A lot happened this month. Still looking for people to write similar articles for the other countries on MDL.
Marriages
None this month.
Births
- On February 27, actress Hashimoto Manami (35) updated her blog announcing her first pregnancy. - TH
- Joshima Shigeru (49) and Kikuchi Risa (24) welcomed a new child into their family. - NT
- Josei Jishin recently revealed that Yamada Yu (35) & Oguri Shun (37) who are currently residing in Los Angeles are expecting their third child next month. The two got married in 2012, gave birth to their first child in '14 and their second child in '17. - LALAINE
- Becky (36) gave birth to her first child early this month. Her agency confirmed the reports after an interview with ORICON STYLE. The sex and birthdate of her baby have not been revealed. -Tokyo Hive
Deaths
- Sengen Seizo, 1938 July 23 - 2020 March 1, movie cameraman, director of photography. Supporting member of the Japan Motion Picture Directors Association (JSC).
Someone spotted [Matsumoto]Jun and Ohno[Satoshi] filming something together!! -Num
Celebrity Mentions
- Sashihara Rino thanks fan who sent her a mask. - NT
- Why is Watanabe Mayu not appearing on TBS “UTAGE!”? - NT
- Yahoo! Japan will donate for the reconstruction/recovery of the affected areas/residents of the Great Tohoku earthquake. 10 yen for every "3.11" search. Like Arashi, who keeps supporting them, we can also help by doing a simple search. Click Link.
- Yoshitaka Yuriko reportedly sent to a hospital via an ambulance after hitting her head during the filming of NTV drama "Shiranakute ii koto"; Episode 7 had a scene of her falling to the floor; she posted on her Twitter on 26th February that she was fine after a checkup. - Chiaki
- Sato Takeru opens youtube account on March 18 with 677K subscribers as of March 19th - modelpress. This account is in addition to his weibo and LINE accounts
- Yamashita Tomohisa does first Instagram Live Event on 3.21 at 9:30pm JST.
- Yonekura Ryoko (44) announced that her contract with Oscar Promotion since 1992 would end on March 31, 2020. She’s very grateful for the 27 years of opportunities and guidance. New activities will be announced soon. - LALAINE
- Kiko Mizuhara sexually harassed during a past photoshoot for SHISEIDO. - Arama
- Buruzon Chiemi will be leaving Watanabe Entertainment on March 31. - Tokyo Hive
- Comedian Shimura Ken of Tensai! Shimura Doubutsuen has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). - Neotokyo
Music
- Former Johnny Jimusho member, Tsubasa Imai (38), has signed with Shochiku Entertainment. - NT
- Johnny & Associates, Yonezu Kenshi, back number, Akanishi Jin, and More Cancel Events Due to Coronavirus - AJ. Second article poster on Mar 17th - Modelpress - with more performances cancelled until March 31st.
- 2020.03.01 Arashi does an Impromptu Limited Live Broadcast タ コ ス パ ー テ ィ ー of their lunch break to entertain people staying home due to Co-V - Youtube (in Japanese). A second one was done on 03.19.
- Unit “Kame to YamaPi” to release their first original album 「SI」 on April 29. “SI” is a familiar word in the lyrics of ‘Seishun Amigo” that if you turn it upside down, it becomes “15”. It’s been 15 years since ‘Seishun Amigo’ was released. - LALAINE - Tokyo Hive
Anime
- Matsumoto Honoka and Seto Toshiki take the voice lead in upcoming "Kimi wa Kanata" animation movie. It will be Seto's voice acting debut. "Kimi wa Kanata" will see its release in Fall 2020. Sena Yoshinobu is directing. - K - Psycho-Drama
Theatre
- Takahashi Issei, Sakai Wakana, Hayashi Kento, Arimura Kasumi, Kazama Shunsuke, Chiba Yudai, Yoshine Kyoko and Matsuoka Mayu starring stage play "Sakamoto Yuji Rodoku Geki: Wasure Enu Wasure Enu, Hatsukoi and Furin", directed by Sakamoto Yuji. Performance from April 14 to 22 (Tokyo)". - ハズキ
- Yoshizawa Ryo first challenge in musical with "Producers" co-starring Ohno Tokuro. Directed by Fukuda Yuichi, based on 1968 'The Producers' musical by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, performs on November 9 to December 6. - ハズキ
- Visual of "Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso" The Musical starring Koseki Yuta and Ikuta Erika. Perform on July 5-26 at Tokyo Tatemono Brillia HALL (Toshima Arts and Culture Theater). - ハズキ
- Koike Teppei to star in “Rurouni Kenshi Kyoto” musical. - NT
- NEWS' Masuda will be starring in a musical, "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying"! The musical was initially staged on Broadway in 1961, and Daniel Radcliffe last played the same character. - Transitions
Awards
- WOWOW presents Theatrical Awards 2019 - ハズキ
- The 6th Cover Girl Awards Winners - ハズキ
- The 43rd Japan Academy Film Prize Winners/ceremony - ハズキ★ OAL FEEDS
- Winners of the 34th Japan Gold Disc Awards Announced and Arashi wins 'Artist of the Year' for the 6th time. - TH
CMs
- Ito Kentaro and Yahagi Honoka for REGINA CLINIC CM. video ハズキ
- Suda Masaki and Komatsu Nana in 「niko and ... 」 new web movie. WEB MOVIE - MAKING OF - LALAINE - Video - ハズキ
- Arashi has new CM for Mitsuya Cider. Asahi Soft Drinks. - Rin
Events
— ‘DIOR’ From Paris to Japan Event
ryusei × yuko
LALAINE
Seino Nana & Yokohama Ryuusei wrap up their filming for NTV Winter 2020 drama "Shiro demo kuro demonai sekai de, panda wa warau". - Chiaki
Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo wrap up
Toda Erika wraps up filming for NHK morning drama "Scarlet"; the last episode showing on 28th March 2020. - Chiaki
Yamazaki Kento at Wotakoi LA dinner party. - ハズキ
Honda Nao standing next to super idol Kamenashi and they took this pic at the shooting site for a movie scheduled to be released this year. Hmm... Do they mean that Kame's new horror movie (Stigmatized Property) or? So, she's a lead actress then? - YooLeeNa - credit on pic
Dramas
Dramas will only be for summer or later; the spring list can be found here.
- Nakajo Ayami and Hongo Kanata to lead in NHK BS Premium drama 56-nen-me no Shitsuren. This is a time travel love story centers on a chef who lost her confidence, suddenly slip back from 2020 to 1964 and meet a western cook. Broadcast in July. - ハズキ
- Inoue Mao joins NTV summer drama "Nigatsu no Shousha -Zettai Goukaku no Kyoushitsu-" starring Yagira Yuya. Based on the manga by Shiho Takase that realistically depicts the world of junior high school exams, set in a prestigious private school. Starts in July. - ハズキ
- The second season of Fuji TV getsuku drama "Kansatsui Asagao" starring Ueno Juri to be broadcast in summer and fall 2020. This is the first time since 2009 a getsuku drama is broadcast in two seasons. The drama currently in filming. - ハズキ - Chiaki
- Ichikawa Ebizo stars in new FujiTV drama SP "OKEHAZAMA ~ Oda Nobunaga ~" showing this summer - Chiaki
- Okada Kenshi and Hongo Kanata to star in new NHK Summer 2020 drama "Oedo Mononoke Monogatari" starting from 17 Jul 2020 at 8pm on Fridays; 5 eps; Co-stars include Yamada Anna, Morikawa Aoi, Hirao Nanaka, Aoyama Misato and Issey Ogata. - Chiaki
- Takeuchi Aisa to lead in 2020 FOD live-action drama "Sixteen Shoukougun" based on the manga by Konatsu. The story centers on a high school girl who stronger and cooler than any guy, the prince and her beautiful best friend, the princess. - ハズキ
- Yagira Yuya, Arimura Kasumi and Miura Haruma to lead in NHK SP drama "Taiyou no Ko", a youth drama based on the true story of scientist during the war. Broadcast on August 15. - ハズキ
- Hamabe Minami and Yokohama Ryusei to lead in NTV drama "Watashitachi wa Douka Shite iru". Based on the manga by Ando Natsumi, mystery, psychology, romance drama set in a long-established Japanese confectionery shop. Starts in July. - ハズキ - LALAINE
Movies
- Hey! Say! JUMP member Ryosuke Yamada will be starring in a brand new film alongside actress Tao Tsuchiya. The upcoming project is called “Daikaijiyu no Atoshimatsu“. - AJ
- Tsutsumi Shinichi and Ishida Yuriko to lead in suspense movie "Nozomi". Based on the novel by Shizukui Shusuke about a family living in a luxury mansion, their son is a high school student, being involved in a murder case. Release in fall of 2020. - ハズキ
- The double teaser of anime movie and live-action movie Sakisaka Io's manga "Omoi Omoware Furi Furare" starring Hamabe Minami, Fukumoto Riko, Kitamura Takumi and Akaso Eiji. Anime movie release on May 29 and live-action movie release on August 14. - Trailer - ハズキ
- Hirate Yurina joins live-action movie "Sankaku Mado no Sotogawa wa Yoru" starring Okada Masaki and Shison Jun. Based on the manga by Yamashita Tomoko, she will play a high school student who has powerful curse power. Release on October 30.
- Inowaki Kai, Kiyohara Kaya, Kitamura Takumi, Matsui Airi, Harada Tomoyo, Tsutsumi Shinichi and other actors join live-action movie "Kudake Chiru Tokoro Wo Miseteageru" starring Nakagawa Taishi and Ishii Anna. Release on May 8. - Chiaki - 60-sec trailer
- Yoshizawa Ryo and Sugisaki Hana to lead in the movie "Aokute Itakute Moroi". Based on the novel by Sumino Yoru about a college student who not good at socializing and his secret place with a girl who can't read the atmosphere. Release on August 28.
- "Watashi ga Motete Dousunda" LA reveals its first trailer ahead of a July 10th release. The movie stars Yoshino Hokuto (THE RAMPAGE), Kamio Fuju, Tomita Miu, Ito Asahi, Okuno So, and Yamaguchi Nonoka (E-girls). -K - Psycho-Drama - Trailer - PR Poster Chiaki - 60s trailer - LALAINE
- PR poster of the new movie "Asa ga kuru" starring Nagasaku Hiromi, Iura Arata, Makita Aju, Asada Miyoko, Yamashita Rio, Morita Kokoro, Horiuchi Masami, Yamamoto Hiroshi, Miura Masaki, Ikezu Shoko, Wakaba Ryuya, Aoki Munetaka and Riju Go; showing in cinemas from 5th June 2020. - Chiaki - 30-sec trailer
- PR poster of the new movie "Hachioji Zombies" starring Yamashita Kenjiro, Kubota Yuuki, Fujita Rei, Kiyama Haruki, Takano Akira, Makishima Hikaru, Miura Kairi, Saikawa Kouji and Ozawa Yuuta; showing in cinemas from 5th June 2020. - Chiaki - 30-sec trailer
- PR poster of the new movie "Damashie no Kiba" starring Ooizumi Yo, Matsuoka Mayu, Miyazawa Hio, Ikeda Elaiza, Saito Takumi, Nakamura Tomoya, Sano Shiro, Lily Franky, Tsukamoto Shinya, Kunimura Jun, Kimura Yoshino, Kobayashi Satomi and Sato Koichi; showing from 19th June 2020. - Chiaki - 30 sec trailer
- Furuta Arata and Matsuzaka Toori star in the new movie "Kuuhaku" showing in 2021; filming begins in mid-April at Gamagori, Aichi; a father (Furuta) seeks the people who caused his daughter to die in a traffic accident and drives them to the edge. - Chiaki
- PR poster of the new movie "Touge Saigo no Samurai" starring Yakusho Koji, Matsu Takako, AKIRA, Kagawa Kyoko, Tanaka Min, Nagayama Kento, Yoshine Kyoko, Bando Ryota, Enomoto Takaaki, Watanabe Dai, Higashide Masahiro, Sasaki Kuranosuke, Yoshioka Hidetaka and Nakadai Tatsuya, etc. - Chiaki - 30-sec trailer
- Kitamura Takumi, Yamada Yuki, Sugino Yosuke, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Isomura Hayato, Mamiya Shotaro and Yoshizawa Ryo to star in new real-life adaptation movie "Tokyo Revengers" based on Wakui Ken's manga; to be screened from 9th October 2020. - Chiaki
- Hirate Yurina to play the heroine Hiura Erika in the new movie "Sankaku mado no sotogawa wa yoru" starring Okada Masaki and Shison Jun; showing in cinemas from 30th October 2020. - Chiaki
- PR poster of the new movie "Moeyo Ken" starring Okada Junichi, Shibasaki Kou, Suzuki Ryohei, Yamada Ryosuke and Ito Hideaki, etc.; showing in cinemas from 22 May 2020 - Chiaki - Behind the scenes footage
- [NR] First teaser video released for upcoming LA adaptation of "Yowamushi Pedal" starring Nagase Ren. Ito Kentaro, and Hashimoto Kanna are also part of the main cast. - Psycho drama
- Ogoe Yuuki leads 8th "Jinrou Game" (only 2 in MDL database) instalment. It will be the first time the main lead is a male character. Kawakami Ryo, the writer of the original novel, will be directing the movie himself. "Jinrou Game" will be released fall 2020. - K - Psycho Drama
- Poster visual and stills for live-action 'LOVE STAGE!!' starring Sugiyama Mahiro, Nakada Hiroki, Wago Shinichi and DAIGO. Opens June 5. - Unleashthegeek
My Sources for News and Dramas
I hope you enjoyed your news this month and I will be seeing you next month with another instalment of "The Noodle Cart".
Edited by: Yuanwei (1st editor)