Music Jan 14, 2021
What does 2021 have in store for J-pop?
by Patrick St. Michel
While K-pop and TikTok will sway trends in the music industry, rock looks set to be Japan's best chance at producing global hits.
National Oct 12, 2020
Kyohei Tsutsumi, a veteran composer of popular Japanese songs that impacted the country's music scene in the 1970s and 1980s, has died of aspiration pneumonia, sources close to the matter said Monday. He was 80. Tsutsumi, whose real name was Eikichi Watanabe, died Wednesday at ...
Music Sep 11, 2020
Japanese pop band Arashi to release English single written by Bruno Mars
“Whenever You Call” will be the first English song released by Arashi, who is scheduled to halt its activities at the end of the year.
Music Aug 21, 2020
Da-iCE is set to roll out pop singles to satisfy your senses — all of them
by Yukari Tanaka
J-pop act Da-iCE's first single for a project based on the five senses was selected to be the opening theme song for the anime TV series, “One Piece.”
Music Aug 7, 2020
Singer Chris Hart is ready to say ‘I love you’ again
by Yukari Tanaka
American crooner Chris Hart took a break from Japan’s music scene two years ago, but now he's aiming for a fresh shot with an old classic
National / Crime & Legal Aug 3, 2020
Singer Noriyuki Makihara given suspended term for drug possession
In handing down the ruling, the Tokyo District Court said the possession was a "malign crime reflecting his lack of hesitation toward illegal drugs."
Music Jul 9, 2020
Downer pop and TikTok-ready bangers: the year in Japanese music so far
by Patrick St. Michel
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of modern life — including music. Here are five Japanese songs that reflect the major trends of 2020.
Entertainment News Jun 1, 2020
Former AKB48 star Mayu Watanabe retires from show business, citing health issues
Mayu Watanabe, a former member of the popular Japanese all-girl idol group AKB48, has retired from the entertainment industry due to health reasons, her agency said Monday. Watanabe, 26, has left the agency, saying health issues would make it difficult for her to continue working ...
Music May 22, 2020
Daiki Tsuneta: From the top of the charts to the great unknown
by Patrick St. Michel
King Gnu frontman, Daiki Tsuneta, heads for further glory as he pushes forward with his side project, Millennium Parade.
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 Apr 13, 2020
Pikotaro turns viral hit into anti-virus anthem
by Patrick St. Michel
During tumultuous times, sometimes the best advice comes from toddlers. “At my 1-year-old daughter’s nursery school, they have a handwashing song. She kept singing and washing her hands, and encouraged me and my wife to wash our songs along with the song, too,” Kazuhito (aka ...
National Apr 6, 2020
'PPAP' star Piko Taro and pop group Arashi release hand-washing songs
Comedian Pikotaro, best known for his viral hit song "Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen," and boy band Arashi have released songs encouraging people to wash their hands amid the coronavirus pandemic. "I have a hand, I have a soap. Uh! Wash! Wash! Wash! Wash!" Pikotaro repeats, adopting the same ...