With Japan’s innate fashionable culture, something like this shouldn’t be a surprise. But it is. This software lets you see what you look like with various hairstyles and face paints in REAL TIME. I imagine this would be a staple in beauty salons in the near future.
It might sound a bit weird, but groping in the jam-packed sardine-like trains of Japan is rampant. While there ARE men with lascivious intentions, there are also those who’re wary of getting falsely accused. This portable subway strap is a great way for people to know where your hands are — and they’re not anywhere near anyone’s girly (or guyly…cough…) bits. This, by the way, sold out quite quickly. Just goes to show there are still more good men on earth. Err…right?
4 banners. 84 different poses. 14 meters in length. 2 meters in height. Namie Amuro is the new face of Vidal Sassoon in Japan and the subways are covered in her ginormous ad banners. Ch-ch-ch-check it out!
Watch the official PV of Heart Station and listen to an HQ radio rip of Stay Gold. Heart Station/Stay Gold is Hikki’s new single to be released on February 19. Her newest Japanese studio album, Heart Station, is also coming out on March!
Although this week had a lot of releases, compared to the sheer awesome that was last week I was a bit disappointed in the pickings. Most of the awesome stuff comes out on the 20th this month, so instead of doing my usual recommendations, I thought I’d try something different! Lately a lot of fun PV’s (Promotional Videos, i.e. Music Videos) have been released for upcoming songs/singles, and I’ll go through a few of my favorites here. These are mostly youtube links and the like, so they are under the “cut” so to speak.
Bennie K - Monochrome
2008.02.20 Release - Single “Monochrome”
Youtube link
I LOVE Yuki’s voice, and in this particular song, Cico’s part doesn’t bother me as much as it sometimes can. The two have a great blend, I will admit, and this PV really shows off their style and individual voices. I also like how everyone in the video is ignoring them, yet lip-synching along, and the (lack of) colors are beautiful!
Kato Miliyah - 19 Memories
2008.02.27 Release - Single “19 Memories”
Youtube link
The story-line of this PV, coupled with Miliyah’s amazing voice and heartfelt lyrics, is a really good combination and quite possibly a tear-jerker for some. The separate stories of the three girls, the awesome song, and the happy ending make this my favorite PV so far for this month, and make me really look forward to this single!
Utada Hikaru - Heart Station
2008.02.20 Release - Single “Heart Station / Stay Gold”
Youtube link
I really adore Utada’s voice, though I think this song is a little boring. Nevertheless, I’m really happy she’s releasing something! Maybe we’ll see a single by the end of the year…? One can hope, anyways!
YUI - Namidairo
2008.02.27 Release - Single “Namidairo”
Youtube link
Although a bunch of us YUI fans were really hoping for another release in the same vein as “Rolling star”, I still really like this PV and song. As you can maybe guess from the title, the song is a slow one, but the lyrics and melody are really pretty, and so I’m looking forward to the single! Also, looks like we’re getting an album in April! WOO!
You may have heard the word “aidoru” or “idol” a few times when you watch Japanese dramas or variety shows. Normally, an idol would mean someone who ’sets an example to the public’ or someone who ‘is highly adored’. In the Japanese industry though, what is exactly an idol?
An idol is (mostly) a female personality who is in her teens or twenties. Some males,
especially those in Johnny’s Jimusho, are referred to as idols, too, but the term is more accurately referring to females. Anyway, it is said that anyone can be an idol as long as she has the cute and feminine look, a nice body, proper dancing skills (enough to sway in correct rhythm to the music) and proper singing voice (enough to carry a simple tune). As an idol, a girl can do a wide range of projects: CDs, idol DVDs, dramas, small parts in movies, advertisements and magazines, and photobooks. Their agency profiles usually contains their age, blood type, body measurements and hobbies.
Before, the term idol refers to just any cute female celebrity. However, as time goes by, the term just becomes associated with teenage girls and their list of projects becomes more specific to the group. Because of the number of things an idol can do, a lot of categories for idols are developed depending on these things. An idol can specifically do just one of those categories or she can be an all-around idol. Here are some idol categories. Some because I don’t think I can name them all.
Really, this week was AWESOME in terms of releases; so many good ones! My favorites:
Ikimonogakari - Hana wa Sakura Kimi wa Utsukushi [Single]
Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: Global Yesasia // US Yesasia
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01. 花は桜君は美し (Hana wa Sakura Kimi wa Utsukushi) 02. 最後の放課後 (Saigo no Houkago) 03. 花は桜君は美し (Hana wa Sakura Kimi wa Utsukushi) -Instrumental- |
WOW, this is such a good song! I normally can’t handle too much Ikimonogakari in one sitting, but this song I’ve had on repeat since I first heard it! Such a pretty song, and as we’re in the home-stretch of winter, even more appropriate! Have the translation, kanji, and romaji if you’re interested!
mihimaru GT - diverge [Single]
Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: Global Yesasia // US Yesasia
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01. diverge 02. ええがな (Eegana) 03. diverge (Instrumental) 04. ええがな (Eegana) (Instrumental) |
I liked diverge when I listened to the PV, but I wouldn’t have guessed it would become such a favorite so quickly from that. I love the piano, and the melody, and really everything about the song. And of course, Eegana is quite good to as a b-side, though diverge is definitely awesome. I haven’t loved one of their songs so much since PUNKISH!
Tsuchiya Anna - cocoon [Single]
Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: Global Yesasia // US Yesasia
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01. cocoon 02. u 03. Guys (Cd Only) |
Ahhh, the way they layer her voice in cocoon gives me the goosebumps in that “whoa…” kinda way. I LOVE the chorus, and I’m really happy with this single, since I didn’t like Bubble Trip at all.
I’d love to go through all of the stuff this week that was awesome, but I’ll just mention the rest briefly:
CHEMISTRY - Face to Face [Album]: CHEMISTRY can be a little repetitive sometimes, but honestly this is just a really solid album. And hey, my favorite song Yakusoku no Basho is on there! WOO!
Koda Kumi - Kingdom [Album]: Yeah, yeah, everyone and their dog is writing about this one. I like the album, and it should come to my hot little hands in about 2 weeks. ‘Nuff said.
Stephanie - Friends [Single]: I didn’t really like her winter single, but in this one she really shows off the strength of her voice. Nice!
the pillows - Tokyo Bambi [Single]: although I like Ladybird girl better, this is still a great song, and fun too!
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