Kono Machi and Ichigo Chips

Yes, it’s been quiet here as we wait patiently for Chitose’s return and of course, our prayers go out to her for a complete recovery. Chitose’s birthday is coming up soon (January 5) and what better early present than having her song “Kono Machi” in the film “Ichigo no Kakera (Ichigo Chips)”. “Ichigo” is based on a manga (see image above) by Tsutomu Takahashi who also penned the popular manga Sky High (which was turned into a film starring gravure idol Yumiko Shaku).

“Kono Machi” also happened to be used for the NHK drama serial “Manten” (much of the series was shot on location in Kagoshima Prefecture) and is one of my favorite songs of hers. “Ichigo Chips”, directed by Shun Nakahara (who also happens to be from Kagoshima Prefecture), will make its theatrical run in Japanese theaters come February 2005.