Sun, November 16, 2008 (7:26pm EST)
Oricon Style has published this year's edition of its annual "Favorite Artist Ranking." Over 20,000 people were surveyed, and for the second year in a row, Hikaru Utada was the #1 choice.
Since the rankings started in 2004, Utada has topped the list three times (2004, 2007, 2008). She was ranked #2 and #4 in 2005 and 2006, respectively, while aiko had back-to-back victories.
aiko was #3 this year, behind the popular duo Kobukuro, who repeated their #2 ranking from last year. Mr.Children took #4, followed by Dreams Come True and Southern All Stars. Namie Amuro, B'z, Spitz, and Arashi filled out the top ten.
The complete top 20 list can be found in the forums.
Since the rankings started in 2004, Utada has topped the list three times (2004, 2007, 2008). She was ranked #2 and #4 in 2005 and 2006, respectively, while aiko had back-to-back victories.
aiko was #3 this year, behind the popular duo Kobukuro, who repeated their #2 ranking from last year. Mr.Children took #4, followed by Dreams Come True and Southern All Stars. Namie Amuro, B'z, Spitz, and Arashi filled out the top ten.
The complete top 20 list can be found in the forums.
Sun, November 16, 2008 (7:05pm EST)
Singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue is releasing a ballad collection, appropriately titled "BEST BALLADE." Inoue has been one of the most popular and influential musicians in the past few decades. This album will include 16 of his best songs, chosen from throughout his 40-year career.
Some of the hits included are "Isso Serenade," "Wine Red no Kokoro," "Shonen Jidai," and "5 Gatsu no Wakare." The album will go on sale December 10. Inoue is also planning to launch a major tour next spring.
Some of the hits included are "Isso Serenade," "Wine Red no Kokoro," "Shonen Jidai," and "5 Gatsu no Wakare." The album will go on sale December 10. Inoue is also planning to launch a major tour next spring.
