*bulk of this entry has already been posted in my main journal, www.lifeisharddakaraarashi.wordpress.com ^^V

It’s not the prettiest wallpaper, but it makes me sososo happy ^^ and it also very helpfully points out the two reasons why this is automatically my favorite movie of 2011 ^^V

The original is here:

I got it from the kanata_hongo community at LJ yeeee~

I really think this will be his ultimate breakthrough into mainstream (Hongo-kun, not Nino). He gained some notoriety with supporting roles in “Nana 2” and “テニスの王子様 [Tennis no Oujisama / Prince of Tennis]”, and following up with major roles in movies such as “青い鳥 [Aoi Tori / Blue Bird]” and finally a lead role in the movie “Goth”. He is pretty popular amongst young Japanese females right now as an up-and-coming ikemen (aka handsome/good-looking guy). After this movie though, I fully expect  him to be all around the magazines and media channels in Japan for at least a good year.

Why?

Cause first of all, GANTZ is a huge deal in and of itself. Maybe it’s not recognized worldwide such as other manga series like Dragonball, Bleach, etc. but in Asia or at least in Japan it is widely known and pretty damn popular. (Side note: both Nino and Hongo have commented that they loved the series for a long time and are honored to be able to take part in the live action.)

Now more popular than GANTZ right now is Nino himself. Please don’t argue with me on this, cause it is most definitely and indisputably true. With Arashi’s 10 year anniversary just passed, a new single coming out soon, and the members all busy with various projects, every promotion Nino gets is promotion for the movie as well.

Plus I believe the supporting lead (松山 ケンイチ / Matsuyama Kenichi) has a considerable fan following as well, having roles in doramas like “1リットルの涙 / [Ichi rittoru no namida / 1 Litre of Tears]” and “ごくせん[Gokusen]” as well as being the original Shin in the first “Nana” movie (heh cool connection to Hongo-kun there huh? ^^). He was in some movies that were based on famous Japanese authors’ works as well, but I doubt he would have garnered much fan following from that, although it did probably give him more credibility as an actor. And also, from what I know, his fan following is different from those who follow Nino / Arashi, so he could bring in those fans as well.

Then there are just the tag-alongs and die-hard fans. Die-hard fans of numerous stars appearing in the movie besides the aforementioned (check out the picture below! Miura Haruma is even playing a small role! kkkkk) will come to see it and the tag-alongs will follow their friends who happen to fall under one of these 3 categories (recap: 1) fans of GANTZ 2) fans of Nino / Kenichi 3) fans of other stars in the movie, including our beloved Hongo <3)

Much love for this project and let’s wish them luck in our anticipation! ^^V

Look at those eyes. He’s trying to mesmerize you to make you weak and succumb to watching the movie. Admit it–it’s working. (;