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Showing posts with label Japanese Star News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japanese Star News. Show all posts

Saturday, April 30, 2011

[NEWS]Yamapi Hits the Thailand Stop of his 2011 Solo Asia Tour



[NEWS]Yamapi Hits the Thailand Stop of his 2011 Solo Asia Tour.
cr:koalasplayground

I’m like a chipmunk, I can be busy doing someone important, but the second I sniff one of my obsessions, I immediately drop proper work like a hot potato and toddle off to happily waste time. Which was how I ended up spending an entire night happily watching Yamapi MVs and missing the Akira-incarnation of Pi like mad. Pi was all over the news this week as he hit the Thailand stop of his solo Asia tour. I’ve been following all his pit stops, but his concert in Thailand deserves special mention because he’s growing his hair out and he now looks like a mashed together Kimutaku-Jin.

No, I’m serious. Look at his outfit and style on stage (totally screams Jin circa the KAT-TUN Queen of Pirates tour), and his almost liony mane is Kimutaku all the way. But the best part of all these concerts is that Pi sings “Seishun Amigo” (without Kame *sobs*) and then dances like its 2005 (he also sings “Daite Senorita”, and then I get flashes of Kurosagi and immediately start headdesking). Sigh, I miss the good old days~




ิิิิิิิิิิิิ








Thai news program coverage of Pi’s Thailand concert:



I will never be able to explain, to myself or anyone else, why I love Pi. And I mean I adore this boy like I can’t even believe. There is just something so dorky about him inside all the pre-packaged Johnny shit, and it came out in Nobuta wo Produce, and I’ll never be able to forget it. Watching him and Kame perform “Seshun Amigo” is a treat I indulge every few months, because it’s hilariously ridiculous yet sublimely perfect somehow. Like that rare Summer of ’98 of mine.


Pi and Kame’s first performance of Seshun Amigo on TV in 2005:



As a bonus, watch Pi and Kame do Seshun Amigo, with the addition of Jin and Ryo:



I’m totally in the mood for a Pi-marathon, which probably means I should finish the few Pi dramas I’ve left hanging, so that I can call myself a Pi-completist. ProDai or CB2, folks? Or neither, and bask in some BB-summer of love? Sigh, so much want, so little time.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

[News] Shingo Katori says he and SMAP’s members are more than friends.


[News] Shingo Katori says he and SMAP’s members are more than friends.
Cr. - MOMOEDEGWOOD

SMAP’s Shingo Katori (34) revealed who he considered his best friends at a press conference in Tokyo on April 25, reports Mainichi Shimbun Digital and Sankei Sports.

The pop star voices a red ogre (or demon) called Naki in an upcoming 3D computer animation movie based on the Japanese fairytale “泣いた赤おに (Naita Aka-oni, The Red Ogre who Cried)”. Along with his best and only friend, blue ogre Gunjo, the two discover a human boy who gets washed up on the shores of their home on Mononoke Island, and then begins their adventures.

The story shows the significance of friends, and it has been reported Katori said he knew exactly who his best friends were.

“Everyone in SMAP. They’re my best friends, in fact we’ve gone beyond friends now,” he said.

The movie is being directed by Ryuichi Yagi and Takashi Yamazaki, who has previously directed “SPACE BATTLESHIP Yamato”. The directors themselves have been friends for about 20 years.

“泣いた赤おに (Naita Aka-oni, The Red Ogre who Cried)” will be the first fully 3D computer-animated movie in Japan, and at the press conference, the cast and press got to have a sneak peek at some of the footage.

“The graphics were amazing. I didn’t record my lines while looking at the animation (like traditional anime movies). I got to deliver my lines just like I wanted to, and it’s so interesting to see what kind of facial expressions they’ve put on top of my lines. I’m so happy to be a part of this all,” Katori said.

“泣いた赤おに (Naita Aka-oni, The Red Ogre who Cried)” is scheduled to open in Japan cinemas on December 17 2011.


Thursday, April 21, 2011

[News] Matsuyama Kenichi, Koyuki Tie the Knot.


[News] Matsuyama Kenichi, Koyuki Tie the Knot.
Cr. - Tokyograph

Multiple sources reported today that actor Matsuyama Kenichi (26) and actress Koyuki (34) have officially married. At least one source claims that Matsuyama will hold a press conference by himself later today (April 20).

Sources from both of their management agencies revealed that the couple registered their marriage on April 1, an auspicious day ("taian") according to the rokuyo calendar, but they delayed the public announcement in consideration of those affected by the March 11 earthquake.

Matsuyama and Koyuki were dating for almost three years. They first met in 2008 when they worked together on the movie "Kamui Gaiden" (2009), as Koyuki replaced Kikuchi Rinko after Kikuchi suffered a serious injury during filming. News of Matsuyama and Koyuki's romance publicly came out in April 2009, and Matsuyama personally confirmed it for the first time in January 2010.

The two are reportedly living together already. It is said that Koyuki plans to continue with her acting career.


[NEWS] YOSHIKI’s crystal piano goes for 6 billion yen?!


[NEWS] YOSHIKI’s crystal piano goes for 6 billion yen?!
cr:tokyohive

It was revealed on April 20 that a 6 billion yen (~$73 million) bid had been made on X JAPAN member YOSHIKI’s prized crystal piano. The star donated the piano to an online charity auction held by Yahoo! Japan.

The auction began on the 17th at one yen. After hitting 100 million yen on the 19th, the bids suddenly skyrocketed, and by the 20th, 898 bids had been made. Due to the item’s extremely high price tag, Yahoo! temporarily suspended the auction. They are currently confirming the bidders’ credibility in order to weed out any fakes.

The auction is scheduled to end on the night of April 24, with 100% of the money earned going to the Japanese Red Cross to support earthquake and tsunami disaster relief efforts.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

[News] Koike Teppei, Wentz Eiji & Kimura Takuya men, which male celebrity has ideal skin?


[News] Koike Teppei, Wentz Eiji & Kimura Takuya men, which male celebrity has ideal skin?
Cr. - tokyohive

In recent years, men’s beauty and skin care has taken a step into the spotlight in Japan. More and more men have become aware and careful about their skin and maintaining a clean look.

Oricon recently surveyed men between the ages of 10 and 40, asking ,“Who has the ideal skin”, and the results have been revealed!

Captivating the attention of many people after his win at the 14th Annual Junon Boy Contest, Koike Teppei has been deemed to be an “ikemen” since his debut. Through his activities in acting and singing, he’s managed to maintain beautiful skin. Koike commented, “I was never really conscious about my skincare but I’m happy. I don’t have much advice but I eat a lot of vegetables. I also have dry skin so I always use lotion.”

Partner in singing duo WaT, Wentz Eiji was chosen in second place. Many people seemed to have been captivated by his appearance in a shaving commercial. Poll takers commented, “He is half so I get the impression that his skin is clean and is a nice pale color.” Third place was SMAP’s Kimura Takuya. What seemed to have captured the attention of many men taking the survey was that despite the fact that Kimura is nearing his 40s, he himself remains youthful but his skin is also amazing as well.

Check out more of the survey results below!

1. Koike Teppei
2. Wentz Eiji
3. Kimura Takuya
4. Miura Haruma
5. Mukai Osamu
6. Tsumabuki Satoshi
7. Fukyama Masaharu
8. GACKT
9. Okada Masaki
10. Yamashita Tomohisa


Sunday, April 17, 2011

[News] Hirai Ken to sing theme song for TBS’s “JIN”.


[News] Hirai Ken to sing theme song for TBS’s “JIN”.
Cr. - tokyohive

Soulful crooner Hirai Ken (39) will be singing the theme song for TBS drama “JIN”, which premieres today, April 17th.

The theme song, “Itoshiki Hibi Yo”, will go on sale on May 4th and marks the first time in ten years Hirai has collaborated to write lyrics with music producer, Matsuo Kiyoshi (43), who is credited with two million-selling albums, including “THE CHANGING SAME”.

The singer himself took charge of composing the melody of the song, which is a heartwrenching yet warm and epic ballad. “Itoshiki Hibi Yo” perfectly fits “JIN”, whose plot centers around the irreplaceable ties between people.

TBS producer Ishimaru Akihiko expressed his confidence that “When an era is about to change greatly, no one but Hirai can convincingly convey the imminent demise of a generation of people and their way of thinking”. Hirai continued, “the theme is ‘love for an era’. I just hope the message will reach many people if not just one”.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

[News] TOKIO’s Yamaguchi Tatsuya listens as 'Angelina Jolie' shows her support for Japan.


[News] TOKIO’s Yamaguchi Tatsuya listens as 'Angelina Jolie' shows her support for Japan.
Cr. - tokyohive

Yamaguchi Tatsuya from popular music group TOKIO attended an event at Dream Works Studio in California for the debut of the movie, “Kung Fu Panda 2“. Although the event was part of a world media campaign, focus immediately shifted to Japan when the singer met with actress Angelina Jolie.

Yamaguchi first met the actress about three years ago, so there is some history there. Jolie began to ask the singer about the current conditions in Japan: “Are the people around you alright? The attitude of the Japanese in such a great catastrophe is amazing. I want to do something to help.”

Over a hundred reporters from 18 different countries were present at the event, which also featured actor Jack Black in addition to Jolie and other cast members.



Angelina was asked to comment on the earthquake and massive damages that have occurred in Japan since March 11th. “When I see the videos and then read articles about it, I’m very distressed. The disaster is beyond imagination. The people who were affected… when I think about the people, including families, who lost things… I can’t stop crying. We must support the Japanese as much as possible.”

She then turned her attention to the TOKIO member: “Yamaguchi is someone who attracts with his smile and tries to give it to other people… his work will surely heal the hearts of the Japanese.”

Yamaguchi also commented on the movie’s themes. “‘Family bonds’ is a theme of the movie, and is especially important during these times.”

“Kung Fu Panda 2″ comes out on May 26th in North America, and August 19th in Japan.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

[News] Oguri Shun and Nagasawa Masami attend special screening of “Gaku”.


[News] Oguri Shun and Nagasawa Masami attend special screening of “Gaku”.
Cr. - tokyohive

On April 13th, actors Oguri Shun (28) and Nagasawa Masami (23) attended a special screening of their new film, “Gaku”, and greeted the audience on stage at Hitotsubashi Hall in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo.

The event was originally planned for March 23rd but was postponed due to the Great Tohoku Kanto Earthquake. Before the film was shown for the first time ever, Oguri addressed the attendees, “I’m glad everyone looks like they’re doing well”.

“Gaku” is a film about a man named Sanpo (Oguri) whose love for the mountains demonstrates their splendor and intensity. As the overarching theme of the movie is “living”, Oguri expressed his hope that “this movie becomes some sort of strength” and “while many people were hurt by the recent disasters, everyone should strive to keep on living together”.

“Gaku” was directed by Katayama Osamu and will premiere on May 7th in theaters across Japan.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

[News] Main cast members of “Hula Girls” donate 10 million yen to Iwaki city.


[News] Main cast members of “Hula Girls” donate 10 million yen to Iwaki city.
Cr. - tokyohive

Main cast members of the big hit movie “Hula Girls“, which was released in 2006, have donated 10 million yen (approximately 119,203 USD) to Iwaki city, Fukushima. The main cast members are Matsuyuki Yasuko, Aoi Yu, Fuji Sumiko, and Yamasaki Shizuyo (from comedian duo, Nankai Candies).

Iwaki city was the main location where the movie was filmed, and unfortunately, it is suffering from the effects of the atomic power plant, as well as the tsunami attack. The cast members were discussing what they could do for the victims, and decided to donate money as the disaster relief.

But this is not everything. One of the cast members, Yamasaki Shizuyo, attended the sales event for products from Iwaki to promote its safety. ”Hula Girls” was her debut movie as an actress, and Yamasaki sent encouragement to people in Iwaki, “I’m sure it will be a much better town. Go Iwaki!”

The staff of “Hula Girls” also stated that they will continue to support Iwaki city in the long-term.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

[News] Tamaki Hiroshi to release a new single & album with a message for earthquake victims.


[News] Tamaki Hiroshi to release a new single & album with a message for earthquake victims.
Cr. - tokyohive

Actor and singer Tamaki Hiroshi, who recently switched his label to Universal, is finally going to release a new single and a new album after more than two years of focusing on his acting career and touring through Asian countries.

His new single is called “FREE” and will be released on May 25th. It’s said to be a fresh up-tempo song that is going to make you feel like summer came early this year. It was also revealed that Tamaki completely wrote the song himself for the first time.

Tamaki made his singing debut in 2004 and joined the major label Avex in 2006. Last year he successfully wrapped up his Asia tour that had him perform in countries such as South Korea and Hong Kong. Now he moved over to Universal and is full of energy for his new musical projects. “I included a lot of messages in my lyrics,” he said, “It’s going to be a fresh for me start at Universal.”



According to people from his new label, Tamaki wants to cheer up and encourage Japan with his new songs. His new album called “START” that will be released on June 22nd is also said to include a song that is solely dedicated to the victims of the earthquake.

On July 2nd, Tamaki will be going on a nationwide tour again, but he also make a few detours to other Asian countries again, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong. On August 7th he is going to perform at Zepp Sendai in Miyagi, a prefecture that was several damaged by the earthquake and the following tsunamis, and hope that his songs will reach the victims.

[News] Cast members of “Tenchijin” donate 20 million yen to disaster relief.


[News] Cast members of “Tenchijin” donate 20 million yen to disaster relief.
Cr. - tokyohive

Ten cast members from the 2009 NHK Taiga drama, “Tenchijin”, donated a total of 20 million yen (~237,000 USD) to the Red Cross of Japan in order to aid with disaster relief from the Great Tohoku Earthquake.

The ten cast members who participated are as follows: Tsumabuki Satoshi, Oguri Shun, Abe Hiroshi, Kakuda Nobuaki, Kitamura Kazuki, Koizumi Kotaro, Takashima Masanobu, Takashima Reiko, Tokiwa Takako and Papaya Suzuki.

Aside from contributing funds, the cast has expressed that they wish to do something more to help with relief efforts.


Monday, April 11, 2011

[News] TBS drama “JAPANESE AMERICANS” wins 19th Annual Hashida Awards Grand Prize.


[News] TBS drama “JAPANESE AMERICANS” wins 19th Annual Hashida Awards Grand Prize.
Cr. - tokyohive

On April 7th, the 19th Annual Hashida Awards, presented to television programs which resonate with the hearts of Japanese people, recognized TBS’s “99 nen no ai ~ JAPANESE AMERICANS ~”, starring SMAP’s Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, as its Grand Prize Winner.

Other winners included Fukuyama Masaharu (42), who earned the Hashida Award for his main role in NHK’s Taiga drama “Ryomaden”, and Matsushita Nao (26) and Mukai Osamu (29), who both received the Best Newcomer Award for their roles as the married couple in “GeGeGe no Nyobo”.

The awards ceremony will be held on May 10th at the Tokyo Nishi Waseda Rihga Royal Hotel.

[News] Amami Yuki attends press conference for screening of “BOSS”.


[News] Amami Yuki attends press conference for screening of “BOSS”.
Cr. - tokyohive

On April 9th, Amami Yuki attended a press conference at movie theater Shinjuku Ward 9 in Tokyo for the new season of “BOSS”, a popular detective drama in which she stars.

The actress opened by saying, “Although it is a tough time right now, I hope that we can pull through together with cheerful spirits. We put our hearts into making [this drama] a source of joy for everyone, so please look forward to its release”.

At the talk show, Amami also answered questions from fans such as, “How do you grow so tall?” Advising, “Take in calcium, exercise well, and believe [that you will] ‘grow! grow!’ I grew until I was 25, so it’s okay.”

When asked, “What is something you were happy about recently?”, the actress responded, “Being able to take part in ‘BOSS’ once more”, and continued with a smile, “It’s fun. The filming site. Everyone is just silly. It is wonderful to be on set because everyone responds to one another’s acting and discusses openly how we should each improve.”



“BOSS” is a drama that focuses on Amami as the head detective in her investigative department, working with and managing her underlings Tamayama Tetsuji, Toda Erika, and others in their quest to fight terrible crimes. The first season of the series began in April of 2009 and had an average viewership of 17.0%, drawing in a spectacular 20.7% for its finale.

The second season will feature Narumi Riko, Shaku Yumiko, Oomori Nao, Hasegawa Kyoko, and Nishida Toshiyuki, in addition to the already brilliant cast of Amami Yuki, Tamayama Tetsuji, Toda Erika, Takenouchi Yutaka, Mizobata Junpei, Kichise Michiko, Nukumizu Yoichi and Kendo Kobayashi.

Attendees of the fan event on the 8th and 9th were able to consecutively watch all eleven episodes of the first season. Tamayama and Nukumizu made appearances on the 8th when everyone in attendance wished Tamayama, who had turned 31 on the 7th, a happy birthday.

Season two of “BOSS” begins Thursday, April 14th at 10 PM JST, and the season premiere will be an extended episode fifteen minutes longer than usual.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

[News] Matsushita Nao gathers money for earthquake victims at her concert.


[News] Matsushita Nao gathers money for earthquake victims at her concert.
Cr. - tokyohive

Actress and pianist Matsushita Nao is currently on a nationwide tour, and held a piano concert at the Choufushi Green Hall in Tokyo today.

Matsushita played a total of 21 pieces including the theme song “Arigatou” from her NHK morning drama, “Gegege no Nyobo“.

After the concert, she collected some funds from the 1,300 people who attended the show in order to help out the earthquake victims in the troubled regions of Northeast Japan. Being born in Hyogo, she personally experienced the Great Hanshin Earthquake back in 1995.

She commented, “The earthquake struck when I was 10 years old. When I think about how much the world changed for me back then, I can’t help wanting to do something this time. I’m praying for the day when all those people will be able to smile again and even if it’s not that much, I want to be helpful somehow.”

Saturday, April 9, 2011

[VOD & News] SMAP turn drama song into charity single.





[News] SMAP turn drama song into charity single.
Cr. - community.livejourna

SMAP’s upcoming single “Not alone ~幸せになろうよ~ (Shiawase ni Narouyo)” will be released as a charity single for Johnny’s relief project Marching J, it was announced on April 7, reports Daily Sports Online and Chunichi Sports.

“not alone” is the theme song to Shingo Katori’s upcoming Monday night drama “幸せになろうよ (Shiawase ni Narouyo)”, and was originally planned to be released as a CD until CD manufacturers and printing factories had to slow down production to save power as a result of the 3/11 disaster. The song will now be released as a download single, a first for SMAP.

It has been reported for every single sold, 100 yen will go towards the Marching J donation box.

MAP’s latest single is a medium-tempo song with the message “you are not alone”.

On April 25, a short version of the song will go on sale for 105 yen, and on May 4 the full song will be able to be downloaded from Recochoku, Dwango, Johnny’s web, and Victor MUSIC uta! for 525 yen. Mobile wallpapers of SMAP will come with the full version song.

SMAP “We’ll only be able to release this as a download this time, but I believe that our thoughts will come through to you all. I’d be happy if this drama ‘幸せになろうよ (Shiawase ni Narouyo)’ and SMAP’s new song can make you feel even just a little bit better,” Katori said.

[News] SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro volunteers at an emergency shelter.


[News] SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro volunteers at an emergency shelter.
Cr. - tokyohive

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.

[News] Yakusho Koji and Oguri Shun to star in movie, “Kitsutsuki to Ame”.


[News] Yakusho Koji and Oguri Shun to star in movie, “Kitsutsuki to Ame”.
Cr. - tokyohive

Actors Yakusho Koji and Oguri Shun are teaming up to both star in Shuichi Okita’s latest directorial project, “Kitsutsuki to Ame” (tentative title). Yakusho plays the role of a 60-year-old lumberjack, while Oguri Shun takes on the role of a faint-hearted 25-year-old whose presence will try to challenge a sense of humor.

The film, which is an original work by Okita, undertook some shooting on the 29th of March. Because of the filming’s proximity to the earthquake on March 11th, Yakusho expressed the cast and staff’s feelings about production so soon afterwards: “We wondered, ‘Could we still make a good movie if we feel like this?’”

Although these obstacles faced the actors in their roles, they hope to complete the film with smiles in the hopes of creating a whole and cohesive work.

“Kitsutsuki to Ame” will be released nationwide sometime in 2011.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

[NEWS] SMAP to sing the theme song for next “Getsu 9″ drama.


[NEWS] SMAP to sing the theme song for next “Getsu 9″ drama.
cr:tokyohive

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.

Source: Oricon

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

[News] Nakashima Tetsuya’s “Kokuhaku” voted No.1 in Eigakan Taisho 2011.


[News] Nakashima Tetsuya’s “Kokuhaku” voted No.1 in Eigakan Taisho 2011.
Cr. - TOKYGORAPH


The results of the Eigakan Taisho 2011 were announced on Tuesday. In particular, the list of the Top 20 films of 2010 was released, with Nakashima Tetsuya’s “Kokuhaku” (“Confessions”) taking the top spot.

Now in its third year, the annual Eigakan Taisho (Movie Theater Award) was formally introduced in 2009 by the organization Eigakan Shugi.



This time, the staff of 130 independent movie houses across the country voted on the best films released between December 2009 and November 2010, resulting in the following ranking:

1. Kokuhaku – Nakashima Tetsuya
2. Breathless – Yang Ik-June
3. Avatar – James Cameron
4. Toy Story 3 – Lee Unkrich
5. Inception – Christoper Nolan
6. Akunin – Lee Sang-il
7. District 9 – Neill Blomkamp
8. Le Concert – Radu Mihaileanu
9. 13 Assassins – Miike Takashi
10. The Secret in Their Eyes – Juan Jose Campanella
11. Caterpillar – Wakamatsu Koji
12. Kaitanshi Jokei – Kumakiri Kazuyoshi
13. 500 Days of Summer – Marc Webb
14. Kawa no Soko Kara Konnichiwa – Ishii Yuya
15. Karigurashi no Arrietty – Yonebayashi Hiromasa
16. The Hurt Locker – Kathryn Bigelow
17. Invictus – Clint Eastwood
18. Haru to no Tabi – Kobayashi Masahiro
19. Let the Right One In – Tomas Alfredson
20. Otouto – Yamada Yoji

In addition to ranking 3rd, “Avatar” was voted as the “most iconic movie of 2010.”

In a special category, director Kurosawa Kiyoshi named “District 9″ his top movie of 2010, while actress Natsuki Mari chose “Sin Nombre.”

Another special award honoring revivals was given to Saito Buichi’s 1966 film “Hone Made Aishite.”

Sunday, April 3, 2011

[VOD & News] Johnny’s “Marching J” fundraiser attracts 389,000 people over 3 days.


[News] Johnny’s “Marching J” fundraiser attracts 389,000 people over 3 days.
Cr. - tokyohive

As we previously reported, Johnny & Associates held a 3-day fundraiser at Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Stadium, as part of their earthquake relief project, “Marching J“.

All of the artists of the agency, including SMAP, TOKIO, Arashi, KAT-TUN, NEWS, and Kanjani8, helped with the fundraiser, and over the course of the 3 days, around 389,000 people came out to support the cause (we reported the first day total of 101,000).



On April 3rd, the final day, SMAP’s Kimura Takuya thanked fans, saying, “Thank you to all of you for lending us your help, two days ago, yesterday, and today.”

Fellow member Katori Shingo commented, “I believe these thoughts will definitely reach many people.”

SMAP also performed an a cappella version of their hit songs “Sekai de Hitotsu Dake no Hana” and “Yozora no Mukou“.

The “Marching J” relief project will be continuing its support of relief efforts even after the event.



Johnny’s 'Marching J' Event.




SMAP★Marching J がんばりますっ!!2011