The nationally and internationally treasured idol group, SMAP have left their final messages on the Official Johnny’s website on January 5th, 2017. These messages were made public, days after their official dissolution on December 31st, 2016. Although it’s unclear what lies ahead for these five people, it goes without saying that the support from fans, will continue far into the future.

Last year, Ikimonogakari celebrated its 10th major label anniversary. Who would have said they would be disbanding now?

Pop-rock band Ikimonogakari has announced they are going on an indefinite hiatus to follow separate paths with a “Grazing Declaration”, a heartwarming message from the members. Coupling the cattle-themed announcement, they have taken part in a last photo shoot in which they were dressed up as cows. It has not been revealed yet which solo activities each one of them is going to pursue, though it will be revealed in the future in their official site. Read the full comment just after the jump.

On March 7, the second SPACE SHOWER MUSIC AWARDS will be held. The awards honor artists and creators who have contributed musically to SPACE SHOWER TV, across a variety of genres. The show will be hosted by Yusuke Santamaria and Shimizu Fumika and held at Tokyo International Forum Hall A, just like last year.

Check out the nominees for the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC AWARDS after the jump!

On New Year’s Eve, the 67th Kohaku Uta Gassen aired. The ratings for the show are now in. There was an improvement in ratings over last year, which was the lowest rated edition in the show’s history. The 67th Kohaku Uta Gassen’s average rating was 37.65% in the Kanto region, an improvement over the previous year’s 37%. The first half of the show received a rating of 35.1% compared to 34.8% for the previous edition. The second half of the 67th edition garnered a rating of 40.2%, while the 66th edition’s second half’s rating was 39.2%.

Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Hoshino Gen defeat Hey! Say! JUMP. Gen is back again this week, facing off against a newcomer. 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!

Following nearly a year of silence, pop-rock band Akai Koen have announced that they will be releasing a new single on February 15th.  Titled “Yamiyo ni Chouchin”, the lead song has already been selected as the theme song for upcoming drama “Rental no Koi”.

“Rental no Koi” tells the story of Remi Takasugi (Ayame Gouriki), a date-for-hire whom despite being skilled at what she does, never smiles upon the completion of a job.  The drama picks up at the point where Takasugi is hired by Kosuke Yamada (Taiga), a college student that happens to be madly in love with her.

Read on below for a look at both the track list and the short PV for “Yamiyo ni Chouchin”.

On March 22, Wagakki Band will release their 3rd album, with the title to be announced later. The group is famous for their blend of rock and traditional Japanese music and previously for covering Vocaloid songs. The upcoming album will focus on the group’s original material and include the singles released in 2016, namely “Strong Fate”, “Valkyrie” and “Mirai”/“Kishikaisei”, along with 12 new songs (13 for the limited edition).

The group’s vocalist, Yuko Suzuhana, who released her debut solo album, “Cradle of Eternity“, in November 2016, comments that “they did not expect to record so many songs and that she feels like the compositions are something only Wagakki Band could come up with”. Check out the extensive tracklist and one of the music videos below.

Music Producer Tsunku (49), the musician who lost his good voice, met with Prime Minister Abe Shinzo (61), who also has conquered illness, to discuss how to make the world full of excitement. The two also talked about the future of the entertainment industry and education in Japan despite the fact that the two have faced glories and setbacks with friends and family members.

What is the Prime Minister’s favorite song produced by Tsunku?