A couple of days ago we reported some “sizzling” previews of Mano Erina‘s new photobook. Today, a launch event for that photobook ‘ZERO‘ from the former Hello!Project soloist was held today at a Bunkyodo Bookstore in Shibuya.

This is the now full-time actress’ 7th photo book and was shot by two photographers, each with a different concept showing off a different side of Mano. The photographs follow a story of a country girl moving to the city and becoming independent.

“The photographs are more mature than my previous work,” she commented. “Since I’m already 23 years old, I’d like to try more adult things.”

More cast has been added to the comedy school drama ‘Gomen ne Seishun!‘ (I’m Sorry, Youth!) starring Ryo Nishikido and Hikari Mitsushima.

In addition, Kanjani8 will be singing the drama’s theme song. Titled “Itta ja nai ka”, the song is composed by Kazunobu Mineta (Ginnan BOYZ) and written by Kankuro Kudo (also the scriptwriter for the drama). The song will be an upbeat tune with melodies evoking a mixture of sadness and nostalgia. Nishikido commented that it’s a catchy energetic song perfect for the drama and as a standard song at karaoke.

AKB48’s Fukuoka-based sister group HKT48 will be releasing their 4th single ‘Hikaeme I love you!‘ following the release of their single ‘Sakura, Minna de Tabeta’ back in March.

The single will come in a Theater version and a Type-A, Type-B, Type-C which will include their own exclusive additional coupling song. The first edition of this single will include a ticket for a special event and a pocket calendar of a random senbatsu member.

The single will feature the group’s updated senbatsu and the group’s new center Haruka Kodama!

Popular Japanese rock band GLAY have announced that their newest song ‘Hashire! Mirai’ is going to be picked up as the opening theme for baseball anime ‘Daiya no A’ (‘Ace of Diamond’). This will be the first time that GLAY has provided the theme for any anime in over 15 years, since their song ‘Survival’ was used as the opening for ‘Kaikan Phrase’.

GLAY’s vocalist Teru has described ‘Hashire! Mirai’ as an upbeat rock tune intended to get one’s blood pumping and expressed great excitement at being able to provide a series that he enjoys with a song that he’s written.

‘Hashire! Mirai’ is to be released on October 15th as part of a Double A-side single titled ‘Hyakka Ryouran / Hashire! Mirai’.  The other A-side, ‘Hyakka Ryouran’, has been described as a heavier rock track with lyrics that are intended to critique aspects of modern society in Japan.  In addition, GLAY will hold a live at Zepp Tokyo on September 16th as part of the promotion for this new single.

‘Hashire! Mirai’ will begin being used as ‘Daiya no A’s’ opening in October, but you can check out the full track list for the single below the cut right now.  Of note, the single contains a trailer for the band’s upcoming album “MUSIC LIFE’, due out sometime this November.

Sakamoto Fuyumi x Yokoyama Ken x SKE48 – Yozakura Oshichi

Nishino Kana – Darling

Hata Motohiro – Himawari no Yakusoku

CRAZY KEN BAND – Spark Da!

It has been revealed that one of the songs on Morning Musume ’14‘s new single, “Tiki Bun / Shabadabadoo~ / Mikaeri Bijin” (to be released on October 15th), will be produced by someone else other than Tsunku.

AKB48 – Kokoro no Placard

Yoshida Yamada – Hibi

The netizens of Girls Channel recently discussed the celebrity scandals that have shocked them the  most. The most shocking scandals involved members of Arashi and their female friends, dating scandals and a scandalous picture of popular actress Karina.