Check out an audio preview for Nishino Kana’s new song, “Tatoe Donna Ni”!

On October 4th, singer Nishino Kana has unveiled a short audio preview of her upcoming song, “Tatoe Donna Ni“. This is her first single in six months since her previous single, “Esperanza” and is scheduled for release on November 9th.

This single has also been revealed to be written for her CM for Sony Walkman’s new project “Play You.” as their new artist. This song has been described as a love ballad that describes about a girl who does not want to deny the existence of her previous relationships.

“Tatoe Donna Ni” will be released in two versions: Limited Edition and Regular Edition. The limited version of this single will include one of three Original Stickers and an application for the first-come, first-serve live event ‘Kanayan X’mas 2011‘ to be held at Pacifico Yokohama!

Now, without further ado, check out the preview below!



source: tokyohive

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Sugawara Sayuri to release a new single this year

Singer Sugawara Sayuri announced that she is going to release a new single “Ashita ni Naru Mae ni” on December 7th.

“Ashita ni Naru Mae ni” is a wonderful love song that will perfectly fit into the Christmas season. It’s going to be Sugawara’s first single in one year and three months, and her first Christmas song since “Christmas Again” two years ago.

The title song was written by Kato Kanako, who also wrote lyrics for Jang Geun Suk’s Japanese debut “let me cry“. The second song on the single, “Basket Court“, was a collaboration with BENNIE K’s YUKI, while the third song, “ROCKSTAR“, was written by Sugawara herself.

On October 6th, Sugawara is also going to start her own regular radio show on bayfm.

source: tokyohive

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Superfly unveils PV for “Ai wo Kurae”

Superfly has finally released the PV for her upcoming single, “Ai wo Kurae“!

“Ai wo Kurae” is a rock number filled with positive energy, and serves as theme song for the upcoming movie, “Smuggler – Omae no Mirai wo Hakobe“.

The single is set for release on October 12th. In the meantime, check out the PV below!




source: tokyohive

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Mizushima Hiro becomes a woman for “Numero TOKYO” magazine

Mizushima Hiro is featured on the September 28th issue of “Numero TOKYO” as a female model.

This was a project proposed and produced by Mizushima himself, with the concept of “to transcend gender”. Mizushima can be seen in long blonde hair, wearing luxury brands.

The special project, titled “The foreigner named Mizushima Hiro“, is an 8-page spread that can be found in the 51st issue of “Numero TOKYO”. Mizushima is featured in dresses and suits from “FENDI“, “Yves Saint Laurent“, “Moschino“, and “Christian Dior“, topped off with eyeliner and lipstick. Regarding this project, Mizushima’s official website, “Hiro’s Field“, states, “Top creators gathered, and produced a new creation that detaches myself from stereotypes. This is a special project that can only be found in the international magazine, ‘Numero TOKYO’.”

Mizushima was born in Tokyo in 1984, and lived in Switzerland until graduation from elementary school. After starring in numerous dramas and movies, he left his agency in 2010. Mizushima then received the prestigious “Poplar Publishing Grand Prize for Fiction” award for his debut novel, “KAGEROU“, and in March 2011, he became the editor-in-chief for lifestyle magazine, “GLOBAL WORK“. Currently, he stars in the CM for “Mobage”, and has been writing scripts for short films.

source: tokyohive

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Angela Aki holds an in-store live at UNIQLO

On October 3rd, singer-songwriter Angela Aki held an in-store live in UNIQLO’s Ginza branch, called “UNIQLO Special Live ~ Angela Aki Waga Kokoro no Uta ~“.

Angela, who announced her pregnancy in September, revealed with a smile, “While I was singing, the baby kicked my stomach.” She also addressed the plans for her Nippon Budokan live, currently scheduled for December 26th. “I’m 8 months pregnant, so I’m consulting with my doctor. But I want to make it a powerful live with a four-handed performance on the piano,” she said.

As the new image character for the brand, Angela wore a red Merino sweater and sang the CM song, “Tsugaru-Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki“. She also sang “Hajimari no Ballad“, the theme song for the drama, “Namae wo Nakushita Megami“, and her debut song, “HOME“.

The CM song, “Tsugaru-Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki”, is a cover song of Ishikawa Sayuri’s 1977 hit song. Angela reflected upon her past and said, “My father liked this song, and he sang it to me as a lullaby, so I feel like I’ve matured with this song.” As she explained, “It’s a song I’ve always wanted to cover. I had this image that it was a song to sing with a four-handed piano performance. I made this with my own piano arrangement.”

It’s been awhile since Angela held an in-store live. She expressed, “It reminds me of the in-store lives I held nationwide when I made my debut. It’s nostalgic.” She continued, “I should have experience, but I’m nervous.”

source: tokyohive

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Arashi’s Matsumoto Jun becomes a magician for ‘Meiji Milk Chocolates’ CM

Arashi’s Matsumoto Jun has become the sweet endorsement model for Meiji Milk Chocolate, who will be celebrating their 85th anniversary this year. Matsumoto’s concept will transform him into a fresh-faced gentleman walking through a ‘chocolate world’.

To express the idea that Meiji Milk Chocolate has been a much-loved favorite for generations, Matsumoto talks to a little girl sitting on a bench. He muses, “Your mom, and your mom’s mom have eaten this same chocolate for many years“, while making a bar of chocolate magically appear in his hand. He continues, “Maybe your children will too..“, and the little girl wholeheartedly agrees, as she replies, “I’m gonna end up liking it too!“.

In order to deliver a convincing CM, Matsumoto practiced his little magic trick every chance he got. He commented, “Even if I could perform the magic trick well, I’m not sure if I can do it while saying my lines…“, but thanks to his dedication and focus, Matsumoto was able to produce a solid commercial. In fact, his magic skills impressed even the professional magician who accompanied Matsumoto on set.

Matsumoto also interacted with the little girl on set by talking to her and watching magic tricks together, which brought out a natural and cute smile from her.

This new commercial will begin airing on October 4th, but you check it out right now!



source: tokyohive

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Sakamoto Maaya to hold one-man live in December

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.


source: tokyohive

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BoA to release new single?

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.

source: tokyohive

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Mano Erina becomes ‘Kamen Rider Nadeshiko’ for “Kamen Rider” movie

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.

source: tokyohive

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Sone Yukie announces new single, “Kimi no Tonari ni”

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.


Regular Edition


Limited Edition



source: tokyohive

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More details on Piko’s 4th single + PV

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)





source: tokyohive

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Check out Matsumoto Jun’s 20 CMs for ‘Hot Pepper Beauty’

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.

Check out some of the CMs below!








source: tokyohive

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Ohashi Nozomi reveals dance video for “Panda no Yume”

Child talento Ohashi Nozomi has uploaded a dance video for her latest song, “Panda no Yume“, onto Pony Canyon’s official YouTube account!

Released on July 27th, the song is Ohashi’s second single and is the first official song for Ueno Zoo.

On August 14th, Ohashi will perform “Panda no Yume” on NHK’s “MUSIC JAPAN Natsuyasumi Kodomo Special“. She will also sing “Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori” and “Sanbyaku Rokuju Goho no March” with Ashida Mana, Suzuki Fuku, and SMAP’s Katori Shingo.

Check out the video below!



source: tokyohive

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Dream Morning Musume’s Kusumi Koharu to make her runway debut in September

Dream Morning Musume member Kusumi Koharu is set to make her runway debut this September!

Kusumi will be a guest model at KOBE COLLECTION 2011 AUTUMN/WINTER, which will take place on September 4th in Kobe and September 17th in Tokyo. Unfortunately, Kusumi will only be showing her charms at the event in Kobe.

The ‘KOBE COLLECTION 2011 AUTUMN/WINTER’ event is one of the biggest fashion shows in Japan, and will feature a variety of domestic and international brands.

source: tokyohive

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Hey! Say! JUMP apologizes for their member’s smoking scandal

On August 7th, popular idol group Hey! Say! JUMP made an appearance at the Tokyo Dome City Hall for their “SUMMARY 2011” show. Prior to their show, however, the nine members of the group held a press conference to apologize for Morimoto Ryutaro’s recent smoking scandal. Morimoto, whose entertainment activities have been temporarily suspended, was named as ‘Member A‘ in Japanese media reports due to his status as a minor – he is 16 years old.

The remaining Hey! Say! JUMP members apologized by saying, “We want to apologize for breaking our fans’ dreams. We are reflecting on what happened deeply“.

This is the first time that the remaining nine members of Hey! Say! JUMP made a group appearance in front of the press after the scandal was revealed back in June. An incriminating photo was published in a weekly magazine, and after confirming that it did indeed show a member of Hey! Say! JUMP, their agency Johnny’s Entertainment put a hold on his activities.

Eldest member Yabu Kota quietly said, “Although it is sudden, we’d like to take the time to apologize. Recently, one of our members was caught smoking while still being a minor and has caused trouble to many people. We’d like to apologize for causing trouble for everyone, and for worrying our fans.” With these heavy words, the members all bowed deeply.

Yabu continued, “Right now, I am sure that he is reflecting deeply on the importance of meeting the fans and being able to work“. Remarking that he also talked to Morimoto on the phone recently, Yabu revealed, “He told me that he’ll ‘concentrate on [his] studies’ so I told him that I wanted him to work hard on whatever he can do right now.”

Throughout the press conference, Hey! Say! JUMP bowed in apology four times. Yabu once again expressed, “We’re supported by so many fans, and we’ve been active with the goal of giving everyone a dream. We would like to apologize for breaking that dream.”

Johnny Kitagawa also remarked, “He has to atone for his mistake by accepting this punishment“, and did not comment on Morimoto’s further activities or plans.

Right now, Hey! Say! JUMP is working hard with the nine remaining members they have. With their new show, ‘SUMMARY’ they showed a much more powerful and exciting stage than they did last year, flying freely around the audience and showing a variety of acrobatic stunts, one for which they had to endure two months of tough training.

Hey! Say! JUMP has added performances in Osaka Kyocera Dome and another in Tokyo Dome for September. The nine members commented, “We want to work hard to regain everyone’s trust and grow one step at a time“.

source: tokyohive

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Check out the audio + PV preview for Matsushita Yuya’s “SUPER DRIVE”!

The full audio and PV preview for Matsushita Yuya’s 9th single, “SUPER DRIVE”, has been revealed!

This track has an amazing beat that will really want to make you bust out some moves while listening to it. In fact, that’s just what Yuya delivers in his PV, which sees some hot choreography and graphics!

Don’t forget to purchase the single on August 24th and check out its coupling tracks: “ROCK WITH YOU (Michael Jackson Cover)”, “Hot Girl!!”, and “Lonely Rain”.





source: tokyohive

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Matsushita Yuya reveals full PV for “Super Drive”

After two quick releases today for his latest single, “Super Drive“, Matsushita Yuya is back with his full PV!

As promised in the teaser, “Super Drive” is a bass-thumping track with an aggressive choreography to match. Yuya plays up the part of a heartthrob perfectly, dressed in a sharp suit while being surrounded by the ladies.

Check out his super hot PV below!



source : tokyohive

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GIRL NEXT DOOR releases short version of “Dada Para!!”!

It was only a day ago that avex trax released the dance version of “Dada Para!!” by GIRL NEXT DOOR.

This short version of the music video is exactly how the group members described the song as “a song that will liven things up.” The music video shows the members partying with friends and having a good time.


The song is the group’s next single due out September 7th.

Check out the short version of “Dada Para!!” below!



source: tokyohive

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Horikita Maki travels to Jakarta to help children in need

Actress Horikita Maki recently visited Jakarta, Indonesia to film a special report for NTV’s upcoming “24 Hour Television 34 ~Ai wa Chikyu wo Sukuu~” special.

Last month, Horikita was announced as one of the charity personalities for the program, where she would join other Japanese volunteers to help children in need.

One of their projects included a “mobile library”, in which they visited children in various locations and let them enjoy Japanese picture books that have been specially translated into Indonesian.

Being the bookworm that she is, Horikita enjoyed helping the mobile library a lot and even tried to read the books outloud in Indonesian for the children on her final day. She also helped out during a puppet show, played some basketball with the children, and taught them origami as well.

Horikita commented, “I was able to see the reality of those children with my own eyes and, in my own way, found something that I, as an adult, could do for those children. It was very touching to see their smiles. I want everyone to see the people from our country who organized this ‘mobile library’, and the innocence of those children when they are gazing at the picture books.”

“24 Hour Television 34″ will air on NTV on August 20th and 21st.

source: tokyohive

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Morning Musume’s Ikuta Erina cuts her hair short!

On July 31st, Morning Musume’s Michishige Sayumi announced through her official blog that fellow member Ikuta Erina had cropped her hair.

There were two entries regarding the haircut – “Question” and “Answer“. In the “Question” post, Michishige uploaded a photo of someone’s head from the back, and asked her readers to guess their identity. Shortly after, she revealed through the “Answer” entry that, “It’s Ikuta Erina~“.

She added, “She cut her hair short! I can’t recognize her by seeing the back of her head anymore. It’s a strange feeling~ But it’s cute and suits her well!”

Michishige’s blog readers responded with, “Cute~ Looks good!“, “Is it an image change? It suits you well“, and “It’s somewhat adult-like and glamorous!”





source: tokyohive

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