Former AKB48 member Tomomi Itano has released a brand new photobook titled “release“. Her 7th overall, this is Itano’s first photobook release in over 2 years. Her last being 2015’s “Luv U“, in celebration of her 10th anniversary since joining the entertainment industry.

release was shot by famed Singaporean photographer ND Chow. The photos perfectly encapsulate the sexy nature of Itano, while still showing off her cute “glittering” idol charm. The photos are typical photobook fare, including shots of Itano frolicking on the beach and beautiful nature shots. At a press conference for release Itano shared that she’s very satisfied with the final product, one of her favorites from the collection is a cute pink swimsuit seen near the end of the book. Itano credited dancing to keeping her body bikini ready, and excitedly stated that she will continue to dance in the future!

The 40th broadcast of 24-Hour Television, NTV’s yearly charity show and one of the major broadcasting events of the year, successfully ended last night. This time, Arashi’s Sakurai Sho, KAT-TUN’s Kamenashi Kazuya and NEWS Koyama Keiichiro served as the main personalities, joined by actress Ishihara Satomi.

The average viewing rate is 18.6% (last year 15.4%). The highest viewing rate at 40.5% (last year 35.5%) was recorded at 8:47 pm on Aug 27. The 24hr TV drama special “Jidai o Tsukutta Otoko Aku Yu Monogatari” starring Kamenashi Kazuya also recorded a high rating of 25.6% (last year 20.5%), with peak rating at 28.0% at 10:09pm.

Comedian Buruzon Chiemi served as the charity marathon runner, which unlike the previous years, was announced on the day itself – 2 hours and 15 minutes from the start of the program. Chiemi successfully finished the 90km marathon, arriving at Nippon Budokan at 8:48pm. Her “with B” sidekicks from her hit “Career Woman” skit are also present to welcome her. Chiemi tearfully thanked everyone “Thank you for this valuable opportunity, it is a good experience, thank you very much!”. Though her face was covered with tears and sweat, her makeup remains intact, leaving viewers in awe.

Check on for more of the ratings numbers below!

‘Reon’ is a comedy film based on the manga of the same name. It tells the story of an unlucky office temp Reon Takanashi (Kang Jiyoung) and a womanizing CEO Reo Asahina (Naoto Takenaka) who end up swapping bodies due to a traffic accident.

As reported before, the film marks the first leading role for Jiyoung, ex-member of popular South-Korean girl group KARA. Joining her and Takenaka are Aya Omasa (‘P to JK’, ‘Flowers for Algernon’), Ikusaburo Yamazaki (‘Everyone’s Getting Married’) and Ryo Yoshizawa (‘Gintama’, ‘Wolf Girl and Black Prince’). Shinji Saito from a comedy trio Jungle Pocket, tv talent Mitz Mangrove and gravure model-turned-actress Mikie Hara will also appear in the film.

Last month we reported that popular singer/songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita would be releasing his 50th single, titled “REBORN”, on September 13th.  Now that this date has drawn closer, the short version of the title track’s music video has been published to his label’s Youtube channel.

The PV for “REBORN” was directed by Ryuichi Hiroki, who is also the director behind “Namiya Zakkaten no Kiseki”, the film for which the track will serve as the theme song.  This video stars young actress Mugi Kadowaki (whom also appears in the film) and focuses on the story of a girl whom is attempting to live her life in a way which honors the memory of her deceased father.  In addition, a music video featuring Mugi performing the song as her character “Seri” has also been uploaded to Youtube.

Read on below to find both PVs, as well as the cover and track list for “REBORN”.

This week’s guests were Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi, Perfume, and Aimyon.

Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi – Loser

Perfume – If you wanna

Aimyon – Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai

This week, Hoshino Gen topped the Oricon single chart with his new single “Family Song”, selling 191,811 copies in its first week.

iKON topped the Oricon album chart their new mini album “NEW KIDS:BEGIN”, selling 34,998 copies in its first week.

Avicii topped the Oricon digital album chart for the second week in a row with his album “AVICI”, selling 4,204 copies in its second week.

This week’s performers were Bakarhythm, Hata Motohiro, Suzuki Masayuki, Flower, and GARNiDELiA.

Bakarhythm to (Bakarhythm & Hata Motohiro) – “Ikura da to Omou?” tte Kikareru to Kincho Suru

Suzuki Masayuki – Lovely

Flower – Taiyou no Elegy

GARNiDELiA – Désir

On September 18, Music Station will air the third edition of its now annual special, MUSIC STATION ULTRA FES. The show was first aired in 2015 to celebrate Music Station’s 30th anniversary.

Today, the first set of performers was announced. This set of 20 acts is heavily Johnny’s, featuring the likes of Arashi, Hey! Say! JUMP, NEWS, Kame to Yamapi, and more. Check out the full first set below!