Category Archives: News

NHK announces musical line-up for 62nd Kohaku Uta Gassen

Fans have been waiting a long time to hear which artists will appear on NHK’s 62nd ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen‘, and that list has finally been revealed!

Just a few minutes ago, the names were announced through a live stream on Kohaku’s official website. Check out the list below to see if your favorite artists will be at the most highly-anticipated event of the year!

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Red Team (Female)

aiko
Ashida Mana
Ayaka
Angela Aki
Ikimonogakari
Ishikawa Sayuri
AKB48
KARA
Kawanaka Miyuki
Kanda Sayaka
Koda Kumi
Godai Natsuko
Kobayashi Sachiko
Sakamoto Fuyumi
Shiina Ringo
Shoujo Jidai
Tendou Yoshimi
Natsukawa Rimi
Nishino Kana
Perfume
Hamasaki Ayumi
Matsuda Seiko
Matsutouya Yumi
Mizuki Nana
Mizumori Kaori
Wada Akiko

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White Team (Male)

Akikawa Masafumi
Arashi
Itski Hiroshi
Inawashirokos
EXILE
NYC
Kitajima Saburou
Gou Hiromi
Suzuki Fuku
SMAP
Sen Masao
Tohoshinki
TOKIO
Tokunaga Hideaki
AAA
Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Ishida Toshiyuki
Hikawa Kiyoshi
Hirai Ken
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
Fukuyama Masaharu
flumpool
Hosokawa Takashi
Porno Graffitti
Mori Shinichi
Yuzu
L’arc~en~Ciel

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The ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’ is the biggest end-of-the-year music event in Japan, where female and male artists compete against each other in front of a panel of judges.

Arashi and Inoue Mao will be this year’s hosts. AKB48 became the official supporters for the show for the first time, and are featured on Kohaku’s official website, counting down the days to the show.

From Tokyohive

This year’s lineup has so many idols compared to previous ones. It took Arashi a decade to appeared on Kohaku, I’m guessing NHK really wants to wheel in the ratings with popular artists. It’s just not what is use to be…., but I’m still looking forward to it, especially my beloved boys and Mao-chan. :)

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Arashi donates 300 million yen to disaster relief

It’s been revealed that popular group Arashi has donated about 300 million yen (approximately $3,841,229 USD) to Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima, the areas affected by the Tohoku earthquake.

A portion of the donation includes the members’ royalties from their book “Nippon no Arashi : pocket version” which was released back in June. As reported last fall, “Nippon no Arashi” is based on the Arashi members’ trip throughout Japan, and it was first privately donated to 40,000 elementary, junior high, and high schools nationwide. Then the book was released to the public, due to the high demand, and has sold about 420,000 copies. The 300 million yen also includes the profits from the publishing company, as well as the sales of the charity goods from the charity event “Arashi no Wakuwaku Gakkou” which was held at the Tokyo Dome for three days back in June.

The donation was made directly to each prefecture on November 2nd (100 million yen or around $1.28 million USD per a prefecture).

From Tokyohive

SUGOI, the original Japanese article had also mentioned that a portion of donations were from the boys’ own pockets! So proud of them, they always seem to surprise us on their generosity and kindness. :) I hope they never ever change as their fame increases, I am truly proud to be an Arashi fan! :up:

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Arashi travels around Japan for NHK’s special program

Arashi have donned their traveling gear once again for a special NHK program called “Arashi no Asu ni Kakeru Tabi“. It’s a special documentary that seeks to rediscover the will and strength of the Japanese people. Consequently, the members travel all over the nation, interviewing outstanding individuals who possess great potential in shepherding Japan’s future.

Ninomiya Kazunari visits a soy sauce brewery in Yuasa-cho, Wakayama, which has more than 170 years of history. He commented, “We were able to learn about the numerous people, skills, traditions, and ties in Japan. We would like everyone to feel how wonderful it was.”

Leader Ohno Satoshi introduces “Eager”, the local hero of Onagawa town in Miyagi prefecture. He also meets the people from Onagawa’s Commerce and Industry section, who continues to hold hero shows for local kids even after the Tohoku earthquake.

Matsumoto Jun visits a small factory in Kawaguchi-city, Saitama, which makes bags and small articles that are loved by stars all over the world. He investigates the background behind these beloved items.

As for Sakurai Sho, he flies to Toyama-city, Toyama, where he meets a 25-year-old lady who chose to work for her parents’ farm. It’s an unusual decision for modern times, and so he seeks to discover her reason to farm.

Finally, Aiba Masaki visits Kashima-city, Saga, where he partakes in “Mutsukake fishing”, which is a unique way to fish the mudskippers in the Ariake Sea. He tackles the challenge of tideland fishing, and encounters a young man who’s apparently the first successor in 30 years for this old fishing tradition.

“Arashi no Asu ni Kakeru Tabi” will air on November 23rd at 7:30 PM JST.

From Tokyohive

Another reason to love Arashi, the boys are so willing to be out and about with their fans. :) I look forward to this, seems interesting and might learn something new, always do. :D

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Arashi releases short PV for Meikyu Love Song

The clocks (and everyone’s watches) are counting down until Arashi’s new single is released. So far they have teased us with a full audio sneak peak and now a preview for their PV!

This has got to be one of the more funnier Arashi PV’s, back to the “Kitto Daijoubu” comedy. The PV features the boys at their silliest, battling and making epic escapes while still looking very cool. Check out the preview but be warned once you watch, you’ll only want to watch more!

From Jpopasia.com

I’m mecha excited and cannot wait for the full version. The theme of the PV is unique and cute, the boys also look awesome, especially Jun-kun’s hair. :D

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Inoue Mao, Arashi to host 62nd Kouhaku Uta Gassen

On Wednesday, NHK announced the hosts for the 62nd Kouhaku Uta Gassen. Arashi will be in charge of the White Team for the second year in a row, while actress Inoue Mao will take care of the Red Team. Announcer Abe Wataru will join them as a general host for his third consecutive year.

This is Inoue’s first time hosting a television show. She was chosen due to the success of the morning drama series “Ohisama,” just like Matsushita Nao was chosen as a host last year after her big break in the morning drama “Gegege no Nyoubou.”

It was announced earlier this month that the theme for this year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen is “1231 Ashita wo Utaou,” and that AKB48 and Terry Ito are serving as the “support team.”

The 62nd Kouhaku Uta Gassen will take place from 7:15pm to 11:45pm on December 31.

From Tokyograph

Quite exciting, ne! Mao-chan and the boys are a perfect combination, I wonder what they will have in stored for us, cannot wait to see. :D

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