Tag - k-pop

 
 

K POP

Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Dec 27, 2016
SMAP makes final appearance on signature variety show before breakup
SMAP made its final appearance as a group Monday ahead of its planned breakup Saturday, on the final episode of the pop act's signature variety show.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Dec 25, 2016
Love 'em or hate 'em, the end of SMAP marks the end of an era
The Olympics have always been popular in Japan, and this year's games in Rio de Janeiro were no exception. While NHK was broadcasting the games in the early hours of Aug. 14, a breaking news message flashed across the screen: "SMAP to disband Dec. 31."
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Dec 18, 2016
'Chubby' group Pottya takes aim at obesity prejudice
Competition is cutthroat among Japan's thousands of idol wannabes, but one approach seems to be working for a group of "chubby" girls deploying their cheeky cuteness to combat prejudice against obesity.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Entertainment news
Dec 12, 2016
SMAP fans collect 370,000 signatures to urge breakup rethink
A group of avid fans of SMAP has collected 373,515 signatures in Japan and abroad to petition the pop group's members to change their mind about breaking up at the end of this year.
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Dec 5, 2016
Let's discuss SMAP's 'Kohaku' no-show
NHK announced the lineup for the next edition of its 'Kohaku' music contest, but SMAP was not on the list.
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
Nov 21, 2016
Pikotaro's 'PPAP' sets Guinness World Record
Comedian Pikotaro's music video 'Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen' has been recognized as the shortest song ever to make the U.S. Billboard Top 100 singles chart.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Nov 19, 2016
Is Japanese pop music losing its relevance?
Shukan Bunshun recently ran some articles describing how last year the talent management company LDH allegedly paid entertainment behemoth Burning Productions to ensure that one of LDH's acts would win the top prize at the 2015 Japan Record Awards (JRA). Accompanying one of the articles was a photo of...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Sep 25, 2016
Will Hikaru Utada's new album 'Fantome' change the rules of modern J-pop?
'As trends fade into the cultural rearview mirror, Hikaru Utada is a prime candidate to bring back what J-pop has lost in her absence: relatability.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / YEN FOR LIVING
Sep 24, 2016
Without concerted effort from Japan's industry players, online scalping looks unstoppable
Until all the various players in the industry work together for a solution, internet concert ticket resellers will continue doing a roaring trade.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Sep 18, 2016
'High & Low Original Best Album' lives up to its name with definite highs and lows
LDH, the company behind Exile, Sandaime J Soul Brothers and E-girls, seems to be on a mission to win the J-pop crown. Its latest salvo is themultimedia project High & Low, which consists of a drama, film, album and tour.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Sep 18, 2016
Kana Nishino's 'Just Love' may drive cynics mad, but her pop formula is working
Kana Nishino has been a marquee name since debuting in 2008, but this July she finally owned the spotlight with "Just Love."
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
Sep 12, 2016
Pop group SMAP to split up at year's end
Hugely popular boy band SMAP will break up at the end of the year, their management agency has announced.
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
Jul 25, 2016
Sashihara wins AKB48 general election
About 30,000 people packed a baseball stadium in Niigata for the annual event to announce the most popular members of the AKB48 family of all-female idol groups.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Jun 10, 2016
G-strings on the menu at Amrita’s naked dining pop-up
Amrita has a simple premise: diners must be naked before they are seated. And if naked dining doesn't seem intimidating, the prices may shock you.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
May 15, 2016
Akiko Yano reflects on how music has changed after 40 years in the business
What would a U.S.A. Day look like in Japan? There would need to be American food, like hamburgers, and some kind of technological wonder, like monster trucks! Now imagine Kate Bush shows up.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
May 15, 2016
Perfume's back with 'Cosmic Explorer,' but I still miss them
Perfume's fifth studio album, "Cosmic Explorer," starts off with a stunner. "Navigate," with its intricate electronic atmosphere and inspirational melody, creates the sense that one of Japan's most innovative groups is on course to discovering new sonic territory. Then, the EDM iceberg hits. The title...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Apr 13, 2016
Resistance is futile to Babymetal's ascent
Babymetal — "Metal Resistance" (Toy's Factory)
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Apr 13, 2016
Sandaime J Soul Brothers hope to seal their 'Legacy' on latest album
Sandaime J Soul Brothers from Exile Tribe — "The JSB Legacy" (Rhythm Zone)
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Apr 3, 2016
Twice carries K-pop's flag into its debut Japanese gig
The halcyon days of Hallyu (the Korean wave) in mainstream media are long over, but the impact South Korean pop culture has had on Japan is still evident. Just look at K-pop outfit Twice, which features three Japanese members and has experienced massive success after debuting late last year.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Apr 1, 2016
Japan's 'Masked Girls' seek fame under cover
Standing out from Japan's many girl groups can be a daunting task, but one act, Kamen Joshi (Masked Girls), has found the answer by hiding behind masks.

Longform

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