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Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part VI]
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HY to end their contract with TV Asahi Music
It’s been revealed that HY will be ending their contract with their management agency TV Asahi Music on April 23rd.
As their contract expires on April 23rd, TV Asashi Music and the members talked it over several times and reached this decision. While the agency had hoped to continue supporting HY, they respected the members’ decision to end the contract.
On the same day, HY will close down their official website, ‘HY Mode‘, Twitter, Facebook, and mixi. They will also disband their official fan club, ‘HY Club‘.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ith-tv-asahi-music/ |
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AKB48 becomes 15th generation main character for ‘Natsuichi’ campaign
Popular idol group AKB48 will be the 15th generation main character for Shueisha Bunko’s ‘Natsuichi‘ campaign.
This campaign is Shueisha Bunko’s summer fair that started back in 1991 as ‘Natsu no Issatsu‘ (commonly known as ‘Natsuichi’). This year, there will be 85 books, and 85 members from AKB48 will each present a book report on the book they have read. The book titles assigned to the members will be announced sometime around mid-June.
Previous characters for ‘Natsuichi’ include actresses Hirosue Ryoko, Takei Emi, and Gouriki Ayame, actors Tamaki Hiroshi and Kobozuka Yosuke, and former professional tennis player Matsuoka Shuzo. The campaign will run from June 26th to late-September at participating bookstores nationwide.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... natsuichi-campaign/ |
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SKE48’s Matsumura Kaori to make her solo CD debut
It was announced during SKE48’s live concert, held at Nippon Gaishi Hall on April 14th, that the group’s “lifetime honorary Kenkyuusei”, Matsumura Kaori, would make her solo CD debut. She will be the first member to make a solo debut from the group.
At the concert, the surprise announcement, “The first solo project from SKE48 is starting! SKE48 lifetime honorary Kenkyuusei Matsumura Kaori,” appeared on the screen, and it brought a great shout of joy from the audience of 8,000. Matsumura’s debut will be under a mysterious indie label called “Nishiki Dori Records”, and a limited number of 1000 copies will be released. Reportedly, when all the 1,000 copies are sold out, additional pressed copies will be made. Other details on the CD debut, including the title and the release date, have not been revealed at this moment.
Regarding this announcement, Matsumura could not hide her surprise. She said confusedly, “Will there be people by the CD? Don’t tell me ‘You will graduate if you can sell them all,’” but she continued, “I will make a good use of this chance and will do my best, so that I will be able to have additional pressed copies over 100 times.”
Matsumura gained the title of “lifetime honorary Kenkyuusei” during the group’s first team shuffle on the first day of their live concert at the same venue.
Stay tuned for further details on Matsumura Kaori’s solo CD debut.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -her-solo-cd-debut/ |
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Details on MEG ZOMBIES’ single revealed
MEG will be releasing a new single titled “KISS OR BITE” under the name ‘MEG ZOMBIES‘ on June 5th. This song will be composed and produced by TeddyLoid.
TeddyLoid created this song just for MEG’s mysterious zombie project ‘MEG ZOMBIES’. NARASAKI (COALTAR OF THE DEEPERS, Tokusatsu), who was the guitarist for MEG’s latest album “WEAR I AM“, will also participate in the single.
As previously reported, MEG will be releasing new singles under the 2 names ‘MEG’ and ‘MEG ZOMBIES’ on June 5th. The title and other details on MEG’s single will be revealed in the coming days.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... es-single-revealed/ |
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Yuzu launches official YouTube channel
Yuzu has launched their official YouTube channel on April 16.
The channel allows fans to watch videos released on YouTube thus far including PVs, spot footage, trailers for their live works, and dance lecture videos from their staff. They are also scheduled to upload the PV for the title track from their upcoming album “LAND” (May 1st release) on April 24.
“LAND” will be Yuzu’s first original album in about 2 years and 3 months. It’s drawing attention for its jacket covers, which are done by Murakami Takashi.
You can check out their YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/yuzuofficial/
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... al-youtube-channel/
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Ms.OOJA to release new single + album
It’s been revealed that Ms.OOJA will be releasing her new single, “ANSWER“, on May 22.
Aside the title track and its instrumental version, the single will include a MITOMI TOKOTO remix of her popular track, “Baby don’t know why“, and a cover of Makihara Noriyuki’s “Tooku Tooku“. The title track was composed and arranged by Jin Nakamura, and Ms.OOJA sings the worldview of the lyrics with a dramatic sound.
Additionally, Ms.OOJA’s new album, “FAITH“, will be released on June 12. It will contain her new song, “Shiny Sky“, which is being used as the theme song for Mei Tele’s ‘Dodesuka!‘ for the month of April. More details will be revealed later.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... e-new-single-album/ |
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Ono Erena to release new single, “Fighting☆Hero”
Ono Erena will be releasing her new single, “Fighting☆Hero“, on May 29.
The title track for this single will be used as the theme song for Ono’s upcoming drama, ‘Tank Top Fighter‘, which will start on TBS on April 25. It’s described as a powerful guitar rock tune that suits this action suspense drama.
The single will be released in 4 different types: Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, Limited Edition C, and Regular Edition. Each limited edition will come with different coupling tracks and DVD.
Additionally, ‘Tank Top Fighter’ will be starting a collaboration project with karaoke chain Pasela. Related goods from the drama will be displayed in a room called “Drama ‘Tank Top Figher’ Room” at Pasela Akihabara Showa Doori starting April 18.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... hting%E2%98%86hero/ |
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Fukuyama Masaharu’s drama ‘Galileo’ is off to a great start
The second season of Fuji TV’s popular drama ‘Galileo‘ starring Fukuyama Masaharu was anticipated by many fans and premiered on April 15th with very high expectations. Fortunately all the expectations have been met as the first episode of this season’s “Getsu 9″ (Monday 9 pm) drama recorded an average rating of 22.6%.
Fukuyama himself commented about the ratings, “I’m relieved that it was seen by this many people and happy that they were looking forward to it that much. This result is going to make us enjoy working on it even more and give us the energy as well as pressure to work hard until the final episode. Please tune in again next week!”
The first episode was given an extended runtime of an additional 30 minutes and the highest rating was recorded during the revelation of the trick behind the first case at exactly 10:07 pm. At this moment it reached a peak of 25.3%.
The first season that aired in 2007 premiered with an average rating of 24.7%.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... f-to-a-great-start/ |
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BRIGHT to disband after live tour in May
On April 17, four member group BRIGHT announced through their official blog that they will be disbanding after their live tour in May.
Leader NAGI (22) reflected, “It’s been 5 years since our major debut in 2005, and 10 years since the group formed. It’s been a lot longer since we met. Since preschool, elementary school, the 4 of us would get together almost everyday and practice day and night. We spent more time together than with our families. We supported each other at all times, during both the good and bad.”
NANAKA (20) explained, “In both positive and negative ways, we had gotten too used to each other. We thought this would not be good for ourselves and the futures of each member.” Since January, the 4 members returned to their hometown in Kansai, and “carefully thought about if things would be okay like this.” They decided that, “the 4 of us should take a step away from BRIGHT.”
The group changed their name to BRIGHT after NANAKA joined in 2003, and made their major debut in April of 2008. They will put an end to their career after their shows on May 2nd at Nagoya, the 6th at Shinsaibashi, and the 12th at Shibuya.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... r-live-tour-in-may/ |
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EXILE announce their plans for 2014
On April 16, EXILE kicked off their dome tour, ‘EXILE LIVE TOUR 2013: EXILE PRIDE‘, at Kyocera Dome Osaka. During this live, they announced their activity plans for 2014 which they have dubbed, ‘EXILE TRIBE PERFECT YEAR 2014‘.
After retiring as a performer, EXILE leader HIRO will devote himself as a producer by holding various lives and events for EXILE TRIBE. At this time, there are 12 projects announced such as Sandaime J Soul Brothers‘ nationwide tour, ATSUSHI’s solo tour, and a 10-day event called ‘THE SURVIVAL‘ featuring the EXILE family. More details and additional plans will be revealed at a later date.
Furthermore, EXILE has added new dates to their ‘EXILE LIVE TOUR 2013: EXILE PRIDE’. While the tour was scheduled to run until late-June, they have added 2 shows each at Kyocera Dome Osaka, Nagoya Dome, and Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome for the month of September.
===
<EXILE TRIBE PERFECT YEAR 2014>
1. Sandaime J Soul Brothers LIVE TOUR
2. EXILE ATSUSHI SOLO LIVE TOUR
3. EXILE TRIBE PERFECT YEAR 2014 SPECIAL STAGE DJ MAKIDAI presents “CLUB EXILE”
4. DANCE EARTH Project Performance
5. EXILE TRIBE PERFECT YEAR 2014 SPECIAL STAGE “THE SURVIVAL” 10Days!!
Performers: THE SECOND from EXILE / Sandaime J Soul Brothers / GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE / EXILE TAKAHIRO
6. VOCAL BATTLE AUDITION Presents “VOCAL BATTLE STAGE”
7. Gekidan EXILE Performance
8. Izakaya Exile
9. EXILE CUP 2014
10. Musha Shugyou
11. EX SHOW 2014
12. EXILE TRIBE PERFECT YEAR LIVE TOUR “TOWER OF WISH 2014”
and more
-
<EXILE LIVE TOUR 2013: EXILE PRIDE Additional Dates>
Sunday, September 1st – Kyocera Dome Osaka (Osaka)
Monday, September 2nd – Kyocera Dome Osaka (Osaka)
Wednesday, September 11th – Nagoya Dome (Aichi)
Thursday, September 12th – Nagoya Dome (Aichi)
Saturday, September 21st – Fukuoka Yafuoku Dome (Fukuoka)
Sunday, September 22nd – Fukuoka Yafuoku Dome (Fukuoka)
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... eir-plans-for-2014/ |
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Tanaka Reina’s last concert as Morning Musume to be streamed live in movie theaters
On April 17th, Morning Musume held a release event for their new single “Brainstorming/Kimi sae Ireba Nani mo Iranai“, which was released that day, at Ikebukuro Sunshine City.
The girls appeared in front of a crowd of 2,000 and started the event with the performance of “Kimi sae Ireba Nani mo Iranai“. After the members’ introduction, there was also a talk segment. As the lyrics in “Brainstorming” says, “I’m the type of girl who gets compliment just by acting normal,” each member talked about the good sides of the other members.
Morning Musume then performed “One・Twe・Three” and “Help me!!“, which livened up the audience’s mood to the highest point, and the leader Michishige Sayumi made an announcement that Morning Musume’s live concert at Nippon Budokan on May 21st will be streamed live at the movie theaters nationwide. It will be the graduation concert for Tanaka Reina.
Michishige said, “You can watch it in movie theaters across Japan from as far north as Hokkaido where Sato’s hometown is and as far south as Fukuoka where Reina and Ikuta’s hometown is, so all of you who can’t come to the concert, please visit the theaters,” which caused the crowd to cheer.
After that, Tanaka revealed her thoughts on the latest single which is also the last single for her, “Since this was my last single, I was thinking that it would be something like ‘I will fly high’ kind of song, but it was actually a cool song in the recent style of Morning Musume. Also it’s special as double A-sides, so I am happy to be able to graduate with this single. Everybody, please listen to it many times!”
Lastly, they performed “Brainstorming” and ended their event, which was held for 45 minutes.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -in-movie-theaters/ |
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BiS to release a new single in June
It’s been revealed that BiS will be releasing a new single (currently untitled) on June 26.
Shortly after Wakisaka Yurika’s withdrawal, Terashima Yufu also announced that she would be leaving the group. As such, BiS is currently holding auditions for new members.
This single will mark the group’s first after welcoming their new members. It will include a rock tune produced by Matsukuma Kenta and a ska-core tune produced by KEMURI bassist Tsuda Noriaki.
The single will be released in 3 different types: CD Edition, LIVE Edition, and MUSIC VIDEO Edition. The LIVE Edition DVD will contain footage from their live, ‘IDOL is DEAD -repetition-‘, which was held in October of 2012 at Akasaka BLITZ.
Additionally, BiS will be holding an one-man live titled ‘OMOIDE in MY BiS‘ on July 6 at umeda AKASO. Ticket pre-reservations will be available through their official website starting April 22.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... new-single-in-june/ |
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flumpool to hold 2-day live at Nippon Budokan
flumpool will be holding a 2-day live at Nippon Budokan on October 1 and 2.
This was announced during the annual Earth Day live, ‘TOKYO FM & JFN present EARTH×HEART LIVE 2013‘, on April 17 at NHK Hall. The upcoming concert will be an especially special one for the band since October 1 marks their 5th anniversary.
They commented, “Right after our debut, amidst the suddenly changing environment, this was the first place where we felt we grabbed a hold of something. We want to stand at that place again at this timing. We also want to create a live that condenses everything that shined throughout these past 5 years.”
Additionally, flumpool will release a new single (currently untitled) in early summer. More details will be announced at a later date.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -at-nippon-budokan/ |
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JASMINE to release new single, “High Flying”
It’s been revealed that JASMINE will be releasing her new single, “High Flying“, on May 29th.
JASMINE’s first single in about 10 months is an EDM tune overflowing with elation. It will be produced by UTA, who works with artists such as AI and Miura Daichi.
For its coupling track, the single will include a cover of DOUBLE’s famous song, “BED“, which was released back in 1998. The complete production edition will come with a special jacket cover featuring JASMINE’s autograph.
In addition, it was revealed that JASMINE will be holding a monthly live event called ‘Jas Vegas‘ starting in June. At this moment, she’s scheduled to hold a live on June 9th, July 14th, and August 11th at Daikanyama LOOP.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... single-high-flying/ |
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Mitani Koki to film another single-cut drama starring Takeuchi Yuko
On April 14th, WOWOW announced that famed director Mitani Koki is working on another drama that will be filmed in one scene without a single cut titled ‘Daikuko 2013 (tentative)’ (lit. ‘Major Airport’).
‘Daikuko 2013′ is written by Mitani himself and is going to be a comedy about a family that gets stuck at an airport due to bad weather and the multiple problems they face there. WOWOW already aired a similar drama project of Mitani titled ’short cut’ in 2011. It was a very short scale project with a main cast of only three actors, but this time the story is set an airport and will feature an ensemble of 12 actors, including actress Takeuchi Yuko as the protagonist.
Mitani commented about this project, “I wanted to do something even more difficult than last time. This time we are indoors and we’ll get to film at an actual airport, which means more space we can make use of. Furthermore there will be twelve people instead of three this time as well. As for the story, I’m aiming for much more depth and more complex, intertwining relationships between the characters. I think this could make a great drama.”
Takeuchi is playing a member of the groundcrew who gets dragged into the problems of the family. Other characters include Namase Katsuhisa as a reportage writer with money problems, Toda Erika as a mysterious woman, Odagiri Joe as a fake pilot, and Kagawa Teruyuki as the father of the family who holds a big secret. They will be supported by more actors such as Ikematsu Sosuke, Kajihara Zen, Aoki Sayaka, Ishibashi Anna, Ayata Toshiki, Komoto Masahiro, and Kanno Misuzu. All twelve of them will have to show great teamwork and professionalism in order to film the whole drama without having to stop the camera even once.
Mitani expressed about his lead actress Takeuchi, “From the time we already had together before I can tell that Takeuchi has an amazing power of concentration. I think she is an incredible actress who can seamlessly cover up various accidents and make her role even more interesting by doing so.” He continued, “Her character will be present all the time, which makes it the most difficult role of this drama. I thought that there would be no one else than Takeuchi who could play such a role. It sure will be a tough challenge, but I already know the more I corner her, the more she would shine, so I will try to drive her into a corner as much as I can.”
Takeuchi herself commented about starring in one of Mitani’s works, “It feels like the encounters of unfamiliarity (laughs). Right now I’m feeling like I’m going up a roller coaster. You’re gradually reaching the top and… you wonder what kind of scene is going to open up in front of you.” She confessed, “I can’t really imagine how this is going to work out yet. (laughs) I’ve never participated in something similar, so I don’t know how he is going to film it. However, I do know that I will try my hardest to keep up with him.” She added, “Mitani said that he is going to drive me into a corner. I wonder what I’m like when I’m driven into a corner, so I’m really looking forward to this.”
WOWOW has yet to reveal an exact date for the broadcast of ‘Daikuko 2013′, but it’s going to be sometime this year.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ring-takeuchi-yuko/ |
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Arashi to release new single “Endless Game” in May
It was revealed that Arashi will be releasing a new single titled “Endless Game” on May 29th. This is the group’s 41st single, and the title track is being used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s ongoing drama “Kazoku Game“, in which member Sakurai Sho is starring.
The single will come in two different types.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... ndless-game-in-may/ |
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AKB48’s Watanabe Mayu to release her 4th solo single
Popular idol group AKB48’s Watanabe Mayu will release her 4th solo single (currently untitled) in July.
For the upcoming single, Watanabe will hold a contest titled “Anata no Illust ga Shinkyoku no Jacket ni Nari Mayuyu (lit. ‘Your illustration will be the cover jacket for the new song’)” through the illustration sharing site “pixiv“.
The winner’s work will be used as the jacket cover for one of the several types of the single. Applications will be accepted on pixiv during April 26th~May 16th.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... er-4th-solo-single/ |
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Maeda Atsuko chosen as the narrator for upcoming Pokemon short film
Maeda Atsuko has been chosen as the narrator for the upcoming Pokemon short film, ‘Pikachu to Eevee☆Friends‘, which will open in theaters with ‘Gekijouban Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes - Shinsoku no Genosect: Mewtwo Kakusei‘ on July 13th.
Maeda commented, “I was surprised! I’ve been watching Pokemon movies since I was little, so I can’t believe that my voice will be entering the Pokemon world! I am very happy!” She also expressed, “I will do my best so that children who watch the movie will say, ‘Pokemon is cute,’ and also so they will think that the world of Pokemon looks fun.”
In ‘Shinsoku no Genosect: Mewtwo Kakusei’, Takashima Reiko will be in charge of the voice of Mewtwo. Yamadera Koichi, who has been the guest voice actor since the first Pokemon movie, will make his 16th consecutive appearance as the voice of the red Genosect. Nakagawa Shoko will also make her 7th consecutive appearance as the voice of Ninfia, and Heisei Nobushi Kobushi will also voice in the film.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... pokemon-short-film/ |
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NMB48 hold their ‘Request Hour Set List Best 30 2013′
On April 18th, NMB48 held their first ‘Request Hour Set List Best 30‘ event at Orix Theater in Osaka.
During this event, it was announced that 1st generation member, Team N’s Yamada Nana would be transferring to Team M, marking the first change among members within the group.
Along with Yamamoto Sayaka and Watanabe Miyuki, Yamada is a popular member from the 1st generation. Yamada was chosen to transfer “for NMB48 to revitalize and grow.” She declared, “I want to make NMB48 even bigger. I want to make it a team that won’t lose to Team N, BII, or the research students.”
To coincide with Yamada’s transfer and Shinohara Kanna’s graduation, it was also announced that research students Koga Narumi and Nishimura Aika have been promoted to Team N. After receiving blessings from their senpai members, the two covered their faces as they burst into tears.
Out of 108 songs, “Kesshou” was chosen as the #1 song from the fans. This was the coupling track to NMB48’s 2nd single, “Oh My God!” (released October of 2011). In 3rd place was Yamamoto’s solo song, “Jungle Gym” and 4th was Watanabe’s “Warukii“.
You can check out the full results below.
===
<NMB48 Request Hour Set List Best 30>
1. Kesshou (included in 2nd single)
2. Seishun no Lap Time (included in 1st single)
3. Jungle Gym (included in 3rd single / Yamamoto Sayaka’s solo song)
4. Warukii (included in 4th single / Watanabe Miyuki’s solo song)
5. HA! (included in AKB48’s 29th single)
6. Kitagawa Kenji (6th single)
7. Nagiichi (4th single)
8. Fuyu Shogun no Regret (included in 6th single)
9. Hoshizora no Caravan (included in 6th single)
10. Oh My God! (2nd single)
11. Nandeyanen, Idol (included in 2nd single)
12. Mikazuki no Senaka (included in 1st single)
13. Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo (1st single)
14. Itoshiki Natasha (performance song)
15. 12-gatsu 31-nichi (included in 1st album)
16. Almond Croissant Keikaku (included in 1st album)
17. Sunahama de Pistol (included in 5th single)
18. Renai Higai Todoke (included in 6th single)
19. Daizai Osamu wo Yonda ka? (included in 1st album)
20. Rider (performance song)
20. Namekuji Heart (included in 1st album)
22. Shinkirou (performance song)
23. Virginity (5th single)
24. Tengoku Yarou (performance song)
25. Mousou Girlfriend (included in 5th single)
26. Koike (performance song)
27. Junjou U-19 (3rd single)
28. Saigo no Catharsis (included in 5th single)
29. Teppen Tottande! (included in 1st album)
30. Mattemashita, Shingakki (included in 1st album)
30. NMB48 (performance song)
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -list-best-30-2013/ |
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Model Maki Nishiyama reportedly 5 months pregnant
ENTERTAINMENT APR. 18, 2013 - 06:31AM JST ( 37 )
TOKYO —
Model Maki Nishiyama, 27, is 5 months pregnant, tabloid media reported Wednesday. The father of the baby is said to be actor Taichi Saotome, 21.
According to Sankei Shimbun, the couple—who are not married—had a rocky relationship at the beginning of the year, but everything seems OK now.
A spokesperson for Nishiyama’s agency said the couple are planning a June wedding.
Source: http://www.japantoday.com/catego ... y-5-months-pregnant |
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Author
