Maeda Atsuko to release drama theme song in first album

Actress Maeda Atsuko(24) will release her first album on 22nd June 2016.

This release date is the same as that of her solo debut single “Flower” 5 years ago. The theme song for her new drama “Busujima Yuriko no Sekirara Nikki” will also be included in the album.

Maeda said “This is the first album I’ve been waiting for. It’s being released on my 5th year anniversary since my solo debut so i’m happy.”

On the song “Selfish” which is theme song for her new drama, she said “I’m singing with the feelings of my character i play in the drama. It’s a song which everyone would sing in Karaoke. It’s sad and cool at the same time. Certainly the perspectives from my drama would be communicated to everyone.”

There will be other new songs included in the album.

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Tidbit: In the drama, she plays the role of a reporter who is in a relationship with 2 guys at the same time.

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Preorder her first album here:

Type A

Type B

Type C

Type D

March “anan” issue features the legends of AKB48

Some of the interviews in this feature.

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Maeda Atsuko on Sakura Miyawaki 

What are her charms when you saw her for the first time?
Maeda: She was really small and i was so touched thinking “she is the icon of pretty girls”. She grew day by day and I always said “you’ve grown taller again~!” when i met her(laugh). She grew by 20cm and is now taller than me.
When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Maeda: I like the Sakura in “Majisuka Gakuen”. Anyways, she’s cute! When i told her straight to the face, she got embarrassed and didn’t like it. But from this reaction, you can tell she takes acting seriously, and i remember thinking to myself that she’ll become a great actress.

What charms can she improve on?
Maeda: Like…dyeing her hair as she ages. I was like that too during a period when i wanted to look more mature. But i also want her to continue the orthodox style of being cute with black hair. Also, i hope she can become a solid center, as i feel like the “center” of AKB48 has not been decided yet. So i hope she can aim for “immovable center” with a positive mindset instead of questioning herself. If it’s Sakura, she can do it!

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Sakura Miyawaki on Maeda Atsuko

Your thoughts on Maeda?
Sakura: Initially i was more of a fan than a member. After that, i remember tearing up when i listened to Maeda san singing “Yume no Kawa” on stage. At that time, even though we didn’t have much interaction, something welled up in my chest.

When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Sakura: Last year, i went to see her butai “Aoi Hitomi” alone. It was a play with very difficult and thought-inducing plot. To be able to appear in something like that is something only real actresses can do. Not only me, but all the members also want to become like her.

What else do you wish to see in her?
Sakura:I want to see her acting as an OL in dramas or movies(laugh). For the MV of “Kimi wa Melody” this time, both Maeda san and Oshima Yuko san supported me and made it more enjoyable that i could imagine. Even if they’ve graduated, i hope to work with them like this in future too!

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Watanabe Mayu x Itano Tomomi on Shinoda Mariko

What are her charms when you first met her?
Itano:Mariko came slightly after the first generation members. Up till then, we were taking dance and singing lessons and worried over how many songs we could remember. But i remember that you were able to memorize all of them.

When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Mayu:It was really lonely after she graduated, but i always watch her on “PON!”. Indeed, her talking skills is really good.
Mariko: Eh, really?
Mayu: Yes! I can’t really talk, so your program helps me to learn.

What else do you wish to see in her?
Mayu: During AKB48, Mariko sama was always called the “Mariko from above”, but i always thought that she had the cute charm too. I want to see the mischievous Mariko sama from now too!
Mariko: Now that i think about it, Mayuyu used to do the Kancho(*Japanese prank)on me.
Mayu: That’s right. I did that to the Mariko sama i admire…i was really happy(laugh).

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Shinoda Mariko x Itano Tomomi on Watanabe Mayu
What are her charms when you first met her?
Shinoda: It was an event to unveil Team B i think. There was a rumor about this girl who exudes an aura when she dances – that was Mayuyu.

Mayu: Ehh!

Shinoda: She was like the Acchan during her debut – simple at first glance, but somehow her presence draws attention. I remember thinking that she’s cute.

When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Itano: To me, Mayuyu of yester years and now is still the “orthodox idol”. She’s cute like a doll so i hope she remains like that.

Shinoda: But she’s surprisingly mature infront of her peers and juniors.

Itano: Yes. I also think it’s very fresh and charming when she pokes fun at her peers with a smile.

What are the charms that she can improve on?
Shinoda: On the contrary, i want to see a blank Mayuyu.
Itano: Blank Mayuyu!?
Shinoda: Yes. When people learn about her human side, maybe they’ll feel that they have more in common with her. I thought about this too when i first met her, but she seems to harbour alot of power.
Itano: Mmm….it may be good to break that shell.

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Shinoda Mariko x Watanabe Mayu on Itano Tomomi

What are her charms when you first met her?
Shinoda: When was the first time you both talked?
Itano: We were always standing next to each other during filming.
Mayu: I was nervous and she said “Are you alright?”
Itano: Mayuyu was very quiet(laugh).
Mayu: Tomochin san had a very cool image but actually she took good care of the juniors. I think this gap in her image is very charming!

When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Mayu: I think it’s really cool now that she’s a solo artiste.
Shinoda: Indeed, it’s different from when we do group performances. It’s great.
Mayu: Yes. Her professionalism is different from when she was in AKB48. I feel the strength in her!

What else do you wish to see in her?
Mayu: Of cos her cool beauty, and personally, i also wish to see her “my pace” side and more of her real personality.
Shinoda: Something like “Mojimoji kun?” (*i have no idea who is mojimoji kun)
Itano: no~!!
Shinoda: Fufu, just joking(laugh)

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Credits to Mayuyu.Org for scans

Maeda Atsuko breaks up with Matsuya Onoe

Maeda Atsuko(24) has ended her relationship with Matsuya Onoe(30).

On the 20th December episode of “Bokura no Jidai”, Maeda Atsuko talked about her marriage goals. “Perhaps i was too desperate to get married at one point in my life. But now i won’t(get married)” she said.

Maeda was first reported to be in a relationship with Kabuki prince Matsuya Onoe in 2013, with talks of marriage along the way.

“Matsuya san introduced Acchan to his fanclub, people around them also gave their blessings. In the spring of 2014, the 2 of them visited a Yakiniku shop managed by one of the fanclub members, and gave their autographs.” – Kabuki insider.

She has also greeted Matsuya’s mother, and their relationship was going smoothly. Around summer of 2015, the gap between them started to widen.

“Acchan is a really systematic(?) girl. She had thoughts of marriage, and got along well with Matsuya san’s mother. She watched his butai 2 or 3 times over and showed up backstage to make her greetings. Matsuya san was also working towards marriage. But at that time, Matsuya san’s career was taking off and he became busier performing Kabuki in other prefectures….

Acchan became more involved with her butai and more serious about improving her acting to stand on stage. So they broke up at the end of June.” – showbiz insider

Matsuya did not show up for Maeda’s butai “Elisabeth”, which ended in June.

“They did not breakup because of disliking each other, so it’s possible to reconcile. It seems like they go out for meals after that too…Matsuya is only 30, so this is a time where he has to study hard if he wants to become a successful Kabuki actor. For Acchan, it’s been 3 years since she graduated from AKB48 so it’s crucial for her to progress as an actress.” says above insider.

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AKB48 43rd single will see the return of golden girls Acchan,Yuko,Mariko,Itano

AKB48 43rd single will be released in March 2016 and former aces Maeda Atsuko, Oshima Yuko, Itano Tomomi and Shinoda Mariko will be participating as well. Exiting member Takahashi Minami, who has her graduation concert set for that same month, will also be participating.

Takahashi Minami said “I was informed about this yesterday, even though i was told Kuchibiru would be my last single. I’m happy to be able to sing with everyone, but whom shall i apologise to?” Audience laughed because she showed a troubled face.

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My interest in this group has been waning recently. This reunion will keep me going for another 3 months.

Bunshun talks about celebrities and the apartments they live in, Kojiharu lives most luxuriously

In the 10th September issue of Bunshun, an article was published talking about the type of houses various 48Group members lived in. This topic was brought up because of the recent articles about AKS being investigated by tax authorities for undeclared expenses.

According to various media reports, members who live with their families receive a subsidy on their housing rents, in amounts from 1~2 million yen per month. Kojima Haruna in particular, seems to live most luxuriously as her monthly rent is 1.5~3million yen. Her apartment is a 3LDK spanning at least 200sq metres. It comes with 2 baths, a veranda fitted with a jacuzzi and a view of the forest. The place is close to supermarkets and taxis.

Graduated member Kasai Tomomi lives in a 1million yen high rise apartment in Roppongi. She has been spotted going to a Sushi place with a middle aged guy in the neighbourhood and no doubt continues to live a “bubbly” life. (*they’re trying to hint at her relationship with someone we all know about)

Graduated ace Maeda Atsuko used to live in a luxury apartment in Shibuya worth 500,000yen a month, but because of the famous incident where she was papp-ed drunk and crying all over Sato Takeru, male fans started hanging outside her house.She now lives in a low-level mansion in Meguro, about 1million yen a month.

A reporter comments “Celebrities love low-level luxury apartments which allows them to enter/exit easily without revealing their faces. There are lots of cases where idols,or actors in their teens or 20s will rent tower apartments which are properly managed so their agencies can fetch them easily to/from work. However, those with a lower level of income like comedians stay in normal houses.”

There are also “celebrity towers” where you can see various stars living under one roof.

“In Shibuya, there’s a luxury apartment with concierge service, rent starts from 1 million yen. KAT-TUN’s Kamenashi Kazuya, Yamashita Tomohisa, Ayaka and husband Mizushima Hiro, Koda Kumi etc all live there. In Meguro area there is a tower apartment where the average rent is 500,000 yen and EXILE members amongst others live there.”

 

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Kojiharu has so many CMs she definitely has what it takes to live luxuriously. I am more excited about the fact that Kame and Yamapi live in the same building!

Koyanagi Yuki, Maeda Atsuko, Shiraishi Mai collaborations on Suiyou Kayousai(17 June 15)

I don’t usually post videos from Suiyou Kayousai but some great songs and notable appearances this week.

Koyanagi Yuki x Hirahara Ayaka – Anata no Kiss wo Kazoetemashou & Jupiter

Ota Hiromi x Maeda Atsuko – Momen no Handkerchief

Anri x Shiraishi Mai – Kanashimi ga Tomaranai

 

 

Maeda Atsuko meets Orlando Bloom at the “The Hobbit” world premiere

Actress Maeda Atsuko recently attended the world premiere of “The Hobbit: Battle of the 5 Armies” in London and came face to face with handsome actor Orlando Bloom. The 2 even exchanged a hug.

Dressed in a traditional kimono, Maeda received compliments from Orlando himself. “Amazing! You look beautiful!”said the actor.

Full Interview

What kind of movie do you think you’ll act in with Maeda? Love comedy?
Orlando: I don’t know, i have to read the script really. What would you like to do?
Maeda: Anything! (Orlando: Me too!)

What kind of advice would you give to Maeda if she wants to enter Hollywood?
Orlando: I don’t know if Hollywood is necessarily the place you want to be in. I don’t know why, but if you really want to be in Hollywood, you’ve just got to roll your sleeves and work hard, which i’m sure you’ll do.
Maeda: I will!
Commenting on her first appearance in an overseas movie premiere event, Maeda said “Furisode(a specific term for her kimono) is only worn when you are young, so i’m glad to be able to wear it at this age and at this event. Anyway the scale of this event is huge. The staff and cast are also really friendly towards the fans. As this is a world premiere, and i am able to watch in 3D, as a movie fan there’s nothing more to ask for!”

After the movie, Maeda said “I cried alot. Once again i realised how much i like this series. In this project, the theme of reunions, friendships and love are all included. I can relate to every character’s emotions. The last battle scene is definitely something to lookout for! Although this is the end of the series, i hope that it can continue.”

Finally, in reference to the theme of “last journey” and “breaking up with friends” in this movie, Maeda said “It’s a happy feeling to move on when you feel that you’ve done everything you can. I have graduated from AKB and is continuing my journey by myself now. A new journey starts whenever one ends, so i’m excited.”

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[Updated]Golden girls of AKB48 return in 38th single “Kibouteki Refrain” Music Video

AKB48 38th Single [Kibouteki Refrain] (FULL MV.) from Valen S. on Vimeo.

In what may be a very shocking but pleasant surprise, AKB48’s graduated golden girls Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Itano Tomomi and Oshima Yuko were featured in the music video of AKB48 38th single “Kibouteki Refrain”, set to release 26th November.

Starting with Takahashi Minami, the centers in the history of AKB48 showed up one after another, running a relay race to pass on 2 golden microphones. This action signifies the passing on of the center position. Watanabe Mayu and Miyawaki Sakura eventually receive the microphones and perform live with the rest of the senbatsu members.

There are lots of running scenes in this music video, which is also the theme for the jacket covers.

The single comes in 4 types in both regular and limited editions. Kojizaka46(centered by Kojima Haruna) will also have their first original song “Kaze no Razen” plus MV included in Type D.

Still Cuts

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Jacket Covers

**Limited Type A**

**Regular Type A**

**Limited Type B**

**Regular Type B**

**Limited Type C**

**Regular Type C**

**Limited Type D**

**Regular Type D**

 

Maeda Atsuko makes a return to dramaland in “Nobunaga Concerto”

Ex AKB48 turned actress Maeda Atsuko will be making a guest appearance in the 3rd episode of this season’s getsu-kyu drama “Nobunaga Concerto”, starring Oguri Shun.  (getsu-kyu means Monday 9pm slot)

The drama is adapted from manga of the same title. Oguri Shun plays a high schooler who gets transported back in time to 1549 during the Sengoku era. He has to battle the weaknesses in himself to live as Nobunaga Oda, a warlord who unites Japan.

Maeda will be playing a village girl called “Oharu” who Oguri Shun meets by chance. The episode is set to air on the 27th October. This will be the first time both Oguri and Maeda are acting together.

“I’m really honoured to be able to join in the grand cast,” says Maeda. “There will be alot of characters appearing. I’d be happy if Oharu leaves a slight impression in everyone’s minds.”

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Getsu9 and Oguri Shun….Acchan’s got a good project this time, despite her role being really minor.

[Poll Corner]Best idol cover of “Blue Coral” by Matsuda Seiko

So a few weeks back, i started a new section on AllThingsJpop called “Poll Corner” so we can get to hear our favourite idols sing classic songs and see how they fare against each other. The response was overwhelming, considering the lack of comments i get usually. Thank you for voting and i’m really glad to announce that Kojima Haruna won the first poll singing Matsuda Seiko’s “Akai Sweet Pea”! Can’t imagine a more deserving winner although the rest are fine singers. (Check out the results from first poll here.)

This week, i am bringing back a new song based on a reader’s request. Titled “Blue Coral”, it is also a classic from Matsuda Seiko. Check out the covers and vote!

HKT48 – Murashige Anna

HKT48 – Tomonaga Mio (from 2:00 onwards)

Ex AKB48 – Maeda Atsuko

-For below videos, if you can’t view it on your browser, i’d recommend using Google Chrome and Unblock Youku plugin-

SPEED

AKB48 – Miyazaki Miho

Have a request for a next song? Let me know and i’ll see if there’s enough covers to make a poll for next time!