NICO Touches the Walls’s new song, “Matryoshka”, has been chosen as the opening song for the anime “C”. “C” will be broadcast on Fuji TV’s late-night anime section, “noitamina”, starting in April.


“Matryoshka” will also be on NICO Touches the Walls’s new album, “PASSENGER”, which will be released on April 6th. The song is a rock tune with impressive beats and sharp guitar riffs that bassist Sakakura Shingo wrote.

Sakakura commented, “It’s the first song I’ve created as a member of NICO, and it was selected as the opening theme for “C”. Thank you so much!”


Source: natalie


source: tokyohive

It’s been revealed that KAT-TUN’s Taguchi Junnosuke will make an appearance on the upcoming drama, “Inu wo Kau to iukoto ~Sky to Wagaya no 180 nichi~“. The information was recently unveiled on the drama’s official website.

As we previously reported, “Inu wo Kau to iukoto” already stars NEWS/Kanjani8’s Nishikido Ryo, and Taguchi, who belongs to the same agency (Johnny & Associates), will play Horita Katsuhiko, a doctor and classmate of the main character’s wife (played by Mizukawa Asami).


The last time he and Nishikido acted alongside one another was in the 2005 drama “Ganbatte Ikimashoi“, while Taguchi himself has not had a recurring role in a drama series since “Yukan Club” four years ago.

“Inu wo Kau to iukoto” will air on Friday nights starting in April.

source: tokyohive

Sasaki Nozomi has revealed her new single, “non×non!! ～2011 spring edition～”, which will be released on March 16th as a limited edition ringtone download. The single will be used as the CM song for fashion magazine non・no, which regularly features Sasaki.

Once the song begins playing, the song’s repeating “non-no non-no non-no non-no” phrase is the key hook for listeners. To cater to the effect the hook will have on listeners, the ringtone for “non×non!! ～2011 spring edition～” will be released on March 16th.


In response to the wishes of non・no’s readership, the song creates “an unbelievable environmental ‘men’s episode’ that is extensively included in the song’s lyrics. When women hear the song, they’ll say, ‘this is true!’, and when men hear the song, they’ll think, ’should I secretly check how I feel?’ Even quiet and reserved guys will shout ‘no way!’ and ‘non・no!’ out loud.”

Sasaki’s music is already familiar to television viewers, as she sang Lotte’s “Fit’s” commercial song, “Kamu to Funyan feat. Astro”, and also covered Moritaka Chisato’s famous song, “Jin-Jin-Jingle Bells”, to critical acclaim.

Will her new song have the same effect on non・no magazine?

source: tokyohive

Nakagawa Shoko’s latest single, “Sakurairo”, will be released on March 23rd, but she has already announced that her 14th single, “Tsuyogari”, will be released in May.


“Tsuyogari” has also been selected as the ending theme to Yomiuri TV and NTV’s anime, “Beezlebub”. The single won’t be released until May, but fans will be able to get a taste of it on air through the anime beginning in April.

Furthermore, we already reported that “ON/OFF” has been chosen to sing the opening theme to “Beezlebub”.


source: tokyohive

J-Urban artist May J. updated her official blog with a picture from Paris!

The J-MELO host blogged, “I’m in Paris now~ ♥ This is the second time (I’ve come here) this year. Actually, I came for J-MELO! Before Paris, I was in Chicago, where I had my first American live performance and took pictures ♥ I guess right now, I’m in the middle of a J-MELO mini world tour. After this, I’ll be hosting a French TV program.”


Fans were excited to see her appearing around the world, commenting, “That looks like fun~”, “It’s amazing that you’ve been to Paris twice!!”, and “Good luck hosting, May-chan!”


source: tokyohive

Actor Takaoka Sousuke (29), along with Chihara Junior (36) from comedian duo Chihara Brothers, and EXILE’s AKIRA (29) will speak frankly about their views on marriage on the new episode of “Gout Temps Nouveau“, which airs on March 9th.

The show usually has three women talking for three hours in a private talk setting, as though the camera isn’t there, but for this sixth episode, it will be “Men From Different Industries Gout Temps“. Takaoka, who up until now has been quiet about his wife, actress Miyazaki Aoi, will reveal the details about their TV drama-like marriage story, such as “the decisive call which came from overseas“.

“Men’s Gout Temps” was planned in the roughly three months since “Iryuu Gout Temps” with Sakaguchi Kenji, Koike Teppei, and Endou Kenichi, who starred in the drama “Iryuu 3“. This was Junior’s first time meeting the two, however, Takaoka and AKIRA have been friends who meet up in their private lives, as they are the same age and have co-starred in a movie together. In this friendly atmosphere, their talk unfolded.


Around the time of Takaoka’s 26th birthday, at a time where he and Miyazaki had broken up, he had a missed call from an unlisted international number. He reveals how he thought the call was from her, and the whole story on how he decided to propose, thinking, “When she comes back from overseas, I’ll sit down and talk with her; when we’re driving, I’ll say, ‘We really ought to be together.‘” However, after that, he revealed that the call was actually from his associate who was backpacking overseas, and Senbara, deeply moved, stated, “Amazing, ‘Sousuke Takaoka’s winning story’. Of course when something so miraculous happens, you’d get married.”

Junior, who has been single for some years now, said, “I might still wish to get married, but I don’t know (if it’s too late now).” AKIRA said he wished to get married, but that, “None of our members are married. Everyone is doing their best in their own way, so for one person to go, ‘I’m getting married’, it’s pretty hard to say,” displaying this highly respected group’s expected consideration for their circle of members.

“Gout Temps Nouveau” has certainly found a fresh charm in this “men’s real talk” from these three men who are working in the very different fields of comedy, acting, and dancing.


source: tokyohive

Sakurai Sho, one of the famed members of the idol group Arashi, will be lending his star power to a good cause by appearing in a new line of CMs for Aflac alongside one of its new characters, “Aoi Duck” (“blue duck”). The new character is inspired by the image of a blue bird of happiness, and is sure to catch the attention of many alongside the famous actor and singer.


The new Aflac campaign will promote new products (insurance) and features of support and security for life after the treatment of cancer. The new products will be released on March 22nd, with the commercial airing starting on March 14th.

Sakurai hopes to create more awareness about the support mechanisms available to those undergoing treatments for cancer, and the blue duck aims at creating a certain kind of comfort in providing help to those who need it.


source: tokyohive

If you like Japanese snacks, you may have heard of “Tirol Choco“, a company that produces small bite-sized chocolate candy that comes in over 50 flavors. On the recent episode of the show “Haken OL wa Mita“, Morning Musume’s Michishige Sayumi got the chance to visit the “Tirol Choco” company to see how they’re made!


Michishige visited the company’s product development department, accompanied by comedians Imoto Ayako, who insisted she was a “3rd generation Morning Musume member“, and Barbie. They meet Kawaguchi, who is the head of the flavor development team at “Tirol Choco”.

Michishige says she’s a big fan of the chocolates, and buys whole boxes of the product, prompting the show to put the subtitles “I’m an idol, but an adult” under her face. The ladies sample several kinds of chocolates before they move on to the room where new flavors are developed.

Later, Michishige, Imoto, and Barbie are given the chance to win three years worth of “Tirol Choco” if they can come up with an idea for a new flavor that is worth developing. Barbie suggests a ginger milk tea flavor chocolate made of white chocolate with a ginger center. Michishige suggests a bite-sized Gyudon cube which would have beef at the top and rice at the bottom, prompting the others to ask, “Where’s the chocolate?” Imoto suggested putting the East African dish of ugali (made of maize flour) inside of the chocolate.

None of the ideas were well-received, so the women are given a second chance. This time, Barbie suggests putting a sprinkle of gold on top of the chocolate to give it a feeling of luxury. Michishige’s idea is a “couple Tirol”, which would have two halves of different flavors that can be separated so that they can be shared by couples. Imoto suggests putting pieces of clam inside.

In the end, Michishige’s idea ends up winning, and she happily wins three years worth of “Tirol Choco”!

You can watch the entire drool-worthy episode below:


source: tokyohive

NMB48, AKB48’s Osaka-based sister group, has just landed their first regular appearance on a TV show!


The group, which debuted on New Year’s Day of this year, will make regular appearances on the Kansai (west Japan) region’s long-running morning show, “Ohayo Asahi desu“, which airs six days a week (75 minutes on weekdays, 90 minutes on Saturday).

With increased TV exposure on the way, it looks like NMB48 is following their sister units on the path to success.


source: tokyohive

Hello! Project group C-ute has just opened up their own official Facebook page!

The page has already received over two thousand “likes” from fans around the world since its opening just one day ago.

Much like their official YouTube channel, C-ute will be using the Facebook page to update fans on their latest activities, forward blog entries from each of the members, and post messages in English for their international fans.


source: tokyohive

Morning Musume member Niigaki Risa updated her official blog with a brand new look!

Attaching pictures of herself with black hair, the idol wrote, “Image change (*^^*) This time I had my hair color darkened (*^^*) How is it? (*?-?*)”The Momusu member had previously been sporting a light brown, but has now switched to a more natural black.


Fans commented, “Dark hair suits you,” “I think I like black hair on you the best,” and “So cute!”





source: tokyohive

These days, you can’t go anywhere in Japan without encountering AKB48. Out of all the idol groups, the members of AKB48 are the ones who work the most.

Up until now, the member’s salaries have been a secret that the media hasn’t looked into. However, ‘YUCASEE MEDIA‘ has done some research and created an estimate of the girl’s annual income, in addition to compiling a ranking of the top five earners.


So, which AKB48 member earned the highest annual figures? The ranking is as follows:

AKB48 Yearly Income Ranking

1. Maeda Atsuko (19) – 20 million yen ( approx. $243,000 USD)

1. Shinoda Mariko (24) – 20 million yen (approx. $243,000 USD)

3. Oshima Yuko (21) – 18 million yen (approx. $218,730 USD)

4. Kojima Haruna (22) – 16 million yen (approx. $194,426 USD)

4. Itano Tomomi (19) – 16 million yen (approx. $194,426 USD)

(Please remember that these are only estimates done by YUCASEE MEDIA).


source: tokyohive

Akanishi Jin’s (26) little brother Fuuta (23) has been picked up to play the lead role of d’Artagnan in “The Three Musketeers” musical at Nissei Theater.

Fuuta wanted to follow in his brother’s footsteps, and so he entered the entertainment industry at 16 years old. Unfortunately, he wasn’t given much of a chance until three years ago, when Fuuta debuted in the play “Hikoukigumo” (“Vapor Trail”). He also landed a small role in the 2010 movie, “Sakuradamon-gai no Hen”.


Fuuta’s determination to follow through with his dream eventually drove him to audition for “The Three Musketeers”. He sought a role as a member of the ensemble, but his movements and singing skills caught the eyes of the directors, and he was awarded the lead role.

Reflecting over his casting reaction, Fuuta expressed, “I was so surprised. I’m going to do my very best at singing, dancing and sword fight training. I want this to be a great performance.”

It was revealed that his brother, Jin, has also gone to support him at the theatre. Fuuta explained, “When I had the role of being a member of a kamikaze squad for a play. Jin told me, “Everyone cried!”. In our private lives we’re really close,and it’s reassuring to enter the same world of show business that my big brother is in”.

Fuuta has always been a fan of Hollywood movies, and wanted to become an actor. With Jin advancing to the States, it inspired Fuuta to expound on his own dreams. “I want to do a movie sometime in the future, and not just in Japan – I want to try and do it in Hollywood. My English isn’t as good as my brother’s, but I’m studying”.

Fuuta will be co-starring with Sato Hiromichi and Hoshina Yuri, and his play will begin sometime in July.


source: tokyohive

Rumors are spreading that Goto Maki’s younger brother, Goto Yuki, is set to debut under AV label “MUTEKI” as an AV actor. Authorized people commented, “It will be the number one special project this year”.

Yuki had his CD debut in 2000 as a member of “EE JUMP” with his partner Sonim. He became known due to the backing of his sister, Goto Maki , who was Morning Musume’s center at that time. Soon after, he began canceling his jobs last-minute and ‘FRIDAY’ even caught him at a cabaret club as a minor having a bit too much fun. Due to such issues, he finally retired from the world of show business.


In 2007, Yuki was arrested for stealing copper wire from a construction site and society was shocked as they realized the cute baby-faced boy they once knew had all but disappeared. At the end of that same year he was arrested again for assaulting a security guard at that same construction site. Yuki was later sentenced to a lengthy term in prison. In January of 2010, Yuki’s mother, Goto Takiko, passed away after falling from the third story window of her home; Yuki had to find out about this while in prison.

Goto Yuki is scheduled to be released from prison later this year and the MUTEKI staff are trying their best to recruit him for AV once he’s released.

“The MUTEKI staff has been keeping in frequent contact with Yuki to make plans. Since things are still in the middle of being discussed, we don’t know any official details. However, Yuki is also looking forward to doing this and it’s highly probable that as soon as he is released from prison they will begin shooting”. (Talk & Variety Show Editor)

“We release “good-looking actor” AV works that are geared toward women, but it’s hard to call them a success. For AV, if it doesn’t sell well, then it’s not significant. For example, if Yuki becomes a gay actor or tortures women, there are only a handful of people who would enjoy that niche. Since most of our customers are men, it’s important for us to push out works that ultimately feature women erotica. When thinking about the project’s content, wouldn’t it be important for them to emphasize that he is the splitting image of Goto Maki as much as they can?” (AV Director)

source: tokyohive

KAT-TUN’s Kamenashi Kazuya has been appointed to be a special announcer for NTV’s live coverage of baseball games for the program, “Dramatic Game 1844“!

This year, NTV will broadcast 22 of the Yomiuri Giants‘ games at the Tokyo Dome. As their special announcer, Kamenashi will appear at almost every game. He will sit in the second announcer’s position, be in charge of special segments, and lend a spirited voice for each game’s coverage.

Appearing in a video clip on this morning’s “Zoom In! Saturday“, Kamenashi showed his enthusiasm for the game by saying, “I was chosen as a supporting announcer for NTV’s baseball coverage! This year’s series is titled “Dramatic Game 1844.” The distance between the pitcher and the batter is 18.44 meters, and I hope to convey the level of tension and passion between them in a dramatic way.”

Meanwhile, KAT-TUN’s newest song “DIAMOND” will be used as the “image song” for “Dramatic Game 1844″. Two other KAT-TUN songs are currently involved in promotion: “WHITE“, which is featured on ‘Kao‘ commercials, as well as “PERFECT“, the theme song for Kamenashi’s new CFs for ‘AOKI‘.


source: tokyohive