AMBITIOUS JAPAN! - The JE Sempai Thread #4 - ♫

[KarenPang]

Every Johnny’s talent to take part in relief project

Johnny’s & Associates will launch a new relief project involving every one of their talents to support the victims of the Japan earthquake, it was revealed on March 19, reports Sponichi Annex and Sports Hochi.

It has been reported the project will include a charity CD sale and events.

On March 18, a truck originally intended to transport concert equipment, instead transported everyday needs like disposable baby diapers and disinfectant to affected areas in Iwate prefecture. Johnny’s talents Hideaki Takizawa (28), Tsubasa Imai (29), and Yuma Nakayama (17) helped to load the goods onto the truck.

“Our fans have supported us, now we want to give something back to them,” Imai said.

“If we can help motivate people to do something by doing it ourselves, I think there’s a need for all of us (at Johnny’s) to get together and ask our fans to help out as well,” Takizawa said.

Following the 1995 Kobe earthquake, 13 Johnny’s talents from the Kansai region, or with connections to Kansai had formed “J-FRIENDS” (TOKIO, KinKi Kids, and V6). The special group released CDs and held performances to raise money for earthquake victims.

It has been reported that other talents had said they wanted to help out if another charity group were to be formed, and it is expected that this project will be bigger than ever. The group will even include Johnny’s senior Masahiko Kondo, Shonentai, SMAP, and Arashi.

http://momoedgewood.wordpress.com/20...elief-project/

===

Johnny’s to perform power-saving concerts from April

Johnny’s talent concerts will resume in April, but only using one-tenth of normal electricity power, reports Asahi Shimbun and Daily Sports Online.

Duo Tackey & Tsubasa and NYC’s Yuma Nakayama had been helping load goods onto a truck bound for earthquake and tsunami victims in northern Japan.

“The entire agency started this, we’ll support them to the end.

“If we work hard enough, we can perform a concert any time. What’s important now is to help those in need,” Takizawa said.

It has been reported a typical Johnny’s concert needs 3000-kilowatts of electricity. Concerts will resume on April 1, but only using a fraction of this power.

“We’ll get through it by putting more of ourselves into it . We’ll take electricity into consideration,” Imai said.

Tokyo is still experiencing power shortages brought about by the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster and residents and companies are being urged to cut down on unnecessary power use.

http://momoedgewood.wordpress.com/20...ts-from-april/

[ll moments ll]

i was listening to SPOTLIGHT on T&T's new EP. i really like it, of course, but IT WAS MISSING THE VOCODER. LMAO. it feels strange to listen to a Nakata Yasutaka track w/o the vocoder.

ok, that's it.

[KarenPang]

I don't listen to capsule but yeah SPOTLIGHT is 1 of the standout tracks in TRIP & TREASURE & that goes for Billions of You too

my younger sister doesn't like the EP though :x , she said it sounded so kiddy for her liking D:

She listened to their older works but not for my case . But eh I like TRIP & TREASURE though , it puts me in a really good mood , especially after a long day at work

I ordered the Taiwan press / CD LE from 5music & it comes with a hardcover photobook & it's going to be the 1st T&T item that I will have

I was deciding between CD LE & CD + DVD but I went with CD LE cos I can make do without the PVs haha

[KarenPang]

Oricon Weekly - Albums (15/3~21/3/2011)

*1 87,722 *87,722 Ketsumeishi – Ketsunopolis 7
*2 61,167 541,704 EXILE – Negai no Tou
*3 34,474 *34,474 supercell - Today Is A Beautiful Day
*4 30,561 182,872 RADWIMPS - Zettai Zetsumei
*5 23,940 210,410 Avril Lavigne – Goodbye Lullaby
*6 19,764 *19,764 Tackey & Tsubasa - TRIP & TREASURE
*7 17,668 *17,668 LUNA SEA – LUNA SEA
*8 16,134 *16,134 Sphere - Spring is here
*9 10,501 321,769 aiko – Matome I
10 10,449 *58,336 Sheryl Nome starring May'n & Ranka Lee=Nakajima Megumi produced by Kanno Youko - Macross Frontier Sayonara no Tsubasa netabare album the end of "triangle"

[Bigtop]

Ketsumeishi?! Whoa, I know the sales were impacted by the earthwuake, but especially based on their recent single performance, I'm not sure why these boys are no longer #1...

[Beauty4123]

they made the top 10. i'm still happy for that!

[KarenPang]

T&T never have been strong sellers to begin with

their best selling single Venus crossed the 300K mark & I'm not even sure for their albums's sales D:

anyway I'm excited to receive TRIP & TREASURE next week

[KarenPang]

SMAP give show time and donations to 3/11 victims

SMAP x SMAP was different in every way on March 21 because its stars wanted to dedicate a 79-minute special for the victims of 3/11, reports Sankei Sports and Sports Hochi.

The extended show took place in an empty white set, where the five members of SMAP came on in black and took turns to express their feelings about the disaster that had struck north-eastern Japan.

“To those who were the victims of this tragedy, we extend our most sincere condolences to you all,” said Masahiro Nakai (38), and the five bowed their heads.

“I’m overwhelmed by it all,” said Takuya Kimura (38).

“I hope we can all realise how lucky we are to be able to live a normal life,” said Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (36).

“I hope we can all believe in one thing. Believe in ourselves. Believe in Japan,” said Shingo Katori (34).

During the show, the five read out a select number of messages sent in by viewers which totalled more than 10,000 emails and 3000 faxes.

The group performed three songs, including their hit number “世界に一つだけの花 (Sekai ni Hitotsu dake no Hana)”.

It has been reported the five have already donated an undisclosed amount towards relief funds, and have also donated their salaries for this week’s SMAP x SMAP show.

http://momoedgewood.wordpress.com/20...o-311-victims/

[KarenPang]

Rescheduled SP movie event held, movie earnings will help 3/11 victims

Part of the money “SP THE MOTION PICTURE Revolution volume” makes will go towards relief efforts for 3/11 victims, it was revealed at the movie’s event in Tokyo, reports Mainichi Shimbun and Daily Sports Online.

Junichi Okada from V6 and the cast of the SP movie came together to the event which had originally been scheduled for March 12, but was postponed because of the 3/11 disaster in north-eastern Japan.

As well as announcing that a portion of the movie’s earnings will be donated, Okada had said he hoped everyone would be able to rebuild their lives as soon as possible. The Johnny’s talent himself had experienced the 1995 Kobe earthquake when he was living in Osaka.

“I hope everyone who was a victim of this earthquake can get a boost of confidence watching SP and how the team fights on, their teamwork, and their courage.

“I think being happy is going to play an important role from now own. We’ll do all that we can to bring smiles to your faces, and I hope that ‘SP’ could help in some way,” he said.

The SP story started as a drama series in 2007, where Inoue (Okada) and his team at the Metropolitan Police Department Security Police Division stop terrorists in Tokyo. The latest movie is a sequel to last year’s “SP THE MOTION PICTURE　野望篇 (Yabo volume, Ambition volume)”

Okada had said team work was key to the SP project.

“We got here thanks to team work. SP is something made by all the staff and cast,” he said.

http://momoedgewood.wordpress.com/20...p-311-victims/

[KarenPang]

SMAP have personally donated more than 400 million yen

The Daily Sports Online has reported Johnny’s group SMAP have made personal donations of more than 400 million yen to help victims of the 3/11 disaster, it was revealed on March 27.

It has been reported the five did not donate as a group, but individually, so donation amounts vary from person to person.

As well as this, the five have donated their salaries from March 21′s SMAP x SMAP show to the Red Cross, and Tsuyoshi Kusanagi has donated his salary from March 27′s FNS music special. So far the total amount has been estimated to be more than 400 million yen.

The group used their SMAP x SMAP show to discuss what everyone could do to help relief efforts, and plan to talk about helping victims again on their April 2 show “SMAPがんばりますっ!! (SMAP Ganbarimasu!)”.

The group also star in the latest AC commercial with the message, “you’re not alone, we’re all with you”.

To top things off, SMAP have also announced they’ll take part in the upcoming Johnny’s relief project.

A representative from Johnny’s had said the exact amount of money would not be made public to respect their talents’ privacy.

“We can confirm donations have been made, but it is something they did personally so we will not make a public announcement.”

http://momoedgewood.wordpress.com/20...0-million-yen/

[KarenPang]

Johnny & Associates announces earthquake relief project, “Marching J”, feat. all talents

Johnny & Associates have announced the creation of an earthquake relief project called “Marching J“, which will feature the participation of all Johnny & Associates talents.

The project was named by president Johnny Kitagawa, and the “J” stands for both ‘Japan’ and ‘Johnny’s’. Mr. Kitagawa says, “I put the meaning of ‘Let’s walk together toward the recovery.”

Although Johnny & Associates housed a relief unit, “J-FRIENDS“, for 1995’s Great Hanshin Earthquake, it was only comprised of TOKIO, KinKi Kids, and V6. This time, however, “Marching J” will involve all the agency’s talents – it’ll mark the first in-house collaborative project since the company’s founding in 1962. Mr. Kitagawa explained, “It was that big of a disaster. We need to get together, and take actions to make our hearts as one.” He also revealed that there were many talents who were willing to do something for the disaster relief.

The first event for “Marching J” will be through a fundraiser, which will be hosted in front of the First Gymnasium at the Yoyogi National Stadium. The event will run from April 1st to the 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Including Johnny’s Jr. boys (and trainees), there will be over 100 talents participating the event under the slogan, “Use our energy without using electricity“. Talk segments will also be held at the event.

Mr. Kitagawa also stated that the project does not have a set time limit, nor will this be a one-time event. He said, “We will continue to do some kind of activity every month until the end.”

http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/03/joh...t-all-talents/

[KarenPang]

Marching J attracts more than 100,000 fans on first day

Day one of the Johnny’s 3/11 disaster relief project “Marching J” on April 1 saw 55 of its talents call on tens of thousands of their fans to come together and help out for a good cause, reports Daily Sports Online, News 24, and Yomiuri Online.

It has been reported that talents including Masahiko Kondo, TOKIO, Arashi, KAT-TUN, KinKi Kids, and NEWS appeared on a stage set up in front of donation boxes at the Dai-ichi Taikukan court and talked about their ambitions for this project.

“[I want to do this] at least once a month. And at least for a year. I’d like to ask the media to continue showing us footage of the reconstruction going on in the disaster zones,” said Kondo.

“Each and every one of us might only be able to help out in a small way, but putting all of it together and we can help out in a big way. I hope that all of our strength and our thoughts will help those in the disaster areas,” said Sakurai.

“I hope we can overcome this challenge together,” said Kamenashi.

More than 101,000 fans created long lines to make donations towards 3/11 disaster relief funds today, prompting the event time to be extended by another hour.

Marching J will continue on April 2 and 3 with the 100+ Johnny’s talents taking turns to come on stage.

http://momoedgewood.wordpress.com/20...-on-first-day/

[KarenPang]

This morning's broadcast coverage footage of Marching J

[KarenPang]

Yesterday we reported the results of the first day of the “Marching J” fundraiser held by talent agency Johnny’s Jimusho on April 1. Today marked the second day of the event.

On April 2, popular group SMAP participated in the charity event held outside of Yoyogi Gym 1 in Tokyo. The event is raising money to support disaster relief in Japan. A total of 127,000 people visited the event on its second day, exceeding the 101,000 visitors of the first day. SMAP’s Katori Shingo (34) commented, “I was reminded of how amazing Johnny’s is”. Kimura Takuya (38) was moved by the event, saying, “I’m happy that everyone came, and that they are smiling”.

Currently staying in the United States to prepare for his American debut, Akanishi Jin (26) delivered a video message projected on a giant screen on the stage. “I’m disappointed that I can’t be there with you guys. My family lives in Tokyo, and I hate that I can’t be with them right now”, he said, frowning. Then he issued a call to the crowd, saying, “Let’s come together to support our own”.

Akanishi also mentioned the event on his Twitter: “By the way thank u 2 all the ppl who attended Johnny’s charity event n japan.My apologies for only being able to be there as a video message“.

Also in Tokyo April 2 for the first day of a theater production was V6’s Inohara Yoshihiko (34), who rushed to the event before the performance to voice his support.

http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/04/aka...video-message/

[KarenPang]

Marching J attracted almost 390,000 fans over three days

The 3/11 disaster relief project which featured SMAP and every talent at Johnny’s & Associates had attracted 389,000 fans over its three-day period, reports the Japan Press Network, TV Asahi, Oricon, and News 24 (1 & 2).

It has been reported “Marching J” had attracted 101,000 fans on April 1, 127,000 fans on April 2, and 161,000 fans on April 3.

On Sunday, SMAP made an appearance at Marching J’s stage outside the Yoyogi Dai-ichi Taikukuan, Harajuku for the second day in a row, and thanked their fans for their efforts.

“I think your thoughts right now will reach thousands of people,” said Shingo Katori.

“This is the last time we’ll be collecting donations from Yoyogi [Dai-ichi Taikukan] but I hope you all keep an eye on the situation for a longer period of time,” said Masahiro Nakai.

“To show my gratitude to you all,” said Tsuyoshi Kusanagi before he did a back flip.

The group also performed their hit numbers “世界に一つだけの花 (Sekai ni Hitotsu dake no Hana)” and “夜空ノムコウ (Yozora no Mukou)” in a cappella in front of the crowd.

It has been reported Nakai had been singing softly compared to the others.

“I didn’t want to cause trouble…,” he said, making the crowd laugh.

Donations on Sunday started half and hour early, and so the event ran from 9:30am to 6pm. Johnny’s talents who appeared on April 3 were:

• Noriyuki Higashiyama
• Koji Uchiumi
• Atsuhiro Sato
• Kenichi Okamoto
• SMAP
• V6′s Masayuki Sakamoto, Hiroshi Nagano, Go Morita, Junichi Okada, and Ken Miyake
• Arashi’s Masaki Aiba, Jun Matsumoto, and Satoshi Ohno
• NEWS’ Keiichiro Koyama, Shigeaki Kato, Takahisa Masuda, Yuya Tegoshi
• Hey! Say! JUMP
• Toma Ikuta
• Tomoyuki Yara
• Shunsuke Kazama
• Jun Hasegawa
• Hiroki Uchi
• Kis-My-Ft2
• B.I.Shadow

“Marching J” gave Higashiyama the chance to see some old friends like Koji Uchiumi.

“I can’t remember the last time we met. How’ve you been?,” he said.

It has also been reported Keinchi Okamoto and his son Keito Okamato (Hey! Say! JUMP) appeared on stage together for the first time to give families in the crowd some advice.

“I’ve heard there are a lot of families here today, please be careful not to let go of your children’s hands. Have fun,” Kenichi Okamoto said.

http://momoedgewood.wordpress.com/20...er-three-days/

[KarenPang]

SMAP to sing the theme song for next “Getsu 9″ drama

It was announced that SMAP’s new song “not alone~Shiawase ni Narou yo~” has been chosen as the theme song for next “Getsu 9″ drama, “Shiawase ni Narou yo.” SMAP member, Katori Shingo is slated to star in the drama.

The new song was first planned to be released as a single CD on May 4th, however, because of their considerations for saving electricity for CD press and printing factories which are located in Kanto area, as well as the circulating system to send many CDs to the whole country, it has been decided that they will release the song as digital single. (This will be the first time for any “Getsu 9″ theme song to be released as a digital single.)

“not alone~Shiawase ni Narou yo~” will begin distributing in three forms; “Chaku-Uta (starting on April 25th)”, “Chaku-Uta Full” and “Ring Back Tone (starting on May 4th)”. Chaku-Uta Full will be on sale with the members’ wallpaper, and 100 yen from every download will be donated as the disaster relief through Marching J.

http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/04/sma...getsu-9-drama/

[KarenPang]

According to Mezamashi TV (2011.04.08), SMAP will sing the theme song for Katori Shingo's new drama, "Shiawase ni Narou yo"



SMAP's song is called "not alone ～幸せになろうよ～" or "not alone ~Shiawase ni narou yo~" OR "not alone ~let's become happy!" and it will be in limited release on April 25, 2011

Right now, SMAP & the cast of "Shiawase ni Narou yo" appear in special videos in a "YOU ARE NOT ALONE" message campaign. The videos in the campaign are of them saying "faito!" (Fight!) which are also in the youtube link above!

http://community.livejournal.com/smapxsmap/471279.html & http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/110...0507001-n1.htm

[KarenPang]

SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro volunteers at an emergency shelter

SMAP member Nakai Masahiro appears to have secretly visited a shelter in Fukushima on April 7th, showing his compassion for the disaster victims.

According to reports from Fuji Television, Nakai arrived at the shelter in a mask, hat, and sunglasses to hide his identity, but made sure to greet everyone by at least taking off his shades. Apparently, the star had the day off and was called in by friends to come help out.

In addition to helping pass out emergency rations of rice, he also brought toys for the small children and massage chairs for the elderly people staying at the shelter, lighting up the faces of the weary and displaced people. He was careful not to reveal his identity completely and remained silent for most of this time, but quietly wished each person health as he brought them food.

Nakai is said to have returned to work in Tokyo on the 8th.

http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/04/sma...gency-shelter/

[KarenPang]

Happy 32nd birthday to KinKi Kids's Tsuyoshi

while KinKi Kids's Koichi's KOICHI DOMOTO CONCERT TOUR 2010 BPM DVD is certified Gold for shipment of 100K copies

http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201103.html

[KarenPang]

Tackey’s power-saving stage show still wows crowd

Johnny’s talent Hideaki Takizawa opened up about his feelings for his new stage show and how he wanted to help victims from the 3/11 disaster, the star said at a press conference in Tokyo on April 12, reports Mainichi Shimbun, Daily Sports Online, and The TV news.

“滝沢歌舞伎 (Takizawa Kabuki)” had started shows at the Nissay Theatre in Tokyo on April 8. With aftershocks still hitting Tokyo, staff members are now on standby in the stage wings to help out in case of an emergency.

“We do a last safety check just before the curtain goes up,” Takizawa said.

It has been reported the show has been modified to run at 80 per cent of its original electricity plans by dimming some stage lights and screens. One of the highlights of the first act has been reported as Takizawa’s fast costume change. The talent has 10 costume changes in the space of 15 minutes, turning into historical Japanese figures including Nobunaga Oda and Shiro Amakusa.

“There are so many tricks to it, even some I don’t know about,” he said.

One character Takizawa plays, Yoshitsune, is a character he has previously played in the 2005 NHK Taiga drama. Parts of Yoshitsune had been shot in areas of Iwate prefecture hit by the 3/11 earthquake.

“A lot of people helped me during the location shoots for the Taiga drama in north-eastern Japan. I am worried. I want to find some time to go and see them again. It’s a huge area but I want to go around everywhere,” he said.

It has been reported the 3/11 disaster had stopped stage show rehearsals for a while, but it did not stop the show from being canceled.

“(When the earthquake struck) we were in the middle of rehearsals, and afterwards rehearsals were canceled for about 10 days. There were days I was worried about how things would turn out, but then I’d realise there were people who were going through much tougher times than me.”

Takizawa continued to talk about how he felt about fans coming to see his show in amidst the current crisis.

“It makes me really thankful to know I have fans like this. My fans have supported me up to now and now I want to be able to support them. (After the first show’s performance) the applause was huge and it wouldn’t stop. At that moment I was so glad to have pushed on and open this show.”

“滝沢歌舞伎 (Takizawa Kabuki)” has a very Japanese history theme to it, and Takizawa had one more message to those affected by the 3/11 disaster.

“There have been disasters in the past. But an amazing Japan is still here. We can overcome this. We will always be with you.”

Takizawa’s stage show will continue shows until May 8.

http://momoedgewood.wordpress.com/20...ll-wows-crowd/