(Apparently, its the Summer Of KAT-TUN Members Appearing In The Third Episode Of SMAP Dramas!)

Incidentally, “Kochikame” also stars Mocomichi Hayami, who, as we all know, played Tsucchi in Gokusen 2005.

“Haha no Okurimono,” a work by the late screenwriter Kuniko Mukoda, is being adapted to both the small screen and the stage. The two versions will be completed later this year, in honor of the 80th anniversary of Mukoda’s birth.

The story focuses on the two mothers of a couple that is about to get married. In the drama version, which will air as a single episode on TBS this fall, Keiko Takeshita and Hisako Manda play the mothers, while Yuki Shimizu and KAT-TUN’s Yuichi Nakamaru play the couple. Other cast members include B-Saku Sato and Koji Ishizaka.

The stage version will be performed in October at Tokyo’s Mitsukoshi Theater. Shimizu will still play the bride, but the groom will by played by fellow Johnny’s member Mizuki Sano.

Official site: http://www.tbs.co.jp/hahanookurimono/

Here’s a pic of the cast:

(Image source: miyake1028)

It was made known on Tuesday that Kazuya Kamenashi (23) will appear in a guest role in the new TBS drama series “MR.BRAIN” that stars SMAP’s Takuya Kimura (36). It will be the first time the two act together in a project.

Kamenashi expressed his happiness about the opportunity. “I’m really happy to be called upon for my senpai’s drama. On the set, I’m quite nervous but having fun. I’m grateful towards Kimura-kun.” He also explained, “I couldn’t have imagined acting together with Kimura-kun. I have to work hard and do my best.”

Kimura was also positive. “I was really happy to hear that Kamenashi was coming in. I hope that he enjoys this view of the world.” He then added in a compliment, “And above all, Kamenashi looks good in whatever he wears.”

The series, which premieres on May 23, features Kimura as a neuroscientist who helps solve cases for the National Police Agency. Kamenashi will appear in the third episode (June 6), playing the role of a young elite doctor of a university hospital where a murder takes place.

More info is here at Yorokobi no Uta.

Kazuya Kamenashi is making his big screen debut in the upcoming “Gokusen” movie, it was announced on Wednesday. Kamenashi previously co-starred with Yukie Nakama in the second season of the television drama in 2005.

In the drama, Kamenashi played the role of Ryu Odagiri, the delinquent leader of Class 3D. Now, Odagiri is returning four years later as a teacher in training, teaming up with his former teacher “Yankumi” (Nakama).

The movie’s cast also features students from the show’s third season and subsequent special, including Yuya Takaki, Haruma Miura, and Yuta Tamamori. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11.

No word yet whether or not Akanishi will be in the movie.

Koki Tanaka of popular group KAT-TUN has just been revealed as an addition to the cast of the TV Asahi drama series “Hissatsu Shigotonin 2009.”

The period drama, which is continuing from last season, initially starred Shonentai’s Noriyuki Higashiyama, TOKIO’s Masahiro Matsuoka, and Kanjani8’s Tadayoshi Okura. Tanaka will play the successor to Okura’s character, which is no longer on the show.

Tanaka will make his first appearance on the April 24 episode.

KAT-TUN’s Tatsuya Ueda will appear in his first role on a television drama series. He has been announced as a cast member in Fuji TV’s Monday night serial “Konkatsu!,” which stars Masahiro Nakai and Aya Ueto.

The story revolves around a single salaryman in his mid-thirties (Nakai) who loses his job, and in order to find new work, he is forced to seek out a marriage partner. Ueda plays his younger brother.

The series begins on April 20.