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.
The full trailer for romantic comedy film “50 First Kisses” has been released to YouTube, featuring brand new song “Todokanaikara” by Ken Hirai as its theme.
Directed by Yuichi Fukuda, the film is a remake of 2004 U.S. romantic comedy film “50 First Dates” starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
The film follows Daisuke Yuge—played by Takayuki Yamada—studies astronomy and works as a tour guide in Hawaii where he meets Rui Fujishima—played by Masami Nagasawa—at a cafe and falls in love with her at first sight, but Rui Fujishima suffers from memory loss due to trauma from an accident.
Bassist and rapper Ryuji Kobayashi of DISH// has withdrawn from the group, natalie reports.
“We reached this conclusion after multiple internal meetings,” management wrote on the group’s official website in an official statement.
Recently, we got a chance to conduct an email interview with “Underground idol group” Kamen Joshi’s energetic member Nanaka Kawamura.
Kamen Joshi (Masked Girls) are Akihabara’s True Underground Idols. The attractive and cute members of Kamen Joshi wear masks to conceal their faces while giving over-the-top, extreme stage performances taken to the next level by elaborate props and costumes. Expect to witness stage diving and do a lot of headbanging if you ever attend one of their shows!
With over 3.6 million likes on Facebook the band has already achieved many feats during their career, including being the very first independent female artist to achieve #1 on the Oricon singles chart.
Kawamura recently entered into the MMA/Wrestling world. After training for 6 months she actually won her match at the “DEEP JEWELS 18” event.
Throughout the Q&A we ask Kawamura about her training regimen, favorite Kamen Joshi song, her inspirations growing up, and much more. Check out the interview on the next page!
Yesterday it was reported that Kalafina would be disbanding in the Spring, but the groups official talent agency Space Craft Produce left a message to Kalafina’s fanclub saying that was not the case.
They reported that one Kalafina member requested to leave the group, which they permitted. Space Craft produce has not stated which member will be leaving, but they said that the remaining two members will continue to be active.
Yuki Kajiura‘s absence from the group behind the scenes was also acknowledged, as many fans considered her to be the “heart” of the group due to her contributions to the creation of Kalafina’s music. The agency simply said that they have many plans for the group which will be revealed shortly, and are sure the fans will enjoy it.
In a statement to Oricon a representative from Space Craft stated “performances at our sponsored concerts and the opening of the group’s 10th anniversary film are continuing as planned.”.
NTV drama series Kiss that Kills is currently airing, starring Kento Yamazaki, Mugi Kadowaki, and Mackenyu Arata.
The latest episode in particular caught the attention of many fans, mainly due to a kiss scene between Yamazaki and his fellow ikemen actor Masaki Suda. In Kiss that Kills Yamazaki plays the lead role of Otaro Dojima, a popular host who is jaded regarding love believing it makes people unhappy. He only pursues money and power.
One day a mysterious woman suddenly appears in front of Dojima, and kisses him. The kiss causes him to die, but he slowly begins to regain consciousness. When he wakes up he realizes he went back in time by a week. The mysterious woman continues to follow him, and Dojima hopes to break the cycle.
In the newest episode Suda plays a struggling musician named Kazunori Harumi. To try and avoid any more spoilers, a theory is formed between the two that kissing might cause Dojima to go further back in time and perhaps find a solution to his issue.
Harumi suddenly does an “octopus face” and pulls Dojima in for a kiss. At first Dojima is shocked, and a little disgusted, but he ends up returning the favor to Harumi.
The two kisses result in an interesting outcome, find out for yourself below!
The music video to the latest digital single “Itsuwari no Sympathy” from electro house musician MONDO GROSSO has been released to avex’s official YouTube channel—complete with English subtitles!
As previously announced, the song—released on February 7—features vocals from founding BiSH member AiNA THE END and serves as an insert song in the TBS drama “Kimi ga Kokoro ni Sumitsuita.” The choreographed music video shows the singer sprawling out in 10-inch heels while the camera follows her around as colored light change with the energy of the song.
Check it out below!
This week’s guests were Sukima Switch, Czecho No Republic, and MOTHBALL.
Sukima Switch – Mirai ka
Czecho No Republic – Telepathy
MOTHBALL – Rock Me Down (Song From My Radio)