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News by Year
20s
- Meisa Kuroki
- Born on May 28, 1988, Meisa Kuroki made her acting debut as the lead of the play "Atami Satsujin Jiken (Atami murder case)—A Female Detective from Pyongyang" in 2004. Since then, her career has progressed to span a wide variety of fields, including the theater, TV dramas, movies and TV commercials. In 2007 (fiscal 2006), she received the Rookie of the Year Award at the 44th Golden Arrow Awards. In addition, as a singer Meisa Kuroki launched her music career in June 2008 with the release of her first CD "hellcat" in April 2009. Her wild dancing performance in the "hellcat" music video drew public attention. On October 6, 2010, she held her first live music show '1ST SOLO LIVE "ATTITUDE 2010"' at The Garden Hall in Ebisu, Tokyo. Her third single "LOL!" is going to be released soon.
- Official website: http://www.meisakuroki.com/ (Japnese language only)
30s
- Yuka
- Born on June 27, 1980, Yuka was spotted by talent scouts in Ikebukuro and made her show business debut in 1997. She was given the name Yuka based on polls of the public looking for a stage name. She soon became widely known for her "serene air." In the ensuing years, she has built a career as a multitalented entertainer as skilled as an MC as she is in comedies. Currently, Yuka appears in a variety of shows, including "Q-sama" on TV Asahi; "Gout Temps Nouveau" and "Shimura-Ken" on Fuji TV; "King’s Brunch" on TBS and "Yuka Ashita e Switch!" on TBS Radio. She also played the central role in "A Woman Whose Days Off Fall on Weekdays," one of the five episodes of the movie "Women Who Fall in Love Twice," which was first broadcast on the mobile phone-based service "Bee Drama," then screened at the 12th Taipei Film Festival in 2010.
- Official website: http://pc.yuka-club.jp/prof/ (Japnese language only)
40 and over
- Reiko Takashima
- Born on July 25, 1964, Reiko Takashima made her show business debut in "Abarenbo Shogun (Chronicle in Praise of Yoshimune: The Bold Shogun) III" on TV Asahi in 1988. Known as a kimono clad beauty, she gained popularity portraying strong women in such movies as "Kagero" and "Gokudo no Onna Tachi (The Yakuza Wives)" series. In March 2001, she received the Japan Academy Prize Award for an Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in "Nagasaki Burabura Bushi." Her portrayal of Sentoin, an elder sister of one of the military commanders, in the NHK Taiga drama "Tenchijin" in 2009, left strong impression on viewers. Appearing in a wide variety of genres, including movies, TV shows and commercials, Takashima will be in Toho group theaters from December 1, 2010 in her latest performance in the movie "SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO."
Male Category
- Takashi Fukunishi
- Born on September 1, 1976, Takashi Fukunishi is a former soccer player. He was in high school when he was spotted by scouts who had actually come to see the opposing team. He then joined Jubilo Iwata, one of the J-LEAGUE professional soccer teams. His position in the team was volante, or defensive midfielder. He was selected for the national team that played in the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006 and retired after the 2008 season. He became a commentator for the FIFA World Cup 2010 and reported on games from location in South Africa. Currently, Takashi Fukunishi works as a J-LEAGUE commentator on NHK and also makes TV appearances and often on the pages of magazines. On October 24, 2010, his personal DVD "23 Volante," a look at his career as a soccer player, will be released.
- Official website: http://www.someday.bz/fukunishi-takashi/ (Japnese language only)
