VIZ Media and Los Angeles-based film distributor ELEVEN ARTS are set to present “The Last: Naruto the Movie“, the highly anticipated seventh feature film in the Naruto Shippuden movie series, in a limited theatrical engagement to over 20 cities around the United States starting February 20, 2015.

“The Last: Naruto the Movie” is based on the internationally bestselling NARUTO manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. Canonical to the franchise, the film takes place two years after Chapter 699 of the manga. The moon is approaching dangerously close to Earth, and unless something is done, the moon will disintegrate, showering the earth with gigantic meteorites. As the clock ticks towards the end of the world, it’s Naruto’s job to save the earth from this crisis.

The film will be presented with original Japanese-language dialogue with English subtitles and a run time of 112 minutes. Attendees also will receive a special commemorative NARUTO film poster (while supplies last).

Check out more information and the trailer below!

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the Oscar nominees for the 87th annual Academy Awards. Director Takahata Isao and Studio Ghibli’s The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is nominated in the Animated Feature Film category. The film will compete against Big Hero 6, The Box Trolls, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and Song of the Sea. Notably missing from the nomination list is The Lego Movie although the movie’s “Everything Is Awesome” earned a nomination for the original song category.

Miyazaki Hayao and Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away is the only Japanese animated feature to win an Oscar. Kunio Kato’s “La Maison en Petits Cubes” won in the Best Animated Short Film category at the 81st Annual Academy Awards in 2009.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is based on the famous Japanese folktale Taketori Monogatari (The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter), which centers on a princess named Kaguya who was discovered as a baby inside the stalk of a glowing bamboo plant.

Arimura Kasumi debuts her new blonde look for the movie “Biri Gyaru”. Arimura dressed in a mini skirt, 20 cm above the knee, and wore sharp and crisp eyeliner, false eyelashes and vivid pastel colors on her fingernails. She plays high school student Kudo Sayaka who sports a blonde hair and has an affinity for “gyaru” fashion. So far, Arimura has had an innocent image and the role will help break new ground for her as an actress.

GENERATIONS’ member Mandy Sekiguchi has received a pretty significant makeover. He cut off his trademark high-top hairstyle in favor of a more subdued shaved head, this is apparently in an effort to show his “determination”.

Mandy first debuted his new look on the mobile site “EXILE TRIBE mobile” where it instantly became a hot topic. His first official public appearance was on the FUJI TV variety show “Viking”, where he received a positive reaction. Mandy was sporting a different hairstyle prior to his shaving but he is most remembered for his retro high-top hairstyle. When GENERATIONS’ was first starting out the cut helped Mandy become a unique visual for the group, letting him stand out among his members. Mandy soon became highly sought after for variety shows due to his bright and cheerful character.

Mandy went on to humbly thank fans for their current success, and that he hopes that this year himself and the other GENERATIONS members are able to showcase their “fighting spirit”. Mandy posed for a serious photo showing his “determination” in making his previously mentioned comments come true. A more casual photo was then taken showing off his signature cheerful smile.

His new look can be seen below. Which style do you think suits Mandy the best?

(via modelpress)

Back in October reports came out that Yu Yamada had finally given birth with her husband Shun Oguri. Initially details were sparse, the couple chose to not reveal the baby’s birthday or even it’s gender much to the disappointment of the media and fans alike. Rumors floated around that the couple gave birth to a baby girl but it was never confirmed.

However, at a recent press conference for the Nikon Family D5500 camera Shun Oguri had a special treat for the guests. Shun shared two private photos taken with his Nikon D5500. In the first shot we’re introduced to his baby girl, with a touching photo of her holding his hand. Shun expressed excitement at being able to capture her day-to-day changes as she grows. The second photo is an appetizing home cooked meal prepared by Yu Yamada. Shun joked that he was so focused on feeding his daughter, that he actually ended up eating lightly that night.

Shun will also be starring in a CM for the Nikon Family D5500 where he plays a father of two. Seeing his relaxed natural behavior with his younger co-stars, as well as hearing stories from his new family truly gives Shun the image of an “ideal father”.

Fans were in for another treat when Yu Yamada shared a surprise selfie with her daughter. Most of her face is covered for privacy but the picture is still cute as ever! The picture, along with photos from the press conference and behind the scenes footage from Shun’s new CM can be seen below!

On January 21, AKB48 will be releasing their 6th original album titled “Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe!”  The album includes the group’s 6 singles and an unreleased song Ai no Sonzai, the theme song for the movie “Documentary of AKB48 The Time Has Come”.

The second CD for the different editions includes new team and solo songs. In addition, new special units consisting of members from AKB48 and sister groups are formed for songs Downtown Hotel 100-goushitsu, Birth, Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe!, Bokutachi no Ideology, and Ikitsuzukeru. Music video previews for all the 6 music videos (Team A, K, B, 4,  8, Team Surprise)  included on the Limited A edition have been released. Check out the PVs and album details below.

There has recently been a scandal involving FC Tokyo defender Matsuda Riku. It has recently come to light that he allegedly starred in 2 videos made by the gay porn company KO Company in December 2012. Both of these videos were released under their “Beast” line of videos. One has the translated title of “At Last After Negotiating for 6 months the Active Duty Rugby Man Gave In!!”, while the other is titled “Beast Premium Disc 097.” Riku has denied that he is the man in these videos but netizens aren’t buying his story.

Recochoku:
1. SEKAI NO OWARI – Dragon Night
2. E-girls – Kibou no Hikari ~Mirai wo Shinjite~ (Dream & E-girls version)
3. Nishino Kana – Darling
4. Sandaime J Soul Brothers – R.Y.U.S.E.I.
5. Akina Nakamori – Rojo -Tierra-
6. ayaka – Nijiiro
7. Hata Motohiro – Himawari no Yakusoku
8. e-girls – Mr.Snowman
9. Dream – Konna ni mo
10. Che’Nelle – Happiness

iTunes:
1. SEKAI NO OWARI – Dragon Night
2. Sandaime J Soul Brothers – R.Y.U.S.E.I.
3. Nishino Kana – Darling
4. E-girls – Kibou no Hikari
5. Che’Nelle – Happiness
6. ayaka – Nijiiro
7. Hata Motohiro – Himawari no Yakusoku
8. Southern All Stars – Tokyo VICTORY
9. MACO – Shiawase no Hajimari
10. Sandaime J Soul Brothers – O.R.I.O.N.