Amina du Jean, also known as Aminyan, is the first black idol in the Japanese entertainment industry. A native of Detroit, Michigan, United States, she loved Japanese culture as a child. She started taking private Japanese lesson when she was 12. She was also a fan of Japanese idol groups. She became interested in Harajuku fashion through Gwen Stefani’s “Harajuku Girls“.
City pop has experienced a revival over the past few years, with acts such as Suchmos, Hitomitoi, and even Arashi paying tribute to the genre. On her new album “PINK”, Toki Asako looked to create “modern day city pop.” She did this by examining different elements of music from city pop’s heydy, the 1980s. The result is a more upbeat record than usual from Asako.
Shota Shimizu is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of his debut. To mark the occasion, he will release a new single, “FIRE”, on February 21. “FIRE” deals with hot emotions, with the music video being full of its namesake. The clip was shot in freezing temperatures, with flames surrounding Shota. Check it out after the jump, along with more information his new single!
On February 22, Mika Nakashima will release her new single, “Koi wo Suru.” The song serves as the CM song for DHC F1 Skin Care. Mika describes the song as “a little embarrassing, but fresh.” And it is something fresh for Mika. It’s a surprising upbeat song, with a video to match.
In the music video for “Koi wo Suru”, Mika takes on her first acting role in one of her music videos, playing an office lady who is burdened by work. In spite of her workplace woes, she is in love. Mika is giddy at the thought of her lover, even smiling (which is something Mika is rarely seen doing).
Check out the video below, along with more information on Mika’s new single!
This week’s guests were Ai Otsuka, miwa, and SKE48.
Ai Otsuka – Watashi
miwa – SPLASH
SKE48 – Natsu Yo, Isoge!
The stalker charged with stabbing idol Mayu Tomita over 20 times pleaded guilty to attempted murder during his trial that started this week.
The court heard a statement by Tomita (21), who was rendered unconscious in critical condition for two weeks after Tomohiro Iwazaki (27) stabbed her over 20 times during a fan greeting last May. Iwazaki was seen smiling as Tomita’s statement was read out.
“He kept shouting ‘die, die’ over and over,” Tomita said.
Days of speculation have finally lead to confirmation of the woman ONE OK ROCK bassist Ryota Kohama married earlier this year, and it is indeed Michelle Lavigne as internet detectives suspected.
Canadian pop goddess Avril Lavigne took to her Twitter to let the world know that her younger sister Michelle officially tied the knot with Ryota.
Electro-Rap outfit Charisma.com just released the Music Video for “#hashdark“, leading track of the duo’s upcoming first major label record “not not me” (out on March 22nd). The video features MC Itsuka and Gonchi walking around some of the most famous spots of Tokyo, such as Shibuya’s scramble crossing, Akasuka’s Sensō-ji Temple, and Tokyo Tower, all this while sporting several cool-looking outfits. The track brings the duo back to their origins, featuring a nice Funky vibe framed by a strong Electronic beat, in a simple yet enjoyable structure that fans of the duo will surely love.