Sat, April 14, 2007 (7:41pm EDT)
Jazz band PE'Z is aiming to take Central and South America by storm. Known for their "samurai jazz" style, the group has found wide success in Japan, but their attempt to break into the U.S. market last year failed to get the results they were looking for. Now they're teaming up with two major labels, J&N Records and Codiscos, to try for success in the Central and South American markets. Around October, the group plans to release their works simultaneously in 33 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
Sat, April 14, 2007 (6:50pm EDT)
Singer-songwriter Bonnie Pink is currently in Sweden recording her next album, scheduled for release this summer. She is once again working with producer Tore Johansson, whom she first worked with in 1996 on her second album, "Heaven's Kitchen."
Bonnie Pink left for Sweden earlier this month, and she is expected to return to Japan in June. Before leaving Sweden, she plans to hold a live studio performance over the Internet on May 27. Fans can also send in requests for songs they would like to hear.
Bonnie Pink left for Sweden earlier this month, and she is expected to return to Japan in June. Before leaving Sweden, she plans to hold a live studio performance over the Internet on May 27. Fans can also send in requests for songs they would like to hear.
Sat, April 14, 2007 (5:20pm EDT)
Isshin Inudo's "Kiiroi Namida" (starring the members of Arashi) opened in theaters on Saturday. During the opening event at the Yebisu Garden Cinema in Tokyo, it was announced that the movie is headed to Korea this June.
The movie will start playing in two Seoul theaters on June 7, and is scheduled to gradually expand to ten theaters throughout the country. It will be screened under the title "Yellow Tears."
The movie will start playing in two Seoul theaters on June 7, and is scheduled to gradually expand to ten theaters throughout the country. It will be screened under the title "Yellow Tears."
Sat, April 14, 2007 (5:23am EDT)
On Saturday, publisher Kodansha held a ceremony to announce the winners of its annual Nice Couple Awards, part of its Nice Couple Day (April 22) campaign.
Two couples were honored this year: female wrestler Jaguar Yokota and doctor Hirokatsu Kinoshita (who have been married since 2004) and actress Mika Mifune and vocalist George Takahashi (who have been married since 1998).
Two couples were honored this year: female wrestler Jaguar Yokota and doctor Hirokatsu Kinoshita (who have been married since 2004) and actress Mika Mifune and vocalist George Takahashi (who have been married since 1998).
Sat, April 14, 2007 (4:50am EDT)
Actor Kenji Sakaguchi will appear in a new commercial for Japan Tobacco's canned coffee line, Roots. The ad begins airing on the 17th.
Sat, April 14, 2007 (4:42am EDT)
On Saturday, idol Azusa Yamamoto dressed in orange and passed out free oranges in Shinjuku, as part of a campaign to promote Orange Day.
Orange Day (April 14) is a holiday created in recent years by citrus farmers in Ehime. The day is intended to follow the pattern of Valentine's Day (February 14) and White Day (March 14), encouraging couples to express their love by exchanging oranges or orange-colored gifts.
Orange Day (April 14) is a holiday created in recent years by citrus farmers in Ehime. The day is intended to follow the pattern of Valentine's Day (February 14) and White Day (March 14), encouraging couples to express their love by exchanging oranges or orange-colored gifts.
