“Howl’s Moving Castle” has got off to a great start at the box office. The latest anime feature from Miyazaki Hayao (63) grossed a full 40% more in its opening weekend than his previous hit “Spirited Away.” (2001), the box-office record holder. It was seen by 1.1 million people and brought in ¥1.5 billion over the opening two days. It continues a trend of growing popularity with every film turned out by Studio Ghibli.
• “Naruhodo Za Waarudo” (Discovering the World) is to make a brief comeback. Fuji TV will air a New Year’s special of the show which ran for 15 years until 1996. Original presenters Aikawa Tetsuya and Kusuta Eriko will be replaced by comedy duo Bakusho Mondai.
• Actor Sakai Toshiya (45) revealed on a variety show last night that he recently divorced. He meekly made his admission on the “Odoru Odoru Sanma Goten” hosted by his friend, comedian Akashiya Sanma (48). He and his wife were in their tenth year of marriage and were considered an ideal couple.