Korean group SHINee’s whisking Shawols off their feet again with the return of their smash hit “Lucifer” in Japanese, and after releasing two video teasers these past few weeks, the group has unleashed the full music video to the public!
Similar to the original, the PV features the quintet in a dark setting with CG effects and an eerie aura. Check it out below!
Singer / voice actress Sakamoto Maaya has announced that she will be holding a one-man live in December.
Titled “Sakamoto Maaya LIVE 2011 ‘in the silence’“, the live will take place at Ginga Gekijou in Tokyo from December 13th to the 18th. This live will be slightly different from the others as Sakamoto is expected to sing every song from her three concept albums, “Driving in the silence“, “Easy Listening“, and “30minutes night flight“.
Tickets will be available for purchase through Play Guide starting November 26th. Pre-order tickets will be available for those who purchase her third concept album, “Driving in the silence”, which will be released on November 9th.
Additionally, Sakamoto’s regular radio program, “Sakamoto Maaya from everywhere“, will start this month on nine JFN stations.
BoA, who recently celebrated her 10th anniversary of her Japanese debut, excited fans with a recent post concerning her upcoming plans.
Earlier today, BoA tweeted, “Many ppl asking me when I’m gonna release my next single in Japan… I’m preparing my single now.. So you’ll be able to listen to it soon!” Within moments of her tweet, hundreds of eager fans bombarded the pop star with encouragement, showing everyone’s continued interest in her music.
BoA hasn’t released a new single since “Woo Weekend” in July 2010 (though she did release the digital single, “I See Me” as a promotional song for Audio Technica headphones on December 6th, 2010).
BoA has been sorely missed lately, it will be great to hear new music from her.
Hello! Project’s Mano Erina will be making a guest appearance in the movie, “Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Fourze MOVIE Taisen MEGA MAX“!
Mano will play the role of the female Kamen Rider, “Kamen Rider Nadeshiko“, named after Japan’s world-famous women’s national soccer team, “Nadeshiko Japan”. She will tag-team with Kamen Rider Fourze to battle against their enemies.
“Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Fourze MOVIE Taisen MEGA MAX” is the latest movie from the “Kamen Rider” and “MOVIE Taisen” series, and will feature appearances by both Kamen Rider Fourze and Kamen Rider Ozu/OOO. The story begins at Amanogawa High School, where a mysterious high school student (Mano) suddenly falls from the sky. The main character, ‘Kisaragi Gentaro’ (played by Fukushi Souta), just barely catches her, but finds that she isn’t able to speak very well.
Gentaro discovers that her name is ‘Misaki Nadeshiko’, and falls in love with her immediately. While all this is happening, the Zodiarts attack a student at the school, and Gentaro transforms into Kamen Rider Fourze for battle. Then, Nadeshiko takes out a transformation item that looks like the Fourze Driver, and transforms into Kamen Rider Nadeshiko. As she calls out, “Earth, I’m here,” she joins Fourze in the battle.
The “Kamen Rider” series has featured appearances by female Kamen Riders in the past. In “Kamen Rider Ryuki“, actress Kato Natsuki played Kamen Rider Femme, and in “Kamen Rider Blade“, actress Mitsuya Yoko served as Kamen Rider Larc.
“Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Fourze MOVIE Taisen MEGA MAX” is scheduled to hit theatres on December 10th.
Last month singer Piko announced that he is releasing his fourth major single on October 5th. Back then the title of that single was unknown, but it’s been found out that the title track is called “Yume Hana“.
It will come with three different tracks plus 3 instrumentals. The limited edition will come with a DVD that includes two music videos and a live clip from his show at Osaka BIG CAT on June 10th.
Regular Edition < CD > 1. Yume Hana 2. Immoral 3. Kodoku no Hate 4. Yume Hana (Instrumental) 5. Immoral (Instrumental) 6. Kodoku no Hate (Instrumental)
Limited Edition < DVD > 1. Nisoku Hokou -music video- 2. Kodoku no Tiara -music video- 3. Sakurane (2011.6.10 Osaka BIG CAT)
Singer Sone Yukie has announced that she will release a new single on November 9th titled, “Kimi no Tonari ni“.
The song will be the ending theme song to TV Tokyo drama “Koko ga Uwasa no Elpalacio“. The song is said to be about persuading a woman’s mentality on love, a painful love song that women can understand. Sone said that if listening to a love song can develop a bond between girls then she’ll be happy, even if it’s only one person that feels the same way she’ll be happy.
The single will be part of a promotional campaign “Can I sing at your school?”. Sone will perform a live at one school somewhere in Japan. Teachers and students are encouraged to apply now.
Sone is also celebrating her 1st year anniversary on October 6th and will perform at “Koi Bana Koi Uta” at the YM Square in Harajuku. She will also participate in a love talk show with comedian Kaneda Satoshi.
Arashi’s Matsumoto Jun is the new image character for hair/aesthetics salon, “Hot Pepper Beauty“.
Jun filmed 20 different commercials for his endorsement, where he looks straight into the camera as if he were talking to ‘you’ directly, and complimenting you on your hair and nails.
On August 21st, the final audition for AKB48’s rival group, Nogizaka46, was held at the SME Nogizaka Building.
Out of 38,934 applicants, 56 girls made it to the final audition. After a practical examination and interview, 36 girls were chosen as starting members with an average age of 16.3. Akimoto explained, “I considered the balance of the group.” Out of the 36 members, there was a surprise selection of 16 temporary senbatsu members.
The 36 members of Nogizaka46 are: Akimoto Manatsu (18), Asou Ririko (16), Andou Mikumo (18), Ikuta Erika (14), Ikoma Rina (15), Ichiki Rena (15), Ito Nene (15), Ito Marika (15), Inoue Sayuri (16), Iwase Yumiko (21), Eto Misa (18), Kashiwa Yukina (17), Kawai Hina (13), Kawamura Mahiro (16), Saito Asuka (13), Saito Chiharu (14), Saito Yuuri (18), Sakurai Reika (17), Shiraishi Mai (19), Takayama Kazumi (17), Nakada Kana (17), Nakamoto Himeka (15), Nagashima Seira (17), Nishino Nanase (17), Hashimoto Nanami (18), Hatanaka Seira (15), Higuchi Hina (13), Fukagawa Mai (20), Hoshino Minami (13), Matsumura Sayuri (19), Miyazawa Seira (18), Yamato Rina (16), Yamamoto Honoka (13), Yoshimoto Ayaka (15), Wakatsuki Yumi (17), and Wada Maaya (13).
Meanwhile the 16 temporary senbatsu members are: Akimoto Manatsu, Ikuta Erika, Ikoma Rina, Ichiki Rena, Sakurai Reika, Shiraishi Mai, Takayama Kazumi, Nakada Kana, Hashimoto Nanami, Hatanaka Seira, Hoshino Minami, Matsumura Sayuri, Miyazawa Seira, Yamato Rina, Yoshimoto Ayaka, and Wada Maaya.
Akimoto says Ikuta Erika from Tokyo has the same presence as Maeda Atsuko before she made her debut six years ago. Meanwhile, Osaka native Matsumura Sayuri declared, “I love movies and anime. I definitely won’t lose to Mayuyu-san (Watanabe Mayu) who share the same interest as me.”
Regarding Yoshimoto Ayaka from Kumamoto, Akimoto commented, “She is unpredictable and she seems to have room for growth.” Yoshimoto shared her joy saying, “My rival is Itano Tomomi-san. Right now, I can only say that I’m happy.”
“If their positions are decided from the beginning, they will have a better sense of awareness,” Akimoto said, explaining the selection of the senbatsu members. He aims for the Nogizaka46 to become a group “without their own theatre“, unlike AKB48, who are “idols that fans can go and meet“.
The new senbatsu members will be announced at the end of the first half of their periodic performances. During the second half, the chosen members will take their new positions. Akimoto stated, “It’s like holding AKB48’s yearly election everyday. They will become a group that will reflect upon the fans’ voices.”
Nogizaki46 are already scheduled to appear on a variety show that will start in October. They also plan to release a CD and hold a nationwide performance before the year ends. Akimoto declared, “They will do things that AKB48 cannot do“.
On the August 21st, SDN48 held an event at Yomiuri Land for their third single, “MIN MIN MIN”.
The members wore sexy outfits and performed seven songs including “Everyday, Kachuusha (SDN48 Ver.)”. The last song was “Kodoku na Runner”, which all 39 members performed enthusiastically. Despite the light rain, 2,500 fans showed up at the event to watch them perform.
When asked about AKB48’s official rivals Nogizaka46, Serina (26) answered, “We’ve been around for two years and that keeps adding up. So, they shouldn’t be able to pass us. We don’t want to lose to them.”
SDN48’s youngest member Fukuda Akane (21) thanked their fans, “Today is a precious day since all 39 of us could gather. Hearing our fans’ cheers throughout the songs was amazing. I’m grateful to be part of the SDN group”.
SDN48 is in charge of the “sexy” concept among the AKB48 groups and their latest single is currently being used in a CM for the adult beverage “Minmin Daha”.
The girls of KARA have been chosen as the faces for the Japanese campaign of a popular Korean vinegar drink called ‘Honcho‘. On August 19th, they appeared at an event to reveal details about their new commercial.
KARA, who are said to be fans of this drink, will portray the concept of ‘Beautiful Body Show‘, in which they emphasize their killer figure. Together they say, “Drink ‘Honcho’ and have a nice body. Everybody, let’s become pretty together!”
The new commercial, titled “Beautiful Body“, will have the KARA members moving in such a way that they show off their beautiful body lines. While they’re known for being quite cute, KARA will be showing off a mature sexiness that they’ve yet to show their fans.
During the event, they also introduced fun tips of enjoying their drink in different ways. One recipe recommended adding the ‘Honcho’ drink to soda. Goo Hara commented, “It’s perfect for summer. It’s good for when it’s hot as well as for dieting.”
The PV for idol group SUPER☆GiRLS‘ new single, “Joshiryoku←Paradise“, has been uploaded onto avex’s official YouTube channel!
The music video follows a story of 12 girls who attend “Sekai Joshiryoku Kaigi (World ‘Girls Power’ Meeting)“, and they’re outfitted in 12 different ways. SUPER☆GiRLS’ individual cosplaying and aggressive dance scenes are said to be the highlights of the video.
Additionally, on September 28th, SUPER☆GiRLS will release their first live DVD, “First Concert ~Chouzetsu Shoujo ga Tomannai!~“. This DVD will feature the concert that was held at SHIBUYA-AX on December 21st of last year.
“Joshiryoku←Paradise” is set to be released on October 5th.
EXILE has finally revealed a short PV to their Great Tohoku Earthquake charity song, “Rising Sun”. All proceeds from the song will be donated to the Red Cross of Japan. A message from ATSUSHI can be heard in the lyrics, encouraging people to never give up hope and to keep progressing towards the light.
This track will give courage and warm the hearts of anyone who listens to it.
On August 15th, Arashi’s Sakurai Sho (29) attended a pre-screening for his new movie, “Kamisama no Karute” and invited 130 nurses as special guests. At this event, he also talked to Nohara Shigeaki (99), the board chairman of St. Luke’s International Hospital, a general hospital located in Tokyo.
Sakurai, who played a doctor in this movie, stated, “I have come to understand that there is a deep bond between the doctor and the patient.” Responding to Sakurai’s insight, Nohara said, “Your acting was splendid,” and gave his stamp of approval.
Actress Mori Mitsuko, who is an acquaintance of both Sakurai and Nohara’s, gave sunflowers as a surprise present. In the language of flowers, a sunflower carries the meaning of “getting along”.
Furthermore, it was announced that on September 9th at 6:55 PM, NHK will broadcast a special program called, “Sakurai Sho no ‘Ima Soko ni Iru Hitobito’ ‘Inochi no Genba’“(The People Who are Here Now ‘The Scene of Life’), which will show Sakurai’s close report on the medical scene.
“Kamisama no Karute” will be released in theaters on August 27th.
Sandara Park releases an angelic CF for “Nikon”
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Nikon Imaging Korea has just released a jaw-dropping commercial with 2NE1‘s
Sandara Park.
The idol shed her quirky style and emerged as a gorgeous woman w...