Takako Matsu

Posted by MalaysianGenius(MG) | Labels: | Posted On Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 3:53 AM


  • Zodiac: Gemini
  • Bloodtype: A
  • Height: 165 centimeters (5 ft 5 in)
  • Interests: Watching movies and stage plays
  • Talents: Acting, singing, songwriting, piano and various musical instruments
  • Favorite Artist: Matsuda Seiko
She was born in a traditional house, and her name is Matsumoto.Her father is Matsumoto Koshiro IX, kabuki actor and head of the buyo house; her uncle is Nakamura Kichiemon II; her older brother is Ichikawa Zengoro VII; her sister, six years her elder is Kiyo Matsumoto. Her mother's name is Noriko Matsumoto. She selected her last name as Matsu to honor her parents. Her highest education is Asia University, which she did not graduate.Takako's debut in a theater was when she was sixteen years old, in Ninjo Hanashi Bun Nana Motoyu (Emotions Inscribed in Seven Hair-tying Paper Cords) at Tokyo Kabukiza in 1993. Her first lead role in television is NHK Drama Hana no Ran (War of Roses) in 1994. Afterwards, she increased in succession the number of leadrole appearances in theater and television drama, becoming preeminent as a young actress.

Moreover, because Shirayuri Gakuen, the high school Matsu enrolled in, strictly prohibited entertainment industry, she transferred to Horietsu High School citing obstruction to her work. At that time, Tsuyoshi Domoto of Kinki Kids, two years her younger, was at the school and remarks, Matsu was excellent.

In drama Long Vacation, which she played a lead role in 1996 following matriculating to college, she became popular as “the woman who dumped Kimutaku (Takuya Kimura of SMAP). Since the drama was a major hit, she began to establish in full-scale her position as an actress. In the same year, as the youngest ever at the age of 19, she hosted Kouhaku Utagassen, making 1996 a year of rapid progress for her. She is also well-known for acting with Takuya Kimura in another drama in the same period, Love Generation, which Matsu Takako acts as the female lead-role in.

In 1997, she made her debut as a songwriter and singer, expanding her activity beyond the acting realm. She has worked with many different producers, but in her third album, Itsuka, Sakura no Ame ni... , she is noted for working on every song (either composing the melody or lyrics) on the album becoming her most successful album recorded with Universal Music up to date. As of now, she released nineteen singles and ten albums (of which, seven are original studio albums), achieving success as a singer also. In other works, she published through Asahi Shinbun Publishers Matsu no Hitorigoto (Matsu Talks to Herself), a photo essay book.

Many of her lead roles in television dramas are in FujiTV (FNN) and Tokyo Broadcasting Station (TBS), it is thought that the high frequence in FNN lead roles are due to the fact that her management office Papa Deux is cordial with FNN and the channel having as its director, Kosan Nagayama, the son of Matsutake’s President.

Toki no Fune, released September 2004, was composed by the Japanese singer Akeboshi. It's very similar to his song A nine days' wonder, the song was released after the Toki no Fune single. Apart from the lyrics and a few small changes in the melody, A nine days' wonder is almost like an English cover of Toki no Fune. The single also contains a cover of Akeboshi's White reply previously recorded on her sixth album, harvest songs.

In late 2004, Takako was told that she had won the Best Actress of the Year by her manager, she was so happy and said to have remarked "I am fortunate to have been born a Japanese". Her manager later said, "She normally dont show so much emotions for an award that I was taken aback."

In July 2006, Matsu and Kimura will star in a special one night edition of Hero. While a remake of this drama has been refused for years, some believe that recent surge of white collar crimes and arrests such as that of Livedoor president Horie has inspired the need for a special production.

In October 2006, Matsu will be in a weekly drama for the first time in over three years titled "Yakusha Damashii" for FNN alongside 73-year old actor Makoto Fujita, a family friend. Matsu Takako and Makoto Fujita in Comedy Drama Asahi Shimbun October 12, 2006 While Fujita was quite excited at his first work with Matsu, she stated earlier that she was quite attracted by his performance ability.

TV DRAMAS
  1. Hana no Ran (War of Flowers, 1994 NHK)
  2. Musashi (1995 NHK)
  3. Long Vacation (1996 FNN)-Ryoko Okusawa
  4. Hideyoshi (1996 NHK)-Yododono (the second wife of Hideyoshi)
  5. Konna Watashi ni Dare ga Shita (Who did This to Someone like Me, 1996 FNN)
  6. Ryoma is going (1997 TBS)-Sanako Chiba
  7. Boku ga Boku de Aru Tame ni (For I to be Myself, 1997 FNN)
  8. Koto no Renka (Love Song of the Old Capital, 1997 TBS)
  9. Hitotsu Yane no Shita 2 (Under One Roof, 1997 FNN)
  10. Love Generation (1997 FNN)
  11. Shuntoo (Spring Light, 1997 NHK)
  12. Jinbē (1998 Fuji TV)
  13. Kai (Oar, 1999 NHK), Kiwa Tomita
  14. Konya wa Eigyootyuu (Open Tonight, 1999 NTV)
  15. Omiai Kekkon (2000 FNN) - Setsuko Nakatani
  16. HERO (2001 FNN)-Maiko Amamiya
  17. Chūshingura 1/47(the story of the Forty-seven ronin) 1/47(2001 FNN)-Aguri
  18. Akarui Hoo e Akarui Hoo e (Towards the Brighter Side, Towards the Brighter Side 2001 TBS)
  19. Tokyo Story (27 Hour TV Special Drama, 2002 FNN)
  20. Itsumo Futari De (Always the Two of Us, 2003 FNN) - Mizuho Tanimachi
  21. Hiroshima Showa 20 nen 8 Gatsu Muika, 2005 TBS
  22. HERO ( special edition ) July 2006
  23. Yakusha Damashi! (Actor Spirit, October 17, 2006 FNN)
  24. Saka no ue no kumo (NHK) 2009

Love Generation

Posted by MalaysianGenius(MG) | Labels: | Posted On at 3:38 AM



Briefing
Katagiri Teppei (Kimura Takuya) is a promising creative agent, but whose attitude gets him transferred to the sales department. He has to learn to adapt to the new working environment, which includes cutting his precious locks of hair to create a neater and more appropriate image. Helping him along the way is Uesugi Riko (Matsu Takako), whom he tried to pick up along the street earlier but was tricked by her instead. Riko does not have a good impression of him at first, but falls for him gradually. However, Teppei runs into his ex-girlfriend Mizuhara Sanae (Junna Risa) who is now the girlfriend of his brother Soichiro (Uchino Masaaki). Consoling him is Riko, whom Teppei likes gradually. Just when Teppei and Riko start dating, Sanae realises that she still likes Teppei…

My comment
This drama is really worth watching. So touching....felt like crying at many scenes! Really nice!!! Such a beautiful story, I LOVE IT! I didn't expect that much, but it surprised me. Acting was great, they were such a cute couple! I loved their fights haha~ I like the end much...awesome storyline! Many lovely scenes, such a fascinating love story. Perfect drama for me!...Unfortunately it is a older one...I don't like old dramas that much, but this is really an exception! Recommend for everybody who is crazy after love stories!

The Cast"Realizing how life can be so sweet
When you are next to me
Realizing how life can be so sweet
When you are near to me"
THE CAST

"I've been waiting patiently
For you to come back to me
It's been a short eternity
Since you've left and gone away"
Excerpts

SOME INTERESTING EXCERPTS
Image  Gallery"Try keep your head about ya
Don't worry if they doubt ya
You'll make it in the end
Where you will love again"
IMAGE GALLERY
"We can live
In a world so free
Be true to your heart
And let love just take you there"
LG Links

LOVE GENERATION LINKS
LG Music,  Soundtrack, and others"Did you see me cry
( Did you ask yourself why )
Can you hear me cry
( Did you ask yourself )
Will we ever grow apart"

My personal rating: 9/10

* Genre: Human drama, Romance
* Episodes: 11
* Broadcast network: Fuji TV
* Broadcast period: 13 October 1997 – 22 December 1997

Actors
Ratings

* All episodes=32.5%

Suzuki Anju

Posted by MalaysianGenius(MG) | Labels: | Posted On Friday, March 12, 2010 at 9:48 AM



  • Name: 鈴木杏樹
  • Name (romaji): Suzuki Anju
  • Profession: Actress
  • Birthdate: 1969-Sep-23
  • Birthplace: Osaka
  • Height: 161cm
  • Star sign: Libra
  • Blood type: AB
  • Talent agency: Japan Music Entertainment
Suzuki Anju is a popular actress who can be seen on a few commercials and doramas. Anju can be seen on the following dramas: "Mukudono", "Coach", "Asunaro Hakusho", "Wakamono no Subete", "Koi no Vacance" and many, many more.

TV DRAMAS

Tsutsui Michitaka

Posted by MalaysianGenius(MG) | Labels: | Posted On at 8:38 AM


  • Name (romaji): Tsutsui Michitaka
  • Profession: Actor
  • Birthdate: 1971-Mar-31
  • Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
  • Height: 180cm
  • Weight: 64kg
  • Star sign: Aries
  • Blood type: A

TV DRAMAS

Ishida Hikari 石田ひかり

Posted by MalaysianGenius(MG) | Labels: | Posted On at 8:02 AM


  • Name Hikari Ishida
  • Japanese: 石田ひかり(いしだ ひかり)
  • Birthdate: May 25, 1972
  • Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
  • Height: 159cm.
  • Blood Type: A
  • Education: Asia University (law)
  • Star sign: Gemini
  • Family: Yuriko Ishida (older sister)
Hikari Ishida (石田ひかり, Ishida Hikari) is a Japanese actress.She starred along with Megumi Odaka and Natsuki Ozawa in the TV-series Hana no Asuka Gumi. She also released several singles and six albums and she had one minor hit with the song "Emerald no Suna". Ishida also made numerous commercials for hair products and released several photobooks and videos. Ishida has had at least one song appear on the NHK program Minna no Uta.













Hikari Ishida in Asunaro Hakusho

TV DRAMAS

Takuya Kimura

Posted by MalaysianGenius(MG) | Labels: | Posted On at 7:21 AM

Name: Kimura
First name: Takuya
Date of birth: 13-11-1972
Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Blood type: O
Height: 176.5cm
Weight: 58kg
Body stastistic: B93/W67/H89
Management:Johnny's Entertainment
Group:SMAP(1991-present) Skate Boys(1987-1991[backup dancers for Hikaru Genji])
Civil Status:Married to singer/actress Shizuka Kudo, 2 daughters: Kokomi,7; Mitsuki, 4


History
[Image: 533hvm.jpg]Takuya KIMURA was born in Tokyo, Japan on November 13, 1972. At the age of 5, he moved to Chiba, a beautiful city in Chiba Prefecture. Living near the sea, little Takuya was always free to throw himself into the waves. He became a nature lover. Today the sea still gives him energy when he surfs in the sea.
    
[Image: 2z9fadv.jpg]Son of an interior, young Takuya showed talent on drawing and painting from childhood and was also good at fishing, kendo, basketball and other sports activities. His drawings and paintings were selected often by exhibitions for child. He won sevrial championships in prefectural tourments of kendo and fishing before entering show business.
   
[Image: 260d8u8.jpg]At the age of 16, he joined a local singing group Smap, starting his life in show biz with a series of musical activities. In the following year, he moved back to Tokyo and played a role in the living theatre "Modoken" (1989) directed by worldwide famous theatre director Ninagawa Yukio, which engendered his great interests in acting. After years of accumulation for acting experience, Takuya participated in a TV series "Asunaro Hakusho" in 1993, and gained spreading poularity.
   
[Image: 29lxl6v.jpg]In 1994, Takuya won the "Ishihara Yujiro Newcomer Award" for his performance in his film debut "Shoot". By accident he started to grow his hair long in summer and all the young men started copying him. Although he has shortened it often to the chin line since then, the "God of Longhairs" image has stuck. By the end of 2005 the Dentsu Communication Institute Inc. study found "Kimutaku Phenomenon" created an economic impact of 152 billion JPY in one year. His name came to stand for the height of male beauty, nearly achieving common noun status.

[Image: 20128lg.jpg]In 1996, the Asia-wide hit Japanese series "Long Vacation" became the prologue to his legendary success in TV series performance, his "Love Generation" in 1997 and "A Sleeping Forest" in 1998 all got smashing success afterwards. Won critical praise for his convincing portrayal of different roles, Takuya was crowned Best Leading Actor by Drama Academy Awards. He was then the most popular Japanese artist in Aisa, kept creating the records in various fields. Per ex., he was once the face of Kanebo in 1996, the first Asian male star to advertise female cosmetic.
   
[Image: 2d0nllj.jpg]The hysteria surrounding Takuya might be dangerous, especially gave his talent for "bad-boy" roles. His use of a butterfly knife in "Gift" (1997) prompted a spate of copycat attacks and victims by disaffected teenagers. The series was forced to prune down before got the green light again and forbidden to rebroadcast. During the same period, thanks to him, Japanese had their first beauty clinic for men. (See TBC in Commercials)
   
[Image: 14uga6a.jpg]In 1997, Takuya was invited by Wong Kar-Wai to star in "2046". Filming began in 1999 in Bangkok but was then put aside. Five years later, the movie had been completed in time for Cannes Film Festival. In year 1999 Takuya started performing a dance Para-Para on televsion, the sensation spreaded right away across Japan and Asia afterwards.
   
[Image: n642lk.jpg]Ever since the beginning of 2000, he kept breaking the various records that held by himself. Current, he holds the top four spots for most watched non-national Japanese TV series of all time with "Hero" (2001), "Beautiful Life" (2000), "Love Generation" (1997) and "Good Luck" (2003) ranked respectively. Each of these four series scored a viewership rating of over 30% for its pilot. In addition, he also made Japanese TV drama history, when all episodes of "Hero" received over 30% of viewership. He is hailed as one of the most versatile leading men in Japan, tackling a variety of roles from romantic hero to rule-breaking prosecutor and revenge-seeking chef.
     
[Image: 16jko9.jpg]In 2007, Takuya played a head of a steel firm in "Karei-naru Ichizoku" which depicts the conflicts within the Manpyo family at the end of the 1960s. His outstanding performance won him a Seoul Drama Award and his 7th Drama Academy Award, an unprecedented record. He has also been named "CM King" for the 9th time, in succession for eight years, another record.

TV DRAMAS


Asunaro Hakusho(Asunaro White Paper / Asunaro Confessions / Ordinary People

Posted by MalaysianGenius(MG) | Labels: | Posted On at 5:55 AM

Briefing
A coming of age story that follows five young university who form a circle of friends. Tamotsu and Osamu (Kimura) fall in love with Narumi, who prefers Tamotsu. In order not to hurt each other as friends, both young men try to avoid forming a relationship with Narumi which inadvertedly leads to tragedy among the friends. After the accidental death of Junichiro, the friends leave university for various reasons leaving Narumi to continue and finish her studies. A few years later they all meet again to be surprised by a few secrets that are recvealed.

My comment
A drama about a group of friends and the up and down relationships between each of them. I felt that each actor/actress did a great job portraying their character -- there's a lot of good acting in this show, particularly from Ishida Hikari, Suzuki Anju and Kimura Takuya.Despite the few storyline faulterings, it has interesting characters, decent acting, excellent music and is well-paced. I recommend this for anybody who is interested in the intracacies of the borderline relationship between friendship and love.

My personal rating: 8/10
  • Genre: Human drama, Romance, School
  • Episodes: 11
  • Broadcast network: Fuji TV
  • Broadcast period: 1993-Oct-11 to 1993-Dec-20









Actors
Ratings
  • Ep 1: 24.7%
  • Ep 2: 26.8%
  • Ep 3: 23.9%
  • Ep 4: 23.8%
  • Ep 5: 25.2%
  • Ep 6: 27.3%
  • Ep 7: 25.3%
  • Ep 8: 29.3%
  • Ep 9: 28.8%
  • Ep 10: 27.6%
  • Ep 11: 31.9%