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Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part VI]
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Natsukawa Jun is pregnant with her first child
On April 8, it was announced that talento Natsukawa Jun (32) is 5-months pregnant with her first child.
She reported, “At this time, I’ve been blessed with a new life. I’m in my 5th month now and have entered my stable period, so I am finally able to report this to everyone. The baby inside my stomach, who is growing healthily everyday, is unbearably dear to me.”
She also commented, “I want to do my best with my husband to protect this small life inside of me. I’m still immature, but please continue to support me.”
Natsukawa married a non-celebrity man on New Year’s Day of 2011.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... th-her-first-child/ |
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EXILE’s newest single sells over 500,000 copies in the 1st week, tops Oricon chart
EXILE’s 41st single “EXILE PRIDE ~Konna Sekai wo Aisuru Tame~” (released on April 3rd) sold 565,000 copies in the first week, and topped Oricon’s weekly single ranking chart.
This marked their first single to sell over 500,000 copies in the first week, as their previous best for first week sales was 254,000 copies with “Tada…Aitakute” (released in December 2005). This is also their 13th single overall to top the chart.
Additionally, the group’s vocalist ATSUSHI’s live DVD “EXILE ATSUSHI PREMIUM LIVE ~Inochi wo Utau~” (released on April 3) also topped the weekly DVD overall ranking with the first week sales of 42,000 copies.
This is three consecutive DVD for ATSUSHI to top the DVD overall chart since his first, “EXH SPECIAL EXILE ATSUSHI PREMIUM LIVE SOLO” (released in March 2010). He tied a record with Domoto Tsuyoshi, topping the DVD overall chart for their first three consecutive works as a solo male artist.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -tops-oricon-chart/ |
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SPEED’s HITOE announces her marriage
Four-member group SPEED’s HITOE (Arakaki Hitoe) announced on her blog, “On April 8th, I registered my marriage with a person I met in New York, and dated for 13 years!”
Though she did not reveal any details on her husband, she introduced him saying, “He always cheers for me, and supports me with his big and faithful heart. Moreover, he accepts me just the way I am. It is difficult to express with words, but he is like a comfortable sofa for me.”
She also wrote, “Even after marriage, I would like to continue trying my best positively, while keep a balance between work and family, and making myself more powerful. I hope both of us could enjoy our lives while supporting, motivating and respecting each other. Please continue to support me.”
After HITOE’s announcement, fellow members, Shimabukuro Hiroko and Uehara Takako gave their blessing to her via Twitter.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... unces-her-marriage/ |
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Fuji TV to start a new program to find new artists from Asia + GACKT to be one of the judges
Starting on April 19th, Fuji TV will begin airing a new late night program “ASIA VERSUS“.
The program aims to find talented rookie artists from Asia through video sites such as YouTube.
Every week, two finalists will be chosen among eight artists who pass the primary examination, and they will perform at the studio. Then one will be picked as the weekly champion, and the program will produce the songs for the winner.
The MC of the program will be music producer Jeff Miyahara who has worked with artists like Amuro Namie, Nishino Kana, JUJU, and Kato Miliyah. He said enthusiastically, “I want to show the world how amazing Asian music is.”
The program will also be aired in Taiwan (FTV), Korea (KMTV), and Indonesia (MNC Music), and the panel of judges will include one person from each country. The judge from Japan will be none other than GACKT. He commented, “It’s a good opportunity to meet a new talent in Asia, and I am enjoying it. If I find a good one, I may help produce the contestant….”
“ASIA VERSUS” will be aired on Fuji TV every Friday at 2:05 am.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -one-of-the-judges/ |
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Former Biyuuden member Miyoshi Erika gets married
Former idol group Biyuuden member Miyoshi Erika has registered her marriage on April 8th.
On April 9th, Miyoshi updated her official blog with an entry titled, “Announcement.” She reported, “I, Miyoshi Erika, have registered my marriage on April 8, 2013. My partner is an IT company employee from Sapporo. Although this is a sudden announcement, I am very happy to have gotten married in the year I turn 29.” She plans to continue her work from Sapporo.
Miyoshi reflected, “My dream of becoming a singer came true. At 18, I left my hometown and experienced many wonderful things as a member of Hello! Project and Biyuuden.” She also expressed her gratitude towards the members, staff, and fans, saying, “Everything is my lifetime treasure.”
“While supporting each other, I hope to grant my longtime small dream of ‘making a happy family in my hometown in Sapporo’ with him. I hope to move forward one step at a time while feeling each day’s happiness.“
Miyoshi formed Biyuuden in 2004 with Ishikawa Rika and Okada Yui, and debuted with “Koi no Nukegara“. Ever since the group disbanded in 2008, she has been starring in stage performances. She graduated from Hello! Project in 2009.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... erika-gets-married/ |
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9mm Parabellum Bullet to release new album “Dawning” + nationwide tour
9mm Parabellum Bullet have revealed that their new album, “Dawning“, will be released on June 26th.
This year, the band has been carrying out many projects to celebrate their 9th year anniversary. “Dawning” will be their 5th album, and it will mark their 1st full album since releasing “Movement” about 2 years ago.
The album will feature a total of 13 tracks including their singles “Heart ni Hi wo Tsukete” and “Answer And Answer“. The 9th anniversary version of the album will come with a PV collection including every PV since “The World” as well as a new song called “Kuroi Mori no Tabibito“.
To coincide with this album’s release, the band will also be embarking on a nationwide tour, ‘Breaking The Dawn Tour 2013‘. It will kick off on July 9th at Yokohama CLUB LIZARD, and will wrap up on November 9th at THE WALL Taipei for a total of 30 shows. Additionally, they will hold their special live, ‘Chaos no Hyakunen vol.9′, on September 9th at Yokohama BLITZ.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ng-nationwide-tour/ |
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Fukuyama Masaharu & Shibasaki Kou’s unit KOH+ to make a comeback to sing for upcoming “Galileo” drama
On April 8th, it was revealed that Fukuyama Masaharu and Shibasaki Kou’s music project KOH+ will be making a comeback to sing the theme song for the upcoming Fuji TV drama, ‘Galileo‘.
The song is titled “Koi no Maryoku“, and it was written and composed by Fukuyama. As the drama will broadcast in 70 locations worldwide, KARA’s Hara and Taiwanese singer A-Lin will be covering the song in Korean and Chinese, respectively. This will mark Fukuyama’s first time collaborating with singers from other countries.
KOH+ was formed back in 2007 when Fukuyama and Shibasaki co-starred in ‘Galileo’. They attracted attention by singing the drama’s theme song, and were also in charge of the theme song for the movie, ‘Yougisha X no Kenshin‘, which was released a year later.
It’s been 5 years since the two last worked together. Fukuyama wrote “Koi no Maryoku” by overlapping the image of the two heroines, Kaoru (played by Shibasaki) and Misa (Yoshitaka Yuriko), and it’s described as an up-tempo love song.
The song was recorded at a studio in Tokyo in mid-February. While it has been 5 years, the two were completely in sync. Shibasaki commented, “It once again made me think that Fukuyama-san is a ‘producer’. He’s good at putting feeling into it.” Meanwhile, Fukuyama praised her, saying, “She’s added more power into her delicate expressiveness that she’s had since 5 years ago. We were pretty much okay with the first take.”
For this song, KARA’s Hara will work under the name ‘HARA+‘ and A-Lin under the name ‘A-Lin+‘. Fukuyama said in astonishment, “When putting a different language onto the melody and backtrack that I created, it turns into a completely different sound.” He continued, “I’m looking forward to how it will reach each country.”
‘Galileo’ will air on Fuji TV every Mondays at 9:00 pm starting April 15th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ming-galileo-drama/
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SOPHIA to go on hiatus after their nationwide tour
It’s been revealed that rock band SOPHIA will be going on hiatus after wrapping up their current nationwide tour.
Regarding their hiatus, the band members explained, “As we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2014, we wanted to have a time where we reconsider our activities until now, as well as our future as artists, the existence of the fans supporting us, and the music each and every member should be expressing as SOPHIA.” Their last live before their hiatus will be on August 12 at Nippon Budokan.
SOPHIA formed back in 1994, and made their major debut in 1995. Upon their 15th anniversary in 2010, the band put a halt to their activities after member Miyako Keiichi (Key) announced that he had lyphoma. They restarted their activities the following year, and released their new album, “Mirai Otona Sengen“, this March.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ir-nationwide-tour/ |
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B’z “Q&A” to be used as opening theme for “Detective Conan”
“Q&A,” the new song from B’z, will be used as the opening theme for tv anime “Meitantei Conan” (aka “Detective Conan“).
“Q&A” was recorded for their 2 best of albums,“B’z The Best XXV 1988-1998” and “B’z The Best XXV 1999-2012,” both of which will go on sale June 12. It will be used as the opening theme song to “Meitantei Conan” starting on May 4’s episode.
Additionally, their hit song “ultra soul,” which is another track from “B’z The Best XXV 1999-2012,” will be used as the theme song for TV Asahi’s broadcast of the “2013 World Aquatics Championships” in July. The song was also used for the “2011 World Aquatics Championships.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... or-detective-conan/ |
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miwa’s “Miracle” to be used in CM for Shiseido’s ‘Sea Breeze’
miwa’s new song, “Miracle“, will be used as the CM song for Shiseido’s ‘Sea Breeze‘ starting April 19th.
The CM will star actress Miyoshi Ayaka (ex. Sakura Gakuin), and it will portray scenes of high school club activities. The popular CM series has previously starred young actresses including Horikita Maki, Kitano Kii, and Kawashima Umika (9nine).
“Miracle” was written especially for the CM, and it will be released as miwa’s new single on April 24th.
After the release of “Miracle”, miwa will release her new album (currently untitled) on May 22nd. To coincide the album’s release, she will also start a nationwide tour in July.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... iseidos-sea-breeze/ |
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Tsumabuki Satoshi & Ikematsu Sosuke to star in the movie “Bokutachi no Kazoku”
Tsumabuki Satoshi and Ikematsu Sosuke will co-star with each other for the first time in the upcoming movie “Bokutachi no Kazoku” (directed by Ishii Yuya) as brothers.
“Bokutachi no Kazoku” is a live-action movie adaptation of Hayami Kazumasa’s novel of the same name. It’s a touching story that depicts a family that falls apart, and starts becoming one due to their mother’s sudden illness. The mother’s disease also causes the family to face several problems that were hidden inside of ”the ordinary family”, such as a huge loan, distrust toward the parents, and dependence on the children.
Tsumabuki will be playing the family’s oldest son who has a strong sense of responsibility and tries to undertake the family, while Ikematsu will play the younger brother who eventually decides to live for his family. The mother of the family, who is told that she only has one more week to live due to brain tumor, will be played by Harada Mieko, and Nagatsuka Kyouzou will play the father who ran up a large debt.
Tsumabuki commented, “I think every family has sides that you can’t show to others, but no matter what happens and even if you’re not sure what would happen in the future, ’family has to stay as family and keep moving forward.’ This movie reminds you of the importance of that.”
“Bokutachi no Kazoku” is set for release sometime in 2014.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... okutachi-no-kazoku/ |
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Details on EXILE ATSUSHI & Tsujii Nobuyuki’s collaborative single revealed
As announced previously, EXILE ATSUSHI and pianist Tsujii Nobuyuki will release their collaborative single titled “Soredemo, Ikiteyuku” on May 1st.
Originally, the song was the tune Tsujii played without preparation during the encore for his piano recital held in Boulder, Colorado on March 31st 2011. He expressed his thoughts toward the victims of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake with the tune, and ever since then, he has been playing the melody as the encore for his recitals.
Tsujii offered ATSUSHI to write the lyrics and sing to it, and ATSUSHI readily agreed to his request. The first half of the lyrics has the theme of reminiscence, while the last half has the theme of hope.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ve-single-revealed/ |
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New image + more cast members revealed for upcoming ‘Gatchaman’ movie
As reported earlier, Tatsunoko Production’s popular anime “Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman (“Science Ninja Team Gatchaman”)” will get live-action movie adaptation, directed by Sato Toya. Recently, a new image, which shows the members of Gatchaman in the “G Suits”, has been revealed.
Live-action movie “Gatchaman” sets in Tokyo in the near future. The world becomes threatened by a new kind of terrorist group known as the Galactor, who have already taken over half of the globe. Scientist Nambu Kouzaburou decides to step up against them and forms the Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. It’s a team of five young heroes skilled in the art of ninjutsu, who dress in unique costumes called “G Suits”.
It has already been announced that the team leader and protagonist ‘Owashi no Ken’ will be portrayed by actor Matsuzaka Tori. The remaining four superhero ninjas are played by Ayano Go (as “Condor no Joe”), Gouriki Ayame (as “Shiratori no Jun”),Hamada Tatsuomi (as “Tsubakuro no Jinpei”), and Suzuki Ryohei (as “Mimizuku no Ryu”).
Regarding the “G Suits”, Matsuzaka commented, “It fits great for all 5 of us, and it’s easy to do the action scenes, so I was able to fly around freely at the filming.” Apparently, it took over a year to make the “G suits”, and to make it be able to withstand action scenes. It is also said that the total cost for the suits was 20 million yen.
Along with the new image, new cast members for the movie have also been announced. The cast members are Kishitani Goro (as “Dr. Nambu Kozaburo”), Mitsuishi Ken (as “Dr. Kirkland”), Hatsune Eriko (as an original character “Naomi”), and Nakamura Shido (as mysterious invader named “Iriya”).
“Gatchaman” is scheduled to open in theaters on August 24th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ng-gatchaman-movie/ |
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Kashiwagi Yuki to release her 2nd solo live on DVD & Blu-ray
AKB48’s Kashiwagi Yuki will be releasing her live, ‘Kashiwagi Yuki 2nd Solo Live Nete mo Samete mo Yukirin World ~Muchuu ni Sasechauzo♡~‘, on DVD & Blu-ray on June 19th.
The footage features Kashiwagi’s 2nd solo live that was held back in February at Tokyo International Forum. Out of about 70,000 applicants, 5,000 people were chosen from a lottery to attend. She sang a total of 18 songs including her solo debut number, “Short Cake“, and an acoustic version of “Sakura no Ki ni Narou“.
Aside from the 18 tracks, the DVD & Bly-ray will include rehearsal and documentary footage. The first press edition will also enclose one random picture.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ive-on-dvd-blu-ray/ |
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Meisa Kuroki to play thief in return to TV work
ENTERTAINMENT APR. 16, 2013 - 06:40AM JST ( 8 )
TOKYO —
Actress Meisa Kuroki, 24, will play a thief in TBS’ new TV series “Take Five: Can We Steal Love?” (starts Friday April 19 from 10 p.m.). It will mark Kuroki’s comeback as an actress after she took a year off to have a baby girl last year with husband Jin Akanishi.
“Take Five: Can We Steal Love?” stars Toshiaki Karasawa and Yasuko Matsuyuki. It tells the story of five thieves whose mission is to steal money from other criminals.
The allure of Kuroki has not faded away even after she became a mom. Dressed in tight leather pants, she plays the role of American returnee thief. “To be honest, I think this costume is too visible for a thief to wear but I hope to create an ‘edgy Americanized’ character,” she said in comments to the media.
Kuroki is also appearing on TV in another role—in the NHK “Taiga” drama “Yaeno Sakura.”
Source: http://www.japantoday.com/catego ... n-return-to-tv-work |
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Hatsune Miku opera 'THE END' hits the road
ENTERTAINMENT APR. 14, 2013 - 06:03AM JST ( 4 )
TOKYO —
Last year saw the debut of the first humanless opera staring vocaloid Hatsune Miku and backed by a team of highly skilled artists, designers, and musicians.
The shows sold out quickly, and due to popular demand, “THE END” is coming to Tokyo in May followed by a Paris engagement this winter.
Originally held in the Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media, “THE END” will first hit Bunkamura Orchard Hall on May 23 and 24 for a total of three performances. Tickets range from 3,000 to 7,500 yen.
After that Miku, will head to Paris and do some shows at Théatre du Chatelet (built in 1862) on Nov 13 and 15.
The show, which combines the talents of various Japanese artists, also displays the costume design of Louis Vuitton from his Hatsune Miku inspired Spring/Summer 2013 collection.
This Paris show could be the ultimate blend of modern and classical styles. If all goes as well as it has so far, everyone’s favorite teal-haired holographic songstress may soon grace an opera house near you.
Source: “THE END”
Source: http://www.japantoday.com/catego ... e-end-hits-the-road |
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RIP SLYME to release first single in 3 years
RIP SLYME will be releasing their new single, “Long Vacation“, on May 22nd.
“Long Vacation” will be the group’s first single since releasing “Mata Au Himade 2010 ~Tomita Ryu~” about 3 years ago. The title track is described as a cheerful number that’s composed by PES and FUMIYA. The coupling track will be a new song titled “Flower Children“. Furthermore, the single’s first press edition will come with 3 big privileges which will be announced later.
RIP SLYME is scheduled to perform at the live event ‘FM802 SPECIAL LIVE REQUESTAGE11′ on April 29 at Osaka-jo Hall. They will also hold fan club events called ‘RSFM (RSF Meeting)‘ on June 2 at Umeda CLUB QUATTRO and on June 29 at Akasaka BLITZ.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -single-in-3-years/ |
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Comedian duo Othello announce their dissolution
On April 11, comedian Matsushima Nahomi announced the dissolution of comedian duo Othello through their official blog. She shared that she met and talked with her partner Nakajima Tomoko for the first time in 2 years, and reported, “Today, we will dissolve!!”
Matsushima revealed, “We met a little after 1 and talked about many things. Things that we had on our minds, things that happened while I took my rest… we talked quite a lot!” She added, “And this is what we concluded. Today, we will dissolve!!”
She also uploaded a two-shot and expressed her gratitude for their fans saying, “We will both do our best from now on! To everyone we troubled and to everyone that have supported us… Thank you!!“
Nakajima’s contract with her agency Shochiku Entertainment was cut after appearing on TV on April 6 without permission.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -their-dissolution/ |
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EXILE’s TAKAHIRO to release his 1st solo single
EXILE’s vocalist TAKAHIRO will release his first solo single “Issen Ichibyou” in June.
The title track is said to be a ‘forbidden love ballad’ which describes a maddening love. The lyrics of the song was written by Odake Masato, who also wrote “Bloom” for EXILE, and TAKAHIRO personally offered to help write the lyrics.
The music video was directed by Ninagawa Mika (“Sakuran”, “Helter Skelter”), and she was also in charge of the cover arts as well as the booklet for the single.
“Issen Ichibyou” will include “with…“, the song being used for NTT Communications‘ “050plus” CM, and other 2 tracks.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -short-pv-revealed/ |
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BUMP OF CHICKEN announce their 1st best-of albums + arena tour
BUMP OF CHICKEN will be releasing their 1st best-of albums, “BUMP OF CHICKEN I<1999-2004>” and “BUMP OF CHICKEN II<2005-2010>“, on July 3rd.
“BUMP OF CHICKEN I<1999-2004>” will contain songs from their 1st album, “FLAME VEIN“, to their 4th, “Yggdrasil“. Meanwhile, “BUMP OF CHICKEN II<2005-2010>” will include songs from their 10th single, “Planetarium“, to their 6th album, “COSMONAUT“.
To commemorate the albums’ release, BUMP OF CHICKEN will be holding a one-man live on August 9th at QVC Marine Field for those who bought both albums. The venue is said to hold 40,000 people, making this the group’s first time to hold a concert on a stadium-scale. More details on this will be announced at a later date.
Furthermore, BUMP OF CHICKEN will hold an arena tour called ‘2013 TOUR『WILLPOLIS』‘ starting in September. They will hold a total of 11 shows in 7 locations with their first Nippon Budokan concert as the finale.
Check out the track lists and tour dates below!
===
<BUMP OF CHICKEN I<1999-2004>>
01. Glass no Blues
02. Kudaranai Uta
03. Lamp
04. K
05. Diamond
06. Tentai Kansoku
07. Harujion
08. Stage of the ground
09. Snow Smile
10. Lost Man
11. sailing day
12. Arue
13. Only Lonely Glory
14. Sharin no Uta
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<BUMP OF CHICKEN II<2005-2010>>
01. Planetarium
02. Karma
03. supernova
04. Guild
05. Namida no Furusato
06. Hana no Na
07. Mayday
08. R.I.P.
09. Merry Christmas
10. HAPPY
11. Mahou no Ryouri ~Kimi Kara Kimi e~
12. Motorcycle
13. Uchuuhikoushi e no Tegami
-
<2013 TOUR『WILLPOLIS』>
Monday, September 9th – Nippon Gaishi Hall (Aichi)
Tuesday, September 10th – Nippon Gaishi Hall (Aichi)
Monday, September 16th – Marine Messe Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
Wednesday, September 25th – Yokohama Arena (Kanagawa)
Thursday, September 26th – Yokohama Arena (Kanagawa)
Saturday, October 12th – Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Miyagi)
Wednesday, October 16th – Osaka-jo Hall (Osaka)
Thursday, October 17th – Osaka-jo Hall (Osaka)
Thursday, October 24th – Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center Hokkai Kitayell (Hokkaido)
Monday, October 28th – Nippon Budokan (Tokyo)
Tuesday, October 29th – Nippon Budokan (Tokyo)
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -albums-arena-tour/ |
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