Love might be in the air for the ONE OK ROCK’s front-man TAKA, and Mai Asada.
Mai Asada is a former champion figure shaker, who also dabbles in modeling and MC work. She is the older sister of Olympic Medalist Mao Asada.
The exclusive scoop was obtained by the tabloid Weekly Bunshun, where the two were apparently spotted at a spa together. On Sunday, April 8th at around 9:00 PM TAKA and Asada along with a small group of other people all met up in Roppongi. They all traveled to the private spa via taxi.
We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback. This is where we look back on what topped Oricon this week 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music.
Singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has released the brand new MV for her 12th digital single Kimino Mikata.
When the promotional image for the single was first released, she stunned fans with her more toned down and “mature” image. The song itself has been compared to the early work of girl group Perfume, and in usual fashion the lyrics and production were handled by capsule member Yasutaka Nakata.
While the song and promotional image seemed like a slight change in direction, the MV for Kimino Mikata is the typical Kyary fare.
The MV takes place in a bathroom completely splattered with different shades of pink paint, Kyary’s hair and outfit match the decor. Throughout the MV she interacts with masked backup dancers holding tablets, showing off various images.
Kyary is currently preparing for her oversea tour titled THE SPOOKY OBAKEYASHIKI ~PUMPKINS STRIKE BACK~. The tour will kick off May 20th in London, England and conclude on June 22nd in Los Angeles.
Watch the full MV for Kimino Mikata below!
On April 8th, 1998 an unknown singer called Ayumi Hamasaki released her debut single titled poker face. In a bubbling music scene where there seemed to be a dozen new debuts every week, the song turned out to be modest success managing to break the top 20 on Oricon.
Little did the industry know, this simple pop tune would mark the beginning of a career that would forever change the Japanese and Asian music landscape.
To honor Ayumi and her 20th anniversary milestone some staff members and enthusiasts of the Japanese entertainment scene shared some of their memories involving the living legend. But first we’d like to share Ayumi’s small history with ARAMA! JAPAN.
Check out the full trailer and latest visual released for “Code Blue – Doctor Heli Kinkyuu Kyuumei ~ The Movie”. The Code Blue getsu9 drama series has enjoyed high popularity since the first season was broadcast in 2008, depicting young men and women aiming to become doctors part of the “Doctor Helicopter” system for emergency situations. The movie will feature the original cast starring Yamashita Tomohisa, Aragaki Yui, Toda Erika, Asari Yosuke and Higa Manami.
In the trailer, the team were seen rushing through scenes of major accidents occurring simultaneously at Narita Airport and Umihotaru. Shinkai (Ando Masanobu) and Tachibana (Shiina Kippei) will also be joining the movie. The series’ popular theme song “HANABI” by Mr. Children will also be used for the movie version.
The guest stars have also been revealed. Mackenyu, Katase Rino and Yamaya Kasumi will be joining the cast to give more touch to the human drama in “Code Blue”. The film opens July 27, 2018.
The cast for the live-action film adaption of the manga series Tonde Saitama has been announced, and leading the charge is rocker GACKT.
He will be playing the role of an 18-year-old high school boy called Rei Asami, GACKT himself is 44 years old. Actress Fumi Nikaidou is the co-main star, where she plays Momomi Hakuhoudou. This is the first time Nikaidou has ever played a male role.
Tonde Saitama was created by Mineo Maya, and the series originally made it’s debut in the early 80s. Described as a “yaoi comedy” manga, the three-part manga series was published from 1982-1983, and then compiled in one giant volume.
Singer Namie Amuro will be collaborating with Swedish fast-fashion giant h&m to release a special clothing collection.
The campaign will simply be titled “Namie Amuro X h&m”, and will feature a large variety of clothes perfect for the upcoming Summer weather. Tops, bottoms, dresses, and jackets will all be included in the collection.
Design for the collection has been described as feminine and sophisticated. Refreshing prints reminiscent of a “blue sky”, stripes, and colorful floral prints are said to dominate the collection. Amuro’s collaboration will only feature women’s clothes.
A brand new album honoring the rock legend hide has been announced.
Participants of the album include Takanori Nishikawa aka T.M Revolution, MIYAVI, BREAKERZ, Cocco, and GLAY member Hisashi. All of them were very excited to participate in the project and only had good things to say about him.
Before making it big as a solo act Takanori Nishikawa was a member of a visual key band called Luis-Mary. At the time he wasn’t able to meet hide in person yet, so he would regularly ask his friend J (member of LUNA SEA) about the rocker. Nishikawa cherishes the moments when he was finally able to meet hide in person.
Nishikawa previously participated in the 2008 “hide memorial summit”, and was a little worried about which song to do for this new album. He finally decided on ever free, and is sure to do the song justice.
