SMAP to provide theme song for “Umechan Sensei”

It’s been announced that SMAP will be providing their new song, “Sakasama no Sora“, for NHK’s upcoming morning drama, “Umechan Sensei“!

“Umechan Sensei” is a drama that portrays the life of a female doctor named ‘Shimomura Umeko’ (Horikita Maki), who treats patients during the tumultuous time after World War II.

“Sakasama no Sora” was written by Asou Tetsuro, and was …


“ALWAYS 3″ cast reflects on the past seven years

On January 21st, the final installment in the “ALWAYS” trilogy, “ALWAYS San-chome no Yuhi ‘64“, opened nation-wide on 473 screens.

As usual, there was a stage greeting held at a cinema in Tokyo in order to celebrate the opening, which was attended by the main  cast members like Yoshioka Hidetaka, Tsutsumi Shinichi, Yakushimaru Hiroko, Horikita Maki, Miura Tomokazu, Moriyama Mirai, and …


“ALWAYS 3″ uses the sky as the backdrop for an advertisement

On January 12th, the promotions for the upcoming third and final installment in the “ALWAYS” trilogy, “ALWAYS San-chome no Yuhi ‘64” took to the skies. The film used three propeller planes to write ‘333′ as a form of advertisement and used the vast blue sky as the backdrop.

“ALWAYS San-chome no Yuhi ‘64″ (English title: “Always: Sunset on Third Street 3“) …


Which celebrity would you want as your lover?

For many, winter is a special time of year where loved ones come together for holidays like Christmas and the first shrine visit of the new year. Lovers especially grow closer than ever during the holiday season.

Keeping this in mind, Oricon Style asked its readers for the 5th consecutive year on which famous celebrities of the opposite sex they would …


Nine months into her pregnancy, Koyuki attends preview screening of “ALWAYS 3″

Earlier today, some people were able to see the upcoming movie “ALWAYS San-chome no Yuhi ‘64” for the first time at a preview screening event.

“Always San-Chome no Yuhi ‘64″ (English title: “Always: Sunset on Third Street 3“) will depict the lives of the residents at Third Street in Tokyo back in 1964. The Olympics are set to take place in …


Horikita Maki attends commemorative event for Docomo’s new smartphone

On November 24th, actress Horikita Maki attended a commemorative event for NTT Docomo’s new product, “Xi Smartphone“.

Horikita, who serves as the CM character for the brand, commented, “I use it often to watch videos, also when I cook.” She also promoted the product saying, “It’s convenient that I can quickly go on the internet. I want to focus on the parts …


Horikita Maki kicks off filming for her morning drama

On November 14th, actress Horikita Maki kicked off filming for her NHK morning drama “Umechan Sensei” in Takahagi, Ibaraki.

“Umechan Sensei” is set in Kamata, Tokyo during the time of reconstruction after the Second World War. Horikita plays the protagonist, Shimomura ‘Umechan’ Umeko, a cheerful and bright young doctor.

They’ve created a large-scale open set that perfectly resembles the burned up area …


Which female celebrity has a “centripetal face”?

A “centripetal face” is described one where all of its parts focus to the center of the face.  More specifically, a face where the eyes are at a close-distance and the apples of the cheeks are close to the nose.

Some people argue that a centripetal face is a foundation to be considered a beautiful person.  It also is an ingredient that …


Watanabe Ken & Horikita Maki promote NTT DoCoMo’s new line-up

Actor Watanabe Ken and actress Horikita Maki attended a press conference of NTT DoCoMo to introduce their new ‘2011-2012 Winter/Spring Models’ lineup of mobile and smart phones, as well as their newest mobile services.

Both of them have been working as image characters for NTT DoCoMo for a while now and, in the most recent commercials, disguised themselves as actual smart …


Drama Prime Time Report – October 10th~13th

Tamori and Nakai Masahiro hang out with Fuji TV's fall drama stars!

Tamori and Nakai Masahiro hang out with Fuji TV's fall drama stars!

The Drama Prime Time Report is already back with Friday updates after the short drama void between the summer and  fall season last week. The first four days of the week kept us entertained with a feature-length drama special, another qualifying match for the 2014 FIFA World …


Drama Prime Time Report – October 3rd~9th

The "Marumo no Okite" special brightened the Sunday evening.

The "Marumo no Okite" special brightened the Sunday evening.

It was an interesting and fun week full of variety specials, the “Freeter” and “Marumo no Okite” drama specials, and several new fall dramas have already gave us a nice taste of the upcoming season.

Monday was still a relatively slow day for us drama fans, but at least the quiz show …


Which actresses best fit the role of a young and rich lady?


As many of you know, one of the most anticipated drama for this fall, ‘Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de’, featuring actress Kitagawa Keiko who will play the role of a young and high-class woman in this series.

With this anticipated drama in mind, goo ranking asked its users a very …


Horikita Maki turns into a diligent woman for new ‘Leopalace21′ CM

Actress Horikita Maki has been appointed to be the image character for real estate company, ‘Leoplace21‘, and will star in their new commercials.

In the CM, Horikita plays a charming single woman, who lives alone in her nice little flat. She’s about to go out, but first she has to diligently go through her imaginary checklist; “All doors and windows closed, …


Horikita Maki’s staff uploads a cute picture of her with a little kitten

Horikita Maki’s staff updated her official staff blog with an adorable picture of the actress holding a cute kitten.

In a recent blog post they revealed that she is going to appear on an upcoming special of the TV show ‘Tensai! Shimura Doubutsuen‘. This variety and educational show revolves around animals and regularly features celebrities interacting with …


More cast members announced for 2012 NHK morning drama

On September 13th, actress Horikita Maki attended the cast announcement press conference for the upcoming NHK morning drama, “Umechan Sensei“.

At the press conference, it was announced that Matsuzaka Tori has landed the role of Umeko’s (played by Horikita) childhood friend ‘Yasuoka Nobuo’. Meanwhile, Umeko’s family members will be Takahashi Katsumi as her father ‘Kenzou’, Minami Kaho as her mother ‘Yoshiko’, Mimula …


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