Hey! Say! JUMP’s Yamada Ryosuke to star in historical drama for the first time

Hey! Say! JUMP member Yamada Ryosuke (18) will be starring in his first historical drama as ‘Yamada Akiyoshi’ in the TBS New Year’s  special, “Shirarezaru Bakumatsu no Shishi: Yamada Akiyoshi Monogatari“.

Yamada revealed, “When I first received the offer, I thought, ‘Can I really do it?’. I was unsure of myself.” However, after visiting the location of the drama in Uzumasa, Kyoto, Yamada felt convinced that he could successfully swing the role. “When I put on the wig and costume, I was given a strong belief that I could do it,” he asserted.

Set after the Meiji Restoration Period, the drama will reflect upon Akiyoshi’s youth. Akiyoshi was born into the Choshu Domain, and entered Yoshida Shoin’s private academy called Shoka Sonjuku. He then founded Nihon University (Nihon Law School at the time) and Kokugakuin University.

The later years of Akiyoshi will be played by Watari Tetsuya (69). Other cast members include Izumi Pinko (64), Goda Masashi (41), and Kiriyama Akito (22) of Kansai Johnny’s Jr.

Source: Sponichi Annex
Image: Shirazeraru Bakumatsu no Shishi: Yamada Akiyoshi Monogatari Official Website

HEY! HEY! HEY! Music Champ announces K-Pop special for October 10th

HEY! HEY! HEY! Music Champ announced that they are going to air a two-hour-long special on October 10th in order to celebrate the 18th year anniversary of the show.

They also revealed the line-up for the special on their blog and made it clear that it’s going to be full-fledged K-Pop special, but the biggest highlight is going to be the appearance of Tohoshinki, who haven’t been on the show for two years.

The rest of the line-up includes T-ARA, RAINBOW, and AFTERSCHOOL, who are each going to perform medleys of their most popular songs, as well as performances from 2NE1 and FTISLAND.

Child actor Suzuki Fuku is going to be one of the panelists again and he already announced that he is going to dance to “Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori!” together with the girls from AFTERSCHOOL.

However, the show won’t be limited to just K-POP. The long-standing pop & dance group TRF, who have frequently been in the TOP 20 when HEY! HEY! HEY! Music Champ started 18 years ago, are going to perform a special medley that shouldn’t be missed.

Furthermore, it was announced that there is going to be a special collaboration by ‘ONE PIECE‘ and AMEMIYA dedicated to Tohoshinki.

Sources: Fuji TV, mu-mo