Arashi Holds Their ‘Popcorn’ Live Tour at the Tokyo Dome

On December 14th, Arashi held the Tokyo concert of their live tour, ‘Popcorn‘, at Tokyo Dome and performed a total of 34 songs for their fans. This tour will run until January and is reported to have attracted 730,000 people with 16 shows.

This year, Arashi also held ‘AraFes‘ at National Olympic Stadium and ‘Arashi no Waku Waku Gakkou‘ at Tokyo Dome. In total, they drew in about 1,046,500 people to their concerts, making this their first time performing for over 1 million people in one year.

For this concert, Arashi used a “water screen” for the first time. When colorful lights were projected onto the water, the members appeared with an umbrella in their hands, which stirred the crowd of 55,000 fans. During his solo song, Matsumoto Jun changed his clothes on stage and made the female fans scream with excitement.

Before the performance, the members held a press conference where they were asked to sum up the year with one kanji character. Sakurai Sho and Ohno Satoshi answered “wa (circle)“ and “hatsu (first)” respectively. Meanwhile, Aiba Masaki confidently responded, “issho! (together),” which is made up of two characters. While the members and reporters were taken aback by his answer, Ninomiya Kazunari withheld his laughter and said, “He’s a good kid. I’m sorry.”

Arashi will be hosting the ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ on New Year’s Eve for their 3rd consecutive year. Ninomiya declared, “I want to win this year.” Sakurai added, “We want to do something new as a singer.”

Source: Chuunichi Sports

&  http://www.tokyohive.com

Nakai Masahiro Will be the Host of ‘CDTV Special Premier Live’ Once Again + Artist Line-Up Revealed

It was announced that SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro will be participating on TBS‘ annual New Year’s Eve music program, ‘CDTV Special! Toshikoshi Premier Live 2012→2013‘ as the host. This will be the third consecutive year for him to do so.

The program will air live starting on 11:45 pm on the New Year’s Eve until 5:00 am of New Year’s day. Nakai said, “Though this is my third consecutive year, I can’t help but look forward to participate in this countdown every year.”

As usual, there will be many great artists making their appearances on the show that includes singer-song writer YUI who will go on hiatus at the end of this year, and FUNKY MONKEY BABYS who will be disbanding in the end of March.

Nakai will appear on the show not only as the host, but also as the SMAP member, and perform their big hit special medley.

Check out the artist line-up below!

=====

• aiko
• Ikimonogakari
• AKB48
• HY
• Kis-My-Ft2
• Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
• Golden Bomber
• JUJU
• SMAP
• SEKAI NO OWARI
• Sonar Pocket
• Nakashima Mika
• Nishino Kana
• Perfume
• FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
• Fukuyama Masaharu
• Becky♪#
• Porno Graffitti
• miwa
• Yamashita Tomohisa
• Yuzu

=====

Source: Daily Sports Online + TBS

& http://www.tokyohive.com

Takaki Yuya (高木雄也) Profile

* Japanese Name: 高木雄也 (たかき ゆうや)
* Romaji Name: Takaki Yuya
* Nickname: Takaki-Kun, Yuyan, Bakaki.
* Profession: Singer and actor
* Birthdate: March 26th, 1990
* Birthplace: Osaka, Japan
* Star sign: Aries
* Blood type: O
* Height: 175cm
* Nationality: Japanese
* Occupation: Singer, Talent, Pop Idol, Actor.
* Talent agency: Johnny's Entertainment

Trivia

* Former groups: J.J. Express, Hey! Say! 7 
* Admired senior: Domoto Koichi, Akanishi Jin 
* Fav. Food: Pizza, Gratin Pineapple 
* Disliked Food: Paseri 
* Fav. Color: Orange 
* Weak Point: Scared of bugs and pigeons 
* Charming Point: Lips (tend to be move like Akanishi Jin's) 
* Show: Hyakushiki (Guest)
* On June 12, 2004, he entered Johnny & Associates as a trainee. He became a member of J.J Express.
* On April 3 of 2007, he began activities with Hey! Say! 7, with fellow Hey! Say! JUMP members, Daiki Arioka, Ryosuke Yamada, Yuto Nakajima and Yuri Chinen, starting with a public performance at a KAT-TUN spring concert tour.
* On September 21, 2007, he became a member of Hey! Say! JUMP.
* In 2008 he starred in the third season of hit live action drama, Gokusen, for which he recorded the song Oretachi no Seishun which was released with Hey! Say! JUMP's second single, Dreams Come True.

Discography

Solo Songs

• Oretachi no Seishun
• Kumo no Ito
• Michishirube
• Time (Lyrics written by Yuya, arranged by Daiki Arioka)

Concerts

For Hey! Say! JUMP-related concerts, please see Hey! Say! JUMP.

Filmography

Movies

• Gokusen: The Movie (2009) as Ogata Yamato
•  Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou (2012) as Tatsunami Shohei

Drama

• Shabake (2007) as Eikichi
• Gokusen 3 SP (2008) as Ogata Yamato
• Gokusen 3 (2008) as Ogata Yamato
• Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou (2012) as Tatsunami Shohei

Variety Shows

• Ya-Ya-yah
• Hyakushiki
• Shounen Club
• Yan Yan JUMP

External Links

•  en.wikipedia.org

•   wiki.d-addicts.com  

NEWS will Release a New Live DVD from Their 2012 Tour

It has been announced that NEWS will be releasing a new live DVD for their nation-wide tour “NEWS LIVE TOUR 2012 ~Utsukushii Koi ni Suruyo~” held this summer, on January 30th 2013.

Though the DVD is currently untitled, it will contain the first day of the tour that was held at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on August 14th. This was NEWS’s first tour since they became a four-member group, and this live was also their first open-air concert.

Fans can relive NEWS’s concert filled with splendid sets and various stage effects on this DVD.

More details will be revealed later, so stay tuned!

Source: Tower Records Online

Image: Johnny’s net

Source:  http://www.tokyohive.com

Check Out the Full PV for NEWS’ “WORLD QUEST”

NEWS‘ new single “WORLD QUEST/Pokopon Pekorya” will be released soon on December 12th, and recently, the PV to one of title tracks “WORLD QUEST” has been revealed!

As previously reported, “WORLD QUEST” has been picked up as the image song for ‘TOYOTA Presents FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012‘, which will be hosted by member Tegoshi Yuya. Meanwhile, “Pokopon Pekorya” currently serves as the theme songfor Kato Shigeaki’s starring drama, ‘Hana no Zubora-Meshi‘.

Check out the PV in the link below!

NEWS

Lewis Jesse, Change His Name + Appear on Next ‘Getsu 9′ Drama

It was announced that Johnny’s Jr.‘ Lewis Jesse (16) will be making an appearance on Fuji TV’s upcoming “Getsu 9″ drama “Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou“, and he will take this opportunity to change his name to “Jesse.”

During the interview with Sankei Sports, Jesse announced the name change, and he also revealed the reason to it. According to Jesse, Johnny Kitagawa, the president of Johnny & Associates, pointed out that “his name was long“, and after the discussion with staff members, it has been decided to change it to “Jesse.”  ”I don’t feel uncomfortable since my friends usually call me Jesse.”, he says.

Jesse’s role in the upcoming “Getsu 9″ drama will be the younger brother of the protagonist, “Shinokawa Shioriko” played by Gouriki Ayame, named “Shinokawa Fumiya”.   Unlike “Shioriko” who is shy, “Fumiya” is a sociable and bright character. Jesse said, “Since the dramas I appeared this year were all in late night time slot, I’m surprised that it’s a ‘Getsu 9′ drama. I would like to express the exact oppositeness from Gouriki-san.”

Jesse is the son of an American father and Japanese mother. He entered Johnny & Associates back in 2006, and made his drama debut with NTV’s “Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou” this year.

“Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou” will begin airing on January 14th on Fuji TV.

Source: Sanspo (1+2)

Source:  http://www.tokyohive.com

[GOO Ranking] 20-Something Johnny’s You Wanna See Holiday Illumination With

35. Takaki Yuya (o)

33. Totsuka Shota (0.8)

33. Goseki Koichi (0.8)

31. Senga Kento (1.5)

31. Kawai Fumito (1.5)

27. Arioka Daiki (2.3)

27. Yokoo Wataru (2.3)

27. Nikaido Takashi (2.3)

27. Tsukada Ryoichi (2.3)

23. Yabu Kota (3.1)

23. Inoo Kei (3.1)

23. Miyata Toshiya (3.1)

23. Kitayama Hiromitsu (3.1)

21. Tanaka Koki (9.2)

21. Ueda Tatsuya (9.2)

19. Kato Shigeaki (9.9)

19. Yasuda Shota (9.9)

17. Yaotome Hikaru (12.2)

17. Taguchi Junnosuke (12.2)

16. Masuda Takahisa (13.7)

15. Akanishi Jin (15.3)

13. Koyama Keichiro (18.3)

13. Maruyama Ryuhei (18.3)

12. Nakamaru Yuichi (22.1)

11. Fujigaya Taisuke (26.0)

10. Tegoshi Yuya (26.7)

9. Tamamori Yuta (29.8)

 

8. Kamenashi Kazuya (45.0)

  

7. Ohkura Tadayoshi (49.6)

 

6. Nishikido Ryo (61.8)

5. Ninomiya Kazunari (69.5)

 

4. Yamashita Tomohisa (75.6)

 

3. Aiba Masaki (87.8)

 

2. Matsumoto Jun (88.5)

 

1. Ikuta Toma (100)

 

[GOO Ranking]

Survey Method: NTT Com Online Marketing Solutions, Inc. Conducted surveys provided by “goo Research” monitor. Then summarized into these results.
Survey Period: 2012/10/5～2012/10/6
Number of valid responses: 1,064

 Source: http://jenewsdaily.wordpress.com/

A Moment of Silence in “JOHNNY’S World”

 

On December 7th, “JOHNNY’S World” evening performances were held in Imperial Theater, Tokyo. Johnny’s young talent paused for a moment of silence dedicated to Mori Mitsuko, followed by all staff and visitors. Miraculously, the said stage-play kicked-off on November 10th, the same day Mori-san passed away. Directed by Johnny Kitagawa, it will have last 10 more minutes since January because it will include now a memorial corner dedicated to her.

Hey! Say! JUMP’s Yamada Ryosuke (19) who attended the formal funeral “I was able to send my last farewell. I think from now on she’ll be looking after me and all Johnny’s and wrapping us in warm feelings, this time from heaven. Ladies and gentlemen, please love Mori Mitsuko from now on too”.

From Mori-san’s posthumous stage-play “Shinshun Jinsei Kakumei” (January～February 2010) and while playing a memorial video, the cast performed the theme song that was previously sang by Mori Mitsuko, “Jinsei Kakumei” (Life revolution).

[Sanspo]

Source: http://jenewsdaily.wordpress.com/

69 Johnny’s Gathered in Mori Mitsuko’s Funeral

On December 7th in Aoyama was held the funeral of actress Mori Mitsuko (92) who passed away on November 10th due to heart failure and pneumonia. More than 1,000 celebrities attended the ceremony plus 1,300 general people, making a total of 2,300 people who attended. In addition, there were 300 reporters. Actor and singer Kondo Masahiko revealed in his condolence message “She was Japan’s mother”.

Mori-san’s presence was loved by everyone, and they talked about her trajectory and personality and a 17 minutes memorial video was shown as introduction.

In her life she held a deep friendship with members of the agency. In a never seen scene and led by Kondo Masahiko, a total of 69 Johnny’s attended the ceremony including; Shounentai, Uchiumi Koji (Hikaru GENJI), SMAP, TOKIO, KinKi Kids, V6, Arashi, Imai Tsubasa, NEWS, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN, Hey! Say! JUMP, Kis-My-Ft2 (except Tamamori Yuta), A.B.C-Z, Sano Mizuki, Yara Tomoyuki and Nakayama Yuma. And Kondo said goodbye “She was all of us, Johnny’s Mother”.

[Sponichi] [Sanspo] [Chunichi] [Oricon News] [Yomiuri] [Nikkan Sports] [Daily Sports]

Source:  http://jenewsdaily.wordpress.com/

Johnny’s Attend the Funeral of Their Mother Mori Mitsuko

On November 10th, actress Mori Mitsuko passed away from heart failure and pneumonia at the age of 92. On December 7th, the formal funeral was held in Shimeyaka, Aoyama (Tokyo). Kondo Masahiko, Kuroyanagi Tetsuko, Sadaharu Oh (Fukuoka Softbank Hawks) gathered to read a message of condolence.

Because they have current concerts in Yahoo! Dome, all 5 members of Arashi were able to attend in the morning. Then little by little, since Shounentai member, Higashiyama Noriyuki to SMAP, TOKIO, KinKi Kids, V6, Tackey & Tsubasa, KAT-TUN, Kanjani8, NEWS and Hey! Say! JUMP, they all rushed into the last farewell. Even Higashiyama’s wife, Kimura Yoshino attended the ceremony. On behalf of all Johnny’s Idols, Kondo Masahiko entered the hall taking the arm of Kuroyanagi to show his support.

Kuroyanagi share the stage with Mori-san in “Horōki”. Kondo stated, “Mori-san, thank you very much. She was the mother of Japan. Well no, she still is. Also, she was all of us, Johnny’s mother”, sending his last farewell.

Condolence Message

Since the beginning of my career, I have happy memories of her. Always received a Christmas and birthday present from her, always sending kind messages in letters or faxes. My desk drawer is filled with letters and FAX from Mori-san. I’ve been encouraged many times. I’d like to review how she helped me to overcome hard times.  The other day I went to intrude in Mori-san’s home. I wanted to hug her shoulders and visit her once more. I felt the same warmth and kindness from when I was first allowed to participate in “Horōki”. That’s when I realized she was really gone. Over there, there’s a lot of people waiting for Mori-san. For a while she was really busy. I’m glad she was never lonely. Mori-san, after the dust settles, please rest properly. Thank you.

—Kondo Masahiko

In addition Akiyama Toshiyuki (Tokyo Vice Governor) and Yamamoto Manabu also read a message of condolence. Naraoka Tomoko who couldn’t attend due to stage schedule also sent a message of condolences.

Mori-san had exchanges with idols from Johnny’s Jimusho since the 80s and was called as “Johnny’s mother”. Johnny’s made a space on their busy schedules to attend together in this special day.

[Sanspo] [Sanspo 2] [Oricon News] [Oricon Style]

Source: http://jenewsdaily.wordpress.com/

[Single] (Title is to be Announced) — KAT-TUN

Release date: 2013/02/06

Regular edition:

1. Title A
2. Title C
3. Title A (Original Karaoke)
4. Title C (Original Karaoke)

Limited edition 1: includes “STEPS TO LOVE” and “BRAND NEW DAY” as B-side songs and comes with a DVD including a promotion video and as well as an original video produced by Yuichi Nakamaru.

1. [CD] Title A
2. [CD] STEPS TO LOVE (※ Suzuki Solio TV-CM Tie-Up Song)
3. [CD] BRAND NEW DAY (※ Suzuki Solio TV-CM Tie-Up Song)
4. [DVD] 『Title A』 (Video Clip)
5. [DVD] Special Video (Nakamaru Video)

Limited edition 2:  includes “Connect & Go” as the B-side song as well as Yuichi Nakamaru’s solo song (details forthcoming). Comes with a DVD including a promotion video for “Connect & Go” as well as the music video for Yuichi Nakamaru’s solo song.

1. [CD] Title A
2. [CD] Connect & Go (※ Suzuki Solio Black & White II TV-CM Tie-Up Song)
3. [CD] Title B (Nakamaru solo)
4. [DVD] Connect & Go (Video Clip)
5. [DVD] Title B (Nakamaru solo) (Video Clip)

Amazon // Regular edition / Limited edition 1 / Limited edition 2
CD Japan // Regular edition / Limited edition 1 / Limited edition 2

[Tower Records] [JNET]

Source:  http://jenewsdaily.wordpress.com/

"KAT-TUN" Release a New Single in February

It’s been revealed that KAT-TUN will be releasing a new single (currently untitled) on February 6th!

This will be KAT-TUN’s first single since releasing “Fumetsu no Scrum” in September. Their 20th single will include the CM songs for Suzuki’s ‘SOLIO‘, “STEPS TO LOVE“, “BRAND NEW DAY“, and “Connect & Go“.

The single will be available for purchase in 3 different types: Limited Edition 1, Limited Edition 2, and Regular Edition. Limited Edition 1 will contain “STEPS TO LOVE” and “BRAND NEW DAY”, while Limited Edition 2 will contain “Connect & Go” and a solo song from member Nakamaru Yuichi.

Stay tuned for more details on KAT-TUN’s upcoming single!

Source:  http://www.tokyohive.com

Kamenashi Kazuya Confesses Fighting with Members

Last Dec 3rd, KAT-TUN‘s Kamenashi Kazuya appeared on NTV‘s “Jinsei ga Kawaru Ippunkan no Fukaii Hanashi” for their “Kotoshi no kao to rekidai sutā ga seizoroi SP”. Kamenashi is currently doing promotions for his upcoming movie “Yokai Ningen Bem” this December.

Since the main topic is about fistfights/fighting, Kamenashi shared an incident involving fellow KAT-TUN member that happened in recent years.

“There being (a quarrel within the members), we were still young and we were nervous before the curtain call. Nakamaru (Yuichi) or Ueda (Tatsuya) committed a mistake while were onstage and I think that I should be following Ueda. The moment we went out from the curtain, Ueda was like, ‘What do you think you’re doing?! You should  follow!‘. To be told something like that, I was like, ‘Even it is possible for you, I can’t do it‘.

“I tried not be childish and I was like, ‘it’s all good, let’s stop it‘ and I think that Ueda got annoyed with me. Though we’re in a group, I was not thinking about the group. The next day, we got called in by the President, we were told that it is not cool to fight in work. The President held our hands (Kamenashi and Ueda) and told us to reconcile. I think it’s good that the President decided to act as an in-between with our fight.”

[News Livedoor]

Source: http://jenewsdaily.wordpress.com/

Kyomoto Taiga (京本大我) Profile

Japanese Name: 京本大我

Romaji Name: Kyomoto Taiga

Nicknames: Kyomo-chan, Tai-chan and Taro-chan

Birthdate: December 3, 1994 (age 17)

Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan

Blood Type: B

Height: 174cm

Weight: 50kg

Nationality: Japanese

Occupation: Singer and Actor

Agency: Johnny & Associates
Join date: 4 May 2006

 Trivia

Skills: Karate, high jump

Hobby: Dance

Family: Koike Teppei, relative from his father's side, Kyomoto Masaki(Father), Kyomoto Hiromi(Mother)

Admired Sempai: Yamashita Tomohisa and Tegoshi Yuya

Favorite Johnny's group: NEWS, Tegomass and KAT-TUN

Favorite Songs: "Crazy Love " and "Rush of Light" by KAT-TUN and "Rhapsody" by Kinki Kids

Favorite Manga: Doraemon, Dragon Ball and Naruto

Favorite Movie: " Harry Potter"

Favorite Book: "The Sherlock Holmes"

Favorite Food: Miso ramen and tomatoes

Favorite Drink: Cream Soda

Favorite Color: Purple

Good freinds with: Morita Myuuto,Yuta Kishi,Tanaka Juri

Self Promotion : “I love singing. So I can get better day by day, I raise my voice every day, and I go to karaoke alone to practice. Recently I’ve been given the opportunity to sing in the junior corner of my sempai’s concerts, so it’d make me very happy if you would listen to me!”

Works

Drama

•   Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou (NTV / 2012) as Maya Terakawa

Movie

•   Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou (NTV / 2012) as Maya Terakawa

Source:  http://www.generasia.com &

http://jump-aroundtheworld.blogspot.com

Yamada Ryosuke, Kindaichi’s Accomplishment “I’m So Nervous I Could Run Away”

On December 4th, Hey! Say! JUMP member, Yamada Ryosuke (19) attended a press conference in Higashishinbashi (Tokyo) announcing the beginning of NTV’s 60th Broadcasting Anniversary Campaign.

A campaign that will last a full year and starts with Yamada as top batter with the commemorative drama “Kindaichi Case Files: Hong Kong Kowloon Treasure Murder Case” (January 12th, 9PM).

To that accomplishment, Yamada commented “I’m so nervous I feel like running away” he added with a genuine smile, “I want to set a record worthy of the name of a top batter”, he vowed to captivate the audience. On the same day, the same drama will be broadcasted in North America and some parts of Asia such as Hong Kong.

[Sanspo]

Source: http://jenewsdaily.wordpress.com/

[RUMOR] Fujigaya Taisuke Warns to Avoid Tanaka Koki?

Apparently, J&A has ordered someone to watch-over Kis-My-Ft2‘s Taisuke Fujigaya regarding his close relationship with KAT-TUN‘s Koki Tanaka…As reported,Due to SMAP’s barter appearance with Kis-My-Ft2, the group is getting more and more exposure. In lieu to their public image, Fujigaya is given a stern warning regarding one of his senpais…

“Fujigaya is known to admire Tanaka, who is known to be the number 1 playboy in Johnny’s. Fujigaya even kept the doodle made by Tanaka when he was drunk, and put it on his room’s wall. Speaking of Tanaka, Risa Kouda, the AV actress that Tanaka was rumored to be dating was recently arrested for stimulants. Since Fujigaya is also known to be a ladies-man, Johnny’s will supervise Fujigaya carefully so he won’t be more involved with Tanaka as to not affect Kisumai’s good sales”. (According to one weekly reporter)

It is not good to imitate a bad senior.

[Johnny's-Watcher]

©redina

Source:  http://jenewsdaily.wordpress.com/