Month: December 2015

Umemoto Izumi To Graduate From HKT48

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Umemoto Izumi

HKT48’s Umemoto Izumi has announced her graduation from the group.

According to her, she dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter and to accomplish that she has to graduate and study music more seriously.

The graduations aren’t over yet folks!

It seems like HKT48 has lost another member, but it seems like this time is a bit different. Usually members leave the entertainment world, or if they stay they usually do so as actresses or talents. It seems like Izumi will be staying in the music industry but in a more backside approach.

While it might be sad that she is leaving, it’s a relief that she will be in some way staying in the industry.

Her final performance will be on December 27 and she will graduate on December 31 officially.

Nishiyama Rena To Graduate From AKB48

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Nishiyama Rena

AKB48’s Nishiyama Rena has announced her graduation from the group.

According to her announcement, she has always dreamt with being a volunteer and helping other people. She will graduate and continue her studies as well.

The AKB48 graduation train is coming along and apparently more people will be leaving the family. While it seems like many have the same dreams of going to school only or becoming an actress, Rena’s dream is a bit more human and touching since she hopes to help others.

Her graduation will be con December 23, so it’s sooner than expected but at least it gives her time to get ready for school.

Takajo Aki To Graduate From AKB48

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Aki Takajo

Takajo Aki has announced her graduation from AKB48.

The announcement was done at a recent performance at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL.

Reasons as to why she left are unclear, but it seems like she wants to continue on her own path outside of the group.

In a series of graduations lately, it seems like we’re in for even for more movement within the group. Of course, it’s not always the most joyous of occasions but it seems like it was a decision that was considered for quite some time.

A date of graduation hasn’t been announced, but we should get a confirmation sometime soon. Best of luck to Aki as she moves on to other things!

Source: Natalie.mu

 

SKE48’s Miyazawa Sae To Graduate

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Miyazawa Sae

SKE48’s Miyazawa Sae has announced her graduation from SKE48 and SNH48.

She first joined back in 2006 and as a result has been among the most popular members, consistently being featured among the top members of the group.

So far no other info has been announced so we’re still waiting on the actual date of graduation or a reason as to why she is leaving.

When a founding member leaves the group it’s always a sad occurrence and this one is no different since she has become a loved member of the group.

The best of luck to Sae as she moves on, but hopefully we get more info soon.

AKB48 “Kimi wa Ima Made Doko ni Ita?” MV Released

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AKB48 Kimi wa Ima Made Doko ni Ita

The MV for the b-side for Migi Ashi Evidence sung by AKB48 featuring Nakanishi Chiyori as center titled Kimi wa Ima Made Doko ni Ita? has been released.

In comparison to the more mature tone of the main track sung by Fujita Nana, we get to enjoy a more laid back sound with this song. Featuring a happy idol sound that fans have come to enjoy with an interesting theme.

As the MV plays we get to see Chiyori dressed up as a mascot of the group, where her head falls off as she performs alongside the group.

The song is a nice way to balance the single out since it has a softer sound and the theme of Chiyori wearing the costume is a cute touch. Sure, it’s forgettable and the MV is confusing, but it’s worth a look.

Release is set for December 23, so make sure to check out the previous post with the main MV so you know how this release is turning out!

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Fujita Nana “Migi Ashi Evidence” MV Released

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Fujita Nana Migi Ashi Evidence

AKB48’s Fujita Nana has released the MV for her solo song titled Migi Ashi Evidence.

The solo singles keep on coming, and due to her winning the 6th Janken tournament on September 16 it seems like she has a well-deserved spot to have the spotlight on her.

Moving on to the MV itself, it seems like Nana got lucky. With a more mature styled song featuring a catchy beat and a series of shots of her dancing in various places around town, such as a giant room full of shiny stuff, and the middle of a busy square.

The song itself is catchy, fast, and has a nice adult overtone that is sure to have fans of more modern songs smiling.

Release is set for December 23, so it’s the perfect treat for any fan on Christmas!

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AKB48’s Iwasa Misaki “Gomenne Tokyo” MV Released

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Iwasa Misaki AKB48

AKB48’s Iwasa Misaki has released the MV for her single titled Gomenne Tokyo.

Enka is a hard genre to promote on mainstream music, mainly due to the more cultural tone that it has featuring a slow beat combined with passionate vocals full of the culture of Japan.

Thankfully Iwasa is here to try and promote it to more people and the result is a stunning MV.

The music might not be a fit for some due to the slow nature, but the scenes of her singing from the beach are just a reflection of how much skill is needed.

Release is set for January 6, so if you’re looking to kick off your year with a nice slow enka release, then make sure to check this release out!

Iwasa Misaki CDJapan

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AKB48 Is Officially The Best Selling Singles Group In Japanese History

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AKB48

As of December 9, the release of Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby, AKB48 is now the best selling singles group in Japanese History.

Total sales for singles stands at around 36,158,000 (which is probably increasing even more as we speak). The honor was long held by others, here’s a short list of those top groups:

  • B’z – 35,809,000
  • Mr.Children – 26,628,000
  • Southern All Stars – 25,352,000
  • SMAP – 23,955,000

The most surprising fact is that AKB48 hasn’t been around as long as B’z has, with the group barely going to pass their 10th anniversary next year, but already having 42 singles under their belts (compared to B’z and their 52 singles in 27 years).

Of course, this record is only for singles and not overall sales since B’z still hold that record with 80,000,000 singles/albums sold.

Selling millions is something not many groups can brag about, mainly due to the high turbulence of music acts as groups join and break up as fast as people blink. Thankfully it seems like the group has maintained their status as one of the top idol groups in all of Japan and left their mark in Japanese music history.

It’s clear that they still have a ways to go, but at the pace they’re going it’s just a matter of time before we get to see them shatter that record.

Congrats AKB48!

Source: Oricon.jp

Babyraids JAPAN “Hashire, Hashire” MVs Released

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Babyraids JAPAN

The MVs for Babyraids JAPAN’s tracks from their 11th single Hashire, Hashire titled Hashire, Hashire and FOREVER MY FRIEND have been released.

Hashire, Hashire features a school theme with a unique drama intro and the song kicking off around 1:01 when a friend of the girl presses play on her phone. While we don’t get to see the members that much on this video, it’s nice to see that there is a drama feel to this video.

FOREVER MY FRIEND has a  different feel to it showing off scenes from their live performances and a more rock-heavy melody. It certainly gives us a look at how hard the members work to make sure the performances are done perfectly for fans.

What about that single info? You think as you stare transfixed at the screen.

There will be 2 limited editions and a regular edition. Type A will have a 3rd song Dreamer, a DVD with Hashire, Hashire, and a Making Of with the Photoshoot, one-half of the bonus clips collection from SUMMER LIVE 2015, and a trading card. Limited B will have an exclusive track Stress, the same MV but also a dance shot, Making Of for the MV, the other half of the bonus clips, and a trading card.

Each of the limited editions is just packed to the brim with additions for fans to enjoy, so make sure to check them out so you can kick off the year right with this unique group on January 6!

Babyraids JAPAN CDJapan

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