Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

January 20, 2013

[RUMOR] Tegoshi Yuya is the Reason for Masuwaka’s Divorce?

Last Jan 14th, gyaru star Masuwaka Tsubasa announced on her blog that she and her husband for 4 years, Umeda Naoki, are divorcing. The mother of one did not specify the reason for their divorce though it seem like a mutual decision.

However, there have been circulating rumors that Masuwaka is allegedly having an affair with Tegoshi Yuya of NEWS, which is one of the reasons for the divorce.

“It is with T, who plays an active part in N from a four-person group. The two are intimate-friends who are often seen hanging-out from Ropponggi to Shibuya. This tidbit is supplied by a friend of Umeda; however, the truth seems unlikely to be revealed ever, ” according to an entertainment weekly reporter.

Tegoshi and Masuwaka dating rumors started circulating via twitter last 2011. The two were reportedly seen together during a summer festival but there are no pictures to prove this claim. In addition, Masukawa’s rumored dating relationship with Tegoshi is also an affair since the gyaru star is also rumored to be involved with a company’s president, who also happens to be married.

This is not the 1st time that Tegoshi got rumored in a couple’s divorce. When MLB star Darvish Yu and model/actress Saeko parted ways earlier last year, he was also rumored to be one of the reasons for divorce.

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

Higashiyama Noriyuki Recommends Taguchi Junnosuke To Be KAT-TUN’s Leader


Last Jan 18th, Shonentai’s Higashiyama Noriyuki and KAT-TUN’s Junnosuke Taguchi had their opening night for the stage play, “NO WORDS, NO TIME ~Sora ni ochita namida~” at Globe Theater in Tokyo. A press conference followed afterwards.

The stage play is unique since it was done without dialogue but by merely focusing on dance movements, music, and drama. The audience was drawn to contemporary dances on a stage set in scenes like house, station, and company. Higashiyama and Junnosuke fused the elements of ballet and pantomime together with sound and lighting effects on a stage devoid on decorations. (as covered by Ryo Hasegawa)

“It was always been a dream to do it with Higashiyama-san,” Junno commented. “He has generosity and courage and those are necessary to become a leader of KAT-TUN,” Higashiyama commented and added, “he does his best to such an extent that he won’t lose.” Junno smiled shyly after Higashiyama’s praised and added that he’ll probably “messed-around” if he is the leader.

Aside from admiring each of their qualities, Higashiyama also admitted in being in love with Junno’s gag especially Junno’s most popular gag- “Iriguchi (entrance), Deguchi (exit), Taguchi (his name)”. In addition, the two made a gag called “Pyu-pon”, but Higashiyama refused to show it to the press saying that gag was “sealed”. On the other hand, Junno decided to do joked around while praising his senpai, “It was always been my dream so I was so nervous last night that I could not sleep a wink …uso, uso kawauso.” Higashiyama was laughing one after another gag.

NO WORDS, NO TIME ~Sora ni ochita namida~” will run until Feb 5th at Globe Theater in Tokyo and from Feb 8th to 12th at Morinimiya Piloti Hall in Osaka.

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

January 19, 2013

[DVD/BD] Movie “Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou” — Uchi Hiroki, Takaki Yuya, Miyata Toshiya, Tamamori Yuta & Johnny’s Jr.

Original title: 劇場版「私立バカレア高校」

Release date: 2013/04/10

Description: release of the film based on the TV series “Bakaleya High School (Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou)” starring Johnny’s Jr. and AKB48 members. Yuta Tamamori (kis-My-Ft2), Haruna Kojima (AKB48) and more new casts appear in the film. Plot: The story is set in a high school named “Daini Cattleya Gakuin” where an all-boy school and an all-girl one merge together. The all-boy high school named “Bakada Koko” are filled with troublemakers. On the other hand, the all-girl high school named “Cattleya Gakuin” are filled with well educated girls from rich families There is no reason why problems do not occur. . .!

Regular edition: Comes with a 8-page booklet.

Deluxe edition: Comes with a bonus disc with making-of, event footage, unreleased scenes, and more (subject to change) plus a 24-page booklet, and more (subject to change)


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

January 15, 2013

[Oricon Ranking] Yamada Ryosuke’s Debut Single “Mystery Virgin” Tops Weekly Charts

Released on January 9th, Hey! Say! JUMP member, Yamada Ryosuke’s solo debut single “Mystery Virgin” has sold 189,000 copies on its first week, topping January 21st weekly sales chart. This is the first time after 32 years and 1 month, for a male teenage solo artist to top weekly sales charts since Kondo Masahiko’s “Sneaker Blues” (December 1980), at the time MATCHY was 16 years and 5 months old, Yamada has managed to place second, right after his big senior.

Yamada commented, “For me to be able to top charts with my first solo single, this makes me really happy. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all the fans”. This work was recorded as theme song of NTV’s drama “Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo”, commemorating their 60th anniversary and starred by Yamada.

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

Kamenashi Kazuya Achieves Success for His “HR Project”


NTV’s “Going! Sports and News”, where KAT-TUN‘s Kamenashi Kazuya is a regular host, broadcasted Kamenashi’s stunning success with his “HR (home run) Project” after two and half years of training. His successful home run was broadcasted last January 13th (11:55, JST).

Kamenashi was able to hit the home run after the 3rd pitch,which was witnessed by Egawa (co-host in Going!), Nakata Sho (Nippon Ham baseball player), and Kawamura Ryo (NTV announcer) who were watching on the sidelines.

Upon realizing that he made a hit when the ball hit the stands, Kamenashi threw the bat and jumped with glee. “It was like a dream!” he commented.

As suggested by Softbank Hawk’s player, Matsunaka Nobuhiko, Kamenashi received a “champagne shower” to celebrate his victory back at the home base. Giant’s team manager, Hara Tatsunori, sent a congratulatory video to Going!, “I applaud you from the bottom of my heart.”

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

January 12, 2013

Schedule for Hey! Say! JUMP from Jan 12-17 2013


[Interview] Yamada Ryosuke on his 1st Solo Release and Covering a Favorite Song of His Senior


1/11 — Yamada Ryosuke talks about the released of his 1st solo from his group, his challenging role for “Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo“, and currently doing “Johnny’s World“. Lastly, the Hey!Say!JUMP member talks about what he really feels about his solo work and his plans on continuing it.

— Your first solo single, “Mystery Virgin” has been released, tell us what you felt when you heard that you’ll be releasing a solo single?

Yamada: I was like, “No way!” (laughs). Until then, I have never thought about singing solo since I just usually sang in solo corner during live performances.

— Although [Mystery Virgin] will be used as the theme song for “Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo”, the beat is a bit slow and there are some dramatic dance moves. What was your impression when you first heard the song?

Y: Because I’m singing the theme song for Kindaichi, there were so many feels (laughs). The song’s atmosphere fits the drama well though it’s quite difficult to sing due to pressure.

— Putting emotions on each note (placing note in each lyrics) is already difficult as well singing alone…
Y: Though it was a love song, it was basically about the odiousness of love and I did not sing as much as the amount of emotions needed. I mean, in one way or another, you have to give or do something like…

— Like what?

Y: I think that some people only get to like me after watching a drama of mine. During live performances of Hey!Say!JUMP, I have to exude a bit of sexiness or manliness to make “Yamada Ryosuke” appeal to fans. But this time, I want people, who do not know me, to get interested at me with my singing and dancing. Though the music video is a bit strange, I want to them to think “what’s this?” or “what does it mean?” and to just imagine it, those kind of things.

— It was surprising because when I heard the song, I could only think that it was right for Yamada.
Y: That’s not like that at all (laughs). As with any music, I have to adapt, it’s not just a song; it’s also about work. We just don’t sing it or dance like that because we want to do it that way, we sought what is the best way to sing or dance [the song] . Like now, I’m also doing “Johnny’s World”, what does it mean? It means that I have to packed a lot of different emotions and think what moved the audience.

— Also, you covered KinKi KidsAi no Katamari?

Y: For the song, I wanted to sing it on my own way, so I asked Koichi-kun and Tsuyoshi (Domoto) if it’s okay for me to sing it… I know that the song is important for KinKi Kids and for their fans as well. I have listened to Fujigaya (Taisuke) and Kento (Nakajima) sang the song for Shonen Club; however, I want to sing it on my own, I want to give it my best one. When I was given the permission to sing, I sent a thank-you email to Koichi-kun. He said about singing Ryosuke’s “Ai no Katamari”, I was really glad. Then, he invited me for a drink but I said I’m only 20, and he was like, “E…?“. But since he went out into trouble of inviting me, that will be my one of my goals this year.

— You wrote the lyrics for “Gin no Sekai ni Negai wo Komete” (Wishes to the Silver World) right?
Y: I said that I will if there is a song called “Moonlight” for concerts. I wrote “Gin no Sekai” with words that won’t make your head ache and set my feelings straight.

— You’re also served as the leader for “Johnny’s World” and with Hey!Say!JUMP since your debut, is now your busiest?

Y: Not at all! It was much busier before when I have to go to rural areas to shoot, there are also concerts, and school that when I don’t have any sleep at all, I really think that I’ll die (laughs). Compared to those days, it is much easier now.

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

January 10, 2013

Yamada Ryosuke Puts “Body and Soul” for His 1st Solo Single


Last Jan 9th, Hey!Say!JUMP‘s Yamada Ryosuke attended the preview event for NTV’s “Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo~Hong Kong Kowloon Zaiho Satsujin Jiken~“. The said event happened at Imperial Theater, which is the same venue for “Johnny’s World” stage play.

Yamada Ryosuke  engaged in a “talk-show” with fellow JUMP member Arioka Daiki, who also co-starred with Yamada in Kindaichi. Yamada also performed the drama’s theme song,”Mystery Virgin“, which was also released as his debut solo single the same day. Afterwards, Yamada surprised his fans with a janken tournament and handshake meeting that delighted 1,200 fans who attended the event.

Yamada recognized his growth from his 1st solo single, “It was uneasy at first since I’ll be alone and not with the group, my voice have changed and I have to appear sultry as well.” Nevertheless, Yamada is proud of his first solo single, “I put my body and soul for the song,” he said with confidence.

“Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo~Hong Kong Kowloon Zaiho Satsujin Jiken~” will air this Jan 12th, 9:00PM (JST) on NTV.

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

January 07, 2013

[DVD/BD] Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo — Yamada Ryosuke & Arioka Daiki


Original title: 金田一少年の事件簿〜香港九龍財宝殺人事件〜

Release date: 2013/03/13

Description: release of TV special “Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo – Hong Kong Kuryu Zaiho Satsujin Jiken -”starring Ryosuke Yamada (Hey!Say!JUMP), Haruna Nanase, Daiki Arioka (Hey!Say!JUMP), Wu Chun (ex-Fahrenhei), V.I. (BIGBANG), and more artists. Plot: A fashion show will take place in Hong Kong, but a main model disappears. Miyuki, who is like peas in a pod with the model, is asked to stand in for her. Miyuki, Hajime and their junior, Ryuji go to Hong Kong and enjoy sight seeing. However, Miyuki is kidnapped. Now, Hajime Kindaichi works to uncover the truth!

Special features: special making-of, interview

Amazon // DVD / Blu-ray
CD Japan // DVD / Blu-ray

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

[Drama Ratings] Average Viewership Rating of Dramas Starring Johnny’s in 2012


2012 was the year when lots of Johnny‘s talents have starred in dramas whether in lead or supporting role and guest appearances. Here are the average viewership ratings of dramas where Johnny’s talent have starred in.
  1. 17.7% 『PRICELESS』 Kimura Takuya and Fujigaya Taisuke
  2. 16.0% 『Kagi no Kakatta Heya』Ohno Satoshi
  3. 15.6% 『Lucky Seven』 Matsumoto Jun with Koyama Keiichiro
  4. 15.6% 『ATARU』 Nakai Masahiro with Tamamori Yuta
  5. 15.4%『Strawberry Night』 Maruyama Ryuhei
  6. 13.2%『GTO』Takada Sho and Morimoto Shintaro
  7. 13.0% 『37-sai de Isha ni Natta Boku ~Kenshui Junjo Monogatari~』Kusanagi Tsuyoshi with Yaotome Hikaru
  8. 12.8% 『Mikeneko Holmes no Suiri』Aiba Masaki and Ohkura Tadayoshi
  9. 12.7% 『Hungry!』Inagaki Goro and Sato Shori
  10. 12.5% 『Legal High』 Taguchi Junnosuke
  11. 11.9%『MONSTERS』Katori Shingo and Yamashita Tomohisa
  12. 11.9% 『Risou no Misuko』 Yamada Ryosuke, Nakajima Yuto and Fujigaya Taisuke
  13. 11.1%『Saikou no Jinsei no Owarikata~Ending Planner~ 』 Yamashita Tomohisa and Chinen Yuri
  14. 10.9%『Ghost Mama Soussasen』Sanada Yuma
  15. 10.5%『Hayama-san to yobareru hi』 Inohara Yoshihiko with Nakamaru Yuichi
  16. 9.9%『Kuro no Onna Kyoushi』 Matsumura Hokuto
  17. 9.2%『Osozaki no himawari’』 Ikuta Toma with Taguchi Junnosuke
  18. 8.6%『Ooku: Arikoto Iemitsu Hen』 Tanaka Koki
  19. 8.3%『13-sai no harōwāku』  Matsuoka Masahiro and Yokoyama Yu
  20. 8.2%『Papadoru!』Nishikido Ryo with Joshima Shigeru and Kanjani8
  21. 7.3%『Beginners!』 Fujigaya Taisuke and Kitayama Hiromitsu
  22. 6.7%『resident 5nin no kenshuui』 Masuda Takahisa
  23. 6.6%『Mirei Nikki-ANOTHER:WORLD-』 Kikuchi Fuma
  24. 5.9%『Boys on the Run』 Maruyama Ryuhei and Ueda Tatsuya
  25. 5.3%『Omo ni naitemasu 』 Nakamaru Yuichi
  26. 3.9%『Kazoku no Uta』 Nakajima Kento
  27. 2.8%『Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou』 Johnny’s Jr. with Miyata Toshiya and Uchi Hiroki
  28. 2.6%『Sprout』Chinen Yuri with Jesse and Tanaka Juri
  29. 2.1%『Piece』 Nakayama Yuma with Matsumura Hokuto
  30. 1.7%『Kodomo Keisatsu』Marius Yo
  31. 1.6%『Hana no Zubora Meshi』  Kato Shigeaki
  32. 1.3%『Dragon Seneidan』 Yasuda Shota
※ Based from audience video research in Kanto area

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

Yamada Ryosuke is Willing to Do JOHNNY’S World Sequel


Johnny’s & Associates President, Johnny Kitagawa, was interviewed during the run of “JOHNNY’S World”, wherein he said that a sequel might happen and it will be called “Johnny’s Universe“. “Johnny’s World” started December last year and will end by Jan 27, 2013.

Kitagawa is aiming that the said sequel will be performed at Imperial Theater after two years where the story will be reconstructed  to draw the splendor of Japan. Johnny also made it clear that there is a possibility of auditions to gather talents from around the world.

Hey!Say!JUMP‘s Yamada Ryosuke remains positive about doing Johnny’s World again, “I want to challenge the limit of stage performances for four months”. He is also willing to be cast in the said sequel performances that will run for three months.

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

Nakajima Kento Spending New Year’s Eve with Johnny Kitagawa and Some of His Senpai “I was shocked”


During the first day of performances in Yokohama Arena, showing off a total 25 tracks mostly from their first album “one Sexy Zone”, they vowed to an audience of 15000 people gathered at the venue.

When they were asked about their New Year’s routine, and otoshidama presents from their seniors during Countdown, Nakajima Kento commented, “I did not get any money but for me, my otoshidama was, though it’s a little early… I was able to spend that day with Kamenashi (Kazuya), Masuda (Takahisa), Yamada (Ryosuke), Okamoto (Keito) and Johnny-san, we went to eat soba noodles that night so for me that’s a nice equivalent”.

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

January 03, 2013

Usual New Year!? Tackey Gives Otoshidama to 180 People!


On December 3rd it was revealed to the press a New Year special performance of “JOHNNY’S World”, stage-play dedicated to the Guinness Certification of Johnny Kitagawa (81), with the participation of Takizawa Hideaki (30), entitled “JOHNNY’S World New Year with Tackey”.

JW is a long run stage-play that started on November last year and will go on until March. During the second act of the said performance, Takizawa took over the stage with a special edition of “Takizawa Kakumei”, and he will perform there until January 6th. “Since this is a New Year Special I wanted to try to put some laughter into it”, Takizawa said. A smiling Nakayama Yuma (18) added, “Even though we worked hard, we were able to relax and enjoy the show while performing”.

Takizawa is used to perform during New Year’s and answer persistent questions from reporters about otoshidama given the occasion, “I’ve tried to not come out a lot so I won’t have to give otoshidama to everybody”, he said with a bitter smile. “But it feels good so of course I have to do it. After all, I also get otoshidama from a lot of people, including Higashiyama-san”. The amount was not revealed but he admitted giving otoshidama to all 180 performers of JW.

*NOTE* Audience was also given otoshidama of 5yen that day by Tackey as shown in the picture.

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

“Tackey Can Get Married Without Asking Us Ahead” Says Johnny Kitagawa


Tackey & Tsubasa‘s Hideaki Takizawa appeared for a dress rehearsal for “Johnny’s World” last New Year’s Eve at Marunouchi, Tokyo. Takizawa will do a special performance for the said play where the rehearsals have been open for reporters. Takizawa was last seen on stage with “Shinshun Jinsei Kakumei” where he starred with the late Mori Mitsuko who died last November.

Tackey & Tsubasa celebrated their 10th year anniversary last 2012, which was also the year when Takizawa turned 30 years old. The reporters, who were interested with Takizawa’s private life, asked him questions, like “when will be hearing a good news[marriage] soon?” to which Takizawa responded, “there are no plans yet, but the desire is there…”

When it comes to matters of love life, Takizawa is being given Laissez-faire or let-alone policy by Johnny Kitagawa. “He has the freedom to do what he wishes, he deserves it.” Kitagawa has full trust and confidence to Takizawa as compared to Akanishi Jin, whom Kitagawa imposed harsh measures, after Akanishi failed to inform Kitagawa about his marriage beforehand.

About Takizawa succeeding Johnny’s drive when it comes to producing stage performances since Takizawa himself is an “idea man”. “I hope to play the role of manager if I can’t become a film director in the future,” Takizawa related. Johnny responded that he won’t interfere with Takizawa so he could concentrate with behind-the-scenes events. Creating “Tackey’s World” may indeed happen in the near future.

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

December 28, 2012

Johnny's in NHK Reveals Official Performance Order For ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’

he official performance order for the ‘63rd Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ has been revealed!

As reported earlier, this year’s Kohaku will feature performances from a total of 50 artists such as AKB48, Momoiro Clover Z, Hamasaki Ayumi, EXILE, SMAP, and more. It will air on New Year’s Eve from 7:15 pm JST.

Check out the set list below!

<First Half>

  1. Hamasaki Ayumi – “2012 A SPECIAL Medley”
  2. NYC – “NYC Kohaku Medley”

 3. SKE48 – “Pareo wa Emerald”
 4. Golden Bomber – “Memeshikute”
 5. AAA – “777 ~We can sing a song!~”
 6. Nakashima Mika – “Hatsukoi”
 7. Sandaime J Soul Brothers – “Hanabi”
 8. Mizuki Nana – “BRIGHT STREAM”
 9. FUNKY MONKEY BABYS – “Sayonara Janai”
 10. Fuji Ayako – “Wasurenai”
 11. HY – “Ichiban Chikaku ni”
 12. Mizumori Kaori – “Hitori Nagaragawa”
 13. Naoto Inti Raymi – “Brave”
 14. Koda Kumi – “Go to the top”
 15. Hosokawa Takashi – “Naniwabushi Dayo Jinsei wa”
 16. Koizai Kaori – “Sake no Yado”
 17. Porno Graffitti – “Kageboushi”
 18. Nishino Kana – “GO FOR IT!!”
 19. Tachi Hiroshi – “Arashi wo Yobu Otoko”
 20. Godai Natsuko – “Koi Zange”
 21. Mori Shinichi – “Fuyu no Riviera”
 22. Ayaka – “Hajimari no Toki”

<Second Half>

 23. Kanjani8 – “Hatsu Kohaku!! Zenryoku Zenshin Jya Jya Jya Jya-n!”
 24. Momoiro Clover Z – “Momoiro Kohaku Da Z”
 25. TOKIO – “KIBOU”
 26. Perfume – “Spring of Life”
 27. Kobukuro – “Kami Hikouki”
 28. AKB48 – “AKB48 Kohaku 2012 SP ~Dai 2-sho~”
 29. Go Hiromi – “Dangerer☆”
 30. aiko – “Kuchibiru”
 31. Itsuki Hiroshi – “Yoake no Blues”
 32. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – “Kohaku 2012 Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Medley”
 33. Tokunaga Hideaki – “Ue wo Muite Arukou”
 34. Yuki Saori – “Yoake no Scat”
 35. Saito Kazuyoshi – “Yasashiku Naritai”
 36. Tendo Yoshimi – “Soran Matsuri Bushi”
 37. YUI – “Good-bye days”
 38. Hikawa Kiyoshi – “Sakura”
 39. Sakamoto Fuyumi – “Yozakura Oshichi”
 40. Arashi – “New Year’s Eve Medley 2012″
 41. Miwa Akihiro – “Yoitomake no Uta”
 42. Wada Akiko – “Ai, Todokimasuka”
 43. EXILE – “Rising Sun”
 44. YUKI – “Prism”
 45. Fukuyama Masaharu – “Beautiful Life”
 46. Princess Princess – “Diamonds”
 47. Ishikawa Sayuri – “Amagi Goe”
 48. Kitajima Saburo – “Fusetsu Nagare Tabi”
 49. Ikimonogakari – “Kaze ga Fuiteiru”
 50. SMAP – “SMAP 2012′ SP”


Source: http://www.tokyohive.com

December 26, 2012

Inagaki Goro will Play Akechi Mitsuhide in Tamamori Yuta’s Drama “Nobunaga no Chef”


On December 25th, it was revealed that SMAP member, Inagaki Goro has been casted in the role of Akechi Mitsuhide in a Friday night drama for TV Asahi “Nobunaga no Chef” which is schedule to premiere on January 11th. This drama is the first time his agency’s junior, Kis-My-Ft2 member, Tamamori Yuta will challenge a starring role in a period drama. “Akechi Mitsuhide is a fascinating person, I’m happy to be able to play this role in this particular drama”, Inagaki commented.

Akechi Mitsuhide was a samurai who lived during the Sengoku period of Feudal Japan, a general under daimyo Oda Nobunaga, who became infamous for his betrayal in 1582.

Inagaki talked about his character, “People who embrace his image will see him as ‘the man who betrayed the Lord’ and as someone who doesn’t show any good side of him, for sure. This drama as a strong part of fantasy elements and the time traveling part. I think this will be a little different but still good version of Akechi Mitsuhide”.

Recently, they filmed their first scene together in Kyoto Toei Studio. Tamamori commented, “Once again, I’m entirely nervous… . He is a big senior…. . I, because I was so nervous my voice ended up one tone too high (laugh). Since I had the first line in the scene, I noticed immediately and thought ‘Ah, yabai!’”, his heart skipped a beat.

Inagaki talked about such young junior, who has previously worked in a drama before with Nakai Masahiro, also member of SMAP, “I am probably friendlier than Nakai-kun, right??”, Tamamori replied “No, Nakai-san is also very friendly!”, after which he put some more pressure, “So, I’m friendly, right?” then he behaved like a nice senior and said, “Work hard!”.

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

Kansai Johnny’s Jr.’s First Crown Movie for March 2013!


On December 24th, during the final concert of “Kansai Johnny’s Jr. Xmas Concert 2012″ in Shochikuza (Osaka) it was announced that their first movie “Kansai Johnny’s Jr. no Kyoto Uzumasa Koshinkyoku!” (Directed by Katsuhide Motoki) will go on road show on March 30th, 2013.

With 2 protagonists in the story, Shigeoka Daiki (20) and Kiriyama Akito (23). In a film studio in Kyoto, some young people will try to chase their dreams while drawing the figure of a contemporary version of “Kamata Koshinkyoku“. Shigeoka commented on the appearance of actors Watanabe Ikkei, Nakamura Shido and others, “I freaked out when I read it on the script”.

Kiriyama added, “I want people who don’t know about us to see the movie!”, ”We also heard this morning that we’ll also be in charge of the theme song “NOT FINALE” and we will come up with a combined choreography. I want the audience to enjoy our presence also in screen”. Other Kansai juniors who are part of the cast include Nakama Junta, Hamanaka Bunichi, Kotaki Nozomu, Mukai Koji and Fujii Ryusei.

During the shooting of the movie back in October, they stayed in Kyoto and it is said that a group of them was sent to stay in an inn where dai-senpai Shonentai’s Higashiyama Noriyuki (46) had stayed some time ago. Nakama Junta (25) said, “While I was in some rooms I kept thinking that a star had passed over here”, he revealed to be chasing his senior’s lead.

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

December 20, 2012

[Oricon Ranking] Yamashita Tomohisa’s DVD “TOMOHISA YAMASHITA LIVE TOUR 2012〜エロP〜″ Tops Weekly Charts


Released on December 12th, Yamashita Tomohisa′s live DVD “TOMOHISA YAMASHITA LIVE TOUR 2012〜エロP〜” has sold 34,000 copies on its first week, topping December 24th weekly sales chart.

Yamashita has topped the overall DVD rankings too for the first time since going solo. Previous work, “TOMOHISA YAMASHITA ASIA TOUR 2011 SUPER GOOD SUPER BAD” (December 2011) used to be his highest record in 3rd place.

The Blu-Ray edition of this live tour was also released the same day, selling a total of 5014 copies, making into the 3rd place of weekly ranking. His previous work ranked in 13th place. Although if we considerate only the music department, it has reached the 1st place.

This concert was filmed from the tour of his latest album “エロ” (#2 selling release in July 2012) which started on July 28th in Osaka Castle Hall and the national arena tour final in National Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo.

Source | Oricon Style

Source: jenewsdaily.wordpress.com

Johnny Kitagawa, Japanese Music Legend, Speaks Out


Imagine a music landscape dominated by just one individual—an all-powerful Svengali who, for more than 45 years, has held a virtual monopoly on male pop groups, producing a world-record-holding 289 No. 1 hits, 35 chart-topping acts, and, in the past decade alone, 8,419 concerts. He rarely appears in media, and yet his power over the press has left them kowtowing to his demands for decades. His reclusive character is revered and feared in equal parts by an entire Japanese music industry. Welcome to the world of Johnny Kitagawa.

Kitagawa’s latest, Vegas-worthy production, “Johnny’s World,” features a mammoth cast and stunning special effects, including a full waterfall. (Courtesy of Johnny & Associates (2))

His story reads like a myth. Born the son of a Buddhist priest in Los Angeles in 1931, John Hiromu Kitagawa left America for Japan after the outbreak of the war in the Pacific, not returning until the late 1940s. Kitagawa later served with the U.S. Army, teaching English to orphans during the Korean War. “Although Japan was suffering, Korea was suffering even more,” he recalls sadly.
In the 1950s, Kitagawa moved to Yoyogi, Tokyo, where—after taking four members of a local baseball team to see the movie West Side Story—he conceived of a plan novel at the time: a music act made up of good-looking men who could dance and sing simultaneously. He shaped the athletes into Japan’s first boy band, The Johnnies. They would become the model for the country’s entire music industry to this day.
“I had started in an era when boys, male talents, did not sing and dance in Japan,” says Kitagawa, in his first-ever exclusive interview. “That was a challenge, and it became a unique spot in the entertainment world, something unprecedented.”
Kitagawa’s acts—such as SMAP, Arashi, and KAT-TUN—have become so
ubiquitous across all forms of Japanese entertainment that seemingly no TV channel, brand, or company could be complete without their endorsement. His hit-making formula has been replicated across Asia. Yet Kitagawa is surprisingly humble and generous, traits that few in the industry expect of the shadowy kingmaker. “I believe the spotlight should be on the stars; my role is to help them glow,” he says of his ability to remain eternally elusive. Though he holds three Guinness records, he remarks, “This is a team effort. I personally tend to forget all these numbers so I also thank those who actually keep record!”
He also downplays the topic of his own legacy. “My only wish is for my acts and their entertainment to be remembered for what they are,” he says, adding proudly, “Nobody at Johnny’s was made into a star just because he was good-looking. They look cool because they do something cool.”
Kitagawa’s success has been achieved despite a seemingly anti-PR strategy—images of his groups do not appear on the company website, and are virtually never published unless on official merchandise. Yet it’s proven to be a fruitful recipe. His most successful act, SMAP—a quintet whose ages all now hover around 40—owe their fame to Kitagawa’s strategy of placing them on variety and comedy shows, extending their appeal beyond their looks or songs.
“I believe entertainment sheds light on people’s lives more than we realize [and] should be able to breathe the changing seasons of people’s moods,” Kitagawa says. To ensure his acts remain in vogue, he pioneered another key component of the Asian music industries—the fan club. With more than 2.5 million members of “Johnny’s Family Club,” Kitagawa can ensure that his stable of 500 artists have a built-in fan base.
Kitagawa’s career, though luminous, has not been without incident. In 1988 a former member of his group Four Leaves published graphic details of alleged sexual activities between the staff and some of the young boys in Johnny’s & Associates, Kitagawa’s production agency. An April 2000 National Police Agency investigation eventually exonerated Kitagawa. His latest challenge is the rise of Korean K-Pop. “I feel Japan has become numb [faced with the] competition and I try to make my acts acknowledge this,” he says.
Kitagawa’s latest production—fittingly titled Johnny’s World—features a mammoth cast of boys of all ages, including latest popular groups Hey! Say! JUMP!, Kis-My-Ft2, and Sexy Zone. The musical includes an onstage replica of the Hindenburg airship, a Titanic sequence, and a full-flowing waterfall appearing centerstage, and weaves in Japanese cultural history during tightly choreographed dance routines in which performers fly out over the audience. It’s a pulsating medley that seems to include all of Las Vegas’s shows in one, and is a nod to Kitagawa’s ambition to take a production to Las Vegas himself one day. “To write, cast, and produce each concert at this age is not easy,” he says, “but I enjoy every moment of it.”

Source:  http://www.thedailybeast.com