[article] Mika goes girly again

[nmskalmn]

FOR more than twoyears, she was Japanese rock babe Nana personified.

The popular manga character oozes attitude, adores gothic punk fashion, lines her eyes with kohl and belts out rock tunes with her band onstage.

She is also the star of two hit movies, Nana and Nana 2.

But J-pop singer Mika Nakashima has finally waved her alter ego goodbye, much to the joy of fans and music critics alike.

She has gone back to being just Mika - known for her husky vocals and signature power ballads.

The change was obvious in her fourth and latest album, Yes, released in Japan lastweek.

Mika flaunts hair extensions, wears a feminine white chiffon dress and has noticably less makeup on.

She told Oricon webzine late last year that she had not thought of doing rock before filming Nana and that she had not 'mastered the vocal techniques for rock music'.

More recently, she told Telepal F magazine that she had fun acting in movies, but has yet to 'enjoy' the whole process.

She prefers communicating with her fans through music.

For many, Mika's change is a welcome one.

Hong Kong's Ming Pao Daily said that without the 'burden' of being Nana, Mika can now advance in her music career.

Singaporean fan Jo Fang agreed.

The 21-year-old student told TheNew Paper that she found the Nana image too dark.

'It's time to say goodbye to Nana. That's just a movie role. She can't be Nana for another 10 years,' she said.

'I prefer Mika (as) she used to be. I saw her new pictures and it's like, 'Oh, Mika's back!'

'She looks prettier now. I love her ballads and her vocals are still so powerful.'

Listen Japan magazine added that Yes is Mika's most anticipated work in the past twoyears.

It boasts a strong, diverse track list and collaborations with accomplished musicians like Kaori Mochida of pop band Every Little Thing and veteran singer-songwriter Tamio Okuda.

The album, which will be released here on Thursday, has already entered Japan's Oricon chart at No3.

One of Mika's most talked-about singles is Mienai Hoshi (Star That Cannot Be Seen), a stirring tune reportedly as 'heartwarming' as her 2003 mega hit, Yuki No Hana (Snow Flower).

The new song, which is tied to the office drama Haken No Hinkaku starring Ryoko Shinohara, carries the message that 'even when crushed by a sense of helplessness, there is light of hope pouring out of the heart'.

For fans, it is also the best sign that their beloved ballad queen is finally back.

But for those who prefer her as Nana the rock babe, the good news is that the movie Nana 2 is slated to open in theatres here on 14 Jun.

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/show/st...125309,00.html

[[taskin.ayu]]

Finally. XDDD Even though I think her NANA look is better than her ALL HANDS TOGETHER look, it's good to have old Mika back again. :]

[summersnow]

Thanks for this article! Yes I'm happy that Mika is back to her usual style! And...NANA 2 will be showing here real soon! 14 Jun! =)

[AyuGAME]

YAY..for mika

[Miku]

I'm happy for Mika-chan ^^

[panda87]

finally, i was gettin tired of the nana thing. she looked kinda drugged up. i like the classy, old mika which she is reviving now. i missed her XP hehehe.

[mi|kshake]

But J-pop singer Mika Nakashima has finally waved her alter ego goodbye, much to the joy of fans and music critics alike.

Lol, that's a bit harsh!

mi|kshake~

[Dark_hated]

I didn't like the NANA look but i loved her music...

[MemorialAddress]

Yea I miss the old Mika, from back in the LOVE era
Thats my favorite album of hers. She does jazz very well

[Peger]

I'm so glad the old mika is back...the nana thing was getting old

[miracleofsuzaku]

Glad to see her back to her old image, but I really like her smokey-eye makeup from her LOVE days.

[zeroshin888]

I love her NANA look!!!! The ALL HANDS TOGETHER PHASE was pretty blurry and peculiar on her. Now that she's back to her old, original image, she seems quite boring to me.

[FeNgZhEnG]

NANA look is probably more for publicity purpose.. good to hear she going bck girly.

[oro77]

It is not a surprise Mika is going back to her trueself.
Nana was just for the movie, that is all

I love both Mika but the "real" one is better

[Kodayumi]

thats a good news.

thanks for the info

[Chandrachan]

I'm also glad that Mika's back to her girly self again but I also loved her Nana look!! ^^

[JesA]

finally! i was sick of the Nana thing...i hated the music, the look, and i didnt like the movie. im glad we have our beautiful Mika back