GTO: The Early Years Sequel "Shonan Seven" Announced

A sequel to Tohru Fujisawa's GTO: The Early Years (Shonan Junai-gumi) called "Shonan Seven" is announced in the December issue of Month Shonen Champion.

The new series is illustrated by Shinsuke Takahashi (Duel Masters Rev.)and is written by Tohru Fujisawa. This new series will premiere in the February issue of the magazine set to be released on January 6.

For those who are living under the rock, GTO: The Early Years is the prequel to the GTO manga and follows Eikichi Onizuka and Ryuji Danma's adventures when they were younger.

[Source: Anime News Network]

Yuki Yamada to Release His First Photo Book

D2 member Yuki Yamada (Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, Itazura na Kiss ~Love in Tokyo~) announced that he will have his first solo photo book, which is set to be released this July 25th.

The new photo book is packed with the charms of a new Yamada-kun, and is excited for its release. The photographer in-charge in this project is Baku Kobayashi, best known for his work with male idols.

The cover and the title of the new photobook is yet to be revealed. A launching event for the photobook will happen on August 3.

Source: JEFusion

2-Hour Great Teacher Onizuka Graduation Drama Special Announced

A new 2-hour special for the 2012 Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO) drama will premiere this April 2nd. Akira will once again reprise his role as Eikichi Onizuka.

The new special entitled, "GTO Final Volume ~Farewell Onizuka! Graduation Special~" has original manga creator Tohru Fujisawa collaborating on the special's composition. Exile Tribe will once again perform the show's theme song "24karats Tribe of Gold," Kei Haneoka in-charge with the music, and it will be directed by Kazuhisa Imai with scripts by Junpei Yamaoka.

The special will center on the graduation of Onizuka's students, and will focus on the students' worries about their futures, and the intense arguments that occur between those who are deciding to go to a university and those who are deciding to enter the work force after graduation.

Source: Anime News Network

Great Teacher Onizuka (2012) New Year Drama Special Announced

The 2012 drama adaptation of Great Teacher Onizuka will have a two-hour drama special next year! The GTO New Year Special will air on January 2, 2013 at 9:30pm.

In the special, Onizuka throws a Christmas party for his students before the winter break, but Miki (played by Mariya Nishiuchi) alone feels depressed. Additionally, Miki and her classmates attend a short cram school session during winter break featuring a new handsome teacher (played by Hiraoka).

Also, Onizuka's policeman friend Saejima Toshiyuki (played by Yusuke Yamamoto) rescues a mysterious woman named Maria while on patrol, and he finds three abandoned infants at Maria's apartment.

EXILE's AKIRA will reprise his role as Eikichi Onizuka and the special will guest star fellow EXILE member, Matsu as a mysterious cabaret club manager who is observing Onizuka. The special will also star Yuta Hiraoka (Mirai Nikki: Another World), Misako Uno of AAA, bikini model Mitsu Dan, and actor Ren Osugi (The Twilight Samurai).

Source: Anime News Network