Tue, February 9, 2010 (3:33am EST)
The all-girl pop band MARIA is breaking up in April. According to an announcement on their official website, the group decided to disband due to drummer TATTSU's health.
Around the spring of 2009, TATTSU began experiencing numbness in her arm. She was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, and her doctor advised her to stop straining herself before the disorder progresses beyond recovery. The band discussed it with their staff for half a year, eventually deciding to end their activities this April, when the record contract is set to expire. Even though it was suggested that the band should replace TATTSU with another drummer, the six members refused the idea.
MARIA includes bassist/vocalist MAIKO, formerly of the pop group ZONE. The band formed in 2005 (shortly after ZONE's breakup) and they made their debut the following year with the hit single "Chiisana Uta." Their last concert is scheduled for April 3 at Akasaka Blitz.
Around the spring of 2009, TATTSU began experiencing numbness in her arm. She was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, and her doctor advised her to stop straining herself before the disorder progresses beyond recovery. The band discussed it with their staff for half a year, eventually deciding to end their activities this April, when the record contract is set to expire. Even though it was suggested that the band should replace TATTSU with another drummer, the six members refused the idea.
MARIA includes bassist/vocalist MAIKO, formerly of the pop group ZONE. The band formed in 2005 (shortly after ZONE's breakup) and they made their debut the following year with the hit single "Chiisana Uta." Their last concert is scheduled for April 3 at Akasaka Blitz.
Tue, February 9, 2010 (2:24am EST)
Visual-kei band Versailles announced last week that they will launch a world tour this year. So far, details are incomplete, but they plan to tour at least in Latin America and Europe.
The band's "Method of Inheritance" tour will begin domestically with a series of concerts in Japan, from February 28 to April 30. It will then continue as a world tour, taking them to Latin America in June. Five dates were announced, though venue details are yet to come:
The band's "Method of Inheritance" tour will begin domestically with a series of concerts in Japan, from February 28 to April 30. It will then continue as a world tour, taking them to Latin America in June. Five dates were announced, though venue details are yet to come:
- 6/4 - Sao Paulo, Brazil
- 6/6 - Santiago, Chile
- 6/9 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 6/11 - Lima, Peru
- 6/13 - Mexico City, Mexico
Tue, February 9, 2010 (2:12am EST)
Renowned video game composer Nobuo Uematsu (50) will be a guest at this year's Anime Boston convention, taking place in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 2-4.
Uematsu is best known for scoring most of the "Final Fantasy" video games. He also composed for games such as "Chrono Trigger," "Blue Dragon," and "Lost Odyssey."
Uematsu is best known for scoring most of the "Final Fantasy" video games. He also composed for games such as "Chrono Trigger," "Blue Dragon," and "Lost Odyssey."
Tue, February 9, 2010 (1:28am EST)
TV Asahi is bringing back the mystery drama series "Rinjo" for a second season this spring. Starring Masaaki Uchino (41), the first season aired between April and June last year and averaged ratings of 14.5%, with a peak of 15.6%.
Uchino is reprising his role as Yoshio Kuraishi, a police coroner with extraordinary perception and a knack for spotting evidence. The story is originally based on a novel by popular author Hideo Yokoyama.
TV Asahi will broadcast the sequel in the same Wednesday 9:00pm time slot, starting in April.
Uchino is reprising his role as Yoshio Kuraishi, a police coroner with extraordinary perception and a knack for spotting evidence. The story is originally based on a novel by popular author Hideo Yokoyama.
TV Asahi will broadcast the sequel in the same Wednesday 9:00pm time slot, starting in April.
