Boy band impresario Johnny Kitagawa died yesterday at the age of 87. There has been an outpouring of grief over his death in the Japanese media, ranging from tearful morning show tributes to love songs.
On a TV program, Shonentai member Noriyuki Higashiyama said of Johnny’s death, “He’s like a father to us. He was the #1 person in the entertainment world. We will inherit his spirit and act brightly and happily.”
Former SMAP member Takuya Kimura took to Weibo to express his grief. “Johnny-san, you have always guided us until now. I hope you can rest well,” he wrote.
Hirohide Yakumaru, former member of Shibugakitai, wrote on his blog that he cried all night upon hearing the news and remarked that Johnny was “always gentle and caring.”
Former KAT-TUN member Jin Akanishi has released a tribute song in honor of his previous boss, Johnny Kitagawa.
Simply titled “Johnny“, Jin uploaded the video to his official Twitter account this morning. Sung in English, subtitles are also provided for the song.
Already achieving over 2.2 million views the lyrics read basically like a love song, and while Jin’s heart was perhaps in the right place, it leads to some questionable moments. Especially due to the abuse allegations surrounding Kitagawa.
On July 24, “2019 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri” will air. The first set of performers for the show includes acts such as Arashi, Kou Shibasaki, DA PUMP, Nogizaka46, WANIMA, and Hey! Say! JUMP. The second set of performers has been revealed, and it features names such as Ayumi Hamasaki, Daichi Miura, Kaela Kimura, GLAY, Shirota Yu, and E-girls. See who else was added below!
Earlier in the day news broke that the founder of Johnny & Associates, Johnny Kitagawa, had died due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Due to the extremely private nature of Johnny’s talents, none of them were able to share reactions or statements via social media or their own other method.
The first reaction finally came the following morning from TOKIO member Taichi Kokobun, who is a host on the popular TBS news show “Vivito“. When the topic of Johnny’s passing came up Taichi wasn’t able to contain himself, as he dramatically began to shed tears. Taichi heard of his passing via a phone call.
A trailer video for Masaki Suda‘s second studio album “LOVE” has been uploaded to his official YouTube account. Masaki worked with some of the industries current hottest musicians for the album including Kenshi Yonezu and AIMYON.
In the video a lengthy preview of all 11 tracks can be heard. Overall the album seems to have a very mellow sound, with Masaki showcasing his own take on pop-rock. Check out the trailer below:
Johnny Kitagawa, founder and president of prominent male talent agency Johnny & Associates, has died. He was 87. His cause of death was a ruptured cerebral aneurysm.
On June 18, it was reported that Kitagawa was rushed to a hospital in Tokyo by ambulance and at the time no further details given about his condition. One week ago a statement was finally made revealing that he was alive. His deteriorating health has been the subject of headlines and speculation for the past decade.
This past weekend at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, the anime film “HUMAN LOST Ningen Shikkaku” was shown. The screening featured appareances by director Kizaki Fuminori and voice actor Miyano Mamoru. m-flo was also on hand to reveal some information about the movie’s theme song.
The group announced that their song, “HUMAN LOST”, is the theme song for “HUMAN LOST Ningen Shikkaku.” Not only that, but the song is a collaboration with Latin star J. Balvin. A clip of the song can be heard in the movie’s trailer below.
“HUMAN LOST Ningen Shikkaku” will be released worldwide this fall, including in October in the US and in November in Japan.
This week’s guests were UNISON SQUARE GARDEN,
BOYS AND MEN, and MINAMI NiNE.
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN – Snow River
BOYS AND MEN – Atama no Naka no Film
MINAMI NiNE – Dynamic Ryukyu
