Song Previews: C-ute, AKB48, Hinaco,

Song  Previews: C-ute, AKB48, Hinaco,


Semi New Feature,

This is a semi new feature, it`s not really new in that we have never featured single previews before, because we have .It`s new in that I am going to do it a different way and expand it.

You know how when you watch a music video station they run previews of new releases and some you may like and some you may not ,well this is what we are going to do from now on.

At random times, I will select a few artists or groups from different genres to preview in one post. Sometimes these previews will be the latest artists releases we normally cover .Sometimes they will be JRock, Indie Idols, there will also be selected artists we have never talked about before.

All you have to do is watch the previews or download them if the video gets deleted and talk about them here on PIH as normal. If it`s an artist that we never covered before and you like the song or are already a fan, speak out. The more the artist is talked about, the greater the chance they will enter our group coverage.


In this preview we have C-ute`s “Momoiro Sparkling“ which will be released on May 25 ,AKB48`s 2011 summertime swimsuit single “Everyday Kachuusha” also due out on May 25 and a new artist to PIH Hinaco and her third single and the drama “Kazokuhoutei” theme song “Kaerimichi Diary” .This single will come out on June 15

C-ute

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RP96IS68




AKB48

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WOQ14EZ0



Hinaco

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HZFAN03J

SDN48 ,SKE48,NMB48, AKB48 Join a-nation Tour

SDN48 ,SKE48,NMB48, AKB48 Join a-nation Tour


Recently it was announced that AKB48 would be joining this years Avex a-nation tour, well it`s not only AKB48, every unit named 48 and the sub units for AKB48 will be joining the tour.

While Avex could have easily ran this event with their own groups , selecting the hottest female idol franchise/ family in the industry today to join them on a very special version of the tour series ,makes a strong line up ,even better.

This year marks the 10th a- nation tour; however, this year the proceeds will go to the people living in the Tohoku region for earthquake recovery needs.

The tour titled “a-nation 10th Anniversary for Life: Charge & Go! Weider in Jelly.” Will come to the following locations.

7/30 at Ehime Prefectural Sports Park Ninjinia Stadium

TRF
Hamasaki Ayumi
Koda Kumi
Suzuki Ami
AAA
Goto Maki
GIRL NEXT DOOR
ICONIQ
mihimaru GT
SDN48

8/6 at Fukuoka Prefecture’s Umi No Naka Michi Seaside Park Outdoor Theater

TRF
Hamasaki Ayumi
Do As Infinity
Koda Kumi
Suzuki Ami
AAA
Goto Maki
GIRL NEXT DOOR
ICONIQ
SEAMO
mihimaru GT
DiVa
French Kiss


8/13 at Aichi Prefecture’s Port Messe Special Outdoor Venue

TRF
Every Little Thing
Hamasaki Ayumi
Koda Kumi
Suzuki Ami
AAA
Goto Maki
GIRL NEXT DOOR
ICONIQ
SKE48
Not yet
No Sleeves
Sandaieme J Soul Brothers


8/20 in Osaka Nagai Stadium

TRF
Hamasaki Ayumi
Do As Infinity
Koda Kumi
Suzuki Ami
AAA
Goto Maki
GIRL NEXT DOOR
mihimaru GT
Itano Tomomi
NMB48
Sandaime J Soul Brothers


8/21 at Osaka Nagai Stadium

TRF
Every Little Thing
Hamasaki Ayumi
Suzuki Ami
AAA
GIRL NEXT DOOR
ICONIQ
Sandaime J Soul Brothers


8/27 at Tokyo Ajinomoto Stadium

TRF
Hamasaki Ayumi
Do As Infinity
Koda Kumi
Suzuki Ami
AAA
Goto Maki
GIRL NEXT DOOR
mihimaru GT


8/28 at Tokyo Ajinomoto Stadium

TRF
Every Little Thing
Hamasaki Ayumi
Koda Kumi
Suzuki Ami
AAA
GIRL NEXT DOOR
ICONIQ
AKB48

PASSPO☆ Major Debut + Media Event

PASSPO☆ Major Debut + Media Event

The girls of PASSPO☆ have taken their first steps in joining the power players in the female idol genre wars, with their major debut release "Shoujo Hikou".

I am going to be very honest and say right now, there is not one thing that I do not like about this song or PV. I really enjoy this track and have hit replay a number of times. Even if you find the PV simple the single more then makes up for it ,with it`s modern rock ,upbeat ,summertime goodness .

The PV concept is simple as the group is wearing their flight attendant uniforms and member designed costumes while dancing with their rolling bags, and random cute scenes on board the plane.

Near the end, it also has Anna trying her best and failing to inflate a life vest .The PV ends with a shot of "their" plane flying to their next town.


Single Download
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1ZX7TO2K






As a bonus, DAI☆GO pays a visit to the group

Afilia Saga East: La*La*La Revolution

Afilia Saga East: La*La*La Revolution

Afilia Saga East is in the news again, seems like forever since we last spoke about them. This time the girls are making news for providing the theme song to the Xbox game “STEINS; GATE Hiyoku Renri no Darling”, scheduled for a June 16 release.

For the game the group has recorded a song called “La*La*La Revolution". The song is bright and cheerful style that Afilia Saga East is known for.

Morning Musume 9th Gen on Bijo Gaku Concert Day Subbed

Yamiwonder has taken the time to sub another Morning Musume 9th generation Bijo Gaku segment. In this segment, it is opening night of the tour. How will the little ones handle this moment in their young career.

YUIKAORI: Shooting☆Smile

YUIKAORI: Shooting☆Smile

The completely adorable and fun loving Idol duo YUIKAORI are back with another release ,seems like forever since we had them on PIH . This time the young Idols are bringing us "Shooting☆Smile”. “Shooting☆Smile” is the theme song for the online game Toy Wars and the PV features mini YUIKAORI ,laser guns ,school uniforms ,and adorable easy for wotas to follow dancing .

The single came out on April 6 so pick it up if you can .
All versions of the single come with a ticket to apply for phone call from .IKAORI

Morning Musume 9th Gen on Bijo Gaku Concert Day

Morning Musume 9th Gen Bijo Gaku

The hard working 9th Gen is back, this time with concerts on the main stage. There is also footage of the donation drive.

Fuku-chan cries again as joining Morning Musume was the reason she joined H!P ,so her dreams are coming true each day . Does anything trouble Kanon , this girl is just 24/7 let me run wild .




http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BJ00GF6A

Morning Musume 9th Gen Get Internet Show

Morning Musume 9th Gen Get Internet Show

Morning Musume`s 9th generation are getting an internet show .The show titled “UstreaMusume,” will air every Wednesday night at 8:00pm/ 20:00 and will feature Ikuta Erina, Sayashi Riho, Fukumura Mizuki, and Suzuki Kanon ,  Niigaki Risa will serve as MC.

Currently they are taking mail for well wishes and show ideas. If you wish to email the 9th gen and Risa please contact them at ustreamusume@gmail.com . Who knows your show ideas or e-mail just may end up on the show.

To view the show
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ustreamusume


EDIT - I forgot to say
The show will air on Ustream  starting on April 13th

Momoiro Clover: Akari Graduation And Group Changes Their Name.

Momoiro Clover: Akari Graduation And Group Changes Their Name.

Sunday April 11, Momoiro Clover’s Hayami Akari officially graduated from the group.
As part of the graduation events the group dedicated their new song “Akarin ni Okuru Uta” (“The song to give Akarin”) as a gift for Hayami.

The remaining members also announced that her member color had been retired and that they would not be a new member to replace her. Instead, the remaining five will end their time as Momoiro Clover and walk a new path under a “new” name.

Because of the loss of Hayami, the group will start anew as Momoiro Clover Z

AKB48 Releases Charity Song

AKB48 Releases Charity Song

AKB48 has decided to release “Dareka no Tame ni -What can I do for someone?-” a track that they have performed in concerts as a charity song. The song will be sold as a digital download and all earnings will go to the ongoing relief efforts.

S/mileage: “Koi ni Booing Boo!” PV

S/mileage: “Koi ni Booing Boo!” PV

Hello!Project`s idols of fun loving cuteness is at it once again , with an pig full of entertaining goodness as the members put on their best pig snouts, ears and tails for this PV . S/mileage is also supported in this release by a CGI pig to bring a fun time had by all feel.

Luna Sea Release Promise For Earthquake Relief

Luna Sea Release Promise For Earthquake Relief

Legendary rock band and all around great guys Luna Sea, have come together to release their first new work in ten years “Promise”.

“Promise” is being made available as a digital download and all proceeds will go to the victims of the “Great Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake”. When trying to best decided how to help those in need, the members of Luna Sea took the road they are famous for their music.

A truly great band, with their heart in the right place, and one worth getting to know.

Luna Sea : Promise Charity Single





Update ordering sites

Amazon Japan
http://www.amazon.co.jp/donation
Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VJY20U
Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004VJYAE8
Amazon Germany
http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B004VJYMKU
Amazon France
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B004VJY22S

Morning Musume 9th Gen on Bijo Gaku Subbed Version

This week’s 9th gen segment features their first television events .There is several backstage clips of the girls thinking over their charm points ,a never aired encore Kanon bug impression and the elder members teaching them vital notes and Aichan`s famous laugh.

It`s good seeing the 9th gen asking questions and trying to become better idols.

Next week can the 9th gen meet the demands of a Morning Musume level concert?

Note: Subs provided by yamiwonder and is not affiliated with PIH

PASSPO☆ Major Debut PV Preview

PASSPO☆ Major Debut PV Preview

The energetic young ladies of PASSPO☆ are set to release their major debut single “Shoujo Hikou“, on May 4 . In this preview the girls show off their traditional flight-attendant uniforms and their member designed costumes. Staying true to their theme, the girls perform carrying luggage and performing in various airline related situations.

AKBeginner! Episode 2

AKBeginner! Episode 2


As mentioned in my last television update, AKB48`s special episode featuring the 9th and 10th generation “AKBeginner! New Generation Golden Age” continued for a second week.

AKBeginner! Puts the 9th and 10th generation in the spotlight as they lead their own AKBINGO! Episodes for a rating challenge.


The "New Generation Golden Age" will have to draw a 3.4% TV ranking or they will have a penalty game.


In this episode, the girls play a number of games and lemon becomes “dark” lemon as she continues to show her wild spirit.

Up-Front Agency’s Charity Song: “Ai wa Katsu“

Up-Front Agency’s Charity Song: “Ai wa Katsu“

As mentioned earlier Up-Front Agency is putting together an earthquake charity event called “Gabaro Nippon Ai wa Katsu“and all of it`s talent roster is taking part in the event and the recording of a song. The song is a cover of KAN’s 1990 classic, “Ai wa Katsu“ and 131 members were involved in the recording of the song, including current members and former members of Hello! Project. 98 artists will sing the track live at the upcoming charity event on April 9.

Happiness: Friends PV

Happiness: Friends PV

Yesterday, I showed a short preview for Happiness upcoming single, “Friends“, today, I have the full version of the PV!

“Friends“, picks up from the point of their debut single , with strong dance performances that are not often seen from the more cutesy JPop releases that come from teen groups.

With stylish shots and group choreography, Happiness is developing into a very strong group under the guidance of Exile and looks set to set themselves apart from other groups in the years to come.

“Friends“, will be released on April 27th.





Download
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MGIA8T90

Kikkawa Yuu: Pre-debut Live.

Kikkawa Yuu: Pre-debut Live.

Kikkawa Yuu held a special “pre-debut” event at Shibuya Tower Records on April 3. This live tour was originally scheduled to send the Tohoku native to Nagoya, Osaka, and Sendai; however, with the March 11 "Great Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake", Sendai has been removed from the schedule.

A gathering of 500 fans showed up at   Shibuya Tower Records to support Yuu. Kikkawa performed her debut song, “Kikkake wa YOU!”, as well as all the B-sides from her first single as well as giving a short speech and setting up a donation box.

Yuu`s speech

“I’m so happy that I, Kikkawa Yuu, can sing in front of you all,” the Tohoku native said humbly to the crowd before her. “This time, it pains my heart to think that there are people who were affected by the earthquake and couldn’t come to this event even if they wanted to. But even though it’s something small, I can say with confidence that I want to go on singing so that I can have a chance to make everyone even just a bit more energetic by singing, and so that I can send my energy to the victims of the disaster.”

Up-Front Group Talents To Hold Charity Event

Up-Front Group Talents To Hold Charity Event

Up-Front Group and it`s stable of talent is going to hold a charity event on April 9 in Yokohama.

The event is called “Tohoku Earthquake Relief ‘Ganbarou Nippon Ai wa Katsu’ ~From Yokohama with love~”, and will be held at Yokohama’s Yamashita Park, which suffered damage during the massive Kanto earthquake of 1923.

The event will feature both Hello!Project and non-Hello!Project artists involved and at the end of the live stage ,everyone will perform KAN’s classic hit “Ai wa Katsu”. The song will also go on sale the same day as a  Recochoku .

Immediately following the event, the Up-Front artists will split up into two groups and take to the streets of Yokohama to collect donations at two selected locations . All revenues from both the single and the charity drive will be given  to the Japanese Red Cross Society in order to provide relief for those affected by the  earthquake and tsunami.

Morning Musume: Sayu, Mitsui, Riho Visit PON!

Sayu, Mitsui, Riho Visit PON!
Morning Musume members Michishige Sayumi, Mitsui Aika, and Sayashi Riho made a visit to the popular television show PON! To promote their new single “Maji desu ka Ska“which is on sale as I write this.

As part of the visit, the members talked about their childhood and pre-Morning Musume day's .During this segment Riho informed viewers that her last name is one of the rarest names in Japan, with only 12 registered families of which she is related to half of them. Riho is also related to professional baseball player Sayashi Tomoya. Riho also mentioned her goal was to meet all the registered Sayashi families.

The Sayashi family name for those who are wondering comes from a family of katana scabbard makers who lived near Himeji Castle.

Sayu talked about her athletic skills at age nine , her being on the “Most Hated" idol ranking, and Mitsui shares a dog story.

It sure feels strange to have members in Morning Musume like Riho who were not yet born, when their first single was released.



Download
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ENDG4AVN

JPOP CMs : Happiness ,S/mileage

JPOP CMs : Happiness ,S/mileage

Happiness

The group that some call the female version of Exile is back with a new single on April 27 , called “Friends”

S/Mileage :“Koi ni Booing Boo“

Someone in H!P is either a genius or a madman , we have cute young idols wearing pig ears and noses ,animated pigs ,pastel colors and a overload of cuteness .

Happiness



S/mileage

Majisuka Gakuen 2” CM

Majisuka Gakuen 2” CM

The highly waited for Majisuka Gakuen 2” drama will start airing on April 15.
And just like in season one, it`s the rule of the gangs ,this time Maeda leads the school against all challengers inside and outside the school .Can Maeda hold together what she gained control of in season one.

Johnny’s Groups Draw 389,000 Fans For Charity.

Johnny’s Groups Draw 389,000 Fans For Charity.

Johnny’s recently completed a three day fund-raising event at Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Stadium .Every Johnny’s member  took part in the three day event with SMAP, TOKIO, Arashi, KAT-TUN, NEWS, and Kanjani8 leading the event .

As the event ended SMAP’s Kimura Takuya thanked fans, saying, “Thank you to all of you for lending us your help, two days ago, yesterday, and today.”

Johnny’s Marching J will continue for as long as needed with various events planned across the country.  Johnny’s is also donating their heavy lift concert trucks to transport goods to the earthquake victims.

No word how much money or goods were collected from 389,000 fans that came to the event.

Yaotome Hikaru: Earthquake And Family

Yaotome Hikaru: Earthquake And Family

Hey! Say! JUMP member Yaotome Hikaru is currently attending Johnny’s “Marching J” earthquake relief events and for him this relief event is very personal.

Yaotome`s family is currently living in evacuation shelters, company workplace and communications are difficult right now.

Hikaru said that the apartment, where his older brother and wife live in Tagajo-shi was damaged by tsunami and earthquake. The first floor was flooded and they lost their gas and water.  As a result, his sister-in-law is taking refuge in his parent’s house along with her child, while his brother is residing in a company house. Hikaru admitted that he was very concerned with not only his family but for his 4-year old niece and 6-year old nephew. He also admitted that he has not been able to talk to any of his friends from his hometown Miyagi Prefecture.

So keep his family in your thoughts.

Morning Musume Earthquake Relief Campaign

Morning Musume Earthquake Relief Campaign

Today marks the start of first Morning Musume tour with the 9th generation .What started out as a welcoming celebration for the 9th gen members on March 11 turned into the “Great Tohoku Earthquake” relief drive. Like all artists large and small Morning Musume are doing their part to bring comfort to the shattered lives.

Leader Takahashi Ai wrote on her blog a message with details of the most recent thing that the group is undertaking. After giving personal donations, the members are organizing a fundraising campaign.

Written April 2, 2011 by Ai:  

“We, Morning Musume, will begin our spring tour on 4/3 at Oomiya Sonic City.

Right now, everyone is focusing on helping the victims and restoration from the “Great Tohoku Earthquake”.

We, Morning Musume, have also been thinking about what we can do to help even just the littlest bit.

After a discussion with the members, we have decided to hold fundraising activities in the lobby of the venue for as long as time allows.

We would be so grateful to everyone who contributes even a little bit at tomorrow’s venue whether you are coming or going.

Thank you.”

SKE48 New TV show - "Itte Koi 48"

Taking advantage of their first Oricon no. 1 hit single "Banzai Venus", SKE48 is wasting no time to ride the momentum as they have a new regular TV show "ItteKoi48", which begins airing  1st May 2011 on TV Kanagawa (TVK), every Sunday from 11:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m..

So rather than limiting themselves in Nagoya, where SKE48 are basing their activities, this show will aid SKE48 to be more recognizable to a wider audience and taking them one step closer to becoming major national idols.

The 30-minute weekly show limited to only SKE48 members, will be hosted by comedians Arino Shinya(Yoiko) and Kuro-chan (Yasuda Dai Circus) whom are both well reputated in the showbiz as a expert on idols. I am not sure about Kuro-chan but I do know that Arino has been regularly invited to TV talk shows that discusses idol topics or is idol-related.

This is significant because apparently this show is not your regular AKB studio variety show with comedic games and outdoor shootings, but rather a documentary style reality show. ItteKoi48 aims to showcase a different and natural side of the girls' personality, as opposed to what we normally see when they perform on stage in their concerts.

The SKE48 members will need to depend on every ounce of their own abilities and on the critiques and advises of the two hosts to make this show work. The members will take part in the show in rotation, starting with Kizaki Yuria & Kinoshita Yukiko(Team S), Matsumoto Rina & Goto Risako (Team K II) and Isohara Kyoka (Team E).

Sounds like a show that has a more serious undertone, but is interesting nonetheless. Perhaps in time, they will get a golden hour timeslot like AKB48 did, if this show becomes a hit.

Kuro-chan (Yasuda Dai Circus)

Arino Shinya (Yoiko)

EDIT: Minor addition of the show format