Momoiro Clover Z to release their 2nd album in April

It’s been revealed that Momoiro Clover Z will be releasing their 2nd full album (currently untitled) on April 10th.

The group made this announcement on January 19 during the 2nd part of their live event, ‘Dokusen! Momo Kuno 60-pun vol.5‘, at Ishikawa-ken Sangyou Tenjikan. This is their first album since “Battle and Romance” was released back in July of 2011.

Leader Momota Kanako said, “Actually, we’ve been progressing a lot with the album’s recording. There are many different kinds of songs, such as songs that will make you think ‘what is this?!’ as well as songs that will make you think ‘wow Momoclo!‘. I think it’s going to turn out to be an album filled with many different genres. We want to make a wonderful album and deliver it to everyone, so please look forward to it.”

Prior to the album’s release, Momoiro Clover Z will hold a live tour in March. For this tour, they are scheduled to perform 6 shows in 3 locations; Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo. Then after its release, they will hold their annual spring live, ‘Momoclo Haru no Ichidaiji 2013‘, on April 13th and 14th at Seibu Dome.

During the first part of this event, Momoiro Clover Z announced that they would hold a 3-day fan club live at Yokohama Arena on May 27th to the 29th. Any member of their fan club ‘ANGEL EYES‘ will be able to purchase tickets.

Kawaie Rina hold her 1st solo debut

On January 19th, AKB48’s Kawaei Rina held her first solo event, ‘Kawaei Rina: Gachi Oshi Matsuri‘, at AKB48 CAFE & SHOP AKIHABARA.

Kawaei held a quiz tournament and handshake event with fifty lucky fans. She declared, “I want to do my best and strive towards getting into the senbatsu.”

Kawaei mentioned Shimazaki Haruka when asked who her rival is. She said, “Recently, Shimazaki-san has been working vigorously, so in order not to lose, I have to do the same.”

Sato Masaki has recover from cervical ademitis

On January 18th, Morning Musume member Sato Masaki, who has been taking a rest due to cervical adenitis, announced her recovery through the group’s official blog.

In a blog entry titled “I’m sorry for causing you trouble,” Sato wrote, “I’m sorry to make you worry until today. But now, I am very healthy.” She expressed, “I am very happy to see the members,” and promised that she would be participating in ‘Hello! Project Tanjou 15 Shunen Kinen Live 2013 Fuyu‘ on January 19th.

On Morning Musume’s official website, it was also announced that Sato would be appearing in the group’s handshake event on January 24th.

Horikita Maki meet One Direction

On January 18th, 5-member English-Irish boy group One Direction held a press conference for their first visit to Japan.

At the press conference, actress Horikita Maki, who claims to be a big fan of the group, made an appearance in a gorgeous Kimono and handed them a large bunch of flowers.

Member Harry Styles said with a smile, “Japan itself is very beautiful, but Japanese women are beautiful as well. They are fashionable too.” Liam Payne also said about Horikita’s Kimono, “It’s cool! I would like to try it on next time.” They also announced that they would hold their first live concert in Japan at Makuhari Messe on November 2nd and 3rd.

Horikita revealed that she enjoys their live DVD at home and also loves to read their ‘Take Me Home‘ limited edition yearbook. She then said to the members, “Thank you so much for coming to Japan. You have many fans supporting you from Japan.”

Reportedly, the members enjoyed shopping and karaoke on the 17th. Harry said that it’s only been one day since they got to Japan, but they were already having so much fun.

Unfortunately, member Zayn Malik left the conference before the question-and-answer session began. According to an insider, he was feeling sick, but it’s nothing serious.

May J to released her first best-of- album

It’s been revealed that May J. will be releasing her first best-of album, “May J. BEST – 7 Years Collection -“, on February 6th.

The best-of album will contain a total of 16 tracks including collaboration songs with VERBAL (m-flo), DJ KAORI, Clench & Blistah, Diggy-MO’ (SOUL’d OUT), Kimaguren, MAY’S, RYO the SKYWALKER, Zeebra, Namba Akihito, and Daniel Powter. It will also come with a cover of Hitoto Yo’s “Hanamizuki” and an EDM arrangement of “Garden” by 2BEDROOM as the bonus tracks.

℃-ute's 20th single "Kono Machi" will be released on February 6th

℃-ute’s 20th single “Kono Machi” will be released on February 6th and the jacket covers along with new details have been revealed.

The title track is a cove of Moritaka Chisato’s song that was released back in 1991, and the producer Tsunku♂ said that the song was chosen to dedicate to the third anniversary of the death of people who passed away due to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.

Though the original song is a dance sound, ℃-ute version was arranged to a medium ballad. Reportedly, they also changed some words and lyrics to match with the spring of 2013, while discussing with Moritaka. The follow-up songs that will be included in the single are also covers of Moritaka’s songs.

Check out the details and jacket covers on ℃-ute’s upcoming single “Kono Machi” below.


<Limited Edition A (CD+DVD)> & <Limited Edition B (CD)>

Limited Edition A
















Limited Edition B
[CD]
1. Kono Machi
2. Ame /Yajima Maimi
3. Kono Machi (Instrumental)

-

<Limited Edition C (CD+DVD)> & <Limited Edition D (CD)>
















Limited Edition C







'








Limited Edition D
[CD]
1. Kono Machi
2. Hae Otoko
3. Kono Machi (Instrumental)

-

<Regular Edition (CD)>

[CD]
1. Kono Machi
2. Kono Machi (Dance Groove Ver.)
3. Kono Machi (Instrumental)

Source:  Hello! Project Official Site

PERFUME has revealed they jacket cover "Mirai no Museum

Perfume have revealed the jacket covers for their upcoming single, “Mirai no Museum“, which will be released on February 27th.

This song was written for the movie, ‘Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Himitsu Dougu Museum‘, that’s scheduled to open in theaters on March 9th. The regular edition jacket is a pop design featuring the girls dressed as detectives.

Fairies’ Kiyomura Kawane halts her activities to focus on her studies

On January 17th, it was announced that Kiyomura Kawane would stop her activities as a Fairies member for the time being in order to focus on her studies.

According to the announcement on their official site, “After today on the 17th, she will halt her activities as Fairies, and both her blog and Twitter will be put to a halt for now.”

They ended the announcement with, “We are very grateful for all of your tremendous support. Please continue watching over Fairies with your warm heart.”

Source: Fairies Official Blog

bump.y members appear at event for ‘COSMO no Hitomi’

On January 16, 5-member girl group bump.y appeared at the sales event for their newest song “COSMO no Hitomi” at the Yokohama Cosmo World in Naka-ku, Yokohama.  The Ferris wheel at the event location was lit up with images from the song and the five members responded happily with, “It’s gorgeous.  It’s like Christmas!”

Member Sakuraba Nanami (20), who came of age this year, stated, “I have not yet had alcohol that I liked, so I would love to find the one enjoy”  When asked about love, she revealed her feelings with, “This is a song about a girl in love, and I would like to be in love like how it is described in the song.”

Source: TokyoHive

MAN WITH A MISSION revealed new single "Emotions

The details on MAN WITH A MISSION’s new single, “Emotions“, has been revealed!

Alongside the title track, the single will include two new songs, “Take What U Want” and “Akatsuki“, and a remix of “Bubble of Life” by DJ KENTARO. The limited edition will come with a key chain with the MAN WITH A MISSION logo.

The jacket covers seen below feature Kamikaze Boy (B) with a blazing fire in the background.

Additionally, MAN WITH A MISSION will be holding a tour in Europe starting late-February. Including their performance in ‘Japan Expo Sud‘ on March 2nd in Marseille, France, the band is scheduled to hold shows at three other venues. More details will be available on MAN WITH A MISSION’s official website.

2nd photo book for Kawaguchi Haruna

It’s been revealed that actress Kawaguchi Haruna will be releasing her 2nd photo book titled ‘haruna 2‘ on March 24th.

To coincide Kawaguchi’s graduation from high school, the theme of the photo book is “graduation”. She gave its appeal saying, “Please look at the last of my high school life from various perspectives!”

In the photo book, Kawaguchi will return with her everyday student life wearing school girl uniform, gym uniform, and school swimwear. She also held a photoshoot in Thailand and reflected on it, saying, “I shot this in many places and situations. I went to Thailand and got to experience valuable things like riding on an elephant.”

Compared with her first photo book ‘haruna‘, which was released in March of last year, the upcoming photo book will feature more pictures of Kawaguchi in a bikini as well as sexy cuts.

Source: TokyoHive

mihimaru GT to release new single, “Kimi Dake no Story”

It’s been revealed that mihimaru GT will be releasing their new single, “Kimi Dake no Story“, on February 20th.

This is the 2nd single to celebrate their 10th anniversary; their first was “Banzai Sansho!!!” last October. The title track is being used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety program, ‘Kiseki Taiken ~Unbelievable~‘, and it will also serve as the theme song for Kawakita Mayuko’s starring film, ‘Sora no Kyoukai‘ (opens February 16th).

The single will be released in both limited and regular editions. The limited edition DVD will contain a digest live footage of their live ‘Mihima Circuit 2012☆ ~Moriagaru Made Kaerema 10!!!!!‘ which was held in September at Shimokitazawa GARDEN.

HKT48 to release their debut single on March 20th

It was announced that AKB48’s hakata-based sister group HKT48 will be releasing their debut single that is currently untitled, on March 20th. The oldest member of the group, Sashihara Rino eagerly said, “The date has finally been set. I want people all over Japan to know the charms of HKT48!”

They are the 4th group out of the AKB groups in Japan to make their major debut. AKB48 was first in October of 2006, SKE48 followed in August of 2009, and NMB48 was third in July of 2011. They’re also the youngest group to debut with an average age of 14.9 years old.

The debut single will be released in 3 versions; Type-A, B, and C, and each version will come with a DVD.

With the announcement of their debut single release date, it was also announced that one of the tracks in the single “Onegai Valentine” has been chosen as the CM song for Lotte’s “Ghana Milk Chocolate.”

The 2nd generation Kenkyuusei, Tashima Meru commented, “I am so excited that our long-cherished CD debut has been set! I want many people to know about HKT, and with our youthfulness and freshness, I hope we can show a different color from other 48 groups.” The center of the group Kodama Haruka also spoke about the CM tie-up, “I’m really happy! I want many people to listen to the song, including those who want to confess your love on the Valentine’s day.”

GARNET CROW to release their 10th album + hold lives in Osaka and Tokyo

It’s been revealed that GARNET CROW will be releasing their 10th album “Terminus” on March 20th.

“Terminus” will be the band’s first album in a year and 3 months. It will include a total of 10 tracks such as their latest single “Nostalgia“, a song with a sorrowful atmosphere called “Maizy“, and “Umi wo Yuku Shishi“, a song with impressive vocals by Nakamura Yuri.

The limited edition will come with a DVD containing the music video and making footage for two songs. Meanwhile, the first press regular edition will enclose a 40-page photo book.

To coincide this album’s release, GARNET CROW will be holding a live series called ‘GARNET CROW livescope 2013 ~Terminus~‘ in March. They are scheduled to perform 2 concerts each in Osaka and Tokyo.

Check out the track list for “Terminus” and the concert dates beneath the cut!

===

<Terminus>

・Nostalgia
・Life goes on!
・Shiroi Sora
・closer
・Kagami ni Mita Yume
・trade
・The Someone’s Tale
・P.S GIRL
・Umi wo Yuku Shishi
・Maizy

-

<GARNET CROW livescope 2013 ~Terminus~>

Saturday, March 23rd – Dojima River Forum (Osaka)
Sunday, March 24th – Dojima River Forum (Osaka)
Saturday, March 29th – TOKYO DOME CITY HALL (Tokyo)
Sunday, March 30th – TOKYO DOME CITY HALL (Tokyo)

Source : TokyoHive

SUPER☆GiRLS’ Kano Kaede withdraws from the group

It’s been reported that SUPER☆GiRLS member Kano Kaede has withdrawn from the group as of January 16th.

This was announced on SUPER☆GiRLS’ official website. Regarding her reason for withdrawal, they explained, “As an agency, we understood and accepted her thoughts and intentions about the future.”

Kano also wrote on her blog, “Since the end of last year, I took a break because of my poor health condition. During that time, I was able to think about my 2 and a half years of activities as well as my own future. Becoming 20-years-old, I wanted to change my immaturity and the part of me that was spoiled. As for my future, I wanted to start over again from zero. After talking about those feelings with the staff and my family, I, Kano Kaede, will be withdrawing from SUPER☆GiRLS as of January 16th.”

Kano passed the ‘avex Idol Audition 2010‘ and made her debut as a member of SUPER☆GiRLS in June the same year. She has been an active member for 2 and a half years.

SID to release a new single this spring

SID, whose first best-of album “SID 10th Anniversary BEST” will go on sale on January 16th, will also be releasing a new single (currently untitled) this spring.

This single will mark the band’s first since releasing “V.I.P” last November. The title, release date, and other details will be revealed in the upcoming days.

To commemorate the release of ‘SID 10th Anniversary BEST’, SID has a special plan in store for their fans. Those who bring the album and sing a song from SID at Big Echo Shibuya Part 2 on January 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm will receive a poster.

SID will be starting their ‘SID 10th Anniversary Special Campaign‘ with the release of their best-of album. This is a part of their 10th anniversary project, ‘SID 10th Anniversary Projects 2013‘ and fans will have a chance to win luxurious prizes. Further details are available on SID’s official website.

Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome to make their major debut this spring

Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome will be making their major debut this spring.

Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome is an idol group that was created from the idol training cafe ‘AKIHABARA Backstage pass‘ produced by Tsunku and Shikura Chiyomaru. Over 1,000 girls work at the cafe, which pays 1,000 yen (approximately $11 USD) per hour. Every month, the cafe holds a popularity ranking among employees according to votes by the customers. The members who rank in the top will be participating in activities outside the cafe.

In preparation for their major debut, Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome held a introduction campaign called ‘Yamanote-sen 1-shuu Yoropiku Walking!‘ from January 12th to the 14th. The members split into two teams (inner team and outer team) and walked along the Yamanote Line starting from Shinjuku Station to ‘AKIHABARA Backstage pass’ while distributing pocket tissues. To pray for success for the campaign, the senbatsu members held a ceremony at Kanda Myojin on January 11th at 4:06:49 pm.

Furthermore, Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome will release their 2nd indie single, “Yoropiku Pikuyoro!“, on January 30th.

SKE48 revealed short PV called " Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi"

The short PV for “Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi“, which is one of the coupling tracks for SKE48’s upcoming single “Choco no Dorei” (to be released on January 30th), has been released on their official YouTube channel.

“Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi” is a graduation song that Akimoto Yasushi wrote for the 9 members (Kuwabara Mizuki, Takada Shiori, Hiramatsu Kanako, Yagami Kumi, Akaeda Ririna, Ogiso Shiori, Ueno Kasumi, Hara Minami, and Kobayashi Emiri) who recently announced their graduation from the group this spring, and the song will be included in Type-A, B, and C.

Filmmaker Oshima Nagisa passes away due to pneumonia

On January 15th 3:25 pm, filmmaker Oshima Nagisa passed away (age 80) due to pneumonia at a hospital in Fujisawa city, Kanagawa.

After entering Shochiku Ltd in 1954, Oshima made his director debut with “Ai to Kibo no Machi” in 1959. He directed many hit movies like “Seishun Zankoku Monogatari (=  Cruel Story of Youth)” and “Taiyo no Hakaba (= The Sun’s Burial)” which earned him the title, ‘Shochiku nouvelle vague’.

He then left Shochiku Ltd in 1961, and launched an independent production company “Souzousha”. Ever since then he released many films, and in 1975 after dissolving “Souzousha”, he directed Japanese-French film “Ai no Corrida (= In the Realm of the Senses)” which consolidated his international valuation. He has also won the award for Best Director at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival, with “Ai no Borei (= Empire of Passion).”

In 1996, he announced the production of a new movie which was his first in about 10 years, however, he came down with a stroke in the U.K. After the rehabilitation, he then completed the movie “Gohatto (= Taboo)” in 1999, and he exhibited it at the Cannes Film Festival.

In 2000, he received a Purple Ribbon Medal, and also received the French award of Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.

In his last years, Oshima had been striving to overcome his speech impediment and paralysis on the right side of his body while receiving support by his wife and actress Koyama Akiko.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

Ghost in the Shell: Arise announced by Production I.G.

Even if you don’t take a great interest in anime, chances are you’ve heard of the most popular titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Akira, and Ghost in the Shell. Evangelion is already in the middle of a re-release of sorts, albeit it in a new four-part re-edited movie form. Akira keeps popping up in the news due to the potential of a live action movie version. But Ghost in the Shell hasn’t been heard about much since 2005.

Today, that changed as a new anime series has been announced entitled Ghost in the Shell: Arise. Very little is known about the project other than work began this year by acclaimed studio Production I.G. (Patlabor, Blood: The Last Vampire, the Kill Bill Vol. 1 animated sequence, and previous Ghost in the Shell releases).

Full details of the new project are expected to be revealed on February 12 at a press conference in Japan that will be streamed worldwide using YouTube. We can expect clips from the anime to appear the night of the 12th as well, after an event being held at the TOHO Cinemas in Roppongi.

Rest assured the global popularity of the Ghost in the Shell series will mean Arise sees a release in Western markets, we may just have to wait a while to get it.

The image you see above that has been released for the announcement of Arise has inevitably thrown up a few questions about where the series will sit in the timeline. The female in the image is main character Motoko Kusanagi, but she looks a lot younger than how she was depicted in the movies and Stand Alone Complex series. Could Arise be set in an earlier timeframe?

You’d think that was clear from the age of the girl, but Kusanagi is a cyborg and can change body. So there’s just as much chance this is a continuation of the timeline, but she’s moved to a younger shell.

9 members of SKE48 announce their graduation from the group

TEAM S

Yagami Kumi

Hiramatsu Kanako

Takada Shiori

Kuwabara Mizuki

TEAM KII

Akaeda Ririna

Ogiso Shiori

TEAM E

Ueno Kasumi

Hara Minami

KENKYUUSEI

Kobayashi Emiri

It was announced that SKE48 members Kuwabara Mizuki, Takada Shiori, Hiramatsu Kanako (team S), Akaeda Ririna, Ogiso Shiori (team KII), Ueno Kasumi, Hara Minami (team E) and Kobayashi Emiri (Kenkyuusei) will be graduating from the group.

The announcement was made during the SKE48 team KII’s theater performance “Ramune no Nomikata” held on January 15th after the PV for “Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi” was introduced to the audience.



The 8 girls above, and Yagami Kumi who previously announced her graduation, are participating in “Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi” which is one of the coupling tracks for SKE48’s upcoming single “Choco no Dorei” (to be released on January 30th), under the unit name of “Tabidachi Sotsugyou-gumi“. The PV for “Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi” will be revealed on January 16th at 8:00 am (JST) on SKE48’s official YouTube channel.



Reportedly, those members were consulting about their potential graduation last summer, and according to Yuasa Hiroshi, the SKE48 theater manager, “The girls’ activities as members of SKE48 are just a temporary passing point in their lives. Though it’s a sad thought to lose any of them, I thought it was best to not get in the way of their ultimate goals in life.. As the result of consultation with Akimoto Sensei (=Akimoto Yasushi), it was decided that the graduating members would sing the song together.”

Reportedly, the 9 members’ graduation will be sometime in this spring.

The comments by the graduating members are as follows.


- Kobayashi Emiri
“After facing with my father’s death last year, I started thinking about my future, and I have decided to graduate. It’s not that everything was all happy and fun, but my activities in SKE48 will be something I can be proud for the rest of my life. After this, I want go on to the next stage of education, and find my new self.”

- Hara Minami
“I, who started as a 4th generation member when I was 14 years old, am now become 17 years old. I’ve experienced many things, such as team promotion, Senbatsu, and stage performances. In order for me to make use of the experiences, and to make my big dream come true, I have decided to graduate. I will never forget the time I spent in here, the memories with you, and of course SKE48.”

- Ueno Kasumi
“It’s been 3 years since I joined SKE48 as a third generation member, there were things I have gained and things I have lost. I am now a third‐year high school student, and it is about the time to attend university. I decided to graduate to focus on studies.”

- Ogiso Shiori
“Reaching the age of 20 last year which was the big turning point in my life, I started thinking about so many things. I wished to broaden my horizons at the time of my turning point, thus I decided to graduate.”

- Akaeda Ririna
“I will be in the second year of high school soon. As my friends are thinking about entering higher-level schools, I thought that I could not stay like this, therefore I decided to graduate. My 4 years of activities were so much fun.”

- Yagami Kumi
“Though I have announced my graduation earlier, please let me greet you one more time. As I announced previously, I decided to graduate so that I could see the bigger world. I am also ready to start over again. I know it would be hard, but I am also ready to overcome the hardships.”

- Hiramatsu Kanako
“I’ve been in the group for 4 and a half years since I joined as the first generation member. I faced my future for the first time when I broke my leg last year. In order for me to keep loving SKE48 and myself, I thought that it’s the best time to graduate. I found a place I could shine inside of my heart, and I would like to start the path towards that place.”

- Takada Shiori
“I have decided to graduate from SKE48. I entered the group when I was a high school student, and I had the opportunity to meet so many people until now. I was happy to be able to meet you all who always supported me, and I think that is the best boast for me. I love fashion, and I do not want to stop the feeling right there. I want to try my best toward my dream.”

- Kuwabara Mizuki
“I also decided my graduation. My activity in SKE48 was not the goal for me from the start. I want to take the second step toward my dream.”

Source: TokyoHive

Idol group BiS to release new single in March

Idol group BiS (Brand-new idol Society) have announced that they will be releasing a new single (currently untitled) on March 13th.

The new song is an emotional rock number written by Hidaka Toru. Sound producer Matsukuma Kenta’s band SCRAMBLES will also be participating in the song.

The single will be released in 3 different versions: LIVE Edition, MUSIC VIDEO Edition, and CD Edition. The LIVE Edition will come with a DVD containing footage from their live, ‘Mada Major Janai Mon!!‘, which was held back in July.

Stay tuned for more details on BiS’ upcoming single!

Kawaguchi Haruna to hold her first fan club event

It’s been revealed that actress Kawaguchi Haruna (17) will be holding her first fan club event, ‘Sotsugyou‘ (‘Graduation’), in March.

After graduating from high school this spring, Kawaguchi plans to focus on her acting career. The event will celebrate the start of a new chapter together with her fans. “I’m very excited. I’m very happy because I usually don’t have the opportunity to meet my fans,” she expressed.

Kawaguchi entered the entertainment business after winning the grand prix for fashion magazine Nicola’s ‘11th Nicola Model Audition‘ back in 2007. While centering her activities around modeling, she became Mitsui House’s 13th House Girl in 2009. Since then, she has appeared in various CMs and has recently starred in the dramas ‘GTO‘ (Fuji TV) and ‘Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo‘ (NTV).

The fan club event, ‘Sotsugyou’, will be held on March 20th at Jiji Tsushin Hall in Higashi Ginza, Tokyo. Aside from a talk show, there will be a handshake event as well original merchandise available.

Former top star of the Takarazuka revue, Sena Jun, marries a dancer

This is totally crazy, I mean, I thought that Sena is a guy! But she actually a Lady!!! This is insane! 

On January 15th, it was belatedly announced that former top star of the Takarazuka revue’s Moon Troupe and current actress Sena Jun has married a dancer Senda Shinji, who is 10 years younger than her, at the end of last year but has not yet held a ceremony. According to her agency, the couple has not decided anything on the wedding ceremony yet, and Sena is planning to continue working.

Reportedly, they started dating after co-starring in a concert back in 2010. Senda also announced the marriage on his blog saying, “While spending some time together, I started thinking that I wanted to support her, although I might not be of much help. We would like to continue growing together, while cherishing the family.”

Source: Oricon

Aikawa Nanase to release her first album in 4 years

Aikawa Nanase has announced that she will be releasing her new original album, “Konjiki“, on February 6th.

The album title, “Konjiki”, was named after Aikawa’s wish to remember the things that are in her heart right now. For this album, she will take a step away from her rock image and deliver 10 profound songs.

Shortly after the album’s release, Aikawa will hold one-man lives at 3 locations in Hokkaido, Billboard Live OSAKA, and Nagoya CLUB QUATTRO. She will also hold her annual birthday live on February 16th at Shibuya duo MUSIC EXCHANGE.

girl next door appears at first public performance since Chisa’s engagement

On January 13, 3-member unit girl next door held their “Tokyo Auto Salon 2013” mini live at the custom car show at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba.  On December 31, member Chisa (27) announced her engagement to swimmer Kitajima Kosuke (30.)

To the 6,000 people in attendance, Chisa greeted fans with, “This space is huge!  There are many awesome cars.  Please enjoy everything.”  The group performed 4 songs including their debut song “Guzen no Kakuritsu” and their new song “standing for you,” which will be available for purchase on February 27.

This is the first public stage that Chisa has attended after the announcement of her engagement and she chose not mention anything about the engagement.  She was not wearing an engagement ring either, but after the group’s live performance, the press congratulated her to which she replied “Thank you.”

Source: TokyoHive

Full PV for Help Me! Morning Musume has been released

 Morning Musume’s 52nd single “Help me!!” is set for release on January 23, 2013. The “Dance shot version” PV was released last month and now the full PV has been revealed via their official YouTube channel!

This will be the first single since the 11th generation member Oda Sakura joined the group, and will come in eight different editions.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is appearance in the coming of age day event

On January 14th, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu made a guest appearance in the coming of age day event, ’Shibuya-ku Seijin wo Iwau Kai‘, at Shibuya Kokaido.

Before the event, Kyary showed off her furisode (long-sleeved kimono) to the reporters. ”I aimed to be the most flashy new adult in Japan,” she said and explained her reason for choosing a unicorn print, “My world tour starts in February, so I wanted it to mean expanding my activities abroad.” Her furisode also featured images of planet, rockets, and great white sharks.

She seemed to be greatly satisfied with her outfit as she expressed, “It’s very special. I was impressed when I saw it finished.”

Kyary, who will be turning 20-years-old on the 29th, commented, “During get-togethers, I’m still underage, so I would go home first. I’m shy in front of strangers, I hope to borrow the power of alcohol and talk cheerfully to many people.” Since she loves ume (plum), she shared that her first alcoholic drink might be umeshu (ume liquor).

Finally, she stated, “As an artist, I want to do my best with my music activities in 2013.”

Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku would be singing ending song for anime "Pokemon"

On January 14th, 9-member idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku held a live concert at Zepp Tokyo, and announced that they would be singing the ending theme song for TV Tokyo’s anime “Pocket Monster Best Wishes Season 2“. Coinciding the news, popular character “Pikachu” also made an appearance at their concert.

The new ending theme song is “Sakura-Go-Round“, and it will start airing on the 17th, in the anime’s new series “Episode N.”

Member Mizuki shared her thoughts about singing for “Pokemon”: “That is my favorite anime for I watch the anime every week, and also played the game when I was little. I hope that the song will be enjoyable for little kids too.”

Previously, their senior group from the same agency, Momoiro Clover Z, sang the ending theme song for the anime. Mayama Rika said in regards to their seniors, “Last year’s Kohaku, we were rooting for Momoclo big sisters in front of the TV, but this year, we would love to participate in it as a part of the red team with them.”

Tough it snowed heavily on this day, there were a total 4,000 fans who attended the live concert (2 stages). Hoshina Mirei said with a smile, “When we hold live here, it usually rains, but it’s a heavy snow today…you Ebichu family people are all very warm and kind.”

Yamada Ryosuke is the solo debut single top for the oricon chart!!

Congratulation for Yamada Ryosuke, member of Hey!Say!JUMP... He just revealed his first single and it's turn out to be like this!!I'm impressed


Popular group Hey!Say!JUMP member Yamada Ryosuke’s (19) solo debut single “Mystery Virgin” (released on January 9th) sold 189,000 copies in the first week, and topped the Oricon weekly single chart for the week of January 21st.

It was the first time in 32 years and a month for a teenage solo male artist to top the chart with a debut single since Kondo Masahiko accomplished it with his debut single “Sneaker Blues” when he was 16 years and 5 months old.

This was also the first time in 27 years and 8 month for any teenage solo male artist to top the single chart after Kikkawa Koji (with “Nikumaresouna NEW Face” when he was 19 years and 9 months old), moreover, Yamada is the first male solo artist born in the Heisei period to top the single chart.

“Mystery Virgin” was used as the theme song to Nihon TV’s special drama “Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo  -  Hongkong Kowloon Treasure Murder Case” that was aired on the 12th.

E-girls revealed they 4th single on their website!

E-girls has revealed the details on their upcoming 4th single “THE NEVER ENDING STORY” that is scheduled for release on February 20th.

the title track is a cover of Limahl’s “The NeverEnding Story“, and it has been chosen as the theme song for ‘Getsu 9′ drama “Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou” (which will start airing January 14th).

Source: E-Girls official site/ tokyohive

ChocoLe ~ appear an event for member solo DVD's

On December 12, 3-girl idol group ChocoLe appeared at an event in the Sofmap Amusement-Kan in Akihabara for each of their solo DVDs in the “IDOL Note-Mezase Idol! Hen” (¥3990 on Liverpool.)

This is the first solo release for members Takahashi Kurumi (15) and Tamagawa Ramu (15). The leader, Hashimoto Kaede (15) reflected on filming in Guam, saying, “It was extremely fun on the tree swings.  Everywhere I looked was beautiful and I think my DVD will overflow with happiness.”

The trio is a sub-unit of another idol group, Idoling!!! Takahashi spoke about the differences in activities for both groups. “Since there are 20 members in Idoling!!!, we gain a sense of security as we can rely on the older members.  On the other hand, all the members of ChocoLe are the same age, so I feel like I must do my best.”