In an attempt to avoid being typecast, UETO Aya -- whose rise to superfame as an actor was fuelled at least in part by her lead role in TV Asahi's drama version of tennis manga 『エースをねらえ！』 ("Aim for the Ace") -- has accepted the lead role in TV Asahi's drama version of volleyball manga 『アタックＮｏ．１』 ("Attack No. 1").

But seriously, folks, there's a big difference. Her character in "Ace" had short hair, but in "Attack" it's slightly longer and often held back with a ribbon.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Volleyball's a tough sport! There's jumping and punching and everything! Doesn't that hurt, Miz Ueto?

「実弾（ボール）が顔に当たったり、回転レシーブでは肩と背中がアザだらけ。アザができると楽しい」
"Sometimes the ball hits my face, and my shoulders and back are covered in bruises from rolling receives. Getting bruised is fun!"

Hooo-kay! I'm also digging the use of 実弾 (jitsudan, or "live ammunition") for "ball". Good old Ueto Aya.

In another desperate attempt to assert my manliness after posting a folk tale about a terrifying snake and a single big tree that mysteriously burns down, I also present a news story and photo gallery dealing with the announcement that KUDOU Shizuka and MIZUKI Arisa will star in the commercials for Sapporo Slims, a diet beer to be released in May.