Iwata Takanori and Takahata Mitsuki co-stars in “Shokubutsu Zukan” movie
Movies

Iwata Takanori and Takahata Mitsuki co-stars in “Shokubutsu Zukan” movie

EXILE and Sandaime J Soul Brothers member Iwata Takanori will be starring with actress Takahata Mitsuki in the live action film adaptation of Arikawa Hiro’s “Shokubutsu Zukan”. It will be released in 2016.

The movie is based on the bestselling romance novel written by Arikawa, which has sold over 800,000 copies. Many of her works such as “LIBRARY WARS”, “Job-hopper Buys a House”, “Public Affairs Office in the Sky”, “Hankyu Densha” and “Sanbikino Ossan” have been already adapted for TV dramas and movies.

The story begins when one night an office lady Sayaka (Takahata Mitsuki) who’s frustrated with her work and personal life comes home to find a man named Itsuki (Iwata Takanori) lying in front of her apartment.

“Miss, could you please let me stay if possible?” An ultimate prince appears in front of an office lady who lives alone!

And for some reason, Sayaka lets Itsuki move into her home, which led to their very exciting life as housemates. Surprisingly, Itsuki is good at cooking and also teaches Sayaka about the world of “wild herbs” which she knows nothing about. As time goes by in their everyday lives, they are starting to get drawn to each other. However, this prince, who suddenly showed up in Sayaka’s ordinary life and has not told her anything except for his name, is hiding something from her…

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Music Station for July 10
Music/Award show

Music Station for July 10

This week’s guests were Nakayama Yuma, NMB48, Sandaime J Soul Brothers, JUJU, Conchita Wurst, and Ken Yokoyama.

Nakayama Yuma – Tokoton Got It!

NMB48 – Durian Shonen

Sandaime J Soul Brothers – Summer Madness

JUJU – PLAYBACK

Conchita Wurst – Rise Like A Phoenix

Ken Yokoyama – I Won’t Turn Off My Radio

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Suiyou Kayousai for July 8
Music/Award show

Suiyou Kayousai for July 8

After a brief hiatus, Suiyou Kayousai is back! Cristiano Ronaldo was a special guest on this week’s show! This week’s musical guests were Naoto Inti Raymi, Sugiyama Kiyotaka, DAIGO, Oginome Yoko, Flower, Takekawa Yukihide, Masuda Takahisa, Barracuda, Abe Natsumi, Okamoto Mayo, Yuki Koyanagi, Asaoka Uya, Tamura Naomi, Kimaguren, Kawashima Ai, Hitoto Yo, and Daichi Miura. This week’s Wednesday Singers were Amour MiCo, Jennii, GILLE, MACO, Ms.OOJA, Saho Aono, Ide Ayaka, Eric Fukusaki, Kawakami Daisuke, Eri Nobuchika, and Yamamoto Takuji.

They sang songs by the likes of Oginome Yoko, GODIEGO, and Hitoto Yo. Naoto Inti Raymi and Kimaguren performed their own songs.

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SKE48 Member Matsumura Kaori Worked as a Hostess Pre-Debut
Gossip

SKE48 Member Matsumura Kaori Worked as a Hostess Pre-Debut

Matsumura Kaori joined SKE48 in 2009. She recently came in 13th place during AKB48’s annual election, making her the 3rd highest SKE48 member, behind only Matsui Jurina and Miyazawa Sae. Gossip magazine Flash is now reporting on her pre-debut occupation: hostess.

Kaori worked at a hostess club in Tokyo’s Kabukicho red light district before debuting in SKE48. According to an unnamed co-worker, Kaori worked at the club under the pseudonym “Karin.” She also expressed no interest in being an idol while working at the club. She often dressed as a maid during her 6 months there, which Flash has previously published pictures proving.

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Shota Shimizu Releases PV for “BYE x BYE”
Music videoNew release

Shota Shimizu Releases PV for “BYE x BYE”

On July 22, Shota Shimizu is set to release his new single, “BYE x BYE.” The song is described as a R&B song about the painful feelings of 2 people going their separate ways. The covers for the single depict Shota in a melancholic mood to match the song.

The music video for the song was recently released. It depicts flashbacks of a young couple’s happier times, mixed with clips from their current situation. Check it out after the jump!

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Ayumi Hamasaki Releases Covers for Her New Mini Album
New release

Ayumi Hamasaki Releases Covers for Her New Mini Album

On August 5, Ayumi Hamasaki is set to release her new mini album, “sixxxxxx.” She’s already given fans a taste of the upcoming release with the music video for “Step by step.” Today, Ayu released the covers for “sixxxxxx.” They’re part of a collaboration with fashion magazine Numero TOKYO. The theme of the covers is “Moto no Ayumi Hamasaki.” The goal of the shoot is to portray Ayu in a more natural state. These photos were taken in a Tokyo hotel room.

Ayu will also be appearing in the new issue of Numero TOKYO, out July 28. There will be several photos that aren’t part of the album art in this forthcoming spread. A preview shot can be seen after the jump, along with the covers for “sixxxxxx!”

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Second Set of Performers Announced for FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri
Music/Award showNews

Second Set of Performers Announced for FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri

Fuji TV’s midyear music special FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri will air on July 29 at 7 PM JST. It will take place at Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Today, the show’s hosts were announced. They are the hosts of Fuji TV’s weekly music show Suiyou Kayousai, Chisato Moritaka and Watabe Ken. The first set of 27 performers was previously announced. Today the second set of performers was announced. Fourteen new acts have been added to the linep. Find out who they are after the jump!

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