ASIAN CELEBRITIS

AKB48’s Tomomi Itano opens Official Website

AKB48 member Tomomi Itano is set to release her first solo single, “Dear J“, on January 26th, and with the release date about two weeks away, the popular idol has finally opened an official website.

The website contains past releases and information on all her appearances on TV, in magazines, in CMs, and whatever else she has been in.

You may all know she has an official Twitter, but she also has an official Facebook that less may be familiar with.


Official Facebook
Official Twitter
Official Blog

Also check out the CM for her debut single below!




source: tokyohive

Naka Riisa turns into a cute rock ‘n’ roller for meiji’s Valentine’s Day commercial

Just like Lotte, Japanese confectionery company Meiji Seika, or “meiji” for short, will be releasing a Valentine’s Day commercial, and this year it’s going to feature quirky actress Naka Riisa (21).

In the commercial, Naka is going to disguise herself as a “cool and cute” rock ‘n’ roller and take over the pink corridor of a school. With her song, she is aiming to cheer up all the girls who are struggling with making their own chocolate for Valentine’s Day. A total of 17 girl students are following her call in the spot and dance along with her, including the young “CanCam” model Tsuchiya Hazuki and young “SEVENTEEN” model Hashimoto Ai.

Naka herself is wearing flashy pink clothes in the commercial and sports a cute guitar that looks just as if it was made out of meiji milk chocolate. The song goes “chocolate chocolate chocolate wa meiji~” and is catchy enough to stay in your head until Valentine’s Day.

Last year, Hirosue Ryoko and Kinoshita Yukina starred in meiji’s Valentine’s Day commercial and urged all girls to put their feelings into their handmade chocolate, but this year the story actually promotes the idea of just giving your chocolate to a very good friend, which is also known as “tomochoco” (friend chocolate).

After the filming, Naka caused a lot of laughter with a remark that didn’t befit a 21-year-old girl like her. She said, “I haven’t been surrounded by that many young people for a while. They’ve really pepped up the filming.”

The commercial will start airing on January 15th, and of course, we will update you as soon as it is available.








source: tokyohive

Mano Erina writes an emotional post about her meeting with Lin Lin

Hello! Project soloist Mano Erina updated her blog with a very long, but touching story about her friendship with ex-Morning Musume member, Lin Lin.

Attaching a photo to the post, Mano wrote:

“Today was something I’ve always wanted to do… I’ve been promising to do it since about 2
years ago. I went to go eat with Lin Lin (*^ー^*) It was late, but I’m so glad we made it happen
(・∪・*) I finally got to tell Lin Lin ‘Congratulations on your graduation!’ in person! Before, when we were next to each other (at graduation), seeing Lin Lin’s face made me cry and I couldn’t say it right (／_＼;)


Ever since Lin Lin and I were Eggs, and stood together on stage for the first time, we’ve been close friends. Because Lin Lin got into Morning Musume, I only got to see her at the summer and winter Hello! Project concerts; but when we had rehearsals, we’d eat together! It had been such a long time since we talked at ease with each other like today – I had so many things to talk about and the conversation just didn’t end (´∀`人) We talked about the first time we met, the first time we did a performance as brand new Eggs, about the Hello! Project concerts… We both kept saying, “Things like that feel so strange.”

Bright Lin Lin, who always has a smile on her face… I really do love you!!! When you first came
to Japan, we both asked, ‘How are we supposed to communicate?’ We didn’t know, but… since then, we’ve been together and didn’t worry about it.

…Even though there were sad feelings, we promised each other: ‘We’ll both do our best, and stand on the same stage again!’ Lin Lin said (at graduation), ‘Even though we’ll be far apart, we’ll be connected by the sky,’ so I won’t cry in front of Lin Lin!

Really, thank you. I love you Lin Lin (●´∀｀●)“

Fans’ hearts melted, as they commented, “I’m so glad you got to see Lin Lin,” “When I read that you and Lin Lin had been friends since you were Eggs, it broke my heart,” and “You two are so close.”



source: tokyohive

TVXQ wins ‘Music Bank’ K-Chart + other performances

K-pop fans got to experience another great lineup of shows from their favorite artists on this week’s episode of KBS “Music Bank”.

A few notable performances from today’s episode include the debuts of Han Groo and The Boss’s sub-unit group, Popsicle, as well as comeback performances from JQT, Teen Top, and MBLAQ. IU also held her farewell stage today.

“Music Bank” also featured stages fromProfessor Kim, Gil Hakmi, Beige, JOO, JJ, $unny Side Chang, Piggy Dolls, Dal Shabet, F.CUZ, INFINITE, SECRET, T-ara, SISTAR, and TVQ.

The winner of today’s K-Chart was none other than TVXQ, who dominated the fan votes. TVXQ dedicated their award to Cassiopeia, as they said, “We’d like to give this honor to the fans who have waited for us for 2 years and three months.”

Congratulations!





























source: allkpop

TVXQ commands the stage with “Keep Your Head Down”

After a triumphant comeback last week, TVXQ has returned to “Music Bank” with yet another hot performance of their title track, “Keep Your Head Down“!

Fans can’t seem to get enough of the aggressive choreography and on-point vocals – and honestly, neither can we.

Check out the performances below!


==

< Backstage with IU >






source: allkpop

MBLAQ returns to ‘Music Bank’ with “Cry” + “Stay”

‘Chic idols’ MBLAQ held their second comeback stage on today’s episode of KBS’s “Music Bank“!

After releasing their first official album, “BLAQ Style” earlier this week, the boys have made a return to the stage with their double title tracks, “Stay” and “Cry“.

Regarding their comeback yesterday, member G.O. commented, “It wasn’t a stage I was 100% satisfied with, but I feel we showed off everything we’ve been working for. Please look forward to our future stages.”

Check out their performance below!





source : allkpop

TEEN TOP returns with “Transform” + “Supa Luv” on ‘Music Bank’

The six members of TEEN TOP made an impressive comeback on today’s episode of “Music Bank“!

The producer of Justin Bieber’s Billboard hit, “One Less Lonely Girl,” spent over eight months creating the group’s comeback track, “Supa Luv.”

The boys’ cyber style transformation and impressive dance moves has earned much praise, and many are looking forward to seeing how composer Shin Hyuk’s track will do on the charts.


Kicking off their stage with “Transform” first, the boys delivered their point choreography (the ‘DJ’ and ‘Matrix’ dance) for “Supa Luv” as well. Check it out below!






source: allkpop

Han Groo debuts with “Witch Girl” on ‘Music Bank’

Han Groo has generated a lot of buzz in the music industry, as it was reported that this new soloist had some formidable dance skills under her belt.

While many have feel that her performance falls a little flat of their expectations, others believe that she just needs a little more time in adjusting to a different type of stage.


Performing “Witch Girl” for the first time on KBS’s “Music Bank“, here’s Han Groo!



source: allkpop

The Boss’ Popsicle unit debuts on ‘Music Bank’

The Boss’s first sub-unit made their debut on today’s episode of KBS’s ‘Music Bank‘!

Comprised of members Jay, Garam, and Mika, the group released their first digital single, “I’ll Love You Until It Snows in the Middle of a Summer Day,” as a ’sweet proposal’ for their fans earlier this week.

Nicknamed as ‘At a Glance‘ for short, the track was produced by hit composer An Young Min, who is also the composer behind Taeyeon’s “I Love You.” The lyrics express the trio’s desire to love only one woman for the rest of eternity.

Check out Popsicle’s debut below!



source: allkpop

2NE1’s “Can’t Nobody” ringtones to be released in Japan

AVEX Entertainment, which officially took 2NE1 under its wing last October, recently posted an announcement on its website revealing that three ringtones of 2NE1’s hit track “Can’t Nobody” (English version) is scheduled to be sold in Japan starting next week.

“2NE1’s “CAN’T NOBODY (English Ver.)” will start distributing on Recochoku [a music distribution site] on January 19th,” AVEX announced, explaining that the three ringtones will be the chaku-uta (audio ringtone, which plays like an MP3), chaku-movie (audio-visual ringtone, which plays the song with a MV) and RBT (ringback tone, which plays after a number has been dialed).

Although no official information has been revealed regarding 2NE1’s official debut overseas, this release is one of 2NE1’s first steps into Japan under AVEX. It hasn’t been announced whether the chaku-movie MV will be the Korean version or a new video entirely, but unconfirmed rumors have it that a music video for the English version of “Can’t Nobody” will be released in the future.

source: tokyohive

“New adult” Tanimura Mitsuki wants to enrich her private life

Today, NHK organized a preview screening of the first episode of the upcoming drama, “Koisuru Nihongo“, starring Yo Kimiko (54).

Supporting actress Tanimura Mitsuki (20) also appeared at the event, wearing a beautiful furisode. A furisode is a long-sleeved kimono “new adults” wear in celebration of the Coming of Age Day. Tanimura turned 20 in June last year, and thus she was also able to celebrate her Coming of Age a few days ago.

Her ambitions as a new adult: “Until now my life has always been about work, but in this year I’d like to enrich my private life more, hoping that it would have a positive effect on my work at the same time.”

Despite her desire to focus on private matters, it all comes back to work after all.

“Koisuru Nihongo” will start on January 20th.

source: tokyohive

Nami Tamaki releases remix of “Missing You -Time to Love-”!

Nami Tamaki recently collaborated with select members of popular Korean boy band ‘Choshinsei’ for her latest single, “Missing You -Time to Love-“. The track was originally a cover of a 2009 K-pop song called “TTL (Time to Love)“, a sassy track between two hot K-pop groups, T-ara and Choshinsei.


Now, Nami’s given an original twist to the song, as she renamed it and sang it entirely in Japanese. In addition to her version of the song, the single comes with a laidback R&B remix of the song. Check it out if you haven’t already!



source: tokyohive

Fans plan to set up their own internet broadcasting station for JYJ

JYJ fans have set out to open an internet broadcasting station specifically for JYJ.

Despite achieving tremendous results with their first worldwide album, “The Beginning“, fans have been unable to hear their favorite trio sing on live broadcasts (aside from a congratulatory performance on KBS’s “Drama Awards“).

Motivated by their frustration, fans stepped forward and began collecting donations for an “Exclusive JYJ Internet Broadcasting Station.” With March 3rd as its scheduled broadcast date, fans have secured a server and are currently hiring DJs, scriptwriters, web designers, and other necessary staff members.

One fan commented, “It will be done in the same style as ‘Radio 21.’ We’ve prepared a large server that will be able to handle a large influx of fans.“ Another fan added, “Through perseverance, we have prepared a broadcasting station for JYJ, who have been met with difficulties on preparing on public broadcasting networks. We promise to immerse ourselves in JYJ and their music all day long, and to create a hot response so that public networks are forced to request their appearances on their shows.”

A hiring message on the program’s board reads, “We’d like to alert everyone that there are people that have bought the necessary equipment with their own money. The station will be run as non-profit, and hired staff (even if they have a Harvard diploma) will not be paid. The members of JYJ will see this homepage (Wouldn’t they be curious?).”

At such welcoming news, JYJ fans commented, “If we need a miracle, we will create it. Fighting, JYJ and fans!,” “Can we donate, I want to help in any way I can,” and “This is a respectful act, you are creating miracles.”

source: allkpop

MBLAQ makes a hot comeback to M. Countdown with “Cry” + “Stay”!

The boys of MBLAQ dropped their first full-length album, ”BLAQ Style” on January 10th, and it’s received an explosive popularity.

On the 13th, the boys performed their double title tracks, “Cry” and “Stay“, on this week’s episode of “M. Countdown”


Reportedly, Thunder’s sister - 2NE1’s Sandara – paid a special visit to the boys with flowers in hand to support the group’s comeback. Anxious that he should do well, she was said to have had her eyes glued on their performance the entire time.

Check out their smooth vocals for the R&B track ”Cry” and their crisp choreography for ”Stay”!



source: allkpop

G-Dragon performs “Nightmare” on ‘M. Countdown’ + Seungri comeback teaser!

Earlier this week, GD&TOP released a promotional video alerting fans that G-Dragon will perform his solo track, “Nightmare“, from their album on this week’s “M. Countdown“.

Producers of ‘M. Countdown’ revealed, “Fans have been calling us constantly, asking to see performances of the different songs from their album, aside from their triple title tracks. We’ve provided a rock band to give a unique flair to the rock-themed ‘Nightmare.’ Fans will be able to see another side to G-Dragon’s charms.”

With two more music videos, additional solo stages, and Seungri’s upcoming comeback, fans will have plenty to look forward to until Big Bang’s official comeback.

Check out GD&TOP’s “Knock Out” and G-Dragon’s “Obsession” below!



And since the Big Bang crew always runs together, we’ve attached Seungri’s comeback teaser from ‘M. Countdown’ here as well!



source: allkpop

SECRET wins M! Countdown + other performances

Mnet’s M! Countdown is back again on January 13th with another weekly fun-filled music show, and this episode is packed with awesome performances.

There were a couple of special stages today, featuring the duet between Huh Gak and John Park, a debut stage for Han Groo, comeback performances by MBLAQ, INFINITE, and Teen Top, as well as a solo stage by G-Dragon.

It was a close one between SECRET and IU for the #1 spot on M! Countdown today, but in the end, it was SECRET who came out on top and earned the trophy for this week.

Congratulations to SECRET for winning their first trophy for “Shy Boy”!

Performers today include SECRET, T-ara, Dal Shabet, GUY, Beige, Gil Hakmi, Gavy NJ, Jung Jae Wook, GD&TOP/G-Dragon, MBLAQ, INFINITE, Heo Gak & John Park, Teen Top, and Han Groo. Check out the performances below!

==

WINNER CLIP




SECRET



Dal Shabet



GUY



Gil Hakmi



Jung Jae Wook



BEIGE


source: allkpop

Volkswagen’s “Blue Motion” CF featuring Dal Shabet’s Ayoung released

Earlier, we reported that Dal Shabet’s Ayoung landed her own CF deal with global car brand, “Volkswagen.” The deal gained many headlines as the group is only a year into their debut and has already managed to capture so much attention.

The CF was filmed late last month in advertisement of Volkswagen’s environment brand, “Blue Motion Online Campaign.“ A representative of the brand commented, “Her innocent features fits well with the concept of our environment promotion program. Her outgoing personality surprised all of the staff since it was her first ever advertisement filming.”

The CF was recently released, so check it out below:



source: dailymail

KARA reveals “I’ll Write You A Letter” MV

Earlier today, KARA released the audio track for their featured remake of Lena Park’s “I’ll Write You A Letter” off producer Kim Hyung Suk’s “2011 Kim Hyung Suk With Friends Part. 1″ album.

On January 13th, the music video for the track was released. Although the members of KARA are not featured in the music video, the music video features the artwork of a sand artist by the name of Ji Soo.

The sand art tells the story of a princess who writes a letter to her love asking him to save her from her tower. It’s a rather unique interpretation of the song, and it captures the sweet spirit of the song into a music video format.

Check out the fairytale sand art music video below!



source: allkpop

[Spoiler Alert: My Princess] Song Seung Hun fiercely hugs Kim Tae Hee on “My Princess”

On the episode of MBC’s “My Princess” that aired on January 12th, Song Seung Hun made fangirls’ hearts flutter when he fiercely hugged Kim Tae Hee in a cute scene.

In the episode, Song Seung Hun’s character, Park Hae Young, goes to find Lee Sul (Kim Tae Hee), but since there are so many paparazzis and press around him, he barely has a chance to talk to her.

Hae Young warns Lee Sul, “If a photo is taken of your face right now, your life will get very messed up.” So to protect her, Hae Young hugs Lee Sung and gets both of them out of the crowd.

The press asks him, “Is she a princess?” Hae Young answers, “She’s my woman. She’s still a student, so I want to protect her.”

This scene went on to become the #1 searched item on portal sites.

Even though it looks like he’s trying to choke her out in the screencap, we assure you he only had chivalrous intentions in the drama.


source: allkpop

AKB48 members to appear in short drama series, “Sakura Kara no Tegami”

New late-night short drama series “Sakura Kara no Tegami~AKB48 Sorezore no Sotsugyou Monogatari~“, which stars all AKB48 members, will be broadcasted on nine consecutive nights from February 26th to March 6th.

The story will revolve around a male high school teacher (Kamikawa Takaya), who only has three months left to live due to cancer, and his students’ daily lives and conflicts. The drama will be based on the lyrics of AKB48’s upcoming single, “Sakura no Ki ni Narou“, which will be released on February 16th, and it will also be used as its main theme song. Other AKB48 songs will be used in the drama as well.


The main casts will be played by the “media senbatsu” members (#1-#12), the senbatsu members (#13-#21), who will play the sub-cast, and other roles will be played by the “under girls” (#22 on). All the members will be playing roles using their real names, which likely serves the purpose of helping casual fans learn all their names.

Each episode will be 10 minutes long, except for the first and last episodes, which will be 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, and each storyline will be concluded at the end of each episode, but all the plots will be linked together.

It’s been decided the drama will be released on a DVD-BOX, including the making-of, as well as the interview to the members.











source : tokyohive

Oricon weekly chart results for January 17th!

Oricon has announced their results for the weekly chart for January 17th.

Check out them out below!



Single Weekly Ranking


1. “Toilet no Kamisama” – Uemura Kana : 11/24 (22,954)

2. “Heavy Rotation” – AKB48 : 8/18 (12,901)

3. “Chance no Junban” – AKB48 : 12/8 (10,684)

4. “Beginner” – AKB48 : 10/27 (10,502)

5. “Ryusei” – Kobukuro : 11/17 (8,786)



Album Weekly Ranking


1. “Ikimonobakari ~members’ BEST selection~” – Ikimonogakari : 11/3 (39,612)

2. “Love songs” – Hamasaki Ayumi : 12/22 (22,300)

3. “Golden Hour~Shimohanki Best 2010~” – Golden Bomber : 1/6 (21,145)

4. “No Sleeves” – No Sleeves : 1/1 (20,723)

5. “Girl’s Talk” – KARA : 11/24 (15,587)



DVD Weekly Ranking (Synthesis)


1. “BIOHAZARD IV After Life” – movie : 12/22

2. “EXILE LIVE TOUR 2010 FANTASY” – EXILE : 12/1

3. “KAT-TUN -NO MORE PAIN- WORLD TOUR 2010″ – KAT-TUN : 12/29

4. “Sengoku BASARA 2 Sono Yon” – animation : 1/7

5. “Takahashi Daisuke Plus” – Takahashi Daisuke : 1/7


source: tokyohive

hitomi announces new single, “Umarete Kurete Arigatou/Smile World”

Pop singer hitomi has announced that she will be releasing her new single, “Umarete Kurete Arigatou/Smile World“, on February 16th.

This will be her first release in a year and eight months since her “LOVE LIFE 2” album that made waves with its cover of her naked during her pregnancy. The single will be a double A-side that features her song for the Yochien “Kodomomanaka PROJECT“, titled “Umarete Kurete Arigatou“, and also her 50th anniversary theme song for Sanrio’s “GREEEN TOKYO HELLO KITTY & FRIENDS“, called “Smile World.”


Besides the two A-side tracks, there will also be a coupling song called “Song for you☆” on the single. It will be a heartwarming song about hitomi’s hard struggle with being a mother and raising her child.


source : tokyohive

Park Hyun Sun has Nothing to Wear

source: reallycuteasians

‘Making-of’ video for GD&TOP’s “Knock Out” MV revealed with ‘LG Optimus 2x’ promos

As the representative models for the LG Optimus 2X smartphone, Big Bang’s G-Dragon and T.O.P first revealed their teaser for the “Knock Out” MV, while simultaneously promoting LG’s newest product. Recently, an interesting behind-the-scenes video was revealed which focused on the ‘making-of’ for the “Knock Out” MV, as well as interesting snippets of how the LG Optimus 2X phone could be used.


In both the teaser and the full music video, viewers have only been able to catch glimpses of the LG Optimus 2X, but in this latest video, they’ll be able to see the product more as both GD&TOP are shown personally playing around with it. The capabilities of the product are shared, and it’s certainly successful in drawing interest to the item.

Check out the video below!



source: allkpop

Song Joong Ki’s image cuts from “I’m Real Song Joong KI” revealed!

Image cuts from Song Joong Ki’s Japan trip have been revealed!

In December of 2010, Song Joong Ki had vacationed to Japan for QTV’s special program, “I’m Real Song Joong Ki.”

Since filming the drama “Sungkyunkwan Scandal“, Song Joong Ki has risen to fame as a Hallyu star andeven received the nickname of “Shin (new) Hallyu Star” amongst the Japanese fans he met his Japan trip.

“I’m Real Song Joong Ki” will be broadcasted through QTV sometime in February, but until then, check out some of the still cuts below.







source: allkpop