Music Station Ultra Fes Live Stream and Chat

On September 23, Music Station will have a special episode titled Music Station Ultra Fes. This special is in celebration of Music Station’s 30th anniversary. The show will start at noon and continue until 9:48 PM. It will feature performances, rankings, and archival footage. The setlist and timetable for this show were released earlier today.

We now have a link to a live stream of the show. We’ve also established a TinyChat room so that viewers can chat with each other during the show.

Kou Shibasaki’s New Single To Be A Collaboration with Shiina Ringo

On November 25, Kou Shibasaki will release her new single, “Yasei no Doumei.” The song will be written, composed, and arranged by Shiina Ringo. “Yasei no Doumei” will serve as the theme song for the new season of the TV Asahi drama “Kasouken no Onna”, which premieres on October 15.

#1 Song Review: Week of 8/12 – 8/18 (SKE48 v. Leo Ieiri v. back number)

Hello Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw SEKAI NO OWARI beat out Kanjani8 to take the top spot. This week, we have 3 newcomers. 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!

Setlist and Timetable for Music Station Ultra Fes

On September 23, Music Station will have a special episode titled Music Station Ultra Fes. This special is in celebration of Music Station’s 30th anniversary. The show will start at noon and continue until 9:48 PM. It will feature performances, rankings and archival footage. The setlist and timetable for this show has now been released. Check it out after the jump!

Also, we here at Arama! Japan will be providing streaming links for this show later today, so make sure to check back on the site and our social media accounts throughout the day!

SEKAI NO OWARI, Chage, and HERO Perform on Premium MelodiX! for September 21

This week’s guests were SEKAI NO OWARI, Chage, and HERO.

SEKAI NO OWARI – SOS

Chage – Tenshiga Kureta Hammer

HERO – Hikaru Yubiwa Daimyojin

Sakanaction Releases Digest Video for Their New Single’s DVD

On September 30, Sakanaction will release their new single “Shin Takarajima.” It serves as the theme song for the movie “Bakuman”, which opens in theaters on October 3. Sakanaction recently revealed the full tracklist of the DVD that comes with the Deluxe Limited Edition and the Limited Edition of the single, and they’ve now released a digest video for it. In the digest, viewers can see clips of the “Shin Takarajima” karaoke video (with and without the song), its making, and a talk session featuring some of the band’s members.

The “Shin Takarajima” karaoke video was directed by the director of “Bakuman”, One Hitoshi. It is reminiscent of JPop karaoke videos from the 80s and 90s. Hitoshi achieved this feel by using equipment and techniques from that era. The karaoke video revolves around a manga artist falling in love with a young woman, similar to the plotline of “Bakuman.” Sakanaction frontman Ichiro Yamaguchi makes an appearance in the karaoke video as a bartender.

Speaking of Ichiro, he will be collaborating with AOKI takamasa for the music for ANREALAGE’s Spring / Summer 2016 collection, which will be shown in Paris at the Palais de Tokyo on September 29 at 5 PM. Ichiro has worked with the brand a number of times over the years.

Check out the single’s DVD’s tracklist, and the previously mentioned digest, and a picture of the packaging of the Deluxe Limited Edition of “Shin Takarajima” after the jump!

Talent Agency Sues 17 Year Old Idol Over Dating Ban Violation and Wins

This past Friday, Tokyo District Court ruled in favor of a talent agency that was seeking damages against one of the former members of one of its idol groups. The company had a dating ban in place for its idols and a 17 year old idol was found to be in violation of it. Last October, a photo appeared that showed the girl in a hotel room with a male fan. Her contract clearly stated that such images were not allowed. The 6-member group split later that month.

Creephyp, Silent Siren, and Idoling!!! Perform on Sakigake! Ongaku no Jikan for September 20

This week’s guests were Creephyp, Silent Siren, and Idoling!!! There was also a talk segment with Nate Ruess x Anthony x May J.

Silent Siren – secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~

Creephyp – Reversiblue

Idoling!!! – ~Nado Atte, ~Yoki Tokoro de