Popular scriptwriter Mitani Koki (44) is to direct his third feature film. “The Uchoten Hoteru” (The Ecstasy Hotel) will be his first directorial project in four years, and with a cast that includes respected actors Yakusho Koji (49) and Matsu Takako (28), it’s sure to be another hit. The romantic comedy tells of a series of characters at a plush central Tokyo hotel who gather for a New Year’s Eve countdown. Mitani’s previous movies were “Rajio no Jikan” (1997, Radio Time) and “Minna no Ie” (2001, Everyone’s House). The new movie is scheduled for release next spring.
• Fukawa Toshikazu (39), a former member of the 1980s idol trio Shibugatai, made a rare appearance yesterday. “Fu-kun” was a guest judge at an event to choose an image girl for pachinko maker Sanyo. Together with celebrity choreographer Kaba-chan (36) and comedian Maeda Ken (34), he formed a one-day-only unit called Ocean’s 3. Shibugatai — Fu-kun, Motoki “Mo-kun” Masahiro and Yakumaru “Ya-kun” Hirohide — were one of the first and most popular male idol groups in the Johnny’s Jimusho stable. Mo-kun is a familiar face in movies and TV commercials and Ya-kun presents the TBS morning show “Hanamaru Market.”