“Ultra-dark” Idol unit NECRONOMIDOL just released the Music Video for “ITHAQA“, promoting single and closing track of the new album “DEATHLESS“, that just hit the shelves of Japanese music stores today.

The video features the five girls singing and making their way through snowy landscapes, a perfect match for the mood brought by this track, that mixes up classic Heavy Metal vibes with cold melodic synths, trademark sound that made NECRONOMIDOL stand out in the Alternative Idol scene in the last few years. The video is directed by Steven Herman and it was shot in Omachi (Nagano prefecture), while the song is written by Azusa Iwanaga, featuring lyrics by NECRONOMIDOL. Be sure to catch the video down here, as well as all the details on the new album!

A week ago, the sudden announcement of the actress Fumika Shimizu (22) retiring from the entertainment industry in order to devote herself to Happy Science has surprised the Japanese netizens as well as the Japanese entertainment enthusiasts. Today, another surprising news regarding this recently controversial actress has surfaced and this involves KANA-BOON‘s bassist, Yuuma Meshida.

Daichi Miura has two new releases set for March 22! The first is his sixth album, “HIT.” This album will include the singles “Cry & Fight”, “(RE)PLAY”, and “EXCITE.” “HIT” will also feature nine new songs, including “Rise Up”, a collaboration with SOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONS. Daichi’s new album will be released in four editions: CD+DVD, CD+Blu-ray, CD only, and Fan Club CD+DVD.

Also set for release on March 22 is Daichi’s new tour video “DAICHI MIURA LIVE TOUR 2016 (RE)PLAY.” This release features footage from Daichi’s concert at Yoyogi National Gymnasium from January of this year. KREVA and Kamen Rider Ex-Aid make special appearances during the show. “DAICHI MIURA LIVE TOUR 2016 (RE)PLAY” will be released in two editions: 2DVD and Blu-ray.

Check out more information on these releases below!

Sandaime J Soul Brothers have released the latest MV for their 21st single “HAPPY”. The high energy track will be released nationwide in Japan on March 8th, 2017. A b-side titled J.S.B Love will be included on the single, first press editions will feature slipcase packaging as well as postcards.

In the HAPPY video a retro look was chosen, a similar concept shared with their brother group EXILE THE SECOND’s latest release. Sandaime J Soul Brothers go back in time a bit earlier with their inspiration though, where they seem to be attending a lavish party with a “Great Gatsby” theme.  The party is held in a beautiful mansion where the boys are seen mingling with the guests, and doing an impressive dance routine in the mansion’s backyard.

Furthermore, “HAPPY” will be included on Sandaime J Soul Brother’s upcoming best album “THE JSB BEST”. Check out the video below!

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.

According to Bunshunhō Live (Bunshun Bazooka Live) streaming program of Bungeishunju‘s Weekly Bunshun magazine, popular voice actors Kensho Ono (27) and Kana Hanazawa (27) are confirmed to be dating.  The couple was spotted on February 12 during a double date at a western restaurant in Yoyogi.  After, the pair returned together in a taxi to a high-class apartment in Tokyo’s Minato ward.

Earlier this month we reported that up-and-coming alternative rock band Ame no Parade would be releasing their second full album “Change your pops” on March 8th.  In advance of the record’s release date, the group have now published the short version of the music video for its lead track “Change your mind” to their official Youtube channel.

This PV was directed by Daisuke Shimada, known for his work with Yuzu and Sakanaction, and attempts to encapsulate the kinds of experiences one can have when living in Tokyo during the modern era.  This is accomplished through the use of various shots of young people engaging in activities all over the city, this footage inter-cut with a live performance of the track itself.

Read on below for a look at the short PV for “Change your mind”.

One song from 2016 was certified Million this month for selling 1,000,000 copies: Hoshino Gen’s “Koi.”

Five songs from 2016 were certified Platinum this month for selling 250,000 copies: Namie Amuro’s “Hero”, Utada Hikaru’s “Manatsu no Tooriame”, the drama version of Teshima Aoi’s “Ashita e no Tegami”, Perfume’s “FLASH”, and RADWIMPS’ “Yume Tourou.”

Four songs from 2016 were certified Gold this month for selling 100,000 copies: the movie version of Kamishiraishi Mone’s “Nandemonai ya”, Shota Shimizu’s “My Boo”, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s Answer, and BLUE ENCOUNT’s “Survivor.”