Sashihara Rino from AKB48 to debut with a solo single in March

It was announced during the handshake event for AKB48’s 24th single, 'Ue kara Mariko', that Sashihara Rino, from AKB48 and also in sub-unit 'Not Yet', would be making her solo debut in March under avex trax. The single would be used as the theme song for the drama she would be starring in, 'Muse no Kagami', which would start airing on 14th of January.

This makes her the 5th member from AKB48 to make a solo debut, after Itano Tomomi, Maeda Atsuko, Iwasa Misaki and Watanabe Mayu. Congratulations Sasshi!! \(^o^)/

Not only I was quite shocked by this sudden announcement for a moment, Sasshi herself was rather taken aback upon hearing the news.

Am really anticipating to the release and am already wondering what could the style of the songs be like.

Source: natalie|tokyohive

Sashihara Rino to star in a drama for the first time!

It was announced that Sashihara Rino, from AKB48 and sub-unit 'Not Yet', will be starring in a new NTV drama titled 'ミューズの鏡' ("Muse no Kagami') which will be aired confined in the Kanto region.

It would be the first time Sasshi would be starring in a drama and will be playing as a girl who seems to have nothing to recommend her, but after being discovered by an formerly great actor 'Okita Ryu', she starts growing, and awaking as an actress. (tokyohive/natalie)

The drama would start airing on January 14th (every Saturday at 1:55 am ~ 2:10 am).

Hope I am able to watch this drama. Really anticipating to watch Sasshi's acting!

Watanabe Mayu to make a solo debut in February

It was announced that Mayuyu (Watanabe Mayu) would be making her solo debut on 29th of February 2012 with the single, 'シンクロときめき' ('Synchro Tokimeki'). She would be the fourth AKB48 member to debut as a solo singer after Itano Tomomi, Maeda Atsuko, and Iwasa Misaki.

Her solo debut song would be used as the theme song for a new drama on TV Tokyo (title yet to be released), which Mayuyu would be starring in for the first time. The drama would start airing on the 13th of Jannuary 2012.

From: tokyohive|Sanspo






UPDATE (5th January):

Preview of the drama, 'Saba-dol'

A Fresh New Side of Matsui Rena!

Came across this article while browsing through my tokyohive live feeds:

SKE48’s Matsui Rena to star in BeeTV’s new drama
by ustar on September 16, 2011 at 5:00 pm

SKE48 member Matsui Rena will be starring in BeeTV’s (mobile broadcast service) new mobile drama, “Oshare ni Koi Shita Cinderella ~Okarie ga Yumi wo Kanaeru Made~“, starting on October 1st.

The drama will be based on the image of charismatic ‘gyaru’ blogger Okarie (Okamoto Rie), who will be played by Matsui. From her pure and innocent idol image, she will undergo a big image change as she will appear in the drama with brown hair, fake eyelashes, and thick eyeliner.

Okamoto will be in charge of the styling in the drama. Matsui has also prepared 33 ‘gyaru’ outfits, and carries around a decorated cell phone for enthusiastic performance.

Additionally, there will be a special segment in the drama, titled “Okarie no Kore You Check★“, where Okamoto herself will introduce the coordinating points of the outfits. The items that are introduced will be available for purchase the official website. Okamoto’s brand, “Ank Rouge“, will also release limited edition products in collaboration with the drama. The cosmetics and color contacts that are used in the drama will be available for purchase as well.

Check out an interview with Matsui Rena below!

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Interviewer: What were you aware of when you played the role of charismatic ‘gyaru’, “Okarie”?

Matsui: I read Okarie-san’s blogs and magazines. When I played her character, I felt like I was floating above the clouds.

Interviewer: What is your impression on ‘gyaru’ make-up?

Matsui: I used Okarie-san’s make-up as an example, but it was fun becoming someone different from my usual self using fake eye-lashes and color contacts. Also, my first time with brown hair was fresh.

Interviewer: Will you share an episode with the director during filming?

Matsui: I was told, “rhythm is important,” but at first, I thought he meant the rhythm when I recite the lines. However, as the filming continued, I realized that it was the rhythm of the “speech dialogue”. I feel that I was given a big hint for growth.

Interviewer: Any troubles during filming?

Matsui: I was in a different spot than usual, so it was very embarrassing to do “comical acting”. I had trouble discarding myself.

Interviewer: What do you think of your co-stars?

Matsui: Kokusho Sayuri-san (role of charismatic stylist ‘Kanetaka Asako’) gave me a word of advice saying, “you should think about ways you can relax“. Thanks to those few words, my nervousness disappeared.

Interviewer: How are you similar to the main character, who makes dreams come true step by step while facing difficulties?

Matsui: There are difficulties everywhere, and in order to make dreams come true, I think you have to move forward step by step. Not only me, but I think anyone could relate.

Interviewer: If you were to become the director of your own fashion brand, what would you want to make?

Matsui: I like clothes, but I really love hats, so I would make hats that match all kinds of clothes. I want to make clothes where the hat will be the main point.

Interviewer: Please share the highlight of the drama.

Matsui: I want people to pay attention to the earnestness of the girl who does her best to make her dreams come true. Also, the cute clothes that appear in the drama is a must-see!

tokyohive

Matsui Rena (before)

Matsui Rena (after)

After seeing Rena in Majisuka Gakuen 2 as Gekikara, this drama would give a totally fresh new feel with Rena being so kawaii and moe. Furthermore, this would be the first time Rena would be in brown hair! Wanted to watch this series so much but sadly it would be on BeeTV as a mobile drama. Shall hope that it would be on Youtube too. =[

UPDATE (30th September):
オシャレに恋したシンデレラ　第1話（あらすじ）


オシャレに恋したシンデレラ～おかりえが夢を叶えるまで～　第2話


UPDATE (5th October):
オシャレに恋したシンデレラ～おかりえが夢を叶えるまで～　予告編