Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Utada Hikaru defeat AKB48 and Bodan Shonen Dan. Utada and Bodan Shonen Dan are back this week, facing off against a newcomer. Find out what Ronald thought of the songs that topped the singles charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!
Actor Hiroshi Tamaki will be marrying actress Haruka Kinami! The exciting news was confirmed by both of their offices.
Tamaki and Kinami originally met 8 years ago, and started out as friends. The two eventually became really close and their friendship turned into a romantic relationship.
In April 2017 they got to work together in the Fuji TV drama series “Onna no Kunsho”. Set just after World War II the story follows a dressmaker who is trying to make a name for herself in the industry.
On June 27, TV Tokyo Music Festival 2018 will air. The first set of acts performing on the show was previously announced and it includes the likes of V6, Ken Hirai, Morning Musume. ’18, and Mika Nakashima.
Thirteen new acts have now been added to the lineup! KAT-TUN and King & Prince will both be making their TV Tokyo Music Festival debuts this year. Morning Musume. OG will perform a special medley to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Morning Musume. hitomi and Koda Kumi will also perform on this year’s TV Tokyo Music Festival. See who else will be joining them below!
On June 20, CHEMISTRY will release their second single after their comeback, “Heaven Only Knows / 13 Kagetsu”. The second A-side serves as the theme song for Nissin York’s web drama “Renewal Kazoku.”
“Heaven Only Knows / 13 Kagetsu” comes in three editions: a CD+DVD+Photobook limited edition, a CD only regular edition, and a vinyl edition. The DVD that comes with the limited edition features various music videos, live performances, and behind the scenes footage. The photobook that comes with the limited edition features 40 pages of content.
CHEMISTRY recently released the music video for “Heaven Only Knows.” The song sees the duo returning to a more R&B sound. “13 Kagetsu” can be heard in the trailer for “Renewal Kazoku.” Check out both videos below, along with more information on this release!
Tabloid Bunshun has received an exclusive scoop regarding Hey! Say! JUMP member Keito Okamoto, at the end of the month he will officially be withdrawing from the group.
Johnny & Associates has not released an official statement regarding the matter, but many other tabloids are speculating that it’s mainly due to “improper behavior” behind the scenes.
This week, Sexy Zone topped the Hot 100 single chart with their new single “Innocent Days.”
Sandaime J Soul Brothers topped the Hot Albums chart with their new album “FUTURE.”
Bodan Shonen Dan topped the Streaming Songs chart with their single “FAKE LOVE” for the third consecutive week.
Utada Hikaru topped the Download Songs chart with her single “Hatsukoi” for the second consecutive week.
MAN WITH A MISSION topped the Download Albums chart with their new album “Chasing the Horizon.”
Nogizaka46 member Mai Shiraishi is the latest high profile Japanese celebrity to join Instagram!
The profile of the account teases that Shiraishi will be the face of a brand new nationwide CM campaign, but detailed information won’t be revealed until July 3rd. The concept of the CM campaign is “fun summer”.
One song from 2018 was certified Platinum this month for selling 250,000 copies: Suda Masaki’s “Sayonara Elegy.”
One song was certified Million this month for selling 1,000,000 copies: Ai Otsuka’s “Planetarium.”