Wed, February 4, 2009 (4:01am EST)
On Tuesday, enka singer Takeshi Kitayama (34) attended a public setsubun ceremony in Tokyo along with his mentor, Saburo Kitajima. During the event, he boldly announced to the crowd that he is in a serious relationship with Kitajima's second daughter, Satoko (35).
Satoko currently works for the music management agency that Kitajima operates. Kitayama met her during the eight-year period that he served as Kitajima's attendant, which involved duties such as maintaining the Kitajimas' yard and taking care of the family dog. Their romance started when she treated his hand after it was injured by a lawn mower. At first, their relationship was a secret from the family, but Kitayama eventually gained the father's approval about three years ago.
Although there are no formal plans yet for marriage, Kitajima openly gave his blessings to the couple. It is now expected that a wedding awaits in the near future.
Satoko currently works for the music management agency that Kitajima operates. Kitayama met her during the eight-year period that he served as Kitajima's attendant, which involved duties such as maintaining the Kitajimas' yard and taking care of the family dog. Their romance started when she treated his hand after it was injured by a lawn mower. At first, their relationship was a secret from the family, but Kitayama eventually gained the father's approval about three years ago.
Although there are no formal plans yet for marriage, Kitajima openly gave his blessings to the couple. It is now expected that a wedding awaits in the near future.
Wed, February 4, 2009 (3:15am EST)
Rock singer and actor Diamond Yukai (46) announced on his blog that he is getting hitched again. On January 7, he plans to register his marriage with an OL said to be in her 30s. There are currently no plans for a formal wedding ceremony, however.
According to a close source, Yukai first met the woman two years ago. The pair began living together about a year later, though they plan to move soon to a new house that is currently under construction.
Yukai, who is better known as the former vocalist of the rock band RED WARRIORS, was previously married to actress Rieko Miura (35). Their marriage lasted from 1997 to 2001.
According to a close source, Yukai first met the woman two years ago. The pair began living together about a year later, though they plan to move soon to a new house that is currently under construction.
Yukai, who is better known as the former vocalist of the rock band RED WARRIORS, was previously married to actress Rieko Miura (35). Their marriage lasted from 1997 to 2001.
Wed, February 4, 2009 (2:57am EST)
Popular duo KinKi Kids extended a world record this week with their 28th single, "Yakusoku." 171,000 units of the CD were sold in its first week, propelling it to #1 on the charts. This further cements their Guinness World Record of having the most consecutive number-one singles starting with the artist's debut. They also have improved their Oricon record of most consecutive years with a number-one single (13).
GReeeeN ranked in at #2, selling 72,000 copies of their new single, "Ayumi." While Junko Akimoto remained on the charts at #3, the rest of the top ten were all new releases: Kazuya Yoshii, Kaela Kimura, Gackt, Miliyah Kato, MUCC, Yui Horie, and Watarirouka Hashiritai.
On the albums chart, Kumi Koda emerged victorious with 253,000 in sales for her seventh release, "TRICK." It is her third consecutive original album to top the charts.
Trailing far behind Koda was Miho Fukuhara at #2 with 45,000 in sales. TERIYAKI BOYZ managed #3 with "Serious Japanese," which is scheduled to get a U.S. release next month. Kiyoharu (#5) and FLOW (#7) also entered the top ten with their new albums.
GReeeeN ranked in at #2, selling 72,000 copies of their new single, "Ayumi." While Junko Akimoto remained on the charts at #3, the rest of the top ten were all new releases: Kazuya Yoshii, Kaela Kimura, Gackt, Miliyah Kato, MUCC, Yui Horie, and Watarirouka Hashiritai.
On the albums chart, Kumi Koda emerged victorious with 253,000 in sales for her seventh release, "TRICK." It is her third consecutive original album to top the charts.
Trailing far behind Koda was Miho Fukuhara at #2 with 45,000 in sales. TERIYAKI BOYZ managed #3 with "Serious Japanese," which is scheduled to get a U.S. release next month. Kiyoharu (#5) and FLOW (#7) also entered the top ten with their new albums.
Wed, February 4, 2009 (2:25am EST)
Oricon recently surveyed a pool of 1,200 people, asking them to name their favorite television emcee. At #1 was talento Shinsuke Shimada, whose current hosting duties include the hit show "Quiz! Hexagon II." The next most popular choices were Tamori and SMAP's Masahiro Nakai.
- Shinsuke Shimada
- Tamori
- Masahiro Nakai
- Sanma Akashiya
- Minomonta
- Hitoshi Kusano
- Koji Imada
- Downtown
- Shinya Ueda
- Kazuo Tokumitsu
Wed, February 4, 2009 (2:24am EST)
With vocalist Takeshi Hosomi going solo and guitarist Shinichi Ubukata announcing a new band last month, news has now rolled in regarding the other two members of the on-hiatus rock band ELLEGARDEN.
Bassist Yuichi Takada has formally joined the metal band MEANING, which includes U.K.L. vocalist Hayato Hidaka. Originally formed in 2004, the band's previous bassist Mami quit the group at the end of last year. Takada's first official show with MEANING was on Sunday.
Meanwhile, drummer Hirotaka Takahashi recently formed a new group called Scars Borough. Besides Takahashi, the group features vocalist KYOKO and bassist MARCH (both from minimal Hugg), along with Shin Hongo of THE TRANSFORMER. The band's first mini-album goes on sale April 22.
Bassist Yuichi Takada has formally joined the metal band MEANING, which includes U.K.L. vocalist Hayato Hidaka. Originally formed in 2004, the band's previous bassist Mami quit the group at the end of last year. Takada's first official show with MEANING was on Sunday.
Meanwhile, drummer Hirotaka Takahashi recently formed a new group called Scars Borough. Besides Takahashi, the group features vocalist KYOKO and bassist MARCH (both from minimal Hugg), along with Shin Hongo of THE TRANSFORMER. The band's first mini-album goes on sale April 22.
