This week’s guests were Sayuri Ishikawa, Ichikawa Yukino, X4, Shimazu Aya, Shinno Mika, Natsukawa Rimi, Fuse Akira, Mizumori Kaori, Tahara Toshihiko, Mizutani Chieko, and MUSIC CONCERTO.

The highly anticipated song of the summer is here! CYBERJAPAN DANCERS have finally uploaded their debut MV for “Summertime Forever”, but just the short version. The setting of the MV takes place at a luxurious beach-side house where the members take part in the ultimate summer getaway. They pose on a Hummer, dance around a pool, and apply make-up in the kitchen.

Those looking for fan-service surely won’t be disappointed; the girls outfits consist of bright colorful bikini’s and cheerleader outfits that leave little to the imagination.  At times the camera isn’t exactly subtle with the sudden ass closeups, but it does fit the overall mood and theme of the MV.

Arguably a very strong contender for Japan Record Award’s Best Vocal Performance, “Summertime Forever” is a cute EDM-inspired track that’s, without a doubt, a perfect fit for the current hot weather. More information on CYBERJAPAN DANCERS and their debut single can be found here. Watch the short MV below the jump!

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 DAOKO has released a music video teaser for “Forever Friends“, a cover of Remedios‘ song that was used as the theme of Shunji Iwai’s 1993 TV film “Uchiage Hanabi, Shita kara Miru ka? Yoko kara Miru ka?“.

Film director Shunji Iwai, also known for “Hana & Alice“, “All About Lily Chou-Chou“, and “Love Letter“, has directed the music video filmed at locations from the original drama.

DAOKO will be joined by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu for her upcoming third single “Uchiage Hanabi“, set for release August 16. It will act as the theme for the anime film adaptation of Iwai’s film of the same name.

Singer AI and comedian Naomi Watanabe have teamed up for the opening theme of TBS drama “Kanna-san“, which stars Watanabe.

Based on the manga series “Kanna-san!” by Kahoru Fukaya, the drama follows Kanna Suzuki (Naomi Watanabe) who works as a fashion designer. She is happily married with a child, until one day Kanna learns that her husband is having an affair. Promptly kicking him to the curb, Kanna struggles with raising her son and maintaining her career as a single mother.

The song “Kirakira” from AI, who handled the songwriting, features Naomi Watanabe as the character she is playing in the drama. The lyrics follow the drama’s titular character’s spirit of never giving up despite the hardships she has faced, Natalie reports. Commenting on the track, AI revealed a sneak peek at the lyrics, “Surely tomorrow will be a good day so I’m not giving up.”

Producer Yukitoshi Chiba shared why he chose AI for this project: “When I thought of an artist that was capable of expressing all the love, courage and kindness at the root of Kanna’s strength, I could only picture AI.“

“I’m singing on the track…” commented Watanabe. “I was really nervous, but I worked hard and gave it my all!“

The drama “Kanna-san” will begin airing July 18.

Fukuoka Prefecture Police have revealed that the 44-year-old man accused of stalking a member of idol group HKT48 in Fukuoka City had also pursued an additional member of the group.

On multiple occasions in May and June, 44-year-old Yoshio Nitta allegedly drove by the apartment of the 18-year-old member at least four times at a low-speed from May 29th through June 22.

During questioning, the suspect told police that he learned the address of the girl by following a car she was in. In questioning, TBS News reports Nitta revealed, “I also know the address of other members.“

A year to the day since the release of her 35th single “Destiny’s Prelude“, singer and popular anime seiyuu Nana Mizuki will return with new single “TESTAMENT“.

The preview comes ahead of the release of the anime “Senki Zesshou Symphogear AXZ” to premiere on Tokyo MX and BS11 on July 1, which uses the song as its opening theme.

The single will also include the song “ACROSS“, used as the theme song for the iOS/Android game “Tales of Asteria: Tsuioku no Eden“, and additional B-side track “Phantasm“.

Studio Ghibli mastermind Hayao Miyazaki reportedly denied an invitation to a viewing for upcoming film “Mary and the Witch’s Flower” from director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who rose to fame with past Ghibli productions “The Secret World of Arrietty” and “When Marnie Was There“.

Based on British author Mary Stewart’s novel “The Little Broomstick“, the main selling factor of “Mary” is that a portion of the staff working on the film previously worked for world-renowned anime production house Studio Ghibli as well.

“Mary” is the first film from newly formed Studio Ponoc founded by “Marnie” producer Yoshiaki Nishimura. Joining them are fellow Ghibli alumni composer Takatsugu Muramatsu and screenwriter Riko Sakaguchi. The studio has been working on their debut feature-length film for the past two and a half years.

According to CinemaToday, Yonebayashi revealed during a promotional event held last week that he had visited Studio Ghibli to show the completed film to his former coworkers, but Miyazaki refused to watch it.