Mon, November 3, 2008 (3:17am EST)
Visual kei band SHAZNA will be disbanding next year. On Monday, the group attended a bookstore event for the release of their book "Homeless Visual Kei," and vocalist Izam notified the 100 fans there that SHAZNA had reached its end.
According to Izam, the three members could not agree on a direction for the future, so they decided last month to break up. Their final show will be on March 22 at Shibuya's O-EAST. With no upcoming CD releases planned, their book may be their last work together.
Shazna originally formed in 1993 and debuted four years later with the song "Melty Love." They went on hiatus in 2000 but reunited in 2006.
According to Izam, the three members could not agree on a direction for the future, so they decided last month to break up. Their final show will be on March 22 at Shibuya's O-EAST. With no upcoming CD releases planned, their book may be their last work together.
Shazna originally formed in 1993 and debuted four years later with the song "Melty Love." They went on hiatus in 2000 but reunited in 2006.
Mon, November 3, 2008 (1:11am EST)
The latest batch of recipients of the Shiju Hosho were announced on Sunday. This time, 43 people received the prestigious national honor. Among them were actor Toshiyuki Nishida, actress Kirin Kiki, kabuki actor Kanzaburo Nakamura, singer Ryoko Moriyama, golfer Isao Aoki, and many Olympic athletes.
The Shiju Hosho, also commonly referred to as the Purple Ribbon Medal, is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japanese government.
The Shiju Hosho, also commonly referred to as the Purple Ribbon Medal, is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japanese government.
Mon, November 3, 2008 (12:54am EST)
Former singer Yasuha is ready to make a comeback. She will release a new song through a newly created label under Tsubasa Records. Digital distribution will start on the 15th of this month, followed by a CD release in December.
Yasuha's last single was released close to three years ago. According to one source, Yasuha had originally been aiming to release the CD on September 20, which was the death anniversary of her father, the late rakugo artist Sanpei Hayashiya.
The singer also recently made headlines due to a bitter feud with her ex-husband, rakugo artist Koasa Shunputei. The two initally appeared to have an amicable divorce in November 2007, but the ill will between them eventually surfaced, and last week Yasuha made some insulting remarks about Shunputei on her blog.
Yasuha's last single was released close to three years ago. According to one source, Yasuha had originally been aiming to release the CD on September 20, which was the death anniversary of her father, the late rakugo artist Sanpei Hayashiya.
The singer also recently made headlines due to a bitter feud with her ex-husband, rakugo artist Koasa Shunputei. The two initally appeared to have an amicable divorce in November 2007, but the ill will between them eventually surfaced, and last week Yasuha made some insulting remarks about Shunputei on her blog.
Mon, November 3, 2008 (12:10am EST)
The female duo Kiroro held a short concert in Okinawa on Sunday. During the show, vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro announced that the group will go on hiatus by the end of the year. The news has been expected since August, when keyboardist Ayano Kinjo revealed that she was pregnant with her second child.
Kiroro previously went on an extended break from late 2005 until early this year, due to both women getting married and having children.
The duo will not be performing any more concerts this year, though they do have plans for some TV appearances and other activities. "Shiawase no Tane ~Winter Version~" will be their last single before their break, and that goes on sale December 3.
Kiroro previously went on an extended break from late 2005 until early this year, due to both women getting married and having children.
The duo will not be performing any more concerts this year, though they do have plans for some TV appearances and other activities. "Shiawase no Tane ~Winter Version~" will be their last single before their break, and that goes on sale December 3.
