Earlier this year, top idol group AKB48 added 37-year-old (at the time) mother of two Mariko Tsukamoto as part of their crossover campaign with Japanese snack brand Glico.
The campaign sought an individual over the age of 30 to add to the AKB48 lineup in order to appeal to an adult crowd. She beat out over 5,000 applicants including former Morning Musume member Sayaka Ichii, an Atsuko Maeda impersonator and an 82-year old woman.
She was expected to carry out all the typical duties of an AKB48 member: theater shows, concerts, TV appearances, handshake events, etc. Although there was a huge age difference, she was able to match the rest of the girls’ energy at her debut stage show this Wednesday where she also celebrated her 38th birthday.
But like all members, she had to realize when her time was up and ultimately announced in a new CM for Glico’s Papico that she will be graduating after being in the group for only four short months.
The Brilliant Green will hold a niconico live on July 23rd to promote upcoming self-cover best album “THE SWINGIN ‘SIXTIES“. This special event will feature the raw vocal stylings of Tomoko Kawase for the group’s first album in nearly four years.
Described as “love songs and hits” inspired by British rock from the 60s, the album contains re-recorded versions of the band’s songs. It will also have one new track “A Little World“.
The movie is based on the true story of the Vancouver no Asahi team who played in Canada prior to World War II. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the initial formation of the Vancouver Asahi team, who were known for maintaining their spirit of fair play while bolstering the pride and courage of other Japanese immigrants who were facing poverty and discrimination within white society.
Tsumabuki Satoshi will play a second-generation Japanese immigrant named Reggie Kasahara who works at a sawmill and plays shortstop for the team. Kamenashi Kazuya will play as the team’s ace pitcher Roy Naganishi, Katsuji Ryo as second baseman Kei Kitamoto, Kamiji Yusuke as catcher Tom Miyake, and Sosuke Ikematsu as third baseman Frank Nojima.
Directed by Ishii Yuya, the movie opens December 20, 2014, distributed by Toho. Check out the trailer below.
Kou Shibasaki is hitting the ground running after switching labels, transferring to Victor from Universal recently. Today, she released the short pv and covers for her debut single with Victor “Aoi Hoshi.”
The holder of Japan’s current #1 album, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, has been featured on the website of American Vogue. Check out their article on her and a stream of her first English song after the jump!
Popular website Goo recently asked their users which Namie Amuro album is their favorite. With an impressive 20+ year career under her belt Namie has quite the selection to choose from, the only album not included in this poll is her recently released compilation “BALLADA”. Reason being this poll took place before the album was officially released.
Namie’s style has changed quite drastically over the years going from full-on eurobeat to j-urban. Which albums eras do you think performed the best? The results may be quite surprising. Over 4000 people took part in this poll.
New idol group Pink Babies‘ debut single ‘Wanted‘ was released on iTunes and Rekochoku earlier today. Described as “Pink Lady’s successor,” their song is a cover of the famous duo’s million-selling fifth single from 1977.
The 14-member idol group with an average age of 14 will perform old Pink Lady hits with modern arrangements from Tokura Shunichi, the original producer for many Pink Lady songs.
On their official YouTube channel, the group has previously uploaded a video performing UFO.
Today Rapper GOMESS released his first full album ‘Love.’
Born in 1994 from Shizuoka, GOMESS writes and freestyles his own lyrics and was runner-up in the BAZOOKA!!! High School rap championship.
Within his local scene, he attracted attention as “a rapper living with autism” with his song “Ningen Shikkaku” (Incapacitated Human). His honest lyrics resounded with listeners as he detailed his hardships and the prejudice he faces everyday.
