Kanjani8’s Murakami Shingo is TAKATSU-KING for “OTTOTTO” PV

Kanjani8’s Murakami Shingo has taken on his KING persona for several of the group’s latest releases and is now taking it to another level.

Mysterious rapper TAKATSU-KING attended a PR event for the completion of the project “OTTOTTO”, a collaboration celebrating the 35th anniversary of the snack brand.

Who is TAKATSU-KING? He conducted a press conference to introduce himself and also released his newest music video. Check those out below!

TV Drama Ratings (May 5 – May 11)

Check out the latest numbers in ratings below!

Kaela Kimura, ayaka, Che’Nelle, and More Perform on Buzz Rhythm for May 12

This week’s guests were Kaela Kimura, ayaka, Che’Nelle, and Bodan Shonen Dan.

Kaela Kimura – HOLIDAYS

ayaka – Kotonoha

Che’Nelle – Destiny

Bodan Shonen Dan – Chi, Ase, Namida -Japanese ver.-

V6, Kis-My-Ft2, and “Wild Speed: Ice Break” Top the Oricon Charts for the Week of 5/1 – 5/7

This week, V6 topped the Oricon single chart with their new single “COLORS / Taiyou to Tsuki no Kodomotachi”, selling 87,153 copies in its first week.

Kis-My-Ft2 topped the Oricon album chart their new album “MUSIC COLOSSEUM”, selling 205,720 copies in its first week.

The “Wild Speed: Ice Break” soundtrack retook the top spot on the Oricon digital album chart, selling 5,488 copies in its fourth week.

Nishino Kana, Flower, Mai Kuraki, and More Perform on Music Station for May 12

This week’s guests were Mai Kuraki, Ohashi Takuya, Saito Tsukasa, Nishino Kana, Flower, Yuzu, and Tokyo B Shonen.

Mai Kuraki – Togetsukyou ~Kimi Omofu~

Ohashi Takuya (Sukima Switch) x Saito Tsukasa (Trendy Angel) – “SING” Special Medley

Nishino Kana – Pa

Flower – MOON JELLYFISH

Yuzu – Sayonara Bus / Ame Nochi Hallelujah / Niji / Natsuiro

Tokyo B Shonen – BYAKUYA / Boku wa Vampire / Sexy Zone / Come On A My House / Yorokobi no Uta / Love Situation / Hi Hi JET

Open Post

It’s FRIDAY so it’s Open Post time! Feel free to chat with your fellow readers about whatever you like. Enjoy!

MONDO GROSSO to Release First New Album in 14 Years

Shinichi Osawa is releasing a new album under the name MONDO GROSSO! The album is titled “Nandodemo Atarashiku Umareru” and is set for release on June 7. This will be the first new MONDO GROSSO album since June 2003’s “Next Wave.” “Nandodemo Atarashiku Umareru” is the first MONDO GROSSO album completely in Japanese.

“Nandodemo Atarashiku Umareru” features many collaborations, of which only some have been revealed. This new album sees MONDO GROSSO working with bird for the first time since their 2000 single “LIFE”, which is MONDO GROSSO’s biggest hit. Their new song is titled “TIME.” In addition to lending her vocals to the song, bird also wrote the song’s lyrics. INO hidefumi features on “Maigo no Asuturunauta”, with lyrics by Miyazawa Kazufumi, formerly of THE BOOM. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra’s Yanaka Atsushi wrote the lyrics for “Labyrinth”, which features vocals by Mitsushima Hikari.

MONDO GROSSO recently released a lyric video for “Labyrinth”, and has now released a “planet video” for the song “Wakusei Tantra.” It isn’t known who the singer or the lyrcist for the song is though. Check out both videos below, along with the cover of “Nandodemo Atarashiku Umareru”!

#1 Song Review: Week of 4/26 – 5/2 (Choutokkyuu v. Mai Kuraki v. RADWIMPS)

Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Arashi defeat Mai Kuraki. Mai is back this week, facing off against two newcomers. Find out what various staff members thought of the songs that topped the physical and digital charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!