Tue, January 6, 2009 (2:04am EST)
The Brilliant Green vocalist Tomoko Kawase is releasing best albums for both of her solo projects on February 25. The Tommy february6 collection is titled Strawberry Cream Soda Pop "Daydream", while the Tommy heavenly6 collection is Gothic Melting Ice Cream's Darkness "Nightmare".
These will be the first best albums released by Kawase since she started her solo career in 2001. In addition to new material, the albums will include lots of extras, and the special edition will use the Blu-spec CD format to offer higher quality sound.
These will be the first best albums released by Kawase since she started her solo career in 2001. In addition to new material, the albums will include lots of extras, and the special edition will use the Blu-spec CD format to offer higher quality sound.
Tue, January 6, 2009 (1:39am EST)
Last year's popular "Atsuhime" series may have boosted expectations for NHK's new taiga drama, "Tenchijin." The first episode, which aired on Sunday, averaged 24.7% in the Kanto area, giving it the best start for a taiga drama in the past five years. By comparison, "Atsuhime" started at only 20.3% last January, but it eventually peaked at 29.2% and averaged 24.5% for the entire year.
"Tenchijin" stars Satoshi Tsumabuki as the military leader Naoe Kanetsugu. His supporting cast includes Kazuki Kitamura, Takako Tokiwa, Hiroshi Abe, Masami Nagasawa, and Saki Aibu.
"Tenchijin" stars Satoshi Tsumabuki as the military leader Naoe Kanetsugu. His supporting cast includes Kazuki Kitamura, Takako Tokiwa, Hiroshi Abe, Masami Nagasawa, and Saki Aibu.
Tue, January 6, 2009 (1:30am EST)
The complete viewership numbers for the 59th Kohaku Uta Gassen were announced on Monday. This year, the highlight of the show was the "baka trio" Shuchishin, who drew in the largest audience of the night.
The group, which includes rising star Yusuke Kamiji, appeared on stage during the second half of Kohaku, accompanied by their corresponding female trio Pabo. Viewership was at 41.6% when they made their entrance, but it quickly rose and peaked at 47.8%.
The popular unit SMAP, who have had the highest ratings for the last three Kohaku competitions, had to settle for only 42.8% ratings this time. Meanwhile, Ayumi Hamasaki did well for an opening act with 31.8%, compared to previous years, such as Morning Musume in 2007 (26.2%).
Besides Shuchishin, four other artists exceeded 45% - Kobukuro, Akiko Wada, Kiyoshi Hikawa, and newcomer Jero.
The highest ratings of the night came twenty minutes before midnight, during the ending video segment that featured all of the artists. Ratings peaked at 50.0%, a mark that has not been reached since 2003.
The group, which includes rising star Yusuke Kamiji, appeared on stage during the second half of Kohaku, accompanied by their corresponding female trio Pabo. Viewership was at 41.6% when they made their entrance, but it quickly rose and peaked at 47.8%.
The popular unit SMAP, who have had the highest ratings for the last three Kohaku competitions, had to settle for only 42.8% ratings this time. Meanwhile, Ayumi Hamasaki did well for an opening act with 31.8%, compared to previous years, such as Morning Musume in 2007 (26.2%).
Besides Shuchishin, four other artists exceeded 45% - Kobukuro, Akiko Wada, Kiyoshi Hikawa, and newcomer Jero.
The highest ratings of the night came twenty minutes before midnight, during the ending video segment that featured all of the artists. Ratings peaked at 50.0%, a mark that has not been reached since 2003.
Tue, January 6, 2009 (1:05am EST)
On Monday, Hey! Say! JUMP concluded their nationwide tour with two concerts at the Yokohama Arena. Before the nighttime show, member Kei Inoo announced at a press conference that he will be a student of Meiji University starting this spring.
Inoo revealed to the gathered fans that he has been accepted into the department of architecture. He took his entrance exam and interview last September, and he was also required to do an essay and presentation. He was notified in November that he had been admitted.
There have been several Johnny's Jimusho talents to attend Meiji University, but Inoo is the first to pursue architecture. He will begin his studies in April.
Inoo revealed to the gathered fans that he has been accepted into the department of architecture. He took his entrance exam and interview last September, and he was also required to do an essay and presentation. He was notified in November that he had been admitted.
There have been several Johnny's Jimusho talents to attend Meiji University, but Inoo is the first to pursue architecture. He will begin his studies in April.
Tue, January 6, 2009 (12:50am EST)
Kabuki actor Kantaro Nakamura (27) and actress Ai Maeda (25) are in a serious relationship, and are said to be headed for marriage later this year. Their romance was revealed in the latest issue of Josei Seven.
The two appeared together in the television drama "Hikari no Teikoku" eight years ago, and they began dating shortly after that. They have now been together for seven years.
Some sources are reporting that the couple may tie the knot as early as this fall. Both of their agencies have acknowledged the relationship, but denied that there are currently plans for marriage.
The two appeared together in the television drama "Hikari no Teikoku" eight years ago, and they began dating shortly after that. They have now been together for seven years.
Some sources are reporting that the couple may tie the knot as early as this fall. Both of their agencies have acknowledged the relationship, but denied that there are currently plans for marriage.
