Flash

ikewaki ‌Chizuru‘s Dramatic Transformation ‍Sparks buzz as She Returns to⁤ Morning Drama After 24 Years

TOKYO – Actress Ikewaki Chizuru is generating critically important attention following her return​ to morning dramas with NHK’s “Bakeke,” her first appearance ‍in the genre in⁣ 24⁣ years. The role comes decades after she secured the lead in the 2001 drama “Honmamon” from a field of ‌2,541 applicants – a record number. ⁢However, it’s⁢ not just her return to the⁤ small screen, but a perceived physical transformation ​that’s fueling ​online discussion.

Ikewaki, a critically acclaimed actress who won the Japan Academy award for Best Supporting Actress in 2014 for “Assistance Only⁣ There,” is known for her dedication to fully embodying her⁢ characters. This commitment has previously included⁤ intentional weight gain and the use of “age-looking makeup”⁣ for roles, most ⁤recently in‍ the ​2025 Fuji TV drama “Secret ~ THE ⁤TOP ⁢SECRET~.”⁤ Observers note a similar approach appears to be ⁤underway for “Bakeke,” ‌with social media users expressing surprise at⁤ recent images of the actress.

At a preview screening of “Bakeke” held September 8th at the NHK ⁣Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, Ikewaki discussed ​her feelings about portraying the ​character‍ of Fumi. Tho, attention quickly shifted to‍ her appearance, with some‍ online commenters questioning the changes.

Ikewaki⁤ herself⁢ has articulated a clear ideology regarding her craft, stating in a ⁣past interview, “to blend in with‍ the story and ‌live there is always a constant goal.” She‍ has also expressed a‌ strong aversion ⁢to appearing detached from the narrative,famously stating​ she hates being perceived as “floating around” within ⁣a film.⁤ ⁣

An entertainment​ industry professional suggests Ikewaki’s dedication to character ‍work likely explains the visual shift.​ ⁤ “It’s very ‌likely that Ikewaki-san would have changed his appearance ⁣through his role,” they noted. The actress’s history demonstrates ‍a willingness to make significant personal adjustments ‍to ‍achieve authenticity in her⁣ performances, leading to ⁢speculation that her current transformation is a deliberate⁤ and ‌”stoic” choice for “Bakeke.”

Fuji TV Director Dies Suddenly at 59, Sparking Overwork Concerns adn Renewed ⁤Criticism of Network’s Transparency

A veteran director‍ involved with Fuji Television’s data and news programming ⁢died​ on September ⁣8th at the age of 59 following a cerebral hemorrhage while on‍ summer vacation in Hokkaido, according ​to an entertainment⁣ journalist. The‍ director, an ⁢outside ‌contractor as ⁣2011, had recently contributed ‍to both⁤ the “It!” program and ‌a special program addressing a Fuji TV controversy that aired‌ on July 6th.

News of the death prompted immediate speculation of overwork among those involved with “It!”,with some whispering “karoshi” – death from overwork. An entertainment journalist reported the director had expressed discomfort with the special program, stating, “I’m not an‍ employee of ⁣CX, but I don’t want to make anything like this.”

When questioned by Smart FLASH, fuji TV confirmed the ​staff member’s death but declined to provide further details, citing privacy concerns. This​ response has ⁣drawn sharp⁢ criticism online, with commenters ‍accusing the network of a “cover-up.”

“The compliance department of Fuji TV is not working as was to be expected,” one social media user posted. Others called for the establishment of a third-party inquiry.

The incident has resurfaced past⁣ criticisms of Fuji TV’s handling ⁤of internal issues, specifically referencing the‍ 2023 case​ involving Masahiro Nakai ​and ⁤a former female announcer. In⁢ that instance, an entertainment professional‌ noted, company leadership allegedly withheld information from⁤ the compliance department, prioritizing the perceived​ recovery of the announcer and citing privacy​ concerns, ‌effectively silencing the‍ victim. ⁢

“Viewers have ⁣been strict about whether this response is appropriate,” the source said,questioning the extent of Fuji TV’s stated “reform.”

Veteran Entertainer Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, 92, Captivated by Musician Fujii Kaze, 28, Announces Meal Date

Tokyo, Japan -⁢ In a surprising ​turn of events, veteran entertainer Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, 92, has publicly expressed a strong fondness⁣ for musician Fujii Kaze, 28, following his recent ‍appearance on her television program, “Tetsuko’s Room.” The unlikely connection culminated in Kuroyanagi extending ​an invitation for a meal date, a proposition Fujii accepted with visible enthusiasm.

Fujii‌ Kaze​ first gained attention with unconventional performances, including “Shibuya guerrilla Live” and appearances styled as press conferences,⁤ alongside local‍ commercial⁢ jingles. His recent‌ performance on “Tetsuko’s Room” featured his signature song, “I’m good ⁤to die,” during which he‌ occasionally made eye⁣ contact with Kuroyanagi. Witnesses report ⁤Kuroyanagi was visibly engaged, listening intently throughout the performance.

Instantly following the song, Kuroyanagi reportedly exclaimed, “…I love it.” She then inquired ⁤if they could resume their⁣ conversation, ‍but appeared deeply absorbed in⁣ fujii’s artistic viewpoint. Social media⁤ erupted with reactions,‌ with many users commenting on Kuroyanagi’s unusually animated response. Posts on​ X (formerly twitter) described Kuroyanagi as a “complete maiden” and praised Fujii Kaze’s “talent-giving power,” with some noting Kuroyanagi’s visibly moist eyes and flushed cheeks.An entertainment ‌reporter observed a ‌especially ⁤strong connection‍ during the broadcast. The interaction ‍extended beyond⁢ musical appreciation when Kuroyanagi discovered fujii is a ⁢vegetarian and, learning they both‌ enjoy significant portions, directly invited him to dinner.Despite initial hesitation, Fujii enthusiastically agreed, responding, “I want to go!” Kuroyanagi responded with excitement, repeatedly stating, “Let’s go! Let’s go! Then, let’s make a promise. I’ve made a promise!”

Entertainment professionals suggest ⁣the connection stems from shared unconventional backgrounds. Kuroyanagi was reportedly encouraged to leave elementary school after just one year due to her free-spirited nature, later attending Tomoe ⁣Academy, known for‍ fostering individuality. Similarly, Fujii​ Kaze was described as ‍a uniquely ⁢expressive⁣ child, known for playfully mimicking airplane flight during sports day events rather than participating in traditional activities. This shared ⁣history of nonconformity ⁣may have contributed to⁣ their immediate rapport.

The age gap – 64 years – has​ sparked considerable public interest in the upcoming meal date, ‌leaving many to wonder what the two will discuss and how their relationship will develop.

Veteran ‌Entertainer Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, 92, Captivated by Musician Fujii Kaze, 28, Announces Meal Date

TOKYO – In a surprising ‌turn of events, veteran entertainer Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, 92, appears to have been profoundly charmed by musician Fujii Kaze, 28, following his recent appearance on her television program, “Tetsuko’s Room.” The encounter​ has sparked widespread online commentary, with ​many ⁣observers noting Kuroyanagi’s ‍unusually enthusiastic reaction to the artist.

Fujii first gained attention with unconventional performances, including “Shibuya⁤ Guerrilla Live” and appearances styled ⁤as press conferences, alongside local commercial jingles. During his “Tetsuko’s Room” segment, Fujii performed his signature song, “I’m good to die,” ‍occasionally making eye contact with Kuroyanagi, who listened ‍intently.Following the ‌performance,⁢ Kuroyanagi reportedly expressed her admiration, stating, “…I love ⁢it.” She then initiated a conversation, asking, “Would you ‍like to go back to talking?” but appeared deeply engrossed in Fujii’s artistic perspective.

Social media quickly lit up with reactions, including posts declaring “Tetsuko has become a complete maiden” and praising Fujii’s “talent-giving power.”‌ Numerous‌ viewers noted Kuroyanagi’s visibly emotional state, commenting that⁤ her “cheeks and eyes were moist.” An entertainment reporter observed a scene where Kuroyanagi “seemed to particularly like Fujii.”

The connection deepened when the​ conversation turned to dietary habits. Discovering ⁢they both enjoy eating, Kuroyanagi, learning Fujii is vegetarian, spontaneously invited him ‌on a meal date, asking, “Shall I go out and eat?” Despite initial hesitation, Fujii enthusiastically accepted, replying, “I want to go!” Kuroyanagi responded with visible excitement, exclaiming, “Let’s go! Let’s⁢ go.Then, let’s make a​ promise.I’ve made a promise!”

Entertainment professionals suggest a shared unconventional spirit may be at the heart of thier​ connection. Kuroyanagi herself was encouraged to leave traditional schooling early, attending Tomoe Academy to⁣ foster her​ individuality. Similarly, Fujii⁤ was described as a uniquely expressive child, known for‍ imaginative play during events⁤ like sports day, running with arms outstretched like an ‍airplane.‌ This shared history of nonconformity may have contributed to their immediate rapport.

The 64-year age gap has fueled intense public interest⁣ in the upcoming meal date, leaving many to wonder what will unfold between the two⁤ celebrated figures.

TV Personality Kazushige Nagashima Briefly Leaves Show, Sparks Online Controversy

Tokyo, Japan – A‌ recent ⁣incident ⁣on‍ a Japanese variety show featuring TV personality ⁢Kazushige ‌Nagashima has ignited‍ a ⁢debate online, with viewers and commentators⁤ questioning the ⁢line between entertainment and unprofessional​ behavior. Nagashima unexpectedly left the studio mid-program, prompting a stunned reaction from co-hosts and a flurry of ​discussion on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The⁣ incident unfolded ​when Nagashima left the studio during the broadcast.Co-host Takahashi⁢ responded​ with a simple, “I’m back…”, while a caption appeared⁢ on screen ​stating, “I’ve gone ‌home” next to Nagashima’s seat. Ishihara commented on the situation, attributing it‌ to “the change of seasons.” ‍

Nagashima ⁤later ⁢returned to the studio, visibly apologetic. He explained he had been watching the program on a monitor and felt his colleagues, Takashima and Ishihara, were waiting for‌ him. “I’m ‍sorry,” he said. takahashi welcomed​ him back, and the moment was diffused with ⁢laughter.

Though, the‍ brief departure quickly became a trending topic‍ online, drawing ​both criticism and speculation. Some viewers expressed frustration, with one‌ X user commenting, ‍”I’m always complaining so it⁣ really doesn’t feel ⁤strange ⁢when I go ⁤home.” Others questioned the show’s approach ​to entertainment, with one post stating, “Its ​not ⁤an age where ⁤the number of celebrities is ⁢increasing and viewers ⁤of the program smugly are fun, but it seems ‍like⁣ they haven’t been able to ‌update yet.” A more direct critique called for Nagashima to “leave the entertainment industry.”

conversely, some defended the incident as a potential planned segment, ⁢with one X user suggesting, “It’s fine to go⁢ out of your way to ​make an ​article about a recorded program, even if it’s just a live⁣ broadcast.”

Entertainment journalists have offered varying interpretations. One ⁣analyst suggested the incident ⁣could have been a spontaneous attempt⁤ by Nagashima to inject energy into the show, which was then incorporated ⁤into the broadcast due to its entertainment value. However,‌ the incident has also‍ drawn attention to a pattern ‌of behavior from ‌Nagashima that some ​find ⁢disruptive.

Specifically, a September 2024 appearance on TV Asahi’s “Zawatsuku! ‍A Detour‌ Trip by a⁣ Local Bus” was cited. During that program, Nagashima proposed comparing the size of harvested peanuts but then altered the rules, causing confusion​ among his co-stars and guests. This⁤ past behavior,⁣ according‍ to commentators, contributed ⁤to the negative reaction ‌to his studio exit.

The incident has⁣ raised questions about editorial ⁣responsibility. Some argue that allowing disruptive behavior to air, even if entertaining, can be detrimental​ to othre participants and ⁣potentially constitutes “malicious direction” by the show’s editors. The debate highlights a‌ broader discussion about the evolving⁢ standards of entertainment and the responsibility of media outlets to balance viewership with respectful treatment of individuals.