AKB48 expands with “adult” concerts, HKT group

Tokyograph has some great news for fans with a new group for the Hakata ward of Fukuoka planned, to be titled HKT48, but more importantly the site also reports on some interesting information regarding AKB48’s new series of adult idol shows, “Saturday Night 48″

It’s a bit of a surprising notion for AKB48, who are already seen as somewhat provocative in their material of past singles. The idea of adult shows goes against the virginal idol image that a lot of fans like to have but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before in some of the sexy styled idol groups in the past. I guess it’s all a question on how racy these shows will be but with AKB48 having such a broad age range, they should allow for the older girls to get a bit more of the spotlight. I have to admit, if I was in Japan, I wouldn’t turn up the opportunity for a little Saturday Night delight

Misono denies rumors of affair

Tokyograph reports on Koda Kumi’s little sister and fellow singer, misono, possibly being involved in an affair with a comedian, who happens to be married with two kids. The two were seen together at an izakaya (basically a bar with food), but according to misono, they are just good friends.

Whether this is true or not doesn’t actually matter. From now on I am going to think of the Koda sisters as “the one who sells it” and “the one who actually does the deed.” Hey, I mean, misono did appear nude on that last album cover…

X Japan Cancels Paris, Again (jrocknyc)
X-Japan changes (and blows) like the wind (Japanator)
X Japan postpones concerts again, changes plans (Tokyograph)

For those of you not following this thing before today, here’s a summary: big important rock group X JAPAN disbanded in 1997, got back together earlier this year for some concerts, failed to perform at all the concerts after their drummer passed out on top of his equipment–there was some whole big deal about that, too, which we won’t get into–and consequently rescheduled some concerts starting with a performance in Paris. All caught up? Good.

The news has broken that the group has yet again backed out of performances–not just the one in Paris, which would have taken place on the 22nd of this month, but also those scheduled for the rest of the year. Now they’re setting up a bigger and better tour next year. This obviously is not reflecting well on the band, and the general tone in blog entries about the rescheduling could probably be described as “annoyed.” Tokyograph has the news as usual, for those of you wanting the details, but Japanator and jrocknyc are not ones to sit around idly without making a comment. Go’s pointing fingers at Yoshiki…

One begins to wonder if Yoshiki was always a fuck up, and it’s just the free flow of information on the internet that is making that fact clearer now.

… while Zac is just tired of the whole deal altogether.

Pull it together and suck it up guys! This is rock and roll, not a fashion show!

Let’s hope that this doesn’t end in another last-minute cancellation, because I’m not sure X JAPAN fans–yes, even the hardcore ones–will be willing to keep planning trips to France only to get there and find out, oh, right, no concert.

SHAZNA announces breakup

Via Tokyograph, long-running visual kei band SHAZNA has announced that they’ll be breaking up in March of next year. The group has kind of been on-and-off for a while now (went on hiatus in 2000, got back together in 2006), but apparently they’re now to the point where they can’t agree on what to do in the future. I’m surprised they’ve lasted as long as they have, considering how short-lived VK bands are these days. Good for them for riding it out ’till the end.

Ai Kago aiming for high school?

Kago Ai was on a tv show this past weekend where she mentioned she want to pass her high school exams and possibly go on to university. It’s been quite a few years, but I still remember seeing a clip from her Morning Musume days where Kago and Tsuji were backstage rushing to complete their some homework, and Kago (or was it Tsuji?) swearing a the cast of crew for commenting on their procrastination.

It’s nice to see that the runner up in Morning Musume’s Bakajo Kimatsu Test is taking an interest in her studies.

Details of Ai Kago’s solo plans revealed (Tokyograph)
Kago Ai Official Blog: Translations 2008.10.10 - 2008.10.15 (+ bonus) (Hello!Online)

Former Morning Musume and W member Kago Ai is officially going for a solo singing career, working on either a single mini album with four tracks or as many as four separate mini albums, depending on which source you read. Tokyograph has the basic news, mentioning Kago’s involvement with penning the lyrics, while Hello!Online offers a translated interview originally published on Daily Sports Online (here). The interview is pretty interesting, and it’s mentioned that she was asked directly about the possibility of reforming W, to which she replied with a cheerful “no” and cute pun. So it looks like the possibility of a Tsuji-Kago duo is gone, for now, but it seems that Kago is confident enough to stand on her own two feet… and that seems to be for the best.

I wish her the best of luck and can’t wait to hear her sing again!

Naru Inoue graduates from AKB48

Via Tokyograph.  Naru Inoue has announced via AKB48’s official blog that she is leaving AKB48 and will be working hard on her future career.  Apparently this sudden announcement comes after Naru was forced to miss several events due to poor health.

Good luck Narupon!

Yoshiki launches jewelry brand

Tokyograph notes the launch of X Japan leader and drummer Yoshiki’s new line of jewelry, of all things. And… honestly, this is just silly. Who is going to buy a crystal drum set? Who is going to use a crystal drum set? Sometimes I feel like every writeup done on this guy should just say “THAAAAAAT’S YOSHIKI!” and nothing more. That would work in lieu of trying to explain why he is selling jewelry, or falling onto his drum kit, or coming up with projects with Gackt that never take shape, or…

Do As Infinity plans tour in November

Tokyograph reports that the newly-reunited Do As Infinity will be touring in November.

GReeeeeN + BACK-ON = BAReeeeeeeeeeN

Tokyograph reports that BAReeeeeeeeeeN is a new unit that combines GReeeeeN and BACK-ON. A single by this combo will be released October 1. But seriously, BAReeeeeeeeeeN? Ridiculous.

And for the record, eeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Why the hell not?

Idoling!!! Fourth Single (Acchi Muite Pie!!!)
Idoling sings for robot expo (Tokyograph)

Silverbolt and Tokyograph have the news that Idoling!!!’s fourth single, titled “Tokimeki DREAMing!!!,” will be the image song for Robo Japan 2008.

AKB48’s new song gets leaked before completion

Tokyograph reports Oogoe Diamond, AKB48’s upcoming single was discovered leaked onto the internet.  Given the single hasn’t been completed, there is strong suspicion that someone inside the company is responsible.

What I find interesting is that the fans apparently notified the group’s management about the incident.  So I guess the AKB Wota have a conscience after all!

Thelma Aoyama sets a Guinness World Record

Tokyograph reports on singer Aoyama Thelma’s “Soba ni Iru ne” receiving over two million mobile phone downloads and thus setting a (verified) Guinness World Record. The single has been downloaded over eight million times in all available formats. Impressive!

Tommy heavenly6 returns with “Soul Eater” song

Tokyograph reports on the brilliant green vocalist Kawase Tomoko’s intention to release a brand new song as one of her two alter-egos, Tommy heavenly6. That sound you hear is the brilliant green fans grinding their teeth, as this sudden announcement puts the status of the band–they recently reformed and released three singles after a multi-year hiatus–into jeopardy again. But fans of Tommy are sure to enjoy this release, which will be used as a theme song for the Soul Eater anime. Too bad it’s not february6, though… I was looking forward to seeing her don those sexy glasses again.

Kana Nishino to open for Cyndi Lauper

Tokyograph has the news of this relatively new singer being chosen as the opening act for Cyndi Lauper’s tour dates in Japan. As the article mentions, Lauper selected Nishino out of several other options, which I’m sure must be a pretty big honor!

YUI taking a break

Tokyograph reports that YUI is going to take a break from music after the release of her new song coming this fall. With 3 albums, countless singles and a movie under her belt, she fully deserves a break. Hopefully she’ll come back next year all refreshed and ready to stun the Japanese music industry yet again.

SCANDAL making major label debut

Via Tokyograph.  On Friday, SCANDAL announced they will be making their major label debut for Epic Records this October.

This is great news for the group and it’s fans!  Jeez, it seems like just a few months ago this group was hardly known club quartet, and in a short six months they are already hitting it big.  But it should come as no surprise as they do have a damn good gimmick.  I look forward to the new single!

Shakalabbits in Canada

Tokyograph brings news of ska-punk band SHAKALABBITS joining the growing number of groups that have held gigs worldwide–the group will play four shows in Canada in early September. If you’re in one of the named cities, you should definitely make an effort to go check them out!

ORESKABAND plans U.S. release

Recommended reading. Courtesy of Tokyograph, the group has signed with indie label Side One Dummy Records and plan to release their American debut this spring.

Tunnels teams up with DJ OZMA

Recommended reading. Following in the long tradition of comedians teaming up with musicians, here’s the latest combo: DJ Ozma and Tunnels. Except Tunnels released albums of their own, and DJ Ozma are most famous for that Kouhaku topless thing, so maybe they’re both comedians AND both musicians. Let’s just hope Ishibashi doesn’t weard a blonde afro wig, at least.

SMAP schedules 6 shows at Tokyo Dome

Tokyograph reports much SMAPpery on the horizon. I think JE’s latest hobby is setting various obscure records revolving around Tokyo Dome. KAT-TUN’s latest was “most consecutive days performing in Tokyo Dome”. Now SMAP is going for “most Tokyo Dome performances in a single tour by a Japanese artist”. They will also be having a new album to go with the tour, because it seems that this year someone went and reminded SMAP that if they still want to be considered a musical group, they have to release actual music once in a while.

“Galileo” gets SP on same day as film’s release

Courtesy of Tokyograph, information about a new Galileo special that will be airing the same day the Galileo movie premieres. This special is set three years before the series, which I guess means Shibasaki Kou won’t be in it, or play a minor role at best. On the bright side, maybe we’ll finally find out what turned a brilliant scientist into such a wayward vandal…

Shoko Aida marries doctor

Recommended reading. Courtesy of Tokyograph, this is wonderful news on one-half of the greatest Jpop duo of all time - Shoko and her husband are wished a long, prosperous union from all of us at Intl Wota.

Read the link for more details - I find it amusing that “Aida is not pregnant” was noted. Are shotgun weddings so common that the ABSENCE of a bun in the oven is so unusual? Um… Hirosue, Nono, Ayappe, Eriko, Iida, Heike… and that’s just off the top of my head… Yeah, I guess they did need to note it.

A Noble was Born in Chaos - Versailles (Radiant Dawn)
Versailles opts for name change (Tokyograph)

Radiant Dawn has a review of this single from the past spring, which praises the title song but has some issues with the c/w. Well, the review of “Zombie” is mildly puzzling, but in a funny way.

Tokyograph confirms a story Elec passed along at Rock Japan Elec-tric, that Versailles is looking to change its name because of some kind of infringement with some American band also called Versailles. I like the suggestion made to just go with “Versailles Japan”…

SPEED is coming back! Reunited show at 24HOUR TELEVISION (Natalie)
SPEED gets back together (Tokyograph)
SPEED reunites! (Nekocafe’s World)

Recommended reading. Some more information and reactions on the SPEED reunion. Apparently, they’ll be part of the 24 HOUR TELEVISION charity event and there’s a personal stake for Eriko, whose son suffers from an auditory disorder.

Also, it looks like they’re reuniting for more than just the show, making plans into next year. That means Perfume will finally have some real competition in the current girl group arena.

Lead to perform in Taiwan again

Apparently, their shows overseas went well enough last year that they’re going back to do two more shows this October.

Mocomichi becomes a TV "father"

Well, the main reason I bring this up is because I loved Kato Rosa in CHANGE so it’s good to see her in a new series.

Crystal Kay to sing theme for U.S. film

Tokyograph shares the news that Crystal Kay’s “HOLD ON” will be used for Dolan’s Cadillac (2009). This is definitely a great “foot in the door” scenario for Crystal, even if nothing in the long run comes of it.

Unfortunately, for the movie’s sake, this stars Christian Slater, which must undoubtedly mean the script is terrible.

-Sigh- (Aitakatta!)
明日の道 (Wings of My Heart)

It’s a sad day in Akahibara.  Well maybe not for a few delusional wota.  We found out earlier via Tokyograph that AKB48 Team B’s Kikuchi Ayaka has been fired from the group.  This seemed like it was inevitable for a little while now.

Cat takes a practical look at the situation, noting the difference between Japanese fans and fans from the outside.  She hypothesizes on what the future of the unit will be, and asks us to lend some needed support to Team B.

Julia took the news a lot harder, especially since it ruined what seemed to start out as a very good day.  Ayaka was one of Julia’s favorite AKB48 members, and she questions why she continues to be a fan when she is repeatedly disappointed by these scandals.  Not the scandals themselves, just the fallout.  And you know depression has really set in when you begin reciting Phil Collins’s lyrics.  Just thinking about Against All Odds is enough to make me slit my wrists.

Once again, good job wota…morons!

Ayaka Kikuchi dropped from AKB48

Recommended reading. It’s been decided, the suspense is over, and there you have it. More details at the link. (Much thanks to Tokyograph for linking to us and Aitakatta!.)

Charts: Southern All Stars takes #1

As always, Tokyograph keeps track of the Oricons, noting movements in the top ten of albums and singles. As far as singles go, Southern All Stars are the clear winner and have even set a new record. With albums, Amuro Namie’s Best Fiction continues to dominate - I may be biased, but isn’t it time to declare her the ruling diva of Avex?

Hitomi remarried, pregnant

Tokyograph brings us the news of yet another shotgun wedding: singer hitomi has announced via her website that she has entered her second marriage and is four months pregnant with her first child. Congratulations to her!

X Japan reschedules Paris show for November

Tokyograph brings us the news of rock group X Japan rescheduling their concert in Paris, France, for sometime this November. It’s also mentioned that the other shows cancelled (due to drummer Yoshiki’s poor health) will be rescheduled as well, and that a “world tour” will hopefully go as planned. A new show is also mentioned for Korea. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that there are no mishaps this time!

Ai Otsuka, Puffy to be guests at Avril concert

Tokyograph has news of two special guests at an upcoming Avril Lavigne concert in Japan: pop duo Puffy and singer Otsuka Ai. Puffy and Avril have already collaborated before, but Otsuka is a brand new choice. Maybe Avril is a fan?

Nanase Aikawa back in action with new single, album

With her second child now nearing his first birthday, popular female rocker Nanase Aikawa will finally be making a return to the Japanese music scene, forming a unit for a movie theme song as well as working on a new album. Tokyograph notes that the new unit, Crimson-FANG, may feature a foreign musician. The most obvious choice for this one is probably Megadeth’s Marty Friedman, who has already toured as Nanase’s guitarist several times… although the possibilities are really endless!

Nakanomori Band announces breakup

Tokyograph brings us the sad news: the four member all-girl pop-rock group has decided to call it quits after first going on hiatus in April. Vocalist AYAKO required throat surgery, which probably contributed to the decision, but it is still disappointing nonetheless.

Kago returns to TV on “Sanma no Manma”

TokyoGraph reports that Kago Ai will appear on “Sanma no Manma” - a popular talk/variety show. This will be her first TV appearance since her revival back in April.

KAT-TUN’s Ueda to Hold Solo Concert (Tokyograph)

KAT-TUN’s Ueda Tatsuya’s Going Solo~!! (Shanimuni Paradise)

Tokyograph reports the details, and Tsukiki brings the fangirling. Reportedly all of the songs in the show will be written by Ueda himself. Well that’s not something you see idols do every day! This marks the second of the 4 “forgotten” KAT-TUN members to get some individual attention recently. Anyone want to place bets on who’s next, Taguchi or Tanaka?

Amuro sues publisher over photos

Remember those cute photos of Namie and her son that came out in a magazine a few weeks ago?  Well, mommy didn’t like them too much.  She’s suing the magazine publisher for 22 million yen (about $203,745 USD) for an “invasion of her privacy.”  Geez, Namie, a bit touchy, are we? 

This just shows to not mess with the Queen of Hip-Hop.  Curtesy of Tokyograph. 

Tokyograph- EXILE Dominates Music Sales for First Half of ‘08

Wiki- 2008 Oricon Top 100 Singles- Half Year

Wiki- 2008 Oricon Top 100 Albums- Half Year

Tokyograph summarizes the Oricon half year charts for 2008, noting that EXILE ranks in first for total sales. Other top sellers were Kobukuro, KAT-TUN, Hikaru Utada, and Hideaki Tokunaga. I’ve also linked the ppn articles with the charts for top singles and albums in case you’re interested.

Sailor Moon actress Miyuki Kanbe dies at 24

I used to be a huge fan of the Sailor Moon musicals, so this news crushed me pretty hard.  Kanbe Miyuki, who was the third actress to star as Sailor Moon, as well as acting in dramas such as “Kamen Rider Hibiki” and “Battle Royale II” and having released a few photobooks, died last Wednesday.  Her agency said she passed peacefully in her sleep in a hospital. 

Tokyograph also says she was supposed to play “Eponine” in a June 2007 production of Les Miserables but had to back out due to her medical condition.  This would have made her the second Sailor Moon actress to be in that role after ANZA.  The fact that she never got to is even more unsettling.  It makes me think just what was wrong with her? 

Maki Goto starts anew with Avex (Tokyograph)
Makking Gold 2 (strawberrie)
Gotou Maki signed by music giant Avex! ^-^ (MorningBerryz)
Goto Maki sync with Avex…while Tsuji cakes Yuko (Nekocafe’s World!)
GOCCHIN IS BACK (Morning☆Kuri)

Tokyograph has the news.

Strawberrie suggests that anyone who is disappointed in the change - that is to say, that Gomaki will no longer be an idol - to change their mindset.

MorningBerryz does a good job detailing the differences between Avex and UFA. MorningBerryz argues that while there may not have been anything wrong with the material of her later career in H!P, Avex would probably have done a better job promoting it. Like others, MorningBerryz sends out support to Gomaki.

Nekocafe is extremely happy and excited over the news.

Kuri hopes that Gomaki in Avex will fulfill her “chocolately fantasies.” While I have no idea what that implies, I’m very intrigued.

Glay’s U.S. concerts confirmed

Tokyograph confirms the rumors of rock band GLAY playing shows in the United States. Unfortunately, all three will be in California. But that’s great news for you west coasters–get out there and see them if you can!

Idoling!!! helps push Vista

Courtesy of Tokyograph, Microsoft has signed on this idol group to promote its current OS.

GLAY coming to the U.S.?

Courtesy of Tokyograph, a mysterious booking that indicates Glay may be doing a show in San Francisco in August. Confirmation of the show, if true, will be coming soon enough.

Amuro to entertain Avex shareholders

I’m not sure how important a measure this is of Amuro’s standing in Avex, but I think a couple of us called this some months back. After all, Kuu-chin had that scandal and Ayu’s dealing with her deafness, and now Amuro’s got a new singles collection slated.

DCT, ELT collaborate for music video

Courtesy of Tokyograph, ELT’s Michida Kaori will star in the PV for Dreams Come True’s new single, as well as singing on the video but not on the CD single. No word on whether misono and Van Tomiko will be doing cameos.

X Japan World Tour Postponed Indefinitely (jrocknyc)
X-Japan shows cancelled due to Yoshiki being a show-off (Japanator)
X Japan suspends international tour due to Yoshiki’s health (Tokyograph)

Recommended reading. Reports have it that Yoshiki was supposed to wear a brace during the Tokyo concerts and is now suffering seriously for not doing so. One has to wonder if collapsing over his drum kit only made matters worse…

Acid Black Cherry collaborates with online game

Courtesy of Tokyograph. So what I’m getting from this is, yasu would rather branch into video game design than re-unite Janne da Arc just yet.

Perfume & Porno team up for music video

Courtesy of Tokyograph, news that the Perfume ladies will be in agency mate Porno Graffiti’s PV for their new single and even singing in the vidoe, though not in the actualk single to be released. So is this Perfume Graffiti or Porno Fumes? Obviously, I prefer the latter.