On March 14th, it was revealed that SMAP member Kimura Takuya was caught speeding twice in the past 6 months. Because of these two violations, his driver’s license has been suspended. Johnny’s Entertainment confirmed this news after it was reported in the March 15th issue of weekly tabloid magazine, “Shukan Bushun“. According to the agency, Kimura was caught driving 20 km/h (12mph) over the posted speed limit in Chiba last September and in Tokyo earlier this year. He has paid the fines for both violations. Regarding Kimura’s actions, Johnny’s Entertainment commented, “Kimura himself deeply regrets that he has done something shameful as an adult. He expresses his deepest apologies.” Source: Sponichi Annex
On March 13th, Arashi appeared at the press conference for Fuji TV’s “Hana Arashi” campaign. This campaign is to promote Fuji TV’s spring programs, in which Arashi members appear during March 16th to April 16th. During the campaign, many CM spots starring Arashi will be aired intensively. They will also promote the programs through 5 minute late-night specials titled, “Haru Ichiban! Bokura ga Hana Arashi wo Makiokoshimasu!” (total 4 episodes, limitedly in Kanto region) on March 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 26th. 
Moreover, it was announced that as a part of the “Hana Arashi” campaign, the Tokyo Tower will be illuminated in Arashi’s image colors (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, and Purple) on March 16th (6:00 pm ~ 12:00 am). It will be the first time for Tokyo Tower to be lit up in 5 colors. Member Matsumoto Junrevealed that the “Arashi” Tower will be shown during the final episode (to be aired on the 19th) of his ongoing drama “Lucky Seven“. At the press conference, the members were asked which building they would like to light up next, andNinomiya Kazunari jokingly said, “I’m aiming for Aiba-san’s parents’ house.” Aiba Masakiresponded, “My father and mother would be shocked, so please stop.” During March 16th to April 16th, Arashi will be all over on Fuji TV! Source & Image: Daily Sports Online + Oricon
 Hello! Project unit Buono!'s upcoming single “Natsu Dakara!“ Like the title of their new song suggests, the covers for the girls’ new single is bright and sunny. “Natsu Dakara!” comes in three different versions for fans to collect: Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, and a regular edition. Check out the cover and track list for each version below!
- Limited Edition A (CD+DVD)
 Limited Edition B (CD+DVD)
 Regular Edition (CD-only)
 < CD Track List >
01. Natsu Dakara!
02. Ice Mermaid
03. Natsu Dakara! (Instrumental) < DVD Track List >
01. Natsu Dakara! (3Shot Lip ver.Sofa) [Limited Edition A Only]
02. Natsu dakara! (3Shot Lip ver.white) [Limited Edition B Only] Source: Oricon  Last week, Arashi released their latest DVD, ARASHI 10-11 TOUR "Scene" ~Kimi to Boku no Miteiru Fuukei~ DOME+. According to Oricon, the DVD sold 539,000 copies, putting it at the top of the sales charts for the week. That number also pushes their all-time DVD sales to 5.282 million, making them the first artist to sell over 5 million DVDs.
Before this, Arashi already held the record for highest total DVD sales, with a huge lead over the second-place Morning Musume (2.695 million).  Details on Koda Kumi’s 50th single, “4 TIMES”. It was previously reported that the single would be called “V.I.P”, but it seems there was a change of heart.
With fishnet stockings and spread legs, Koda expresses the single’s “Sexy & Fashionable” theme. The title is probably related to the four times of a day, which Koda says each song represents. “Poppin’ love cocktail feat. TEEDA” is for the daytime, “IN THE AIR” is for the evening, “V.I.P” is for late at night, and “KO-SO-KO-SO” is for dawn. === The album comes in four editions: 1. CD Only - 1, 260 yen (~16 USD)
- Includes all four songs
2. CD+DVD - 2,100 yen (~26 USD)
- Includes all four songs & their music videos
(* First Press Editions of the CD Only or CD+DVD lets you apply for a reserved front row seat to “Koda Kumi Live Tour 2011 ~Dejavu~“) 3. CD (1 song) + Koda Kumi x Qlix Collaboration Digital Camera - 15,750 yen (~197 USD)
- Only includes “Poppin’ love cocktail feat. TEEDA” on the CD
- Digital camera
4. CD (1 song) + 50th Anniversary Post Card BOX set - 3,150 yen (~39 USD)
- Only includes “Poppin’ love cocktail feat. TEEDA” on the CD
- Deluxe box set with the jacket picture
Source: Koda Kumi’s Official Website & Sanspo Credits to Kanki
 Do As Infinity’s new single, “Ariadne no ito” (on sale September 7th), has been chosen as the theme song of the upcoming drama, “Team Batista 3 – Ariadne no dangan“. This marks their 8th song chosen as a drama’s theme, and the first in 8 years to be used in a drama since 2003’s “Koibumi ~Watashitachi ga aishita otoko~” (TBS).
Do As Infinity’s female counterpart Van Tomiko commented, “I hope that as you listen to our song, you will feel the willpower that is so necessary in today’s world, just like the main character who faces trials [in the drama]“. “Team Batista 3″ continues the story that began in the first installment: actor Ito Atsushi plays the people-loving doctor Taguchi Kohei, and Nakamura Tooru plays a man from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare named Shiratori Keisuke. As a brand-new medical center is being established, a murder occurs inside a new MRI machine, and the two must work together to solve the murder mystery. “The song was created around the show’s theme of ’sprinting and pulsing’, and it contains the message of ‘believing in myself and pushing ahead’. We wanted it to be an inspiring song”, Van commented. Ito added, “There’s a cliffhanger at the end of each episode, and with this song playing, I think it will heighten the excitement and tension. Ever since I received a copy of the song, I’ve been listening to it every day to get a boost of energy!” Kansai TV producer Toyofuku Yoko explained, “This season of the show will have brand new mysteries that you haven’t seen on other shows. Because of that, we wanted to choose a theme song that differs from every other ballad out there. An energetic and driving sound is perfect for the show. We wanted honest lyrics but also a cool sound, so we asked Do As Infinity to contribute”. Source: Mantan Web Credits to Amapi
 It was revealed that EXILE’s AKIRA will take on a role of one of the suspects in the first episode of “Detective Conan: Kudo Shinichi no Chousenjou”. Last year, AKIRA won the Newcomer Award from at Japanese Film Critics Award for his first role in a movie, “Chanto Tsutaeru”. Furthermore, he is currently starring in a major role in the NHK Taiga drama, “Gou ~Hime Tachi no Sengoku~”, as Toyotomi Hidekatsu. Although his role as Toyotomi extracts his talents as an actor, this will be the first time he will play a role as a villain. “It was a role definitely worth doing,” said AKIRA. He continued, “It was a bit difficult, but at the same time, that’s what made this role fun for me.” This live-action was produced to celebrate the anime’s 15th anniversary. This series will focus on Kudou Shinichi and bring a more “grown-up mystery,” drifting away from the childish aspects of the original series. This will also be the first time actor Mizobata Junpei, who plays Kudou Shinichi, will be working together with AKIRA. When asked his first impressions of AKIRA, Mizobata stated, “As I have seen him on TV before, I really think he is cool and very EXILE-ish.” AKIRA comments about Mizobata, “He is very straight-forward and it shows in his eyes as Kudou Shinichi.” He adds, “I think he is a wonderful actor.” This episode be on-air on July 7th in Japan. Source & Photo: Oricon News Credits to halicolipocky@tokyohive
 Pop duo mihimaru GT’s new song, “Evo Revolution” (on sale August 3rd), will be the opening song for the upcoming drama, “Yuusha Yoshihiko to Maou no Shiro”, starring Yamada Takayuki.
mihimaru GT members HIROKO and miCKun re-united in June with their single “Masterpiece” after doing solo work. In this new single, they challenged themselves to funk for the first time, livening up the unique drama resembling a story of an adventure RPG. Along with the release of their new single, they will also release a DVD containing their solo music videos, called “mihimaCLIP Special Edition ～HIROKO＆miCKun Solo Library～”. The bonus footage will include their year-end live, “Senmatsu Jumbo Takara Live”, and live footage from their solo careers. Source: Oricon
 AKB48’s dance and vocal sub-unit DiVA has announced the release of their second single on August 10th!
The tracks included in the yet to be named single hasn’t been revealed, but for now, it’s known that the single will come in four types. The regular editions (A, B, and C) will include a CD and a DVD. The CD-only theatre edition, which will be sold exclusively on mu-mo shop, comes with a ticket to a DiVA handshake event and a photo of one of the members. Source: Avexnet Credits to Banzinga
 Fans suspicions about AKB48’s12.5 generation member Eguchi Aimi being a “CG idol” have been confirmed! The features of Eguchi’s face were taken from the members, which consists of Oshima Yuko(hair/body), Takahashi Minami (outline), Maeda Atsuko (eyes), Watanabe Mayu (eyebrows), Itano Tomomi (nose), and Shinoda Mariko (mouth). Twelfth generation AKB48 member Sasaki Yukari is confirmed to be the source of her voice as well.
Additionally, fans correctly guessed the source of her profile information, which was posted on Glico’s website as part of the promotion. Most of the information was based on the company, such as her birthday (which is the same day that Glico was founded in 1922) and her hometown of Osaka (where Glico’s headquarters are based).
Since the truth about Eguchi Aimi has finally come out, Glico has one more surprise up their sleeve for AKB48 fans. By going onto the official “Ice no Mi” website, fans can create their “own AKB48 member” by choosing parts from any of the forty-seven girls available. Source: natalie  Singer Koda Kumi has just added 8 new dates to her sold out tour, “Koda Kumi Live Tour 2011 ～Dejavu～”! Check out the newly added dates below! === September 20th – Nagoya Kokusai Kaigijou Century Hall September 26th – Grand Cube Osaka Main Hall September 27th – Grand Cube Osaka Main Hall October 4th – Ichikawa City Bunka Kaikan October 5th – Ichikawa City Bunka Kaikan October 16th – Tokyo Kokusai Forum Hall A October 27th – Fukuoka Sun Palace October 28th – Fukuoka Sun Palace Source: Pia  It’s been announced that SMAP will be releasing a disaster relief album called “SMAP AID” on August 17th!
When the Tohoku earthquake struck Japan back in March, SMAP received many letters and messages that said, “I was cheered by SMAP’s songs” or “I was encouraged“. The SMAP members were encouraged in kind by the messages, and so they decided to release a special album with tracks decided by fans’ votes. The album will include a handkerchief (either a “Shiawase no YELLOW-AID” or “Genki no RED-AID), and it’s been priced at 3,570 yen (approximately 44.52 USD). 200 yen from every album sold will be donated through Marching J. SMAP will also be holding fan meeting events for those who purchase the album, as well as for their fan club members. The fan meeting event for the album purchasers will be held at “Nami no pool” at Seibuen amusement park on September 9th. A lottery ticket will be included in every album, and 10,000 lucky people will be invited to the event for free if their lottery application gets picked. Seibuen amusement park holds a special significance to SMAP, since it was where the group held their debut single release event 20 years ago. Thus, it’s sure to be a deeply emotional event for both the members and the fans. The fan meeting event for their fan club members will be held in 4 cities; Fukuoka Sun Palace (8/14), Hokkaido Nitori Bunka Hall (8/17), Kobe Bunka Hall (8/27), and Nagoya Century Hall (9/4). There will be two stages for each day, and all profits from the fan meeting events will also be donated through Marching J. More details on the new album, including how to vote for its tracks, will be revealed during June 20th’s episode of “SMAP×SMAP“. Source: Oricon Credits to Shiso  Popular girl rock group SCANDAL have recently announced the release of both their 11th single, “Love Survive”, on July 27th, as well as their 3rd album, “Baby Action”, releasing on August 10th.
“Love Survive” will be an upbeat summer tune featuring the girls’ signature rock style, which is sure to get fans fired up. “Baby Action” is planned to include 12 tracks in total, and will come in a regular edition as well as two limited edition versions, with one featuring a special DVD and the other featuring a special magazine-style album. Source: CDJapan  Koda Kumi’s official website has finally released some details on her 50th single, “V.I.P”!
The single will include a CD and DVD with four new tracks: “V.I.P”, “KO-SO-KO-SO”, “IN THE AIR” and “Poppin’love cocktail”. With song titles like that, we can be assured that it will be full of the usual Koda Kumi flair. Additional information such as release dates, price, editions, etc. will be released on June 22nd, so stay tuned for more information! Source: Koda Kumi’s Official Website Credits to Kanki
 SPEED will be celebrating their 15th anniversary by releasing their 20th single on August 10th. “Little Dancer” is the first single release by SPEED this year and was produced by BENNIE K member YUKI “Jolly Roger”.The title track is a pop tune covering SPEED’s own tracks until debut, but also encouraging kids to dance. The coupling track is called “PRIDE” and features OHGA. === [“Little Dancer” Track List] 01. Little Dancer 02. PRIDE feat. OHGA 03. Little Dancer (Instrumental) 04. PRIDE feat OHGA (Instrumental) Source: natalie  On the afternoon of March 11, a massive 8.9 earthquake hit off the Touhoku region Pacific coast, sending tremors as far inward as Tokyo. Trains were shaken, skyscrapers were swayed, and debris was sent flying from building for five minutes chilling minutes.
The quake created a tsunami that carried 10 meter (33 ft) high waves up to 10 km (6 mi) inland, wiping away several towns on the coast. Hundreds of bodies lay on beaches in the city of Sendai. The fifth largest earthquake the world has ever recorded has Japan in a state of devastation. Millions of households are without water or power, and powerful aftershocks are still occurring. With over 500 confirmed dead, nearly 800 missing, and the death toll expected to surpass 1400, the race is on to rescue those still trapped in the rubble. The international community has already started to send disaster relief teams to Japan. It’s been reported that rescue teams from South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States will be arriving today with search and rescue teams. 
Korean rescue workers preparing to depart at Gimpo Airport in Seoul. Switzerland announced it was sending a team of 25 rescue and medical experts along with 9 sniffer dogs. The Swiss unit is a group of at least 700 people whose skills range from engineering, seismology, telecommunications, and war surgery. The Russian emergency services agency ERMACOM offered 40 workers and three sniffer dogs, and Britain also said it will help with relief efforts after receiving a request from Japan. 
A rescue team at the Swiss Air Rescue base in Kloten. The United States has delivered coolant after alerts of three possible nuclear meltdowns. One explosion has already occurred. Although evacuations are still underway, the level of radiation is reported to be dropping. In addition France, Malaysia, Argentina, Canada, Norway, Italy, China, Sweden, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Kyrgyzstan, and the Philippines have all offered their support. These are complied lists of the statuses of Jpop and Jrock musical artists. Most are reported to be ok so far, with a few minor injuries and homes damaged. TBStv is airing a live internet broadcast. To help with relief efforts in Japan and the Pacific, you can donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999, or by visiting GlobalGiving online here. AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. Donate here. GLOBALGIVING: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate here. SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate here. SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate here. AMERICARES: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate here. CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate here.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate here. SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here.
Source: Jpopasia, Yahoo
 A huge concert featuring equally huge names will be taking place at Makuhari Messe Stadium this April! “SPRINGROOVE 2011″ will take place on April 2nd, and offers performances from hip-hop artists who are renowned not only in Asia, but around the world. The current guest line-up currently features the following artists from America and South Korea, in addition to Japan’s homegrown hip-hop and R&B musicians. Korean groups 2NE1 and GD&TOP are the latest to be added to the already stunning lineup for the event. Check out the impressive line-up below! == 2NE1
AK-69
DJ KAORI
Far East Movement
FLO RIDA
GD&TOP
Kato Miliyah
Keri Hilson
KREVA
Mark Ronson
Mindless Behavior
Nelly
Trey Songz
Zeebra
…and more! Source: SPRINGROOVE 2011 Official Website Credits to Kurumi@ tokyohive
 Right before the natural disasters struck, Base Ball Bear had announced that they would be releasing a new single. The band’s newest release will be titled “yoakemae”. No release date or official track list have been revealed, but a B-side for the single has been confirmed. Plans are also currently in the works for the title song to be recorded during their nationwide tour, which begins on March 17th.
Source: natalie Credits to Kurumi@tokyohive
 J-pop girl group SPEED has announced that they will be releasing a new DVD on March 30th titled, “BIBLE-SPEED BEST CLIPS-“.
The DVD will have 20 of their music videos, starting with their 1996 debut single, “Body & Soul“. The video contents will contain works from their time with Toy’s Factory to their shift to Avex Trax. As an added bonus, it will also have the song, “Kiseki ga iku toki” (which they performed at their “SPEED LIVE 2010 ~GLOWING SUNFLOWER~” in April of 2010) and the ‘off-shoot’ from the time of “Be My Love“. Source: Oricon
Credits to Sujin@tokyohive
 The main cast of “GANTZ PERFECT ANSWER” held a theatre greeting for the Japanese premiere of their film at the Tokyo International Forum. Arashi’s Ninomiya Kazunari planned a special surprise for Matsuyama Kenichi, by bringing out a handmade birthday cake for the star! Matsuyama had turned 26 years old on March 5th. Although Ninomiya celebrated his birthday a little belatedly, he continued a tradition of giving Matsuyama a cake. Matsuyama was moved, “I was really surprised. I never thought something like that would happen here. He is really different from other stars”. Ninomiya replied with a huge smile on his face, “When I was making the cake, I noticed that filming the movie took a really long time . This is the first time I’ve made a cake for a co-star two times in a row. This is my “perfect answer””. The boys stood in front of their audience and expressed their hopes for the movie’s success. Ninomiya cheered,, “We’ve put a lot of thoughts and love into this movie. So, I hope that you all like this “answer””. Meanwhile, Matsuyama smiled, “I like the Japan Premiere in which we can share enjoyment with a lot of people. So, I was looking forward for this.”. “GANTZ PERFECT ANSWER” will be shown nation-wide on April 23rd.
Source: OriconCredits to Kanki@tokyohive | |
