Tag Archives: J-POP

Dragon Ash Bassist IKUZONE Passed Away 04.24.12

It is with deep sorrow we bring to you the news of IKUZONE’s passing. The event occurred on the night of April 21st. IKUZONE was found collapsed in his studio by his family and taken to the hospital. The official … READ MORE
AKB48 Will Perform at Washington DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival 03.13.12

  Well, I’m sure it was going to happen sooner or later. The Guiness-certified largest ever pop group AKB48 will be visiting the capital city of our fair land. (I’m still wondering why exactly they needed 90 members, though.) The … READ MORE
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Candy Candy 03.13.12

And here’s another single from the latest Harajuku It Girl, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Named Candy Candy, it seems to be in the same line of hurt-your-teeth-sweet overly cute pop music she’s known for. I’m sure everyone is very excited to … READ MORE
K-Pop vs. J-Pop: Which Is More Likely to go Global? 11.29.11

It’s no secret that both j-pop and k-pop (Korean pop music) are forging a path to success around the world, but does either one of these genres have a definite advantage in conquering more fans? This well-written piece from Reuters … READ MORE
Saturday Night Live’s J-Pop Skit: Funny, or Too Much? 10.18.11

This week’s episode of Saturday Night Live featured a skit purporting to be a Japanese Pop Culture variety show done by Caucasian Michigan State University students. Called J Pop America Fun Time Now, the 5-minute skit is an over-the-top sendup … READ MORE
Jin Akinishi Releasing English Single on Nov. 8th 10.12.11

Musician, actor, singer, and all-around entertainer Jin Akanishi is preparing to break onto the American music scene. On November 8th, he will release his English-language debut single, Test Drive (Featuring Jason Derulo). As quoted in the press release, Akanishi looks … READ MORE
These Guys can Dance! 08.18.11

Below, watch an amusing music video featuring a group of Japanese men dancing to an infectious pop song. Apparently, this is a parody of the song Gee by Girls’ Generation, a Korean girl pop group. For whatever reason, these guys … READ MORE
AKB48 Documentary Film Premiering at J-Pop Summit on August 28th 08.17.11

New People, the company putting on this month’s J-Pop Summit, announced an upcoming documentary film highlighting the story of the members of AKB48, the tremendously successful all-girl pop group. As the press release states, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, a film division … READ MORE
AKB48 member Eguchi Aimi isn’t real after all! 06.23.11

You have to hand it to the dedicated AKB48 super fans. As we posted last week, rumors were circulating around the newest AKB48 member, Eguchi Aimi. Fans suspected that she was a CGI animation rather than a real girl…and as … READ MORE
Is this AKB48 girl fake? 06.15.11

Controversy has erupted about the newest AKB48 member, Eguchi Aimi. Of course, AKB48 is Japan’s hugely successful and popular all-girl pop group. Fans of the girls vote on their favorites of the group, who appear in commercials for various products. … READ MORE
Mighty Harajuku Project comes to LA, Tune in Tokyo returns to Royal/T with Pop Punk / Pop Idol 04.13.11

There are some exciting events coming to LA in the next week, marking the return of 6%dokidoki founder and designer Sebastian Masuda to Southern California! On Saturday, April 16th events begin with the “Mighty Harajuku Fashion Walk” at Mann’s Chinese … READ MORE
New Music Releases Delayed, Relief Efforts Underway 03.15.11

While pretty much all idols and bands have been verified as safe and sound by this time, there is still some bad news and good news for the fanboys and fangirls. Bad news is, most labels have decided to postpone … READ MORE
From Onyanko Club to AKB48: Japan’s Idol Pop Empire 03.10.11

It’s nearly impossible to scan the Japanese import magazine racks without seeing members of AKB48. The Akihabara-based idol group/cabaret act is virtually ubiquitous in entertainment in Japan as of late, in music, on television, and even in movie theaters. While … READ MORE