“Spirited Away” (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi), the movie by master animator Miyazaki Hayao, has been nominated for the “Best Animated Feature” Oscar. The Studio Ghibli flick set box office records in Japan in 2002, and has since received several prestigious awards in the US. It has already grossed $5.5 million in the US, pretty good for a foreign film. The award ceremony will be held on March 23rd. See the movie poster.
Latest News from Japan Zone & Japan Store
CM Debut For “Miki-Ti”
Fujimoto Miki (17), who recently became the first new addition to Morning Musume not to be chosen by audition, is to make her TV commercial debut. “Miki-Ti” as she is known to her fans is currently the biggest rival for Matsuura Aya’s unofficial title of most “kawaii” (cutesy) idol. She, Matsuura and former MM member Goto Maki also make up the trio known as “Gomatto.” The CM for Glico’s “Panappu” ice cream will run from March 3rd.
Comeback For “Monkey Girl”
Amuro Namie (25), who was by far the biggest trend setter and leading lady of J-Pop in the late 1990s, is on the comeback trail. Though she become a mother in 1998, her divorce last year from TRF dancer Sam hinted that she was thinking of her career rather than her family. This week came the announcement of a new TV commercial for Lucido-L cosmetics, which will feature Amuro and her new single “Shine More.” Amuro started the trend for dyed hair and deep suntans among high school girls in the 90s.
Yamada Goes For Berlin Gold
Movie director Yamada Yoji’s first period drama “Twilight Samurai” (Tasogare Seibei) has been entered in the Berlin Film Festival. The movie stars Sanada Hiroyuki, who plays a samurai who rescues an abused wife, another strong role for the resurgent Miyazawa Rie. Yamada (71) is best known as the director of the “Tora-san” series, the longest-running series ever.
Sanma Busted Again
Comedian Akashiya Sanma (47) has once again featured in a mini scandal. The divorcee and most popular star in Japan for the past five years running is often paired up with young starlets by the gossip magazines. As with many such cases, this latest is seen as an attempt to create publicity for an up and coming “talento.” This time he was said to have been drawn by the 100cm bust of Saito Masumi (24). Both have denied anything other than friendship, but Sanma added with a smile “If I invite a young woman over in future, it sems I might as well sleep with her.”
Mizuno Maki to Wed?
Actress Mizuno Maki (32) hinted that she may be getting hitched before too long. When asked about marriage plans she said “It’s all up to my agency…”, taken to mean that she is waiting for a suitable time in her busy work schedule. She is currently seeing an advertising agency executive.