Tomomi Itano: Breaking Records on Her Solo Debut!

Asides from Tomomi Itano making her solo debut with the single, Dear J, asides that she is the first member of AKB48 that made a solo debut, it seems that she has other achievements under her sleeve!

According to Oricon’s Weekly Single Ranking, Dear J has sold approximately 163,000 units since its release last January 26th, placing her debut single solidly in second place behind Yamashita Tomohisa’s fourth solo single, Hadakanbo.

Aside from that, Itano is the first female artist to break 150,000 units since Utada Hikaru’s single, Flavor Of Life, nearly four years ago. Also, it makes Tomochin the first singer debuting from a girl group to sell this many units since ex-Morning Musume member Goto Maki debuted with Ai no Bakayarou almost ten years ago. Utada Hikaru and Goto Maki sold 270,000 units and 268,000 units in the first week of sales, respectively.

From all of us here, congratulations Tomochin on your achievement!

Source: Mainichi via Tokyohive

Tomomi Itano: Breaking Records on Her Solo Debut!

Asides from Tomomi Itano making her solo debut with the single, Dear J, asides that she is the first member of AKB48 that made a solo debut, it seems that she has other achievements under her sleeve!

According to Oricon’s Weekly Single Ranking, Dear J has sold approximately 163,000 units since its release last January 26th, placing her debut single solidly in second place behind Yamashita Tomohisa’s fourth solo single, Hadakanbo.

Aside from that, Itano is the first female artist to break 150,000 units since Utada Hikaru’s single, Flavor Of Life, nearly four years ago. Also, it makes Tomochin the first singer debuting from a girl group to sell this many units since ex-Morning Musume member Goto Maki debuted with Ai no Bakayarou almost ten years ago. Utada Hikaru and Goto Maki sold 270,000 units and 268,000 units in the first week of sales, respectively.

From all of us here, congratulations Tomochin on your achievement!

Source: Mainichi via Tokyohive

Gokaiger OP Initial Thoughts

Just recently, the leaked version of the theme song of the 35th entry of the Super Sentai franchise, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger has just been recently released. It seems it has the same familiar vibe of a certain pirate anime. Anyways, here's my first impression with the theme song.

To those who haven't heard of the song yet, here it is:

To be honest, the first thing that come with my mind when I heard this song is the very inspiring first opening theme song of the only pirate anime that I know and the only epic shonen anime that is worth watching asides from Fairy Tail is One Piece. Why? I guess I will let the theme song speak for itself.

Before the first promotional images were released to the public, it was mentioned that this show will be inspired by One Piece, so I am not surprised if the opening theme itself has a certain One Piece vibe! Heck, I would not be surprised if their eye catches has Wanted Posters with funny poses in it! Or the the last scene of the episode has the show's, "To Be Continued" sign! Now, I am all pumped in watching this show!

Gokaiger OP Initial Thoughts

Just recently, the leaked version of the theme song of the 35th entry of the Super Sentai franchise, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger has just been recently released. It seems it has the same familiar vibe of a certain pirate anime. Anyways, here's my first impression with the theme song.

To those who haven't heard of the song yet, here it is:

To be honest, the first thing that come with my mind when I heard this song is the very inspiring first opening theme song of the only pirate anime that I know and the only epic shonen anime that is worth watching asides from Fairy Tail is One Piece. Why? I guess I will let the theme song speak for itself.

Before the first promotional images were released to the public, it was mentioned that this show will be inspired by One Piece, so I am not surprised if the opening theme itself has a certain One Piece vibe! Heck, I would not be surprised if their eye catches has Wanted Posters with funny poses in it! Or the the last scene of the episode has the show's, "To Be Continued" sign! Now, I am all pumped in watching this show!

AKB48's Tomomi Itano meets Avril Lavigne!

Poplar pop-punk singer, Avril Lavigne has been staying in Japan since January 23 to promote her latest single, What the Hell and meets one of Japan's top idols, AKB48's Tomomi Itano according to the latest headline from Tokyohive!

Ms. Itano arrived at Tokyo’s Tower Records to meet the famous star. With a translator, Itano confessed that she’s been listening to Avril Lavigne’s music since her Middle School days, and that she feels nervous about being the only solo artist to debut from AKB48. The two then traded copies of their latest singles! As a fan of Avril and Tomomin, this news made my day!

AKB48's Tomomi Itano meets Avril Lavigne!

Poplar pop-punk singer, Avril Lavigne has been staying in Japan since January 23 to promote her latest single, What the Hell and meets one of Japan's top idols, AKB48's Tomomi Itano according to the latest headline from Tokyohive!

Ms. Itano arrived at Tokyo’s Tower Records to meet the famous star. With a translator, Itano confessed that she’s been listening to Avril Lavigne’s music since her Middle School days, and that she feels nervous about being the only solo artist to debut from AKB48. The two then traded copies of their latest singles! As a fan of Avril and Tomomin, this news made my day!

Aya Hirano to Release First "Best of" Album!

Singer and well-known voice actress, Aya Hirano (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Lucky Star, Fairy Tail) will soon be releasing her first “Best Of” album on April 20th!

The album, which is to contain both original and character songs, will come in three different forms. One such packaging includes a special collector’s edition that will contain a DVD as well. And as a fan of her songs, I can't wait!

Source: natalie via Tokyohive

Aya Hirano to Release First "Best of" Album!

Singer and well-known voice actress, Aya Hirano (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Lucky Star, Fairy Tail) will soon be releasing her first “Best Of” album on April 20th!

The album, which is to contain both original and character songs, will come in three different forms. One such packaging includes a special collector’s edition that will contain a DVD as well. And as a fan of her songs, I can't wait!

Source: natalie via Tokyohive

Project. R x Kamen Rider GIRLS Collaboration?!

Project. R, the group that is responsible in doing Super Sentai themes and Kamen Rider GIRLS, the idol group established for the 40th Anniversary of the Kamen Rider franchise will be putting on a joint series of performances in celebration for their respective anniversaries!

Aside from that, Psychic Lover, Sister Mayo and Iwasaki Takafumi and more (!) are said to be present, and seemingly to sing Goukaiger's themes. All I can say with Toei's anniversary music plans? Birng it on, Toei! Give us your best shot in giving us a good anniversary year!

Source: Toei via dukemon22 via Henshin Grid

Project. R x Kamen Rider GIRLS Collaboration?!

Project. R, the group that is responsible in doing Super Sentai themes and Kamen Rider GIRLS, the idol group established for the 40th Anniversary of the Kamen Rider franchise will be putting on a joint series of performances in celebration for their respective anniversaries!

Aside from that, Psychic Lover, Sister Mayo and Iwasaki Takafumi and more (!) are said to be present, and seemingly to sing Goukaiger's themes. All I can say with Toei's anniversary music plans? Birng it on, Toei! Give us your best shot in giving us a good anniversary year!

Source: Toei via dukemon22 via Henshin Grid

KPop Boom Lies Manga Spurs Controversy with Korean Netizens

Just recently, a manga called, An Analysis of the KPop Boom Lies which is according to the authors of the said manga is based on the information that they acquired which depicts the "dirty" side of the Korean music industry.

The manga shows former Korean girl group idols-turned-hostesses revealing dirty secrets regarding the Korean music industry. The said manga even talks about the suicide of Korean actress, Jang Ja-yeon, last year. Jang claimed in her suicide note that she had been forced into sex with top figures in the entertainment and business world.

The manga repeats words such as “suicide,” “lobby” and “corruption” and “sex-for-favor,” which is intended according to netizens, to ruin the image of the Korean entertainment industry and the Hallyu boom in Japan.

Popular Korean idol groups such as, Girls' Generation and KARA appeared in the manga with their trademark outfits and their names. Their respective agencies are considering measures to deal with the said manga. Girls’ Generation’s agency SM Entertainment reportedly said they are currently in discussion with lawyers in Japan to take strong countermeasures. 

Source: Korean Herald

If the guy who wrote the manga can give us a solid evidence regarding this post, then I might believe on what they said. But if it is just based on the fragment of their imagination, then I have every right in getting angry on them. Seriously, it is childish to get pissed on one music genre which is based on JPop!

KPop Boom Lies Manga Spurs Controversy with Korean Netizens

Just recently, a manga called, An Analysis of the KPop Boom Lies which is according to the authors of the said manga is based on the information that they acquired which depicts the "dirty" side of the Korean music industry.

The manga shows former Korean girl group idols-turned-hostesses revealing dirty secrets regarding the Korean music industry. The said manga even talks about the suicide of Korean actress, Jang Ja-yeon, last year. Jang claimed in her suicide note that she had been forced into sex with top figures in the entertainment and business world.

The manga repeats words such as “suicide,” “lobby” and “corruption” and “sex-for-favor,” which is intended according to netizens, to ruin the image of the Korean entertainment industry and the Hallyu boom in Japan.

Popular Korean idol groups such as, Girls' Generation and KARA appeared in the manga with their trademark outfits and their names. Their respective agencies are considering measures to deal with the said manga. Girls’ Generation’s agency SM Entertainment reportedly said they are currently in discussion with lawyers in Japan to take strong countermeasures. 

Source: Korean Herald

If the guy who wrote the manga can give us a solid evidence regarding this post, then I might believe on what they said. But if it is just based on the fragment of their imagination, then I have every right in getting angry on them. Seriously, it is childish to get pissed on one music genre which is based on JPop!

Detective Conan 15th Anniversary Themes

The popular detective anime, Detective Conan (also known as Case Closed) changed its theme songs beginning last January 8, with tear drops by Caos Caos Caos as their 30th (!) opening theme and the Juugoya Crisis ~Kimi ni Aitai~ by Hundred Percent Free as the show's 37th (!) ending theme.

Caos Caos Caos makes their major debut this year with their opening theme song, tear drops, and Hundred Percent Free made their major debut last year.

In the opening sequence, Nori Shiraishi of Caos Caos Caos appears in animated form, performing a dance found in the music video of the song.


In the past, Conan did a Para-Para Dance (on top) to member Rina Aiuchi’s song, Ai ha Thrill, Shock, Suspense, but this is the first time Rina Aiuchi has directly collaborated on a theme song. On the backside of the jacket for their new single, there will also be an illustration of characters from Detective Conan making signature dance poses. This new single will be released on February 23rd.

In addition, Hundred Percent Free’s Juugoya Crisis ~Kimi ni Aitai~ will be their fourth single release to date and will come out on January 26th.

Source: natalie via Tokyohive

Detective Conan 15th Anniversary Themes

The popular detective anime, Detective Conan (also known as Case Closed) changed its theme songs beginning last January 8, with tear drops by Caos Caos Caos as their 30th (!) opening theme and the Juugoya Crisis ~Kimi ni Aitai~ by Hundred Percent Free as the show's 37th (!) ending theme.

Caos Caos Caos makes their major debut this year with their opening theme song, tear drops, and Hundred Percent Free made their major debut last year.

In the opening sequence, Nori Shiraishi of Caos Caos Caos appears in animated form, performing a dance found in the music video of the song.


In the past, Conan did a Para-Para Dance (on top) to member Rina Aiuchi’s song, Ai ha Thrill, Shock, Suspense, but this is the first time Rina Aiuchi has directly collaborated on a theme song. On the backside of the jacket for their new single, there will also be an illustration of characters from Detective Conan making signature dance poses. This new single will be released on February 23rd.

In addition, Hundred Percent Free’s Juugoya Crisis ~Kimi ni Aitai~ will be their fourth single release to date and will come out on January 26th.

Source: natalie via Tokyohive

FLOW Covers 1/3 no Junjo no Kanjo!

To start their 2011, FLOW will cover Siam Shade's classic hit , 1/3 no Junjo no Kanjo! The single is slated for release on March 9, 2011. This song is also known as Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)'s ending theme which was released back in 1997.

For this single, guitarist DAITA from Siam Shade will make a guest appearance. Last year DAITA held his 15th anniversary live, One Night Special Band with KOHSHI on vocals and they performed this same song. The FLOW members are said to have been fans of Siam Shade, and after the event the two decided to do a collaboration.

Source: natalie via Tokyohive

To begin with, I am a FLOW fan and to add it up, I am also a Rurouni Kenshin fan, reading, copyng and pasting and editing this news article cause me goosebumps and to go unleash my fangasm in everytime I read it. I can't believe it to begin with! Heck, I was surprised that FLOW are fans of Siam Shade! Anyways, I can't wait for the release of the single!

FLOW Covers 1/3 no Junjo no Kanjo!

To start their 2011, FLOW will cover Siam Shade's classic hit , 1/3 no Junjo no Kanjo! The single is slated for release on March 9, 2011. This song is also known as Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)'s ending theme which was released back in 1997.

For this single, guitarist DAITA from Siam Shade will make a guest appearance. Last year DAITA held his 15th anniversary live, One Night Special Band with KOHSHI on vocals and they performed this same song. The FLOW members are said to have been fans of Siam Shade, and after the event the two decided to do a collaboration.

Source: natalie via Tokyohive

To begin with, I am a FLOW fan and to add it up, I am also a Rurouni Kenshin fan, reading, copyng and pasting and editing this news article cause me goosebumps and to go unleash my fangasm in everytime I read it. I can't believe it to begin with! Heck, I was surprised that FLOW are fans of Siam Shade! Anyways, I can't wait for the release of the single!

L'arc~en~Ciel Celebrates their 20th Anniversary

We all know L'arc~en~Ciel, these guys sung a lot of memorable anime themes, ranging from Rurouni Kenshin's Fourth Avenue Cafe, Fullmetal Alchemist's Ready Steady Go! and Gundam 00's Daybreak's Bell. This year, L'arc~en~Ciel celebrates their 20th year in the business and they have big plans up ahead!

As revealed in natalie, over the year, L’arc~en~Ciel plans to release 3 best albums, a new DVD box, and perform another special anniversary concert in May.

Their three ‘best-of’ albums – TWENITY 1991-1996, TWENITY 1997-1999, and TWENITY 2000-2010 – will be released on February 16th, and contain all their hit songs since the group’s debut back in 1991. Fans who wish to buy all three albums can wait for a special TWENITY BOX that will be available on March 9th. The box will also contain a special DVD.

Another DVD box called FIVE LIVE ARCHIVES 2 will be released at the end of March, and continues from where their 15th anniversary DVD had left off. The box contains a total of five discs, each featuring five concerts, including their 1999 Osaka open air tour 1999 GRAND CROSS TOUR and their LIQUIDROOM (Tokyo) performance from the 2005 arena tour, AWAKE TOUR 2005.

Furthermore, the group plans to hold two anniversary live concerts at the Tokyo Stadium on May 28th and 29th. It’ll their first time performing at this venue.

Special thanks to Tokyohive for the translations from natalie!

L'arc~en~Ciel Celebrates their 20th Anniversary

We all know L'arc~en~Ciel, these guys sung a lot of memorable anime themes, ranging from Rurouni Kenshin's Fourth Avenue Cafe, Fullmetal Alchemist's Ready Steady Go! and Gundam 00's Daybreak's Bell. This year, L'arc~en~Ciel celebrates their 20th year in the business and they have big plans up ahead!

As revealed in natalie, over the year, L’arc~en~Ciel plans to release 3 best albums, a new DVD box, and perform another special anniversary concert in May.

Their three ‘best-of’ albums – TWENITY 1991-1996, TWENITY 1997-1999, and TWENITY 2000-2010 – will be released on February 16th, and contain all their hit songs since the group’s debut back in 1991. Fans who wish to buy all three albums can wait for a special TWENITY BOX that will be available on March 9th. The box will also contain a special DVD.

Another DVD box called FIVE LIVE ARCHIVES 2 will be released at the end of March, and continues from where their 15th anniversary DVD had left off. The box contains a total of five discs, each featuring five concerts, including their 1999 Osaka open air tour 1999 GRAND CROSS TOUR and their LIQUIDROOM (Tokyo) performance from the 2005 arena tour, AWAKE TOUR 2005.

Furthermore, the group plans to hold two anniversary live concerts at the Tokyo Stadium on May 28th and 29th. It’ll their first time performing at this venue.

Special thanks to Tokyohive for the translations from natalie!

AKB48's Itano Tomomi Performs Dear J

As we all know, Itano Tomomi (aka Kamen Rider W's Queen) of AKB48 will be releasing her own solo album entitled, Dear J which will be released this January 26. Just recently, she performed her single on TV! Special thanks to Tokyohive for the video!

AKB48's Itano Tomomi Performs Dear J

As we all know, Itano Tomomi (aka Kamen Rider W's Queen) of AKB48 will be releasing her own solo album entitled, Dear J which will be released this January 26. Just recently, she performed her single on TV! Special thanks to Tokyohive for the video!