Perfume Reaches No.1

Posted by john on Apr 22nd, 2008
2008
Apr 22

Perfume has been leading the way for “picopop”, a type of Japanese techno

The latest album from the all girl Japanese techno / pop group Perfume soared to the top on Japan’s Oricon Chart this week. “Game” is the second album released by the trio who hail from Hiroshima and is the first techno album to attain the No.1 position in nearly 25 years!

Kashiyuka (かしゆか), A~chan (あ~ちゃん) and Nocchi (のっち) started performing in their hometown when they were only 12 years old. They were picked up by famous Japanese musician / producer Yasutaka Nakata (中田ヤスタカ) and their music can be categorized as “picopop”.

Perfume shooting for the jacket of their second album “GAME”

Reacting to the revelation that their album has gone to the top of Oricon Chart, the talented and cute girls exclaimed, “This is great! Finally all of our hard work paid off. We’re really glad to have people who have supported, helped and told us not to give up since the beginning. There was a time we were happy just to make it to the top 100. Thank you all so much!”

Perfume: Kashiyuka (L), Nocchi (C) and A~chan (R)

Perfume’s “Game” beat out other popular Japanese artists such as rock band HY from Okinawa, folk duo Yuzu (whose lead singer Yuji Kitagawa is dating the crown jewel of Fuji TV announcer Aya Takashima - see my blog on 3/22), singstress YUI and R&B group Exile.

ZARD Is Still Alive

Posted by john on Apr 17th, 2008
2008
Apr 17

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ZARD’s latest single 翼を広げて (Tsubasa wo Hirogete) will be featured in a Detective Conan movie

A previously unreleased song by Izumi Sakai, lead vocal of the Japanese rock band ZARD will be the theme song for the latest Detective Conan anime movie, “Meitantei Konan Senritsu no Gakufu” (Detective Conan, Score of Horror). Izumi Sakai was the voice and face of the somewhat mysterious unit that was extremely popular in the 90s. She passed away last May under cloudy circumstances while battling cervical cancer.

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The poster for 名探偵コナン 戦慄の楽譜 “Detective Conan Score of Horror”

The song “Tsubasa wo Hirogete” (Spread Your Wings) was written by famous Japanese musician Tetsuro Oda and its lyrics penned by Miss Izumi Sakai herself. The animated movie will hit theaters across Japan this Saturday.

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Japanese talent Chiriko Sakashita (L) and comedian Ryota Yamasato of Nankai Candies (R) promoting the movie in Tokyo last week

Mikitty Is Genki

Posted by john on Apr 16th, 2008
2008
Apr 16

Mikitty was all smile at Tokyo FM’s Spain Zaka Studio

The lovely former Morning Musume leader Miki Fujimoto made an appearance on Monday on the Tokyo FM radio show “Wonderful World” in Shibuya to promote her upcoming single “Oki Tegami” (置き手紙). This is her first release since scandal broke out last summer that led to her stepping down from the popular Japanese idol group (please see blog from 2/15 & 1/9) and also her first solo single in 5 years.

Oki Tegami (Letter Left Behind) will be Miki Fujimoto’s comback single

Mikitty (as she is affectionately called) said she worked hard on this piece because the folk song style which “Oki Tegami” is based on is something she’s previously not familiar with. But she’s not nervous and is enjoying her solo activity. While on the subject of her b-side track “Far Away Lover” (遠い恋人) the radio show host playfully teased by asking, “Is your lover close by?” Slightly embarrassed Mikitty replied, “Yes, he’s close.”

Oki Tegami will hit the shelf next Wednesday alongside with a different version from veteran Japanese singer Takao Horiuchi.

Miki Fujimoto with Takao Horiuchi (L) at the press conference for Oki Tegami last month

Kumi Koda Is Back

Posted by john on Apr 13th, 2008
2008
Apr 13

Just like I expected all along, the princess of Japan’s dirty pop Kumi Koda kicked off her national concert tour yesterday pretty much as originally planned at Ekoba Arena in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Prefecture (about 2.5 hr southwest of Tokyo). It has been about two and a half months since her off the cuff “rotten womb” radio show comment that landed her in hot water which ended in cancellation of all work related activities and self exile.

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Before the show Kumi once again apologized and bowed to the fans. She then exclaimed, “I will give my best!”

According to reports, since the scandal blew up in the beginning of this past February Kumi had been hiding in hotels. And recently Japanese tabloid FLASH sighted the j-pop diva resurfacing, sporting huge sunglasses with her trademark brightly colored hair surrounded by several AVEX staff members while being discreetly shuttled around.

The 25 year old Miss Kumi Koda had reportedly wanted to delay the start of her national tour. But due to several complications decided to stick to the original schedule. The concert tour covers 8 locations and consists of 16 shows in total. The ones in the beginning such as Shizuoka, Kobe and Fukuoka have been completely sold out a long time ago before the rotten womb scandal took place and tickets for her performance in Tokyo which went on sale on the 15th of last month were also gone in an instant.

Although her advertising activities with major companies like Kirin, P&G Japan and Japanese cosmetic Kose are still on halt, I’m sure everything will be back to normal by early summer and you’ll start to see Kumi pimping all kinds of products everywhere you go again.

Things are looking good for Kumi Koda. Her latest DVD “Kumi Koda Live Tour 2007 ~Black Cherry~ Special Final in Tokyo Dome” that was released on the 31st of last month shot up to the No. 1 position for music DVD. As a matter of fact, this is the 4th consecutive number one ranking she’s received for her DVD, beginning with “secret ~First Class Limited Live~” in September of 2005.

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Kumi is on track to surpass Hikaru Utada’s sales record of 6 consecutive No. 1 DVD 

This really shows you in Japan it doesn’t matter what kind of trouble you get yourself into,  a tearful apology followed by a short hiatus goes a long way!

Maki Goto Jumps Ship

Posted by john on Mar 8th, 2008
2008
Mar 8

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Fixed to appease some of you passionate Maki fans –> This just in from an unconfirmed source! Former super popular Morning Musume and Hello!Project artist Maki Goto has signed with Japanese record giant AVEX. “GoMaki”, as she’s often referred to in Japan was a 3rd generation member of Morning Musume. Her solo career took off after “graduating” from Japan’s most popular all girl group back in 2001. However, Maki had announced that she was leaving Hello!Project (and her handler Up Front Agency) last fall due to differences in the direction for her career she had with Up Front Agency, plus she was entangled in personal trouble over the arrest of both her younger brother (former EE Jump member Yuki Goto) and her boyfriend.

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Maki will release her first single under the AVEX Trax sub label “Rhythm Zone” on May 7th titled “Necessary”. I think what’s “necessary” for her is to drop that loser boyfriend of hers immediately! This time the sexy 22 year old Maki has teamed up with well-known Japanese producer AKIRA who’s worked wonders for hit artist BoA. The B-side of her single will be a cover of famous Japanese singer / songwriter Keizo Nakanishi’s “You and I”, which was originally release back in 1993.

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Hopefully by switching over to Avex Maki Goto will have more freedom with her music

Yuko Ishida - Missin’ U

Posted by john on Mar 1st, 2008
2008
Mar 1

Here’s the video of Yuko Ishida’s (石田裕子) “Missin’ U”. She’s not a shabby singer and the song’s got a nice R&B hook to it. The CD drops next Wednesday and is being released under one of Japanese record giant Avex’s sub labels.

Yuko’s creamy skin makes me drool and I just wanna pull those ribbons off!

Japanese Idol Ranking, Part II

Posted by john on Feb 21st, 2008
2008
Feb 21

Continuation of CDTV’s (Countdown TV) top 20 ranking for ideal girlfriend according to Japanese guys that was just released this month.

No. 11 - Reina Tanaka

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One look at the extremely popular Morning Musume and you’ll want to take this kitty home! (and yes guys, she’s legal) The girl from Fukuoka LOVES singing karaoke.

No. 12 - hiroko (mihimaru GT)

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The 23 year old vocal that makes one half of the super poppy Japanese duo is from Hyogo Prefecture (next to Osaka)

No. 13 - BoA

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What hasn’t been said about this Korean sensation who’s made it big in Japan and captured the heart of countless fans since ‘01? She’s pretty, sings well, can really dance, speaks Japanese fluently and got a great personality…what more can you ask for?

No. 14 - Eri Kamei

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The 6th generation member of Japanese all girl idol group Morning Musume has made a really nice transition from the awkward, extremely shy little girl when she first joined to a confident and beautiful girl next door

No. 15 - Ayaka (絢香)

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This singer / songwriter burst onto the j-pop scene only back in ‘06 but already has been compared to Hikaru Utada and Mika Nakashima

No. 16 - Ai Kawashima

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The talented street performing singer / songwriter turns 22 today! The vocal of the now disbanded j-pop duo I WISH has had a tough life, orphaned as a toddler and losing both of her adopted parents while she was still in school.

No. 17 - Yui Aragaki

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This Okinawan teenager first entered Japanese showbiz as a model for a popular fashion magazine. She has since appeared in several dramas and is highly sought after for commercial work.

No. 18 - Risa Niigaki

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You can’t help but love this 5th generation Morning Musume and current sub-leader. The 19 year old Yokohama (just south of Tokyo) native charms her fans with her positive and energetic attitude.

No. 19 - aiko

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You’d never have guessed this baby faced singer / songwriter from Osaka is 32 and has been making hits for over 10 years

No. 20 - Shoko Nakagawa

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By now “Shokotan“, as all of Japan calls her has become a household name. The self professed otaku and former gravure idol has a huge loyal fan base and is the unofficial “princess of blogging“.

Japanese Idol Ranking, Part I

Posted by john on Feb 20th, 2008
2008
Feb 20

The purpose of Japanese weekly TV show CDTV (Countdown TV) on TBS (no, it doesn’t belong to Ted Turner) is to compile rankings out of anything and everything from the most popular high school bags to body shampoos to crepes that are served in the trendy Tokyo district of Harajuku. And CDTV has just released their semi annual list of “girls you’d like to make your girlfriend”.

Okay, so not all of the fine ladies that made the list are idols. Without further adieu, here is the list of the top 20 girls that Japanese guys would like to make their chick:

No. 1 - YUI

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For some reason, for the third time in a row, the often gloomy looking singer / songwriter from Fukuoka captured the top position

No. 2 - Kaori Mochida

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The vocal for now disbanded Every Little Thing takes the 2nd spot for the second time in a row. I guess Kaori still has a lot of pull even though she’s not that active anymore.

No. 3 - Ai Otsuka

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The funky singer / songwriter from Osaka has an infectious voice and has butted heads with Kumi Koda who’s also from the same record label Avex

No. 4 - Rika Ishikawa

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The leader of Viyuden and former Morning Musume possesses a hot body and her ass has been known to make fanboys cream in their pants!

No. 5 - Ayumi Hamasaki

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The 29 year old Japanese diva with a sultry voice needs no introduction. She’s also often known as “Ayu” to her fans.

No. 6 - Ai Takahashi

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The leader of Japan’s most popular girl group Morning Musume has a beautiful voice and a cheery personality

No. 7 - Natsumi Abe

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Everyone in Japan knows “Nacchi“. The former leader of Morning Musume holds the record with 6 consecutive number one positions. The 26 year old Hokkaido native still melts the heart of men everywhere with her soft voice and warm personality.

No. 8 - Namie Amura

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I can’t believe this 90s mega j-pop icon is 30! The singer from Okinawa forever changed the culture, fashion and language for young people in Japan.

No. 9 - Hitomi Yoshizawa

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Also known as “Yossie“, the former leader of Japanese super idol group Morning Musume with boyish charms has blossomed into a fine young lady

No. 10 - Kumi Koda

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Sometimes referred to as “Japan’s Britney Spears“, the chart topping singer from Kyoto has been in hot water as of late over her careless “womb” comment. (please see my blog on 2/4, 2/6 & 2/14) It’s no wonder that the 25 year old queen of “dirty pop” listed Christina Aguilera as one of her favorite artists.

Shokotan Going Nude?

Posted by john on Feb 19th, 2008
2008
Feb 19

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Shoko Nakagawa’s 4th single “Snow Tears” reached No.2 on the Oricon chart

Super popular Japanese gravure idol and singer Shoko Nakagawa aka “Shokotan” made a startling announcement at a recent promotional event for her new single “Snow Tears” and blog collection turned book “Donyoku Days” (貪欲デイズ). When Shokotan revealed to her fans that her first album titled “Big Bang” will drop on the 19th of next month, she added that she shall run through Nakano’s (a popular spot in western Tokyo, 1 express train stop from Shinjuku) Broadway shopping arcade naked if her album reaches No.1 on the Oricon chart!

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From Shokotan’s blog…this is one cutie I’d love to keep!

Good things are happening to the 22 year old self made Japanese idol who hails from Tokyo. The self-professed “otaku” completed the transition from an underground cosplay (costume play) legend in the Akihabara district to a mainstream talent and artist last year, ending the year with a performance on NHK’s Kohaku Utagassen. The total number of hits on her blog reached over 100 million, with the site receiving as many as 4.5 million hits per day!

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MAX Girl Reina Girigiri Nude

Posted by john on Feb 16th, 2008
2008
Feb 16

Reina Miyauchi, member of MAX, the super popular 90s Japanese all girl pop group that brought us eurobeat and set the foundation for the “parapara” subculture that later followed has also released a collection of girigiri (near nude) photos. I guess with the popularity of MAX being almost non-existent and the possibility of the group making a comeback next to none, it’s only natural for the Okinawa native who has just turned 30 to take it off…before it’s too late.

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She still got it

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Wow, I didn’t know Reina went out and got herself a slut mark!

Miki Fujimoto To Return

Posted by john on Feb 15th, 2008
2008
Feb 15

It looks like Japanese idol and former Morning Musume leader Miki Fujimoto aka Mikitty is set to return to the spotlight with the release of a new single as a solo artist on April 23rd. This time Miss Fujimoto will attempt to shed her idol past and do a 180 degree turnaround, debuting as a bona fide adult singer.

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We’ll get to hear the beautiful voice of Mikitty again soon!

Mikitty got herself into lots of trouble in the beginning of summer last year when she was caught dating Tomoharu Shoji of the Japanese comedian duo “Shinagawa Shoji” then refused to leave him. This pretty much earned her banishment from Japanese showbiz and career suicide. For more information please check out my blog on 1-9-08.

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Miki Fujimoto aka Mikitty is known for being strong-willed

But being the crown jewel of Up Front Agency, Mikitty’s handler knows they can’t let a super cute talent with a beautiful voice go to waste no matter how much she messes up. Since Miki stepped down as the leader of the most popular Japanese all girl group and ceased all activities as a Hello!Project member she’s been relegated to only playing futsal occasionally for the Gatas Brilliantes, an Up Front Agency backed all girl team.

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Mikitty in action playing for the Gatas Brilliantes

Miki Fujimoto’s new single is titled “Oki Tegami”. It is composed by Masato Sugimoto (who shot to fame with the single “Waremoko” last year, and got the honor to perform at NHK’s Kohaku Utagassen year-end extravaganza) and lyrics written by Haku Ide. Instead of the typical pop sound, Miki’s new single has a folk song flavor to it.

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Miki Fujimoto (L), Masato Sugimoto (C) and Takao Horiuchi (R)

Japanese singer Takao Horiuchi who also belongs to Up Front Agency first received the offer to sing the song last fall as Masato Sugimoto suggested that he should do it in a “chanson” (French cabaret style) fashion. Around the same time Mikitty was looking for the right music to revive her career as a singer. Her manager heard the demo tape and thought the song was perfect for her smooth mezzo-soprano voice. In the end it was decided that both Miki and Takao would release their own version of the single on the same date…how’s that for some inter-agency rivalry?!
The recording was done in the beginning of this month with songwriter Masato Sugimoto present. He remarked that Mikitty had a great voice, better than he imagined for a female in her 20s singing a song about distressed love, and that she carried good aura for the song. Mikitty commented that the song was rather challenging. It was nothing like she’s ever sung before, but Masato gave her some really helpful pointers. For an accomplished singer (Mikitty is not only a pretty face) to humble herself and say something like that, I really look forward to hearing the single!

The soon to be 23 year old Hokkaido native says, “This is a completely different style of singing but I’d like you to support the new Miki Fujimoto.”

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I bet Mikitty is still as uber cute as ever

Kumi Koda Apologizes

Posted by john on Feb 14th, 2008
2008
Feb 14

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Kumi Koda in her glamorous form

Here’s more info regarding the aftermath of Japanese pop diva Kumi Koda’s careless radio comment at the end of last month that wombs after 35 turn to shit. (Technically, she said “amniotic fluid in the uterus will go bad” but it doesn’t sound very colloquial and smooth that’s why I’m sticking to my translated version) Last Thursday Fuji TV aired an exclusive interview with Kumi Koda on its FNN Super News which was taped the previous day. In the interview Kumi had completely transformed her appearance to show just how remorseful and contrite she was. Gone were the gaudy make up and hair and her trademark blinged out long nails. They were replaced by a solemn Kumi in black suit, plain hairdo speaking in a low voice and at times in tears.

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Kumi Koda delivered her apology in an exclusive interview with Fuji TV

The FNN Super News interview generated a 10.1% viewer rating, which was only about 8% above the average. This shows me that contrary to what mass hysteria her innocent womb comment seem to have brought on, the majority of the country isn’t really up in arms coming to lynch her. It’s only the media and a few internet sites composed of mostly bitter people with no life of their own that are making a huge deal out of this. Unfortunately the Japanese entertainment world is still a very old fashioned one and they take immediate precaution against any scandals big or small.

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It’s easy to see why there are bitter Japanese women who’d love to see Kumi Koda go down over something so trivial

Kumi has been a long time friend of Japanese showbiz veteran and respected senpai (senior, elder) Akiko Wada and Kumi often seeks her advice about things in her personal life too. On Akiko’s popular talk show “Akiko ni Omakase!” on TBS this past Sunday she revealed the development that’s happened so far.

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Japanese showbiz veteran Akiko Wada (R) and her co-host Ryuta Mine

- The person who’s responsible for Kumi Koda’s radio show on Nippon Hoso has been greatly affected too. He used to come to work in jeans and sandals but these days he shows up in a suit and stays in the “self-reflection” room studying the broadcasting manual for 10 hours every day. (This is such a typical Japanese punishment…I bet he has to turn in a “self reflection” report at the end of each day too)

- Through her private conversation with Kumi, she felt Kumi really regrets making the comment and knows she has hurt the feelings of people with her words. Kumi told Akiko, “I’ve done something bad” and couldn’t stop crying.

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Japanese showbiz icon and often feared singer Akiko Wada

- During her interview with Fuji TV, at one point the interviewer asked Kumi if she’d like to have children too someday. Only an incomplete part of her reply was used because they were deemed too heavy.

- Kumi’s record label Avex still plans on kicking off the concert tour of her new album “Kingdom” on April 12th. However Kumi doesn’t quite feel the same way. She has told Akiko Wada that she thought April was too early a date to resume working. She said something terrible and by returning so quickly she’s afraid she might be trampling on people’s feelings, especially since rehearsal must start at the beginning of March if the show is to go on according to schedule.

- Where Kumi’s coming from, she’s not sure if she’ll be able to sing her songs about love right after she’s said these hurtful things. But her record label Avex feels that she has many fans that support her and by coming out to perform it’s also one way to show her remorse.

- Kumi Koda feels she wasn’t able to fully express her apology during the interview, but Akiko Wada thinks she is genuinely sorry for making the remark. Also, at this time Kumi has no motivation to begin rehearsing.

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Kumi Koda’s not ready to go back to work yet

Millions of dollars will be lost by postponing Kumi’s national concert tour. So Avex is working really hard trying to convince her to be back on schedule. But if her management agency doesn’t carefully consider the possible future outcome over money, things could backfire and ruin Kumi’s career.

But then again Kumi’s new album “Kingdom” has been selling well and captured the No. 1 position again on the latest Oricon chart (Japan’s Billboard Top 100) this past Monday. See, I told you a few haters mess up everything!

Don’t the fans exert any influence?

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Kumi Koda’s latest album Kingdom is still occupying the No. 1 position on Oricon

MAX Girl Lina Nude

Posted by john on Feb 12th, 2008
2008
Feb 12

Last month I blogged about super popular 90s Japanese pop group MAX member Lina doing a nude photobook (please see my 1-13-08 post). Here are more pictures of from the photobook titled “Lina Sings” and another “mook” (something that’s between a magazine and a book) publication that was recently released.

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“Chakuero” style nicely done

MAX Member Takes It Off

Posted by john on Jan 13th, 2008
2008
Jan 13

* Some images may be NSFW

Lina, a member of the former 90s Japanese sensation MAX has decided to bare it all before she’s too old and saggy. The 30 year old Lina announced at the end of last year of the release of her first photo book titled “Lina Sings”.

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Still sexy after all these years

Still “active”, MAX is a unit composed of 4 females performing mainly eurobeat covers, although in recent years they have started putting out more R&B type music. Some of their well known singles include “Tora Tora Tora”, “Seventies” and “Get My Love”. MAX originated as Namie Amuro’s backup dancers, Super Monkeys then hit it big on their own around ‘95 / ‘96.
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The original MAX (L to R): Reina, Mina, Lina and Nana

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MAX today (L to R): Nana, Reina, Lina and Aki

The group’s success and popularity was never the same once their lead vocal Mina called it quits back in 2002 due to being knocked up. It makes you wonder how much more Lina could’ve milked if she and her members had released nude photo books back during their heyday.

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Nice perky tits

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Makes me wanna spread that butt cheek and take a closer look!

Kumi Koda Dating SMAP Boy

Posted by john on Dec 31st, 2007
2007
Dec 31

It has been rumored since summer that Japan’s queen of durrrty pop is going out with the leader of Japan’s most well known and ageless boy group SMAP, Masahiro Nakai.  Both camp have long denied the allegation by saying they’re simply friends.

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However recently evidence of the two dating is mounting.  Kumi has been sighted several times going into Masahiro’s new place.   Earlier this month she was once again caught trying to sneak in there inside an unmarked car.

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Masahiro Nakai, the oldest member and leader of the ever popular boy group SMAP

Both Kumi and Masahiro are no stranger to scandals.  Masahiro has often been romantically linked to different celebrities, the latest being with the beautiful and extremely popular Fuji TV announcer Minako Nakano. (In Japan female TV announcers are often treated like idols and superstars and it is very prestigious to be chosen by one of the major TV networks.)  The public couldn’t understand why the Japanese heartthrob dumped such a classy beauty for a trashy, over the top, Christina Aguilera-wannabe.

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“Purikura” (mini sticker picture) of Masahiro kissing Minako…the dream of millions of Japanese men!

The infamous Kumi Koda needs no introduction.  Some people praise her for her “creativity” and courage to break many traditions in the relatively conservative Japanese showbiz world.  Others loath her less than proper appearance and often lewd on stage antics.  Personally I still remember the real Kumi back in the good old days before she turned skankalicious. *sigh*

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As it turns out Masahiro will be one of the hosts for NHK’s year end Kohaku Utagassen extravaganza and Kumi is scheduled to perform.  Everyone’s anxious to see how this will play out.  This might get interesting…

Busty MEGUMI to Marry Dragon Ash Vocal Soon?

Posted by john on Dec 29th, 2007
2007
Dec 29

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According to reliable sources popular top-heavy gravure idol turned singer MEGUMI is close to marrying Kenji Furuya, the leader of Japanese hip-hop / rock group Dragon Ash. They have moved into a house since this fall and registered their names as the official occupants. Kenji’s father, actor Ikko Furuya was spotted having dinner with the couple in the middle of this month in Tokyo and his mother has also met MEGUMI.

Note: It is a huge deal in Japan for a person to meet the parents of his/her love interest, unlike the West. It isn’t uncommon for a person to meet his/her future parents-in-law for the first time right before the wedding.

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People close to the couple notice MEGUMI has a strong desire to get married since her good friend former gravure idol Eiko Koike has gotten married, and that she has been checking out different wedding venues in Tokyo. Of course both Kenji and her management responded with a “no comment”.

Update: I just watched a Christmas special with MEGUMI on the show and she’s sporting a band on her left ring finger. I guess she’s not trying too hard to hide the engagement.

Takako Matsu Announces Marriage

Posted by john on Dec 28th, 2007
2007
Dec 28

Popular Japanese singer Takako Matsu has wed guitarist / producer Yoshiyuki Sahashi (age 46).  According to her agency the two met 6 years ago when Yoshiyuki was a part of her concert tour and they began dating 4 years ago.  A date for the ceremony hasn’t been set.

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2007 Kohaku Year-End Extravaganza

Posted by john on Dec 27th, 2007
2007
Dec 27

The LINEUPS for the 58th annual NHK Kohaku Utagassen show have been announced. “Kohaku” airs every year on New Year’s Eve from about 7pm til right before midnight. It is probably the most watched TV program in Japan and it is a deeply rooted Japanese family tradition to gather around and watch the show.

Kohaku is a singing competition between popular male (white) and female (red) performers. You can think of it as a Japanese all-star battle. The music ranges anywhere from the latest pop to traditional enka (similar to country western here in the States). It is an extreme honor to be invited on the roster and the performers often consider their appearance on the show as their way of paying respect to their parents.

According to the announcement it looks like the popular all-girl group Morning Musume and other members (including Berryz Kobo and C-ute) from the same production company will be opening the show for the red team this year. And the ever popular enka singer Sayuri Ishikawa and her beautiful voice will be in charge of the finale.

Many of the well known performers will be present this year. The red team includes mihimaru GT, Angela Aki, AKB48, Ayaka, BoA, Ayaka Hirahara, Ai Otsuka, Ayumi Hamasaki, Kumi Koda, aiko, Mika Nakashima, Yo Hitoto, Dreams Come True and Akiko Wada. Even Shoko Nakagawa (aka Shoko-tan) and sexy import pin-up model Leah Dizon will be there!

Some of the artists on the white team you might’ve heard of are the always eccentric Kenichi Mikawa, w-inds, soulful EXILE, WaT, Kome Kome Club, Porno Graffitti, Sukima Switch, Masashi Sada, the mysterious Gackt, TOKIO, the “price of enka” Kiyoshi Hikawa, Hideaki Tokunaga, Ken Hirai, Kobukuro and the ever popular and ageless super unit SMAP.

I hope you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of this festive show, either on the tube or YouTube.

More Hinoi Team Pictures

Posted by john on Dec 21st, 2007
2007
Dec 21

What?  Did I hear you say you want more Hinoi Team?  Well say no more!

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Keika, Hikaru, Asuka and Rin with Korikki (a Japanese comedian wrestler who performs with them sometimes)

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And finally here’s a super hot one.  They sure grow girls differently these days!

Who Likes Hinoi Team?

Posted by john on Dec 20th, 2007
2007
Dec 20

No, it’s got nothing to do with Vietnam or Viet-Cong.  It’s a Japanese pop group composed of 4 teenage girls (headed by Asuka Hinoi, hence the name) that mainly does Euro beat covers.  The group was formed back in ‘05 but as of now the status is uncertain.  Let’s hope their label AVEX will let the girls release more songs!

Hinoi Team

From L to R: the lovely Keika, Hikaru, Asuka and Rina

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Here’s another shot of the girls.