New AKB48 sister group? Sapporo-based SPR48 rumors swirl

Rumors have been swirling about a Sapporo-based AKB48 sister group called SPR48 for awhile, but it could actually be happening very soon.

Biglobe News reports that businessman and creator of the AKB48 franchise Yasushi Akimoto took to the free public talk app “755” (nana Go Go) and answered a question about making a group for Hokkaido. He replied that management is in the planning stages of debuting the next sister group around spring of next year. He didn’t confirm where, but everyone is pretty sure it’s Sapporo.

Tokyo Girls Collection shows the Power of Fashion for ’14 A/W

It’s that time of the year again where the autumn/winter fashion collections take center stage. This is where brands showcase their fashion lines for the upcoming cold seasons. Known as one of the fashion centers of the world, Tokyo is not exception. On September 6, Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) will host it’s semiannual fashion event. What makes TGC special is that it showcases streetwear of domestic brands. It is not only available to the press but the general public, which tickets going on sale months ahead of the event date. Attendees of the event are allowed to even live-buy clothing as they appear on the runway via their cellphone.

The event is known for having guests and models that are popular among young women and teenage girls. Below is the list of guests, models, brands and performers for this season’s event.

Music Dragon performances for September 5

Porno Graffitti – Oretachi no Celebration

Fairies – BLING BLING MY LOVE

Aqua Timez – Hinayume

T.M.Revolution – Phantom Pain

Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome – Seishun Chronicle

Yasuda Rei releases covers and tracklist for her debut album

On October 8, Yasuda Rei will release her debut album “Will.” The album will contain all of her singles so far. It will also feature a cover of her former group Genki Rocket’s “Heavenly Star.” Matt Cab will feature on the song “One More Time.” Check out the covers and tracklist after the jump!

Thelma Aoyama releases the short pv for her cover of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”

Last month, Thelma Aoyama released her latest album “Lonely Angel.” One of the album’s tracks was a cover of Pharrell Williams’ worldwide hit “Happy.” “Happy” was recently certified Platinum digitally in Japan, meaning it has sold at least 250,000 copies. Earlier today, Thelma released a short music video for the song.  Check out the video after the jump!

Kana Nishino produces Halloween-themed promotional goods

A web shop ‘HALLOWEEN COLLECTION STORE’ selling Halloween items produced by Kana Nishino in support of her live shows for ‘HALLOWEEN COLLECTION’ was opened today.

Starting with typical live goods like towels and tote bags, she has also produced horned knitted caps and items with a vampire lip motif like a purse, sweatshirt, hoodie and pins. Also available are more “fashion forward” items like a hooded cloak and a vampire wing collar.

Check those out below.

Music Station performances for September 5

Hey! Say! JUMP – Weekender / Asu e no YELL

Southern All Stars – Tengoku on the Beach / Tokyo VICTORY

HKT48 – Hikaeme I love you!

GENERATIONS – Always with you

Porno Graffitti – Oretachi no Celebration

9mm Parabellum Bullet – Seimei no Waltz

FEMM release PV for piano ballad ‘Unbreakable’

With slicked back hair, FEMM show us their versatility and take us to church with their vocals in their new piano ballad ‘Unbreakable‘.

After a whole slew of upbeat electronic bops, FEMM take it back a notch but continue their trend of delivering a high quality performance. The two mannequins show different sides of themselves, showcasing their distinctive voices as individuals while still working together as a unit like they have done in the past.

Check it out below!