Today, MUSIC STATION revealed the second part of its next generation artists project “Spotlight”, and it featured Tempalay.

In their “Spotlight” feature, Tempalay performed their song “Dai Tokyo Banpaku.” In another video, the band also gave an interview in which they talked about their music. Check out the videos below!

Hey, Arama Japan! It’s Friday, so it’s Open Post time! Feel free to chat with your fellow readers about whatever you like! Enjoy!

This week’s guests were Moriuchi Hiroki, Kanjani8, SEKAI NO OWARI, Ikeda Elaiza, and Takehara Pistol.

Moriuchi Hiroki – Ai no Katachi

Kanjani8 – Brulee

SEKAI NO OWARI – Death Disco / Starlight Parade

Ikeda Elaiza – Imagine

Takehara Pistol – Amazing Grace

The latest, and final (allegedly..) film in the famed Neon Genesis Evangelion series currently has a pending release date. “Evangelon: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time” was originally planned for release in 2015, and after repeated delays had a finalized release date of June 27th, 2020. However, COVID-19 happened.

This caused the film to be delayed until February 2021, but that date was now changed again to an unspecified release date this year. Despite that promotional materials for the film are still being released, with one of the main characters Rei Ayanami starring in her own new CM!

February 15 is International Childhood Cancer Day. Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tsunku♂, who have both battled cancer, have come together to create a charity single for digital release that day, titled “My Hero ~Kibou no Uta~.” Tsunku♂ wrote the song, while Sakamoto composed it.

Sakamoto and Tsunku♂ have enlisted an array of talent to lend their vocals to the song, including Ami Suzuki, Koda Kumi, hitomi, Beverly, DA PUMP‘s ISSA, and Da-iCE‘s Ohno Yudai & Hanamura Sota. See who else took part in the song, and watch the music video below!

These past couple of years have not been pleasant for Johnny’s Jimusho. Since 2018, they have lost a string of top profile talent, including Subaru Shibutani, Ryo Nishikido, Masahiro Nakai, Yuya Tegoshi, Tomohisa Yamashita, and Tomoya Nagase.

Johnny’s Jr. mandates a 22 year age limit

In January of 2021, Johnny’s Jr. announced a 22 age limit. This will probably only exacerbate the flow of talent out of the company.

“There are obviously many pros and cons to this 22 year old age limit, but to the Juniors themselves, this will probably be a perfect opportunity to really think about their careers. While it’s true some make it even at an older age, the reality is that entertainment is pretty tough to make a career in if you don’t make a name for yourself when you are young. Twenty two is the perfect age to switch professions. Unlike the past, there are cases of “former Johnny’s” who have actually made it after leaving the agency as well, so there will also be those Juniors who will try to become stars even after leaving the company.” (Entertainment production industry expert)

One such beacon of hope is the so-called “former Akanishi group”, aka the “Akanishi Gundan”.

The animated MV for Ryoko Hirosue‘s track “Kimi no Smile” has been uploaded on YouTube, the track was written and composed by the legendary Mariya Takeuchi.

This is the first time the two have worked together since Ryoko’s very cute debut single “Maji de Koi Suru 5you Mae” released back in April 1997. The song was an instant succus for Ryoko, debuting at #2 on Oricon and selling almost 600k copies.

Nissy (Takahiro Nishijima) has releaed his first brand new song in just over a year titled “Get You Back“. On the same day the song was released digitally, the MV also made it’s premiere on YouTube.

In this MV Nissy’s new blonde look is on full display, to support his new bold image he’s supported by 20 backup dancers! The MV was choregraphed by Rie Hata. Her impressive resume includes Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Omarion, EXILE TRIBE, BoA, BTS, and TWICE.

Check out the full MV for “Get You Back” below!