Has SMAP Disbanded?

In the past few minutes, Nikkan Sports has reported that 4 of the 5 members of SMAP have left Johnny & Associates, resulting in a de facto disbandment of the group. Nakai Masahiro, Inagaki Goro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, and Katori Shingo are reported to have left the company, with Kimura Takuya being the only remaining SMAP member in Johnny & Associates.

KAT-TUN new single “UNLOCK” for Kaito Yamaneko drama, “TRAGEDY” Covers and Preview

KAT-TUN’s new song “UNLOCK” will be used as the theme song for NTV drama “Kaito Yamaneko” starring member Kamenashi Kazuya. “UNLOCK” is a strong, energetic rock song which starts from a striking guitar riff. The song runs at full throttle from start to end. Kamenashi comments “The song, which can only be of KAT-TUN is already finished. It would match your image of us, draws an image of “attack”.

The drama is based from the novel “Kaito Tantei Yamaneko” by Kaminaga Manabu. Kamenashi will be playing the genius thief, and is joined by Narimiya Hiroki and Hirose Suzu. Kamenashi is grateful to be able to participate in the drama and be responsible for the theme song as a group member.

“UNLOCK” is planned as KAT-TUN’s 26th single, to be released after “TRAGEDY”, which will drop on Feb 10. Meanwhile, check out the released covers, preview and updated tracklist for the group’s single “TRAGEDY” below. The song is used as the opening theme for anime series “Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo R”

Upcoming Winter JDoramas 2016

Hello Arama readers! You can now take a look at the seasonal list of Jdramas for winter 2016 below.

The start of the year signals the start of the new taiga drama “Sanada Maru” starring Sakai Masato. Horikita Maki stars in her first drama after marriage, “Higanbana” which previously aired as a drama special. After 4 drama specials, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi’s “Specialist” will air as a regular drama. Arimura Kasumi stars in her first commercial drama “Itsuka Kono Koi o Omoidashite Kitto Naiteshimau”. Ayase Haruka also stars in the first drama adaptation of the novel of Japanese- British writer Ishiguro Kazuo “Never Let Me Go”. TV Asahi dramas Aibou and Kasouken no Onna and NTV’s “Itsuka Tiffany De Chousuku O” continue from last season.

A chart of Fall Drama Specials is also included.

Check out the rest of the drama line up below. Arama, what are you planning to watch?

Toki Asako Announces Marriage

Today, Toki Asako announced that she has married her recording engineer. She made this announcement on her official Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Asako said that she wants to live an honest life that is generous and amusing, like that of a child. She said that this wish of hers can come true now because she’s with a man who has a similar outlook on life. She ended by saying that she will continue with her music career in her marriage.

Silent Siren, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, and Kizuki Minami Perform on Premium MelodiX! for January 11

This week’s guests were Silent Siren, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, and Kizuki Minami.

Silent Siren – Cherry Bomb

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Speaking

Kizuki Minami – Tsuki to Tsuki

AKB48’s Iriyama Anna Tops Goo’s Ranking for Female Celebrities Who Will Become Adults This Year

Today was Coming Of Age Day, a day to celebrate all the Japanese who have turned 20 years old in the past year and welcome them into the adult world. Goo recently asked readers which female celebrities they were interested to see become adults this year. AKB48’s Iriyama Anna topped the ranking with 434 votes. Check out the rest of the top 10 after the jump!

Music Japan’s First Episode of 2016 Is Dedicated to New Acts

Music Japan has returned with its debut episode of 2016. This episode was dedicated to new acts on the music scene. The guests on this week’s show were CTS, Idol Renaissance, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Frederic, BLUE ENCOUNT, Les Romanesques, TANAKA ALICE, Anly, Matenrou Opera, and Yogee New Waves.

CTS  – Yume Be The Light

Idol Renaissance – 17 Sai

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Speaking

Frederic – Oddloop

BLUE ENCOUNT – Hajimari

Les Romanesques – Iwatteita

TANAKA ALICE – TOKIO

Anly – Taiyou ni Warae

Matenrou Opera – Kassai to Gekijo no Gloria

Yogee New Waves – Like Sixteen Candles

Gesu no Kiwami Otome. Performs with Kanjani8 on KanJam Kanzen Nen SHOW for January 10

This week’s guest was Gesu no Kiwami Otome.

Gesu no Kiwami Otome x Kanjani8 – Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no

Gesu no Kiwami Otome. – Ryoseibai de Ii Janai