Today, Nagano Hiroshi of V6 announced his marriage in the group’s fanclub newsletter. He is the second member of V6 to be married, following in the footsteps of Inohara Yoshihiko, who married Seto Asaka in 2007.
The cover of the newsletter mimicked a table setting, complete with a menu and utensils. Inside the newsletter, Hiroshi announced his marriage. He thanked fans for watching over him through the years that V6 has been together. He continued by saying that he will continue to work hard.
Normally with my monthly review for The Japan Times, I’m tasked with reviewing the best selling album of the month. Things were switched up this month though, with me choosing what I wanted to review instead. I selected Capeson’s debut album, “HIRAETH.” He’s a new singer-songwriter signed to Tokyo Recordings. This label has really been making a noticeable amount of buzz since its founding last year, most recently with its founder, Nariaki Obukuro, appearing on Utada Hikaru’s new album on the song “Tomodachi.”
“HIRAETH” is a blend of R&B and UK alternative. It’s foreign, yet familiar. The album fits nicely alongside the likes of Suchmos, cero, and CICADA in that it’s taking R&B and giving it an indie twist, something that is giving R&B the most attention its had in years in Japan.
This week’s guests were HUSKING BEE, Leola, and a flood of circle.
HUSKING BEE – Walk / Carry You
Leola – I＆I
a flood of circle – Flyer’s Waltz
From November 25 – 27, this year’s NHK Trophy took place in Sapporo. This was the sixth event in the International Skating Union’s 2016 – 2017 Grand Prix Series. Japan sent 6 skaters, a pairs team, and 2 ice dance teams to this competition. Japanese skaters won a medal of each color at the event.
Yuzuru Hanyu won the men’s portion of NHK Trophy with a total score of 301.47, 32.56 points ahead of the second place finisher, American Nathan Chen. This score is the highest total score for a skater this season. Yuzuru’s short program received a score of 103.89, putting him in first place, 15.95 points ahead of Nathan. This score is the highest short program score for a skater this season. Yuzuru opened with a quad loop, that though fully rotated, had a bit of an off-balance landing. “I was not able to cleanly land my quad loop,” he later said. “I’m very disappointed by that. I could have done better. Looking back at my performance, I was able to enjoy my skating.” “I have now done a performance that will carry over until tomorrow and the next event,” he continued. “I have been able to skate through a full program. I do want to practice on my loops and spins. I’m skating better in my short program than I was at Skate Canada.”
On November 30, Akina Nakamori will release her 9th cover album, “Belie”. The legendary singer selected a range of songs from the 1970s to mid 2000s to cover, including the Neon Genesis Evangelion opening “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”, Momoe Yamaguchi’s, who is Nakamori’s spiritual predecessor, “Shanikusai” and SHOW-YA’s “GENKAI LOVERS” that was remade to celebrate the band’s 3oth anniversary by featuring Namie Amuro last year.
The Analog Edition of the album is set to be released on December 21. Other than being in high quality, it will include 6 additional “Vampire” songs.
Check out the full tracklist and the preview.
The duo keeps busy on their 20th anniversary! Shortly after their Kohaku debut this year, KinKi Kids will be releasing a “Ballad Selection” album on January 6! This definitive selection of ballads is a gift from KinKi Kids to commemorate their 20th anniversary since their debut. Out of the countless songs released in those 20 years, ballads that can unequivocally be called masterpieces have been selected.
The first-run edition is designed to be a cute yet luxurious jewelry box that can be used as an interior decoration. A handwritten message from the duo will be included inside the box! “White Avenue” and “Michi wa Tezukara Yume no Hana (20th Anniversary Ver.)” will be the two bonus tracks included in the regular edition
Did your favorite Kinki Kids ballad made it to the cut?
Hello readers, we are back with our weekly installment of TV drama ratings! Check out the latest below.
We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback. This is where we look back on what topped Oricon this week 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music.