Okay, for people who steadily read Keiko's blog, do you remember when she said she went to the King Kong premiere in Tokyo last year? Well, she wasn't kidding. I found I secret special way to pull up articles with Keiko's name and after running into many I've seen before there were quite a bit from Oricon, that actually pertained to Keiko. Now, I was under the impression that Oricon was mostly about music but I was dead wrong. Oricon seems to touch upon all forms of entertainment including movies, fashion, and movie auditions. Below are articles  that mentions Keiko's appearance on the red carpet of the King Kong premiere and another that mentions her appearance in the Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Below are the best translations I can put together of old articles that feature Keiko. More will be coming next year!

King Kong Tokyo Premiere:
    This reporter also ran into Keiko Kitagawa, a popular model, set to premiere in the American movie franchise, "Wild Speed x 3: Tokyo Drift" (scheduled to premiere next year). In a brief interview she said, "I was able to meet directly with the director [Justin Lin] and I was impressed by is kindness. If there is ever an offer again for a Hollywood movie, I would love to appear as a strong main character."  (brief translation of the Keiko bit. The article was written Dec. 13, 2005)




Tsumboki makes his Hollywood debut!:
    Keiko Kitagawa who was already announce for the role of the semi-heroine, in the movie which includes appearances by Sony Chiba. The Japanese premiere of the movie is set for early autumn of next year. ( I can't clearly see when the article was written but I know it has to be in 2006 because under the caption of the picture of Keiko it says her name and, "We ran into her at the King Kong Tokyo premiere in December of last year.")



 

Keiko Kitagawa rolls into her Hollywood debut!

   The premiere of the American car action film, "Wild Speed x 3: Tokyo Drift" was the main attraction at Tokyo International Forum on August 22. Many fans were greeted by heroines Natalie Kelly (Neela), Keiko Kitagawa (Reiko), Director Justin Lin and technical supervisor Keiichi Tsuchiya (The original Drift King).

For her role as Neela, Kelly studied Japanese magazines and the speech and conduct of a Japanese female high school student , saying, "They're not that different from American girls!" And Keiko Kitagawa who is taking a big step in a Hollywood debut, told us excitedly, "Because I overcame the challenge of performing in a Hollywood film, I feel like I can perform in any film!"

Furthermore, director Justin Lin told us, "I wanted to have this movie  introduce Tokyo and drifting all over the world. Although directing this film came with a lot of pressure to succeed the third leg of the popular series, I enjoyed putting this film together. Keiichi Tsuchiya agreed by saying, "This is the best of the entire series."



 

Seventeen Interview [Sawai Fan]

Anxious Keiko's summer clothes
Everyone you having fun being fashion-conscious for summer?
This time in a long time I'll let you see Keiko's summer style

Main article:
Before, the outfit I decided for the test I had chosen, but then I soon changed that for a different pattern (laugh). Now without having chosen a 'fabric', I'm thinking what outfit I'd like to buy but I don't feel a sense of unity in what I've bought so until now I've usually bought boys and older sister type clothing. It's because they mostly got some outfits that fit those categories

Suddenly the time when I became an older sister type my mother in kobe saw my outfit in ST and she was really surprised (laugh) but I wore a one piece dress that didn't make me look too much like a little girl. The design of the one piece (dress) is a simple design and the top is feminine, the bottoms are denim, also the feet are wedge soles (heels), it's become very comfortable. I felt like the colors hadn't become too subdued. I had noticed that with colors like black and grey that when I had been wearing that color too much, the colors I hadn't been wearing up until now I consciously told myself to wear. When going out shopping together with people like my friends and my mother I relatively take note of their opinions but basically I decide by my own initiative. Things I'm not sure about wanting I glance at, because I understand from the start 'When I'm not sure I won't buy it, the moment I want it I'll buy it' is how I feel. I'm bad with trying things on, unconsciously I decide not to try things on. However I made lots of purchases for things that are big. Occasionally I try things on at home and there are times when things fit me, I'm extremely happy (laugh)

Brown dress
Up until now the not worn light (tea) brown challenge.

I bought this dress (one piece) in early spring. At first I took a white one in my hand but I already have a white-ish dress but I didn't have a brown dress. I thought I'd try to wear it, I think its a good choice. I have the time to combine it with denim. The necklace is a present from a friend. The blue cross is unusual but I like it. The basket bag is the stylish personal effect

Big flower keiko
Sweet tops + shopan, my feelings

When I bought the tops with my mother in Shibuya they were bought from 'zara'. I've liked white from the start. Because my mother said 'occasionally when such a girlish type wears this' (laugh). Around 1/2 a year earlier I bought this 'showpan' from a second hand store in Shinjuku for maybe no more then 1000 yen. At that time it was still mid winter so I was wearing a fur coat and walking in long boots. Because I used them a lot I got some more.

Black wedge sandals 12600y (rubber sole) from 'viva circus'

Keiko in black sitting down
As I thought I like black but because I don't want to look plain. Indian pattern individual t-shirt from [Ed hardy] brand. It's full of attached rhinestones. Now in LA it's a super popular brand which is worn a lot in film and photography. In order to
go to the store its okay not to stop in the shadow too much! Adjusting the black with western boots you can harshly go. From 5 luck vandal 2625yen / goa by bells


Tank Top keiko
Love at first time. Tank top and my favorite worn denim

In La I found a tank top, the brand is called 'aruma next change'. The shop was decorated with them and when I glanced at them that time 'I'll buy that' I thought. I like the green design pattern. In the parts that have become combs and shirring the insert lime is cute. It costs about 12000yen, it's rather expensive, but because I liked it so much I thought I'd buy it. But because I constantly wear cheerful clothing, I put them in a net and washed them thoroughly in the washing machine (laugh). Because the tank top is too baggy, that's perfect for denim and ebisu jeans and puma collaboration. With the color fading because I have damaged denim I daringly chose to dense the color to indigo

neckless 11550 yen, white trash chamuzu shaban

Kagemusha's Interview with Keiko and Ayaka Komatsu

Kagemusha's interviews with Ayaka Komatsu  and Keiko

ST July 1, 2006 Hello Thailand! Article [Sawai Fan]

I bought souvenirs from Thailand

     During the golden week Keiko chan traveled to Thailand. For the 'Seventeen' readers she bought this teddy bear (Kuma chan) as a souvenir. Its been signed and will be given away as a present.

For the golden week I went to Thailand

     From before I've been interested in Thailand. The time I went to Los Angeles for the first time I went and had a Thai massage. It felt incredible. I felt it in both body and mind. I went many times. Thailand also has nail salons, make over salons, I also heard its full of things related to beauty. 'I wonder what that is' I was thinking. At that moment exactly I thought lets take a golden week holiday, 'ok, lets go' I decided. On my own I booked my plane flight and then I set off (laugh)

     The people of Thailand, were pretty. Both men and women. There features were of course pretty. Their style is good. The women have slender voices, their skin and hair is gentle and glossy. I noticed they had incredible beauty, which is what I though. Especially Bangkok (capital of Thailand) with people who were smartly dressed. With everyone's kindness I got my nails done. The food was delicious and made me happy (laugh) 'Please don't make it spicy' I said but but it was still very spicy. A gambling named spice for cooking was often used, but why was it no good (laugh)

(translation note: She's basically implying that they just threw any old spice in there but had no luck with getting a mild one).

     At any rate any juice I tried was delicious. The watermelon and lychee (dessert fruit), Nama soy sauce was in a big glass, what's more it's cheap, well then when it came to dinner time they use chopsticks in Thailand. I was surprised! The climate and the people's outward appearance are entirely different from the Japan but of course they have the same something about them I think. Its a far away country but I did not have much of a uncomfortable feeling. This time there was things I couldn't see, such as famous temples but I've got plenty of time to go see them, I definitely want to go see it again!!

     I really like to travel within the country. Before I became a 'seventeen' model I lived in Kobe, because of that coming to the old capital by train takes a good 2 hours to go see the autumn leaves and stuff. A day trip, an excursion that little but was really fun. When I had the opportunity to go see friends and family during the summer holidays, I did with all my might and it was fun. When looking at a landscape that goes that far, when eating something delicious, I get the feeling of being an adult. When I think that my current feelings of my teenage years are different 'ah', but I've got a test before my summer holidays (laugh). In order to do my best for the test, ah the test, I've still got things that I cannot do, everyone do your best!

ABC radio Shooting Star Club

    On July 3, 2006 Keiko made an appearance on ABC radio Shooting Star Club as a voice actress for a show. She played the characters Sagara Natsumi and Fujikura Midori along side some old guy. ^_^ The story is about Nanashina Gonde (50) a business man who works for an international trading company. One weekday during the day time he arranged to meet someone at the restaurant with a deep reason. 21 years ago, in those days he was seeing a woman Tanabata Fujikura who he had then split with, in 7 years for one time on the day of the Festival of the Weaver (July 7th) they exchanged promises to meet. This time was their 3rd rendezvous. The previous 2 times were dream like encounters. After they split she took an administration of justice test, got married, blessed with children and lived a happy marriage. This time the rendezvous in 7 years was extremely burnt (destroyed, didn't happen in other words). On the day of the 3rd meeting when the time came a girl turned up. When dejected he heard a voice of a girl from the seat behind him. She was a scenery writer, an ambitious student. With a full course and lunch in front of him he was wondering... [translated by Sawai Fan]

Voice Acting Sample

[Source] [credit: Karyuudan] [Download] [5 MB]

Translation of Clip [Sawai Fan]

Keiko: Excuse me, is it okay to ask you a question?

Old geezer: What is it?

Keiko: Were you dumped?

Old geezer: eh

Keiko: You were dumped weren't you? Old man you've been here on your own for 30 minutes

Old geezer: That's not something I want to tell you, excuse me

Keiko: lets talk, lets say that person doesn't come would it be okay if I ate instead?

Old geezer: Eh, I don't really mind

Keiko: well, just in time to say 'itadakimasu' (phrase used before eating)

Old geezer narrating: Being completely dumped, in front of me that girl began with the cold food, how can I say it, more over she was cool but strange and not modest.

Old geezer talking: I got some questions here if that's okay

Keiko: Go ahead

Old geezer: who are you?

Keiko: Don't ask that, I'm absorbed in eating and I'm not finished. I'm Shiran Natsumi
I'm an expert scenario writer in the making

Old geezer: Ooh, a scenario writer?

Keiko: I can't ignore a scenario so I came to this restaurant. I've not got any money so I'm just gonna have to make do with a coffee

Old geezer: So that explains the appearance of all that remaining food over there

Keiko: Ah, at this rate if it was to be thrown away, it would be rude to the employees who made it, isn't that right?

Old geezer: That's right

Keiko: Well then I've got one more request of you

Old geezer: What is it?

Keiko: The time you were going to spend with the person who didn't come, can you spend it with me?

Old geezer: eh, what do you mean?

Keiko: It seems such a wonderful meal, as a scenario, I thought I'd talk to you paying attention to your interests.

Old geezer: As a scenario?

Keiko: Please

Old geezer: Haha, understood, I'll play along

Keiko: Yeah! Well then lets get to it! What's your name?

Old geezer: Nanashina Gonde

Keiko: No fair, I did a self introduction!

Old geezer: Understood, I'm an illuminated person, I'm 50, I work for an international trade company, 1 wife, 1 kid.

Keiko: Ok, the person you didn't meet today, what sort of person was she?

Old geezer: More then a lover, today is the 3rd time for (going to) Tanabata's New Year's party (he doesn't say going to but its implied)

Keiko: Tanabata's new year party?

Old geezer: Lets end the conversation, shall we head home?

Mizu ni Sumu Hana Movie Flier [Sawai Fan]

Big text at top:
The time when 7 marks come together you will no longer be able to live outside the 'world of water'

Introduction:
Bestucomi popular serial Mizu ni Sumu Hana (living flower in water) Shinohara Chie original creation
converted to film. Awarded the prize in the elementary school manga division, numerous hit girl's manga's
were created. This career has spawned many fans from children to parents. Presently sympathy has crossed
over to the current generation. That film "Mizu ni Sumu Hana" is a faithful recreation of the original but also
a different end result has been prepared for the film. Furthermore it has been imbedded with a new
charm. The main star known has worked on 'Battle Royale' and more previously 'Last Weapon Girl'.
Aki Maeda has developed into a representation of actresses from the young generation. The others
Takezai Terunozuke (Kamen Rider Blade) 'Hotaru's' Mizuho Takasugi as well as the new comer known for 'Mamiya Kyoudai'
and Hollywood film 'Willd Speed 3'. As public presentation continue Keiko Kitagawa continues to gain
attention. Not in the original, newspaper reporter veteran Nagashima Satoshi seals the roles. New director Kenji Goto
works include 'The Love Bone'. The ending theme of high school student cosplay
group 'Toi Teens' is a song filled with passion. This is a film created for the collective youth generation.
A prologue screened with a large scale vision. Numerous topics are provided.

Story:
35 students riding bus are heading back on the road to a camp school but the bus falls from the bridge.
It is thought that everyone had died however there is one survivor Rikka Nikaidou 'Aki Maeda' Why is
she the only one to survive? However since the incident Rika's body has developed a bad condition.
Her body is turning into a state where she cannot live outside of water. On her back mysterious flower
shaped petals have appeared. These marks are growing in number. Finally Rikka gets pulled into the
legend surrounding the water.

Mizu ni Sumu Hana Review [by Sawai Fan]

     Just an overall introduction. The film was mostly really easy to understand, I believe I understood about 97% of it on my first watch and could probably fill in the rest with taking advantage of the good old pause n rewind feature you can't utilize in a cinema, lol. Certainly when the DVD comes out and if there is no English sub or planned western release I will have a go at translating it

    Comments concerning the acting (I apologize in advance for not using the character's names, I'm too lazy to remember what they are all called, needless to say there are 5 main characters so it shouldn't be too confusing (bad girl/bad guy, good girl/good guy, detective):

    Now that I realize it I'm just giving keiko fanbois an even bigger reason to be fanbois. Keiko's performance in the film was excellent, she stuck out like a sore thumb. If I have any criticism of her performance I felt that she slightly overacted some scenes but this is really nothing more then a minor criticism at best. For the most part her character was the only interesting and well acted character in the film

More about keiko:
I'll talk about the other characters somewhat but I know deep down you keiko fanbois are more interested in keiko performance then any other character. Well if you know nothing about the film or the characters its time to fill you in. Keiko is a bad guy, she's plain evil, even somewhat deranged. She played the character to a slightly cute extent yet with plain evil overtones. She basically spends the duration of the film inflicting all sorts of physical and verbal abuse on our heroine

The other characters:
    The main girl is the girl who survived the bus incident where everyone else drowned. She comes across as a slightly insecure character that seems confused as to why she survived, needless to say the reason she survived is revealed during the film but it would be a spoiler so I not saying anything about it the actress performance for me felt a little labored. I just didn't buy into her character or particularly care about her, In the end I cared so little for her and her dilemma I was rooting keiko on to kill her, lol.

    Main guy is the main girl's boyfriend and is basically the support character, the girl's comforter. There is a slight love theme in the film, is very minor however and really doesn't develop. I think one of the problems with this guy is he's supposed to care for our main heroine but the conviction is somewhat lacking, I certainly never felt moved by their plight.

    Main bad guy is Keiko's (who is the main bad girl) companion. The guy is a terrible actor, it was sad to see him perform next to a decent actress like Keiko, he even managed to completely ruin a demonic laughter moment, he was trying to sound sinister but it just came across as more comical.

    The only other character of note is some old detective guy. He spends the duration of the film trying to discover the secrets behind the mysterious water legend. He also acts as a narrator, providing several narratives throughout the film. He spends a lot of the film surveying the progress of the main 4 and researching into the legend. Personally I saw no real point in his character as he didn't really achieve anything significant to the plot or the outcome.

Films + points
   Some of the cinematography in the film was excellent. The film was filmed in some traditional old school Japanese shrines, the lighting and fog effects were great. Its easily one of the films greatest strengths. In other words the film was really nice to look at.

   Keiko. Well not just her acting which was great but the character as a whole. She was just dark, evil and well damn cool. I think she wears 3 different outfits throughout the film. The schoolgirl outfit looks great on keiko and so was the long cloak. She really looks fantastic and is easily the best thing about the film, I just realized now that I've given keiko fans an even bigger reason to salivate, but oh well

- points
   The pacing of the film is entirely wrong. The film is slow, not much happens, enemies pop up and make random taunts, then not much happens, then enemies appear again and this kinda just goes on until the inevitable climax which is nothing more then a whimper. Although you had to feel for Keiko's character big time (say no more cuz it would be a major spoiler)

   The fight scene involving the katana swords is probably one of the most laughable fights I have seen in a film for a long time. Firstly they decided to utilize the most stupid looking special effect I have ever seen for when the swords clash. It reminds me of something I would expect to see from Hollywood films from the 1980s. Secondly the fight scene choreography is laughable, its like watching a sword fight from the sailor moon live action yet in SM you know the fight scenes are supposed to be naff. I wasn't expecting top-tier Chinese martial arts style choreography but I really think they could have done a lot better then this


Overall
+ keiko + her outfits and acting
+ cinematography
+ some nice music
+ atmospherically nice (although its not scary)
- all the other characters are boring
- pathetic fight scenes
- overall bad acting (minus Ms. Kitagawa)
- badly paced film

   Random scene notes and perv watch (these paragraphs contain minor spoilers however they do not in anyway reveal anything about the outcome of the plot or events so I'm not going to blow anything major here, just talk about a few scenes that struck me)

   There is a scene where the main character is in the locker room with some friends and they are changing clothes. This leads to the inevitable girls standing around in just their bra's, kinda pointless fan service if you ask me, unfortunately keiko doesn't join in

   There is a scene where keiko show's the main character her tattoos on her back. She turns her back to her and takes of her top where you get a good clear view of Keiko's naked shoulders, she clearly isn't wearing a bra, she's so small, lol

   The main bad guy kisses the main good guy, Its a forced kiss. Its was quite shocking and I wasn't expecting it, lol

   There is a scene where keiko and the main male bad guy are in bed together at the bottom of the sea (water). They both appear to be naked, at least from the waste up. The main bad guy spends some time stroking Keiko's hair and shoulders whilst she literally is lying with her head above his chest. Although far from pornographic is quite an erotic scene because you can sense the lust between the two characters, its almost as if they're just waiting for the cameras to go off them so they can go at it like hammer and tongs, lol. Needless to say I know this scene may upset keiko fans who believe that only they should be allowed to fondle her, lol, oh well guys get in line their is a queue.

  The scene were Keiko is very introduced in class and comes across as a complete bitch and the scene were she catfights with our heroine where the two finest I can think off, Keiko really is a bitch in this film, go girl.

   Overall. I really really wanted to enjoy this film but something is lacking. Its look great, the cinematography and scenery is fantastic, the music from what I can remember was pretty good also, the ending theme was a little upbeat though and felt a tad out of place (we were forced to watch the cast as they wouldn't open the cinema doors until it was over, lol). Also Keiko is fantastic and despite being young and inexperienced as an actress she's showing a shit load of promise.

   Certainly her performance in the film stands out even further simply because everyone else in the film is so mediocre, keiko does indeed stand out like a sore thumb against the rest of the cast. Unfortunately for me its just the general slow pace of the film, the somewhat uninteresting legend that they went to great lengths to explain but just felt ainfully uninteresting and an overall bunch of dull character (except keiko of course) that kinda let the film down, its also a bit too short at 85 minutes as well. Nonetheless the film is still enjoyable despite its flaws. I certainly don't regret going to see it and if you're a keiko fan you'll definitely want to see it just to see what a great actress she's turning into it, so yeah check out the DVD when its out if you can't see it in the cinema (the one cinema in Shibuya that is, lol).