In this week’s Shuukan Idol, we have a disbandment, a retro debut, and even a surprise Nippon Budokan concert announcement. Add in a handful of MVs from Up Up Girls 2, Fairies, Takoyaki Rainbow, and Iketeru Hearts, and you’ll have our 7 highlights of the week!
News
> An era is over, Idol Renaissance are disbanding
There are a lot of idol groups disbanding. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that will end anytime soon with the recent news that Idol Renaissance would be going their separate ways. All we know about their disbandment is available above, best of luck Idol Renaissance members!
> Empire are debuting with a full cassette album
Nothing like going retro, and you can’t go more retro than debuting on a cassette. Yes, in an incredibly WACK way of promoting their debut, it seems like EMPiRE will receive a debut album released solely on cassettes. Is this tactic enough to help them stir up some attention? Maybe. Is Watanabe a mad genius? Time will tell.
> Suzuki Airi is performing solo at Nippon Budokan
This was a surprise. Remember how Nippon Budokan is that dream that many idol groups and performers spend years trying to achieve? It seems like Suzuki Airi has managed to get a Nippon Budokan performance already and she hasn’t even debuted. Full details available above, congrats Airi!
> Fairies go retro in the light-filled MV for HEY HEY ~Light Me Up~
One of the things that everyone misses the most from the 90s is Eurobeat. Yes, it’s an incredibly catchy genre that unfortunately faded way too early. Thankfully, Fairies have decided to do something about it and are bringing it back with their latest single. It’s amazing. Seriously check it out!
> Takoyaki Rainbow go full red in Sotsugyou Love Teisutei
Are you into the color red? Then you’re in luck because the latest Takoyaki Rainbow MV is packed full of it, with members dancing to a calm ballad while being surrounded in pure red. It’s a pretty relaxing release and one that’s fairly catchy so make sure to enjoy it above.
> Iketeru Hearts turn into mummies for Rosetta Stone
Idol mummies are not a thing yet, but thankfully Iketeru Hearts have decided to fix that with their latest release. In it we get to see a lot of wrapped objects, including each member as they sing to the Egyptian styled song. Is it worth a listen? Absolutely!
> Morning Musume 20th release details for their mini-album
It has been some time since we last heard about Morning Musume 20th. This special unit was made to celebrate 20 years of Momusu music, with not many details being released for a long time. Thankfully, that’s changed. Check out the post above for CMs, covers, and track lists!
Notable mentions:
Encore
This week we have Icle Girls and their 8th single titled MEMORIES. Out January 24th, the single will be released in one edition.
Are you ready to see some of the shakiest camera scenes of idols performing on a beach? Then you’ll be glad to see that Icle Girls have just that with their latest ballad release.
In this MV we get to see the members as they perform together in an adorable and fairly impressive location. There are even some shots of them walking down a road as a drone falls in front of them, making this release well worth a look. Check it out below!
MEMORIES
Icle Girls
Help fund a new camera with image stabilization for the next Icle Girls release by buying a copy of this single below:
That’s it for this week, stay tuned for the next one!
Kimi.Kame 
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