Kanjani8 member Shota Yasuda has released a brand new photobook called “LIFE IS“, he decided to create this in celebration of winning his fight against a brain tumor. On October 3rd Yasuda will be appearing on the TBS program “Sawako Morning” to talk about his experiences.

In 2017 Yasuda found out he had meningioma, which is a type of brain tumor. That same year he underwent craniotomy surgery, but despite that he still was able to take part in group activities with Kanjani8 that year. Many fans were shocked at this revelation as he kept this a secret. During this ordeal he thought about quitting the entertainment industry, but decided to carry on.

We’re back with another episode of the Arama! Japan Podcast! A few years ago, we did a special feature on female soloists. We were supposed to have a part 2, but that never happened. We said that we would do something similar, and here it is! This episode is the first in our female soloists special series, with this episode dedicated to newer female soloists! Aimyon is featured prominently, but there is also talk of her predecessors, aiko and YUI. All three of these women have a great emphasis on lyrics, which is discussed. Speaking of lyrics, the impact of karaoke is also discussed. The panel also talks about their favorite newer female soloists.

Featured on the podcast alongside myself this time is Hannah, along with special guests K and Timo. Check it out below!

Legendary band Mr.Children has announced the release of their 20th studio album “SOUND TRACKS“. It’s been almost two years since the release of their last album, 2018’s “Juuryoku to Koykuu”.

Production for the album began in the summer of 2019 after the band finished their dome tour “Against All GRAVITY”. Recording for the new album entirely took place overseas, split between RAK studios in London, England and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, USA.

“SOUND TRACKS” will have ten songs in total, including the track “Birthday” which was used for the latest Doraemon film “Doraemon: Nobita’s New Dinosaur”. The cover for the album was handled by the design team “PERIMETRON”, known for their works with King Gnu.

Top actress Satomi Ishihara has announced that she is married! Ishihara has married a non-celebrity man the same age as her (33), making the announcement on October 1st through her agency HoriPro. The two still do not live together, but of course plan to by the end of the year. The date for their wedding ceremony and reception are still to be determined.

The two have been dating for a “long time”, but Ishihara didn’t state an exact amount of time in her statement. The two met through a mutual friend and instantly hit it off. It’s said that both have a strong curiosity for knowledge, allowing them to research and discover things together as they both enjoy that process.

Shingo Katori has bagged one of the leading roles in the upcoming drama series “Anonymous“! This is his very first leading role in a drama series on the TV Tokyo network. Furthermore, the last time he starred in a drama was almost 5 years ago in TBS’ “The State of Union”.

In Anonymous Katori will play the role of Wataru Banjo, a detective working for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. The police create a new department called the Yubitai Department in response to the issues that social media can cause. The new department receives it’s first case when a middle aged woman visits telling them that her daughter as committed suicide.

Katori is currently the only announced cast member for Anonymous. It will begin airing in January 2021 on TV Tokyo and the streaming service Paravi.

(natalie)

On September 30, Rung Hyang will release her new digital EP, “MIST.” This four song release is produced by Shingo.S, who works with Rung Hyang frequently in both her solo career and inside of her group TOKYO CRITTERS. “MIST” is described as a chill R&B release. “Low Key”, the closing song, sees Rung Hyang collaborating with SIRUP.

Rung Hyang recently released the music video for the opening song on “MIST”, “Fall.” In the clip, she and her partner’s relationship has fallen on hard times. Check it out below, along with more information on her new EP!

On September 30, SIMI LAB member MARIA will release a new digital EP, “Deep Float.” The six song release will include her December digital single “Set Me Free.” On that song, MARIA showed her softer side. This showing of different sides of MARIA continues on “Deep Float”, via more melody-based songs and singing.

MARIA recently released the music video for “Far Away”, the closing track on her new EP. The song is a collaboration with LUVRAW. The song shows a more sensual side of MARIA, via a mixture of less aggressive rapping and singing. The video itself continues with the sensual vibe. Check it out below, along with more information on her new release!

Earlier today, “TV Tokyo Music Festival 2020 Aki” aired. The show featured performances by the likes of Maki Goto, Koda Kumi, Mika Nakashima, Daichi Miura, V6, AKB48, Ikimonogakari, and Elephant Kashimashi. Check it out below!