(the) Road to the Deep East
Down Down, a creep around you, set a road to the deep east, Down Down, a creep around you, setting a road to the deep east, Down Down.... SEE NEW WORLD!!
Some Release News(TSUYOSHI, YA-KYIM, Foxxi MisQ, and...)
April ends today. These 30 days were relatively inactive month for me. Amazingly, I didn't go to any concerts this month. If compared with my craziest live-freak-era, or honestly speaking, idol-otaku era, it's amazing I could endure for 30 days without any headbangings. But it must be the life what 30 year-old ossan should spend.
But it doesn't mean I forget music in this month, of course. I enjoyed Perfume's magnificent album, and I could find another talented music producer, Mr MAKAI. In addition, I haven't reported, but I could also enjoy the new album from Kato Miliyah. So, I can say I could enjoy music this month very much in April.
And even in May, there are still some intriguing releases, I can't overlook.
--
The happiest news is, finally, one of the greatest male Japanese singers is finally unleashed from indy world, and makes his major debut. TSUYOSHI from Nagoya.
Some Bennie K fans or SOUL'd OUT fans, or 2BACKKA fans (if there is among readers except for me ) may have known his name, with his collaboration works. Kokuhaku feat. 'TSUYOSHI from SOUL'd OUT(album:To all tha dreamers) Rensou Game from Bennie K(album:Bennie K show on the floor hen), Going my way feat TSUYOSHI from 2BACKKA.(album:TURN).
feat.. feat... feat. As these titles show, he was mainly active as a kind of studio singer for years while he is appearing regular hip-hop event called 'Unity.' But finally, in 2008, he made his debut from Victor Record on March 21th, with the first single, 'Yasashii Namida'.
Oricon is introducing him as 'most hopeful musicians in 2008', and you can see the clip of this single. (translation from tokyograph)
--
It's good news for Japanese music industry that very talented male singers (like Shimizu Shota) are discovered and given a chance in 2008. But of course, this phenomenon or tendency is occurring among female pop world.
On May 28th, YA-KYIM releases their 6th single, 'Super ☆Looper'. This female Japanese hip-hop trio has already released 3 albums from Sony Music, and they moved to Warner Music recently. And this single will be the first one from Warner. This song has already been used as a theme of a TV drama, and it's their first tie-up.
(clip from youtube)
Honestly speaking, I didn't like this song – the marching band-like drum beat is bizarre, and I prefer more upbeat ones like Elec-trick or Superstar from them. But for its couplings, 'Shin-kokyuu' and 'Can't help but wait – anata ni aitakute', I'd like to try this single and see how their new start is exactly like.
And after YA-KYIM, another hip-hop trio Foxxi MisQ releases the new single, 'Say you luv me – ai no koto ba' on July 2nd. As far as I read their blog, this single seems to be a ballad with a lot of strings. It's a bit sad that their single won't be the aggressive song like 'Ultimate Girl' or 'Tha F.Q. Style', but I'm also interested in how the ballad from their great producer, Face2Fake, is like.
--
That's not all. Actually, there is one more album I'm looking forward to. But the album is the one from different field, and I think nobody can guess from the tendency of this blog or ISA era. What is it? I just say, I liked his/her music very much, and I I thought I should write something about him/her here.
The answer will arrive at sometime in May, so please just guess.
...Oh wait. Just in case, I have to say it won't be lucky something. It's sad I can't review the song from the woman I used to love the best for her honor and my pride as a music fan, though...
Although this jacket is so attractive, the song is... the song is...ToT
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xkbA8_tPBKw
If Makai or Yasutaka or face2fake kindly produces her music, even if they marry to her, I will be paitient cutting my wrists again and again. What this Japanese Beyonce(wannabe) needs is Japanese Jay-Z, indeed.
But it doesn't mean I forget music in this month, of course. I enjoyed Perfume's magnificent album, and I could find another talented music producer, Mr MAKAI. In addition, I haven't reported, but I could also enjoy the new album from Kato Miliyah. So, I can say I could enjoy music this month very much in April.
And even in May, there are still some intriguing releases, I can't overlook.
--
The happiest news is, finally, one of the greatest male Japanese singers is finally unleashed from indy world, and makes his major debut. TSUYOSHI from Nagoya.
 |
Some Bennie K fans or SOUL'd OUT fans, or 2BACKKA fans (if there is among readers except for me ) may have known his name, with his collaboration works. Kokuhaku feat. 'TSUYOSHI from SOUL'd OUT(album:To all tha dreamers) Rensou Game from Bennie K(album:Bennie K show on the floor hen), Going my way feat TSUYOSHI from 2BACKKA.(album:TURN).
feat.. feat... feat. As these titles show, he was mainly active as a kind of studio singer for years while he is appearing regular hip-hop event called 'Unity.' But finally, in 2008, he made his debut from Victor Record on March 21th, with the first single, 'Yasashii Namida'.
Oricon is introducing him as 'most hopeful musicians in 2008', and you can see the clip of this single. (translation from tokyograph)
--
It's good news for Japanese music industry that very talented male singers (like Shimizu Shota) are discovered and given a chance in 2008. But of course, this phenomenon or tendency is occurring among female pop world.
On May 28th, YA-KYIM releases their 6th single, 'Super ☆Looper'. This female Japanese hip-hop trio has already released 3 albums from Sony Music, and they moved to Warner Music recently. And this single will be the first one from Warner. This song has already been used as a theme of a TV drama, and it's their first tie-up.
 |
(clip from youtube)
Honestly speaking, I didn't like this song – the marching band-like drum beat is bizarre, and I prefer more upbeat ones like Elec-trick or Superstar from them. But for its couplings, 'Shin-kokyuu' and 'Can't help but wait – anata ni aitakute', I'd like to try this single and see how their new start is exactly like.
And after YA-KYIM, another hip-hop trio Foxxi MisQ releases the new single, 'Say you luv me – ai no koto ba' on July 2nd. As far as I read their blog, this single seems to be a ballad with a lot of strings. It's a bit sad that their single won't be the aggressive song like 'Ultimate Girl' or 'Tha F.Q. Style', but I'm also interested in how the ballad from their great producer, Face2Fake, is like.
 |
--
That's not all. Actually, there is one more album I'm looking forward to. But the album is the one from different field, and I think nobody can guess from the tendency of this blog or ISA era. What is it? I just say, I liked his/her music very much, and I I thought I should write something about him/her here.
The answer will arrive at sometime in May, so please just guess.
...Oh wait. Just in case, I have to say it won't be lucky something. It's sad I can't review the song from the woman I used to love the best for her honor and my pride as a music fan, though...
 |
Although this jacket is so attractive, the song is... the song is...ToT
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xkbA8_tPBKw
If Makai or Yasutaka or face2fake kindly produces her music, even if they marry to her, I will be paitient cutting my wrists again and again. What this Japanese Beyonce(wannabe) needs is Japanese Jay-Z, indeed.
Mystery of Arrested Self-Styled Gravure Idol
As I reported days back, a woman who calls herself gravure idol was arrested in Akihabara on obscenity charges. And thanks to the Police investigation, it turned out this woman who had called herself 21 year-old was actually 30 years old.
This woman is still claiming that she is 22 years old on her blog. 'I can't be 30. If I were, nobody would offer me.' And to give the evidence that she is still 22 years old, she posted a picture of diploma from the university she graduated last year.
There are some mysterious points.
First, according to this picture, she was born on September 7th in 1985, and graduated university on March 26th in 2007. This means she graduated the university when she was 21 years old. However, in Japan, it is very hard to skip the grades even if he or she is a prodigy. Recently, some high schools are giving genius students the chance to skip the grade, but it is almost the only way to graduate the university at 21 years old.
There is still a chance that she is the case, but the university she graduated was the law department of Meiji University. I don't say Meiji University is a bad university. It's belong to a kind of top schools, and 85% of people in this country can't go. But it's bizarre that genius girl who could skip the grade at high school goes to Meiji. If I were her, I will wait one more year and go to Tokyo University. In addition, it's private school, so she can't save the money.
And one more fatally dubious point of this diploma is the name of the president of Meiji University. The name in this diploma Mr Yamada has already retired, and it was from 1999 to 2004 that Meiji students could get this diploma.
So... well, I reported about how idol agencies order photoshop engineers where to arrange photographs before, but it seems underground idols like her have to use photoshop by themselves, and they are very good at using it themselves.
And there is another clue that she is not 22 years old. The account of her blog is.. 'yukky1978.' I don't know what this number exactly means, but as a 30 years old man, I can say I was born in 1978.
It's still amazing a student who graduated Meiji university is doing such a stupid job now. But if is truely she is 30 years old, It's not so surprising. When she graduated Meiji, Japanese economy wa s at the worst situation in history, and it was very difficult to find a job even for Meiji graduates. (What is called Job-Searching Ice Age. ) She must be one of the casualties of this era.
By the way, after people pointed out these facts, she deleted the picture from her blog, and explained why she deleted the one.
"Meiji is not my final career. I wanna go to graduate schools from Waseda University or Keio University. What is called law school. It's very difficult to go with Meiji's level, so I want to study for one or two years. So, personally I think I haven't graduated it yet. "
... If she goes to law school, she should know there is a crime called forgery.
This woman is still claiming that she is 22 years old on her blog. 'I can't be 30. If I were, nobody would offer me.' And to give the evidence that she is still 22 years old, she posted a picture of diploma from the university she graduated last year.
There are some mysterious points.
First, according to this picture, she was born on September 7th in 1985, and graduated university on March 26th in 2007. This means she graduated the university when she was 21 years old. However, in Japan, it is very hard to skip the grades even if he or she is a prodigy. Recently, some high schools are giving genius students the chance to skip the grade, but it is almost the only way to graduate the university at 21 years old.
There is still a chance that she is the case, but the university she graduated was the law department of Meiji University. I don't say Meiji University is a bad university. It's belong to a kind of top schools, and 85% of people in this country can't go. But it's bizarre that genius girl who could skip the grade at high school goes to Meiji. If I were her, I will wait one more year and go to Tokyo University. In addition, it's private school, so she can't save the money.
And one more fatally dubious point of this diploma is the name of the president of Meiji University. The name in this diploma Mr Yamada has already retired, and it was from 1999 to 2004 that Meiji students could get this diploma.
So... well, I reported about how idol agencies order photoshop engineers where to arrange photographs before, but it seems underground idols like her have to use photoshop by themselves, and they are very good at using it themselves.
And there is another clue that she is not 22 years old. The account of her blog is.. 'yukky1978.' I don't know what this number exactly means, but as a 30 years old man, I can say I was born in 1978.
It's still amazing a student who graduated Meiji university is doing such a stupid job now. But if is truely she is 30 years old, It's not so surprising. When she graduated Meiji, Japanese economy wa s at the worst situation in history, and it was very difficult to find a job even for Meiji graduates. (What is called Job-Searching Ice Age. ) She must be one of the casualties of this era.
By the way, after people pointed out these facts, she deleted the picture from her blog, and explained why she deleted the one.
"Meiji is not my final career. I wanna go to graduate schools from Waseda University or Keio University. What is called law school. It's very difficult to go with Meiji's level, so I want to study for one or two years. So, personally I think I haven't graduated it yet. "
... If she goes to law school, she should know there is a crime called forgery.
Beat Takeshi Criticizes the Relay Runner Comedian
Comedian Beat Takeshi, orKitano Takeshi generally known as movie director , criticized the comedian who became the runner for Beijing Olympic 2008.
This runner was Hagimoto Kinichi, 66 years-old, widely known as 'Kin-chan'. This veteran is the person who was very popular in 70s to early 80s, just before Beat Takeshi became popular as a comedian. I'd say, in Japanese comedy history, before Beat Takeshi era, there was Kin-chan era.
*Quick Reference: Japanese Comedy History after WW2
60s Crazy Cats era
70s Kin-chan era
80s Beat Takeshi Era
90s Down Town(Matsumoto Hitoshi) Era
00s ??
Kin-chan was selected as the runner of this most controversial relay in the world. While he was running, some protestants throw something to him, but except for that, he didn't do anything, and finished his part, without anything special.
But this point and this attendance to this relay made Takeshi as a comedian mad. In an essay in Tokyo Sports, Takeshi said:
'I said (when he heard Hagimoto wold be the runner) 'Escape with the toach', but why didn't he do? He's baka.
If I were him, I would put the fire out, or dive into the water, and I would be just thinking about gaging. Why doesn't he do something? He is crazy. Although he is a comedian, he is always thinking of love and tears. It's just fishy. There aren't any comedies.
He adores Charles Chaplin, but if he does, it's crazy to become a relay runner this time, if we think about the Tibetan human rights. He should do some performance. For example, when he put his sweat off, the letters 'Save Tibet' appears. He's not funny.'
--
Some might think he criticizes Hagimoto just for his policy, but it seems that it's not political one, but just his policy as a comedian. He continues, 'Comedy is basically rebellious, isn't it? Comedians who flatters to the system is not funny. Leave it to Mr Hoshino (Senichi, the manager of national baseball team who also became the runner.) '
And to declare his neutral position, he also criticizes Zenkoji temple, who refused to set the start in the temple. 'They should made a cow the relay runner. 'Go to Zenko-ji led by a cows.' (* Old proverb means to go to somewhere with a wrong guide and misunderstanding. ) If they did , nobody would have interfered the relay, because nobody can't stop the cow. And it's very suitable style for Japanese.'
So, it seems he just thought the phenomenon caused in the country with the visit of Torch Relay is boring, and as an ex-Japanese representative comedian, he thought there is more smart and humorous way to protest against China.
Anyway, now I'm relieved that this 61 year-old comedian and movie director hasn't forgot the spirit of comedian. Especially, his words, 'Comedy is always rebellious' are so true. It looks no other younger Japanese comedians are joking about this weired situation, but Takeshi did as Beat Takeshi.
And this essay also infers that he hadn't become a boring old man like the relay runner. Especially, I liked the reference of Zenkoji cow. It is said he is preparing the next movie, but now I'm very looking forward to it as a Kitano Takeshi fan.
This runner was Hagimoto Kinichi, 66 years-old, widely known as 'Kin-chan'. This veteran is the person who was very popular in 70s to early 80s, just before Beat Takeshi became popular as a comedian. I'd say, in Japanese comedy history, before Beat Takeshi era, there was Kin-chan era.
*Quick Reference: Japanese Comedy History after WW2
60s Crazy Cats era
70s Kin-chan era
80s Beat Takeshi Era
90s Down Town(Matsumoto Hitoshi) Era
00s ??
Kin-chan was selected as the runner of this most controversial relay in the world. While he was running, some protestants throw something to him, but except for that, he didn't do anything, and finished his part, without anything special.
But this point and this attendance to this relay made Takeshi as a comedian mad. In an essay in Tokyo Sports, Takeshi said:
'I said (when he heard Hagimoto wold be the runner) 'Escape with the toach', but why didn't he do? He's baka.
If I were him, I would put the fire out, or dive into the water, and I would be just thinking about gaging. Why doesn't he do something? He is crazy. Although he is a comedian, he is always thinking of love and tears. It's just fishy. There aren't any comedies.
He adores Charles Chaplin, but if he does, it's crazy to become a relay runner this time, if we think about the Tibetan human rights. He should do some performance. For example, when he put his sweat off, the letters 'Save Tibet' appears. He's not funny.'
--
Some might think he criticizes Hagimoto just for his policy, but it seems that it's not political one, but just his policy as a comedian. He continues, 'Comedy is basically rebellious, isn't it? Comedians who flatters to the system is not funny. Leave it to Mr Hoshino (Senichi, the manager of national baseball team who also became the runner.) '
And to declare his neutral position, he also criticizes Zenkoji temple, who refused to set the start in the temple. 'They should made a cow the relay runner. 'Go to Zenko-ji led by a cows.' (* Old proverb means to go to somewhere with a wrong guide and misunderstanding. ) If they did , nobody would have interfered the relay, because nobody can't stop the cow. And it's very suitable style for Japanese.'
So, it seems he just thought the phenomenon caused in the country with the visit of Torch Relay is boring, and as an ex-Japanese representative comedian, he thought there is more smart and humorous way to protest against China.
Anyway, now I'm relieved that this 61 year-old comedian and movie director hasn't forgot the spirit of comedian. Especially, his words, 'Comedy is always rebellious' are so true. It looks no other younger Japanese comedians are joking about this weired situation, but Takeshi did as Beat Takeshi.
And this essay also infers that he hadn't become a boring old man like the relay runner. Especially, I liked the reference of Zenkoji cow. It is said he is preparing the next movie, but now I'm very looking forward to it as a Kitano Takeshi fan.
'Transferred' Gravure Idol Killed Herself
Recently, an instant recipe for a suicide is spreading among young people in Japan, and many young Japanese are killing themselves with this recipe. It is a combination of some detergents and bath cleaner, and the hydrogen sulfide caused by chemical reaction between them can kill a human being. But just like other kind of gas suicides, it can involve other people in neighborhood, hence this suicide is becoming a social problem in Japan. The Police had already forbidden to sell bath cleaner which includes sulfa to dubious customers. It seems I have to go abroad when I want to wash my bath.
And now, according to Tokyo Sports, it turned out one of casualties of this gas suicide was an ex-gravure idol who transferred to AV idol last February.
This 22 years old woman had been a stages actress when she was a high school student. Later, she entered in the show business world, and until recently, she'd been active as a gravure idol. However, she couldn't become so popular, and this February, she challenged to a porn video. And thanks to her past career, she could become one of popular actresses.
But it seems this change and transfer was a stress to her, and on March 18th, she killed herself in a bath room at her apartment. Before she passed away, it is rumored that she had notified her suicide on her blog, but her agency has already closed it, so there are no means to confirm it.
--
Personally, for some reasons, I knew about this AV idol, but never knew that she was a genuine gravure idol before. Just like av gals recently(like Aoki Rin), I'd thought it is just a fixed and planned promotion activity that she was a gravure idol before her AV debut.
Actually, she was a kind of famous gravure idol who had a certain number of fans, and she transfered for real. When she made her AV debut, some fans who had supported her from her gravure-era felt that they were betrayed by her. And those ex-fans began to accuse her on the Internet. And it seems she couldn't stand this bashing.
If I were Christ, I would say: 'How did you use her photo books? If there is a person without onanie among them, let him first cast a stone at her...' First, I couldn't understand why her fans had to get angry about the av debut of gravure idol they love.
But later, as an ex-idol otaku, I could understand. These fans may be wishing more than gravure idols on her, and they were just wishing her to become an actress or a famous TV star, just as many successful gravure idols do. But this too much love killed her in the end.
--
In addition, and not only fans' accuse, it seems she was not belonging to a good agency in AV industry.
Usually, AV gals starts from moderate ones, and challenge to hardcore later. For example, there is a 18 years old AV gal named Itagaki Azusa, who also transfered from gravure world to AV world recently. Her debut work was very moderate one in which Azusa makes love as if she does with her boyfriend , and even after 6 months since her debut, she hasn't experienced gang-bang rape yet.
However, as for this transfered gravure idol's case, she debuted in a bizarre work in which she had to have sex while her female friend is watching her, and had to challenge to gang-bang rape in the second work. So, just like fans' anger, her career was not controlled propery by the agency.
To make the matter worse, even after her death, this agency is selling her videos publicly on the Internet, although they deleted her blog from the same Web site. When somebody purchase her videos, will the money go to her bereaved family? I don't think so. I remeber this happened when another famous AV actress was found dead in 2000 in a very mysterious way. (details).
Only the thing I can say is, 'Don't become an AV girl, women.' I wish all AV were yakuza free, and all AV idols could become happier in a garden of love.
And now, according to Tokyo Sports, it turned out one of casualties of this gas suicide was an ex-gravure idol who transferred to AV idol last February.
This 22 years old woman had been a stages actress when she was a high school student. Later, she entered in the show business world, and until recently, she'd been active as a gravure idol. However, she couldn't become so popular, and this February, she challenged to a porn video. And thanks to her past career, she could become one of popular actresses.
But it seems this change and transfer was a stress to her, and on March 18th, she killed herself in a bath room at her apartment. Before she passed away, it is rumored that she had notified her suicide on her blog, but her agency has already closed it, so there are no means to confirm it.
--
Personally, for some reasons, I knew about this AV idol, but never knew that she was a genuine gravure idol before. Just like av gals recently(like Aoki Rin), I'd thought it is just a fixed and planned promotion activity that she was a gravure idol before her AV debut.
Actually, she was a kind of famous gravure idol who had a certain number of fans, and she transfered for real. When she made her AV debut, some fans who had supported her from her gravure-era felt that they were betrayed by her. And those ex-fans began to accuse her on the Internet. And it seems she couldn't stand this bashing.
If I were Christ, I would say: 'How did you use her photo books? If there is a person without onanie among them, let him first cast a stone at her...' First, I couldn't understand why her fans had to get angry about the av debut of gravure idol they love.
But later, as an ex-idol otaku, I could understand. These fans may be wishing more than gravure idols on her, and they were just wishing her to become an actress or a famous TV star, just as many successful gravure idols do. But this too much love killed her in the end.
--
In addition, and not only fans' accuse, it seems she was not belonging to a good agency in AV industry.
Usually, AV gals starts from moderate ones, and challenge to hardcore later. For example, there is a 18 years old AV gal named Itagaki Azusa, who also transfered from gravure world to AV world recently. Her debut work was very moderate one in which Azusa makes love as if she does with her boyfriend , and even after 6 months since her debut, she hasn't experienced gang-bang rape yet.
However, as for this transfered gravure idol's case, she debuted in a bizarre work in which she had to have sex while her female friend is watching her, and had to challenge to gang-bang rape in the second work. So, just like fans' anger, her career was not controlled propery by the agency.
To make the matter worse, even after her death, this agency is selling her videos publicly on the Internet, although they deleted her blog from the same Web site. When somebody purchase her videos, will the money go to her bereaved family? I don't think so. I remeber this happened when another famous AV actress was found dead in 2000 in a very mysterious way. (details).
Only the thing I can say is, 'Don't become an AV girl, women.' I wish all AV were yakuza free, and all AV idols could become happier in a garden of love.
Garden of Love
When I introduced Aoyama Thelma couples of weeks back, some said the songs from her first album were boring. Certainly, a month passed by, I have to admit that I didn't listen to her song so frequently, especially after 'Game' arrived at my house.
Then, now I'd like to recommend, how about this song?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6eyNtr5fbI
As a theme of a commercial film of famous shoes shop chain, this song is very frequently repeated in this country, so I'd already recognized this song, but I didn't know that this song was sung by Thelma until very recently.
This song, 'Garden of Love' is written and arranged by 29 year-old house musician, MAKAI from Fukuoka. He started his music activity as a club DJ in later 90s, and released his first indy album, 'Frontier' in 2004. After he released 2nd 'Stay true' in 2006. This year, he released his major debut album 'Garden' including this 'Garden of Love'.
I listened to 'Frontier' and 'Garden of Love' (maybe try 'stay true' later), and it seems I could find another hopeful song writer in Japan.
Just like 'Garden of Love' He is very good at mixing house music, which sometimes goes a bit snobbish and too sophisticated, with vocal tracks, and this combination is creating his very unique own world. He is also good at remixing some music materials from different genres. For example, 'Move Your Feeling' reminds me of latin, and 'Take me into your heart' reminds me of fusion.
I think this inconstant references from a lot of genres is the one of the good points of Japanese music, and musicians I like always have this sense. For example, Tsunku in early era, and Oshima Kosuke when he had been talented, Shinnosuke from Soul'd out, and needless to say, our Nakata Yasutaka. Then, it looks this Mr Makai can become the 'post Yasutaka' to me.
But if I find faults with his works, the bad point is the lyrics fromhim Thelma.
In my garden of love
You are my blue sky
In my garden of love
you are my sunshine
In the garden of love
you are my rainbow
Oh and its just you and me and we live in the garden of love.
...it's typical English in JPOP, which reminded me of Komuro Tetsuya after years, but what a boring garden she is mentioning about... I prefer living in the electro world to this garden then.
But it's house music, so nobody listens to the lyrics seriously, so it might not so strange. I can say his music is good, so if liked the track 'Garden of Love', you'd better try this album.
[EDIT]
After I recognized this 'Garden of Love' lyrics were litten by Thelma, I renewed my impression that she is like a teenager, although she is 20 years old, not just for her voice. The garden of love flyingn in the sky, over the rainbow... it seems to me a fantasy of teenag girl, and adults who got tired of the reality of this world can't think of that. Now I assume her mental age is around 15.
Then, now I'd like to recommend, how about this song?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6eyNtr5fbI
As a theme of a commercial film of famous shoes shop chain, this song is very frequently repeated in this country, so I'd already recognized this song, but I didn't know that this song was sung by Thelma until very recently.
This song, 'Garden of Love' is written and arranged by 29 year-old house musician, MAKAI from Fukuoka. He started his music activity as a club DJ in later 90s, and released his first indy album, 'Frontier' in 2004. After he released 2nd 'Stay true' in 2006. This year, he released his major debut album 'Garden' including this 'Garden of Love'.
I listened to 'Frontier' and 'Garden of Love' (maybe try 'stay true' later), and it seems I could find another hopeful song writer in Japan.
Just like 'Garden of Love' He is very good at mixing house music, which sometimes goes a bit snobbish and too sophisticated, with vocal tracks, and this combination is creating his very unique own world. He is also good at remixing some music materials from different genres. For example, 'Move Your Feeling' reminds me of latin, and 'Take me into your heart' reminds me of fusion.
I think this inconstant references from a lot of genres is the one of the good points of Japanese music, and musicians I like always have this sense. For example, Tsunku in early era, and Oshima Kosuke when he had been talented, Shinnosuke from Soul'd out, and needless to say, our Nakata Yasutaka. Then, it looks this Mr Makai can become the 'post Yasutaka' to me.
But if I find faults with his works, the bad point is the lyrics from
In my garden of love
You are my blue sky
In my garden of love
you are my sunshine
In the garden of love
you are my rainbow
Oh and its just you and me and we live in the garden of love.
...it's typical English in JPOP, which reminded me of Komuro Tetsuya after years, but what a boring garden she is mentioning about... I prefer living in the electro world to this garden then.
But it's house music, so nobody listens to the lyrics seriously, so it might not so strange. I can say his music is good, so if liked the track 'Garden of Love', you'd better try this album.
 |
[EDIT]
After I recognized this 'Garden of Love' lyrics were litten by Thelma, I renewed my impression that she is like a teenager, although she is 20 years old, not just for her voice. The garden of love flyingn in the sky, over the rainbow... it seems to me a fantasy of teenag girl, and adults who got tired of the reality of this world can't think of that. Now I assume her mental age is around 15.
31 year-old gravure idol arrested in Akihabara
According to some news, on April 20th , in Akihabara, a 31 year-old woman was arrested on obscenity charges after she showed her lingerie off the crowd on the street.
Seeing this title, some might think it's a tale of Hoshino Aki, but of course, it's not. But this woman was a kind of famous people in Akihabara. This woman, Sawaki Asuka often posed in lingeries on the street for amateur photographers in Akihabara. And whenever she held this 'street photo shooting event, lot of idol otakus who visit there for other idols gathered around her with bazooka cameras in their hands.
The police had warned her over year because it interferes the traffic so terribly, but she didn't obey, and it finally arrested her last Sunday.
( tbs news)
http://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye3837192.html
(her blog & pictures from there)
http://blog.livedoor.jp/asukasawamoto/archives/2008-04.html
.. it seems it is no wonder that she was arrested.
But the most interesting point of this news is, her age. When she was active as an amateur gravure idol, she had said she is 22 years old. Certainly, she looks as such. However, thanks to this arrest, it turned out she was actually 31 years old. Just as old as Hoshino Aki. Were those amateur camera guys interested in this woman if they had known this fact? I'm not sure, but it's certain even she is freed from the police and holds the same event in Akihabara again, exactly the same audience won't gather again there.
I remember this kind of unnecessary coverage happened to an actress who won at trial. It's sure the police is always an enemy to idols, or people in show business in Japan.Yakuzas are always their friends.
Anyway, it looks finally the hammer was fallen on this corrupted computer city, The police is now going to control all the excessive otaku performances in Akihabara. As a sane people, I'm happy for that, but if you are a tourist, you'd better be hurry before all the bizarreness and exoticism disappears from Akihabara. (AKB theater will remain, and you can go and feel the similar one for 2000 yens, though.)
[Updated]
After she stayed at police station for one night, she was freed, and updated her blog. After she complains about the lack of fruits at the lockup, she denied the police reported she is actually 30 years old. But will the Police tell a lie in a public document?? I don't think so.
http://blog.livedoor.jp/asukasawamoto/archives/51334564.html
It seems she wasn't charged with anything actually, and she is willing to continue her activity , so you may be able to see this scenery again in Akihabara again.
Seeing this title, some might think it's a tale of Hoshino Aki, but of course, it's not. But this woman was a kind of famous people in Akihabara. This woman, Sawaki Asuka often posed in lingeries on the street for amateur photographers in Akihabara. And whenever she held this 'street photo shooting event, lot of idol otakus who visit there for other idols gathered around her with bazooka cameras in their hands.
The police had warned her over year because it interferes the traffic so terribly, but she didn't obey, and it finally arrested her last Sunday.
( tbs news)
http://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye3837192.html
(her blog & pictures from there)
http://blog.livedoor.jp/asukasawamoto/archives/2008-04.html
.. it seems it is no wonder that she was arrested.
But the most interesting point of this news is, her age. When she was active as an amateur gravure idol, she had said she is 22 years old. Certainly, she looks as such. However, thanks to this arrest, it turned out she was actually 31 years old. Just as old as Hoshino Aki. Were those amateur camera guys interested in this woman if they had known this fact? I'm not sure, but it's certain even she is freed from the police and holds the same event in Akihabara again, exactly the same audience won't gather again there.
I remember this kind of unnecessary coverage happened to an actress who won at trial. It's sure the police is always an enemy to idols, or people in show business in Japan.
Anyway, it looks finally the hammer was fallen on this corrupted computer city, The police is now going to control all the excessive otaku performances in Akihabara. As a sane people, I'm happy for that, but if you are a tourist, you'd better be hurry before all the bizarreness and exoticism disappears from Akihabara. (AKB theater will remain, and you can go and feel the similar one for 2000 yens, though.)
[Updated]
After she stayed at police station for one night, she was freed, and updated her blog. After she complains about the lack of fruits at the lockup, she denied the police reported she is actually 30 years old. But will the Police tell a lie in a public document?? I don't think so.
http://blog.livedoor.jp/asukasawamoto/archives/51334564.html
It seems she wasn't charged with anything actually, and she is willing to continue her activity , so you may be able to see this scenery again in Akihabara again.
Series THE IDOL OTAKU M@STER Part7 - Special Ending(the first part)
( continues from Part6. Part5 Part4 Part3 Part2 Part1)
Now we could know about 10 kinds of goals of this video game. (4 bad endings, 1 normal, and 5 happy endings.) However, some video game players who love this genre (what is called gal-game or ero-game) may think, 'Can't I fall in love with idol girls??'
If it were in reality. I just say, 'Absolutely Impossible.' However, as I repeat in this series, this is just a game. So, I say, Barely Possible. And this ending to fall in love with idol girl is the most difficult ending to see, and you have to be acquainted to this game. But I'm introducing this video game for over one month here. So I think for readers of this series, it won't be so hard to see this Special Ending.
(spoiler warning)
The road to Special Ending consists of some 'irregular events.' They were like hurdles which separate you from your idol, and you have to go through them somehow until the goal.
Irregular Event #3 Happy Merry Christmas
Requirements(player)
Money > 100,000
Love > 90
Don't have girlfriends
Requirements(idol)
50 < Fame < 70
On Christmas day, you think of sending a Christmas gift to your idol as a token of your love. Luckily, on this special the idol you like holds a handshake event at an amusement park in Odaiba. Then you go to the amusement park, and support the idol you love. Seeing a lot of otakus gathered at the amusement park on the Christmas day, other people at the venue, couples and families, laughed at you. But you don't have to care, because you are just loving a woman in a different way from them.
Then, the handshake time comes, and you give the gift to the idol. She just says' Arigatou gozaimasu~(thank you)', and in the very next time she starts to talk with other guy, but you are satisfied with what you did.
--
This is the first step. This event must not be so difficult to see. The things you have to care are money and love, just like many people in the world before Christmas. When your love is not enough, please do onanie before Christmas comes. But you also have to watch out: Don't make girlfriends before Christmas Day. When you have girlfriend, she appears to spoil your idol love and just boring date starts. To make the matter worse, you can't choose Love Hotel then. (It's very busy on this day in Japan.)
--
Irregular Event #4 Valentine Day Kiss
Requirements(player)
See 'Happy Merry Christmas' before
Love>90
Requirement (idol)
Fame < 70
.
It's two months after the Chrismas, it's St Valentine's Day. You don't have girl friends (*See the requirements of the Christmas Event), so chocolate exchanging is not your business. However, when you back to your home alone, without any chocolates, you find a package. Amazingly, it is a V-day gift from your idol!! As a return of your Christmas gift, she sent a chocolate back to you.
The size of the chocolate you receive depends of the 'Love' parameter of the idol girl. When the idol's love is under 10, it'll be a just candy with a card wish just ' thanks.'
But the more the idol love , the bigger the chocolate becomes. And when the love becomes more than 70, it becomes handmade one. And when the love is more than 90, you can get 'honmei' (favorite) chocolate, with the longest letter to you.
--
To experience both of two irregular events, and to get 'honmei chocolate' from the idol girl are the minimum requirements to go to the Special Ending.
What will happen then?
Irregular Event #5 Abrupt visit...
Requirements (player)
See 'Happy Merry Xmas'
Get honmei chocolate on St Valentine's day
Love=100
Requirements (idol)
Love=100, Stress=90, Fame<70
On the last day of this video game, the miracle happens. It is raining hard. When you come back to your home at night, you saw a woman who is leaning on a telegraph poll in front of your house, without using umbrella. Amazingly, it was she.
And...
Now we could know about 10 kinds of goals of this video game. (4 bad endings, 1 normal, and 5 happy endings.) However, some video game players who love this genre (what is called gal-game or ero-game) may think, 'Can't I fall in love with idol girls??'
If it were in reality. I just say, 'Absolutely Impossible.' However, as I repeat in this series, this is just a game. So, I say, Barely Possible. And this ending to fall in love with idol girl is the most difficult ending to see, and you have to be acquainted to this game. But I'm introducing this video game for over one month here. So I think for readers of this series, it won't be so hard to see this Special Ending.
(spoiler warning)
The road to Special Ending consists of some 'irregular events.' They were like hurdles which separate you from your idol, and you have to go through them somehow until the goal.
Irregular Event #3 Happy Merry Christmas
Requirements(player)
Money > 100,000
Love > 90
Don't have girlfriends
Requirements(idol)
50 < Fame < 70
On Christmas day, you think of sending a Christmas gift to your idol as a token of your love. Luckily, on this special the idol you like holds a handshake event at an amusement park in Odaiba. Then you go to the amusement park, and support the idol you love. Seeing a lot of otakus gathered at the amusement park on the Christmas day, other people at the venue, couples and families, laughed at you. But you don't have to care, because you are just loving a woman in a different way from them.
Then, the handshake time comes, and you give the gift to the idol. She just says' Arigatou gozaimasu~(thank you)', and in the very next time she starts to talk with other guy, but you are satisfied with what you did.
--
This is the first step. This event must not be so difficult to see. The things you have to care are money and love, just like many people in the world before Christmas. When your love is not enough, please do onanie before Christmas comes. But you also have to watch out: Don't make girlfriends before Christmas Day. When you have girlfriend, she appears to spoil your idol love and just boring date starts. To make the matter worse, you can't choose Love Hotel then. (It's very busy on this day in Japan.)
--
Irregular Event #4 Valentine Day Kiss
Requirements(player)
See 'Happy Merry Christmas' before
Love>90
Requirement (idol)
Fame < 70
.
It's two months after the Chrismas, it's St Valentine's Day. You don't have girl friends (*See the requirements of the Christmas Event), so chocolate exchanging is not your business. However, when you back to your home alone, without any chocolates, you find a package. Amazingly, it is a V-day gift from your idol!! As a return of your Christmas gift, she sent a chocolate back to you.
The size of the chocolate you receive depends of the 'Love' parameter of the idol girl. When the idol's love is under 10, it'll be a just candy with a card wish just ' thanks.'
But the more the idol love , the bigger the chocolate becomes. And when the love becomes more than 70, it becomes handmade one. And when the love is more than 90, you can get 'honmei' (favorite) chocolate, with the longest letter to you.
--
To experience both of two irregular events, and to get 'honmei chocolate' from the idol girl are the minimum requirements to go to the Special Ending.
What will happen then?
Irregular Event #5 Abrupt visit...
Requirements (player)
See 'Happy Merry Xmas'
Get honmei chocolate on St Valentine's day
Love=100
Requirements (idol)
Love=100, Stress=90, Fame<70
On the last day of this video game, the miracle happens. It is raining hard. When you come back to your home at night, you saw a woman who is leaning on a telegraph poll in front of your house, without using umbrella. Amazingly, it was she.
And...
Perfume #1 (Weekly)!!! -updated
(Just a short quick note. I may update if when I could find more details.)
According to Sanspo, it was confirmed that Perfume's latest album 'GAME' will be at #1 on Weekly charts. It is after 24 years and 11 month that the album from techno becomes #1 in Oricon history.
The techno artist who got #1 before Perfume was Yellow Magic Orchestra( YMO) lead by Sakamoto Ryuichi, needless to say, one of the founders of the genre techno itself. In other words It was not Denki Groove, Ken Ishii, nor even capsule, but Perfume who could became as popular as YMO in Japan.
I'm now very interested in what our Nakata Yasutaka is thinking about this achievement. Does he envy Perfume as a member of capsule? It seems it is apparent he gonna be the richest musician anyway though. I remember he owns two Nintendo Wii machines, but now he can buy 2,000 PS3. (4.22)
[Updated, 4.23]
Oricon News has a detailed article.
http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/53959/full/
According to it, the number of the sales was 154,000 copies.
It has already been enough to be awareded a gold disc in Japan(100,000). Needless to say, it's almost tripple of ℃-ute or Morning Musume's recent albums. It'll be a matter of time that they'll get a platinum disk.(250,000).
And the miracle occurred to perfume was not only this amazing number of sales. Yesterday, they were invited to a famous radio show from a rock musician and model, Kimura Kaera. However, due to a train accident (Kaera was not injured, though), Kaera couldn't come to the studio, and then members of Perfume hosted the radio show instead of her.
The train accident was true one which happened in reality , so it's not gimmic to sell Perfume. So, now I feel the God of music, or muse, is blessing Perfume.
According to Sanspo, it was confirmed that Perfume's latest album 'GAME' will be at #1 on Weekly charts. It is after 24 years and 11 month that the album from techno becomes #1 in Oricon history.
The techno artist who got #1 before Perfume was Yellow Magic Orchestra( YMO) lead by Sakamoto Ryuichi, needless to say, one of the founders of the genre techno itself. In other words It was not Denki Groove, Ken Ishii, nor even capsule, but Perfume who could became as popular as YMO in Japan.
I'm now very interested in what our Nakata Yasutaka is thinking about this achievement. Does he envy Perfume as a member of capsule? It seems it is apparent he gonna be the richest musician anyway though. I remember he owns two Nintendo Wii machines, but now he can buy 2,000 PS3. (4.22)
[Updated, 4.23]
Oricon News has a detailed article.
http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/53959/full/
According to it, the number of the sales was 154,000 copies.
It has already been enough to be awareded a gold disc in Japan(100,000). Needless to say, it's almost tripple of ℃-ute or Morning Musume's recent albums. It'll be a matter of time that they'll get a platinum disk.(250,000).
And the miracle occurred to perfume was not only this amazing number of sales. Yesterday, they were invited to a famous radio show from a rock musician and model, Kimura Kaera. However, due to a train accident (Kaera was not injured, though), Kaera couldn't come to the studio, and then members of Perfume hosted the radio show instead of her.
The train accident was true one which happened in reality , so it's not gimmic to sell Perfume. So, now I feel the God of music, or muse, is blessing Perfume.
Saaya worries about China again
According to ameba news, the girl who rescued us from Japan-China crisis 3 years ago is now troubled herself about the recent circumstance between China and Tibet.
(article & picture)
http://news.ameba.jp/entertainment/2008/04/13070.html
The girl who was known as '11 year-old F-cup' is now a 14 years old high school student wannabe. It seems she has grown up very naturally, and beautifully in 3 years. And her boobs are just being okay, although her height became 1cm shorter than last year.
She held a memorial event of her latest DVD, 'SA-YA' in Akihabara last Saturday, and at the press conference held after the event, one reporter who knows about her legend 3 years ago asked, 'What do you think about the confusion in China recently?'
She answered, 'I don't know about the previous one well, because it happened when I didn't know about it well. But I think I have to do something.(dounika shinai to ne)'
--
Will she take some reaction to Tibet-China problem by herself??
Actually, the last phrase she answered 'Dounika shinai to ne' is confusing. It's a typical usage of ambiguous Japanese Language, which sometimes omits the subject. It can be taken for both 'I have to do something' and 'I just wish things go well'. But , thinking in common sense term, she must have just said 'I wish the problem between China and Tibet will be solved somehow. '
But if she does something on her own will, it must be wonderful. It's not bad to go to Zenko-ji temple and protect Japanese monks from Chinese, shouting:''This is a holy place!! Please get away!!' ... of course, in bikini. And it's also good attend some demonstlation as a representative of angry Japanese teens... of course, in bikini.
(* Zenko-ji refused to set the start position of torch relay in the temple, and it is being attacked by Chinese.)
Anyways, there is one thing for sure. Three years ago, when she was 11-year-old F-cup, she couldn't understand what is going on while her picture was used by some Japanese Web users as political eye-candy to console angry Chinese people. However, now, as a 14-year-old-F-cup, she can understand, something wrong is occurring in China, and she is worrying about the peace of the world.
This internal growth of Saaya just shocks me. But I'm feeling some happiness at the same time, just like an uncle who meets his nephew first in three years. The girl whom I thought was the most beautiful and hopeful girl in this world is now getting a sprout of intelligence, or internal beauty.
It is almost two years since I lost interest on Saaya for her too otakky and music-less activity. But if she holds a demonstration, I'd like to go and attend to it, of course, in bikini.
(article & picture)
http://news.ameba.jp/entertainment/2008/04/13070.html
The girl who was known as '11 year-old F-cup' is now a 14 years old high school student wannabe. It seems she has grown up very naturally, and beautifully in 3 years. And her boobs are just being okay, although her height became 1cm shorter than last year.
She held a memorial event of her latest DVD, 'SA-YA' in Akihabara last Saturday, and at the press conference held after the event, one reporter who knows about her legend 3 years ago asked, 'What do you think about the confusion in China recently?'
She answered, 'I don't know about the previous one well, because it happened when I didn't know about it well. But I think I have to do something.(dounika shinai to ne)'
--
Will she take some reaction to Tibet-China problem by herself??
Actually, the last phrase she answered 'Dounika shinai to ne' is confusing. It's a typical usage of ambiguous Japanese Language, which sometimes omits the subject. It can be taken for both 'I have to do something' and 'I just wish things go well'. But , thinking in common sense term, she must have just said 'I wish the problem between China and Tibet will be solved somehow. '
But if she does something on her own will, it must be wonderful. It's not bad to go to Zenko-ji temple and protect Japanese monks from Chinese, shouting:''This is a holy place!! Please get away!!' ... of course, in bikini. And it's also good attend some demonstlation as a representative of angry Japanese teens... of course, in bikini.
(* Zenko-ji refused to set the start position of torch relay in the temple, and it is being attacked by Chinese.)
Anyways, there is one thing for sure. Three years ago, when she was 11-year-old F-cup, she couldn't understand what is going on while her picture was used by some Japanese Web users as political eye-candy to console angry Chinese people. However, now, as a 14-year-old-F-cup, she can understand, something wrong is occurring in China, and she is worrying about the peace of the world.
This internal growth of Saaya just shocks me. But I'm feeling some happiness at the same time, just like an uncle who meets his nephew first in three years. The girl whom I thought was the most beautiful and hopeful girl in this world is now getting a sprout of intelligence, or internal beauty.
It is almost two years since I lost interest on Saaya for her too otakky and music-less activity. But if she holds a demonstration, I'd like to go and attend to it, of course, in bikini.
TOTO Scolded SMAP -How old rock stars look at JPOP
Shukan Bunshun is reporting an interesting happening occurred during the recording of SMAP's TV show.
According to it, SMAP invited a world-famous musician to their TV show, SMAPxSMAP last month. And in this show, they collaborated and performed their representative songs together. Then, the guitarist of the group got angry about the quality of SMAP's singing, and he suddenly stopped playing the guitar and left the stage. Then, other member from TO... no, the world-famous progressive rock group calmed his anger, and he came back, and the recording was taken place. However, before members of SMAP sang again, they had to take a one-hour vocal lesson from him. I can imagine faces of SMAP members were like 'ToT' then.
Why did Steve Lukather get angry about SMAP? Well, maybe he was simply disappointed at the vocal ability of SMAP. Maybe he was introduced SMAP by their agent or the producer of the show like this; 'You are going to perform with one of Japanese representative singers!!' 'How does their music like?' 'Well... well, Japanese Backstreet Boys!!' However, next time he had to listen to was Nakai-kun's voice... If I were him, I would have burnt up my guitar then.
The agent or producer should explain a little more: 'They are Japanese Backstreet Boys, but in Japan, you know, people need songs for karaoke. Hence, they are not so good as singers. So, please wink at their singing. ' Or, he or she should explain, SMAP stands for 'Sports Music Assembly People', sports come first, and Music arrives later.
--
Meanwhile, some other old rock stars who are coincidentally visiting Japan now are leaving posttive impression on Japanese music scene.
Huey Lewis & the News and Chicago started their Japan tour from April 15th , and in some interviews from Japanese press, Huey said that Japanese audience is listening the music more seriously than American audience, and had a certain sense of music. According to him, American audience recently is depending too much on downloads, hence they don't listen to music as seriously as when he was a boy.
Cheap Trick is also now visiting Japan, and they are now searching for 4 Japanese who wrote concert reviews when they came to Japan first in 1978. They became popular after Japanese audience found them, and they want to say thank you to these 4 reviewers who supported them in Japan and approved their music in early time.
In fact, not only Cheap Trick, in early 70s to 90s, there were several rock bands who became popular in Japan before they become popular in their own countries. Some may not believe, but Queen, and even TOTO were ones of them. Huey Lewis's impression may come from these ancient facts.
Recently, I didn't hear about this case: 'Internationally famous musician discovered by Japanese'. But just like these rock stars' testimony and actual evidences show, it is sure Japanese used to have a sense to detect the next big thing in world music industry. Maybe they don't understand language, so they were very sensible to the quality of the music itself.
So, ToTo's preaching sounds to me like preaching to all Japanese: 'Are you listening such music from such singers? Didn't you understand our music 30 years ago?' 30 years ago, when TOTO visited Japan first, there had already been idol groups and karaoke, but they are not influential as today. 30 years later, karaoke and idol music, especially the ones from Johny's, became popular, and some Japanese might have forgot a very important tenet of music: ' professional singers have to sing well.'
But wait. I wish Steve won't judge everything of current JPOP from SMAP. SMAP is just the tip of the iceberg. Not every Japanese audience is enjoying SMAP. Now I'm very interested in how these old rock stars react to 'GAME' from perfume. Will they scold them for Kashiyuka's vocal then?
[EDIT]
I watched the episode somehow, somewhere. ( youtube's one had already been deleted.)
First, every members of TOTO looked fine, not so unhappy in the interview. But durring the interview, Greg Phillinganes said, "You know you can not have a lot of time, I appreciate it." So, I think this interview was taken place after the preaching and live. This comment also infers that the accident mentioned in this acticle actually happened. Next Katori said, 'I wanna drink beer with Steve someday', so I guess these words are thrown to ammend their relationship.
...And the live performance aired next was terrible, and people in TOTO looked bored, or angry a bit. So, now I can believe that this article from Bunshun includes the part of truth.
According to it, SMAP invited a world-famous musician to their TV show, SMAPxSMAP last month. And in this show, they collaborated and performed their representative songs together. Then, the guitarist of the group got angry about the quality of SMAP's singing, and he suddenly stopped playing the guitar and left the stage. Then, other member from TO... no, the world-famous progressive rock group calmed his anger, and he came back, and the recording was taken place. However, before members of SMAP sang again, they had to take a one-hour vocal lesson from him. I can imagine faces of SMAP members were like 'ToT' then.
Why did Steve Lukather get angry about SMAP? Well, maybe he was simply disappointed at the vocal ability of SMAP. Maybe he was introduced SMAP by their agent or the producer of the show like this; 'You are going to perform with one of Japanese representative singers!!' 'How does their music like?' 'Well... well, Japanese Backstreet Boys!!' However, next time he had to listen to was Nakai-kun's voice... If I were him, I would have burnt up my guitar then.
The agent or producer should explain a little more: 'They are Japanese Backstreet Boys, but in Japan, you know, people need songs for karaoke. Hence, they are not so good as singers. So, please wink at their singing. ' Or, he or she should explain, SMAP stands for 'Sports Music Assembly People', sports come first, and Music arrives later.
--
Meanwhile, some other old rock stars who are coincidentally visiting Japan now are leaving posttive impression on Japanese music scene.
Huey Lewis & the News and Chicago started their Japan tour from April 15th , and in some interviews from Japanese press, Huey said that Japanese audience is listening the music more seriously than American audience, and had a certain sense of music. According to him, American audience recently is depending too much on downloads, hence they don't listen to music as seriously as when he was a boy.
Cheap Trick is also now visiting Japan, and they are now searching for 4 Japanese who wrote concert reviews when they came to Japan first in 1978. They became popular after Japanese audience found them, and they want to say thank you to these 4 reviewers who supported them in Japan and approved their music in early time.
In fact, not only Cheap Trick, in early 70s to 90s, there were several rock bands who became popular in Japan before they become popular in their own countries. Some may not believe, but Queen, and even TOTO were ones of them. Huey Lewis's impression may come from these ancient facts.
Recently, I didn't hear about this case: 'Internationally famous musician discovered by Japanese'. But just like these rock stars' testimony and actual evidences show, it is sure Japanese used to have a sense to detect the next big thing in world music industry. Maybe they don't understand language, so they were very sensible to the quality of the music itself.
So, ToTo's preaching sounds to me like preaching to all Japanese: 'Are you listening such music from such singers? Didn't you understand our music 30 years ago?' 30 years ago, when TOTO visited Japan first, there had already been idol groups and karaoke, but they are not influential as today. 30 years later, karaoke and idol music, especially the ones from Johny's, became popular, and some Japanese might have forgot a very important tenet of music: ' professional singers have to sing well.'
But wait. I wish Steve won't judge everything of current JPOP from SMAP. SMAP is just the tip of the iceberg. Not every Japanese audience is enjoying SMAP. Now I'm very interested in how these old rock stars react to 'GAME' from perfume. Will they scold them for Kashiyuka's vocal then?
[EDIT]
I watched the episode somehow, somewhere. ( youtube's one had already been deleted.)
First, every members of TOTO looked fine, not so unhappy in the interview. But durring the interview, Greg Phillinganes said, "You know you can not have a lot of time, I appreciate it." So, I think this interview was taken place after the preaching and live. This comment also infers that the accident mentioned in this acticle actually happened. Next Katori said, 'I wanna drink beer with Steve someday', so I guess these words are thrown to ammend their relationship.
...And the live performance aired next was terrible, and people in TOTO looked bored, or angry a bit. So, now I can believe that this article from Bunshun includes the part of truth.
Virgin In Japan
As far as I know, there are 3 types of virgins.
Type A: Cultural Virgin
Or, classic virgin. The persons who keep their virginity for cultural reason: for example; religious one, or social unwritten rule that people have to keep virginity until marriage. We can see a lot of virgin of this types in ancient days, but these days, it's very difficult to find this one. Maybe only some Islamic countries have this wonderful virgins. The thing I have to say is: 'Just keep going.'
Type B: Unlucky Virgin
Or, too ambitious virgin. The type of women or men who has a desire to have sex with others, but for some reasons, but couldn't find an adequate partner. Or, the persons who are always wanting for boys or girls beyond their power. About 15% of men who don't marry in Tokyo belong to this group. And the persons who are too busy since their childhood and couldn't experience freedom of love also belong to this group. Some of persons who are dreaming of sex with anime characters or idols may belong to this group. I just say, 'Don't be choosy. '
Type C: Biological Virgin
The type of women or men who suffers luck of biological function to have sex. For example, children. And the function includes the ability to fabricate the circumstance to make love. So, 85% virgins in Akihabara belong to this group. All I can say is: Do it yourself.
Almost all virgins in this world belongs to each of these groups.
Now, here is an interesting list. Namely, Virgine Japanese Celebs, the famous women (actresses or musicians ) who confessed that they are virgin in some TV shows or interviews.
Takigawa Christel (29 year-old, announcer)
Kikukawa Rei(29 year-old, talento, actress)
Hara Sachie (29 year-old, actress)
Nakama Yukie (27 year-old, actress)
Arakawa Shizuka (25 year-old, professional ice skater)
Sonim(23 year-old, musician)
Hirahaya Ayaka (22 year-old, musician)
Ayase Haruka (22 year-old, actress)
Kuriyama Chiaki (21 year-old, actress)
Asao Miwa (21 year-old, beach volleyball player)
Kawamura Yukie (21 year-old, gravure idol)
Ueno Kiri (21 year-old, actress)
Nagasawa Masami (20 year-old, actress)
Toda Erika (19 year-old, Actress)
Horikita Maki (18 year-old. Actress)
Narumi Riko (15 year-old, actress)
Shida Mirai (14 year-old, actress)
Of course, it doesn't mean the person who doesn't appear in this list is not virgin. But
which groups they belong to? It is apparent they are not Type C.
(click read more)
Type A: Cultural Virgin
Or, classic virgin. The persons who keep their virginity for cultural reason: for example; religious one, or social unwritten rule that people have to keep virginity until marriage. We can see a lot of virgin of this types in ancient days, but these days, it's very difficult to find this one. Maybe only some Islamic countries have this wonderful virgins. The thing I have to say is: 'Just keep going.'
Type B: Unlucky Virgin
Or, too ambitious virgin. The type of women or men who has a desire to have sex with others, but for some reasons, but couldn't find an adequate partner. Or, the persons who are always wanting for boys or girls beyond their power. About 15% of men who don't marry in Tokyo belong to this group. And the persons who are too busy since their childhood and couldn't experience freedom of love also belong to this group. Some of persons who are dreaming of sex with anime characters or idols may belong to this group. I just say, 'Don't be choosy. '
Type C: Biological Virgin
The type of women or men who suffers luck of biological function to have sex. For example, children. And the function includes the ability to fabricate the circumstance to make love. So, 85% virgins in Akihabara belong to this group. All I can say is: Do it yourself.
Almost all virgins in this world belongs to each of these groups.
Now, here is an interesting list. Namely, Virgine Japanese Celebs, the famous women (actresses or musicians ) who confessed that they are virgin in some TV shows or interviews.
Takigawa Christel (29 year-old, announcer)
Kikukawa Rei(29 year-old, talento, actress)
Hara Sachie (29 year-old, actress)
Nakama Yukie (27 year-old, actress)
Arakawa Shizuka (25 year-old, professional ice skater)
Sonim(23 year-old, musician)
Hirahaya Ayaka (22 year-old, musician)
Ayase Haruka (22 year-old, actress)
Kuriyama Chiaki (21 year-old, actress)
Asao Miwa (21 year-old, beach volleyball player)
Kawamura Yukie (21 year-old, gravure idol)
Ueno Kiri (21 year-old, actress)
Nagasawa Masami (20 year-old, actress)
Toda Erika (19 year-old, Actress)
Horikita Maki (18 year-old. Actress)
Narumi Riko (15 year-old, actress)
Shida Mirai (14 year-old, actress)
Of course, it doesn't mean the person who doesn't appear in this list is not virgin. But
which groups they belong to? It is apparent they are not Type C.
(click read more)
How to Use Photoshop for Gravure Idols
Although we can enjoy Japanese entertainment everyday, it's very difficult to know how the structure is like. Only a common people can do is just guessing from some rumors which tabloids brag with a sense of sensationalism.
But now, some internal documents from a talento agency where Otoha or Sato Hiroko belong to were mistakenly leaked on the Web, and these some documents tell us a vivid structure of Japanese entertainment world, especially gravure idols one.
(article from Rakuten News)
First of all, the thing made a large controversy was the one of gravure photo , on which the person who is assumed to be her manager instructs the points to use photoshop. 'Smooth the armpits' 'Erace birthmarks' 'Whiten the crotch like the costume'... and so on.
It is considered as the one from Kato Sayaka, Idoling 1gou, and some evil persons began to accuse her of this usage of photoshop, calling it a fraud. And Her schedule in 2007 (made by Micosoft Excel) was also leaked.
But the one I was intrigued most was the minutes of a meeting among managers of this agency.
In this meeting, managers are reporting about recent activities of the idols they administrate, and exchanging some useful information. For example, 'There is a mobile phone website XXX administrated by Mr XXX. San. (*bprofessional photographer). There is a problem that we can't get paid, but we can use the pictures in a promotional activity freely. Need more consideration.'
And in reports of activities, there is a note which suggests the cut. 'After this works ends, XXX(idol's name) quits.' To confirm the reliability of this document, the idol from this agency mentioned in this minutes of the proceeding actually has retired.
In the end, they draw a picture of the structure of their organization, using Microsoft word(maybe). ( like this.)
It is very interesting. There is a sales person of idol talents just like other companies, and it is this sales person who contacts with clients directly. It looks the person called 'managers' are just administrating the schedule and some personal problems of talentos.
Sometimes, Japanese fans of talentos, including musicians, blame the manager for the lazy activities of the talents they love. However, as far as judging from this memorandom, it is just barking up the wrong tree. They should blame the sales person then.
Of course, it is just one case from one agency. However, it seems Japanese entertainment world is not as evil as some tabloids report. They are recording the proceeding of a meeting, and administrates the schedule of talento, using Microsoft products just many Japanese honest companies do. Or, I should say, they are better than some companies regarding the usage of documents.
Nobody says in the meeting, 'She can't get any jobs recently. Let's made her sleep with Fuji TV's producer' , 'Recently, there is an annoying fan who reports about dark side of our business. Let's hire a yakuza and erace him.' ... at least, in public. I still believe there is a dark side, and they sometimes do (Remember there was an idol girl who retired after she confessed about 'casting couch', or the mysterious leave of Shiratori Yuruko.), but it seems generally, talento business is managed just like other common business.
(you may be able to see the original leaked documents from here.)
But now, some internal documents from a talento agency where Otoha or Sato Hiroko belong to were mistakenly leaked on the Web, and these some documents tell us a vivid structure of Japanese entertainment world, especially gravure idols one.
(article from Rakuten News)
First of all, the thing made a large controversy was the one of gravure photo , on which the person who is assumed to be her manager instructs the points to use photoshop. 'Smooth the armpits' 'Erace birthmarks' 'Whiten the crotch like the costume'... and so on.
It is considered as the one from Kato Sayaka, Idoling 1gou, and some evil persons began to accuse her of this usage of photoshop, calling it a fraud. And Her schedule in 2007 (made by Micosoft Excel) was also leaked.
But the one I was intrigued most was the minutes of a meeting among managers of this agency.
In this meeting, managers are reporting about recent activities of the idols they administrate, and exchanging some useful information. For example, 'There is a mobile phone website XXX administrated by Mr XXX. San. (*bprofessional photographer). There is a problem that we can't get paid, but we can use the pictures in a promotional activity freely. Need more consideration.'
And in reports of activities, there is a note which suggests the cut. 'After this works ends, XXX(idol's name) quits.' To confirm the reliability of this document, the idol from this agency mentioned in this minutes of the proceeding actually has retired.
In the end, they draw a picture of the structure of their organization, using Microsoft word(maybe). ( like this.)
It is very interesting. There is a sales person of idol talents just like other companies, and it is this sales person who contacts with clients directly. It looks the person called 'managers' are just administrating the schedule and some personal problems of talentos.
Sometimes, Japanese fans of talentos, including musicians, blame the manager for the lazy activities of the talents they love. However, as far as judging from this memorandom, it is just barking up the wrong tree. They should blame the sales person then.
Of course, it is just one case from one agency. However, it seems Japanese entertainment world is not as evil as some tabloids report. They are recording the proceeding of a meeting, and administrates the schedule of talento, using Microsoft products just many Japanese honest companies do. Or, I should say, they are better than some companies regarding the usage of documents.
Nobody says in the meeting, 'She can't get any jobs recently. Let's made her sleep with Fuji TV's producer' , 'Recently, there is an annoying fan who reports about dark side of our business. Let's hire a yakuza and erace him.' ... at least, in public. I still believe there is a dark side, and they sometimes do (Remember there was an idol girl who retired after she confessed about 'casting couch', or the mysterious leave of Shiratori Yuruko.), but it seems generally, talento business is managed just like other common business.
(you may be able to see the original leaked documents from here.)
Perfume #1!!!!
Perfume's latest album 'Game' became #1 on Oricon Daily charts today. It is the first in 7 years after 'Best Morning Musume' in 2001 from Morning Musume that the music performed by under 20 year-old girl group comes #1 on Oricon.
If we exclude best album, it is 9 years after 'Carry on my way' from SPEED in 1999. Even Morning Musume couldn't surpass SPEED regarding regular album (Even '3rd Love Paradise' including double million hit, 'Love Machine' couldn't become #1). But Perfume did.
Now, I'd like to declare, the or declining Hello!Project reign, or the Idol Ice Age, ends here, and Perfume reign starts here.
---
This change of regime is a good news for me in two points.
First, It was the quality of music that changed the world, as I'd been waiting for over 5 years . Not with the power of otakus who would purchase 10 copies of albums regardless of the quality of the music, but with the power of music lovers, who thought Perfume's music is unique, and interested in their music, Perfume became #1.
Objectively, I think members of Perfume are not so extraordinarily attractive. I think 10% of Japanese women are prettier than member of Perfume. Recently, some evil fans who envy Perfume's popularity call a-chan gorilla, but certainly, if I were a classmate of a-chan at elementary school, I may nickname her as such and will make her cry. ( I may regret myself who neglect her after she becomes national idol and gets sophisticated beauty later, though.)
Objectively again, some members of Morning Musume or AKB48 or Idoling or ℃-ute , or gravure idols must be more beautiful and sexier than than them, and they must belong to 5% of Japanese prettiest women.
(this graph will help your understanding.)
But the women simply prettier than Perfume members couldn't become better than Perfume as musician. That's a good news.
Second , somehow, it seems I could find a good musician who can become popular when it was not so popular. When I was very into a group called Bon-Bon Blanco or Paradise something, seeing their result of sales which doesn't go better than I'd bragged, I thought my musical sense is a kind of distorted, and I was just liking a creepy music, with a creepy sense. ( I admit I am the person who loves TOO characteristic music, though.)
But now, one of the groups I rated 'good' became national and representative JPOP idol in this country today. Now I regained my confidence, and I'd like to introduce if I could find some music I thought good on this blog.
If we exclude best album, it is 9 years after 'Carry on my way' from SPEED in 1999. Even Morning Musume couldn't surpass SPEED regarding regular album (Even '3rd Love Paradise' including double million hit, 'Love Machine' couldn't become #1). But Perfume did.
Now, I'd like to declare, the or declining Hello!Project reign, or the Idol Ice Age, ends here, and Perfume reign starts here.
---
This change of regime is a good news for me in two points.
First, It was the quality of music that changed the world, as I'd been waiting for over 5 years . Not with the power of otakus who would purchase 10 copies of albums regardless of the quality of the music, but with the power of music lovers, who thought Perfume's music is unique, and interested in their music, Perfume became #1.
Objectively, I think members of Perfume are not so extraordinarily attractive. I think 10% of Japanese women are prettier than member of Perfume. Recently, some evil fans who envy Perfume's popularity call a-chan gorilla, but certainly, if I were a classmate of a-chan at elementary school, I may nickname her as such and will make her cry. ( I may regret myself who neglect her after she becomes national idol and gets sophisticated beauty later, though.)
Objectively again, some members of Morning Musume or AKB48 or Idoling or ℃-ute , or gravure idols must be more beautiful and sexier than than them, and they must belong to 5% of Japanese prettiest women.
(this graph will help your understanding.)
But the women simply prettier than Perfume members couldn't become better than Perfume as musician. That's a good news.
Second , somehow, it seems I could find a good musician who can become popular when it was not so popular. When I was very into a group called Bon-Bon Blanco or Paradise something, seeing their result of sales which doesn't go better than I'd bragged, I thought my musical sense is a kind of distorted, and I was just liking a creepy music, with a creepy sense. ( I admit I am the person who loves TOO characteristic music, though.)
But now, one of the groups I rated 'good' became national and representative JPOP idol in this country today. Now I regained my confidence, and I'd like to introduce if I could find some music I thought good on this blog.
Road to the Deep East L.T.U. Part6 - Perfume 'Game'
In the previous entry, I suggested Aoyama Thelma as a substitute for a social function of girl singers. If she or other adult women who are over 20 can become a remedy for our tired society instead of genuine kids, we won't have to depend on U15 girls, even after anti-lolicon porn law was set.
And now, at the same time, we will have to worry about the endangered culture called idol business itself. Some may say it is not necessary, it is just a creepy perverted culture, so just ban and destroy. But in a long run, I think it should be preserved for the future.
For example, remember Kabuki. When it was started around 16th century as Kabuki Odori(dance), this Japanese traditional play was seductive dancing and play performed by sexy women. It was a part of sex industry, just like Kyabakura today.
In Edo Era, the government at that time forbid the play performed by women because it was related to prostitution. But people who liked the dancing or play itself didn't give up, and continued Kabuki with pretty boys, just like Johny's concerts today. Soon, the ruthless government forbid the boy Kabuki again because there was a homosexual point, but people didn't give up again, and developed it until the realm of art, performed by men. And now, needless to say, 400 years later, Kabuki has become one of Japanese sophisticated traditional cultural products, as well as Sumo wrestling or geisha.
So, no matter how it looks stupidly today, nobody can say idol culture won't become the sophisticated art in the 30th century. At least, idol culture is unique. Especially, the very unique style of idol performance – the dance with pop music, which emphasizes the cuteness of young girls can't be seen any other countries in this world. Any cultural uniqueness should be preserved, otherwise, the world will be invaded by commercialism and American Empire.
But who can preserve and protect this tradition?
Of course, Hello Project or AKB48 is still very popular in Japan, and they have already succeeded commercially. And idol culture itself is being sharpened up among them. However, it seems they are depending too much on true loliconess recently. When the Idol Dark Age, the time the women under 20 years-old can't perform on the stage with sexiest costumes comes, fans won't follow them, and these troupes will have to disband themselves.
Then, I'd like to recommend, Perfume. What we need is more drastic approach, just like Kabuki in early days. If one style is forbidden , just create something similar but new. And I think Perfume can do it.
Today, they dropped a new album 'Game' today on April 15th, and in this album, we can see the magnificent futuristic style of idol culture - which will be able to survived, even after all child related things disappear from this country.
--
And now, at the same time, we will have to worry about the endangered culture called idol business itself. Some may say it is not necessary, it is just a creepy perverted culture, so just ban and destroy. But in a long run, I think it should be preserved for the future.
For example, remember Kabuki. When it was started around 16th century as Kabuki Odori(dance), this Japanese traditional play was seductive dancing and play performed by sexy women. It was a part of sex industry, just like Kyabakura today.
In Edo Era, the government at that time forbid the play performed by women because it was related to prostitution. But people who liked the dancing or play itself didn't give up, and continued Kabuki with pretty boys, just like Johny's concerts today. Soon, the ruthless government forbid the boy Kabuki again because there was a homosexual point, but people didn't give up again, and developed it until the realm of art, performed by men. And now, needless to say, 400 years later, Kabuki has become one of Japanese sophisticated traditional cultural products, as well as Sumo wrestling or geisha.
So, no matter how it looks stupidly today, nobody can say idol culture won't become the sophisticated art in the 30th century. At least, idol culture is unique. Especially, the very unique style of idol performance – the dance with pop music, which emphasizes the cuteness of young girls can't be seen any other countries in this world. Any cultural uniqueness should be preserved, otherwise, the world will be invaded by commercialism and American Empire.
But who can preserve and protect this tradition?
Of course, Hello Project or AKB48 is still very popular in Japan, and they have already succeeded commercially. And idol culture itself is being sharpened up among them. However, it seems they are depending too much on true loliconess recently. When the Idol Dark Age, the time the women under 20 years-old can't perform on the stage with sexiest costumes comes, fans won't follow them, and these troupes will have to disband themselves.
Then, I'd like to recommend, Perfume. What we need is more drastic approach, just like Kabuki in early days. If one style is forbidden , just create something similar but new. And I think Perfume can do it.
Today, they dropped a new album 'Game' today on April 15th, and in this album, we can see the magnificent futuristic style of idol culture - which will be able to survived, even after all child related things disappear from this country.
--
 |
The last clip, with Ann-San-something, has been taken down already. It had an "adult" warning when I watched a bit of it last night too, lol.
I'm not sure if I like the YA-KYIM clip or not. I think I did. I'll need to listen to more.
I'd already recognized that it is 'adult' category for half-naked anime charactes' sak, but I hadn't imagined it would be deleted so soon.
It's good so many people won't listen to this song, though lol.