The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been under heavy criticism for a video posted on his official Instagram account. The video was uploaded in response to a challenge made by popular actor/singer Gen Hoshino.

Gen uploaded a video on his various SNS profiles of him playing guitar, singing an original tune about staying and dancing at home. This of course was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged everyone to participate, and has received responses from various celebrities singing or dancing along in their homes. Abe’s video seemed to have struck many people the wrong way.

Singer-songwriter Utada Hikaru brings back her signature R&B sounds with new digital single “Time“.

As previously announced, the song is being used as the main theme for NTV Sunday Drama “Bishoku Tantei Akechi Goro” starring Tomoya Nakamura, which premiered tonight. The song was written specifically for the drama, with Utada reading the entirety of Akiko Higashimura’s original manga to craft a track that captures the series’ mystery.

The short version is available for streaming on her Official YouTube Channel ahead of the song’s digital release date of May 8.

This week’s gusts were F-BLOOD, DA PUMP, Miyano Mamoru, and FANTASTICS.

F-BLOOD x ISSA x Miyano Mamoru – Shiroi Kumo no You ni

FANTASTICS – Hey, darlin’

Miyano Mamoru – Hikari Sasu Ho e

DA PUMP – Heart on Fire

F-BLOOD – Saigo no Bansan

Spring and summer are typically the seasons when anime conventions occur around the world. But the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has stopped that from happening this year in most cases.

The wave of cancelations and postponements began at the end of February in Tokyo. March’s AnimeJapan was canceled on February 27, a day after the Japanese government issued a statement requesting that large gatherings, like concerts and sporting events, be canceled.

At the time, this descision seemed rashed, given that the virus had only really exploded in China at that point. But the world is a different place now.

We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback! This is where we look back on what topped the charts this week 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music.

This week’s performers were ONE N’ ONLY, SPICY CHOCOLATE, Funky Kato, and Berry Goodman. This week’s talk guests were First Summer Uika, Kato Kazuharu (Music Natalie Editor-in-Chief), and ZOC.

ONE N’ ONLY – Shut Up! BREAKER

SPICY CHOCOLATE – Yume no Kakera feat. Funky Kato & Berry Goodman

Within the past year Johnny’s and other agencies have finally began to embrace the video platform YouTube to a much larger capacity. In March fans were thrilled when avex began to post full concerts from many of their artists including Ayumi Hamasaki, AAA, Ami Suzuki, and Do As Infinity. Luckily for fans of Japan’s national boy band Arashi, they decided to do the same thing!

Their official channel has uploaded 2 hours of content for their five major dome tour “ARASHI LIVE TOUR 2017-2018 [untitled]”. The tour was held in support of their 16th studio album also titled “untitled”. This is the very first time a Johnny’s concert from a single group has been uploaded to YouTube. Check it out 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!