Ever since it’s inception in the 60s Johnny & Associates has dominated the male idol market in Japan. Naturally in the idol world looks play a large role in the popularity of a group or select members. One of the reporters at popular web portal ‘goo’ took on the task of asking their readers a question that has puzzled the worlds top philosophers for decades, “Which member of Johnny&Associates oozes the most sex appeal”. Past Johnny & Associates members were not eligible for voting.

Did your fave make the cut? Check out the entire top 25 ranking below!

Popular purveyor of notebooks, Moleskin, has never made their love for Hello Kitty a secret. At the end of last year they came out with a special collection that displayed the kawaii icon on their products, for all those kitty lovers to enjoy. Now they’re back at it again with their new collaboration with Miss Kitty. Starting 11.1 (but with a pre-release opportunity 10.12) customers can buy the notebooks from National Moleskine Ateliers in Japan or on the Moleskin Online shop for Japan.

There will be two styles of notebook sold. A contemporary style that features Hello Kitty‘s signature colors (red, blue, yellow and black) and images of her covering the notebooks; and a more minimalist style with a pink and white outline of our feline friend. Large notebooks will cost ¥3,300 (+ tax) and  pocket notebooks will cost ¥2,300 (+ tax).

via Fashion-press

Though they reformed at the start of this year, veteran rock band THE YELLOW MONKEY will be releasing their first new single since 2001’s “Primal.” next week on October 19th.  Titled “Suna no Tou”, the lead track has been selected as the theme song for the drama of the same name, making it the first time that one of the group’s songs has been connected to a drama since “BURN” was tied to TBS’ “Shokuinshitsu” in 1997.

Ahead of the single’s release date, the band have published the music video for “Suna no Tou” to their official Youtube channel.  The PV features its own interpretation of the classic “red string of fate” motif, this storyline intercut with footage of THE YELLOW MONKEY performing the soaring mid-tempo track at a classy club.

You’ll find the single’s cover and track list, the PV for “Suna no Tou”, and a sampler of the remaining tracks on the release just beneath the cut.

Let’s face the truth: the song “Pen Pineapple Apple Pen” (also known as “PPAP”) from comedian and singer-songwriter DJ Kosaka Daimaou ( otherwise known as Piko-Taro) has swept the world the past two weeks.

According to Oricon, the video ranked #1 for the week of 9/30 to 10/6 on YouTube, making it the most viewed video music video in the world (and the first Japanese artist to do so). This entry onto the most-viewed music chart broke The Chainsmoker’s 5-week reign with “Closer (featuring Halsey)“, as well as topped videos from big names like Major Lazer, Twenty One Pilots, and Ariana Grande.

The video blew up explosively when Justin Bieber proclaimed it to be his favorite video on the internet on September 28. In less that 30 days, the meme has been viewed 134 million times on YouTube (including related videos and reuploaded videos).

From the upcoming film “Kiseki: Ano Hi no Sobito“, actors Suda Masaki, Yokohama Ryuusei, Narita Ryo and Sugino Yosuke, will be making their musical debut with a special cover single on January 24, 2017.

Based on the true story of 4-member pop group GReeeeN, Jin (Matsuzaka Tori) is the producer of GreeeeN and his younger brother Hide (Suda Masaki) is the lead member of the group. Hide and the other 3 members (Yokohama Ryuusei, Narita Ryo & Sugino Yosuke) have others jobs, including working as a dentist. With the release of their 7th single “Kiseki“, the group becomes a huge hit. This film follows the group and their journey through the entertainment industry for the past 10 years.

They will be releasing the single under the name GReeeeN Boys and do cover versions of GReeeeN’s hit songs “Kiseki” (to be released November 9), “Koe” and “Michi“, produced by the real Jin of GReeeeN.

We’re getting towards the tail end of 2016 so predictions are swirling about this year’s grand finale for the music world: Kohaku Uta Gassen. Who will perform? Who will host? Who will debut on the show this year? Who from the past will make a comeback? Speculation is rampant, but there are some guesses in regards to the questions asked above. Check them out below!

On October 12, three acts affiliated with LDH will come together for a single titled “TIME FLIES.” Those acts are ACE OF SPADES, PKCZ, and Tosaka Hiroomi of Sandaime J Soul Brothers. “TIME FLIES” serves as the theme song for the movie “HiGH&LOW THE RED RAIN”, which opened in Japanese theaters on October 8. The single’s B-side, “THE RED RAIN”, is a duet between TAKAHIRO and Hiroomi, who play brothers on the search for their missing third brother in the film. Check out more information on the single and its music video below!

Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Seiko Matsuda defeat EXILE THE SECOND and RADWIMPS. RADWIMPS is back again this week, facing off against a newcomer. Find out what various staff members thought of the songs that topped the physical and digital charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!