TV Drama Ratings (March 10 – March 16)

Severlal dramas aired their final episodes this week! Check out the latest in the ratings chart below!

Aina the End of BiSH owns the place in “TO THE END” MV

Founding BiSH member Aina the End teamed up with TeddyLoid for the 4th volume of his “SILENT PLANET 2” mini-album series, out starting March 17. Both were eager to work with each other, the former – ever since she heard “Break’em all”, a TeddyLoid track featuring KOHH, the latter – since he went to BiSH’s gig. One of the two songs born out of their collaboration is the hard-hitting “TO THE END” that got two music videos, the lute edition and the Black & Chrome edition.

Regardless of the version (the only difference is color and subtitles for the Black & Chrome one), Aina is having the time of her life with TeddyLoid occasionally showing up for a couple of seconds. According to Aina, it was the first time when she had to work with an actual choreographer and it made her feel nervous at first.

Watch the MVs and don’t miss out on the information regarding the mini-album under the jump.

LAMP IN TERREN turn tears into jewels in Music Video for “Namidaseigun no Yoru”

Last month we reported that rock band LAMP IN TERREN would be releasing a new album titled “fantasia” on April 12th.  Though they previously published its audio, the band have now made the PV for the record’s lead song “Namidaseigun no Yoru” available on their Youtube channel.

Notably, this is the first story-based music video released by the band, the narrative centering around a blind girl, played by Mayu Hotta, and an older gentleman.  As the girl starts to shed tears, the story’s more fantastical elements come to the fore and things finally begin to look up.

Read on below to find the rather sweet music video for “Namidaseigun no Yoru”, and look forward to the album’s full release next month.

Suchmos jam out in the chill PV for “PINKVIBES”

Back in January, up-and-coming fusion/acid jazz band Suchmos released their latest full-length album “THE KIDS“.  In further support of this landmark release for the group, they have uploaded a music video for its third track “PINKVIBES” to Space Shower Music’s official Youtube channel.

The PV for this soulful yet relaxing tune sees the band members jamming and chilling in a garage until they decide to take their classic car for a spin.  This video was directed by yahyel’s Kento Yamada, whom has previously created the PVs for Hikaru Utada’s “Boukyaku” and Kenshi Yonezu’s “orion”, as well as Suchmos’ own hit track “STAY TUNE”.

You’ll find the full version of this rather stylish music video right after the jump.

Former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai dating a choreographer

According to the entertainment website “livedoor” Masahiro Nakai, the former leader of SMAP, is in a relationship with 32-year-old choreographer and dancer Maika Takeda. Throughout her career Maika has served as a backup dancer for many popular acts including Namie Amuro, Miliyah Kato, and SMAP. She eventually started creating and developing choreography for various musical acts, most notability AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and various other groups/subgroups in the “48” family.

The two allegedly first met in 2010, where she was a substitute dancer for one of the SMAP members who was unable to attend rehearsals. Masahiro and Maika kept in touch, and the following year in 2011 they officially started dating. There’s conflicting reports on whether the two are living together or not.

Masahiro was previously in a relationship with announcer Minako Nakano, it’s rumored that their relationship came to an end due to his desire to not marry. After Minako his next prolific relationship was with Koda Kumi, whom he dated on and off for 3 years making them a constant tabloid target.

A picture of Maika Takeda can be seen under the cut.

V6 prove they’ve still got it with new single “Can’t Get Enough / Hanahirake”

Today veteran idols V6 released their 47th single “Can’t Get Enough / Hanahirake”, it debuted at #2 on the Oricon daily charts selling an impressive 97k copies.  This is their first double a-side single in six years, the last being their 2011 effort “Sexy Honey Bunny! / Takara no Ishi”.

Giving variety, “Can’t Get Enough” is a funky dance song with an insanely catchy chorus. Decked out in black outfits, the members show off a sleek dance routine in the stylish video.”Hanahirake” is the complete opposite, a fun cheerful pop song perfect for the spring. In the video the members are seen exploring an animated world, ending with a paintball fight.

Watch the full videos for “Can’t Get Enough” and “Hanahirake” below!

GACKT releases bloody MV for Tsumi no Keisho – ORIGINAL SIN –

J-rock superstar GACKT has released his latest video for his 49th single “Tsumi no Keisho – ORIGINAL SIN –“. The MV starts with GACKT strapped down to a chair setting a very ominous tone, a splash of blood suddenly hits the wall. The scene then transitions to a bunch of men being violently murdered by an unknown woman. The only person left in the room is a little boy…ending with a not-so-surprising “twist”.

The MV will definitely catch the interest of both GACKT and horror movie enthusiasts.  Tsumi no Keisho – ORIGINAL SIN – will be released on March 22nd, 2017. Covers for the single, and the full MV can be seen below.

[Exclusive] Interview with Sachiko Aoyama (NEGOTO)

Formed by 4 Heisei-born girls, Sachiko Aoyama(Vocals/Keyboard), Mizuki Masuda(Guitar), Yu Fujisaki(Bass) and Sayako Sawamura(Drums), NEGOTO debuted in 2010 with the mini album “Hello! “Z”. Their first single “Charon” was picked up as a high-profile TV commercial song for the major mobile carrier, “au”, catapulting them into instant fame and popularity in Japan. Further releases in 2012 and 2015 also saw their songs picked as theme songs for popular anime titles such as “Gundam” and “Gintama”. The band is recognized by their fantastic pop-rock sounds ingrained with an grungy, aggressive alternative rock sound, setting them apart from other girl bands and earning them the reputation as the “leaders of a new generation of all-girl rock bands”. Recently, NEGOTO has tackled a more eletronic sound. NEGOTO has released 11 singles, 2 mini albums and 4 studio albums to date. Since debut, they have been regulars in many major festivals in Japan such as Summer Sonic and Rock In Japan.

We recently had the opportunity to interview the lead singer and keyboardist Sachiko Aoyama . Sachiko delves into the history of the band, the creation of their latest album “ETERNALBEAT”, and much more! Read the full interview below.