There were no performances on this episode, but there were talk segments with Shiina Ringo & Yoshida Yo, Hanaregumi & Rekishi, and GENERATIONS.
Following the announcement of the tracklist and artwork details, the list of collaborators on Yun*chi‘s upcoming second album Pixie Dust* has been revealed. Including previously released songs “Starlight*”, “Wonderful Wonder World*”, “Fairy*”, and “Lucky Girl*”, the album will contain a track produced by iconic songstress Chara, marking Yun*chi’s first time working with one of her idols. Check out the full list below the jump!
In July 2014, artist Rokudenashiko (real name: Megumi Igarashi) was arrested for obscenity after building a kayak modeled after her vagina and distributing data that would allow supporters to print a 3D replica of her vagina. She was arrested again the following December after releasing a manga in which she mocked police for arresting her. If found guilty, Rokudenashiko faces up to 2 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Broadly, Vice’s new female-focused arm, recently went to Japan to find out more about the issues revolving around Rokudenashiko’s arrest. They found the stance on what is and isn’t obscene to be contradictory, and somewhat misogynistic. For instance, there are public festivals in which penises are revered, but art involving vaginas is seen as indecent. There is also a booming sex industry, but images involving genitalia are taboo.
Japan’s censorship laws are strict and outdated when compared to many other developed countries. Will Rokudenashiko’s case change things for the better? Or will it result in more censorship on displays that are seen as obscene?
Check out Broadly’s “Vagina Art & the Paradox of Japanese Censorship Laws” after the jump!
On September 9, Passepied will release their third album, “Shaba Lover.” This album comes a little over a year after their previous album, “Makunouchi-ISM.” “Shaba Lover” will include the band’s 2 singles from this year, “Tokinowa” and “Ura no Ura.”, as well as their digital single from last year, “Zeitaku na Iiwake.” The album will come in 2 editions: a CD only Regular Edition and a CD+DVD Limited Edition. The DVD that comes with the Limited Edition will contain footage from their tour from last year. Passepied recently released a trailer for the album. Check it out after the jump along with the album’s cover and tracklist!
Daisuke Takahashi, who built his own era in the field of young male figure skaters and retired in October of last year, uploaded a picture of him and others participating in a New York gay parade on Instagram. This has turned into a topic among fans and on the internet.
Takahashi is currently studying abroad at Barnard College, close to the Central Park NYC and taking intensive English lessons. He updates his Instagram account about one to two times a week.
The picture that raised a hot public discussion was taken at the world’s largest gay event and depicts Takahashi with food fighter Takeru Kobayashi and others.
We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback. This is where we look back on what topped Oricon this week 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music.
BREAKERZ’s DAIGO, known for using acronyms “DAI語 / DAIGO”, on variety shows and press conferences, will be releasing a dictionary book. The Dictionary of DAIGO which contains 100 selected DAI語 / DAIGO will be released on August 19.
The book will also contain brief commentaries on how he came up with the acronyms, under what circumstances and with what kinds of feelings. Readers can look forward to laughing and enjoying word play while reading the collection.
Previously, actress Kitagawa Keiko imitated DAIGO’s use of abreviations when asked about her relationship with the singer, by hinting she is “IH. I’m Happy.”
DAIGO was also chosen as the charity marathon runner for this year’s ’24-Hour Television’ on NTV. When he was previously asked if he has agreed to run, DAIGO replied, “HM. Hashiri (H) masu (M).” (I will run).
Check out some more of DAIGO’s acronyms below.