Archive For November 2009

Hello! SayuNii Looks At New C-ute Profile Pics

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

New C-ute Profile Pictures For “SHOCK!” « Hello!SayuNii.

You know, Maimi now kinda looks like Amber from f(x)!


Meeting Kago Ai Ends Fandom

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Meeting Kago Ai « Conflict Productions.

siggy has a very well-written, thoughtful post on meeting Aibon at the KDDI Mitsuwa event. What I found most striking is that seeing her in person and shaking her hand proved to be a way to put to rest his fandom for her.

It’s a striking statement to make, as most people would probably say this only made them want to root for Kago’s current career choices even more. However, I think closing the metaphorical door on Kago after this seminal event makes just as much sense, especially considering everything she’s put fans through (which was glossed over pretty noticeably in the expository paragraph explaining who exactly Kago is and why she matters) and the new direction she’s taken with her work. Sometimes letting go is the best decision to make.


Pink Wota Finishes ~A~ Live Top 25

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

Pink Wota » [Video] ~A~ Live Top 25, Part the Last.

Vee ends this series in a powerful fashion – as if we expected any less – and even explains how a closer study of Ayu in the past year has enriched her appreciation of the artist. I’m now looking forward to her end-of-year posts, as List-Making Season kicks into high gear.


The Rollout For New Amuro Namie Album Continues

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

NAMIE NEWS NETWORK © 2007-2009: “FAST CAR” Pv Clip on ‘JAPAN COUNTDOWN’.

I have to say, I’m impressed at how disicplined the gradual unveiling of this album has been. It’s not like a website is being opened a week after the product is released.


SparkPlugged Lists Ten Great Hokkaido Bands

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

SparkPlugged » Blog Archive » 10 great bands from Hokkaido.

Shay’s made the northern island his home, and so he pays tribute by listing – and linking – to bands that also hail from there. It’s an interesting idea, but makes me wonder: is there a “Hokkaido sound” that defines a specific musical community in the region?


Some Great Idols In Latest GANGAN

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

Young GANGAN No.22 [2009] | Jappydolls.

Minami Akina, Hara Mikie, and Koike Rina are all in this issue. The Rina photos are especially good, but I’m biased like that.


Itsumo Genki Chooses H!P Favorites Of 2009

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

In which Isilie Reviews 2009~Favourites~ «.

We’ve still got a month left, but Isilie decided to stake her critical ground a tad early. Nothing wrong with that, and her detailed explanation for each of her choices makes for enjoyable reading.


Kame In New Manga-Derived Drama

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , , , , | Comments (0)

Kamenashi to star in “Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge” drama – Tokyograph.

Kame’s character falls in love with a younger woman? Come on, there’s only so much suspension of disbelief we can take!


Young Animal Features Tachibana Reimi

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Young Animal No.22 [2009] | Jappydolls Gallery.

Reimi is shown to great effect in this photo spread, so don’t pass it up!


BKI Riffs Off Tom Jones Again

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

She’s a Lady pt.2 @ Berryz Kobo International.

That said, I’m waiting for Zush to do a “Delilah”-themed picspam post.


Hara Mikie In Latest YS Web

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Mikie Hara ~ YS Web Vol.326 | Jappydolls.

It’s not a very inspiring photospread, but it’s still Mikie so that’s good enough for me.


Maeda Eiko Transferred From SKE48 to SDN48

November 30, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , , | Comments (0)

SDN48 Just Got Even More Interesting… | Chuo Dori.

Well, she certainly seems a good fit for the group, the fit being something like an H cup apparently…


HamsapSukebe Reviews Ikigami

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

HamsapSukebe – Ramblings of a jobless bum.: Jmovie review: Ikigami.

Akiramike recommends this intriguing movie, whose premise sounds like a cross between Battle Royale and Logan’s Run.


YODC Discovers Koizora

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Your Opinion Doesn’t Count..It’s all pop culture to us: Jdrama review: Koizora.

wonton finds a drama worth watching, courtesy of SARS Fansubs. My question would be, does this drama fit Son of Gigan’s theory on the sexes?


Bikkuri Project Top 100 Almost Finished

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Bikkuri Project » Hello Project Top 100 Songs: Part 9.

I think #15 is the only H!P song I really liked from last year. And #14 still makes me smile every time I hear it.


Yukirin and Yukorin!

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

Friday [2009.11.27] | Jappydolls.

Unfortunately, they’re not in the same photospread, but it’s still fun to see them both in the same issue. And this is the second straight Friday cover for AKB, right? Did someone make a deal or something?


Miichan Is In Tears, Rena Slaps Herself…

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

no akb no life v4.

No, it’s not a re-enactment of Salo. They’re just eating spicy chicken.


Sakai Noriko’s Husband Is Sentenced

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Takaso gets 2-year suspended sentence – Tokyograph.

So is anybody playing him in the movie?

And with the suspended sentences for both, is there any community service attached? Or is this just a slap on the wrists?


f(x) Have Elle Girl Photo Spread

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

Full photospread for f(x) in Elle Girl revealed « K Bites.

A very lovely fashion shoot of the five ladies. It almost makes me wanna listen to their music or something…


SuJu And Wonder Girls Songs In Chinese Musical

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , , | Comments (0)

K-Pop making it to the Chinese musical stage! « K Bites.

Further proof of the world-conquering powers of the current crop of Kpop idols.


Jurina Is Recovering Nicely

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

no akb no life v4.

THAT’S a relief. The thought of her not making it all the way through puberty is horrible.


Tsugihara Kana In Semedoki

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Kana Tsugihara ~ Semedoki | Jappydolls.

Kana has a workout, and we in turn work out our wrists. Only seems fair.


The “Amber Looks Like…” Game Continues

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

Netizens spot similiarities between Micky YooChun and Amber « K Bites.

You know, keep doing these comparisons and soon people will think all Asians look alike. (Kidding! I’m just kidding!)


Suzanne Tosses A Salad

November 29, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Suzanne ~ Sabra.net [2009.11.12] | Jappydolls.

The lovely actress-model shows her culinary skills, then goes out for some bubbly.


Younha’s Comeback Continues

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Younha – Suki Nanda « Beyond the Sea ~ The Style. Edition.

Lex reviews the second Japanese single from Younha since her return to those shores, and finds it even better than “Girl”. Personally, I like the cover – I think it’s more sexy than dopey, though YMMV.


Who Is Chemical Pictures’ New Drummer?

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Rock Japan Elec-tric.

If it’s Shinya, can Ayappe do backup vocals for you guys?

Also, some more lovely photos from that boutique event they did last week.


Kosaka Yuka Is A Peach

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Yuka Kosaka ~ Peach | Jappydolls.

I like this idol’s look a lot, there’s a quality to it that reminds me of Maeda Yuuka or Tsugunaga Momoko, but more mature… And you know, mature isn’t always a bad thing.


Mr.Children Are #1 In Oricon Artist Ranking

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Mr.Children tops Oricon artist ranking – Tokyograph.

The only idol group to make the list is #4, Arashi – but that’s okay, it’s not like they’re having a bad year or anything.


Japan Live Watches Advantage Lucy TV

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

Japan Live: Watching advantage Lucy Live 5,000 Miles Away.

Ken M takes in the internet show in tribute of the late Advantage Lucy and Vasallo Crab 75 guitarist Fukumura Takayuki, and shares a write-up from someone who was actually there in person. He also marvels at being able to take in such an event and how the continued growth of the internet could make this more and more commonplace.


Come For The Manoeri, Stay For The Cows And Tricycles

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

[Bomb.tv]GRAVURE Channel Update PART 1 [2009.09.11] | Jappydolls.

This collection features the H!P soloist, as well as a model in a cow bikini hanging out with cows, and a whole bunch of models in bikinis riding around on children’s tricycles. So it’s classy all the way.


SKE48 Team S Debuted New Stage

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

no akb no life v4.

Some nice eyecandy and a set list with song previews.


Raid Re-Captions CF For Big Gangbang

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Raid My Minibar: Don’t get laid. Get Raid..

I just wanted to use “Big Gangbang” about this group at some point and Raid’s captioning of the commercial gave me the excuse I needed. Thanks Raid!


New High King Single Previewed

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

High King – DESTINY LOVE Preview Released « Hello!SayuNii.

I can’t stand forty percent of this unit but Maeda Yuuka is worth keeping an eye on, especially with her upcoming graduation from the Eggs. It’d be great if she becomes the focal point of the next generation of H!P stars.


Tejima Yuu In BIG LOVE

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (1)

[IV]Yuu Tejima ~ BIG LOVE | Jappydolls.

So she’s married to Bill Paxton’s character? That makes her number four or number five?


Ohta Survives Hello Store USA

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

Hello!Blog – Berryz Koubou and C-ute Visual Screens.

I was actually wondering how Ohta’s H!P goods services on eBay was faring in the wake of the online store, but apparently there’s still goods that he can provide for the discriminating collector.


Return Of The Prodigal ELT Member Doesn’t Suck As Much This Time

November 28, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Every Little Thing – Tsumetai Ame « Beyond the Sea ~ The Style. Edition.

So… is Igarashi Mitsuru back to stay, then? That would be an interesting – though apparently unfortunate – turn of events for ELT.


Readin’, Writin’, and JaeBom…

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

Teachers join the Hottest crowd « K Bites.

Sacred scripture of the Church of JaeBom has now made its way into the classroom.


MorningBerryz On Hangry and Angry Sadistic Dance

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Hangry & angry’s “Sadistic Dance” ～♪♪ ！ – Vox.

MB gives her loving attention to the special edition of the new album from Ishiyoshi’s evil selves. That said, I finally made myself listen to their rock version of “The Peace!” and it’s a big shambling mess. The once-notorious onanie medley of Golden Age songs was considerably better, and that was an intentional joke.


Ogura Yuko In WPB Magazine Too

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , , , | Comments (0)

WPB Magazine No.47 [2009] | Jappydolls.

The Yukorin spread is no great shakes, but there’s lots of other idols in smaller doses including Shinozaki Ai, an AKB48 trio, 9nine, and even a little picture of Koike Rina.


Amuro Namie Starts Touring Again Next April

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

NAMIE NEWS NETWORK © 2007-2009: New tour starts in April 2010.

Holy crap, take a breather, Namie! You make the Wonder Girls look like slackers!


Sakai Noriko Will Not Play Sakai Noriko In The Sakai Noriko Movie… Nor Will Anyone Else

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

Noriko Sakai movie details revealed – Tokyograph.

So apparently, nobody will play Sakai and the film will focus on the journalist who wrote the book that led to the movie? They could’ve at least gone the Citizen Kane route and try to decipher the mystery of her last words before she initially disappeared. That said, it was probably, “Oh shit!”


Akanishi Jin Movie Breaks Record For Advance Sales

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

“Bandage” movie sells 70k advance tickets on first day – Tokyograph.

Both the ticket sales and the Oricon #1 for his fake band’s single is great news for Bakanishi. Is it too early to declare him the heir apparent to Kimutaku? (Well, Kimutaku would probably think so.)


Amuro Namie Fast Car PV Released

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

NAMIE NEWS NETWORK © 2007-2009: “FAST CAR” PV on facebook.

Now, THIS video put a wide smile on the face – not the least for the Busby Berkeley shots. The excitement for the new album just builds and builds…


All Five DBSK Perform On Japanese TV

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

“What Tohoshinki can do” 091126 « Dong Bang Shin Ki.

I’m not sure what exactly this means, but certainly it provides a more optimistic outlook on the group staying together…


How Can A Magazine Like This Die? Part II

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

Sabra Magazine [2009.12] | Jappydolls.

This issue’s packed with prime idol eyecandy with the likes of Tani Momoko, Mano Erina, and Suzanne. What I find especially interesting is that the hands in Momoko’s Janet Jackson homage are clearly that of an older woman. Maybe she’s sending out subtle hints for a possible sugar mommy?


You’re Gonna Have To Speak Louder To Sailor Mars

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Keiko Kitagawa to play deaf role in “Hitsudan Hostess” drama – Tokyograph.

I would watch this if I was assured that she’d do the Marlee Matlin voice thing at some point in this show.


Kojima Haruna Is Friday’d!

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , , | Comments (0)

Friday [2009.11.20] | Jappydolls.

Okay, not really, but she does pose in a very alluring photoset in this issue.

Besides, it’s not like there could possibly be any scandals lurking around any of the AKB girls, amirite?


no akb no life Profiles Shizuka Oya

November 27, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: , | Comments (0)

no akb no life v4.

Much love is given to the Research Student Turned Team A Member, though my main impression is that she’s gonna wind up in the shadows of the front girls if she isn’t lucky.


Ogura Yuko In Latest WPB-net

November 26, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Yuko Ogura ~ WPB-net No.115 | Jappydolls.

I hate to say this, Yukorin, but you were a lot more interesting when you were working that mentally challenged adult woman who still acts like she’s nine years old shtick. That said, you remain quite lovely anyways.


Japan Live Profiles Brain Police

November 26, 2009 | Ray Mescallado | Tags: | Comments (0)

Japan Live: No-Show Report: Zunou Keisatsu.

Ken M has another must-read article, this time profiling the activist rock group Brain Police – recently on a reunion tour – and their connections to radical political groups such as the Japanese Red Army. This is a fascinating piece, highly educational and even a little disturbing; I’m again thankful for this peek at a different side of the Japanese music scene.