Archive for December, 2007
Monday, December 17th, 2007
Jeon Ji-hyun, probably best known to most Westerners as that one crazy chick in the Korean film sensation “My Sassy Girl”, is set to make her US acting debut in Chris Nahon’s live action adaptation of “Blood: The Last Vampire”. This French/Japan/Hong Kong co production is based on a Japanese anime movie made back in 2000. Among the producers of this film is Bill Kong who helped produce “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” and legendary Hong Kong director Ronny Yu who last directed Jet Li in “Fearless”. French film maker Chris Nahon is also known for directing Jet Li in 2001’s “Kiss of the Dragon”. Jeon Ji-hyun will be going by the name of Gianna Jun for her stateside debut.
Here is a brief synopsis of the film from imdb.com:
A vampire named Saya, who is part of covert government agency that hunts and destroys demons in a post-WWII Japan, is inserted in a military school to discover which one of her classmates is a demon is disguise
It’s hard to tell if this is a remake of the original film, a sequel or a prequel since very little is actually known about the production of this movie outside of very few production photos. Because of this it’s really hard to gauge how this film is going to turn out. But the few photos that you can find seems to indicate that they are going for a more realistic grungy look similar to “Saving Private Ryan” or “Minority Report” and that the look will be more closer in tone to the original anime movie than the “Blood+” anime television series that is also based on the original movie. And I do have to agree that Jeon Ji-hyun is an inspired choice just based on the pic above as she easily captures the look of Saya. I can’t wait to see and hear more about this film in the coming months as it nears it’s June 2008 release date. In the mean time check out the trailer to the original “Blood: The Last Vampire” anime movie.
Source: KBS Global, imdb.com
Posted in Anime, Europe, Film, Hong Kong, Korea, U.S. | No Comments »
Monday, December 17th, 2007
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Emily Rossum (Phantom of the Opera), Eriko Tamura (Heroes) and Korean actor Joon Park (Speed Racer) have been casted in the upcoming live-action DRAGON BALL Z.
Eriko Tamura (Heroes) has joined the cast as Mai (,one of two of Emperor Pilaf’s minions), and newcomer Joon Park will be taking the role of Yamcha. Emily Rossum’s role is not announced yet, but she is expected to take the role of Buluma.
Dragonball fans, who presumed that Dragonball characters are all Asian (, because Dragonball is from Japan) had been complaining about Hollywood’s “white” casting. And finally, two Asian actors were casted to answer settle this complain. Let’s see who Hollywood’s gonna cast for other rolls.
Posted in Anime, Film, U.S. | 1 Comment »
Monday, December 17th, 2007
Shaped like a pizza cutter, this Sony prototype digital camera, takes pictures not by battery power but by the energy produced by the turning of the wheel. For every 15 seconds or so the wheel is turned the camera can take one picture. Meaning, not only can you take excellent pictures but you can get a workout as well. Work those forearms!
This hand-powered digital camera has no LCD screen so the user can only view photos once they’re loaded onto a computer, but I’m assuming there’s a viewfinder somewhere on the camera, maybe in the middle of the wheel? A little big, but possible.
Though only a prototype, there may be a niche market who maybe interested in purchasing a device like this. My biggest guess would be the same market as those who purchased a hand-cranked flashlight or radio. A camera might not save anyone’s life but just in case another Y2k scare comes along again, it’s good to have. You never know when you need to take a picture right? There have been plenty of times I wanted to take a picture but the batteries happened to have run out. =(
This prototype is a new addition in Sony’s “odo” line which focuses on hand-powered and environmentally friendly devices. Other products include, no joke, “Crank N’ Capture” and “Spin N’ Snap”. Yay!
Link – Yahoo
Posted in Japan, Tech/Electronic, Toys, U.S. | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 14th, 2007
With the latest firmware update, 3.80, PSP owners have the ability to use their slick hand-held as a pocket DV recoder! As long as the PSP owner uses a optional 1seg (wireless digital video) tuner, they can record as many live shows as they want, or whatever that can fit into their tiny memory stick. Though the PSP doesn’t have the hardware power to record shows while playing a game or listening to music, it does have the ability to record during sleep mode. So when you’re not around the house it is simple enough to set up the time to record the show, put the PSP into sleep mode, and take off to do whatever you have to do.
The new firmware update also improves the RSS, adds a feature so video clips can be searched by scene, and a update so PSP Wi-Fi spots can be more interactive, offering wallpaper and demos.
With all these great firmware updates recently, the PSP is really making the investment worth it. With the latest addition of DVR, you really do get your bang for the buck; Now only if these cool features can make it into America. That’s a whole different issue…
Posted in Game, Japan | No Comments »
Friday, December 14th, 2007
Fast Retailing Co opened its first French UNIQLO brand casual wear outlet in a shopping mall in Paris Today. France is the fifth overseas market for UNIQLO following Britain, China, South Korea and the United States.
Located in the La Defense business district, the first French outlet, with a relatively small floor space of 200 square meters, is intended to increase the brand recognition among French people, company officials said Wednesday. (source: JapanToday)
Posted in Europe, Style | No Comments »
Friday, December 14th, 2007
The Boston channel reported that the World Series champion Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics will open the 2008 regular season with a two-game set in Japan.
The games will be played March 25-26 at the Tokyo Dome, marking the third season-opening trip to Japan for Major League Baseball. In 2000, the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs started the campaign in Tokyo. The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays followed four years later.
In addition, both teams will play exhibition games against Japanese teams the weekend before the two regular-season matchups.
Posted in Japan, Sports | No Comments »
Friday, December 14th, 2007
The Rangers have agreed to a two-year $3 million and includes a club option deal with Japanese right-handed reliever Kazuo Fukumori.
Fukumori is the Japanese free-agent reliever to sign with a major-league club this off-season — the Royals added right-hander Yasuhiko Yabuta and the Indians added righty Masahide Kobayashi.
Posted in Japan, Sports, U.S. | No Comments »
Friday, December 14th, 2007
Two articles for you fans of food and art.
The first is about tuna. A recent tuna sold for $173,000 at Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo which probably made the tourists trip out. Read up about the Oma area of Japan, which is now being known for it’s cuisine. It’s worth reading. Japan Times.
Also read up on the Japanese art scene making a splash at the Miami art fair NADA. I’ve been telling people that Japanese art is the upcoming. Chinese art is already over, too expensive, but Japanese is doable. Also in the Japan Times.
Posted in imprinttalk | No Comments »
