Check out a calendar of this week’s CD releases from acts like JUJU, AAA, color-code, Tomomi Kasai, YUKI, TeddyLoid, Quruli, Seiko Oomori, and many more!

This is not an exhaustive list, just a compilation of various J-Pop release charts like CDJapan and YESASIA. Let us know if there are any errors or duplicates due to multiple versions and feel free to discuss anything not on this list in the comments. As each week goes on, the compiler should get “smarter” and make bette,  more concise lists.

Aqua Timez will be releasing their new single “Ikite” on December 3rd.

The song will be used as the theme song for Yukie Nakama’s mystery drama “SAKURA ~Jiken wo Kiku Onna~” on TBS which will begin airing on October 20th. The song has a positive message and makes for easy listening when you just want to go out for a drive, which is characteristic for Aqua Timez songs.

(via: natalie)

Hello, AramaJapan readers and welcome to #1 Song Review! Last week was a battle between AKB48, Nishino Kana, and Oishi Masayoshi, with Oishi Masayoshi coming out on top. This week we have 2 new contenders plus an old one re-surfacing. Check out what the staff though of these songs and give us your thoughts too!

After a successful arena tour, Japan’s favorite rapper, AK-69 is back. Opening a new chapter of his career, the rapper has dropped the short PV for his soon to be released double A-side single, “Locker Room -Go Hard or Go Home- / NGY”. AK-69 shows he’s not one to be messed with as he spits some verses. The video also features cuts of the Tokyo area as well as AK-69’s crew. The single which will contain PVs for “Locker Room -Go Hard or Go Home-” and “NGY” will be out September 24th.

In the meantime, check out the video below!

In May and April of 2015, StylipS will be holding their “StylipS FIRST LIVE TOUR 2015 THE SUPERSONIC SUPERNOVA” tour in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

The group announced this on September 14th when they appeared on stage at the “15th Anniversary Live Lantis Matsuri 2014” in Shiokaze Park. In addition to the tour, the group also announced they would be releasing their new album “THE SUPERNOVA STRIKES” on November 26th.

This will be StylipS’s first tour since adding members Miku Ito and Moe Toyota last April. Tickets are currently available at their label’s site. Also, all members of StylipS’s fanclub “Style Party” have the chance to get fully colored picture tickets; each location having a different picture.

(via: Natalie)

Last month, Kanjani∞ announced the establishment of their own record label Infinity Records and planned new releases. For their first single under the label, they are treating fans to 2 band songs. The new double A-side single Itta Janai ka! (You Said!)/ CloveR will drop on October 15. Previews of both songs were aired from their radio show.

Unlike their previous A-side band songs which are usually either mellow or dramatic (see: Ai Deshita, My Home, Koko Ni Shikanai Keshiki etc), CloveR takes an upbeat happier tempo to suit as the theme song of the romantic comedy movie “Clover” starring member Ohkura Tadayoshi.

Itta Janai Ka! (You Said!) on the other hand, has lyrics provided by scriptwriter Kudo Kankuro and music composed by Mineta Kazunobu (Ginnan BOYZ). Created with melodies evoking a mixture of sadness and nostalgia, the song will serve as theme song to high school comedy drama “Gomen ne Seishun!” starring Nishikido Ryo. Itta Janai Ka! takes on the familiar Kanjani8 flavor, which is also apparent through the lyrics:

you said you weren’t going to date anyone
you said studying was your boyfriend
you said you couldn’t date anyone too shallow
you said you wouldn’t judge by just looks

l-l-l-l-liar you’re a liar
l-l-l-l-liar i’m in love with you

Meisa Kuroki went to Los Angeles to attend the “LA EigaFest” on September 12th. Kuroki was at the event to promote her movie ‘Lupin III’, which was the opening movie screened at the festival.

Before the screening Kuroki made a bold statement, “I came here to steal the hearts of the Los Angeles viewers!” After the credits, the 600 audience members who were able to see the movie all applauded, validating the cast and crew’s promise that it would be a great film.

Kuroki commented, “It’s easy to see why the response was so great. The Hollywood audience has great taste, so I think this just solidifies that we’re going to have a great response to this film”.

Currently it is undecided whether or not there will be a North American release of the film, but with the praise the movie has received it would be surprising if they didn’t advance with it.

(via: livedoor)

On September 14th, Hokkaido junior high schooler Mioka Sakamoto (14) was crowned the “2015 Miss Teen Japan”, which is the teen Miss Contest of “Miss Universe Japan”. 4,522 people applied to take part in the event, but Sakamoto took the crown. She tearfully smiled, “I’m filled with so much happiness! To my dad, grandpa, and grandma who are watching from Hokkaido, I hope you’re proud of me.”

This is the 4th annual “Miss Teen Japan” contest, which is aimed at teens from 13-17 years of age who are unable to partake in the “Miss Universe Japan” contest due to the 18-26 age restriction. The 17 finalists went on stage to perform and Sakamoto won by appearing on stage with a folding fan and doing a sharp dance that overwhelmed the venue.

Sakamoto gratefully commented, “I didn’t do this by myself, I was able to win through the support of my family and friends. One day I want to become a talent who is known throughout the world.”

(via: Mainichi)