To be honest.. I wasn’t a fan when they first came out. They didn’t look like your typical “Hayu-” or maybe I was under the Kpop influence. They were short in stature and mediocre in performance. But as I continued to watch their interaction around the world..especially working hard after the earthquake in Japan, I sensed a newfound indifference towards their performances.
And soon enough, I enjoyed how average-looking they are. They have the beauty of the typical Japanese girl, and their personas are less prideful and demeaning.
With interest, I looked up their new hit single.. and to my surprise, it really caught me off guard. Their concept changed from “cute school girl” to “Hard core/Punk rock?”
Take a look & see for yourself!
Have you ever wondered what the ever so popular Korean girl group, Girls Generation, might look like in skin tight body suits and pink cones on their head dancing to “Gee”? Oh, of course you have. Well DO I HAVE THE VIDEO FOR YOU~!
Skip to 1:15 for the fun to begin
hahaha I hope this video made you as happy as it made me.
But what you just watched was a song from the band Yuzu, entitled “Ichigo”, which means strawberry. They released their single on July 29, 2009.
AAA, also known as Triple A (not the asain exclusive club you can find at most colleges) or Attack All Around is a seven member group released in 2005. Their 21st single, Break Down/Break Your Name/Summer Revolution, came out on July 28, 2009.
1. Break Down
2. Break your name / 西風雲
3. Summer Revolution
4. Break Down -Broken Deep Mix-
5. Break Down -Tokima Tokio Summer Of Love Mix-
6. Break Down -Break The Limit Mix-
7. Break Your Name -Yuksek Mix-
8. Summer Revolution -Summer Splash Mix-
9. Break Down (Instrumental)
10. Break your name (Instrumental)
11. Summer Revolution (Instrumental)
Even before this group was formed, members have been very active in many ways. Some have started as dancers for Ayumi Hamasaki or Ami Suzuki. Others have also been in commercials, dramas, and tv shows. Here’s a glance at what has been keeping them busy lately, aside from recording these tracks.
Takahiro Nishijima
April 2009: NHK drama “Ghost Friends”, a Romantic Comedy. He plays the role of Kaito, an incarnate ghost.
June 2009: Performing the musical “Glory Days” on the Broadway.
Misako Uno
February 2009: Appeared for a guest actress role in TV Asahi’s morning drama “Tokumei kakarichou Tadano Hitoshi”
Shinjiro Atae
July 2009: Appearing in TBS daily drama Teioh, as protagonist’s best friend.
Chiaki Ito
February 2009: Appeared in Honey and Clover
April 2009: Actress in TBS drama “Woman searching Venus”
Shuta Sueyoshi
September 2009: Will perform in the musical, “Love Musical”
DJ Mayumi has collaborated with many artists for the release of her album this month.
１．PARADISE
２．CRAZY IN LOVE
Her first single, Paradise, features Japan’s leading rapper AK-69, representing the West Side BIG RON, and upcoming rapper JAY’ED / CRAZY. This song is something you must hear now or never since it is perfect for the summer song.. and summer is creeping by fast.
Her second single released this month, Crazy in Love, Features MAKI GOTO with FALCO&SHINO. She claims that this has a futuristic sound with a bouncy tune. Before this song, DJ Mayumi always mixed party songs. This is her first song ever that she created something other than hip and hop and went lovey dovey.
Along with this single, she has also created a Berry Jam Paradise CD
01. DJ MAYUMI feat. AK-69, BIG RON & JAY’ED / PARADISE
02. エイコン / ビューティフル feat. コルビー・オドニス＆カーディナル・オフィシャル （※AKON シャウト入り）
03. ブラック・アイド・ピーズ / アイ・ガッタ・フィーリング
04. キッド・クディ / デイ・アンド・ナイト(Crookers Remix)
05. ワーレイ / チリン feat. レディー・ガガ
06. バスタ・ライムス / アラブ・マネー feat. ロン・ブロウズ
07. ケリー・ヒルソン / ノック・ユー・ダウン feat. Ne-Yo＆カニエ・ウェスト
08. ソウルジャ・ボーイ / キス・ミー・スルー・ザ・フォン feat. サミー
09. BIG RON / Sunshine w/z 詩音 （※BIG RON シャウト入り）
10. JAMOSA / ずっと （※DJ MAYUMI スペシャル・ダブ・ミックス）
11. MOOMIN / うまれたての瞳(DeeJay Mix) feat. NANJAMAN （※DJ MAYUMI スペシャル・ダブ・ミックス）
12. G2 / LETTER 2K9 ver.
13. RYO the SKYWALKER / For 10 Years
14. Jr.Dee / コンピューター （※Jr.Dee シャウト入り）
15. H-MAN / マイクジョーズ feat. YOYO-C
16. セラーニ / ノー・ゲームズ
17. スライ&ロビー / Automatic
18. RSP / platinum -INFINITY remix- （Remix produced by DJ MAYUMI）
19. WISE / 会えなくても feat. 西野カナ
20. ET-KING / ドーナッツ DJ MAYUMI REMIX （Remixed by DJ MAYUMI）
21. DJ MAYUMI feat. ZEEBRA, HOKT, MAY’S / PARTY UP(Dancehall Remix) （Remixed by DJ MAYUMI）
22. トリニティ / バーニン (DJ MAYUMI Dub Mix)
23. 谷村奈南 vs DJ MAYUMI / SEXY SENORITA(DJ MAYUMI ☆☆REMIX) （Remixed by DJ MAYUMI）
24. DJ MAYUMI feat. JAMOSA, LUNA, SILVA & ia / DIAMONDS(DJ MAYUMI’S SPARKLING ROCK REMIX)
25. JAY’ED / This Summertime （※JAY’EDシャウト入り）
26. 傳田真央 / Bitter Sweet
27. SATOMI’ / Candy Magic
28. AK-69 a.k.a.KALASSY NIKOFF / The Honesty ～My Love Pt.III～ （※AK-69 シャウト入り）
29. DJ DOGBOY / ジレンマ・レゲエ (アイ・ラヴ・ネリー)
30. Ne-Yo / マッド
As you can see this CD is PACKED with music from previous albums that she has remixed and recreated just for this summer. She has also worked around the globe with many famous celebrities and artists. Rappers like Ne-Yo, Big Ron, and Akon just to re-name a few.
August 10, 2009 DJ Mayumi went to Keri Hilson’s concert and reported it on her blog.
She says that Keri Hilson was incredibly beautiful, and even more so in real life. She also stated that anyone who was able to go to her concert was truly lucky and not only did she have style, her voice was amazing too. I believe it.
Because I love Keri Hilson so much.. here is something for me to watch and enjoy heehee
Since Morning Musume first released a single in 1998, they have officially released their 40th single! To commemorate this event, Producer Tsunku, created a song entitled “Nanchatte Renai”, which translates to mean, “I’m Just Kidding When I Call This Love”. But many people are disputing about this song choice for the celebratory event. The lyrics tend to come out as depressing or “emo” and more so by the title name. However, many people are mistranslating the title just like I did above ^^. When you listen to the song, they say “Nanchatte” which means something similar to “Just Kidding” or “Just Saying”. Since he attaches this to the end of a sentence, his depressing comments are masked with “Just kidding”. So you never know if he is being serious or not…
Here’s the translation and I’ll point out the JK’s and ADD moments:
It became so boring, that a single yawn came out.
Will you stop playing with me, or I’m going to act cold.
For a while I’ve been living life acting happy
But after some time, it looks like I’m trying to becoming sexier.
Oh why Oh why does this happen to me, every evening I feel like crying. Aa~
(Rapping) Oh baby, all your dreams are so serious.
So I want you to tell me what it takes to grow up.
But somehow our conversation is tedious and meanwhile we need to buy a new TV.
Just Kidding
Just because I fall in love, it only makes me feel lonely.
And even with that, I still want the warm-feeling. Just Kidding
Acting like a good person makes me feel depressed.
Still I halfheartedly…fake a smile.
I watched people come and go while I chewed on my hamburger
And I wondered if there were any girls who were truly smiling.
My favorite song repeated itself from my headphones I was listening to.
And I wondered.. if the lyrics were about me.
Aa, why is it that I can’t be honest and lean on you? I want to call my mom Aa~
(Rapping) Oh baby, what am I going to do in the morning? What do I look for? Ah Yea.
There’s not enough love
It’s a waste if it’s a meaningless love.
I want to love.
Just kidding
Repeating love is in a girls heart. If you’re a girl, you would understand it. Just kidding
I’m saying a lot of things but for real I just want to shine. I wonder if I can ever be the real thing.
Their MV even casts a dark spell, as they are dressed in black with small top hats on their heads covered with lace. If this doesn’t scream emo I don’t what does. Just kidding.
They tried to incorporate a ballad-type scene, as piano plays in the background, and their dances throw in random ballet moves. Oh, they also put a small rapping section in this song too! Talk about diversity.
But here is something from Morning Musume in the 90′s. This is their first single entitled “Morning Coffee” which sold roughly 200,000 copies.
As you can see by comparing these two videos, they have made a few slight changes. Hopefully you agree that after 40 singles, they are making improvements. There are no longer 15 second images of their faces staring aimlessly into space, or walking blindly around the city just to stop at a street corner. Just kidding.
Maybe by saying Just Kidding at the end of phrases eases up everything you just said before that, and takes the stress and tension off. Try it out on your next encounter!!
Cashier: “Would you like cash or credit?”
Me: “Credit. Just Kidding.”
looooonggg awkward silence……
August 5, 2009 Speed released Speedland: The Premium Best Re Tracks
CD Tracklist
01.Long Way Home
02.あしたの空 (Ashita no Sora)
03.Body & Soul
04.STEADY
05.Wake Me Up!
06.ALIVE
07.White Love
08.Snow Kiss
09.Breakin’ out to the morning
10.熱帯夜 (Nettaiya)
11.ALL MY TRUE LOVE
12.Precious Time
13.Go! Go! Heaven
14.my graduation
These songs are all from their various record breaking albums, which released in the 90′s.
For those of you who do not know who SPEED is, here’s a flashback to 1996 when they first debuted as female pop stars and swept the music industry of Japan off their feet.
This is a video of their performance of their first debut single Body & Soul. The average age for these girls ranged from 12 to 15 years old.. and thinking back, they were so young!!!! However, listening to their matured voices and watching them dance makes you forget about their age and become mesmerized by their talent (pedophiles beware).
At the height of their career, the group was forced decided to split and make careers of their own. They chose to do this on March 31, 2000 marking the end of Spring, where cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Rumor had it that the break up was a result from relationship issues with Hiroko, the youngest and main vocalist, and her boyfriend at the time. At the young age of 12, she was a very early bloomer and caught up in a serious relationship. Arguments with the manager were probably results of not being able spend days in each others arms and dates in the backseat of their mom’s car.
During the break-up, each member took small strides on their own hoping to land another hit single and start over on their own. However life is not that easy; and they quickly came back to reality when they realized the odd personalities that the four had, created qualities that people of all ages drooled over. Eriko and Hiroko with outstanding vocals, Takako with her cute yet beautiful face, and Hitoe… with her top notch hair-dos, sass, and dance moves. Combined, they were a perfect team.
13 years later, they reunited once again with slightly better costumes and video quality. Nonetheless, their music is still exceptional and revamped, so make sure you check out their new CD
Also, they will be performing together at 16 different cities starting on September 5,2009. So Tokyo travelers.. be on the look out!
August 12, 2009 Fukuda Saki released her new single “Ashite e no Hikari” which translates to “Light that leads to Tomorrow”. At the age 18, she has already made appearances to several dramas and starting June 26, 2009, she has the lead role in Maid Deka on TV Asahi.
Maid Deka is about a girl detective who goes undercover as a Maid in an Osaka estate to investigate a suspect. Crazy huh? Check out the drama, as it is still on-air and the episodes should finish uploading momentarily.
Anyways, this is her new single, so please support this young artist and enjoy
So lately it seems like the talk about Big Bang hasn’t surfaced out of Japan. Die hard fans are probably following up on their every move.. but here’s a quicky on what they have been doing for the past month.
From the release of their album in June, their hit song “My Heaven” has stirred up quite a commotion in this country. Making it to #3 on the Oricon charts as of June 28th, they have been busy performing live shows and appearing on tv shows.
kudos to BigBangandSHINeeFans for the upload
On the tv show, the conversation ranges from the types of girls they are interested in, to each of their habits and obsessions that makes all the asian girls swoon..no matter how weird they are. (they’re going to shoot me now).
But here is what each member had to say about their kind of HEAVEN
G-Dragon: Inside the clothing store GR8. Being the leader and fashion icon, it showed him blending in with the montage of clothes inside of the store. He was told he could pick ANYTHING in the store… but in the end, he showed up with a pair of very fugly pink pants. Really??? They had to be short, pink and patchy? But I’m sure he could pull off the look, just like he manages with all the other pink and skin tight pants.
V.I: The golfing range. He showed his warm, family-man side of him, as he talked about his brother being a professional golfer and how he admires him. They took V.I to a V.I.P. room, where he showed off his skills and even taught the reporter how to make successful swings. Talk about heaven for her!
D-Lite: The bath house. He pranced and frolicked between the hot baths, and let out a wail of excitement when he saw a picture of Mt. Fuji. His humor has no borders, and he managed to pull off unsuccessful magic tricks and support a goofy looking towel balled up on both sides of his head like mouse ears. He claimed that this was a typical bath look in Korea…no comment.
TOP: Figurines. I thought this was VERY unusual since I would have never guessed him to be an “OTAKU” (figurine obsessed boy). He would love Akihabara, where all of the nerds boys and girls gather to sell/buy toys. After receiving a glow-in-the-dark skull, he smiled like a little boy, which made you forget about everything else that just happened.
Sol: Japanese Steak House. He said he eats “yaki niku” in Japan about 5 times a week. How does he keeps his figure? “Exercise, dancing, and eating healthy.” I don’t know if this is considered healthy eating though..
That’s all the beef that I have on Big Bang.. O wait, I almost forgot
Don’t forget about their new album being released in Japan **JULY 8, 2009!!** They have been working very hard promoting this upcoming album..
A new rising star?? Some think that Fukuhara Miho may be the next new thing. Her first album was released today, June 17, 2009, entitled Hanabi Sky (Fireworks). At the age of 20, she brings a new “American” vibe into Jpop culture. One of her songs is the cover song of Sandi Thom’s “I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker”. Fukuhara has an amazing voice, but does she have the potential to sing this song equally or just as good? I only say so because she tells it like it is: ” a pank rocka with frowers in her hea”
Aside from her Engrish abilities, her music is upbeat, catchy, and who knows.. it may make it to the top on the Oricon charts in the upcoming month. The downfall to the video is the poor poor quality of the video, as her cut out body makes it appear like this video is ancient and was made in the 80′s. Her outfit is a little “Punk meets Wild West”.. maybe a new fob look she was aiming for. But maybe her big voice, wide smile, and attractive face can make up for these little flaws? Check her out yourself!
On May 30, 2009 Japan hosted their 8th annual MTV video music awards in Saitama, Japan. Some special live performances included musicians from across the world such as Ciara, Green Day, Katy Perry, Remioromen, 9mm Parabellum Bullet, and our favorite Boa and Sean Garret.
Across Asia, people have been anticipating for this moment for months and the time has finally come. Check out the nominees, and who made it to the top of the charts for 2009!
Video of the Year
Exile — “Ti Amo”
* Namie Amuro “New Look”
* Britney Spears “Womanizer”
* Coldplay “Viva la Vida”
* Southern All Stars “I Am Your Singer”
Best Pop Video
Katy perry — “I Kissed a Girl”
* Ikimonogakari — “Kimagure Romantic”
* Lily Allen “The Fear”
* Perfume “Dream Fighter”
* Rip Slyme “Taiyou to Bikini”
Best Group Video
Exile — “Ti Amo”
* Franz Ferdinand “Ulysses”
* Shonan no Kaze “Koishigure”
* The Killers “Human”
* TVXQ “Jumon: Mirotic”
Best Male Video
Kreva — “Akasatanahamayarawawon”
* Kanye West “Heartless”
* Motohiro Hata “Forever Song”
* Ne-Yo “Closer”
* Usher “Love in This Club feat. Young Jeezy”
Best Collaboration Video
Nelly and Fergie — “Party People”
* Madonna feat.Justin Timberlake & Timbaland “4 Minutes”
* Suchataraba + Kaela Kimura “Hey! Hey! Alright”
* T.I. feat.Rihanna “Live Your Life”
* Anna Tsuchiya feat.Ai “Crazy World”
Best Female Video
Namie Amuro — “New Look”
* Beyoncé “If I Were a Boy”
* Britney Spears “Womanizer”
* Hikaru Utada “Prisoner of Love”
* Thelma Aoyama “Nandomo”
Best New Artist Video
Kimaguren — “Life”
* Duffy “Mercy”
* Girl Next Door “Guzen no Kakuritsu”
* Katy Perry “I Kissed a Girl”
* Miho Fukuhara “Change”
Best Rock Video
Maximum the Hormone—”Tsume Tsume Tsume”
* Acidman “I stand free”
* Fall Out Boy “I Don’t Care”
* Franz Ferdinand “Ulysses”
* 9mm Parabellum Bullet “Living Dying Message”
Han-Kun — “HOTTER THAN HOT”
Kardinal Offishall “Dangerous feat. AKON”
* Mighty Jam Rock “U.P. STAR”
* Natty “Cold Town”
* Ryo the Skywalker “EVER GREEN”
Best Video from a Film
Remioromen — “Yume no Tsubomi” from “Kansen Retto”
* AI “Okuribito” from “Okuribito(Departures)”
* Jack White & Alicia Keys “Another Way to Die” from “Quantum of Solace”
* Madonna “4 Minutes feat. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE & TIMBALAND” from “Get Smart”
* Monobright “Ano Toumeikan to Shonen” from “Afterschool”
Best Album of the Year
Mr.Children —”Supermarket Fantasy”
* Ayaka “Sing to the Sky”
* Coldplay “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends”
* Hikaru Utada “Heart Station”
* NE-YO “Year of the Gentleman”
Best Karaokee! Song
Kimaguren — “LIFE”
* Aqua Timez “Niji”
* Coldplay “Viva La Vida”
* Funky Monkey Babys “Kibou no Uta”
* Mariah Carey “Touch My Body”
Oh, of course you have. Well DO I HAVE THE VIDEO FOR YOU~!
