TV May 22, 2020
Ayumi Hamasaki TV drama stays on the right side of absurdity
by Patrick St. Michel
A new drama series highlighting the life of the J-pop star at her peak has fascinated viewers with its hammed-up acting and over-the-top antics.
Music | Sound Off Aug 30, 2018
It'll take more than Ayumi Hamasaki to help streaming services in Japan
by Patrick St. Michel
Ayumi Hamasaki has seen better days as a J-pop superstar, but she still carries some clout. So it should have been noteworthy that her newest release, the five-song "Trouble," would arrive on streaming services a bit earlier than in stores. That's a win for ...
Culture | Sound Off Jan 18, 2018
Will 2018 herald a return to the 1990s?
by Patrick St. Michel
Prognosticating something as unpredictable as the domestic music industry might appear to be a fool's errand. But what's the fun in playing it safe? Here are some predictions for 2018. YouTubers will wield more power: TV and movie theme songs remain the best way for ...
Music | Sound Off Sep 14, 2017
AKB48 sets a chart record, but Daoko and Kenshi Yonezu are playing the long game
by Patrick St. Michel
Call it the end of an era. Last week, AKB48's 49th single "#Sukinanda" sold over 1 million copies to take the top spot on the Oricon singles chart. Besides being the first song in the No. 1 position to feature a hashtag in its ...
Music / CD Reviews | LISTENING POST May 15, 2016
Ayumi Hamasaki takes a note from Beyonce with sudden 'M(a)de In Japan' release
by Patrick St. Michel
Streaming services remain a fledgling part of the Japanese music industry, but the major players are learning from their Western counterparts. Last week, Avex "surprised" J-pop fans with Ayumi Hamasaki's new album "M(a)de In Japan" (with the "a" being her own distinctive logo) on ...
Music Dec 18, 2009
by Philip Brasor
The biggest Japanese music event in 2000 was Hikaru Utada's Bohemian Summer tour, which was launched at Tokyo's Yoyogi Pool that June. Since emerging in December 1998 with the single "Automatic," followed by the debut album "First Love" four months later, the 17-year-old singer-songwriter, ...