J-pop

NMB48’s Kondo Rina Announces Graduation

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NMB48 Kondo Rina

Kondo Rina has announced her graduation from NMB48.

The announcement was made during the group’s performance in Osaka. According to her Twitter, it seems like she has dreams of becoming an actress are strong so it seems like that is her most likely path.

Her graduation concert will be soon, in fact just a few weeks away on January 27. This doesn’t give us much time until we get to see her leave, but it seems like her decision was made kind of fast due to her mentioning that she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do immediately.

Best of luck Kondo Rina!

Source: Natalie.mu

Le Lien “Zantetsuken” MV Released

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Le Lien Zantetsuken

Le Lien has released the MV for their upcoming single titled Zantetsuken.

There will be three limited versions alongside a regular version all with the coupling song titled Kimi ni Sachiare. Limited A will feature a DVD, Limited B features a booklet, while Limited C will have 2 bonus tracks titled Tsuyoku Tsuyoku and Otona wa Wakatte Kurenai.

Limited C
Limited B
Limited A
Regular

The single will be out January 27 so it’s just a few weeks away, but from what I can see the MV is turning out to be an amazing release so far.

Fighting in school is a pretty common theme in anime, but this time we get to see it from the eyes of someone the members of Le Lien are helping out. The preview is short but sweet and being defended by the members fighting against swarms of men in suits is nothing short of amazing.

How will the MV end? We’ll have to wait until the MV is out, but until then it’s a nice way to see what this amazing group has in store for us.

Le Lien OHP| Le Lien CDJapan

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Cheeky Parade and GEM Members To Study Abroad

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Cheeky Parade Yamamoto Suzuki GEM Takeda

From Left to Right: Yamamoto Marin, Suzuki Mariya, Takeda Maaya

Cheeky Parade’s Yamamoto Marin and Suzuki Mariya alongside GEM’s Takeda Maaya have announced that they will be taking a hiatus from their respective groups to study abroad in Los Angeles for 2 years.

This announcement was done at their performance at iDOL Street Carnival 2016 ~Shinsun! Kaiun Uta-Matsuri!~. According to all of the members responses they all mentioned their desire to come back to Cheeky Parade and GEM, most notably Marin mentioned she wanted to come back with many experiences overseas.

Their last performance will be on June 25th, so it seems like we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy their singing before the break. Of course, as a fan this must be heavy news but education comes first and having the opportunity to study abroad is a great goal to have.

We’ll be looking forward to their come back, but until then please support Yamamoto, Suzuki, and Takeda!

Source: Cheeky Parade OHP | GEM OHP

 

[Updated] SMAP To Disband

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SMAP

UPDATE: SMAP have confirmed that they won’t be disbanding.

Japan’s arguably most recognizable group SMAP has seemingly announced their disbandment.

According to reports the decision came as a result of the group’s manager announcing her resignation from the Johnny & Associates company.

Four out of five of the members: Masahiro Nakai, Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori announced their decision to accompany her as she leaves the company. Takuya Kimura will be staying with the company.

According to a report sent out by the company, it seems to be semi-confirming the issue, but it doesn’t seem to confirm outright whether the group will be disbanding. Here is the report (thanks to TokyoHive).

Recently, there was a report regarding some SMAP members’ leaving and their manager’s resignation from a directors position. It is true that we are having consultation and negotiations about the matter, however, we cannot answer any detailed inquires yet.

It seems like a disbandment isn’t being confirmed outright, but it seems like there are some issues with the group and their company. Of course, until the confirmation is out we can’t say 100% for sure if this is valid.

We’ll keep on updating as the issue proceeds.

Source: Daily Sports Online

Uchida Aya “Floating Heart” MV Released

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Uchida Aya Floating Heart

The MV for Uchida Aya’s Floating Heart has been released.

The track comes from her upcoming album titled Sweet Tears, which will be released on February 10th. There will also be a 2nd album released on the same day titled Bitter Kiss.

Uchida Aya Sweet Tears Cover

While many might not like the more anime-sounding songs, it seems like fans who do like cutely voiced idols are in for a treat.

By itself, the song is nice and catchy, but it didn’t cause much of a lasting impact. Regardless, the visuals are nice and Aya is adorable as she sings in front of the tastefully decorated setting.

A must see for fans of cute anime styled releases!

Uchida Aya OHP | Sweet Tears CDJapan

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Ganbare! Victory “Seishun! Hero” MV Released

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Ganbare! Victory Seishun! Hero

Ganbare! Victory has released the MV for their 3rd single titled Seishun! Hero.

Minami Ver.
Shinobu Ver.
Mayoko Ver.
Rena Ver.
Ayaki Ver.
Limited Ver.
Regular Ver.

With a name like Seishun! Hero it brings to mind a youthful and upbeat song that gets you pumped up for any situation and it seems like that is the perfect description for this song.

With a catchy pop sound that is sure to have you cheering alongside them, this song manages to capture an energetic feel.

Likewise, the MV features the members rocking out in different locations on their instruments, with a cartoon image of a baseball player working out. This alone makes for a unique and home feel to the release, so it’s well worth a look for fans of Silent Siren and SCANDAL.

We’ll have to wait just a few more weeks until the January 27th release date, but it seems like a must-have for fans of the group!

Ganbare! Victory OHP | Ganbare! Victory CDJapan

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STEREO JAPAN “Buddhist Bounce” MV Released

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STEREO JAPAN Tokyo

STEREO JAPAN has released the MV for their 2nd EP Ibiza track titled Buddhist Bounce.

January 23rd is the date of release for this packed EP and while there are only 5 tracks it seems like a must have release!

STEREO JAPAN Buddhist Bounce

  1. Buddhist Bounce
  2. MATSURI
  3. healing you
  4. Blow Your Mind
  5. NEXT

It seems like Stereo Tokyo are at it again, with a catchy EDM release that mixes in their idol persona with a nice beat that is sure to light up any party.

The title is a bit interesting, but in a way the song does have a Japanese feel to it that adds to the unique feel. Likewise, the monks in white robes and baskets that appear alongside the group are a nice touch, that add in a cool look while the members perform.

This is a must see for fans of techno songs, especially since the group seem to be at the forefront of the new idol EDM wave!

STEREO Tokyo OHP

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Yoshida Rinne “Chitose Tsuzuri” MV Released

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Yoshida Rinne Chitose Tsuzuri

Yoshida Rinne has released an MV for her track titled Chitose Tsuzuri.

January 23rd is the release, so it seems like we’re in for a great start for the year. Of course, the question is, is it a good start?

The song is the theme song for a horror game titled Iwai Hime while the b-side track is set as the ending theme so it seems like promotion is solid.

Likewise the music is catchy and soft, perfectly matching her voice in a way that makes for an amazing winter song. Sure, the MV isn’t too complex, but with a soft song like this it seems like a perfect way to promote it.

Fans of ballads and cute idols will be pleased!

Yoshida Rinne OHP | Yoshida Rinne CDJapan

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AOP “Zenryoku Batan Q” MV Released

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AOP Anime Katteni Ouen Project

Anime Katteni Ouen Project (AOP) has released the MV for their song Zenryoku Batan Q.

The song will be the opening theme for the anime Osomatsu-san.

AOP Zenryoku Batan Q Osomatsu-san Cover

Anime themes are usually upbeat and catchy, and this one is no exception. With a Japanese influence alongside the beat, it seems like the group is slowly but surely becoming an authority on anime songs. The temple setting is a treat, and the colorful outfits are cute, all combining to form a must see MV for fans of the anime or idol music in general.

The temple setting is a treat, and the colorful outfits are cute, all combining to form a must see MV for fans of the anime or idol music in general.

There will be an iTunes release on January 13 with a live to promote the release on February 21. A physical release is set for February 10, so it’s among the many idol releases just in time for Valentine’s Day!

AOP CDJapan

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