Supernova reveals full PV for “Kuriunnare – Kimi ni Aitakute”!

Korean boy band Choshinsei (Supernova) has revealed their full promotion video for their upcoming single, “Kuriunnare – Kimi ni Aitakute!”

As tokyohive reported to you previously, this music video features scenes from Universal Music Japan’s movie “Run 60.” This is the third installment in the series and there are two more music videos scheduled to be released soon.


Be sure to check out the music video below!



source: tokyohive

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Preview Itano Tomomi’s “Ai ni Pierce” in the making of her Ito Yokado CM

The making-of video for Itano Tomomi’s upcoming CM for Ito Yokado has been revealed!

The video takes fans behind the scenes of her latest endorsement, where she cutely dances with rain gear to her new digital single “Ai ni Pierce“. Talent Haruna Ai also learns that prior to her debut as an idol, the popular AKB48 member once served as a back-up dancer for EXILE when they appeared on Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2003.


Check out the video below!



source: tokyohive

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TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE release PVs for “Kodou no Himitsu” & “Sayonara, Arigatou”!

Avex idol group TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE will release their 6th single, “Kodou no Himitsu/Sayonara, Arigatou.“, on May 18th.

The group was formed in 2010 and were the opening act for AAA on their “AAA Heart to Heart Tour 2010“. They released their debut album, “Kodou no Himitsu“, on May 4th. It has 11 tracks, including “Sayonara, Arigatou” but not “Kodou no Himitsu”.


TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE are Ayano Konishi, Miyu Yamabe, Hitomi Arai, Yuri Nakae, and Mei Shyoji.

Check out their new PVs below!





source: tokyohive

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Listen to a radio rip of UVERworld’s new song, “Hakuchuumu”!

A radio rip of UVERworld’s new song “Hakuchuumu” has been leaked!

“Hakuchuumu” starts out with a laid-back atmosphere and steady beat before launching into the powerful chorus. The song is just one of several new songs on the band’s new album “LIFE 6 SENSE“, which is slated for a release on June 1st.


Check out the song below!


　 by yukimusicbox

source: tokyohive

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Check out a radio rip of Berryz Koubou’s new song, “Ai no Dangan”!

Fans who were left feeling a little bereft after seeing the preview of Berryz Koubou’s upcoming PV received a jolt of happiness after a full radio rip of their new song, “Ai no Dangan“, was revealed.

“Ai no Dangan” is a bittersweet pop song with a rock tinge, and will appear as the A-side of their new single when it gets released on June 8th.


Without further ado, check out the full song below!



source: tokyohive

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Listen to a radio rip of Morning Musume’s new song, “Only You”!

A radio rip of Morning Musume’s upcoming song, “Only You“, has been revealed!

“Only You” is the group’s 46th single, and it’s a mature pop song with a cool dance beat. a


Although the single will drop on June 15th, you can sample what it has to offer through this radio rip below!




source: tokyohive

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AKB48 reveals PV teaser for “Kore Kara Wonderland”!

AKB48’s official YouTube channel has just revealed a PV teaser for “Kore Kara Wonderland“, which is the B-side off of AKB48’s “Everyday, Kachuusha” single.

Remember how you guys commented that the song had a retro feel to it? Well now you have somewhat of a retro themed video to match!


Check it out below!



source: tokyohive

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AKB48 teams up with Japanese Red Cross for special CM

When Japan was rocked by the Great Tohoku Earthquake on March 11th, the Japanese Red Cross jumped right in to kick-start relief efforts. To continue bringing in support for their efforts, the organization reached out to Japan’s top idols, AKB48.

Members Watanabe Mayu, Oshima Yuko, Minami Takahashi, and Maeda Atsuko were featured in the Red Cross’ new CM, which highlighted some of the things the Red Cross did for the disaster victims. AKB48 also contributed Team K’s new song, “Boku ni Dekiru Koto“, which is said to be included in the group’s new album, “Koko ni Ita Koto“.


Since the album won’t be dropped until June 8th, you can get a sample of “Boku ni Dekiru Koto” below!



source: tokyohive

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AKB48 teams up with Japanese Red Cross for special CM

When Japan was rocked by the Great Tohoku Earthquake on March 11th, the Japanese Red Cross jumped right in to kick-start relief efforts. To continue bringing in support for their efforts, the organization reached out to Japan’s top idols, AKB48.

Members Watanabe Mayu, Oshima Yuko, Minami Takahashi, and Maeda Atsuko were featured in the Red Cross’ new CM, which highlighted some of the things the Red Cross did for the disaster victims. AKB48 also contributed Team K’s new song, “Boku ni Dekiru Koto“, which is said to be included in the group’s new album, “Koko ni Ita Koto“.


Since the album won’t be dropped until June 8th, you can get a sample of “Boku ni Dekiru Koto” below!



source: tokyohive

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Aoyama Thelma releases PV teaser for “WITHOUT U” featuring 4minute!

recently covered the release of a new single by Aoyama Thelma, which would feature the vocals of Korean girl group 4minute.

Just recently, the PV teaser for the track – “WITHOUT U” – was revealed!

“WITHOUT U” will be released as Aoyama Thelma’s 13th single on May 25th, and will carry a total of three new tracks.


Check out the teaser below!



source: tokyohive

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aiko and Wakadanna performed their latest tracks on the music show “Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ” on May 9th.

As tokyohive recently covered, aiko performed “Koi no Super Ball“, and Wakadanna broke out “Mamoru Beki Mono“.


Check out the performances below!

aiko will also appear on Music Station on May 13th and CDTV on May 14th.



source: tokyohive

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AKB48’s Takahashi Minami performs duet with Tokunaga Hideaki on “Shin Domoto Kyoudai”!

On May 8th, AKB48’s Takahashi Minami performed a duet with Tokunaga Hideaki on Fuji TV’s “Shin Domoto Kyoudai“.

The pair performed a rendition of the song, “Sekaijuu no Dare yori Kitto“.

Check it out below!



source: tokyohive

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Kis-My-Ft2 postpones their CD debut + announces

It’s been announced that seven member group Kis-My-Ft2’s CD debut would be in this summer, possibly in July. This announcement was made on May 9th at a live show, “Minna Crea ni Kite Kurie 2011”, in which two of the members, Kitayama Hiromitsu and Fujigaya Taisuke, made appearances.

At first, Kis-My-Ft2’s CD debut was planned to happen in May, however, it was postponed to this summer (some time at end of July ~ beginning of August) because of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The lyrics and tune of their debut song was also changed to something bright, and Kitayama revealed that it will be a cheerful song that can give hopes to everyone. He also mentioned that there is a plan to hold a big event coincides with their CD debut.

It was also announced that Kis-My-Ft2 will hold nationwide tour starting on July 9th, and they will make stops at 6 locations, though it has not decided total how many stages there will be during the tour. Fujigaya said, “We are standing on the start line, and looking for a new dream. I would like to challenge to hold concert abroad.”

We will report for more details when it’s revealed.

source: tokyohive

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Idol group PASSPO debuts at the top of the Oricon charts

Idol group PASSPO made their major label debut with their single “Shoujo Hikou” on May 4th, taking the top spot on the single ranking chart.

According to the Oricon Single Ranking chart for May 16th, “Shoujo Hikou” has sold 43,000 units since its release less than a week ago, placing the cabin attendant-themed group at the top of the weekly chart. This marks the first time that a female idol group has taken first place on the charts with their debut single since pop duo Kiroro released “Nagai Aida” in 1998 – over thirteen years ago.


“I’m so happy that we had such a nice takeoff,” said captain Negishi Ai about the group’s success. “We’re truly grateful to our passengers (fans). From now on, we’ll do our best to not forget our rookie attitudes as we hold onto our aspirations and ride this updraft.”

Congratulations to PASSPO on their achievement!

source: tokyohive

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Arashi set to release live DVD + new album, “Beautiful World”

According to Japanese online music shop Shinseido, popular idol group Arashi will be releasing a new album and DVD this summer.

The new album is titled “Beautiful World” and is set to release on July 6th. The first press will come with a special booklet and an alternate jacket, and according to Shinseido, it will have seven new songs plus solo songs.


Before the single, they will release a live DVD titled, “ARASHI 10-11 TOUR ‘Scene’ ~Kimi to Boku no Miteiru Fukei~ DOME“. The concert is recorded from their performance at Fukuoka Yahoo! JAPAN Dome on January 19, 2011. It will release on June 15th and the first press will have a premium package, page live photobook, and an alternative jacket. The normal edition will include solo interviews and a music video.

Check out the DVD tracklist below!

===

< DVD Track List >
movin’　on
LφVE RAINBOW
Troublemaker
Attack it!
Everything
T.A.B.O.O (Sakurai Solo)
let me down
Mada Ue wo
kagerou
Oh Yeah!
Shizuka na Yoru ni (Ohno Solo)
1992*4#111(Ninomiya Solo)
CARNIVAL NIGHT part2
One Love
Hadashi no Mirai
Fight Song
YUKAI TSUKAI KAIBUTSUKUN
Don’t Stop
Refrain
Dear Snow
Time Capsule
Come back to me (Matsumoto Solo)
Magical Song (Aiba Solo)
PIKA★★NCHI　DOUBLE
Love so sweet
Kotboba yori Taisetsuna mono
Believe
Circus
Monster
To be free
Sora Tataku
Summer Splash!
Kitto Daijobu
Happiness
My Girl
Hatenai Sora
Sakura Sake
Still…

source: tokyohive

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Amuro Namie shines near the top of world music chart

Japan’s self-proclaimed “Queen of Hip-Pop” Amuro Namie has got her work cut out for her with the release of her newest album, “Checkmate!“. The collaboration album (which features artists like Korean group After School and other Japanese artists like Yamashita Tomohisa, AI, Tsuchiya Anna, and many more) was originally scheduled for release in March, but was postponed out of respect for recovery efforts in Japan.

Despite the inevitable postponement, fans flocked in droves to support the pop star; “Checkmate!” rocketed to the top spot on the Oricon charts, selling nearly 253,000 copies in its first week alone.

However, the greatest success for some fans was the appearance of Amuro on the United World Chart for the 19th week of 2011, where the singer held the #2 position with a solid lead of more than 100,000 copies. Many were surprised to learn that she bested the Foo Fighters, who were at #3. Meanwhile, the #1 spot was claimed by world vocalist sensation, Adele, who nudged ahead by 50,000 copies.

As Amuro enters into her 20th career year in 2012, she continues to garner attention from all over the world. Her appearance on the world charts is a testament to her maintained popularity over the years.





source: tokyohive

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Arashi set to release live DVD + new album, “Beautiful World”

According to Japanese online music shop Shinseido, popular idol group Arashi will be releasing a new album and DVD this summer.

The new album is titled “Beautiful World” and is set to release on July 6th. The first press will come with a special booklet and an alternate jacket, and according to Shinseido, it will have seven new songs plus solo songs.


Before the single, they will release a live DVD titled, “ARASHI 10-11 TOUR ‘Scene’ ~Kimi to Boku no Miteiru Fukei~ DOME“. The concert is recorded from their performance at Fukuoka Yahoo! JAPAN Dome on January 19, 2011. It will release on June 15th and the first press will have a premium package, page live photobook, and an alternative jacket. The normal edition will include solo interviews and a music video.

Check out the DVD tracklist below!

===

< DVD Track List >
movin’　on
LφVE RAINBOW
Troublemaker
Attack it!
Everything
T.A.B.O.O (Sakurai Solo)
let me down
Mada Ue wo
kagerou
Oh Yeah!
Shizuka na Yoru ni (Ohno Solo)
1992*4#111(Ninomiya Solo)
CARNIVAL NIGHT part2
One Love
Hadashi no Mirai
Fight Song
YUKAI TSUKAI KAIBUTSUKUN
Don’t Stop
Refrain
Dear Snow
Time Capsule
Come back to me (Matsumoto Solo)
Magical Song (Aiba Solo)
PIKA★★NCHI　DOUBLE
Love so sweet
Kotboba yori Taisetsuna mono
Believe
Circus
Monster
To be free
Sora Tataku
Summer Splash!
Kitto Daijobu
Happiness
My Girl
Hatenai Sora
Sakura Sake
Still…

source: tokyohive


Celebrities, Entertainment, Music,



****************************


Yamapi takes it off at his Tokyo concert!




Yamashita Tomohisa (26) of popular group NEWS held another solo concert at the Yoyogi Gymnasium in Tokyo on May 8th. With more than 13,000 fans in attendance, he sent out a call to the devastated areas of Japan: “Don’t give up, Japan!”

The Tokyo concert was one in a string of shows for Yamashita’s solo Asian tour, which began in January. Beginning May 7th, he was to hold a total of 6 shows over 4 days in the same location. The Tokyo concerts were originally scheduled to be the final stop on the tour, but due to the massive earthquake, the late March concerts in Sapporo and Taiwan were rescheduled for later this month. “It was hard to make the decision, but I’m glad that I could reschedule the concerts. I want to make the fans happy”, he explained.


Meanwhile, during his May 8th concert, Tokyo was over 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Due to the energy-saving measures imposed in concerts these days, the air conditioning was turned off. Sweating in the stuffy auditorium, Yamashita remarked, “It’s hot today…!”. The temperature in the room turned up even more after a fan asked a daring question during the Q&A session with fans. One girl asked him, “What color panties do you like on a girl?” In response to the daring question, he cheekily answered, “How should I answer this question?…Any color is okay!”.

Check out the news coverage of the concert, including a video of the embarrassing question, below!




source: tokyohive

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BUBKA’s rankings of the most-loved and most-despised women of 2011

It’s that time of the year again when the monthly magazine and tabloid “BUBKA” releases the results of their infamous questionnaires, where their readers are able to pick the female talents of 2011 they like and hate the most.

In addition to those two main rankings, the magazine also asked which woman had the biggest breakthrough in 2011.

Check out the various rankings below and tell us your own choices in the comments!


The Most-Loved Women of 2011

01 – 319 votes – Ayase Haruka
02 – 286 votes – Sasaki Nozomi
03 – 261 votes – Maeda Atsuko (AKB48)
04 – 245 votes – Itano Tomomi (AKB48)
05 – 238 votes – Shinoda Mariko (AKB48)
06 – 197 votes – Hara Mikie
07 – 165 votes – Kitagawa Keiko
08 – 136 votes – Horikita Maki
09 – 124 votes – Oshima Yuko (AKB48)
10 – 113 votes – Aragaki Yui
11 – 104 votes – Takei Emi
12 – 96 votes – Fukada Kyoko
13 – 88 votes – Ueto Aya
14 – 76 votes – Yamamoto Azusa
15 – 62 votes – Yuuka
16 – 60 votes – Watanabe Mayu (AKB48)
17 – 53 votes – Naka Riisa
18 – 46 votes – Kichise Michiko
19 – 41 votes – Kashiwagi Yuki (AKB48)
20 – 34 votes – Suzuki Airi (°C-ute)

Many people who voted for Ayase Haruka this year commented the same things as usual: “I love her round eyes as well as the gentle and soothing feeling she is giving off”, “It’s rare to see someone with such an untainted nature among her peers. We have to protect her”, and “She has such a kind personality.”

Runner-up Sasaki Nozomi manged to improve by one rank compared to last year. Thanks to her great looks and style, she is the role-model for many young woman and girls. AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko came in third, ranking the highest among the countless of AKB48 girls that invaded the ranking this year again.

Last year’s third place, Ueto Aya, unfortunately dropped down the 13th place – the effect of her harmonious relationship with EXILE’s HIRO? Another big loser this year was actress Nagasawa Masami. While she was able to win the crown in three consecutive years from 2007 till 2009, she only managed to come in fifth last year and even failed to enter the top 20 at all this time. The fact that she didn’t even appear in the “most-despised” ranking, that you can check out below, might indicate that people simply don’t care about her anymore.

-

The Most-Despised Women of 2011

01 – 612 votes – Sawajiri Erika
02 – 189 votes – Saeko
03 – 166 votes – Komukai Minako
04 – 145 votes – Ueno Juri
05 – 142 votes – Becky
06 – 113 votes – Okamoto Mari
07 – 92 votes – Itano Tomomi (AKB48)
08 – 90 votes – Ueto Aya
09 – 82 votes – Ogura Yuko
10 – 77 votes – Toda Erika
11 – 72 votes – Yoshitaka Yuriko
12 – 61 votes – Hoshino Aki
13 – 53 votes – Kinoshita Yukina
14 – 45 votes – Michishige Sayumi (Morning Musume)
15 – 41 votes – Hirosue Ryoko

It is Sawajiri Erika’s third year in a row to win in this category.


The Women with the Biggest Breakthrough in 2011

01 – 588 votes – Takei Emi
02 – 125 votes – Ohno Ito
03 – 95 votes – Omasa Aya
04 – 76 votes – Yoshiki Risa
05 – 64 votes – Itano Tomomi (AKB48)
06 – 55 votes – Koike Yui (Tomato n’Pine)
07 – 49 votes – Yokoyama Yui (AKB48)
08 – 43 votes – Kawaguchi Haruna
09 – 41 votes – Matsui Jurina (SKE48)
10 – 38 votes – Sakuraba Nanami
11 – 32 votes – Takimoto Miori
12 – 30 votes – Matsui Rena (SKE48)
13 – 28 votes – Fukuhara Haruka
14 – 22 votes – Kikkawa Yuu
15 – 21 votes – Morita Suzuka (Idoling!!!)

source: tokyohive


Celebrities, Entertainment,



********************************
Shirota Yu wants to collaborate with Utada Hikaru



On May 7th, actor Shirota Yu, who recently debuted as a singer under the artist name U, performed at a release event for his debut single “U” in Kawasaki city.

The actor/singer commented, “I’ve wanted to sing since I was 13, and my dream came true after 12 years.”

He performed 3 tracks to an audience of 5000, including the single’s title track and a Spanish song called “Cuando se ama“.


“U” is being used as the theme song for Shirota’s starring drama “Yotsuba Jinja Ura Kagyo Shitsuren Hoken~Kokuraseya“, but he said “I don’t want people think lightly that I sang the theme song because I’m the starring actor.”

When asked who he respected as an artist, Shirota named Utada Hikaru, and stated “I’ve always liked (her). Her outstanding vocal ability and the world view of her lyrics. It’s inappropriate for me to say she’s like me, but I like her lyrics, and I like her melody and arrangement as well.” He added, “I want to collaborate with her one day.”

source: tokyohive

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Morning Musume announces 10th generation auditions!

The auditions for the 10th generation of Morning Musume have been announced, and submissions will be taken until June 13th, at which point the auditions will be held.


The 9th generation members were just added and they just got their first single under their belt, so opening up auditions again so quickly is somewhat of a shock.

What are your thoughts on the 10th generation process getting started so soon?


source: tokyohive

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Morning Musume’s 46th single to be released in June + karaoke collaboration

It’s been announced that Morning Musume’s new single, “Only you”, will be released on June 15th!

This will be Morning Musume’s 46th single, coming just two short months after the release of “Maji desu ka Ska!“, their first single with the new 9th generation members.


“Only You” will have four editions of the single, including a regular version and three limited versions which contain DVDs with different content. The limited editions and the first press of the regular edition will contain serial number cards for an event raffle. Details about the event will be announced later.


In other news, members Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Tanaka Reina, and Mitsui Aika will appear on BS-TBS’ “CollaboTV – MoMusume Uta Suki-!!” which airs on May 6th. This program was planned in collaboration with Karaoke JOYSOUND’s social media project, “Uta Suki”.

The show will feature “Uta Suki Douga”, where the Morning Musume members must try out the service and show viewers how to enjoy it. The video uploaded during the show will be available on Uta Suki, and can also be viewed on any karaoke equipment that has the “CROSSO” system installed. In addition, by using the “Collabo Douga” function, you can enjoy your own collaboration with Morning Musume.

The first part of Morning Musume’s “Uta Suki Douga” collaboration will go live today, May 6th, and more will be added each month until July.


source: tokyohive

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Check out Aoyama Thelma’s song “WITHOUT U” feat. 4minute!

Over two weeks ago, tokyohive covered the announcement of a new single by Aoyama Thelma, which would feature the vocals of Korean girl group 4minute.

Just recently, the audio for the track – named “WITHOUT U” – was released!

“WITHOUT U” will be released as Aoyama Thelma’s 13th single on May 25th, and will carry a total of three new tracks.


Check out the song below!




source : tokyohive

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Takei Emi to appear in Taiga drama, “Taira no Kiyomori”

It’s been announced that actress Takei Emi will be appearing in the NHK drama “Taira no Kiyomori” as one of the leading heroines. Matsuyama Kenichi stars as the main character, and Takei will play as one of his concubines. NHK revealed their hopes of attracting younger audiences by casting an up-and-coming star.


Takei is experiencing a boost in her acting career lately, as she announced earlier this year that she’ll be taking part in “Taisetsuna koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshietekureta” starting in September. Her other drama, “Asuko March!” already began last month. She’s appeared in many CMs, but she’s expressed that she wants to do more dramas and movies.


source: tokyohive

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Happiness, Dream, and Flower perform a free live for 2,000 fans

On May 6th, the three LDH girl units - Dream, Happiness, and FLOWER – came together for a free live event called “E-Girls SHOW” at the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Water Fountain.

Though all three units performed 10 songs in front of 2,000 fans, it turned out that Dream was the center of attention.

Both male and female fans cheered for the group, and Ami (Dream) said that she was very happy to see so many people come and that they should all have fun. At the end of the live, Aya (Dream) urged that the young children not give up on their dreams, while MAYU (Happiness) advised that standing on the same stage as your rival is a good motivator.

Shizuka (Dream) concluded the segment by saying they wanted to tell everyone that they just want to be themselves they will be doing the same activities as EXILE.









source: tokyohive

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Tohoshinki (TVXQ) to release new song, “I Don’t Know”!

Pop duo Tohoshinki (TVXQ) has announced that they will be distributing a new song over Recochoku and mu-mo!


The song is titled “I Don’t Know” and will begin distribution on May 11th. For a limited time, Recochoku will be offering eight versions of the download featuring an exclusive photo of the boys as a gift for purchasing the song.

Stay tuned for more on a potential single release by Tohoshinki!



source: tokyohive

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32 talents of Les Pro Entertainment to create charity song, “Niji no Mukou e”

Les Pro Entertainment, the agency of actress Kawashima Umika and some of the members of the idol group Idoling!!!, announced on May 4th that they will be starting a music charity project called “Les Pro Happy Charity Music Division“.

32 talents, including the idol group 9nine, Kikuchi Ami and Okawa Ai of Idoling!!!, Nakamura Aoi, and Nakano Yuta will work together to release the charity song, “Niji no Mukou e“.

The project was started in order to create a song with the message, “Even when painful things happen, you are not alone! Let’s walk forward together!” The song will be written by the creator group agehasprings, who also produces the artists YUKI, Nakajma Mika, and Superfly.


“Niji no Mukou e” (or “Over the Rainbow”) will be released as a ringtone on June 15th, with the CD to follow on July 27th. All of the profits from sales will be donated to earthquake relief efforts through the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Kawashima commented, “This time, I will be participating in the ‘Les Pro Happy Charity Music Division’, and (I) am already motivated. With 9nine, I sing and dance, so I am happy that this is a music division. Above all else, through music, I want to work hard to cheer up the people listening. The recording will be happening later, and in my mind, I will be singing while thinking of the theme of ‘bond’.”

She later mentioned the collabo with the pair of Idoling!!! girls, “Another point (of interest) is the collaboration with two members of Idoling!!!. I’m looking forward to it, but at the same time, in order to not lose to the two’s immense power, I think 9nine will have to work hard! I hope the harmony of everyone in ‘Les Pro Happy CHari Music Club’ can resonate all over Japan.”

source: tokyohive

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Morning Musume’s Fukumura Mizuki sits down for an interview with De☆View

Fukumura Mizuki, one of Morning Musume’s newest members, sat down to talk with De☆View about her thoughts about their latest single and her audition experiences.

Fukumura began her Hello! Project career as a part of Hello! Pro Egg, a group of trainees, and was chosen in January to join Morning Musume, a group she had always admired.

Check out the interview below!

Question: Please tell us the reason you decided to audition for Hello! Pro Egg!

Ever since I can remember I’ve always really loved Hello!Pro; I bought a ton of CDs and DVDs and was a big fan!

The first one that I bought was a Minimoni CD, but I especially liked Berryz Koubou. Of course, I also loved Morning Musume and C-ute, and before I realized it, I had started to think, “I want to join Hello! Pro too.”

Actually, before I tried out for Hello! Pro Eggs, I was in a contest called “Kirarin☆Girl Contest” and I got runner-up. At that time, the girl who got the grand prize was in the magazine “Chao”, and when I saw that I was so frustrated. I thought, “I definitely want to beat this girl!” and “I want to join Hello! Pro!” That’s when my mother told me about the Egg audition.

Question: As a member of Hello! Pro Egg, you had dance and singing lessons, but what do you feel is the area you were most able to grow in?

I think my sense of rhythm got better. I’ve been told that I went too fast, but I watched out for that, and kept my mind on listening carefully to the music and getting the rhythm right.

With singing, I tried to keep in mind the meaning of the lyrics. When you really turn into the main character of the song, those emotions just overflow. Even though I was sure that I was putting a lot of emotion in, I was told that it didn’t really seem like it… I still haven’t really improved yet, so that’s my challenge.


Question: Last year you took on the Morning Musume audition; do you have any memories about it?

During the judging, a girl next to me was crying, and it just made my nervousness go through the roof. Even though I practiced so much, the lyrics left my mind, my notes were off, and I was way worse than usual. That’s why when the results were announced, I never imagined it would be me… I was so in shock, I couldn’t feel anything.

Question: Right now you’re doing activities as a member of Morning Musume, but how have your feelings changed from right after you passed the audition?

Lately, little by little, I’ve begun to be able to see myself as a member of Morning Musume, but after all, it still feels unbelievable to be having lessons and filming with my seniors that I’ve looked up to for so long… (laughing) Every single day is just like the beginning, so without realizing it, my heart is always beating fast! They always used to say, “Eggs are trainees, but members are pros.” I think I have to do my best to see myself as a pro.


Question: Your first single as a member of Morning Musume, “Maji Desu ka Ska!” has finally been released, hasn’t it?

When I first heard the demo tape of this song, I was so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling. (laughs) When I was in Shugo Chara Egg (a unit she performed in as an Egg), we only had an album song, but this time to be able to be in a single, and then a music video, made me really happy!

Question: How did your first recording as a member of Morning Musume go?

I was really nervous. I have a tendency to sing in a low, dull kind of voice, but this single, “Maji Desu ka Ska!”, is a really energetic song! That’s why I tried to really sing brightly and energetically.

I feel like I did my best, but I wonder how it will sound to everyone else… I was really happy that the 9th generation got to each sing solo lines at the beginning of the song ♪. But listening to our seniors’ part right after, it was really like, “We still have a long way to go…” I felt like, “From now on, I have to try even harder!”


source: tokyohive

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Morning Musume’s Fukumura Mizuki sits down for an interview with De☆View

Fukumura Mizuki, one of Morning Musume’s newest members, sat down to talk with De☆View about her thoughts about their latest single and her audition experiences.

Fukumura began her Hello! Project career as a part of Hello! Pro Egg, a group of trainees, and was chosen in January to join Morning Musume, a group she had always admired.

Check out the interview below!

Question: Please tell us the reason you decided to audition for Hello! Pro Egg!

Ever since I can remember I’ve always really loved Hello!Pro; I bought a ton of CDs and DVDs and was a big fan!

The first one that I bought was a Minimoni CD, but I especially liked Berryz Koubou. Of course, I also loved Morning Musume and C-ute, and before I realized it, I had started to think, “I want to join Hello! Pro too.”

Actually, before I tried out for Hello! Pro Eggs, I was in a contest called “Kirarin☆Girl Contest” and I got runner-up. At that time, the girl who got the grand prize was in the magazine “Chao”, and when I saw that I was so frustrated. I thought, “I definitely want to beat this girl!” and “I want to join Hello! Pro!” That’s when my mother told me about the Egg audition.

Question: As a member of Hello! Pro Egg, you had dance and singing lessons, but what do you feel is the area you were most able to grow in?

I think my sense of rhythm got better. I’ve been told that I went too fast, but I watched out for that, and kept my mind on listening carefully to the music and getting the rhythm right.

With singing, I tried to keep in mind the meaning of the lyrics. When you really turn into the main character of the song, those emotions just overflow. Even though I was sure that I was putting a lot of emotion in, I was told that it didn’t really seem like it… I still haven’t really improved yet, so that’s my challenge.


Question: Last year you took on the Morning Musume audition; do you have any memories about it?

During the judging, a girl next to me was crying, and it just made my nervousness go through the roof. Even though I practiced so much, the lyrics left my mind, my notes were off, and I was way worse than usual. That’s why when the results were announced, I never imagined it would be me… I was so in shock, I couldn’t feel anything.

Question: Right now you’re doing activities as a member of Morning Musume, but how have your feelings changed from right after you passed the audition?

Lately, little by little, I’ve begun to be able to see myself as a member of Morning Musume, but after all, it still feels unbelievable to be having lessons and filming with my seniors that I’ve looked up to for so long… (laughing) Every single day is just like the beginning, so without realizing it, my heart is always beating fast! They always used to say, “Eggs are trainees, but members are pros.” I think I have to do my best to see myself as a pro.


Question: Your first single as a member of Morning Musume, “Maji Desu ka Ska!” has finally been released, hasn’t it?

When I first heard the demo tape of this song, I was so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling. (laughs) When I was in Shugo Chara Egg (a unit she performed in as an Egg), we only had an album song, but this time to be able to be in a single, and then a music video, made me really happy!

Question: How did your first recording as a member of Morning Musume go?

I was really nervous. I have a tendency to sing in a low, dull kind of voice, but this single, “Maji Desu ka Ska!”, is a really energetic song! That’s why I tried to really sing brightly and energetically.

I feel like I did my best, but I wonder how it will sound to everyone else… I was really happy that the 9th generation got to each sing solo lines at the beginning of the song ♪. But listening to our seniors’ part right after, it was really like, “We still have a long way to go…” I felt like, “From now on, I have to try even harder!”


source: tokyohive

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C-ute is “Team After School” on NHK’s “Int’l After School”

NHK World, one of the most popular networks in Japan, has recently come up with a new program.

“Int’l After School” will be the new show that “asks viewers around the world to send photos and videos, share the latest local trends, and request topics to be addressed in the program“, and it’s made to feel like an after school club.

The show is MCed by WISE from Teriyaki Boyz, with C-ute as “Team After School”, and Verbal from m-flo as a “Special Guest”.


The first episode aired on April 29th and will re-air on April 30th at 00:30/04:30 on NHK World.

For now, they have not announced the program’s next episode, but do encourage fans of the show to check the website for up-to-date information.

The program is done in English with English subtitles.







source: tokyohive

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Alice Nine to be featured on a Music Japan artist countdown special!

Rock group Alice Nine recently announced the release of their newest single, “BLUE FLAME“, set for June 8th. With the release of the PV as well, the group will be starting off promotions a full month before the single’s physical release.

However, the group will be doing more even after the single hits shelves. Music Japan’s official webpage has set up a special artist countdown special form for fans to request their favourite songs by Alice Nine, as well as comments, which will all be used in a special countdown in June.

Although there is no date set for the airing of the special, an announcement will be made soon. In the meantime, head over to Music Japan’s site and request your Alice Nine favourites!

source: tokyohive

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Akanishi Jin heads to Hungary for his upcoming movie, “47 RONIN”

Pop star Akanishi Jin recently headed to Hungary to shoot scenes for the upcoming movie “47 RONIN“, where he gave a short message to fans.

According to Akanishi, he is currently staying in Budapest to the film the movie, which is so far coming along quite steadily. In addition, Akanishi promotes his new concert DVD, “Yellow Gold Tour 3011″.


Check out the video below!



source: tokyohive

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