With resellers, fans must take matters into their own hands
Few groups in Japan respond to a slight quite like Disney devotees. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the conglomerate's Tokyo Disneyland park, and to celebrate and rack up some more revenue, earlier this year it unveiled a line of limited-edition goods tied ...
Where will fans go after Arashi?
Fans of Arashi still haven't come to terms with the news that the J-pop group will go on a hiatus at the end of 2020, bringing a close, at least temporarily, to one of the 21st century's most popular Japanese acts. While supporters might not ...
Arashi's hiatus spurs heartbreak, but hopes for a 2020 Olympic farewell
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics creep ever closer and one of the biggest arguments that remains is which musical performers will feature in the event's opening ceremony. Up until now, debate over who should represent Japan on the international stage has been raging. But long-running pop ...
Popular boy band Arashi's decision to take a break at end of 2020 shocks fans in Japan and overseas
In a move that shocked fans, popular Japanese boy band Arashi said Sunday that it will go on hiatus at the end of 2020. "Around the middle of June 2017, I told other members that I wanted to end the activities as Arashi for now ...
Japan's empty-home epidemic; 'Beat' Takeshi makes sense of art; CM of the week: Kirin Beverage
The problem of akiya (empty homes) has become more prominent in recent years as the population continues to dwindle. A 2013 survey found there were around 8.2 million vacant residences, detached houses and apartments in Japan, and many are worth next to nothing. In the ...
Welsh filmmaker John Williams has made it in Japan against all odds
It's not easy for anyone to make indie films in Japan. Audiences, venues and funds are all shrinking. And if you are not Japanese, you face additional barriers of language, culture and credibility. Even if your name is the only foreign one on the ...
Arashi tugs at the patriotic heartstrings on 'Japonism'
Arashi "Japonism" (J Storm) Arashi is set to take the title of highest-selling album of the year with "Japonism," a feat they've managed by releasing three editions instead of the usual two. The accomplishment originally looked set to go to Sandaime J Soul Brothers, who ...
Father of Arashi's Sho Sakurai to be appointed vice minister by Abe administration
The Abe administration plans to appoint the father of Sho Sakurai, an actor and member of the pop idol group Arashi, as vice minister of internal affairs and communications, government sources said Friday. Shun Sakurai, 61, currently vice minister for policy coordination, is expected to ...
Arashi sure to delight fans with typical fare on 'The Digitalian'
Arashi "The Digitalian" (J Storm) Credit where credit is due — long-running boy band Arashi have zero reason to ever try out a new musical backdrop. It therefore comes as a surprise that the group's 13th original studio album, "The Digitalian," finds it trying out ...
Brush up on pop idol feuds before the exam
Last month, Meiji University's law department announced it would offer a social-psychology course on the boy band Arashi. The syllabus includes lectures about the group's individual members; its work in TV dramas and advertising; and the "culture of Johnny's Jimusho," Arashi's powerful production company. ...
At the time of writing this review, Arashi's "Love" has been bought more than any other Japanese album this year. Barring a sudden full-length LP from AKB48 or a cash-in compilation from Mr. Children, the group's 12th CD should end 2013 in the same ...
A signature mystery; "Last Hope"; CM of the week: Mister Donut
The new Fuji TV drama series, "Biburia Koshodo no Jiken Techo" ("Biblia Antique Book Shop Case Notebook"; Mon., 9 p.m.) is based on a series of "light mystery novels," meaning stories where no one is killed. Ayame Goriki plays Shioriko, who runs the titular ...
