August 30, 2003
Cruise Sings Elvis Duet with Japan's PM
Actor Tom Cruise has a new friend in the shape of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi - after the unlikely pair performed a duet of an Elvis Presley classic.
The Mission: Impossible hunk had nothing but praise Koizumi after meeting the Japanese leader on August 28 - especially for his musical talents. Cruise says, "He's really an extraordinary man - and a pretty good singer. We sang Elvis together. I think he's a charismatic and very intelligent man." He declined to reveal which of the hits of the rock 'n' roll legend he sang with Koizumi, an eclectic music lover whose favorites also include Wagner. But the prime minister said later it was "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" - the first song he had ever learned in English.
Cruise was in Tokyo to promote his new movie The Last Samurai, in which he plays a fictional US military officer hired by the 19th century Japanese government to train its army in modern warfare. The actor said he had invited Koizumi - who faces a party leadership race in a few weeks - to the premiere of the movie, part of which was filmed in Japan. It is due for release in December.
[News Source] imdb.com
Challenge! 60 sec.
McDonald's Japan has started a campaign for "Challege! 60 Second Service".
If they can't make providing the customer's order in 60 seconds at lunch time (Clerks are using "sandglass" at counter!), they will give a free coupon of Coke or French Fries for next vist.
Yeah, McDonald's is a FAST-food restaurant, right?
[Linked via ; TBN]
Monkey Punch's Works
The Creator of Japanese Famous Cartoon "Lupin The Third", Monkey Punch's painting cllection "Cuties" will be issued on September 20.
Although most of the pictures were painted 30 years ago, they are still hot, sexy and everybody's fantasy.
4800yen($40.00)/3000 copies limited
Champ Tyson find a job in Japan
Mike Tyson is not unemployed anymore.
Tyson has signed an exclusive management contract with K-1, a company based in Japan that uses the same name as the sport, giving the promotional company the rights to handle a publicity tour for Tyson in Japan and other commercial endorsements in that country.
Tyson was guaranteed nearly $4 million in addition to a $200,000 signing bonus, according to Scott Coker, president and chief executive of K-1 in the United States. He added that details regarding a Tyson-Bob Sapp (you might see him on Jay Leno's Tonight Show) match are being discussed.
Related Articles ; Cash-strapped Tyson signs deal with K-1, Pictures and interviews(Taison means Tyson), Press Release from K-1(August 16)
Zatoichi 2003
This is the new Kitano movie.
Takeshi Kitano remakes The Zatoichi series, a cultural landmark in Japan, begs comparison with Leone and Eastwood's Man-With-No-Name films. Shintaro Katsu played Zatoichi, a blind man with the soul of a monk, the rank of a lowly masseur, and the deadly skill of a samurai. Kitano directs the new "Zatoichi" film and plays Zatoichi also.
This film will be debuted at Venice Film Festival this week in competition for the Golden Lion for best film with other notable movies include Sofia Coppola 'z "Lost in Translation" starring Bill Murray. Opens September 6, in Japan.
Zatoich Official web site ; http://www.office-kitano.co.jp/zatoichi/
Trailers ; Japanese only. But MUST SEE! you will enjoy it.
imdb.com ; Takeshi Kitano, Zatoich(1962), Shintaro Katsu(1931-1997)
Krazy Glue TV Commercial
The archives of Krazy Glue (Aronalpha) TV commercial.
Instant Krazy Glueˇ¦a super-strong, fast-drying adhesive was introduced to the North American market in 1973, along with the Instant Krazy Glueˇ¦"dangling construction worker." Most people recognize Instant Krazy Glue'sˇ¦brand as THE instant glue that can bond anything from china and collectibles to holiday wreaths and model trains. ( from Krazy Glue official site)
Every commercial is amazing!