Open Post

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!

Gesu no Kiwami Otome., back number, Ken Hirai, and More to Perform on Music Station’s 2 Hour 2016 Premiere

The last episode of Music Station was Music Station Super Live on Christmas. Music Station will be making its return on January 15. The first episode of 2016 will be a 2 hour special. This episode will include a “Who Is the Ruler of Love Songs? Ranking.” Music Station asked 3000 people who their favorite male and female love song singers are. A list of 25 acts for each gender will be presented in the episode.

There will also be several acts performing, including Gesu no Kiwami Otome., back number, and Ken Hirai. See who else will be performing, as well as what they’ll be performing, after the jump!

Yuzuru Hanyu Denies Dating Rumors

Today, Yuzuru Hanyu called a report that he is currently in a relationship “nothing.” The question came during a press conference in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, where he and other figure skaters are preparing for an ice show that will take place tomorrow to raise funds for relief efforts related to The Great East Japan Earthquake.

A report published earlier this week claimed that Yuzuru is currently dating a former classmate, “A.” They met while in high school in 2010. They had several classes together and worked out together, since they were both athletes. “A” is described as a cute, lively girl, around 160 centimeters tall, who resembles Ikimonogakari’s Yoshioka Kiyoe. The rumored couple reconnected last spring, and there was supposedly talk of marriage this past summer.

Morning Musume ’15 and Shinee Top the Oricon Charts for the Week of 12/28 – 1/3

This week, Morning Musume ’15 topped the Oricon single chart with their new single “Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only”, selling 143,030 copies in its first week.

Shinee topped the Oricon album chart with their new album “DxDxD”, selling 44,921 copies in its first week.

Rihwa, Charan Po Rantan, and cinema staff Perform on Premium MelodiX! for January 4

This week’s guests were Rihwa, Charan Po Rantan, and cinema staff.

Rihwa – Ashita wa Kitto Ii Hi ni Naru

Charan Po Rantan – Tokei Shikake no Jinsei

cinema staff – Kirifuda

Hayashibara Megumi Releases PV for Her Shiina Ringo Collaboration “Usurahi Shinjuu”

On February 3, Hayashibara Megumi will release her new single, “Usurahi Shinjuu.” As previously reported, the song serves as the opening theme for the MBS anime series “Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju”, which premieres on January 16. “Usurahi Shinjuu” is written, composed, and arranged by Shiina Ringo. The single’s B-side, “Ware wa Kuchinashi”, is also written and composed by Ringo, with her longtime collaborator Saito Neko in charge of the arrangement.

Today, Megumi released the music video for “Usurahi Shinjuu.” It was directed by Yamada Tomokazu, who has previously directed videos for Sakanaction and Base Ball Bear. The clip has a vintage feel to it and revolves around a young girl in a photography studio. Check it out after the jump!

Keishi Tanaka goes on a Nighttime Stroll in Music Video for “Hello, New Kicks”

Though he’s been quiet for quite a while, jazz/pop singer Keishi Tanaka recently revealed that he will be releasing a new single titled “Hello, New Kicks” next week on January 13th.  The regular release is set to include the title track, a remix done by Kai Takahashi of LUCKYTAPES, and the song’s instrumental version (not included in the special 7-inch variant of the single).

The music video for this funky and soulful new track was directed by Yoshiro Nishi (YOSHIROTTEN), who also designed the single’s cover art, and shot in Singapore.   It features Tanaka spending the night in one of the nation’s cities and dancing among the neon lights until morning finally comes.

Please read on below for a look at the full music video for “Hello, New Kicks”.

Suchmos Releases PV for the Smooth “STAY TUNE”

Suchmos is a band that has been getting quite a bit of buzz recently. iTunes Japan named them the Best New Artist of 2015. Their debut album “THE BAY” is nominated for The 8th CD Shop Awards 2016. Now, they are set to release their second EP, “LOVE&VICE”, on January 27. The EP will come in 2 editions, a CD+DVD Limited Edition and CD only Regular Edition. The DVD that comes with the Limited Edition will include footage from the band’s performance at the release party for “THE BAY”, which took place at Shibuya WWW on September 10.

Today, Suchmos released the music video for the opening track on “LOVE&VICE”, “STAY TUNE.” The song displays the band’s signature blend of jazz and R&B. The video for “STAY TUNE” takes place in the office of radio station J-Wave, “inside” a computer, and on the waterfront. Check it out after the jump, along with more information on the EP!