagine what Oshima-san will be like when she's done running."

When Oshima first received the offer, she weighed 88 kg (194 lbs) and aimed to get her weight down to 73 kg (160 lbs). With 2 weeks left until the marathon, she explained, "I was able to get my weight down close to the goal. My body has become light." She added, "This is the first time I've been so stoic. I want to be a little more lighter, and gain a little more physical strength. I want to shed at least 2 more kilograms."

'24-Hour Television' is held every summer and this is its 36th time. The charity marathon has been running since 1992. Arashi will serve as the main personality for their 2nd consecutive year.

Source & Image: Mantan Web

Arashi's Matsumoto Jun to star in NHK drama for the first time

On July 14, it was announced that popular Arashi member Matsumoto Jun will star in the NHK drama "Hajimari no Uta" that will begin airing on September 23.

Though Matsumoto, as a member of Arashi, has served as the host for NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen for 3 consecutive years, this is actually the first time for him to have a leading in a drama on NHK. This is also the first time in 15 years for him to appear on an NHK drama since his last one aired back in 1998 which was even before he made CD debut as Arashi.

 The motif of the drama is "Furusato" which was the song made for the special corner in 2010's Kohaku Uta Gassen. Arashi members sang it on the Kohaku not only in 2010, but also in 2011, and in 2012. 

The song was written by Koyama Kundo, and it expresses the nobility of hometown. The song has also been chosen as the compulsory song in the NHK National School Music Contest for this year (for Elementary School division). As this year will be the 80th anniversary year for the music contest, the drama adaptation has been planned.

In the drama, Matsumoto plays a young man named "Wataru" who left his hometown to Tokyo. Wataru once had a dream to be a teacher, but he could not make it come true, and became a freelance photographer for a travel magazine. The drama starts where Wataru returns to his hometown after he is given an order to take photographs in there.

By meeting with the local elementary school kids who are aiming to participate in the choir competition, his ex-girlfriend (played by Eikura Nana) who is an elementary school teacher, his old classmates, and family, he eventually regains his old dream to be a teacher.

Reportedly, there is a scene where Matsumoto plays a piano in the drama, so he is currently practicing for it. He left a comment, "Though my role is a photographer, there will be a scene I have to play piano, so I would like to prepare well for both before I attend the filming. I will do my best so that the viewers could find a delight in chorus, and also feel the power of music."

Source: Sanspo (1+2+3)

Which celebrities had the most CM contracts in the first half of 2013?

  

The media analysts at Nihon Monitor have released their half-yearly list that breaks down which celebrities had the most commercial contracts in the last six months of the whole year.

For the male celebrity ranking, it's absolutely no surprise to see pro golfer Ishikawa Ryo at the top again, topping the list for the fourth consecutive time. However, this time he had to share first place with Arashi's Sakurai Sho and actor Mukai Osamu. Are those two going to threaten his throne in the coming rankings? Child actor Suzuki Fuku also proves to be one of the few exceptions when it comes to the fading popularity of child actors in the commercial sector.

The female celebrity ranking experienced a remarkable change of order compared to the previous year. In the 2012 ranking, the complete top 4 was claimed by current and former members of AKB48 and their sister groups. This year the idols have lost a lot of ground to actresses and other talents again, with the young actress Takei Emi snatching the crown all by herself. Her total amount of 15 CM contracts even makes all the top male celebrities look like amateurs this time.

Last year's CM Queen Shinoda Mariko ranked second this time, followed by Rola and Goriki Ayame on the third place. Of course, there is also still very high demand for Takei and Goriki's agency senior Ueto Aya.

As for the second half of the year, it will be interesting to see how long the child actors Suzuki Fuku and Tani Kanon will be able to maintain their high popularity. Fellow child actress Ashida Mana, who had 15 contracts last year, already didn't make it into the ranking this time. Will Ishikawa Ryo catch up with Kimura Takuya and top the ranking for five consecutive times? Moreover, AKB48 will have to push new members to become their CM queens after the graduation of Shinoda Mariko and Itano Tomomi later this year.

Now check out the rankings below!

---

CM Ranking First Half of 2013 - Male Celebrities

01 - 10 Contracts - Ishikawa Ryo
01 - 10 Contracts - Sakurai Sho (Arashi)
01 - 10 Contracts - Mukai Osamu
02 - 9 Contracts - Suzuki Fuku
03 - 8 Contracts - Aiba Masaki (Arashi)
03 - 8 Contracts - Ohno Satoshi (Arashi)
03 - 8 Contracts - Ninomiya Kazunari (Arashi)
03 - 8 Contracts - Matsuoka Shuzo
04 - 7 Contracts - Ichiro
04 - 7 Contracts - Kimura Takuya (SMAP)
04 - 7 Contracts - Kokubun Taichi (TOKIO)
04 - 7 Contracts - Matsumoto Jun (Arashi)
05 - 6 Contracts - Kamenashi Kazuya (KAT-TUN)
05 - 6 Contracts - Tsumabuki Satoshi
05 - 6 Contracts - Nagase Tomoya (TOKIO)
05 - 6 Contracts - Nishikido Ryo (Kanjani8)
05 - 6 Contracts - Matsuzaka Tori
05 - 6 Contracts - Yamaguchi Tatsuya (TOKIO)

CM Ranking First Half of 2013 - Female Celebrities

01 - 15 Contracts - Takei Emi
02 - 13 Contracts - Shinoda Mariko (AKB48)
03 - 12 Contracts - Goriki Ayame
03 - 12 Contracts - Rola
04 - 10 Contracts - Ueto Aya
04 - 10 Contracts - Becky
04 - 10 Contracts - Horikita Maki
05 - 9 Contracts - Amami Yuki
05 - 9 Contracts - Itano Tomomi (AKB48)
05 - 9 Contracts - Kiritani Mirei
05 - 9 Contracts - Kojima Haruna (AKB48)
05 - 9 Contracts - Shimazaki Haruka (AKB48)
05 - 9 Contracts - Tani Kanon
06 - 8 Contracts - Ishihara Satomi
06 - 8 Contracts - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
06 - 8 Contracts - Sasaki Nozomi

Inquiry Period: January 1st ~ June 30th
Target Networks: NTV, TBS, TV ASAHI, TV TOKYO, FUJI TV
Important Note: As usual, self-promotions for CDs, DVDs/Blu-rays, video games, digital music, movies, and performances in PVs have been excluded!

Source: N-Monitor

Sasuga ARASHI <3 p="">

An Entry....

juz a normal entry for a girl who is busy with work....
the last 3 weeks become really hectic n chaos for me as i start working back.
now i don't have time to download n update more thing n news in my precious blog...
God..pls help me!!!! tatsukete kudasai!!!!!

what can i do??? i want to know more about them but i juz couldn't do it...internet connection which is very slow...n at my home there's no internet connection..how??? i juz blank with this new environment...
i want to watch their new regular show episode!!!!!

MISS ALL OF THEM SO MUCH...HOPE I CAN FIND A WAY TO RESOLVE THIS SITUATION....

FOR MY PAIN RELIEVE.....

lastly~~~ when can we see the Beautiful World concert?????

Tokyo Tower to be lit up in Arashi’s colors!

On March 13th, Arashi appeared at the press conference for Fuji TV’s “Hana Arashi” campaign.

This campaign is to promote Fuji TV’s spring programs, in which Arashi members appear during March 16th to April 16th. During the campaign, many CM spots starring Arashi will be aired intensively. They will also promote the programs through 5 minute late-night specials titled, “Haru Ichiban! Bokura ga Hana Arashi wo Makiokoshimasu!” (total 4 episodes, limitedly in Kanto region) on March 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 26th.

Moreover, it was announced that as a part of the “Haru Arashi” campaign, the Tokyo Tower will be illuminated in Arashi’s image colors (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, and Purple) on March 16th (6:00 pm ~ 12:00 am).  It will be the first time for Tokyo Tower to be lit up in 5 colors.  MemberMatsumoto Jun revealed that the “Arashi” Tower will be shown during the final episode (to be aired on the 19th) of his ongoing drama “Lucky Seven“.

At the press conference, the members were asked which building they would like to light up next, and Ninomiya Kazunari jokingly said, “I’m aiming for Aiba-san’s parents’ house.”  Aiba Masaki responded, “My father and mother would be shocked, so please stop.”

During March 16th to April 16th, Arashi will be all over on Fuji TV!

Source & Image: Daily Sports Online + Oricon 

Arashi announces new single, “Wild at Heart”

It’s been announced that Arashi will be releasing a new single titled, “Wild at Heart” on March 7th! The song is being used as the theme song for member, Matsumoto Jun’s ongoing “Getsu9″ drama “Lucky Seven“.

According to the Johnny’s website, the single will be released in two editions; a limited edition that will include a DVD, and regular edition.

Below is the details that were released on the upcoming single, and further details will be announced later.

 ※16 pages booklet included
[CD]
01. Wild at Heart
02. Unknown title 1
[DVD]
“Wild at Heart” Video Clip

[CD only]
01. Wild at Heart
02. Unknown title 2
03. Unknown title 3
04. Wild at Heart (original karaoke)
05. Unknown title 2 (original karaoke)
06. Unknown title 3 (original karaoke)

Source: Johnny’s net

"Wild at Heart"

A new Arashi single title "Wild at Heart" which is for Jun's new dorama...Lucky Seven~~

a little peek for it at the Beautiful World concert venue....

yoroshiku dozo~~

Which artist earns the most in Japan?

Japanese magazine, Josei Jisin, revealed a list of the most highly paid celebrities for commercials, and some familiar names made it into the higher ranks.

Arashi came in at the top spot, reportedly earning 150 million yen (approx. $1.95mil USD), ahead of SMAP who earned 120 million yen (approx. $1.56mil USD). Jang Keun Suk was the fourth most highly paid male star for modelling. At his highest, he used to be paid 120 million yen, but he soon lowered his fee to about 80 million yen “because Jang Keun Suk became too expensive, many companies started to pull out their contracts”.

The top spot for female modeling fees went to Japan’s beloved idol group AKB48. AKB48, who is rewriting J-Pop history by releasing million-seller albums and singles, was priced at about 50 million yen (approx. $650,000 USD).

KARA was revealed to be of top star status in Japan by ranking third at around 40-50 million yen. According to the article, KARA is the most highly priced Korean idol singer, and is considered well worth the price.

Girls’ Generation, tied with several other female stars at #12, was priced at 30 million yen, while Tohoshinki came in seventh on the male star list at 40 million yen.

source: enewsworld

Matsumoto Jun kisses Kiritani Mirei in new Fasio CM

On January 10th, a new Fasio CM featuring Arashi’s Matsumoto Jun (28) and actress Kiritani Mireiwas broadcasted nationwide.

In this endorsement, titled “Saikyo no Eye”, Kiritani applies on the “Ultra Curl Lock Mascara” to her lashes, which draws the romantic affections of Matsumoto who approaches her and kisses her long lashes. \

At first, the two said they felt embarrassed by the act but later, they grew more comfortable and did their best and enjoyed themselves as best they could at their shoot.

Check out the 15-second CM and the making-of below!

CM

THE MAKING

Source & Images: Mantan Web

Arashi to be the main personality for this year’s “24-Hour Television”

On “Arashi ni Shiyagare SP” which was aired on January 1st, it was announced that Arashi will be the main personality for NTV’s “24-Hour Television” charity telethon this year.

Usually, the main personality for “24-Hour Television” is announced during spring or summer, but this year, Arashi members will start preparations for “24-Hour Television” on New Year’s Day for the support of the Tohoku earthquake disaster areas and toward their recovery.

On the show, Arashi members commented,

“The reason why we are making this announcement on the New Year’s Day is that we thought there is an important thing that we need to reflect upon once again, and we should not forget, especially on today, when we greet the New Year.” – Sakurai Sho

“On March 11th of last year, the great earthquake struck eastern Japan.  People in the disaster areas are working hard toward the recovery even at this moment.” – Aiba Masaki

“However, cold winter is still going on, and the brutalest season will come to the disaster areas soon. That is why we are starting the ‘24-Hour Television’ today.” – Matsumoto Jun

“We can not take back the past.  There is nothing we can do about the past, however, we still can make our future.  We would like to think not only about the disaster,  but also about the several problems that are happening currently in Japan, with everybody.” – Ninomiya Kazunari

“This will be the third time for us, Arashi, to take part as the main personality for ‘24-Hour Television’.  We will put all the effort into it by making good use of our experiences from the past!” – Ohno Satoshi

As Ohno mentioned, Arashi was the main personality for the “24-Hour Television” two previous times, in 2004 and in 2008, and this year will be their third time as the main personality for the program.

Source: TV LIFE

Image: Arashi ni Shiyagare official site

Do you own any Arashi albums?

Arashi has been placed 1st on the 2011 album rankings, making this their 3rd year in a row! For male artists, this kind of achievement would be a first. With this said, do you own any of their albums? Check out the top 8 Goo Ranking results to see various voters’ responses as well as which album was popular out of all!

01. All albums – 9255 votes
02. None – 7817 votes
03. All the BEST! 1999–2009 – 3159 votes
04. I’ve rented their albums – 2760 votes
05. 2 out of all – 2342 votes
06. Boku no Miteiru Fuukei – 568 votes
07. Beautiful World – 554 votes
08. Other – 527 votes

Source: Goo Ranking

Favorite dramas starring Matsumoto Jun?

Matsumoto Jun will be starring in the drama, “Lucky Seven” starting January next year. Both talented in singing and acting, he’s appeared in countless dramas. Which one was your favorite out all of them? Look down below to see the top 10 dramas Goo Ranking has recorded from their poll!

01. Hana Yori Dango – 16157 votes
02. Kimi wa Pet – 2211 votes
03. Gokusen – 1538 votes
04. Bambi~no! – 887 votes
05. Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku – 796 votes
06. Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo – 307 votes
07. Smile – 297 votes
08. Mew no Ashi Papa ni Ageru – 216 votes
09. V no Arashi – 188 votes
10. Wagaya no Rekishi – 128 votes

Source: Goo Ranking

More info about Fuku Arashi programs

It was previously announced that Arashi would be collaborating with Fuji TV for their Fuku Arashi campaign. Some programs were announced as part of this campaign (such as Kotatsu DE Arashi) but few-to-no details were given.

Recently the Fuku Arashi campaign site launched giving more details about their various shows.

Kotatsu DE Arashi will air on Jan 3 from 13:00-14:30. Celebrating 10 years of Arashi programming on Fuji TV, the show will have Arashi sitting under kotatsu looking at a chronology of events from their debut to present, choosing from Karuta containing keywords from past episodes, and talking about nostalgic videos from their past, among other things.

The set will not only include the chronological table but nostalgic photos, costumes and items they used at past locations shoots. For Arashi fans it will be a 90 minutes full of laughter and tears. Their relaxed talk as they sit reversed under the kotatsu is not to be missed!

Their other planned program, a late-night show to air from December 27-January 2 will only be 5 mins long (24:55-25:00) and will feature talk segments and secret clips from their upcoming shows (there will be no episode on December 31).

Things to look forward to include them looking back at well-known scenes from VS Arashi and introducing the scaled-up versions of their current games which are planned for the VS Arashi Spring special; an introduction to Ohno's spring special drama 『Mou Yuukai Nante Shinai』and Matsumoto Jun's 『Lucky Seven』drama, as well as them dropping in on the set locations; and much much more!

Source

Which celebrity would you want to exchange New Year’s cards with?

AKB48 will be releasing official New Year greeting cards of their members in a first press limited edition set that will cost 30,000 yen (~385 USD). This got the folks over at goo curious, so they decided to ask their users which celebrity they would want to exchange New Year’s greeting cards with.

Check out the results below and let us know who you would want to exchange cards with!

==

[Which Female Celebrity Would You Want A New Year’s Card From?]

1. Becky – 4337 votes

2. The members of AKB48 – 2631 votes

3. Ayase Haruka – 1872 votes

4. Kitagawa Keiko – 1651 votes

5. Matsushima Nanako – 970 votes

6. Inoue Mao – 871 votes

7. Yoshitaka Yuriko – 857 votes

8. Karina – 851 votes

9. Miyazaki Aoi – 759 votes

10. Kanno Miho – 580 votes

–

[Which Male Celebrity Would You Want A New Year’s Card From?]

1. Sakurai Sho – 3232 votes

2. Ohno Satoshi – 2628 votes

3. Fukuyama Masaharu – 1798 votes

4. Aiba Masaki – 1645 votes

5. Mukai Osamu – 1288 votes

6. Suzuki Fuku – 1198 votes

7. Matsumoto Jun – 1185 votes

8. Ninomiya Kazunari – 1100 votes

9. Takenouchi Yutaka – 817 votes

10. Ikuta Toma – 752 votes

==

Source: goo 1 & >2