Kiko Mizuhara is a controversial figure. She is liked by some in Japan, but hated by others due to the fact that she has no Japanese blood. She is half-Korean, but isn’t really liked in Korea due to the fact that some people see her as a right wing Japanese person. The reason? Photos that have circulated online that are supposedly of her posing at Yasukuni Shrine and in front of a rising sun flag. For those who don’t know, these symbols of Japan are offensive to some Asians outside of Japan due to their links to Japan’s imperialistic past.

These photos, along with the fact that she liked an Instagram photo of someone giving the middle finger to Tiananmen, a Chinese national symbol, caused Kiko to make a video apologizing to the Chinese public. This apology comes on the heels of plans by the Chinese public to boycott an upcoming Chinese film in which Kiko stars.

This week’s guests were ayaka, Fujiwara Sakura, SPYAIR, and Czecho No Republic.

ayaka – Mikazuki 2016 ver.

Fujiwara Sakura – Soup

SPYAIR – THIS IS HOW WE ROCK

Czecho No Republic – Electric Girl

This week’s guest was ayaka. There was also a special E-girls segment.

ayaka – Minna Sora no Shita

Arashi’s Jun Matsumoto and Kasumi Arimura will be starring in the movie “Narratage”. The movie will be be released in autumn 2017. The two last worked together as siblings in FUJI TV’s “Shitsuren Chocolatier” in 2014. Producer Shinji Ogawa says the movie will also include a “beautiful bed scene”.

“Narratage” is based from Rio Shimamoto’s novel of the same name, written in 2005 at a young age of 20. The movie will be directed by Isao Yukisada (Crying Out Love in the Center of the World, Pink & Gray). The title, which refers to the technique used in film and theater to reproduce the past through recollection and words, is built on the narration of the heroine.

Hey, Arama! Japan readers! The year is now half over, so a few of the staff members have come together to give a recap of their faves for the first half of 2016! Check them out below, and tell us your faves so far in 2016 as well!

Mop of Head, a 4-piece instrumental dance music band formed back in 2006 is scheduled to release a new vocal mini album called and Touch You this month. Leading the album is the track Do It feat. UCARY & THE VALENTINE which is an excellent synth-driven dance song with a groovy jam on the back that makes it really light and easy to listen to. The soft vocal from UCARY & THE VALENTINE matches the instrumental well and you should definitely check the PV out, along with information on the album after the jump!

Hey, Arama! Japan! It’s Friday, so it’s Open Post time! Feel free to chat with your fellow readers about whatever you like! Enjoy!

Nihon Monitor has revealed the ranking for the number of CM contracts for the first half of 2016. Last year, Aiba Masaki and Ueto Aya topped the male and female celebrity rankings, respectively.

This is the third year in a row for Arashi’s Aiba Masaki to top the charts. This is the first time for Matsuko Deluxe to top the female ranking category. Check out the full ranking below as well as some other highlights.

You can check out the list for last year here.