'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

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)

Aiba Masaki appears at the stage greeting for his starring drama

On January 10th, popular idol group Arashi member, Aiba Masaki appeared at the stage greeting for the pre-screening for his upcoming drama “Last Hope” held at Omotesando Hills.

In the drama, Aiba will be playing the role of a doctor for the first time, and that day, he made an appearance wearing a white coat. When the emcees of the event, Fuji TV announcers, Nishiyama Kikue and Nakamura Mitsuhiro, complimented Aiba how cool he looked in the white coat, Aiba showed a smile, and said, “Am I that cool? I’m gaining self confidence now. I think I will show the cool side of me more this year.”

As reported, “Last Hope” is a medical suspense drama which features a team of doctors who engage in advanced medical care as the “last stronghold” for the patients that were given up by other doctors. It also shows the hidden pasts of those doctors. Aiba’s role “Hatano Takumi” is skilled in diagnosis as he figures out the patients’ symptoms by checking their heartbeat through his stethoscope.

According to Aiba, he was always wearing a stethoscope around his neck even at home while preparing for his role. He said, “I also started to listen to a cardiac sound CD, but when I was listening to it at night, my heart was beating so fast, which made me scared, so I stopped that right away.” Aiba also revealed that he had a hard time reading the lines with lots of medical terms.

As one of the highlights of the drama, Aiba mentioned the afternoon snack time which is indispensable for “Takumi”. He said, “The banana cheese tart on the episode 3 was the best one so far.”
It was also announced that Arashi’s new single “Calling” (to be released on March 6th) has been chosen as its theme song. Aiba explained, “Just like the drama, its lyrics are themed with lives and hopes, and it is a catchy rock number. Since it isn’t very ‘Arashi-like’ song, I had a fresh feeling singling to it.”
To commemorate the broadcast of the drama, there will be an illumination called “Last Hope Illumination”, in which about 250,000 champagne gold colored LEDs will be lighted in Omotesando for 15 days (1/10~1/14).

In the end, Aiba talked about his ambitions for this year, commenting, “This is an anniversary year as I will be turning 30. I am glad I was able to start off this year with this drama, and I want to enjoy it. I also want to be active as Arashi.”

“Last Hope” will begin airing on January 10th on Fuji TV (every Tuesday at 9:00 pm).

Source: Oricon

Image: Last Hope official site

Arashi’s new song “Your Eyes” to be featured in drama ‘Mikeneko Holmes no Suiri'

It has been revealed that the theme song for Aiba Masaki’s new drama ‘Mikeneko Holmes no Suiri’(NTV) will be Arashi’s new song “Your Eyes“.

After Ohno Satoshi’s Fuji TV drama “Kagi no Kakatta Heya” announced that their theme song would be Arashi’s new single “Face Down“, fans were left wondering what would be the theme song for Aiba Masaki’s new drama and were pleased to know it would Arashi’s new song. The release date or any other information of “Your Eyes” has not been decided yet.

This drama is adapted from the popular mystery novel series ‘Mikeneko Holmes’ by Akagawa Jiro.
The story features a detective, Katayama Yoshitaro(Aiba) with a lot of weak points, solve mysteries withMikeneko (a cat with fur of different colors).

As co-stars, Ohkura Tadayoshi from Kanjani8, Fujiki Naohito, Omasa Aya, Matsuko Deluxe andOmi Toshinori will appear in the drama.

The first episode will air on April 14th at 9:00 pm (JST).

Source : Tower Records & NTV Mikeneko Holmes official site

Aiba Masaki to unite with a crime solving cat for new drama on NTV

As mentioned in the previous article, two networks announced new dramas starring a member fromArashi. The other network is NTV, who announced a new drama called ‘Mikeneko Holmes no Suiri‘, starring Aiba Masaki as the protagonist.

‘Mikeneko Holmes no Suiri’ is based on a popular ‘Mikeneko Holmes‘ mystery novel series byAkagawa Jiro. It tells the story of ‘Katayama Yoshitaro’ (Aiba) who became a detective in order to comply with the dying wish of his father who was a famous detective himself. Katayama is currently with MPD’s First Investigation Division, although he’s not cut out to be a detective at all. He not only can’t see blood, but he’s also terribly afraid of heights, women, and ghosts. One day, he meets a cat with three colors of fur (‘mikeneko’) who goes by the name of ‘Holmes’. This cat can understand humans and it also possesses brilliant reasoning skills. The two of them form a team and together they manage to solve various difficult cases.

This role is going to mark Aiba’s first drama starring role on NTV and it’s going to be a funny one according to the producers. We are up for many verbal quarrels between the protagonist and the cat, and judging by his character, the protagonist is most probably going to come out as the loser more than just a few times.

Akagawa commented, “I’m looking forward to see how the chemistry is going to be between Aiba, from this generation’s leading group Arashi, and Mikeneko Holmes.”

Aiba himself said, “I’m very nervous, since the original is loved by so many people, but I’m also looking forward to the drama a lot. I hope I can find the best balance between the comical parts and the serious parts.”

NTV is going to air ‘Mikeneko Holmes no Suiri’ every Saturday at 9:00 pm.

Source: Sanspo

Ohno Satoshi to unlock mysterious cases in Fuji TV’s next Monday drama

Two networks have just announced a new drama for the upcoming season and they both will be starring a member from the popular group Arashi. One of the networks is Fuji TV, who finally lifted the secret about their next Monday drama. It’s title is going to be ‘Kagi no Kakatta Heya‘ and will star Ohno Satoshi as the protagonist.

‘Kagi no Kakatta Heya’ is based on a mystery novel by Kishi Yuusuke. It tells the story of an employee of a major security firm (Ohno), who is solving the mysteries related to cases that happened behind closed doors. His job is to find out how the perpetrator entered the locked room and how he managed to leave it under such circumstances. He’s the best fit for the job, because he’s personally obsessed with keys and locks and even goes as far as claiming that ‘there are no locks that cannot be broken’. At first glimpse he looks like a calm and collected guy, but in the heat of solving the mystery behind a locked room he’s burning with an incredible tenacity. He’s an unconventional hero who is helping with cases one request after another.

For Ohno this is not only going to be his first Monday drama starring role, but also his first starring role on Fuji TV in general. He’s going to receive the baton from fellow Arashi member Matsumoto Jun, who is starring in this season’s Monday drama ‘Lucky Seven‘.

He commented, “It’s been a while since my last role as a human being. You’ll meet me behind closed doors!”

‘Kagi no Kakatta Heya’ is going to air every Monday at 9:00 pm.

Source: Sanspo

“Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de” to return as a special drama in March

Fuji TV’s hit drama series, “Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de“, will be returning as a special drama in March!

Starring Arashi’s Sakurai Sho and actress Kitagawa Keiko,”Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de” first aired in October of 2011 and concluded in December with high rankings in December. The TV series was adapted from Higashikawa Tokuya’s hit mystery novel, which tells of a rookie detective named “Hosho Reiko” (Kitagawa), the daughter of rich family. She solves difficult cases with a help of her butler “Kageyama” (Sakurai), who has a wicked tongue.

The special drama will be set in the tropical island of Okinawa, where “Kageyama” and “Reiko” will encounter their “most difficult-ever case” there.  Reportedly, there will also be a love story tied to “Kageyama”.

The regular cast members of the drama series, Shiina Kippei, Nomaguchi Toru, Nakamura Yasuhi,Okamoto Anri, and Tanaka Konatsu will make a reappearance in the special episode; they will be joined by guests Kunimura Jun, Aso Yumi, Takashima Masahiro, Sano Shiro, and Ikeda Tetsuhiro.

“Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de Special!” (temporary titled) is scheduled to be aired on March 27th at 9:00 p.m.

Source: MANTAN WEB
Image: Fuji TV

Arashi’s Sakurai Sho & AKB48’s Oshima Yuko to co-star in TBS special drama

It was announced that Arashi member, Sakurai Sho will star in TBS’ special drama “Blackboard ~Jidai to Tatakatta Kyoushi tachi~” which will be aired in the beginning of April, and will co-star withAKB48’s Oshima Yuko for the first time.  This will be a three consecutive night drama which will show the society of three different era by featuring the teachers in each time.

Sakurai and Oshima will star on the first night which will be set at a junior high school in Tokyo after World War II.  Sakurai’s role will be a junior high school teacher named “Shirahama” who loses his right arm during the war.  After his sense of value during the prewar collapsed, he starts being anguished between the militarist education which he has adhered, and new democratic education after the war.

Oshima will play Sakurai’s co-worker, an English teacher named “Ichihara”.  Though “Ichihara” who tries to look out the future in the democratic education, and “Shirahama” who tries to maintain his prewar sense of value stubbornly, are in conflict with each other at first, gradually, “Ichihara” starts falling in love with him.

The second night will be set in 1980’s with the theme of school violence, and Sato Koichi and Shida Mirai will star in.  The third night will be set in the present day, and the cast members for the third night are still unknown at this moment.

Source: Sports Hochi + Sanspo

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~~

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

Sakurai and Matsujun to guest star in Ohno’s upcoming drama

Sho Sakurai and Jun Matsumoto will not only guest in Satoshi Ohno’s upcoming drama, they will play characters they act in their own dramas, it was revealed on December 6, reports Oricon.

 Representatives at Fuji TV, who are making Ohno’s New Year’s drama “もう誘拐なんてしない (Mou Yukai nante Shinai)”, announced Arashi’s Sakurai will reprise his role as butler-and-detective Kageyama from his current drama “謎解きはディナーのあとで (Nazo-toki wa Dinner no Atode)”, while Matsumoto will play his newbie detective character from his upcoming TV drama series “ラッキーセブン (Lucky Seven)”.

“It’s not like usual, it’s not very Arashi-like,” Matsumoto said.

 The announcement was made at a press conference where all five Arashi members were promoting a New Year’s campaign for the TV company.  It has been reported Sakurai said he had been given the script for the drama a few days ago, and was already excited to be part of the project.

“The first page had Ohno’s name, and then on the second page was Matsumoto’s and my name.  It just made me happy that I carry it around with me every day,” he said.

 On the other side though, a disapproving Kazunari Ninomiya and Masaki Aiba questioned their leader as to why they had not been invited.

“What about us, Ohno-kun?  Not that I’m asking for a big part, but there’s still a chance if you’re still filming, right.  Where are you filming it,” Aiba said.

“I haven’t gotten any invitations yet.  I don’t mind going straight to the set to meet everyone either,” Ninomiya said.

“Not this time,” Ohno said, before the two tried comforting one another by saying they’d work harder on “VS Arashi”.

 ========

EXTRA

After Sakurai’s current drama series finishes and before Matsumoto’s drama series begins, Fuji TV will air a series of Arashi specials.

The entire campaign is called “福嵐 (Fuku-Arashi)”, and will include s TV special that looks back on Arashi’s career and a VS Arashi special.  Commercials for Fuku-Arashi will go on air in Japan between December 17 and January 3, with special one-day-only commercials on January 3.  Fuji TV also plans to open a special website, where fans will be able to play Arashi games and quizzes, plus a special lottery to win Arashi merchandise.

FROM TOKYOHIVE    

It’s been announced that Arashi members Sakurai Sho and Matsumoto Jun will make guest appearance on fellow member Ohno Satoshi’s upcoming special drama “Mou Yuukai nante Shinai“.

 This special drama is a comical mystery about a freeter (Ohno) who receives the odd request to fake the kidnapping of racketeer boss daughter, (Aragaki Yui).

Sakurai will appear in the special drama as the butler “Kageyama” which is from Sakurai’s ongoing drama “Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de“, while Matsumoto will make an appearance as “Tokita Shuntaro” which is from Matsumoto’s upcoming “Getsu9″ drama “Lucky Seven.”

The announcement for Sakurai and Matsumoto’s guest appearance on Ohno’s drama was made during the press conference for “Fuku Arashi” campaign which is to promote the special TV programs on Fuji TV in which Arashi appears at the end of the year and New Year season.  There will be a special CM for the campaign starring Arashi during December 17th ~ January 3rd for a limited term, and on Fuji TV’s official site, there will also be an original game “Fuku Arashi Warai.”

At the press conference, Sakurai who received the script for the drama a few days ago, commented, “I saw Ohno’s name on the first page, and my name and Matsumoto’s name on the following pages on the script.  I’m happy to see it, so I am carrying it around with me everyday.”  Matsumoto also commented, “He (Ohno) has different atmosphere at the shoot for drama which is not Arashi-like.  So I’m looking forward to see it at the shoot.”

On the other hand, other members Ninomiya Kazunari and Aiba Masaki seem to be little dissatisfied, as Aiba said to Ohno at the press conference, “Ohno-kun, what about us? Though we don’t have any role we have with us right now, it’s not too late if you guys are still shooting.  Where are you guys filming at?“, and Ninomiya also said, “I haven’t been offered yet. I don’t mind if I have to meet you at the filming location.”  Unfortunately, Ohno refused them saying, “Not this time.” Therefore the two said while consoling each other, “Shall we do our best on ‘VS Arashi‘ then?”

“Mou Yuukai nante Shinai” is scheduled to be aired on January 3rd on Fuji TV.

Source & Image: Oricon (1 + 2)