|
|
Japanese Entertainment News & Info HERE! [part VI]
[Copy link]
|
|
|
More details on AKB48’s upcoming 31st single revealed
Popular idol group AKB48 recently revealed the music video and the new visual for their 31st single “Sayonara Crawl” (to be released on May 22).
The title track has already been performed at the live concert on the 28th, and Watanabe Mayu, Shimazaki Haruka, Oshima Yuko, and Itano Tomomi serve as center positions.
Both music video and cover jackets were taken by photographer/film director Ninagawa Mika, and the filming was held in Okinawa. Reportedly, the choreography adopted some swimming and synchronized swimming moves, and the dance scenes which the 32 Senbatsu members show in swimsuits decorated with flowers, against the blue sea, are really overwhelming.
One of the themes for the MV is said to be “sisters.” The director Ninagawa explained, “I was planning to make a buoyant summer PV which will go down in history. I aimed it to be simply cute, enjoyable to watch, and fun for the members.” The making of the music video in Okinawa will be included in the DVD for Type-A and Type-K.
It was also revealed that the special footage for each type will be the flip book based on AKB48 songs, hand-drawn by comedian Tekken. For Type-A, it will be “So long!“, “Yume no Kawa” for Type-K, and “First Rabbit” for Type-B. According to a person concerned, the flip books are all tear-jerking.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... st-single-revealed/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tsunku♂ assigns Natsuyaki Miyabi as Berryz Kobo’s vice-captain
On April 30, Tsunku♂ updated his blog with news that he has assigned Natsuyaki Miyabi as Berryz Kobo’s vice-captain.
According to his blog, “In order to aim further improvement of Berryz Kobo, and to strengthen their team work, I’ve decided assigned Natsuyaki Miyabi as the vice-captain in addition to Shimizu Saki who has been serving as the captain up until now. Because of this, I’m sure Berryz Kobo will be even cooler than now.”
Natsuyaki also updated her blog, and wrote enthusiastically, “As the vice-captain of Berryz Kobo, I’ll do my best on many things! Honestly, I still feel awkward to be called vice-captain, but together with our captain, I would like to liven up Berryz Kobo from here on!!”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... kobos-vice-captain/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
flumpool and SID to perform at ‘Music Matters 2013′ in Singapore
It’s been revealed that flumpool and SID will be performing at the international event, ‘Music Matters 2013‘, which will be held from May 21st to the 25th in Singapore.
‘Music Matters’ is a music business convention for the Asian region. Its program features a wide variety from concerts to discussions. flumpool and SID will be appearing on the main stage with a live event called ‘J-rock Matters presented by BARKS‘ on May 23 at 9:00 pm for 15,000 guests. This live is scheduled to stream live via YouTube.
Afterwards at 11:00 pm, the two bands will head over to Beer Market for an invite-only live. They will be joined by WEAVER for an even hotter stage.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/04 ... -2013-in-singapore/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heavenstamp’s Mika to withdraw from the band
It’s been announced that Heavenstamp’s drummer Mika will be withdrawing from the band.
Since last year, Mika had been receiving treatment for her bad hip condition. However, she wasn’t able to recover as expected and it was concluded that it would be difficult for her to continue making music and participating in lives. After talking it over many times with the members and staff, she decided to part ways with the band.
Heavenstamp formed in 2009 and made their major debut in May of 2011. Since 2012, they have been active as a 3-member band including Sally#Cinnamon (Vo, G), Tomoya.S (G), and Mika.
The band is currently in the making of a new song to move onto the next chapter of their career.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... draw-from-the-band/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
babyraids to release new single, “Baby Ambitious”
Idol group babyraids has announced that they will be releasing their new single, “Baby Ambitious“, on July 31st.
This was announced on April 27th during their showdown live with Ayaman JAPAN at Shinjuku FACE. This live was held after babyraids sent a written challenge to Ayaman JAPAN.
Aside the live itself, babyraids and Ayaman JAPAN challenged each other in chugging carbonated water, confessing their feelings to the referee, and Mongolian sumo. Through their various face-offs babyraids successfully gained victory over Ayaman JAPAN.
Afterwards, babyraids announced the release of their new single, “Baby Ambitious”. Leader Denya Erika expressed, “We will do our best to exceed the expectations of everyone!” The song will be provided by TOTALFAT’s Kuboty and Shun, and it will be available for purchase in 4 different versions.
babyraids will also hold a concert with Gacharic Spin on May 5th at Shinjuku ALTA STUDIO.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... gle-baby-ambitious/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Def Tech to release their first album in 2 years + nationwide tour
Def Tech will be releasing their first original album in 2 years (currently untitled) in July.
The album will include Japanese Red Cross Society TV CM songs “Bolero” (2012) and “Be the One” (2013) for a total of 10 songs. “Be the One” will be released as a digital single via iTunes on May 15th.
Additionally, Def Tech will be holding a nationwide hall tour starting this fall. The tour will kick off on November 3rd at Sun Port Hall in Kagawa for a total of 15 shows. Applications for ticket lottery will be held through their mobile site from May 1st at 1:00 pm to the 13th at 11:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on August 3rd.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... rs-nationwide-tour/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NMB48’s Yamamoto Hitomi to graduate from the group
It’s been reported that NMB48 Team M’s Yamamoto Hitomi will be graduating from the group.
This was announced on May 1 during the final stage of NMB48 Team M’s ‘Idol no Yoake‘ performance at NMB48 Theater. Yamamoto is preparing to take the high school examination next spring. She explained, “While given various work, I saw people through the media who were shining brilliantly while working, and I thought that I want to be like them. I started to think about polishing myself by learning the basics, and involving myself with many different people and things from different fields. In order to do that, I need to devote myself to my studies. Just like the time I did my best for team promotion, I decided to reach for the top and study.” Her graduation concert will be held on May 30th at NMB48 Theater.
Yamamoto passed NMB48’s 2nd generation audition in May of 2011. While being active as a research student, she was promoted to Team M in October of 2012.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ate-from-the-group/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHEILA pregnant with her 2nd child
On May 1st, SHEILA’s agency sent a fax to media outlets announcing that the talento is pregnant with her 2nd child. She is currently in her 5th month of pregnancy and is due sometime in October.
According to the announcement, SHEILA will continue to work until the very last minute, and she also plans to return to work after giving birth. SHEILA announced on her official blog, “We have been blessed with our second child. I am very happy to finally enter my stable period and report this to everybody.”
She added that she has severe morning sickness. “I am thankful that the baby is very healthy. My husband and family are all happy. He is supporting me, so I will do my best.”
SHEILA started her talento career through her office work experience. Upon returning home to Cuba in December of 2009, she registered her marriage with her boyfriend who she has been dating for 11 years. They welcomed their first daughter in March of last year.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... with-her-2nd-child/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIL announce their disbandment
Electronic unit LIL announced through their official website that they disbanded in April.
Regarding the reason for their disbandment, they explained, “We continued to discuss our future activities, but we’ve reached the conclusion that we will be going our different ways.” They continued, “To the fans and other people concerned who have supported us until now, we can’t thank you enough.“ They also apologized to their fans for their sudden announcement.
LIL is an electronic unit made up of vocalist ucio and author/producer TSUGE. They formed back in 2005 and made their major debut in March of 2010 with the mini-album, “LIPS IN LUSH“. Their 1st single, “Watching you feat. WISE“, received a CM tie-up with ‘au by KDDI Karada Manager‘.
SOurce: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05/lil-announce-their-disbandment/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kaname Jun gets married
Actor Kaname Jun (31) got married to a non-celebrity woman on April 28th. This was announced by his agency on May 2nd.
Kaname commented, “With the addition of a new power called family, I hope to go forward by concentrating on my work more than before.”
Back in February, it was reported that Kaname was preparing to get married. He previously posted on Twitter, “Right now is a very important time for the two of us. I will continue using this Twitter as before, so I ask for your support.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05/kaname-jun-gets-married/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Morning Musume member Yasuda Kei to get married in the end of May
It’s been reported that former Morning Musume member, Yasuda Kei (32) will be getting married to Italian food cooking researcher, Ozaki Yoichi (35) at the end of this month.
According to her agency, the couple met each other through mutual acquaintances, and started dating at the end of last year. As the relationship progressed, Yasuda was proposed to in March, and they have already exchanged betrothal gifts in April. Reportedly, they’re planning to register their marriage in the end of May.
Yasuda’s fiance is a cooking researcher who owns two restaurants in Minato ku, Tokyo. One of the restaurants also offers a cooking class and just a minute’s walk away from Yasuda’s agency.
Yasuda is not pregnant, and they have not decided regarding the schedule for the wedding ceremony at this moment. Yasuda released a comment through her agency, “I am really happy to be able to meet a wonderful person who I can think ‘I’ll be alright for the rest of my life if it’s with him!’!!”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... -in-the-end-of-may/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winners attend the ‘22nd Japan Movie Critics Award’
On May 2nd, the ceremony for the ‘22nd Japan Movie Critics Award‘ was held in Tokyo and was attended by all the winners who were already announced early April.
Check out the winners and the pictures from the ceremony below!
==
Best New Actress (Komori Kazuko Award)
Takei Emi – ‘Kyo, Koi wo Hajimemasu’
Best New Actor (Minami Toshiko Award)
Aoyagi Sho – ‘Kyo, Koi wo Hajimemasu’
Changmin – ‘Ogon wo Daite Tobe’
Best Supporting Actor
Osawa Takao – ‘Owari no Shintaku’
Best Supporting Actress
Matsubara Chieko – ‘Totecheeta Chikicheeta’
Best Starring Actor
Matsuzaka Tori – ‘Tsunagu’
Best Starring Actress
Ando Sakura – ‘Kazoku no Kuni’
Best Editing (Uraoka Keiichi Award)
Harimoto Seiji – ‘Kyo, Koi wo Hajimemasu’
Best Director
Kitano Takeshi – ‘Outrage Beyond’
Best Film
‘Kagi Dorobo no Method’
Best New Director
Yang Yong-hi – ‘Kazoku no Kuni’
Kokatsu Atsushi – ‘Totecheeta Chikicheeta’
Best Documentary Director
Suzuki Junichi – ‘Futatsu no Sokoku de‘
Best Animation
‘Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki’
Best Animation Director
Anno Hideaki – ‘Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo.’
Animation Meritorious Services Award
Nunokawa Yuji (President and CEO of Pierrot Co., Ltd.)
Golden Glory Award (Mizuno Haruo Award)
Ishihama Akira, Hayashi Yoichi, Natsuyagi Isao, and Kubo Akira
Special Award
Takahama Hiroshi (CEO of IVC, Ltd.)
Fujifilm Corporation
Diamond Award (Yodogawa Nagaharu Award)
Kobayashi Akira
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ovie-critics-award/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPYAIR to sing for upcoming ‘Gintama’ movie
It’s been decided that rock band SPYAIR will sing the theme song for anime film “Gekijouban Gintama Kanketsu-hen Yorozuya yo Eien nare” that is scheduled to open in theaters on July 6th.
As the band has sung the ending theme “Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!!)” in 2011, and opening theme “Sakura Mitsutsuki” in 2013 for its TV anime series, this will mark the third time for the band to provide the theme song for “Gintama” anime.
“Gekijouban Gintama Kanketsu-hen Yorozuya yo Eien nare“ is the second film since the previous one “Shinyaku Benizakura-hen” that was released about 3 years ago. It will be a completely new episode written by the original author Sorachi Hideaki as the concluding episode of the anime series. It is said that an unknown truth will be revealed in the movie.
SPYAIR’s leader MOMIKEN commented, “This is our third time (to sing for ‘Gintama’). And it’s for the movie! It’s the final one too! We have no choice but to take this great opportunity! We are working on it while giving it our all. Everyone, please look forward for the theme song as well!”
The title of the theme song, as well as its release date, have not been decided on at this moment.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ming-gintama-movie/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPER☆GiRLS to release new single, “Tokonatsu High Touch”
SUPER☆GiRLS will be releasing a new single titled “Tokonatsu High Touch” on June 12th.
“Tokonatsu High Touch” is the group’s 3rd summer single following “MAX! Otome Gokoro” and “Puri Puri ♥SUMMER Kiss“. Their latest visual was taken in April in Guam, and it features the members in cute bikinis. This song has been picked up as the CM song for Ito Yokado’s ‘Koi☆Mizugi‘ as well as the support song for NTV’s ‘33rd National High School Quiz Championship‘.
Additionally, SUPER☆GiRLS will be holding their ‘Request LIVE 2013‘ on July 20th at Shinagawa Stella Ball. This will be the group’s first request live, and they will perform 10 songs chosen from their fans. Voting will take place from May 15th at 12:00 pm to June 17th at 12:00 pm through the mobile site, “Real Idol Ikusei Site ‘Mydol! SUPER☆GiRLS’“.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... konatsu-high-touch/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NMB48 to release their first single in 7 months
On May 3rd, it was revealed that NMB48 will be releasing their first single in 7 months (currently untitled) on June 19th. This was announced by NMB48 theater manager Kaneko Tsuyoshi during the group’s handshake event at Pacifico Yokohama.
Kaneko stated, “It’s been a long time since their last single, but their 1st album, ‘Teppen Tottande!’, which was released recently, has sold over 500,000 copies. Thanks to everyone, it has been a longtime hit. The title and other details are still undecided, but we would like to make outstanding work with the staff and members.”
Kaneko also called the members of Team BII onto the stage. For 24 days, AKB48 and their sister groups will be taking turns performing in ‘Omoidaseru Kimitachi e ~AKB48 Group Zenkouen~‘ (May 2 – 25, Tokyo Dome City Hall). Because Team BII was the only team that wasn’t able to sell out, captain Kamieda Emika stepped forward to represent the team with a comment.
“We were frustrated, but these past few days made us feel that we are being supported by many people. We won’t waste the ‘do your best’ that everyone gave us. We won’t lose to these frustrating feelings. We will definitely make it a performance that will make people think about why there were tickets remaining.”
More details on their upcoming single will be revealed later.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... single-in-7-months/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DREAMS COME TRUE to release a new single in July
It’s been revealed that DREAMS COME TRUE will be releasing their first single in a year and 2 months (currently untitled) on July 10.
The title track will serve as the theme song for the 5th season of Fuji TV’s ‘Kyumei Byoto 24-ji‘ which will air starting in July. It will also include “MADE OF GOLD -featuring DABADA-“, which is being used in the CM for ‘Nes Cafe Gold Blend‘. While this song was released digitally back in July, fans had been anticipating its CD release.
The limited edition will come with a DVD containing the video clips for the two songs. It will also come with the live audio for “A theme of the WONDERLAND ~Anata ni Aitakute” and “LOVE LOVE LOVE ~Kumikyoku ‘Mirai Yosouzu’” from their orchestra concert, ‘SYMPHONIC GOLDBLEND ~Songs for DREAMS COME TRUE~‘, as the bonus tracks.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... new-single-in-july/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sumire holds press conference for new song with Sergio Mendes
On May 2, talent and singer Sumire (22) appeared at a press conference at the Billboard Live Tokyo in Roppongi to commemorate the completion of her new song “Tasogare no Begin” (goes on sale May 22).
The song has been done in collaboration with internationally renowned Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes (72), and the song will also be included in his album “Rendezvous” (goes on sale July 24), which commemorates his 50th anniversary since he first came to Japan.
The lyrics “First kiss” appears in the song and when asked about her first kiss, Sumire responded, “It was not good.” She revealed that her first kiss happened with a Japanese tourist when she was about 16 or 17 and was still living in Hawaii. She gave a bitter smile as she said, “It was forced.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... with-sergio-mendes/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Details on Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku’s upcoming single revealed
Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku will be releasing a new double A-side single “Te wo Tsunagou/Kindan no Karma” on June 5th.
One of the title tracks “Te wo Tsunagou” has been chosen as the ending theme for both TV anime “Pocket Monsters Best Wishes Season 2: Decolora Adventure” and the upcoming anime short film “Pikachu to Eevee☆Friends.”
The other title track “Kindan no Karma” is also being used as the opening theme for the ongoing TV Tokyo drama “Vampire Heaven.”
The single will be released as three different versions.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ng-single-revealed/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kasai Tomomi graduates from AKB48
On May 3rd, Kasai Tomomi’s graduation concert was held at AKB48 Theater.
This day marked Kasai’s last performance as a member of AKB48. During the middle of the concert, there was a talk segment called ‘the things I love about Tomomi-chan’. Kasai gave an embarrassed look as her juniors commented with praises like “I love her sweet singing voice” and “She called out to me when I was nervous“.
Towards the end, Kasai and Miyazawa Sae performed “Tomo yo” together. When hugged by Miyazawa during the song, Kasai choked up as tears welled in her eyes. In addition, the other 2nd generation members Akimoto Sayaka, Oshima Yuko, Ohori Megumi, Umeda Ayaka, Kobayashi Kana, and Matsubara Natsumi joined in to sing “Enjoy your life!“.
The girls then offered words of encouragement to Kasai. “The game begins after you graduate. Please move forward” (Akimoto), “I am looking forward to the day we can stand on the same stage again” (Oshima), “Don’t forget that you have many friends” (Miyazawa).
Kasai also expressed, “There were many frustrating, painful, sad, and hard times these past 7 years. At such times, I cheered up by reading everyone’s comments on my blog and letters. I love everyone, and everyone is my important family. I am uneasy about taking a new step forward, but I would like to chase my dream in order to stand on the same stage with everyone again. Thank you very much for the 7 years.”
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... aduates-from-akb48/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AKB48’s Matsubara Natsumi to graduate from the group
AKB48 team K member Matsubara Natsumi announced that she would be graduating from the group at the “‘Omoidaseru Kimitachi e’ ~AKB48 Group Zenkouen~” held at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL on May 5th.
Matsubara also updated her official blog, and expressed her thoughts.
“I announced this at the ‘Nounai Paradise Performance’ today. I, Matsubara Natsumi, will graduate from AKB48.
I’ve experienced many things this past 7 years since I joined AKB48. It was the 7 years I had both good and hard times.
The only reason why I was able to come this far in AKB48 until now is because of you fans who always support me, the staff members who make AKB48 together with us, and the members who always make me laugh, so I was very happy.
From now on, I will go on a different path.
My dream is to become an actress. I guess I got the opportunities to appear in stage play, drama, or movie, just because I was a member of AKB48. I’m sure only hardships are waiting for me after I leave the group.
I do feel uneasy, but I am now looking forward for my life after the graduation.
I can’t say that I’m not sad, but I will run through the rest of my time as AKB48, with my full effort so I would not let my tears to have a chance to shed!!!
I will make an announcement regarding my graduation date later!!!!
Please follow me!!!!!!
I love you all!!!!!”
Matsubara joined the group back in 2006 as a second generation member.
Source: http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/05 ... ate-from-the-group/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Author
