As previously reported, new four-member unit whiteeeen will be covering GReeeeN’s “Ai Uta” and be used as the theme song for the upcoming live action adaption of manga Strobe Edge. A short music video has been released featuring scenes from the movie and whiteeeen’s song titled “Ai Uta ~since 2007”.
The film stars Fukushi Sota and Arimura Kasumi and will open on March 14, White Day in Japan.
Check out the full music video for Arashi’s upcoming single “Sakura”. The song is the theme song for the drama series “Ouroboros ~Kono Ai Koso, Seigi” starring Ikuta Toma and Oguri Shun and will be released on February 25.
There isn’t a storm of petals in the PV but Arashi is positioned amidst a backdrop of a Sakura tree which blossomed in the end as they sing about hope and strength for tomorrow.
As previously reported, AAA will be releasing a new single for 7 consecutive months as part of their 10th anniversary project. Their second consecutive single, titled “Lil ‘Infinity” will be released on February 25. The song is also used as the theme song for the film “The Fault in Our Stars”, which premiered this weekend in Japan.
The single will be released in a CD Only edition and eight music cards. Check out the released music video for the song below.
Da-iCE will be releasing their 5th single under Universal Music Japan, “Billion Dreams” on April 15. It’s also their first single to be released in jacket versions for each member of the group. No further single details are released but they have given fans a treat with a teaser video for their upcoming single.
The teaser contains clips of their previously released music videos and a brief audio of “Billion Dreams” Check it out below.
We’re back with our new weekly feature 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.
This week’s guests were SMAP and AAA. There was also a lengthy compilation of songs released in February over the past 21 years.
SMAP – Karei naru Gyakushu
AAA – Lil’ Infinity
This week’s guests were Kishidan, GENERATIONS, Sakai Yu x Ohashi Takuya, and chay.
Kishidan x GENERATIONS – One Night Carnival
Sakai Yu x Ohashi Takuya – Piano to Guitar to Ai no Uta
chay – Anata ni Koi wo Shite Mimashita
GENERATIONS – Sing it Loud
Kishidan – Shiawase nishika Shinekara
For the sixth time for this type of crime, between From February 17 to 19, police across Japan arrested internet users who have been illegally sharing anime, manga, music and television dramas.
From press a release published on February 20, 38 of Japan’s 47 Prefectural Police Departments searched 133 locations and arrested 40 people on suspicion of copyright infringement, their largest raid ever. All suspects males of this crime were all males in the 21 to 65 age range. Share, known for its security leaks and flaws in anonymity features, was the most-used software, followed by other software clients like Perfect Dark, Cabos and BitTorrent.
YTV reports that cases so far include uploads for Yo-Kai Watch, Detective Conan, XXX Holic, Studio Ghibli film The Wind Rises, and the Mobile Suit Gundam UC Soundtrack.
Japan’s Copyright Law explicitly prohibits unauthorized uploads, and the criminal act can result in up to a 10-year jail sentence or fine up to 10 million yen. However, it does allows people to download for private use. The Japanese government has been pushing for a ban on unauthorized downloads as well for years, despite receiving thousands of messages of opposition.