news from japan

I don't talk as much about Japan on this blog as I used to, but it's always there in the back of my mind. If I do mention things Japanese now it's mostly aimed at the band of miscreants who shared the joy that is Japan with me, so don't be surprised (everyone else) if the reference seems random. There are definitely people reading who know what I'm posting about.

Lifted from Japan-Zone:

Hotei Unplugged

Legendary rock guitarist Hotei Tomoyasu (44) is to be just the fifth Japanese artist to appear on MTV Unplugged. His acoustic performance, to be recorded in Tokyo, will be shown on January 31. He will be joined by friends from the U.S. and the U.K., most likely including ex-Stray Cat Brian Setzer and possibly Jesus Jones. Starting with Chage & Aska in 1996, the only Japanese musicians to appear on the show are Utada Hikaru, Hirai Ken and Yaida Hitomi. Hotei became one of Japan's leading musicians as a guitarist with legendary 80s rock band Boowy.

Kimutaku Declines Academy Nomination

Actor, SMAP member and Japan's No.1 heart throb Kimura Takuya (34) will not be accepting his nomination for a best actor prize at the 30th Japan Academy Awards. Kimutaku stars in "Bushi no Ichibun", the third in Yamada Yoji's trilogy of samurai movies. His decision means that the movie misses its chance to be represented in all 13 award categories. It is the first time an actor has refused a nomination, other than the rare occasion when it has conflicted with a work schedule. Johnny's Jimusho, which represents Kimura, said he "doesn't want to compete with other nominees". The agency also refuses its stars' nominations for Record Taisho awards as a matter of policy. "Bushi..." was only barely eligible for this year's awards, opening on December 1, the last day for which movies could be considered. It's been a big success, taking in over ¥1.7 billion at the box office. Several other of its stars have received nominations, including Dan Rei (35), Sasano Takashi (58), and Momoi Kaori (54). "Bushi..." is said to be Yamada's last samurai drama, despite the huge success of "Tasogare Seibei" (Twilight Samurai, 2003) and "Kakushi-ken: Oni no Tsume" (Hidden Sword: Demon's Talons, 2004).