The Quiz Show 2 review (haphazard)

So, prior to this, I'd never heard of this drama "The Quiz Show 2" before. I found out that there is indeed a "The Quiz Show", but I don't really have much interest in watching it (no doubt because Sakurai and Yokoyama aren't inside).

The description of the show from DramaWiki:

 Sakurai plays the host of a live TV quiz program. On the show, contestants who achieve 7 correct answers win 10 million yen, and those who get 8 correct answers will have one of their wishes granted by the TV network. But while the questions start off innocently enough, as the game progresses, the questions gradually delve into the contestants' past crimes or indiscretions, presenting them with the dilemma of having to confess their guilt in order to win. Sakurai's character also has a mysterious past. Before becoming the show's host, an accident had left him in a vegetative state for six years, which also resulted in him losing most of his memories.

Though the format for the first few episodes are, without a doubt, ridiculously and annoyingly repitive, it still keeps you glued to your screen (at least for the first time you watch it, anyway) as more and more is revealed in each episode. The memories that Kamiyama gains from each episode also seem to change. It's easy to sense his confusion and anxiety. How is he related to Honma? Why did I stab that girl? Did I even stab her? Oh wait, I didn't stab her, I killed her later in the hospital... and so on. There are also entire scenes throughout the whole series that are repeated again and again, especially the whole introductory sequence. Yet, I have to admit that I was never tempted to fast forward at those parts (probably because it was too short anyway). And, I feel that I really ahve to mention Sakurai's dancing at the Dream Chance part.

The show only starts breaking out of this annoying mould from episode 7 onwards, by which the viewer will think that he/she has a pretty clear view of what happened. Things start to shake up, and more interesting truths are revealed, especially the relationships between the characters. I like how it's not just the relationships between the main characters that are revealed, but also that of the others. Also, the nature of the contestants on the gameshow start to take a *ahem* more interesting turn.

The great thing about this drama is that it is chock full of turns and suprises, and real ones, not those lame, half-assed sort that we frequently encounter in other dramas (Yay! It turns out that the poor boyfriend whom the parents diapprove of is the long-lost son of a billionaire!). The mistakes Satoru makes in recalling the past are entirely believable, and as a viewer, you actually get sucked into his train of thought and follow him as he tries to put the pieces together.

When the truth is finally revealed (and I have to mention that the ending was neither rushed nor anti-climatic), Honma and Kamiyama have a good cry. Oh goodness, the crying scene was really all out. You could even see Sakurai's mucus dripping!

However, I couldn't really see the "happiness" of the ending. There were little touches that made it sweet, like the poppy field scene and the reversal of Honma's watch, but it felt like the biggest thing was lacking. Kamiyama speech to Honma still didn't seem enough to give him new hope in life.

 And a few more minor things that bugged me during the drama:

• It's rather alarming how Kamiyama changes from a deranged soul in his cell to a charming MC on stage.
• If the other staff involoved in the production of the gameshow are curious about Kamiyama's origins, why don't they approach him directly?
• Really, why don't more of the contestants recognise Kamiyama? Surely, if you had been involved in the plane crash, wouldn't you at least care to read the news about your fellow passengers (and so few of them, too) to see how they fared?
• Lastly, why doesn't any contestant/audience member seem to care when Kamiyama gets into his headache-fits on stage?

So, should you watch this show?

If you are a Sakurai/Yokoyama fan, the answer is a definite yes. And if you're not, the answer is still a not-so-definite yes. Unless you're one of those who much, much, much prefer romance/comedy genres, I find it hard to believe that you can find this show boring.

Pictures from: http://www.ntv.co.jp/quizshow/guest/index.html, http://legally-cutie.livejournal.com/10369.html, http://dramacrazy.net/

Btw, I just realised that I've never had a tag for Yokoyama. And this is a really messy review but I! can't! do! anything! properly! until I get a personal laptop! Hopefully the "new" one which I've already transferred my dramas to...

So, which one do you prefer?

THIS?

OR THIS??

Because I really can't decide which one I like more! I thought the short hair and spiked-up fringe looked weird at first, but then I fell in love with it but now I think the long hair suits him better but I love both! And I really love the first photo of Jun because it reminds me of the good old slouchy Sawada Shin. I've never seen anyone who can look good in so many different moods: from grouchy and moody to satisfied and happy.

And the best Arashi hair-related macro ever:

Cheers to Arashi and Jun's hair!

Sources: grouchy Jun with long hair, happy Jun with short hair, Jun hair macro, Arashi!

Arashi in Asahi Shimbum. They were portrayed as characters from a drama that each of them has starred in before.

Yamashita Tomohisa from NEWS drinking with his friends. I took the effort to combine them all into one picture even though it doesn't really look that much like him.

Also, you need to watch this video whether or not you're a fan of Mizushima Hiro/ Sato Takeru/ Mei-Chan. WATCH IT.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Arashi, Arashi, as kids (I feel so lame)

Matsumoto Jun, who seems more interested in stuffing his face with cake than looking at the camera.

Ninomiya Kazunari.

Sakurai Sho. So cute!

Ohno Satoshi and his elder sister.

I came across Sho and Nino's photos and thought I'd do a complete set, but I couldn't find any of Aiba's kiddy photos. (they're probably somewhere in my flickr account though) So, to make up for the loss, more Nino!

Sakurai and Nino's childhood photos from here and Jun's from here. I "recycled" the other photos from last time so I lost the sources. And in case you're wondering why I'm doing this, it's because there's no news (as far as I know) and I don't want to lapse into another round of not updating. I've been reading books a lot lately. It's been so long since I've read book after book for hours and I realise how much I miss books and reading. I'm probably one of the few teens that could survive a world without internet... Or maybe not.

Ohno Satoshi and Koda Misono often meet up in Roppongi

According to Tokyo Sports, Arashi leader Ohno Satoshi (30) has been meeting up with singer-songwriter Koda Misono (26) often in Roppongi area of Tokyo. Koda Misono is the younger sister of singer Koda Kumi. The article states that the two started meeting up with each other towards the end of last year. It is still unclear if the two are dating. Koda Misono has appeared in some of Arashi's variety shows, like VS Arashi and Himitsu no Arashi-chan. (Entame)

Arashi outperforms everyone again! (Oricon 2010)

Oricon has compiled total sales data for the top artists of 2010, counting singles, albums, and DVDs. This year's top artist was Arashi, with more than 17.16 billion yen worth of sales. In fact, Arashi ranks as the #1 artist in seven different categories: Total gross sales for an artist; Total gross single sales for an artist; Copies sold for an album; Gross sales for an album; Copies sold for a music DVD; Gross sales for a music DVD; Total gross music DVD sales for an artist.

Arashi easily outdid their numbers from 2009, when they were also the #1 selling artist at 14.46 billion yen. (Tokyograph)

I couldn't help but grin while reading this article.

AKB48 and (awesome) Arashi dominate top 10 of Oricon 2010 Rankings (Singles)

Oricon is beginning to release its cumulative sales data for 2010. So far, it has announced the Top 50 in singles and albums, as well as the Top 5 in total sales. As predicted, the singles rankings were dominated by Arashi and AKB48, who together held all of the Top 10 spots.

This is the first time in the ranking's history that the Top 10 has been occupied by just two artists. Before this, the record was five artists in the Top 10, which happened in 1989.

AKB48 had the top 2 singles with "Beginner" and "Heavy Rotation." They are only the third female artist to hold the top 2 singles of the year, a feat previously accomplished by Princess Princess in 1989 and Pink Lady in 1978.

Arashi, who had the top 2 singles in 2008 and the top 3 singles in 2009, settled for taking 6 of the top 10 spots this year.

Top 50 Singles:

1. Beginner - AKB48 - 954,283
2. Heavy Rotation - AKB48 - 713,275
3. Troublemaker - Arashi - 698,542
4. Monster - Arashi - 696,022
5. Ponytail to Chouchou - AKB48 - 659,959
6. Hatenai Sora - Arashi - 656,343
7. Love Rainbow - Arashi - 620,057
8. Chance no Junban - AKB48 - 596,769
9. Dear Snow - Arashi - 591,207
10. To be free - Arashi - 516,142

(Tokyograph)

I'm back from Africa! Whenever I tell people I'm going to Africa for holiday they're like, "What?!" but my trip was surprisingly normal. Anyway, I'm now back with an unintentional tan, mild jet lag (or maybe I'm just being lazy), and 50 trillion Zimbabwe dollars(I'm serious).

I also have no idea what has happened over the past two weeks, hence this picture post! I was planning to update while overseas since my family was bringing a laptop along but then I found out that there was no Internet anywhere. Actually there was Internet in some places but you have to pay and I wasn't going to pay. Hello, you go to Africa to see wild animals and waterfalls.

But first, guess who! Answer's at the bottom of this post.

Some Ayase Haruka application form thing.

An ad for Aiba's newest drama "Bartender", where he plays a, uhm, bartender.

Sources: Ayase Haruka application - Auragazou; Aiba Masaki bartender - choko44; Guess who - Agazou

Guess who answer (highlight to read): Yamashita Tomhisa (NEWS) and his younger sis

150 million yen to feature Arashi in a CM

The cost of featuring an artist in an advertisment usually reflects the artist's degree of activity or popularity that year. Recently, the estimated CM fee of some popular artists in Japan have been revealed.

(fee in 2010 → fee in 2011)
Arashi - 150 million yen → 150 million yen
Oguri Shun - 25 million yen → 25 million yen
Mizushima Hiro - 35 million yen → price not available*
Mukai Osamu - 30 million yen → 35 million yen
Fukuyama Masaharu - 50 milion yen → 50 million yen

Ayase Haruka - 35 million yen → 35 million yen
AKB48 - 30 million yen → 30 million yen
Sawajiri Erika - 30 million yen → price not available*
Ueto Aya - 30 million yen → 30 million yen
Yamada Yuu - 8 million yen → 8 million yen

*Mizushima Hiro has left his agency, Ken-on, to pursue a writing career. Sawajiri Erika is not attached to any agency now and has disappeared.

For example, the price of hiring Mukai Osamu has increased because of his rising popularity. (Entame)

There are a lot more listings at the actual site where I got this from, so you might want to take a look. It's quite easy to figure out, since it's just kanji names and numbers.

grainy photos

Decided to (finally!) update today, but I can't seem to find anything interesting. Though I suspect it's probably because my skills in searching for news aren't as sharp as they used to be. Anyway, here are a bunch of photos with mystery people inside. If you can, identify them!

Matsumoto Jun from Arashi with someone.

 Ikuta Toma (looks so different with this hair) with someone #2.

(supposedly) Shirota Yuu, Yamapi and Mizobata Junpei. I can only identify Shirota (the tall one, duh), so I'm not so sure about the other two.

With numbers like this, it's got to be Arashi

Arashi's album "Boku no Miteiru Fuukei" has officially become the first release of 2010 to reach 1 million copies sold. According to Oricon's sales numbers, the album sold 8,561 copies this past week, pushing the total sales to 1,007,896. Their greatest hits album "All the BEST! 1999-2009" last year was their first work to reach the million milestone, but "Boku no Miteiru Fuukei" is their first original one to achieve that feat.

Arashi personally announced the news to their fans on Tuesday during an event at Haneda Airport. JAL's customized Arashi Jet made an appearance at the airport's new international terminal, which is scheduled to open for operation on October 21.

"Boku no Miteiru Fuukei," released on August 4, sold approximately 731,000 copies in its first week. At the time, that one week alone was enough to make the album #1 in total sales for the year. (Tokyograph)

This is a pictorial post because I'm too tired to look for news :(( Yamapi, Matsujun and Ikuta Toma

 Yamshita Tomohisa, spotted while out by himself. As usual, an *cough* interesting outfit. Before you accuse me of being biased, I say this about almost every Johnny and I love them all. XD

And him and Aribu Yuu having the same necklace. (This was from some time back)

Matsumoto Jun, like Yamapi, out on his own. As usual, an *ahem* interesting outfit.

And just in case your eyes were ruined by the alien clothes, here's some love from Ikuta Toma and Yampi for you. You find youself falling in love with JE once again~

Sources: Yamapi in town - Janimoe; Matching necklace - Azagou; Matsujun in town - Janimoe; Ikuta Toma Yamapi ♥ - Janimoe

Picture flash: Arashi blokes, Ikuta Toma w glasses, KimuTaku and his wife etc.

Matsumoto Jun resting during filming (possibly for Natsuniji?)

 And Matsumoto Jun on a train? While I do think that he might take the train sometimes, this guy doesn't really look a lot like him...

Ninomiya in his own clothes.

Ohno (Arashi) and Ryo (Kanjani8) looking pretty chummy. Ohno is so cute!

Ikuta Toma hard at work(?). He looks just as good with glasses~



Kimura Takuya (SMAP) and his wife, Shizuka Kudo.

Sources: Matsumoto Jun filming - Janimoe; Matsujun train - choko44; Nino - choko44; Ohno and Ryo - Janimoe; Ikuta Toma glasses - Janimoe; KimuTaku and Shizuka Kuda - Auragazou

Arashi shows support for HFMD-stricken Miyazaki through short video

Arashi are releasing a video message exclusively for the people living in West Japan, after an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease has hit the area.
As the country’s tourism navigators, the group volunteered to release a 15-second video to air only in Miyazaki prefecture, where tourist numbers have dropped considerably since April.

The highly contagious hand foot and mouth disease had led to the slaughtering of almost 300 000 cattle and livestock, affecting the prefecture’s premium beef industry. For a while, road access in and out of the prefecture had been restricted in order to keep the disease from spreading. This has caused people to think twice about visiting the area.

In Arashi’s video, the five members cheer on the locals.
-“Speaking of Miyazaki, I can think of plenty of things to see! Great food!” Said Aiba Masaki Aiba (27).
-“No matter what, Miyazaki beef is still the best in Japan,” said Ohno Satoshi (29).
-“We support you,” said Matsumoto Jun (27).
The video will be broadcast on local TV stations and at local events held in Miyazaki. (MomoEdgewood's Mediawatch)

Aww, how sweet! ARASHI~

Matsumoto Jun as a priest in new CM

On September 22, Arashi’s Matsumoto Jun attended an event for the commercial presentation of Daio paper’s newest product, ‘+Water’ tissues.

In the commercial, Matsumoto is clad in priest’s clothes waiting at the altar for people who wish to take the “vow of moisture”. ‘+Water’ boasts 170% more liquid component than previous Daio paper’s product, so it guarantees complete moisture in every use.

During the event, Matsumoto was given the title “Moisture Man” which the singer accepted. He hopes that the phrase “Moisture Man” becomes as popular as the phrase “Ikemen Danshi”.

The CM began airing on September 23rd. (Tokyohive)

Arashi/JE polls

Which Arashi member would look good as a pilot?
01 – (14235) – Sakurai Sho
0 – (04968) – Matsumoto Jun as a pilot, huh... *dreamy eyes*
03 – (03191) – Ohno Satoshi
04 – (02540) – Ninomiya Kazunari
05 – (01403) – Aiba Masaki

When do the Arashi members shine the most?
01 – (18218) – Variety shows
02 – (11501) – Concerts
03 – (07413) – Can't choose!
04 – (02801) – Music shows
05 – (01993) – Dramas
06 – (00731) – CMs & Billboards
07 – (00206) – Movies & Plays
08 – (00146) – Events
09 – (00095) – Magazines & Photo Books
10 – (00057) – Radio


The Arashi TV show you never miss to watch?
01 All of their shows!
02 Himitsu no Arashi-chan
03 I watch more than one!
04 VS Arashi
05 Arashi ni Shiyagare
06 Arashi's performances on music shows
07 The dramas of the individual members

Your favorite Johnny?

01 – Domoto Koichi
02 – Kamenashi Kazuya
03 – Akanishi Jin
04 – Masuda Takahisa
05 – Chinen Yuri

The grand story of Maotsujun ♥ and their love for matching clothes

Maotsujun fans, get ready to love me for this! I'd much rather have Shinkumi though... HAHA.

Our beloved Matsumoto Jun in his own clothes. Seriously, if he chooses to dress like this, I'd rather the JE stylists pick an outfit for him. Is this what Yamapi meant when he said that Jun was "really fashionable"? XD

But take comfort in the fact that leading lady of HYD, Inoue Mao, is wearing the same boots! Jun was just wearing this alien outfit to proclaim his love~

And this time Jun isn't ruining it like in the first photo. It actually looks quite nice, doesn't it? (I really like it on Jun in the second photo)

This couple also likes their checked shirts...

They're wearing the same belt here, if you didn't get too distracted by Jun's topless bod! I KNOW YOU DID. Because it took me a really long time to realise it too.

... And they all lived happily ever after.

THE END.

Sources: Jun by himself - Janimoe; all others - Janimoe

Ninomiya and other exciting guests for Matsujun dorama final!

Yesterday, Sankei Sports reported that Arashi’s Ninomiya Kazunari (27) and Fukuda Kyoko (27) will make guest appearances in the final of Matsumoto Jun’s summer drama next week as a props technician and assistant producer respectively.
The drama “夏の恋は虹色に輝く (Natsu no Koi wa Niji-iro ni Kagayaku)” follows the romance between a second-generation actor Kusunoki Taiga (Matsumoto) and single mother Kitamura Shiori (Yuko Takeuchi). The final focuses on the Taiga’s work in the stage play of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
The guest actor list for the final has revealed a line up of many A-list Japanese actors, including Ichimura Masachika (61) who plays a stage actor who had gotten the role of Claudius in the play.

Ichimura had previously starred with Matsumoto in 2007′s drama series “Bambino!” and had said he had been extremely excited to be able to work with the popstar again.

It has been reported that Arashi’s Nino, who plays a props technician, also has a scene with Matsumoto, but how the two character’s will interact with one another has been left as a surprise for Monday.
Other guests include Kyoko Fukuda as an assistant producer role, Kitamura Yukiya (36) as an actor who plays Hamlet, and Natsuki Mari (58) as a singer role.
Matsumoto has been reported to have been working 100 per cent for the final. “I want to make this Hamlet play the best it can be,” he said. (MomoEdgewood's Mediawatch)

Arashi is the Overall Favourite Artist of 2010! (Ori★Suta)

According to 20,000 music fans, popular JE group Arashi now deserves to be called the “Favorite Artist” for 2010.


Since 2004, Ori★Suta has been conducting this poll annually. The survey records the opinions of both male and female participants, from varying age groups. It was only last year that Arashi made it to the list, earning the respectable 4th place – yet today, they already bagged the No. 1 spot.

The poll revealed that not only did Arashi achieve the overall top rank, but also placed 1st in 7 out of 14 categories. These results demonstrate that the group is well-liked by many, regardless of sex or age.

The latest issue of Ori★Suta will be released on the 10th and will contain the polls conducted.
OVERALL FAVORITE ARTIST
1. Arashi
2. Ikimonogakari
3. Mr. Children
4. Kimura Kaela
5. aiko
6. Fukuyama Masaharu
7. Utada Hikaru
8. B’z
9. Spitz
10. YUI

FAVORITE ARTIST, AS VOTED BY WOMEN
1. Arashi
2. aiko
3. Ikimonogakari
4. Fukuyama Masaharu
5. Kimura Kaela
6. Mr. Childrean
7. Kobukuro
8. Utada Hikaru
9. Spitz
10. Ayaka
FAVORITE ARTIST, AS VOTED BY MEN
1. Mr. Children
2. Ikimonogakari
3. Kimura Kaela
4. B’z
5. YUI
6. Southern All Stars
7. Utada Hikaru
8. aiko
9. Spitz
10. Fukuyama Masaharu
(tokyohive)

Sakurai Sho and Horikita Maki dating?

This January, Sakurai Sho and Horikita Maki played rivals in the TBS drama 'Tokujo Kabachi!!'. It seems that their relationship has gone beyond than just being co-stars in a drama.

According to a restaurant manager in Shinjuku, "I don't have the slightest idea why, but somehow Sakurai-kun and Maki-chan have been appearing frequently at a gay bar, and it's also curious that Endo Kenichi is also with them. It's just a combination that's unheard of. With bodies touching, Sakurai-kun and Maki-chan seemed like a pair of lovers. Looking over them from a distant was Kenichi-san, it's like he was their guardian."

Sakurai and Horikita are around the same age, enthusiastic about their jobs and also serious, perhaps these factors make them understand each other well. While filming for Tokujo Kabachi!!, Horikita said "Keeping in mind that we're rivals at loggerheads, I always try to hate him even when there's no filming." Sakurai countered this, replying, "That doesn't happen at all, the smiles actually never stop!"

Of course, Johnny's are fussy about relationships. Sakurai might be using a third person to avoid media scrutiny. Up till now, he hasn't been involved in any big scandals with the ladies. He must be really good at being discreet.

With Arashi's popularity now going beyond SMAP's, it's natural that Sakurai would be careful regarding his relations with women. Being with both an intimate friend and a drinking mate at the same time seems like a sensible method for crisis management. If this relationship turns into love, perhaps Endo will be known as the Cupid with a gentle heart. (unleashthegeek; Japanese source - Cyzowoman)