J-Pop Top 100 Songs Of 2011

27 12 2011

It’s that time of year again when I compile a list of the best 100 J-Pop songs I’ve listened to during the year. IMO 2011 was slightly better than 2010 in terms of great music coming out in Japan. It was tough as it always is in doing this countdown but overall I’m satisfied with what I picked.

Anyway, give me a shout about what you think of the chart.

100 EXILE – Each Other’s Way
99 AAA – Daiji na Koto
98 9Nine – Shining Star
97 Negoto – Charon
96 Aqua Timez – Mayonaka no Orchestra
95 Mai Kuraki – Your Best Friend
94 Idoling!!! – Yarakai Heart
93 Ayahi Takagaki – Takaramono
92 SDN48 – Ai, Juseyo
91 Nana Mizuki – Scarlet Knight
90 Maximum The Hormone – Greatest The Hits 2011~2011
89 Mika Nakashima – Dear
88 Yui Horie – Presenter
87 You Kikkawa – Kikkake wa You!
86 Kana Nishino – Distance
85 Buono! – Zassou no Uta
84 SDN48 – MIN MIN MIN
83 Kie Kitano – Kizuna
82 Happiness – Wish
81 Nana Mizuki – Junketsu Paradox
80 FLOWER – Still
79 YUI – Green a.live
78 SCANDAL – Haruka
77 Angela Aki – Hajimari no Ballad
76 JASMINE – ONLY YOU
75 YGA – Jounetsu Heroine
74 KAT-TUN – Ultimate Wheels
73 JUJU – Kono yoru wo Tomete yo
72 Sphere – Hazy
71 Morning Musume – Only You
70 KARA – Jet Coaster Love
69 miwa – 441
68 Tokyo Girls Style – Limited Addiction
67 Eri Kitamura – Be Starters!
66 ClariS – nexus
65 KARA – Winter Magic
64 PASSPO – Vivi Natsu
63 SCANDAL – Pride
62 Afterschool – Diva
61 Koda Kumi – Pop Diva
60 YUI – Hello~Paradise Kiss
59 Super Girls – MAX! Otomegokoro
58 May’n – Scarlet Ballet
57 Perfume – Spice
56 Superfly – Ai wo Kurae
55 Tohoshinki – Why? (Keep Your Head Down)
54 4Minute – Heart To Heart
53 Aoi Teshima – Sayonara no Natsu
52 SCANDAL – Love Survive
51 L’arc En Ciel – Good Luck My Way
50 Infinite – BTD
49 NMB48 – Zetsumetsu Kurokami Shoujo
48 Perfume – Laser Beam
47 Supercell – My Dearest
46 EXILE – Rising Sun
45 Kis-My-Ft2 – Everybody Go
44 4Minute – WHY
43 Girl Next Door – Silent Scream
42 no3b – Answer
41 French Kiss – If
40 DiVA – Cry
39 Idoling!!! – Don’t think. Feel!!!
38 Kaoru to Tomoki, Toma ni Mook – Maru Maru Mori Mori
37 Not yet – Shuumatsu Not yet
36 Bump Of Chicken – Tomodachi no Uta
35 Namie Amuro – Love Story
34 Meisa Kuroki – Wired Life
33 French Kiss – Kakkowarui I Love You!
32 Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 – Hettapi Wink
31 FictionJunction – Stone Cold
30 Atsuko Maeda – Flower
29 2NE1 – Go Away
28 French Kiss – Saisho no Mail
27 Arashi – Lotus
26 no3b – Kuchibiru Furezu
25 Namie Amuro – Fight Together
24 JASMINE – ONE
23 Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 – Valentine Kiss
22 SKE48 – Pareo wa Emerald
21 DiVA – Tsugi no Uragawa
20 B’z – Don’t Wanna Lie
19 Tomomi Itano – Fui ni
18 AKB48 – Ue kara Mariko
17 AKB48 – Sakura no Ki ni Narou
16 Not yet – Pera Pera Perao
15 Atsuko Maeda – La Brae Ave
14 NMB48 – OH MY GOD!
13 SKE48 – Banzai Venus
12 Not yet – Naminori Kakigoori
11 AKB48 – Everyday Kachuusha
10 AKB48 – Kaze wa Fuiteiru
09 AKB48 – Flying Get
08 SKE48 – Okey Dokey
07 Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 – Kibou Sanmyaku
06 Koda Kumi – Ko-so ko-so
05 Shoudo Jidai – Mr Taxi
04 Namie Amuro ft Afterschool – Make It Happen
03 Tomomi Itano – Dear J
02 AKB48 – Seishun to Kizukunai Mama
01 AKB48 – Gondola Lift





no3b – Pedicure Day Full PV

17 12 2011

The trio of no3b will be releasing their new single (their 8th) called Pedicure Day on December 28th and the PV for the song has just been uploaded on Youtube. How long it will stay there is another question so be quick if you want to watch it. I really like this song and the PV features the girls waking up and getting ready for a party at their house with some friends. The single will be released in 4 versions (3 Limited Edition and 1 Regular).

Enjoy the PV





No Sleeves React To The News About Nogizaka46

1 07 2011

No Sleeves held a release event for their new single Kuchibiru Fureze yesterday and they had some words to say about the official announcement of the formation of AKB48’s rival group Nogizaka46. I don’t know if they were feigning ignorance on their part but it seemed like they didn’t know anything about this new idol group. Surely somebody at work would have mentioned something to them or they’ve heard the rumours on the grapevine. Apparently all 3 members shouted “Whaaat?” when the media asked them about Nogizaka46. Miichan even said she’d never heard about it, Takamina asked if the news was true and Kojima thought it was a joke even after seeing an item about it on the TV news that morning.

However Kojima and Miichan are a little worried about this development. They weren’t happy with the revelation about the 46 part of the new idol group’s name – “Although there are fewer members than AKB48, they will not lose”. Kojima said that perhaps Aki-P is thinking that AKB48 is lacking something for him to create a rival to them. It’s nothing to do with that. It’s all about the money and monopolising the idol industry. It was left to Takamina to show her maturity and composure when she confidently said “I’m happy. It makes me look at them with the eyes of a loving mother.

Whatever happens in the future, it’s bound to start a war of words between fans of the 2 groups.





No Sleeves – Kuchibiru Furezu (Making Of)

20 06 2011

MTV Japan recently broadcasted a programme on the making of No Sleeves’ upcoming single “Kuchibiru Fureze”. Take a look at the 2 videos below.





No Sleeves – Kuchibiru Fureze PV Preview

8 06 2011

The TV programme “Sukkiri” gave us a PV preview of No Sleeves’ red hot upcoming single “Kuchibiru Fureze”. What sticks out for me from watching the clip is how hot Takamina looks. She’s totally different from how we usually see her but I’m not complaining. No cute bows in her hair at all. It’s a very sexy look. Miichan and Kojima also look good by the way but my eyes were fixated on Takamina more than the others. The song sounds pretty good too and catchy. It’s definitely a must-buy for me.

“Kuchibiru Fureze” is out in the shops on June 29th. Check out the PV preview below.





No Sleeves’ 7th Single CD Covers & Tracklisting

1 06 2011

No Sleeves are set to drop their newest single called “Kuchibiru Furezu” on June 29th. 4 different CD versions will be released: 3 limited editions with a DVD and the usual regular edition. Each member also gets to sing a solo track. I really like the covers.

Take a look at the covers and tracklistings below:

Type A w/DVD

1. Kuchibiru Furezu…
2. Sakkaku
3. Asatte, Jamaica (Kojima Haruna Solo)
4. Kuchibiru Furezu… -Instrumental-
5. Sakkaku -Instrumental-
6. Asatte, Jamaica -Instrumental-

Type B w/DVD

1. Kuchibiru Furezu…
2. Sakkaku
3. Dare ka Oshiete (Takahashi Minami Solo)
4. Kuchibiru Furezu… -Instrumental-
5. Sakkaku -Instrumental-
6. Dare ka Oshiete -Instrumental-

Type C w/DVD

1. Kuchibiru Furezu…
2. Sakkaku
3. Sayonara ni Kizuite… (Minegishi Minami Solo)
4. Kuchibiru Furezu… -Instrumental-
5. Sakkaku -Instrumental-
6. Sayonara ni Kizuite… -Instrumental-

Regular Edition

1. Kuchibiru Furezu…
2. Sakkaku
3. Kuchibiru Furezu… -Instrumental-
4. Sakkaku -Instrumental-





No Sleeves Hold Special Graduation Ceremony For Miichan

3 03 2011

Before some of you start to panic thinking that Miichan has graduated from AKB48 – DON’T WORRY!!! This was a special ceremony as Miichan recently graduated from high school. The event was held at Shibuya AX yesterday and 1000 fans attended. A couple of celebs also turned up to congratulate Miichan. Takamina and Kojima created their own high school diploma which they presented to her. Both girls gave their own rousing speech to her as well. Miichan herself was moved by the occasion and said her goal for the future was to expand the breadth of her occupation, do her best at her job and to challenge various things as a woman.

Many congratulations on your graduation Miichan.





AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2011

25 01 2011

The annual 4 day concert at Shibuya AX “AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2011” came to an end last weekend. Which song came out on top as favourite amongst the fans? There’s been many grumblings on some forums that the casual new fans that AKB48 have attracted during the course of last year have destroyed this year’s Top 100 with many old favourite tunes being pushed down the countdown or even not on it and replaced by newer songs. I don’t know what the fuss is about myself.

Here’s how the Top 100 looked:

100. Kioku no Dilemma (H2)
99. Jibun rashisa
97. Kisu no Ryuusei (no3b)
97. AKB Sanjou (A5)
96. Seishun no Flag (Watarirouka Hashiritai)
95. Seishun no Komorebi (no3b)
94. Shiroi Tulip (Watarirouka Hashiritai)
93. Aru Aki no Hi no Koto (French Kiss)
92. Koi wo Kataru Shijin ni narenakute (SKE48)
91. Mokugekisha (A6)
90. Blue Rose (K2)
89. Kokoro no Hane (Team Dragon)
88. Okami to Pride (SKE48)
87. Boku no Yell
86. Dear My Teacher (A1)
85. 16nin Shimai no Uta 16 (K4)
84. Sakura no Shiori
83. Bingo
82. Tane (no3b)
81. Tonari no Banana (H2)
80. Kuroi Tenshi (A5)
79. Higurashi no Koi (H1)
78. Nonai Paradise (K3)
77. Omoide Ijo (SKE48 S3)
76. Sakura no Hanabiratachi
75. Sougen no Kiseki (K3)
74. Yasai Sisters
73. 3 Seconds (no3b/Persona)
72. Gyu (Watarirouka Hashiritai)
71. Aozora Kataomoi (SKE48)
70. Kokoro no Hashi no Sofa (K6)
69. Namida no Seesaw Game (Undergirls)
68. Tenshi no Shippo (B3)
67. Arashi no Yoru ni wa (B5)
66. Seventeen
65. Honest Man (B5)
64. Mayu no Tame ni (Watarirouka Hashiritai)
63. Sasae (K4)
61. Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka?
61. GAGAGA (SDN48)
60. Baby!Baby!Baby!
59. Majisuka Rock ‘n’ Roll
58. Junjou Shugi (B3)
57. Tengoku Yarou (B4)
56. Nakeru Basho (DIVA)
55. Relax! (no3b)
54. Tsundere! (A5)
53. Korogaru Ishi ni Nare (K2)
52. Nagisa no CHERRY (A2)
51. Theater no Megami (B5)
50. Boku Dake no value (Undergirls)
49. Gyakuten Oujisama (K6)
48. Kuchi Utsushi no Chocolate (B4)
47. Kataomoi no Taikakusen (B4)
46. Mushi no Ballad (K5)
45. Only Today (A4)
44. End Roll (K5)
43. Lucky Seven
42. Kanpeki Gu~none (Watarouka Hashiritai)
41. Aitakatta (A2)
40. Miniskirt no Yousei (A6)
39. MARIA (K3)
38. Majijo Teppen Blues
37. Seifuku Resistance (K6)
36. Enjou Rosen (A6)
35. Kimi to Niji to Taiyou to
34. Kanojo ni Naremasu ka? (K6)
33. Kiseki wa Ma ni Awanai (K6)
32. Gomen ne, SUMMER (SKE48)
31. Choose Me! (Team YJ)
30. Temodemo no Namida (B3)
29. Bird (A3)
28. Kimi ni Tsuite (MINT)
27. Zutto Mae Kara (French Kiss)
26. RESET (K6)
25. Itoshisa no Accel (A6)
24. 1234 Yoroshiku (SKE48)
23. Pioneer (A6)
22. Kareha no Station (Rena Matsui)
21. Shonichi (B3)
20. Namida Suprise
19. Anata ga ite kureta kara
18. Uhho Uhhoho (K6)
17. Kimishika (no3b)
16. First Love (Mayuyu)
15. Candy (B5)
14. RIVER
13. 10nen Zakura
12. Yokaze no Shiwaza (B5)
11. Oogoe Diamond
10. Enkyori Poster
09. Heart Gata Virus (A5)
08. Nakinagara Hohoende (K3)
07. Itoshiki Natasha (B4)
06. Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara
05. Team B Oshi (B5)
04. Iiwake Maybe
03. Ponytail to Shushu
02. Beginner
01. Heavy Rotation





No3b Album To Be Released On New Year’s Day

16 09 2010

I was one of those disappointed when no3b’s debut album was unexpectedly postponed a while ago with no real explanation as to why that was the case. Has an explanation been given or not? When the news was announced regarding the postponement, no future release date was set. Thankfully the new release date has been given and no3b’s album will now hit the shops on January 1st 2011. What perfect timing as I’ll be in Japan at the time so I can head off to Shinjuku’s Tower Records to pick it up.





No Sleeves Album Release Postponed

28 08 2010

No Sleeves’ debut album which was supposed to hit the shelves on September 15th has been postponed for various reasons according to their website. They don’t explain what the reasons are – I don’t think they’d cancel because of the competition coming out the same day (NEWS album). I’m really disappointed with this as I was so looking forward to buying it. No new release date has been given yet. We’ll just have to wait and see when they’ll announce it which I hope will be soon.