AKB48’s ‘Unit Matsuri’ & ‘Request Hour’ available for live stream in their entirety

As announced previously, AKB48 will be holding live events “Unit Matsuri” and their annual “Request Hour Set List Best 100 2013” in January, and it was announced on AKB48 Theater manager, Togasaki Tomonobu’s Google+, that they would live stream those event through AKB48’s official YouTube channel.

Last year, only the final day of the “Request Hour” was available for a live stream, but this year, you can check the whole event, as well as the “Unit Matsuri” live event!

Below are the schedules for the live stream.

“Unit Matsuri”
January 23rd starting at 6:30 PM (JST) via AKB48 Official Channel! (http://www.youtube.com/user/AKB48)

“AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2013″
January 24th ~ 27th starting at 6:00 PM (JST) via AKB48 Official Channel! (http://www.youtube.com/user/AKB48)

Source: Togasaki Tomonobu’s Google+

Image: natalie

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Short PV for SKE48’s “Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi” revealed

The short PV for “Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi“, which is one of the coupling tracks for SKE48’s upcoming single “Choco no Dorei” (to be released on January 30th), has been released on their official YouTube channel.
“Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi” is a graduation song that Akimoto Yasushi wrote for the 9 members (Kuwabara Mizuki, Takada Shiori, Hiramatsu Kanako, Yagami Kumi, Akaeda Ririna, Ogiso Shiori, Ueno Kasumi, Hara Minami, and Kobayashi Emiri) who recently announced their graduation from the group this spring, and the song will be included in Type-A, B, and C.
Check out the short PV for “Sore wo Seishun to Yobu Hi” by “Tabidachi Sotsugyou-gumi” below! You can also check other short PVs for the upcoming single here.

Source & Image: natalie

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AKB48’s Kobayashi Kana rumored to be in a relationship with former Johnny’s

Rumors have been spreading across the web that AKB48 member Kobayashi Kana is in a relationship with a former Johnny’s actor.

The rumor spread on January 13th when a convenience store worker tweeted that Kobayashi came to the store with a man who is said to be her boyfriend. This tweet became a controversy among fans and Kobayashi herself came to know about it. She denied the rumors saying, “I was surprised when I woke up and checked Twitter! I don’t even have a Sunkus (convenience store) near my home. Even though it’s false information, thank you for worrying about me.”

The convenience store worker received many complaints from Kobayashi’s fans and closed the Twitter account, but the uproar didn’t end there. Another friend of the worker refuted Kobayashi’s tweet and insisted that the reports weren’t lies. Regarding the man said to be her boyfriend, the friend disclosed that he’s a former Johnny’s actor.

Kobayashi continued to deny the rumor with, “You can write anything.” She even showed composure saying, “I’m happy that my name was mentioned,” and “This is nothing out of the ordinary if it were a more famous person.” However, there is still a stir among fans as Kobayashi and her rumored boyfriend have tweeted and blogged about similar things at same timing in the past.

Kobayashi joined AKB48 back in 2006 along with members Oshima Yuko, Akimoto Sayaka, andKasai Tomomi.

Source & Image: RBB Today via Yahoo! Japan

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HKT48 to release their debut single on March 20th

It was announced that AKB48’s hakata-based sister group HKT48 will be releasing their debut single that is currently untitled, on March 20th. The oldest member of the group, Sashihara Rino eagerly said, “The date has finally been set. I want people all over Japan to know the charms of HKT48!”

They are the 4th group out of the AKB groups in Japan to make their major debut. AKB48 was first in October of 2006, SKE48 followed in August of 2009, and NMB48 was third in July of 2011. They’re also the youngest group to debut with an average age of 14.9 years old.

The debut single will be released in 3 versions; Type-A, B, and C, and each version will come with a DVD.

With the announcement of their debut single release date, it was also announced that one of the tracks in the single “Onegai Valentine” has been chosen as the CM song for Lotte’s “Ghana Milk Chocolate.”

The 2nd generation Kenkyuusei, Tashima Meru commented, “I am so excited that our long-cherished CD debut has been set! I want many people to know about HKT, and with our youthfulness and freshness, I hope we can show a different color from other 48 groups.” The center of the group Kodama Haruka also spoke about the CM tie-up, “I’m really happy! I want many people to listen to the song, including those who want to confess your love on the Valentine’s day.”

Source & Image(s): Oricon

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Check out the details on AKB48’s 30th single “So long!”

AKB48 will be releasing their 30th single on February 20th, and now more details on the upcoming single have been revealed!

The title of the 30th single is “So long!“, and it’s said to be a soft and heartwarming song with the theme of graduation.

There will be Type-A, K, and B, as well as a theater edition.

You can check out the details for each edition below!

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AKB48 30th single “So long!” February 20th 2013 on sale

<Type-A>

【CD】
１．So long !
２．Waiting room（Undergirls）
３．Ruby（Shinoda Team A）
４．So long !　off vocal ver.
５．Waiting room　off vocal ver.
６．Ruby off vocal ver.
【DVD】
１．So long ! Music Video
２．Waiting room Music Video
３．Ruby Music Video
４．The 2nd KB48 Kohau Taikou Uta Gassen ~Summary~

<Type-K>

【CD】
１．So long !
２．Waiting room（Undergirls）
３．Yuuhi Marie（Oshima Team K）
４．So long !　off vocal ver.
５．Waiting room　off vocal ver.
６．Yuuhi Marie　off vocal ver.
【DVD】
１．So long ! Music Video
２．Waiting room Music Video
３．Yuuhi Marie Music Video
４．The 2nd KB48 Kohau Taikou Uta Gassen ~Red Team Digest~

<Type-B>

【CD】
１．So long !
２．Waiting room（Undergirls）
３．Soko de Inu no Unchi Funjaukane?（Umeda Team B）
４．So long !　off vocal ver.
５．Waiting room　off vocal ver.
６．Soko de Inu no Unchi Funjaukane?　off vocal ver.
【DVD】
１．So long ! Music Video
２．Waiting room Music Video
３．Soko de Inu no Unchi Funjaukane? Music Video
４．The 2nd KB48 Kohau Taikou Uta Gassen ~White Team Digest~
５．Sugar Rush　Music Video

<Theater Edition>

【CD】
１．So long !
２．Waiting room（Undergirls）
３．Title Unknown（Kenkyuusei）
４．So long !　off vocal ver.
５．Waiting room　off vocal ver.
６．Title Unknown　off vocal ver.

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Source & Image: Oricon + AKB48 official blog

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Kodansha postpones the release of “Young Magazine” next issue due to a photo of AKB48’s Kasai Tomomi

On January 11th, Kodansha announced that they postponed the release of their weekly manga magazine “Young Magazine“, which was supposed to be released on the 12th, as there was an inappropriate photo on a page.
According to the announcement, they’ve decided on the postponement since the photo on the advertising article for AKB48 member Kasai Tomomi’s upcoming photo book was “socially unacceptable as it would give unpleasant feelings to its readers.”
The photo that has become a problem was that of a boy covering Kasai’s bare breasts with his hands, and the photo is said to have been planned for use as the cover of the photo book.
Reportedly, they will replace the page that the photo was printed on, and release it on the 21st.
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Source: Sanspo
Image: Kodansha

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Itano Tomomi wants to get her driver’s license this year

On January 11th, AKB48’s Itano Tomomi attended a new CM press conference for ‘Goo Kantei‘.

For this year’s goal, Itano declared that she will get her driver’s license and her own car. “I will obtain my license, get a Hummer, and be able to drive it,” she said.

She continued with a smile, “If I’m going to ride a Hummer, I want to dress casually, like in denim pants.” As a campaign for this CM, Itano produced a jersey, which will be used in a free giveaway. When the MC of the event asked, “Why don’t you wear it (the jersey) during your drive?” She responded, “That would make me a rural yankee.”
The CM will air in the Metropolitan area starting January 17th.
Source & Photos: Oricon

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Details on NMB48’s first album revealed

NMB48 will be releasing their 1st album titled “Teppen Tottande!” on February 27th, and after the group’s theater performance on January 9th, more details on the album have been revealed.

There will be four editions for the album; regular editions Type-N, Type-M, Type-B that come with a DVD that has different contents, and a theater edition.

Reportedly, the album will have about 15 ~ 16 tracks including their previous 6 singles, 7 new songs, as well as their ever-popular songs.

You can check out the details on each edition below!

====
[CD]
- Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo
- Oh My God!
- Junjo U-19
- Nagiichi
- Virginity
- Kitagawa Kenji
- Seishun no Lap Time
- NMB48
- HA! (NMB48 Ver.)
- Boku wa Matteiru
…and more
[DVD]
1. Title Unknown (Music Video)
2. NMB48 Kinki Concert Tour ~Minasan, Chapu Chapu Shimasho~ @ ORIX THEATER on August 21st 2012 (team-N, team-M)

M1 overture (NMB48 ver.)
M2 Korogaru Ishi ni Nare
M3 Flying Get
M4 Nandeyanen, Idol
M5 Minasan mo Goissho ni
M6 Hatsukoi no Yukue to Play Ball
M7 Nage Kiss de Uchiotose!
M8 Waruki-
M9 End roll
M10 Tengoku Yaro
M11 Itoshiki Natasha
M12 Migi e Magare!
M13 Doryoku no Shizuku
M14 Yakusoku yo
M15 Yokosuka Curve
M16 Kobushi no Seigi
M17 Nagiichi
M18 Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo
M19 Oh My God!
M20 Junjo U-19
M21 Seishun no Lap Time
M22 Boku no Uchiage Hanabi
M23 Virginity
M24 NMB48

-
[CD]
- Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo
- Oh My God!
- Junjo U-19
- Nagiichi
- Virginity
- Kitagawa Kenji
- Seishun no Lap Time
- NMB48
- HA! (NMB48 Ver.)
…and more
[DVD]
1. Title Unknown (Music Video)
2. NMB48 team-N Osaka Juban Shoubu @ ORIX THEATER on May 3rd 2012

M1 overture (NMB48 ver.)
M2 RIVER
M3 NMB48
M4 Aitakatta
M5 Renai no Speed
M6 Uso no Tenbin
M7 Blue rose
M8 Rider
M9 Shinkirou
M10 Kinjirareta Futari
M11 Waruki-
M12 Jungle Gym
M13 Mattemashita, Shingakki
M14 Boku ga Maketa Natsu
M15 Tsuki no Katachi
M16 Virgin love
M17 Korogaru Ishi ni Nare
M18 Beginner
M19 Chance no Junban
M20 Ponytail to Shushu
M21 Heavy Rotation
M22 Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo
M23 Oh My God!
M24 Junjo U-19
M25 Mikazuki no Senaka
M26 Nandeyanen, Idol
M27 Nagiichi
M28 Boku wa Matteru
-

[CD]
- Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo
- Oh My God!
- Junjo U-19
- Nagiichi
- Virginity
- Kitagawa Kenji
- Seishun no Lap Time
- NMB48
- HA! (NMB48 Ver.)
- Boku wa Matteiru
…and more
[DVD]
1. Title Unknown (Music Video)
2. “HA!” Complete Version
*Cast members*

Ogasawara Mayu
Kato Yuuka
Kotani Riho
Kondo Rina
Jonishi Kei
Shimada Rena
Shiroma Miru
Tanigawa Airi
Fukumoto Aina
Yabushita Shu
Yagura Fuuko
Yamada Nana
Yamamoto Sayaka
Yoshida Akari
Yokoyama Yui
Watanabe Miyuki
-Special Guest-
Takeuchi Riki
Ishino Yoko
-

[CD only]
- Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo
- Oh My God!
- Junjo U-19
- Nagiichi
- Virginity
- Kitagawa Kenji
- Seishun no Lap Time
- NMB48
- Boku wa Matteiru
…and more
=====

Source & Image: Oricon + NMB48 official site

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19 works from AKB48 simultaneously rank on Oricon’s ‘TOP 100′ weekly album chart

The 19 works includes 18 of their “studio recordings collection” released on January 1st and their “1830m” album released back in August 2012.

11 of the “studio recordings collection” also ranked in the TOP100 the week before due to pre-orders, and following the official start of album sales, 18 have made it into the ranking.  The top ranking work is the “Team B 3rd Stage ‘Pajama Drive’” album at 17th place.

TOP100 Ranking Records:

1. AKB48 – 19 works (1/14/2013)
2. Michael Jackson – 16 works (7/20/2009)
2. The Beatles – 16 works (9/21/2009)
4. Ishihara Yujiro – 13 works (8/31/1987)
4. Matsuda Seiko – 13 works (8/17/2009)

AKB48’s 19 works and rankings:
No. 17 (up from 31)    Team B 3rd Stage “Pajama Drive”
No. 22 (up from 43)    Team K 4th Stage “Saishuu Bell ga Naru”
No. 27 (up from 46)    Team A 4th stage “Tadaima Renaichuu”
No. 30 (up from 59)    Himawari-gumi 1st stage ”Boku no Taiyo”
No. 31 (up from 58)　 Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage ”Yume wo Shinaseru Wake ni Ikanai”
No. 37 (up from 70)　Team K 6th Stage “RESET”
No. 40 (up from 71)　Team A 6th Stage “Mokugekisha”
No. 43 (up from 72)　Team B 5th Stage “Theater no Megami”
No. 47 (up from 77)　Team A 5th Stage “Renai Kinshi Jourei”
No. 52 (up from 81)　Team K 5th Stage “Sakaagari”
No. 53 (up from 88)　Team B 4th Stage “Idol no Yoake”
No. 60 (up from 79)　1830m
No. 73 (up from 115)  Team A 1st stage “PARTY ga Hajimaru yo”
No. 83 (up from 119)  Team B 2nd stage “Aitakatta”
No. 84 (up from 126)　Team A 3rd stage “Dare ka no Tame ni”
No. 85 (up from 129)　Team K 3rd stage “Nonai Paradise”
No. 88 (up from 132)　Team A 2nd stage “Aitakatta”
No. 91 (up from 125)　Team B 1st stage “Seishun Girls”
No. 93 (up from 142)　Team K 2nd stage “Seishun Girls”

Source and Image: Oricon

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SKE48 reveals the short PVs for their upcoming single

SKE48 will be releasing their 11th single titled “Choco no Dorei” on January 30th.
Recently, some of the short version music videos for the single including the title track have been revealed through their official YouTube channel.
=====
“Choco no Dorei”

“Darkness” (Seven Dancers) *to be included in <Type-A>

“Bike to Sidecar” (14 Carat) *to be included in <Type-B>

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The winners of “THE JAPAN GOLD DISC AWARD 2013″ revealed

The winners of “THE JAPAN GOLD DISC AWARD 2013” have been revealed.
The ‘Japan Golden Disc Award’ is headed by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), and the RIAJ initiated this annual event in 1987 to recognize outstanding artists and works that have contributed to the recording industry.
The winners are chosen based on the actual sales number of music software (deducting the number of the returned goods from the number of shipped goods), as well as the number of downloads through paid online distribution, Chaku-Uta, and so on. The winners for this year were chosen from data compiled from November 1st, 2011 to October 31st, 2012.
The “Artist of The Year” awards are considered to be the ‘grand prize’ for “THE JAPAN GOLD DISC AWARD.”
Check out the winners of this year below!
=====
<THE JAPAN GOLD DISC AWARD 2013>
- ARTIST OF THE YEAR
• AKB48 (Japanese)
• Che’Nelle (Western)
- BEST ASIAN ARTIST
• KARA
- BEST ENKA/KAYOKYOKU ARTIST
• Yuki Saori
-  NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
• Nogizaka46 (Japanese)
• One Direction (Western)
• B1A4 (Asia)
- BEST 5 NEW ARTISTS (Japanese)
• Ieiri Leo
• A.B.C-Z
• JIN
• Sexy Zone
• Nogizaka46
- BEST 3 NEW ARTISTS (Western)
• Alexandra Stan
• Hot Chelle Rae
• One Direction
- BEST 3 NEW ARTISTS (Asia)
• IU
• B1A4
• BOYFRIEND
- BEST ENKA/KAYOKYOKU NEW ARTIST
• Usuzawa Misaki
- ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• “Mr.Children 2005-2010 <macro>” – Mr.Children (Japanese)
• “Believe” – Che’Nelle (Western)
• “Super Girl” – KARA (Asia)
- BEST 5 ALBUMS (Japanese)
• “1830m” – AKB48
• “EXILE JAPAN/Solo” – EXILE
• “ALL SINGLES BEST 2″ – Kobukuro
• “Mr.Children 2001-2005 <micro>” – Mr.Children
• “Mr.Children 2005-2010 <macro>” – Mr.Children
- BEST 3 ALBUMS (Western)
• “¡Uno!” – Green Day
• “Believe” – Che’Nelle
• “Living Things” – Linkin Park
- BEST 3 ALBUMS (Asia)
• “Super Girl” – KARA
• “Just Crazy” – Jang Keun-suk
• “ALIVE” – BIGBANG
- CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• “BATTLE NOTES” – →Pia-no-jaC← × Hakase Taro
- JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• “Little Broken Hearts” – Norah Jones
- INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• “Strings Of My Soul” – Matsumoto Takahiro
- SOUND TRACK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• “‘Persona 4 The Golden’ Original Sound Track” – Persona 4
- ANIMATION ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• “‘Bakemonogatari’ Ongaku Zenshu Songs & Soundtracks” – Bakemonogatari
- TRADITIONAL JAPANESE MUSIC OF THE YEAR
• “Dai 48 Kai Columbia Zenkoku Ginei Concours Kadaigin Nanten” – Nippon Columbia Ginei Ongakukai
- CONCEPT ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• “COVERS” – BENI
- SINGLE OF THE YEAR
• “Manatsu no Sounds good!” – AKB48
- BEST 5 SINGLES
• “Ue kara Mariko” – AKB48
• “UZA” – AKB48
• “GIVE ME FIVE!” – AKB48
• “Gingham Check” – AKB48
• ”Manatsu no Sounds good!” – AKB48
- SONG OF THE YEAR BY DOWNLOAD
• “Love Story” – Amuro Namie (Japanese)
• “Believe” – Che’Nelle (Western)
• ”PAPARAZZI” – Shoujo Jidai (Asia)
- BEST 5 SONGS BY DOWNLOAD
• “Happiness” – AI
• “Love Story” – Amuro Namie
• “Yasashiku Naritai” – Saito Kazuyoshi
• “Believe” – Che’Nelle
• “Tatoe Donna ni…” – Nishino Kana
- BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
• “ARASHI LIVE TOUR Beautiful World” – Arashi (Japanese)
• “EXILE TRIBE LIVE TOUR 2012 ～TOWER OF WISH～” – EXILE (Japanese)
• “EXILE LIVE TOUR 2011 TOWER OF WISH ～Negai no Tou～” – EXILE (Japanese)
• “The Monster Ball Tour At Madison Square Garden” – Lady Gaga (Western)
• “JAPAN FIRST TOUR GIRLS’ GENERATION” – Shoujo Jidai (Asia)
- SPECIAL AWARD
• “1969″ – Yuki Saori & Pink Martini
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Source & Image: THE JAPAN GOLD DISC AWARD 2013 official site

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16 senbatsu members for Nogizaka46’s 5th single revealed

On the January 6th broadcast of TV Tokyo’s ‘Nogizaka tte, Doko?‘, the 16 senbatsu members forNogizaka46’s upcoming 5th single was announced.

During the senbatsu announcement for their previous single, “Seifuku no Mannequin“, memberAkimoto Manatsu’s return and the formation of ‘Hachifukujin‘ became a hot topic. For their upcoming single, the 8 members of ‘Hachifukujin’, which include Akimoto, Ikuta Erika, Ikoma Rina, Sakurai Reika, Shiraishi Mai, Hashimoto Nanami, Hoshino Minami, and Matsumura Sayuri, will remain in the senbatsu.

In addition, Ito Nene, Inoue Sayuri, Takayama Kazumi, Nakada Kana, Nagashima Seira, Nishino Nanase, Fukagawa Mai, and Wakatsuki Yumi has been chosen to make up the back row.

Nakada was a senbatsu member for Nogizaka46’s 3rd single, “Hashire! Bicycle“. This will be Ito and Nagashima’s first time in the senbatsu.

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Source & Image: natalie

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The title of Takahashi Minami’s solo debut song revealed

The title for AKB48 member Takahashi Minami’s solo debut song has been revealed to be “Jane Doe.”
As announced earlier, the song will be used as the opening theme song for upcoming drama “Saki” starring Nakama Yukie (start airing on January 8th). It’s a ballad rock with the lyrics written from a man’s point of view that he can’t resist falling in love with one woman even after being disrespected, deceived by her, and losing everything.
The title “Jane Doe” represents a woman like “Saki” (played by Nakama) who acts like a righteous woman, but is actually a wicked woman that destroys men around her.
“Jane Doe” is scheduled to be released this spring.
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Source & Image: Oricon

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12 AKB48 works simultaneously rank on Oricon’s ‘TOP 100′ weekly album chart

12 works by popular idol group AKB48 have simultaneously ranked on Oricon’s latest ’TOP 100′ album chart for the week of January 7th .
Until now, the best record for the “number of albums ranked simultaneously on the TOP 100″, for a female group, was 5 works. Both Candies (in 1978) and KARA (in 2011) achieved that record.
However, to have over 10 works simultaneously ranked on the ‘TOP 100′ f0r any female artists, including solo artists, has only been accomplished by Misora Hibari (12 albums) and Matsuda Seiko (13 albums). Thus, AKB48 is but the 3rd female artist to obtain this achievement in Oricon’s 46-year ranking history.
The 12 works include 11 albums from their “studio recordings collection” released on New Year’s day. 19 albums in total were released, (the release day of『Team 4 1st Stage「Boku no Taiyou」』has been postponed to 1/22) which included recordings of the set lists from their theater performances. The 12th work is their latest album “1830m“, released in August 2012.
Below find a list of the titles of the 12 works and their ranking:
=====
No.31『Team B 3rd Stage「Pajama Drive」』
No.43『Team K 4th Stage「Saishuu Bell ga Naru」』
No.46『Team A 4th stage「Tadaima Renaichuu」』
No.58『Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage「Yume wo Shinaseru Wake ni Ikanai」』
No.59『Himawari-gumi 1st stage「Boku no Taiyo」』
No.70『Team K 6th Stage「RESET」』
No.71『Team A 6th Stage「Mokugekisha」』
No.72『Team B 5th Stage「Theater no Megami」』
No.77『Team A 5th Stage「Renai Kinshi Jourei」』
No.79『1830m』
No.81『Team K 5th Stage「Sakaagari」』
No.88『Team B 4th Stage「Idol no Yoake」』
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Source & Image: Oricon

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AKB48’s Fujie Reina hosts live event, ‘Idol Hatsumode’

On January 3rd, AKB48’s Fujie Reina hosted the live event, ‘Idol Hatsumode‘, in Tokyo. While wearing a pink kimono, she excited the crowd by holding talk sessions with idol groups such as Up-Up Girls (tentative), YGA, Alice Juban, and Naaboudoufu@nana.
After the event, Fujie commented, “It was difficult because it was [limited on time], but I learned from it.” In idol group nanoCUNE, there was a member still in elementary school. ”She was so cute, I wanted to make her my little sister. I want to make her my sister more than my AKB48 juniors,” Fujie joked. She continued, “I’ve always liked idols, so it was a very ’self-profit’ event. During lessons, I often wear the Up-Up Girls’ t-shirt I received from my fans.”
Aside from the above mentioned idol groups, Party Rockets, Dorothy Little Happy, Dancing Dolls, SanMyu~(β), Negicco, and Hime Kyun Fruit Can also participated in the event.
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Source & Image: Nikkan Sports

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AKB48’s Kashiwagi Yuki performs her solo debut song on CDTV Special

On TBS‘ ‘CDTV Special Toshikoshi Premier Live 2012→2013‘, AKB48 member Kashiwagi Yukiperformed her solo debut song for the very first time.

As reported earlier, Kashiwagi will be making her solo debut on February 6th with the single, “Short Cake“. This song will be used as the theme song for the idol’s firststarring drama, ‘Mierino Kashiwagi‘, which will start its broadcast on January 11th.

Check out the performance below!

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AKB48 takes “Japan Record Award” for second consecutive year

On December 30th, the annual music awards show, ”The 54th Kagayaku! Japan Record Awards” was held, and announced that AKB48’s “Manatsu no Sounds good!” (written by Akimoto Yasushi, composed and arranged by Inoue Yoshimasa) has received the grand prize “Japan Record Award.” This is the second consecutive year for AKB48 to receive the award since they won the award with “Flying Get” last year.
Winning the “Japan Record Award” successively has been achieved by Hosokawa Takashi (1982 ~ 1983), Nakamori Akina (1985 ~ 1986), Amuro Namie (1996 ~ 1997), Hamasaki Ayumi (2001 ~ 2003), and EXILE (2008 ~ 2010), thus AKB48 is the first female group to accomplish it.
The general manager of AKB48 groups, Takahashi Minami shed tears, and said, “I am truly happy. Last year, we were desperate to grab the award, but his year, we felt like we must win it as the second chapter for AKB48 has begun. I am proud that we were able to get this award when there are so many great artists here.”
Watanabe Mayu also commented, “As Maeda-san graduated, we, the ones who are left, need to make AKB….”, she then had to stop right there, as she could not hold herself, but cry. She continued tearfully, “I am very happy. While being proud of this, I would like to continue trying our best. Though we felt some pressure, receiving the award will make us gain confidence, and I hope it will bring another good accomplishment.”
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Source & Image: Sanspo

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Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka make JKT48 theater debut with fellow JKT48 members

On December 26, former AKB48 members and currently JKT48 members Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka made their stage performance debut with the setlist of “Renai Kinshi Jourei” as a part of Team J at the JKT48 theater.  The performance was done completely in Indonesian.
Takajo expressed her strong determination with, “I am extremely happy that everyone could come watch us debut.  From here on out, this JKT48 Theater is my home.  As I receive love from many people here, I will do my best.”  Nakagawa commented, “Before this performance, it was hectic, but I am happy that our debut came incident free.  From here on out, I will try even harder so that people will say ‘I thought the JKT48 Team J ‘Renai Kinshi Jourei’ performances was great!’”
The pair delighted Jakarta fans with their performances of “Renai Kinshi Jourei”, “Heart-gata Virus”, and more.
Check out the photos below!

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Source and Image: Sanspo

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No Sleeves reveal PV for “Kirigirisujin”

AKB48’s sub-unit No Sleeves will be releasing their new single “Kirigirisujin” on January 16th.

“Kirigirisujin” is a party-tune that has a message of ‘Let’s just sing, dance, and make happy memories without worrying about future.‘ It was written by Akimoto Yasushi, and composed by Kiryuin Sho ofGolden Bomber.

Regarding the song, Kiryuin commented, “As a musician, I’m honored to be able to work with the Akimoto Yasushi-san. When I first heard the title, I was like ‘Pardon?’, but I was also astonished how he could come up with unexpected words like this. I am looking forward to listening to No Sleeves singing it.”

As reported previously, this single would have four different editions; three limited editions, and a regular edition. Each limited edition will contain a solo track by members. Reportedly, Kojima Haruna’s solo song “MY SHINING STARS” was written by Ishino Takkyu, Takahashi Minami’s solo song “Futo Omou Koto” was written by Komuro Tetsuya, and Minegishi Minami’s solo song “Kimi ni Koi wo Shita” was written by Kawamoto Makoto.

The details of a DVD that will be included in limited editions have also been revealed.

Check out the PV and the details on the single below!

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<Limited Edition A : CD+DVD>

[CD]
01. Kirigirisujin
02. I-njane?
03. MY SHINING STARS (Kojima Haruna’s solo)
04. Kirigirisujin -Instrumental-
05. I-njane? -Instrumental-
06. MY SHINING STARS -Instrumental-
[DVD]
01. “Kirigirisujin” Music Video
02. “I-njane?” Music Video
03. Busu-kai wo Kagaku suru ~Kojima Haruna version~
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<Limited Edition B : CD+DVD>

[CD]
01. Kirigirisujin
02. I-njane?
03. Futo Omou Koto (Takahashi Minami’s solo)
04. Kirigirisujin -Instrumental-
05. I-njane? -Instrumental-
06. Futo Omou Koto -Instrumental-
[DVD]
01. “Kirigirisujin” Music Video
02. “I-njane?” Music Video
03. Busu-kai wo Kagaku suru ~Takahashi Minami version~
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<Limited Edition C : CD+DVD>

[CD]
01. Kirigirisujin
02. I-njane?
03. Kimi ni Koi wo Shita (Minegishi Minami’s solo)
04. Kirigirisujin -Instrumental-
05. I-njane? -Instrumental-
06. Kimi ni Koi wo Shita -Instrumental-
[DVD]
01. “Kirigirisujin” Music Video
02. “I-njane?” Music Video
03. Busu-kai wo Kagaku suru ~Minegishi Minami version~
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<Regular Edition : CD-only>

[CD]
1. Kirigirisujin
2. I-njane?
3. Kirigirisujin -Instrumental-
4. I-njane? -Instrumental-

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no3b Kirigirisu jin by HDnakkyun

Source & Image: natalie

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Nogizaka46 to release their 5th single in March

It’s been revealed that Nogizaka46 will release their 5th single on March 13th.

This surprise announcement was made during Nogizaka46’s first one-man live, ‘Nogizaka46 Zepp Live in Tokyo‘, on December 27th at Zepp Tokyo. The title and other details have not been revealed at this time. However, the senbatsu members will be announced during the January 6th broadcast of TV Tokyo’s program, ‘Nogizaka tte Doko?‘.

Stay tuned for more details on Nogizaka46’s upcoming single!

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Source: natalie

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