Archives for the ‘Recommended’ Category

[Blogs] jrocknyc Tries Out Hear Japan

review: HearJapan

Recommended reading. Go gives this service a try, downloading the new D’espairsRay single and enjoying the process. He finds the lack of stuff on the service a drawback, but seems quite open to using it again in the future.

Ray • May 16th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended, RockNo Comments

[Blogs] HALCALI day by day On Being Big In France

Halcali play in France again!

Recommended reading. jariten notes some new gigs Halcali will be doing in Japan, which is certainly good news for the duo. It kind of turns the “Big in Japan” cliché on its head, though, doesn’t it?

Ray • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Hip Hop, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Road to the Deep East On Bon Bon Blanco Defection

Bon-Bon Blanco Finally Announced the Leave of Conga player

Recommended reading. Santos goes back to his roots as he considers the official confirmation that Conga player Izumi has left the group. Despite considering himself an ex-fan, Santos does an excellent job dissecting the situation, considering the probable reasons Izumi left as well as what this means for B3. Fans of Idolizing St. Anna will get a big kick out of this write-up, it’s like a step back in time.

Ray • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Pop Idols, RecommendedNo Comments

[News] Flavor of Life Earns Highest Royalties In 2007

“Flavor of Life” tops royalties list for 2007 (TokyoGraph)
JASRAC: “FOL” @ #1; “HEART STATION” Track Download Stats (Hikki Station)

Recommended reading. A report has come out that places Utada Hikaru’s “Flavor of Life” as the top earner of royalties - across all media - in 2007. Hopefully 2008 will be as generous to Hikki, especially if she goes Stateside.

Ray • May 15th, 2008
News, Pop Idols, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Last Forever On Miya’s Shuffle Unit

The Lone (Currently Active) H!P Kid Shuffle Alumni

Recommended reading. Our own maiZe goes back in time to consider this wonderful shuffle unit song featuring Miya, Megukami, and Mikitty. I love this line from the write-up, on maiZe’s initial reaction:

I was completely turned off due to the fact that Miyabi and Megumi were so young and wearing these sensual outfits singing a pretty sensual sounding song.

See, that was the SELLING POINT for me. Anyway, it’s good to see maiZe catching up to how great this song is, even if she doesn’t notice the Evil Mikitty subtext involved.

Ray • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Recommended1 Comment

[Blogs] Lost Wing Reviews Sakamoto Maaya’s 30minutes night flight Album

Sakamoto Maaya - 30minutes night flight

Recommended reading. I rarely cover something non-H!P related, but I have to say that I love Sakamoto Maaya and don’t listen to her as much as I should. Tsuki gives a nice review of Maaya’s 30minutes night flight mini-album, and it’s gotten me into a Maaya mood. I can never get enough of Maaya’s voice.

Tsuki recommends this as “a great album to start with for any new and curious Sakamoto listeners, and perfect for the Sakamoto Maaya fan.” While I got into Maaya’s work from watching the anime RahXephon, I definitely agree that this would be a good place for new fans to start their Maaya fandom.

maiZe • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] CK’s H!P Blog Explains Love for Haromoni@

Haromoni@…Why I Love That Stupid Show!

Recommended reading. Chris has a detailed explanation of why he loves Haromoni@. Personally, Haromoni@ simply can’t hold a candle to Hello! Morning, but to each their own.

He gives his top 5 reasons for being a Haromoni@ fan and I have to say that the number one reason surprised me. However, I think CJ of So Hot She Shits Fire will appreciate Chris’ wall of text regarding his number one reason.

maiZe • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Hello! C-ute has C-ute and Buono! Magazine Scans

°C-ute in YanYan Magazine
Buono! in BOMB

Recommended ogling. I have to say that these scans made my day. Just keep giving me more eyecandy of C-ute in their ‘Namida no Iro’ outfits, and I’ll be a happy camper. Buono! in their ‘Kiss!Kiss!Kiss’ outfits doesn’t hurt either. Hugs for Miya! :D

maiZe • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] American Wota Continues the Berikyuu! Watch

Berikyuu! Episode 12: Dance Like You Want To Win!
Berikyuu! Episode 13: Risako’s Special Gift
Berikyuu! Episode 14: It Turns Freakin’ Ugly
Berikyuu! Episode 15: Morning Musumes Of Joy

Recommended reading. Our own Ray is churning out the Berikyuu! episode reviews like… something that churns things out quickly.

The first two episodes reviewed here are of the Berryz vs. C-ute battle concert practices. I must say that I enjoyed Ray’s Manoeri version of “How Much Is That Doggy?” (or whatever that song is actually called). I love Ray’s tension filled dialogue and prose. And I love how Momoko has become the Berryz Assassin.

Saki isn’t worried that Maimi has a good six to eight inches reach over her, mostly because Momoko’s around to tear out the jugular of anyone who threatens Captain.

I was surprised there was no mention of Chisato protecting her leader by challenging the peach child to a knife fight… Though, I have to say, Captain chose a bad day to air out dirty laundry regarding Risako… On her birthday of all days…

The latter two posts cover the anomoly that was Morning Musume taking over the show supposedly for the H!P Kids. As Ray points out, there is no Beri or kyuu to be found in these two episodes. Lots of snark and insults to enjoy in here, but what killed me was his bit on Koharu.

She looks quite lovely in this shot, doesn’t she? Mature - demure, even, and I really like her hair here. She seems so normal, so clearly a young woman who is making her way in the world.

Of course, the only conclusion one can make is that when it’s time for her to play Kirarin, they reach into her skull and pull out the left hemisphere of her brain. She is a medical miracle, able to function with half a brain and thus able to portray mentally damaged anime characters to perfection when it’s called upon. When it’s time to sing “Konnichi Pa”, they yank out her medulla oblangata as well.

maiZe • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] 愛 ・ CANDY Has Three From Takasugi Satomi

“Hyaku Renka / Tooku Hanarete mo” Front Cover (CD+DVD version)
“Issho ni” Front Covers
“garden” Front Covers

Recommended ogling. I don’t know who Takasugi Satomi is, but she is strikingly beautiful and these CD covers are a joy to behold.

Ray • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Our Second Blossoming Reviews the GAY Single

[single] 16sai no Koi Nante - Abe Natsumi & Yajima Maimi

Recommended reading. Second Blossoming is fairly new to the Hello! Project fandom, and one of his latest finds is the Great Abe and Yajima’s single, 16sai no Koi Nante. He’s got lots of praise for both Maimi and Nacchi and he thoroughly enjoys the lyrics of the single. I love his breakdown of the lyrics:

The lyrics are extremely interesting also. You know the feeling where you think you know everything, but then someone crushes everything and totally destroys your argument/theory and you look like a dickhead? Yeah, this song is that. But without the dickhead bit. It’s more like an “ohhhh” expression. Hahaha.

Though, for all his praise of Nacchi, I have to say that Maimi outshone Nacchi in the H!P 2008 Winter Concert performance, both vocally and through the (simplistic) dance.

maiZe • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] ZB’s A-Z On ketchup mania Please Marry Me!

Review: ketchup mania “Please Marry Me!” single

Recommended reading. Zac does a great job detailing the international love being felt for ketchup mania, then diving into a track-by-track review of their new single. He pays attention to how the first two tracks are departures from the band’s usual style, but finds the overall package solid.

Ray • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended, RockNo Comments

[Blogs] True Life Seek Looks For Reasons to Blog

Help a Blogger Out; a TLS Survey

Recommended reading. Our own broomhead is currently suffering from a lack of blogging enthusiasm. In an attempt to regain some inspiration, he’s asking for help from fellow bloggers to gain insight on why the rest of us blog. I think this is a question all bloggers ask themselves from time to time, and International Wota has definitely covered some posts on this topic.

A few bloggers have already responded to broomhead’s survey on their own blogs. I know some others are working on their responses (myself included). broomhead is not limiting responders to currently active bloggers, or even bloggers of the J-music scene (though I think that would be what all bloggers on IW would be…) but he poses this survey to anyone who has “blogged at least one entry, I think that’s enough to satisfy.” Basically, the wider the range of viewpoints, the better.

Hopefully, somewhere within these responses, broomhead will be able to find something to bring the spark back to his blogging muses.

maiZe • May 15th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended1 Comment

[Blogs] Wotaku Now! On Charmy’s Charms

Charmy’s charms

Recommended reading and ogling. I have to give this to Shirow: he manages to slip in the pervy observations real slick-like, so you almost don’t notice them even as you shake your head in agreement. He has some really choice lines in here, even as he makes some interesting observations about the current arc of Ishikawa Rika’s career. And of course, eyecandy!

Ray • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] unchained Wants You To Kiss My Ass And Say Goodbye

Kiss my ass and say goodbye

Recommended viewing. Our own pengie shares the PV to Okamoto Rei’s debut single, “teenage days”, and it includes the invitation in the blog entry title. It’s got a cute girl and schoolgirl outfits and a nice pop rock sound and silly English lyrics - this is like honey to my wota bee, you know? And I’m sure it’ll trip some of your triggers, too.

Ray • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended, RockNo Comments

[Blogs] sillylittleme.net Reviews Shinku

[Jmovie] Shinku

Recommended reading. Elizabeth has a very well-written review of this psychological thriller, laying out the plot without giving away any surprises, and conveying a strongly positive opinion of this film. This one looks well worth seeking out in whatever local Asian cinema store you frequent.

Ray • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] LOVE Tantei has PB Photos

Recent photobooks

Recommended ogling. chibon has been looking through Eri, Risa and Rika’s most recent photobooks and shares their favourite shots. THe girls all look quite lovely, but I must admit I’m partial to Risa’s pics. Go Gaki-san! ^_^

maiZe • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] H!P Eggs To Hold Taiwan Auditions

H!P Eggs Taiwan Auditions (H!P Fangirling like Nobody’s Business)
HelloProject New Egg 2008 audition (Nekocafe’s World!)

Recommended reading. More non-Japanese Eggs are going to be added to the mix, and DJ MaiMai and nekocafe have the details. The Asian expansion seems to finally be taking hold.

Ray • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Recommended1 Comment

[Blogs] Road to the Deep East On Superfly

Album Review: Superfly ‘Superfly’

Recommended reading. Santos takes another big step outside of his old wota milieu to discuss the new album from Superfly, giving a helpful bio of the band as well as his usual Santos-esque dips into strange theories (this time geographical), before diving into the actual music. And then Santos truly surprises me by likening a Superfly track to the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Keep in mind, I’m more of a Pussy Galore fan than any of the offshoot groups, but it’s definitely piqued my interest considerably on this band.

Ray • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended, RockNo Comments

[Blogs] Raid My Minibar rating KAT-KUN’s latest

KAT-TUN - DON’T U EVER STOP

KAT-TUN’s latest single has plenty of solo songs, it would seem, and to my amusement, and clearly Raid’s, this post easily jest’s it’s way through them all. Some are admittedly good, apprently, whilst others don’t fare quite as well. A cracking line from a song is quoted by our own Raid. It goes like this:

“I could tell you want me too Many time I think of you Delicious drink can let’s produce I can taste the sweet LOVEJUICE”

Fantastic! That’s worth downloading. Surely.

wu-san • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Johnny's, Recommended, Snark2 Comments

[Blogs] yossha yossha YOSSHA!: Ranting about blogging, and such

A Whole Bunch Of Thoughts But Nowhere To Put Them

Well, I’ve been nice about this up until now, and now’s the time to come clean and tell you what I really think of Yoshimi. She’s the queen b**** of bloggers. No doubt. She’s a bloggin b****. I really mean that, and I also mean that in a way that turns me on. Yoshimi’s writing gets me flustered. It’s authoritive when aggressive, thoughtful between the rioting notion one gets from being pissed off half the time at her place, but fun and addictive for it. Sure, she easily insults, and I’ve shouted at my screen so many times already - thanks Yoshimi - but I’m quite simply attracted to her writing. Simple. And how many bloody times must I admit this? Others of similar candor, I have to admit, will usually get ignored, but since I see a lot of thought between much of the ‘arrhhhh’ moments in Yoshimi’s writing, I’m happy to stay on deck.

This is another post that ticks me off, completey. Again she continues to preach, which is to say that when she talks about her not caring about what others think about her blog et al, one gets the feeling deep down that she does, and also that she should remember that we all dont take blogging as seriously as she would like to think. Well, most of us. And so a lot of the time I was thinking ‘hey, who do you think you’re speaking for?’ But regardless, this entry has it’s usual bite, and she’s bored of the Intl Wota circle, guys. What can I say? Broomhead might be interested to read this, along with much of the Intl Wota crowd. This is also a nice look into Yoshimi’s character, at least as far as bloggining goes, and that’ll interest those who’ve come to like or actually hate her place. Hmmm, I dont quite no what to say. It’s certainly interesting and I liked it…if that counts for anything. I am, however, waiting for Yoshimi to finally have a dig at me. I’m sure she’s just waiting for the right time. Just read it if you’re interested. I dont want to really break it down.

wu-san • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Rants, Recommended6 Comments

[Blogs] HarimaKenji continuing the celebrations for KonKon

Ojamarushe Intros (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KONKON!! - Part 2)

HarimaKenji shares a healthy dose of KonKon via H!M News segments. You know the ones, where she role-played a host of characters along side Ogawa and Yuko. My favourite one has to be of her kitted up in baseball attire. She’s just too adorable in, actually, in everything she does. Thanks to HK for bringing these to our attention, and breathing a little life into past H!P happenings.

wu-san • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Pop Idols, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Bikkuri Project and H!P graduation songs

Graduation Songs

Our own Celestia’s high on graduation - rightfully so - and she shares a few H!P songs she thinks are graduation-worthy. Anything bright and forward looking I suppose. Some nice picks I must admit, including momusu’s ‘I wish’, of course. A nice, simple in premise post that has a lovely vibe about it. Clearly because our Celestia’s a graduate and all :)

wu-san • May 14th, 2008
Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Berryz Kobo International with the lower half of Buono!

Kiss! x 3 Ltd Edt DVD - part 2

Our own Zush has another screen captured post of BK’s ‘Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!’ PV. Expect lots of legs, and really, you cant fail on this one. Zush points out a very sneaky monkey in the mis-en-scene, and quite frankly I’m shocked…or jealous.

Now, one has to start to wonder why I could possibly recommend a post on legs…well, I’m surprised too. Here we are though.

wu-san • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] American Wota: Berykuu! and a whole lot of killing

Berikyuu! Episode 11: At Wii’s End

Another snark instalment of Ray’s imagination which is geared towards idols and Berykuu!, that is to say it’s all rather mad. This time around we have murdering and the right way to go about and dispose of all, well, of all these murders. Of course, Momo’s an old hand at this sort of thing. As if you weren’t all thinking it already. A fun read.

wu-san • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Pop Idols, Recommended, SnarkNo Comments

[Blogs] Wings of My Heart Falls Hard For Hey! Say! Jump

Fandomに落ちる

Recommended reading. First, let’s make this clear: Ryo-kun is mine. Anyways, Julia has now fallen completely under the sway of Hey! Say! Jump and it’s only a matter of time before the other JE units take their place in her soul. In this post, she goes over which members of HSJ she likes most and why, proving herself already well-versed in several of the boys. It’s only a matter of time, people - resistance is futile.

Ray • May 14th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, Johnny's, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Endless Love Has Some Vintage Inaba

Vintage Inaba
More Vintage Inaba

Recommending viewing. Charmy☆Renai has some clips to share on her Atsuko Inaba worship blog. These are some old school Inaba bits from her days in Osaka Performance Doll. The first clip is of a performance, and the big hair is great to see. :) Gotta love the ’90s… As for the second clip, I’m not quite sure where it’s from, and Charmy☆Renai is not quite sure what’s going on in it, but it’s got a cute Inaba moment.

maiZe • May 13th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Road to the Deep East On Irritating Jpop Stars

Most Irritating JPOP Star of All Time

Recommended reading. Santos notes how a British website decided Paul McCartney is the most irritating music star of all time and turns his attention to Japanese stars who could fit the bill. His choices for three and two are particularly amusing, as is his list of also-rans.

Ray • May 13th, 2008
Blogs, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Bokura no Kagayaki Is A New H!P Blog

Bokura no Kagayaki

Recommended reading. Blogger Okai Maasa suffers a bit too much from being self-conscious, but the first few posts show strong opinions and a lively sense of humor. Worth keeping an eye on, and hopefully it’ll be sticking around.

Ray • May 13th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Strawberrie On BoA and America

To be or NOT to be - That is the QUESTION! ~Updated~

Recommended reading. Apparently, the attempt to break into the United States has been placed on hold. Strawberrie breaks the news and opines that BoA can at least go back to Korea for a while.

Ray • May 13th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs, Kpop, RecommendedNo Comments

[News] Ishiyoshi Become Guest Sportscasters

Terawaki, Yoshizawa, Ishikawa chosen as volleyball casters

Recommended reading. Yoshizawa Hitomi and Ishikawa Rika will be guest casters for the World Olympic Qualification Tournament for volleyball. Other much-beloved, top-notch idols will be doing the Japanese team’s support song: Hey! Say! JUMP and their “Dreams come true”.

Ray • May 13th, 2008
Hello! Project, Johnny's, News, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] HamsapSukebe On Saito-san Episodes 4-11

Saito-san Eps 4-11

Recommended reading. Akiramike considers the main relationship of this show - between the title character and de facto protege Mano - and why the chosen story arc suits them well. It’s another very solid analysis, showing a clear understanding of narrative and characterization.

Ray • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Egao YES Idols On How Not To Be An Idol

How NOT to Be an Idol

Recommended reading. Samantha goes through some potential pitfalls that idols can make in their line of work, using examples to illustrate each point. I like how she stresses the subjectivity in having a favorite idol, as well as her willingness to point out flaws in idols she likes, not just those she doesn’t like. As always, Samantha shows a clarity and thoughtfulness that never fails to impress.

Ray • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Pop Idols, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] The Bigaku!Palace Looks at the Latest Haromoni@

Haromoni@ Review and Preview

Recommended reading. sauder has a review of this week’s Haromoni@, which is a continuation of last week’s memory test battle. This week, the other side of the bracket step up to battle it out. The review goes round by round with screencaps galore, and I have to say that the Koha picture for round 7 is simply GOLD. I take a strange pleasure in weird Koharu pics. I can’t explain it. Though I have to agree with sauder about her round 9 screencap. It definitely makes up for the funny round 7 shot.

It looks like sauder quite enjoyed this episode of Haromoni@, even if it was filled with tension. It looks like next week we’ll see the finals of the memory test, and we’re back to more MouTube.

maiZe • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Kakko-ii Dishes Out Some Chinami Love

Cheering for Chii~

Recommended reading. Our own wu-san has an interesting write-up on the hot legged Berryz member, Chinami. He’s still slowly learning more about Berryz, and uses wiki.thePPN as the source of his insider information. Looks like wu-san and Chinami have a lot of things in common… It may just be a match made in heaven. XD I don’t know how I missed her habit of sleeping with her eyes half open, but I know about it now, and it’s all thanks to wu-san. ^_^

maiZe • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Kawaiirrhea☆Mixed Has an Awesome New Remix

The☆Kiss!☆Kiss!☆Peace!

Recommended listening. So, Kawaiirrhea’s got a new remix up on the remix blog, and wowzers!! I’m totally loving this one. I don’t know if it beats AS FOR ONE KISS or VERY Hyacinth for me, but it’s pretty close. How about I put all three in a tie? How the heck am I supposed to pick between Aa!, Aya and Buono!?

It’s quite amazing how well the vocals for Kiss!Kiss!Kiss! mix with the instrumental for The Peace! Really, this one should not be missed! Oh… And Kawaiirrhea has a PV to go with it… Be warned, it’s very trippy! But I like it. ^_^

maiZe • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Pink Wota: Ayumi Hamasaki’s CDL 07-08 is a no buy

[News] If You Don’t Buy One Concert DVD This Year…

Our own Vee discourages you from buying Ayu’s ‘Countdown Live 2007-2008 10th Anniversary’ DVD, and there’s good reason to listen to her, apparently. I’ll take Vee’s word for it, of course, as she’s certainly well-versed when it comes to Ayu, and the case she makes is a simple but good enough one - the vocals were off. Some credit must go the the ear debacle however, which Vee mentions. It’s a good read that keeps me interested in an artist I’m not too interested in. Maybe I should just read Vee’s ayu posts over and over until I start obsessing. I’ll consider it.

wu-san • May 12th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs, News, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] fields of maiZe and berryZ sharing some vintage Ayaya

Memorable Snippets: Part 2 - Matsuura Aya “Ayaya Knows”

Our very own MaiZe has the next instalment of her ‘Memorable Snippets’, and it’s all to do with Ayaya this time around. The fist shared clip consists of Aya performing ‘I know’ and forgetting the lyrics near the beginning. As MaiZe points out nicely, Aya handles it with ease, and that certainly translates positively to the fans. God, she’s such a good performer. The second clip has her teaching the fans the lyrics and some silly arm movements, which is one charm part of the song I suppose. Vocally, well, Ayaya shines, and that’s not really a suprise. As far as H!P goes, she’s near, if not at the top. The clips are from 2003 and I have to thank MaiZe for taking me back to a happy place. I mean, ‘I know’ is pretty damn awesome.

wu-san • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Pop Idols, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Old Fart Who Loves Japanese Pop Culture On Gokusen 3 Episode 1

Gokusen 3 ごくせん Ep1 Screen Caps

Recommended reading. Kevin is quite pleased with the new season of this popular drama, sticking true to its formula but still providing some surprises. For example, is that Hoshino Aki I see in one of the screencaps…? Sold!

Ray • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Japanese Girls Fiesta Has Akiyama Nana Photobook!

Photobook - Nana Akiyama - Pupil

Recommended ogling. This is one of my favorite, and I strongly urge all to look at this remarkable achievement in eyecandy.

Ray • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] J-pop Obsession On Nishikido Ryo and Last Friends

Last Friends & Nishikido Ryo

Recommended reading. iza04 does an incredible job describing a growing interest in Johnny’s - and Nishikido Ryo in particular - through dramas, especially the current Last Friends where he plays a wifebeater. It’s a thoughtful, well-written piece, and is yet another H!P fan making room in her heart for JE.

Ray • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas, Johnny's, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Last Forever Is A Miya Worship Site

Last Forever

Recommended reading. From our own maiZe, a gorgeous site devoted to one of the most talented of H!P Kids. Beautifully designed, as well written as maiZe’s main blog, and hey - Miya FTW! Miya! So even among blogs I surely check upon, I think “Last” owes voracious eyes.

Ray • May 12th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Hello! Guu Is A New H!P Blog

Hello! Guu

Recommended reading. Here’s a new H!P blog which shows a good deal of promise. There’s already an interesting post on Top 10 H!P Singles of 2007, so hopefully there will be more to follow.

Ray • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Road to the Deep East On J-Rap Pioneer Ikuzo Yoshi

I’m going to Tokyo– Yoshi Ikuzo Revisit

Recommended reading and viewing. Santos writes of a resurgence in interest in the enka singer Ikuzo Yoshi, who made what is arguably the first rap song in Japan in the 1980s. It’s a fascinating bit of history, and Santos goes into some detail on how he set the tone for the Japanese hip hop that would follow decades later. The clip of Ikuzo performing the song is great fun, as well, and worth taking the time to watch.

Ray • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Hip Hop, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] Amasugita Kajitsu On H!P Smiles

How to use EGAO

Recommended ogling. aiwish472 rankes the top and bottom smiles in Hello! Project - I’m glad to see Chinami made it to the top, but Miyabi at the bottom seems kind of unfair. The Domo-kun line made me laugh out loud, though.

Ray • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] unchained On muramasa SWINGING

First look: muramasa - SWINGING

Recommended reading. Considering the latest song and PV, our own pengie is impressed by the newfound maturity of this ska rock group, and speaks up for the wider-exposure-by-anime route.

Ray • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended, RockNo Comments

[Blogs] Rockerica on Merry Midnight Shangrila

Single: メリー - Midnight Shangri-la/空っぽな唄~final cut~

Recommended reading. Rockerica reviews this special concert-only single, finding the first track a full-on assault of violent noise and the second a rehash of a previous album track. The closing line of this review is a killer.

Ray • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended, RockNo Comments

[Blogs] Kuroneko Doumei Reviews the Latest Haromoni@

Onegai Tomato Kite

Recommended reading. Hocchan reviews the latest Haromoni@ and lo and behold, it’s not a Moutube episode! It looks like they’re doing a 2 parter on memory test battles betwee the girls, and this episode had one half of the group battling it out. From the read, it looks to be an interesting episode to catch, and I particularly want to see it just for the moment that Hocchan describes regarding Risa.

Risa’s card on the fifth round turned out to be the most troublesome one of them all. The name of the vegetable was ‘o-o-ku-ro-gu-wa-i’. Risa got the third syllable wrong and it was deemed incorrect. I absolutely adored her “Huh!?” when the narrator went, “Oh?” after hearing her first answer. It was like, “Huh!? Don’t ask me to repeat myself, punk, or I’ll hurt you!”.

maiZe • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, RecommendedNo Comments

[News] Arashi Leader Has First Starring Role In Drama

Satoshi Ohno’s first starring drama role (Tokyograph)
Toma Ikuta to Star Alongside Satoshi Ohno In A New Drama (Semified)

Recommended reading. Arashi’s year continues to get better and better, as Ohno gets a starring role in the drama Maou. No word on whether or not Nino will be his suitcase pimp. Semified has some reactions as well, focused on Toma Ikuta rather than Leader, and finding this a welcome development in his career.

Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas, Johnny's, News, RecommendedNo Comments

[Blogs] KAT-TUN 2 Me On Don’t U Ever Stop PV

DUES PV: KAT-TUN

Recommended reading. Never mind a world where apes evolve from men - here’s a world where Bakanishi knows how to play chess! Celestia does a particularly great job on this write-up, as she goes through the intricacies of the lavish new PV from KAT-TUN and even fits in a passing bitch-slap of Koki towards the end.

Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Johnny's, RecommendedNo Comments