The Music Day is an annual music festival by Nihon TV. This year it featured some 71 acts spanning 11 hours.
Highlights include: Johnny’s shuffle medley, NEWS and Arashi’s new song.
The show was simultaneously aired on cable channel GEM throughout Asia. Hopefully those with the channel watched it!
This year’s Johnny’s Countdown was held in Tokyo Dome and the hosts were the adorkable Arashi. Hey!Say!JUMP and V6 had a concert and Kouhaku commitments respectively so they were filmed separately. Nevertheless, this year was really interesting as fans could choose what they want to see and hear.
Segments and notable moments from the show are summarized below:
Songs you want to hear from each group(Fan Request)
Kanjani8 had a very nice song chosen for them, “Osaka Romanesque”.
Collaboration special
Noriyuki Higashiyama sings Kondo Masahiko’s “Andalucia Ni Akogarete” with the Johnny’s Dancing Kings.
Ex-NEWS & Kanjani8 member Uchi Hiroki also makes a brief appearance back-dancing.
Song exchange medley Kanjani8 sings Sexy Zone’s “Cha Cha Cha Champion” in hilarious cosplay.
Kis-my-ft2 Yokoo breaks a note while singing Chinen Yuri’s solo in Hey!Say!JUMP’s “Ultra Music Power”.
Arashi performs NEWS debut song “NEWS Nippon”. Unlike Yokoo, Ohno sings Tegoshi’s high note flawlessly.
KAT-TUN 10th year anniversary In celebration of their 10th anniversary, they started off with “Bokura no Machi de” from 2006. This was the only song i like out of their 3 songs. They also sang “In Fact” and “Kiss Kiss Kiss” from these years. This is also the last countdown for 4-member KAT-TUN.
Kinki Kids 20th year anniversary This pair stopped dancing many years ago but this time they danced to “Yamedaide, Pure” from 1999. This is a rare song in Kinki’s playlist so it’s a must-watch!
Dream units you want to see, Top 5 (Fan Request)
No.5: Sakurai Sho & Kikuchi Fuma
Song: Arashi Sakurai Sho is Fuma’s senior from Keio University and apparently Fuma’s father wrote the lyrics to Arashi’s debut song. Fuma looks so enthusiastic next to Sho but i heard he’s actually a Akanishi shipper?
No.4: Noriyuki Higashiyama & Ohno Satoshi
Song: Nihon Yoitoko Makafushigi Higashiyama took great care of Ohno before his debut. The song they performed is covered in Arashi’s latest album “Japonism”. Ohno shows some fear before attempting a dangerous backflip which 50-year old Higashiyama did without hesitating.
[Surprise: Yamashita Tomohisa & Kamenashi Kazuya]
[Song: Seishun Amigo] According to a GirlsChannel report, Yamapi was originally not scheduled for Johnny’s Countdown as he had MV filming overseas. Fans had no option to nominate the duo but they still insisted on sending in requests. The overwhelming response must have resulted in Yamapi’s appearance. Aside from it being the biggest surprise of the night, it was also Kame and Yamapi’s reunion after 6 years so the fans in Tokyo Dome exploded in joy. Kame thanked the fans in the end by giving us a flashback of the Shuji-Akira bromance 10 years ago – a backhug for Yamapi.
Those smiles…I think it would not be exaggerating to say that this scene is worth watching 100 times over!
No.3:Matsumoto Jun & Kawai Fumito Song: Wish
Kawai is well-known for his dance impersonations of Matsujun and despite Matsujun’s resistance, his impersonations delight everyone.
No.2: Kitayama Hiromitsu & Okura Tadayoshi Song: (Each other’s songs)
They are apparently good friends!
No.1: Shibutani Subaru & Takizawa Hideaki Song: Ashita ni Mukatte
These 2 were known as “Takizawa of the East” and “Subaru of the West” during Johnny’s Junior’s Golden Age. I do not know much about this era as it was 17 years ago, but judging from the fan votes here, this pair was huge and still is! “Ashita ni Mukatte” is actually an Arashi song which they often performed in their junior days.
The biggest news of the night: Taguchi Junnosuke announces departure from KAT-TUN and Johnny’s Jimusho. Taguchi says he’s turning 30 soon and this decision was made for the sake of his future.
Taguchi’s announcement
I am just sad that this once-upon-million-selling-group is disintegrating in this manner.
On to the performances…
Johnny’s Family
Hey!Say!JUMP – Kimi Attraction
Arashi – Sakura/Aozora no Shita, Kimi no tonari/ Ai wo Sakebe Matsumoto is so dorky in this performance and as usual “Ai wo Sakebe” is a godly performance!
Kinki Kids – Yume wo mireba Kizutsuku koto mo aru
V6 – Wait for you/ 20th anniversary medley
Johnny’s Love Songs Medley Part 1
Kinki Kids – Ai no Katamari Kanjani8 – Tsuyoku Tsuyoku Tsuyoku Johnny’s WEST – All my love Hey!Say!JUMP – AinoArika Arashi – Love so sweet
Johnny’s Love Songs Medley Part 2 TOKIO – Love you only KAT-TUN – Kiss Kiss Kiss Tackey & Tsubasa – Ai ha Takaramono NEWS – Ai Kotoba V6 – Ai nanda I saw Girlschannel users looking forward to NEWS’ “Ai Kotoba” and indeed it’s a GREAT song!
LDH Inc.
Sandaime J Soul Brothers – Summer Madness
E-girls – Dance dance dance
48/46 Group
AKB48 – 365nichi no Kami Hikouki / Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby I prefer the Asa ga Kita song over Kuchibiru. Kuchibiru has a good tune, really colorful like what you’d find in a carnival but the lyrics are simpler than simple, and cutesy just doesn’t work for most members now. Quite honestly, i’m cringing whenever Takamina does the winks and pouts.
HKT48 – Shekarashika NMB48 – Durian Shonen SKE48 – Mae no Meri AKB48 – Heavy Rotation
Update: Most 48 videos gone but i’ve found alternative sources. Check them out quickly if you haven’t..
This is a special episode to celebrate Music Station’s 30th anniversary. Show was 10hours long and featured many major acts including X Japan, Ayumi Hamasaki, EXILE, 48Group, Johnny’s Family etc.
48/46 Group
Nogizaka46 – Nandome no Aozora ka Ikuta Erika wows with her piano solo and opera voice. What a talent wasted as an idol!
HKT48 – Melon Juice
SKE48 – Pareo wa Emerald
NMB48 – Nagiichi
AKB48 – Ponytail to Shushu/ Everyday, Kachuusha / Koisuru Fortune Cookie (Kimutaku center) The biggest winner from this performance is SMAP’s Kimutaku, who was forced into the KFC performance by Sashihara. Despite the annoyance on his face, he performed the full choreography perfectly, impressing netizens with his professionalism.In the end Kimutaku said “Music Station does things like this?”
Other members who attracted most attention tonight… Many comments from GirlsChannel on Mayuyu’s growing beauty and how she’s shaken off the idol look.
Within 48 fandom, many gushed over cute Paruru’s healthy return to senbatsu. I have to say Paruru’s signature twintails are really cute! Many are calling Payuyu the strongest combi in AKB48.
Johnny’s Family
Johnny’s performances are quite fun this time around as we have live video footage of Arashi from their Miyagi concert, and medleys where the idols are grouped according to their generation. It is quite interesting to see for example, Nishikido Ryo standing next to NEWS, and KAT-TUN performing Real Face with just 4 members. *Heart pinch*
Which Johnny’s generation do you belong to? Mine is Ikemen Generation.
Masahiko Kondo – Gin Gira Gin ni Sarigenaku
Arashi – Hadashi no Mirai/Carnival Night part2/GUTS!
SMAP – Yozora no Mukou /Dear WOMAN / Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana
Boys Generation Johnny’s WEST – Eejyanaika
A.B.C-Z – Za ABC~5stars~
Sexy Zone – Sexy Zone
Hey!Say!JUMP – Come on a my house
Ikemen Generation
KAT-TUN – Real Face
Kanjank8 – Zukkoke Otokomichi
NEWS – Chankapana
Tackey & Tsubasa – Venus
Ojisan Generation
Kinki Kids – Glass no Shounen
V6 – WA ni Natte Odorou
TOKIO – Love you only
LDH Inc.
GENERATIONS – Brave it out
E-girls – Follow me
EXILE – Choo Choo Train/Rising Sun
Sandaime J Soul Brothers – R.Y.U.S.E.I.
Other acts
Fukuyama Masaharu – HELLO / Sakurazaka
Nishino Kana – Darling
Morning Musume ’15 – Love Machine
X Japan – Kurenai / Forever Love Beautiful performance though i’m not a fan..
Last year, the “Akanishi Troop” consisting Akanishi Jin, Nishikido Ryo and Yamashita Tomohisa amongst others caused controversy after stealing/destroying a cellphone from someone during a night out in Roppongi. The case was settled after a large amount of settlement money was paid to the victim. However, Yamashita, who seems to have taken most responsibility for it by apologising through the media, is said to have distanced himself from the group.
According to a entertainment writer, it seems like Johnny’s jimusho has served Yamapi with the ultimatum to break off relations with Akanishi. This statement was published in the 18th Aug version of Shukan Jousei.
The Akanishi Troop takes an annual trip overseas to strengthen their unity. Last year, they went to Singapore but Yamashita did not tag along.
In June this year, the members held a birthday party but Yamapi did not show up as well.
“If it were the Yamapi before this incident, this would not happen. This is how strong his feelings for Akanishi is like,” says the entertainment writer.
In another article, Yamapi is said to be hanging out with actors Ayano Go, Sato Takeru, Miura Shohei lately.
Ayano Go and Yamapi were introduced to each other by Yamada Takayuki 4 years ago. Both hit it off and go drinking till daybreak. Miura and Yamapi were introduced by Ito Hideaki. Both have co-starred with Ito Hideaki and see him as a big brother.
“He also frequents a gay bar and goes there once a week. There was a fireworks festival along Sumida River at the end of July and he rented a boat with the regulars of that bar to see it,” says acquaintance of Yamapi.
There is nothing i can possibly hate about this song. The tune is so luxurious considering this is a CM song meant for a 30 seconds timeslot. I love the busy violins playing in the background and the girls robotically singing along as center Subako belts out her heart in her heartwrenching voice.
Of course, anything related to Kanjani8 comes with some comedy effect. In the opening, Subako sings about how hard it is to meet her lover, to the point that she doubts if she’s ever met him. Yokoyama responds with “Subako, are you alright in the head?” As we progress, we realise Subako’s love is actually Nishikido Ryo as he appears in her dream-like state and she reaches out to touch him. I don’t know about you, but the thought of Subaru thinking about Nishikido as his lover while acting out this MV made me laugh. As for the other members, the fine elements of their acting is also worth watching. Things like getting pricked by needles, their attempts at forlorn expressions etc are bound to put a smile on your face.
The debut song for Kanjani8’s sister group Kyanjani8 was unveiled in 3 separate CMs for mobile game Candy Crush Soda. Dressed in sailor uniforms, the girls put on sad expressions as center Subako sings about a maiden in love with hisher heartwrenching voice. The eerily beautiful scenes of these girls doing simple things like swiping away on cellphones have set the hearts of wotas on fire.
Yet another one of the summer music festivals….i’m tired of posting these since it’s always the same performances from the same people. If i had to pick the one highlight, it’d just be Ohara Sakurako’s “Kimi ga kureta Natsu” which is the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Koinaka”.
48/46 Group
AKB48 – Halloween Night
AKB48 – Everyday Kachuusha with exiting members Rena/Kawaei
HKT48 – 12Byou
SKE48 – Mae no Meri
NMB48 – Dorian Shonen
Nogizaka46 – Taiyou Knock
LDH Inc
EXILE – Rising Sun
EXILE – 24karats Gold Soul
Sandaime J Soul Brothers – Summer Madness
Noriyuki Makihara x EXILE – Donna toki mo
E-Girls – Anniversary!!
Chisato Moritaka x FLOWER – Jyuunana sai
Johnny’s Family
V6 – Music for the people/Ai nanda
Kanjani8 – Gamushara Koushinkyouku
Kis-My-Ft2 – Kiss damashii
Busaiku – Yacchattta!!
Sexy Zone – Cha Cha Cha Champion
Arashi – Love so sweet
Arashi – Hoshi sora no shita, Kimi no tonari
Hey!Say!JUMP – Chau#
Others:
Leo Ieiri x Ohara Sakurako – Kimi ga Kureta Natsu
Morning Musume ’15 x Funasshi – Renai Revolution 21
Kanjani8 will be releasing their new single on August 5, 2015. The song “Maemuki Scream” is a CM song for Oronamin C(energy drink) and the dance choreographer is Lucky Ikeda(the same guy behind AKB48 Kokoro no Placard). The song talks about looking forward and both the young and old are supposed to feel like dancing along upon hearing the catchphrase “Maemuki”. The song has been performed in The Music Day in previous post.
CM below:
The coupling song is the highly anticipated “Candy My Love”, the debut song from sister group Canjani8. The girl group version of Kanjani8 first appeared in CMs for mobile game Candy Crush Soda and were so successful that fans have requested for their CD debut. With a medium tempo 80s tune, the boys girls sing about the feelings of a maiden in love.
CM below:
Some funny comments the guys are saying in the CM.
Yokoyama: Do you want to see my Candy?
Murakami: I regretted taking on this job…
Maruyama: It’s okay to game, but remember to study!
Ohkura: Those preparing for exams shouldn’t game!
Subaru: What’s this about ‘Subako’? There are better names out there!
Yasuda: If someone writes bad stuff about me on the Internet, pls tell me?
Nishikido: The person doing this dislikes it the most. (*not sure about this)
If you want to get their new single with the MV for “Candy My Love”, please click below:
Yet another music festival! This was broadcasted on 4th July 2015 and lasted around 7 hours. My favourites this time gotta be Kanjani8’s “Wahaha” and Tackey & Tsubasa’s summer medley.
Johnny’s Family
Arashi – Love Rainbow/Monster/Ao sora no shita, kimi no tonari
Arashi – Troublemaker
Kinki Kids – Zenbu Dakishimete/Speak Low
KAT-TUN – Keep the faith/Kiss Kiss Kiss
Tackey & Tsubasa – Daki Natsu/Ho! Summer
V6 – Wa ni natte odorou/Music for the people/Darling/Ai nanda/Take me higher/Wait for you
AllThingsJpop 