Mikeru On Japanese Music Today

Stereopony (ステレオポニー, Sutereoponī?) is a Japanese rock band that formed in Okinawa in 2007, consisting of Aimi (lead guitar/lead vocals), Nohana (bass guitar), and Shiho (Drums). They are signed onto Sony Music Japan's gr8! Records music label.

Aimi (Born in Naha, Okinawa on September 4, 1990) - lead guitar/lead vocals.
Nohana (Born in Shimabara, Nagasaki on September 16, 1989) - bass guitar.
Shiho (Born in Nago, Okinawa on October 18, 1990) - Drums.

SHOCO

- Vocal -
Birth : 1987.12.18



REONA
- Keyboard -
Birth : 1987.11.10



TOMO2
- Guitar -
Birth : 1988.9.10



SAWA2
- Drums -
Birth : 1986.7.8



AYAKA
- Bass -
Birth : 1987.12.9

TERU was a drummer before joining GLAY and was a schoolmate of TAKURO in primary and secondary schools. after joining GLAY, TAKURO appreciated TERU's voice and made him a vocal. although TERU was a drummer, other members have never seen him playing drums (except TAKURO I guess). Teru has one elder and one younger sister with his parents. he is very good at cookery, and all the members appreciate his food. he is married to PUFFY's onuki ami. they have a baby girl who was born in 03.3.9.





TAKURO is the leader of GLAY who is also the main composer and lyrics writer. before forming GLAY, he was in a punkHISASHI was in the same high school with TAKURO. before joining GLAY, he was in a band called ANT (ÃÆ). at first, HISASHI didn't like GLAY, thinking that they were just a copy band of BOOWY. later, however, he appreciated TAKURO's determination and joined GLAY after ANT's breakup. HISASHI is definitely the coolest guy in GLAY. he has a elder brother and his father passed away when he was in high school. his biggest interest is shopping. he got married in 1999 with a woman named izumi.


HISASHI name: HISASHI
real name: tonomura hisashi (¥~§ø©|)
birthdate: 1972.2.2
birthplace: hokodate, hokkaidou, japan (¥_®ü¹D¨çÀ]¥«)
blood type: p
position: guitar

HISASHI was in the same high school with TAKURO. before joining GLAY, he was in a band called ANT (ÃÆ). at first, HISASHI didn't like GLAY, thinking that they were just a copy band of BOOWY. later, however, he appreciated TAKURO's determination and joined GLAY after ANT's breakup. HISASHI is definitely the coolest guy in GLAY. he has a elder brother and his father passed away when he was in high school. his biggest interest is shopping. he got married in 1999 with a woman named izumi.

name: JIRO
real name: wayama yoshihito (©M¤s¸q¤¯)
birthdtae: 1972.10.17
birthplace: hokodate, hokkaidou, japan (¥_®ü¹D¨çÀ]¥«)
blood type: a
position: bass Jiro

JIRO was the last one to join GLAY. before joining GLAY, JIRO was in a band called PIERROT (not the PIERROT you may know). in 92.10, JIRO joined GLAY after the former bassist quitted. he was the one who pulled GLAY out of the 'dark age' and shortly after JIRO joined, YOSHIKI of X became their producer and changed GLAY completely. JIRO has one elder and two younger sisters. JIRO's name used to be linked to Judy & Mary's YUKI, until JIRO got married with reiko on 00.12.3, who is an editor of the music magazine "WHAT'S IN".

Dir en greyNorth America
11.02.09 Houston, TX
11.03.09 Dallas,TX

South America
11.06.09 Santiago, Chile
11.08.09 Sao Paulo, Brazil

North America
11.11.09 New York, NY
11.13.09 New York, NY
11.14.09 New York, NY
11.16.09 Chicago, IL
11.18.09 Englewood, CO
11.20.09 West Hollywood, CA
11.22.09 West Hollywood, CA
11.23.09 San Francisco, CA

Tour Updates
November 4, 2009 - Special Interview and Autograph Session

From The End Records News
"On the evening of Tuesday, November 10th at Kinokuniya Bookstore in New York City, Dir En Grey will take part in a live interview hosted by The Lady Miz Diva discussing the band's history and their All Visible Things Tour 09, as well as play clips from their newly-released DVD, Average Blasphemy. The band will also sign autographs for 200 attendees."

November 8, 2009 - House of Blues Sunset Strip Ticket Giveaway!
JrockRevolution.com presents another ticket giveaway! Fill out the form below for a chance to win one of TEN pairs to Dir en grey's shows at the House of Blues Sunset Strip. Need a refresher on the dates? Look above! Our pairs are for the 20th and 22nd shows. Enter today and cross your fingers!

hey, guys if you think free something come on in...to my other-other blog that i did, all is about my experience or knowledge, just want to sharing ~~

Click Here :-
www.mikeru-mouse.blogspot.com
www.mikeruonjapantoday.blogspot.com
www.mikeruonmusic.blogspot.com
www.mikeruonkoreamusic.blogspot.com

Detail :-
YUI (born March 26, 1987 in Fukuoka, Japan), is a japanese singer-songwriter and actress. She sings and plays acoustic guitar, and writes her own songs, and apart from playing acoustic guitar, she also likes watching movies, reading books, and playing badminton. Her third single “LIFE” was the fifth ending theme for BLEACH, a popular Japanese anime series, which has brought her some international fame.

YUI began writing poems in ninth grade. At the age of 16, by recommendation of a friend, she began studying song, songwriting, and guitar at a private music school in her native Fukuoka. Aspiring to become professional, she carried her guitar around and sang at local places such as the seashore of Shingu and in the middle of the rice fields of Kaminofu.

In March 2003, at an audition hosted by Sony Music Japan, all judges evaluated her with the highest score, which caused a fierce scramble among labels. At this audition, she sang three songs - her first song “Why me”, which was later coupled with her debut single, as well as “It’s happy line” and “I know”, which were included on her indie single - as opposed to the audition rule that a participant could only sing two songs. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, she strummed her guitar and sang. The judges and the others present claimed that “the performance created a tremendous aura from her heavenly voice, and captured the hearts of the whole audience”.

"When we were discussing with the members, we realized that there aren't any white albums for POLYSICS. So, we came up with this jacket design. For just one look, it looks simple, but actually its complicated -- this describes much of the POLYSICS music itself." - Hayashi

As Hayashi explains, the enigmatic album cover for "Absolute POLYSICS" was designed for "our 13th anniversary, with new passions." And true to his word, this new work by Japan's version of Devo is powered by the wonderfully frantic emotions of its members. The songs feature that great trademark of POLYSICS music: its just about impossible to stay still while listening.

So come take a listen to Hayashi, Kayo, Fumi and Yano as they talk about their latest music, American concert plans and how the band first got started.

On October 27, 2009 the members of POLYSICS were kind enough to give an interview to Andrew from J-Pop World. All photos courtesy of POLYSICS.

Congrats on the release of your new album, "Absolute POLYSICS." How would say its music compares to your previous works?

Hayashi: Until the last album, we have been concentrating on how we could create new music that no one has ever made before. That feeling hasn't changed at all, and we were able to make this album in a very smooth way. It was because of a session with Devo and re-mastering our Indies albums. We had dislike in our previous music, however, as we heard them again we realized that we have been doing something interesting from the beginning, and POLYSICS ourselves was the NEW WAVE. So we came up with the conclusion that, without forcing ourselves, we now know that we could make never-before heard interesting songs naturally by ourselves. This album is filled with new wave punk with the POLYSICS itself.

One song that really jumps out is Young OH! OH! Can you tell us the story behind writing and recording this track?

Hayashi: This song is exactly POLYSICS with all the fun stuff. We wanted to do something different. Producer Hajime Okano has come up with the very hard core arranging drum performance which came to Yano's over capacity. (Yano sometimes froze like a computer.)

The band's performance in the video is just awesome. Who came up with all the visual elements we see?

Hayashi: We discussed with the A&R and the director, had a meeting with the members, and made up the ideas and the images.

The song Cleaning has a fun, more standard rock sound to it, with some great guitar work. What is the song about, and how was it created?

Hayashi: We wanted a song that could describe Fumi's popish medium tempo sound. The theme was "a song that fits for dusk."

Fumi: I imagined the night fall atmosphere when I made this song. I wanted to make a song that could describe melancholy.

Fire Bison is a classic example of a POLYSICS song that's almost impossible to listen to without bobbing your head or tapping your foot to the beat. Can you tell us more about this song?

Hayashi: This song was greatly influenced by our "Electronic body and Industrial music" from two years ago. We wanted to make a song that could shake one's head without a guitar sound. We tried for several times, and finally have made it.


What was it like creating the music for "Absolute POLYSICS"?

Hayashi: This time we had a clear vision for this album, so we made the songs in a relaxed mood and were able to concentrate on recording.

Who all worked on the album besides the band?

Hayashi: We asked Aida Shigekazu for Shout Aloud! and Hajime Okano for Young OH! OH! as a producer. For Fire Bison, we asked Yuji Katsui to play the electric violin.

Tell us about the touring you are doing to support the album.

Hayashi: We are playing all the album songs and the set list is also filled with our standard songs. Audiences all seem to be excited and we feel happy seeing that as well. We feel that we are able to have the POLYSICS lives, and are having happy fun tours.

Any chance of another North American tour anytime soon?

Hayashi: We are going to have an American tour early next year. We really want to let our overseas fans hear our new music.

Btw, who came up with the album cover and what exactly does it represent?

Hayashi: When we were discussing with the members, we realized that there aren't any white albums for POLYSICS. So, we came up with this jacket design. For just one look, it looks simple, but actually its complicated -- this describes much of the POLYSICS music itself.

Let's take a trip into the past and get to know more about everyone. Can you describe your hometown and what it was like growing up there?

Hayashi: I was born in a serene residential area of Shinjuku Kamiochiai. As the image of Shinjuku, it's usually a busy downtown area; however where I was born was a very quiet place and I feel very comfortable when I go home. Since both of my parents were out working, my sister tended to look after me. During my childhood I rather preferred staying inside than going outside. I drew pictures of monsters, and made plastic models. Later on, hearing my sister listening to Rock, I got interested in music.

Kayo: I was born in the residential area of Shinjuku. When I was small I went outside actively, however since junior high school I turned into an indoor person.

Fumi: I was born in a residential area of Setagaya in Tokyo. Though it was near the center, it was very cozy with many parks and lots of plants. When I was small, I was an energetic girl running around outside. During high school I started going to live houses, and watched lives every week.

Yano: I was born in Imabari in Aichi. Until high-school I wanted to become a cook.

Ruki(ルキ) –Vocalist
Real Name: Matsumoto Takanori
DOB: February 1, 1982
Height: 162cm
Birth Date: February 1, 1982
Piercings: 5(right ear)
Family: Parents, older brother

Uruha(麗) –Guitarist
Real Name: Takashima Kouyou
DOB: June 9, 1981
Height: 177cm
Piercings: 4right ear, 5left ear
Family: Parents, 2 older sisters

Aoi(葵) –Guitarist
Real Name: Shiroyama Yuu
DOB: January 20, 1979
Height: 171cm
Family: Parents, older brother, older sister

Reita(れいた) – Bassist
Real name: Suzuki Akira
DOB: May 27, 1981
Height: 172cm
Family: Mother, grandmother, older sister
Calls his nosestrap: Bandera

Kai(戒) – Drummer
Real Name: Uke Yutaka
DOB: October 28, 1981
Height: 172cm
Piercing: 2 (left)

"The most important thing is a message. Of course, lyrics are important, but music including instruments, special effects, and beats are also important essences in expressing messages. We don't need to express it in any words, but we're trying to express our messages in music making." - Toshiyuki Kishi

Once upon a time a boys school in Oxfordshire, England discovered that their name had become famous overseas, not only for the quality of their education, but also for the Japanese rock band that took their name as their own. Abingdon boys school (a.b.s.) is fronted by the great Takanori Nishikawa of TM Revolution fame. Begun in 2005, the group achieved success with a series of popular singles released through Sony Music and their first self-titled album in 2007.

Their latest single, "Kimi no Uta," was released on August 26 and provides the theme song to the anime show "Tokyo Magnitude 8.0." They are releasing a 13 track album in Europe entitled "Teaching Materials" to coincide with a European tour beginning November 3, which will fittingly include a show in England.

On October 22, 2009 Takanori Nishikawa and the members of a.b.s. were kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World.

Let's start with your single, "Kimi no Uta." The CD features the intro theme to the anime series "Tokyo Magnitude 8.0." Tell us a little about the song.

Nishikawa: Among all the songs released by a.b.s. so far, this single is very straight in melody and we created it in pure feeling.

Its been two years since a.b.s. released their debut album. Can you tell something about what your next album will contain?

Nishikawa: Since we've released our first album almost two years ago, we released 5 singles. In that sense, a second album containing those 5 songs might have an aspect of the "best album" from the last two years. Also, after experiencing live stages both in Japan and overseas, the album will be rich in live feeling and variety.

Nishikawa, last year you received a very interesting new title: Cultural Ambassador of Shiga Prefecture. How big of a surprise was that?

Nishikawa: I'm very much honored to receive the title. I was born there and my family still lives in this prefecture. In that sense, I would like to contribute to this prefecture by doing live stages and so on. Also, it would be good if I could fly and perform in sister cities of Shiga prefecture.



How was Inazuma Rock Festival?

Nishikawa: This was the largest event a.b.s. joined so far in audience gathering. Also it was an outdoor event, so some troubles happened, but we really enjoyed and learned a lot. Hope this will lead to a success for upcoming stages.

Can you talk a little about your philosophy of music making? What is the most important thing to you in creating music?

Toshiyuki Kishi: The most important thing is a message. Of course, lyrics are important, but music including instruments, special effects, and beats are also important essences in expressing messages. We don't need to express it in any words, but we're trying to express our messages in music making.

Probably the most common way for Japanese artists to become better known in North America and Europe is to be associated with an anime series. What about Japanese anime do you think has such international appeal?

Nishikawa: Currently, animation is playing a great role in exporting Japanese pop culture outside Japan. J-Pop has long been facing a great barrier of language in exporting to overseas markets. In that sense, Japanese animation is playing as a vehicle to export Japanese music toward foreign markets. In the future, hope we would send our messages to people outside Japan with our music. We'll try it.

Does the band have any personal favorite anime or manga series? (Other than Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 of course!)

Toshiyuki Kishi: Uchuu Senkan Yamato (Spaceship YAMATO).
Hiroshi Shibasaki: Ashita no Joe (Joe).
SUNAO: Evangelion.
Nishikawa: Gundum series.

What type of things do you enjoy doing for fun and relaxation?

Toshiyuki Kishi: Watching movies.
Hiroshi Shibasaki: Playing guitar.
SUNAO: Watching DVDs.
Nishikawa: Play with dog.

Do you have a final message to all your fans?

Nishikawa: a.b.s. will visit European countries for tour and release album there for the first time. Taking this opportunity, we would like to communicate with fans in each country with our music. If you happen to be close to the venue, please come, visit, and enjoy our show.

At Monday's Hello! Project Shinjin Kouen concert in Yokohama, it was announced that the four-member group S/mileage will be graduating from Hello! Pro Eggs next spring.

A video comment by producer Tsunku stated that the girls - Ayaka Wada (15), Yuka Maeda (14), Kanon Fukuda (14), and Saki Ogawa (13) - have been training with the aim of making a major-label debut. Now that the goal seems within reach, he has decided to elevate them from Egg status.

The announcement was apparently a surprise to the four girls. When Tsunku went on to say, "I will now name the official members of S/mileage," it seemed to the group and the audience that the lineup was changing. However, Tsunku announced all four of their names, and together they wept with joy.

S/mileage released their third indie single, "Suki-chan," that same day. Until now, their three singles and two DVDs have had limited availability, but Tsunku said that all of their releases will be available in general stores starting December 2. In addition, they will hold a commemorative event on December 7 at Tower Records in Shibuya. A similar event is planned for December 5 in Osaka.

Starting in March 2010, S/mileage will launch a joint tour with solo artist Erina Mano (18). They will hold five concerts on three dates - NHK Osaka Hall on March 14, Aichi Kinro Kaikan on March 21, and Shibuya's C.C. Lemon Hall on April 3

Date of Birth: Born in New York on January 19, 1983
The same birth date as Yuming, a colleague in the same company; writer/poet Edgar Allan Poe whom Utada Hikaru fell in love with in junior-high school; Ogai Mori, a writer of Japan's literary history; and dear Mr. Udo Suzuki, another person Japan is proud of. Please let Utada Hikaru know if anyone you know is born on the same date.

Height: 158 cm It's Utada Hikaru height, honest. It hasn't changed since Utada Hikaru's debut. I wonder if that means Utada Hikaru's growth is totally over?

Blood Type: A Well! True born type!, 'cause both of Utada Hikaru parents are A. It's a common type among Japanese, isn't it?

Just when you think that you have seen it all… you haven’t…
This is not new news… but it is still something to make you wonder at the ideas that some people come up with…
Japan has a 48 member girl Jpop girl group on the market. They have a millitary feel to them and has a type of Janet Jackson Rythem Nation feel to it.
You can buy the DVD of thier performance by clicking on this link!
However, I don’t expect any member to make much money at all. This will not last long…
Here is what wikipedia says about them:

“AKB48 is an all-female Japanese theater/idol group produced by Yasushi Akimoto, who is known for being the husband of Mamiko Takai, a former member of the 1980s all-female idol group Onyanko Club. Unlike other idol groups in Japan, AKB48 is theatre-based and have their own theatre in Akihabara (a district in Tokyo) where they perform once every weekday, and twice on both Saturday and Sunday. The theatre is set up in on the 8th floor of Don Quijote. Most of the title songs released as a single have been made a tie-in song for a television show or a television advertisement.

AKB48 currently consists of 48 members divided into three teams: Team A, Team K and Team B. Each team has 16 members. Currently, there are 13 members in Team A, 15 members in Team K, and 14 members in Team B, getting to the total of 42 members in AKB48. Minami Takahashi and Atsuko Maeda are lead singers of AKB48 and both their roles are as ‘head’ of AKB48.”

In order to figure out how this girl group works you need a degree in calculous…
However, they are cute and I can see them branching off into different groups. It is a unique idea… I will give them credit for that.

Masaki Aiba
相葉 雅紀
Birth name Masaki Aiba
Also known as Aiba, Super Idol Aiba-chan, Aiba-chan, Aiba-kun
Born December 24, 1982 (1982-12-24) (age 26)
Origin Chiba, Chiba, Japan
Genres J-Pop, rock
Occupations singer, composer, actor, host
Instruments guitar, harmonica, saxophone

Jun Matsumoto
松本 潤
Birth name Jun Matsumoto
Also known as MatsuJun
Born August 30, 1983 (1983-08-30) (age 26)
Origin Tokyo, Japan
Genres J-pop
Occupations Singer, Actor

Kazunari Ninomiya
二宮和也
Also known as Nino
Born June 17, 1983 (1983-06-17) (age 26)
Origin Katsushika, Tokyo, Japan
Genres J-pop
Occupations Singer, composer, actor, model, host
Instruments Guitar, piano, bass, drums, harmonica

Satoshi Ohno
Also known as Ohno, Satoshi-kun, Leader (Riida), Oh-chan, Samii, Captain
Born November 26, 1980 (1980-11-26) (age 28)
Origin Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
Genres J-pop
Occupations Singer, composer, actor, dancer, artist, television personality, radio host

Sho Sakurai
櫻井 翔
Birth name Sho Sakurai
Also known as Sho-kun, Sho-chan, Keio Boy, Sakurai-san
Born January 25, 1982 (1982-01-25) (age 27)
Origin Minato, Tokyo, Japan
Genres J-pop
Occupations singer, rapper, composer, actor, host, newscaster, model
Instruments Piano, trombone