J-pop

Nogizaka46’s Ikoma Rina To Release 1st PB

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Nogizaka46 Ikoma Rina

Nogizaka46’s Ikoma Rina has announced her 1st PB titled Kimi no Ashiato.

There is the promise of showing off her more mature side while also showing off her youth so we are definitely in for a unique release this February 24.

Of course, PB releases for an idol is always one of the most monumental for fans since it gives them a chance to enjoy their favorite idol with a special book.

From what we can see so far, there doesn’t seem to be a focus on bikini pictures which is always a plus for me, but there is a mention that there will be a focus on her mature side so we will most likely see a few.

Until then, Ikoma Rina fans are encouraged to get a copy of this PB!

Ikoma Rina “Kimi no Ashiato” PB CDJapan

 

SMAP Announce They Won’t Disband

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SMAP

SMAP have recently appeared and confirmed that they won’t be disbanding.

The announcement was done during their show SMAPxSMAP where the members appeared in black suits. According to the show, the members apologized for the controversy caused by the members. They did confirm that they were on the verge of a midair breakup, but also mentioned that they will look forward and strive to go ahead.

It’s a relief to see that the group will in fact be staying together and that everything that was going on with management has been sorted out since they are after all one of the most monumental bands in Japan.

SMAP fans are certainly going to be happy!

3 Especia Members To Graduate

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Especia Mise Chihiro Sannomiya Chika Wakita Monari

Especia members Mise Chihiro, Sannomiya Chika, and Wakita Monari have announced their graduation from the group.

Details about a graduation date haven’t been announced but we should be getting some details in the coming months. The only thing we know is that the graduations will take place at the end of February, giving them just enough time to promote their latest album CARTA.

Especia are certainly unique, mainly due to their sound which takes inspiration from past styles while retaining a quirky and fun style that has captured the hearts of fans.

The best of luck to Mise Chihiro, Sannomiya Chika, and Wakita Monari!

Especia OHP

Uchida Aya “afraid …” MV Released

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Uchida Aya Bitter Kiss Cover

Uchida Aya has released the MV for afraid …, a track from her latest concept album titled Bitter Kiss.

Release is set for February 10, so it seems like we’re in for an interesting album mainly due to the sound of the song thus far.

It’s notably darker than her previous song Floating Heart that we covered a while ago, and while that might be the case it’s still a solid song nonetheless. With a lolita theme for the costume and a gothic setting for the setting, they both combine to form an amazing MV that is sure to entice fans of the harder songs.

Definitely worth a check!

Uchida Aya OHP | Uchida Aya CDJapan

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AKB48’s Kobayashi Kana Announces Graduation

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AKB48 Kobayashi Kana

AKB48’s 2nd generation member Kobayashi Kana has announced her graduation from the group.

The announcement was done at their AKB48 Tandoku Request Hour Setlist Best 100 2016 event. According to her, she has reached her 10 year mark with the group and has decided to do what she can do.

She is among the members with the largest amount of theater performances so it is a big step for the group. Especially considering that she is the last 2nd generation member in the group (Umeda Ayaka is 2nd generation but she’s in NMB48).

No other details have been released but it’s certainly a sad day for fans of AKB48. Best of luck Kobayashi Kana!

Natalie.mu

Rev.from DVL “Okujo no Sukima Shiroi Sora” MV Released

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Rev.from DVL Okujo Sukima Shiroi Sora

The MV for Rev.from DVL’s Okujo no Sukima Shiroi Sora has been released.

Online
Type B
Type A

There are three versions for this release: Type A featuring a song titled Yumemiru Dake Yori alongside a DVD with a Dance, Regular, and the Making Of for the MV. Type B will feature a song titled Smile・Jump alongside the 1st episode of the audio drama from the group, and an online only version. All of the versions will feature the song Ungai Souten Samurai Damashi.

The single has been out since January 5th, so it seems like the MV is a perfect way for those who missed the release date to get a copy and from what I can see it’s a nice way to start off the year.

With a more mature tone, we get to see the members wearing black leather jackets, and singing a heartfelt ballad with some twin guitars in the back. Since there is a ballad feel to the song there isn’t much of a fast beat (chorus is the fastest part), but the guitars in the track make for a nice way to add in some edginess.

It’s a good song, but not my favorite from what I heard. The image is the standout, the black and red makes for an amazing combo that fits them well. It’ll be fun to see where they go from here, but it’s a solid release so far!

Rev.from DVL OHP| Rev.fromDVL CDJapan

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Juice=Juice “Next is you!” Covers Released

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Juice=Juice Next is you! Regular A
Regular A

The covers for Juice=Juice’s Next is you! / Karada Dake ga Otona ni Nattan ja Nai have been released.

Limited D
Limited C
Limited B
Limited A
Regular B

Release is set for February 3 in six editions, so it seems like we’re in for an amazing single. As you might remember, the single was announced to be tied in with their drama a while back and we’ve been awaiting more news from this release for a while.

Thankfully, the wait for the covers is done and we now get to enjoy the colorful and very pink themed released. In true Hello! Project fashion every cover has a different theme for fans to choose their favorite.

Since the single will be tied in with the drama some covers feature the name of the group Next You, specifically Regular A, Limited A, and Limited C. It’s a nice touch and fans of the drama can find the single easily when they go out and buy a copy.

Personally, I tend to like multiple covers and this release is no different, with Regular B and Limited A being my favorites. The main one I would say I dislike would definitely have to be Limited B. It might be the whole 3D concept but the lines are a bit too distracting (it might be an image glitch though).

Overall, an amazing group of covers for fans to enjoy, make sure to get your copy soon!

Hello! Project OHP | Juice=Juice CDJapan

Niji no Conquistador “Senjo no St. Valentine” MV Released

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Niji no Conquistador Senjo no St. Valentine

The MV for Niji no Conquistador’s Senjo no St. Valentine has been released.

Out February 11, just in time for St. Valentine’s day and like the title suggests, a perfect fit for the occasion. That depends on your idea of love and if it includes fighting with your rival as you try and win the chance to give your crush some chocolate.

Valentine’s Day in Japan usually involves the girl giving the guy some chocolate, and that seems to be the main point of this MV. The members stand outside to give some chocolate to their crush, only to find themselves in a match to the death with weapons. Overall an interesting concept and one that fans will love.

The song itself is quite impressive, with a catchy beat and a slight disco feel. Definitely one of the best starts for the group since even now I find myself humming the song.

It seems like not much info is known about the single, but we are most likely going to be in for a treat once the release date rolls on by.

Niji no Conquistador OHP | Niji no Conquistador CDJapan

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PASSPO☆ “Mr.Wednesday” MV Released

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Passpo Mr.Wednesday

PASSPO☆ has released the MV for their upcoming single titled Mr.Wednesday.

Type C
Type B
Type A

There will be three versions: Type A will feature a DVD with the MV, Type B will also feature a DVD but this time with the Making Of. The coupling will be titled Musical Party and it will be featured on all of the versions.

Release is set for February 24, but as we mentioned a while ago the new single has been in the works for a while, so it’s a relief to finally get to enjoy it.

Ironically enough the MV starts off on Thursday, but the song itself is nice and catchy with an 80’s feel to it. We get to see some great cuts that make the song feel like it was done with one take, and the cream tone on the video fits the song’s nostalgic sound perfectly.

Definitely  a strong release from the group, and one I will most likely buy the minute it comes out. Check it out and get a copy!

PASSPO☆ OHP | PASSPO☆ CDJapan

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