Former Morning Musume member Ai Kago hospitalized after possible suicide attempt
September 12, 2011 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Ai Kago, former member of the idol pop group Morning Musume and MiniMoni was hospitalized on Sunday after possibly attempting suicide according to various news sources.
An official of her production agency found Kago collapsed in her condo on Sunday at noon and called the ambulance. The TV personality was found with cuts on her wrists but also had symptoms of possible drug overdose. UPDATE: News reports have mentioned that tranquilizers were seen near Kago when she was found. It has also been reported that she had a phone conversation with the official who found her and told him that she drunk medicine, cut her writs and that she would jump off her building.
Last Tuesday, her boyfriend Haruhikoo Ando was arrested for alleged attempted extortion and Kago was questioned by police as a possible witness.
Ai Kago was suspended by her former agency (Up Front Agency) in 2006 when photos were taken of the under-age singer smoking. In 2007, she was caught smoking and her contract was terminated. In June 2011, the talent announced on her blog that she left her agency R&A Promotions Co., Ltd. in Nov. 2010 due to her being unhappy with the direction of her work.
Former Morning Musume and MiniMoni member Mari Yaguchi (28) was asked about Ai Kago and said that she was surprised by the news and that she only knows what has been reported.
Oricon Top 10 CD Single and Album Daily Charts (JAPAN): Morning Musume takes #1 on the Singles Charts, EXILE takes #1 on the Album Charts (6.9.10)
June 9, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
It’s new release Wednesday! Which artist or band took the #1 spot for Japan’s Oricon CD Single Daily Charts and Oricon Album Daily Charts?
Buy the #1 CD Single & Album from CDJAPAN or YesAsia.com:
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or purchase from: |
- Morning Musume – Seishun Collection
- IDOLING!!! – Me Niha Aoba Yama Hototogisu Hatsukoi
- Kaela Kimura – Ring a Ding Dong
- VAMPS – ANGEL TRIP
- BIGBANG – Tell Me Goodbye
- Mucc – Yakusoku
- UNICORN – Hadaka no Taiyou
- Girls Dead Monster – Little Braver
- Takeshi Tsuruno – Natsu no Wasuremono feat. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
- ON/OFF – Butterfly
As for the #1 Indies release on the Oricon Indies Daily Charts, the #1 indie song in Japan goes to VAMPS for “DEVIL SIDE”.
For Oricon Weekly Chart Rankings, please click here.
SOURCE: Data was translated from Oricon CD Single Daily Charts
ORICON TOP 10 ALBUM DAILY CHARTS
NOTE: EXILE scores another #1 album on the Oricon Album Charts while Oasis takes #2. Japan’s legendary rocker Eikichi Yazawa takes #3.
- EXILE – FANTASY
- Oasis – Time Flies… 1994-2009
- Eikichi Yazawa – TWIST
- ONE OK ROCK- Niche Syndrome
- Park Yonha – STARS
- Chemical Brothers – Further
- Ayaka Hirahara – my Classics2
- Megumi Nakajima – I Love You
- Stereopony – OVER THE BORDER
- Christina Aguillera – Bionic
For rankings comparison, please compare to Oricon’s NINKI Poll predictions for Album Sales.
Morning Musume – PLATINUM 9 DISC (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)
March 15, 2009 by Dennis Amith · 1 Comment
“The first Morning Musume. album to have a Japan and USA simultaneous release. Definitely something to be excited about for fans who have waited for this to happen for many years. Also, an album that features a good variety of music for the fans, although vocally, less-group oriented than past albums but overall, “PLATINUM 9 DISC” is a vibrant, fun and energetic album worth checking out!“
BUY THIS ALBUM FROM JAPANFILES.COM
GROUP: Morning Musume。
ALBUM: PLATINUM 9 DISC (Digital Album Version)
US DISTRIBUTOR: JAPANFILES.COM
DURATION: 56:25
RELEASE DATE: March 18, 2009
- SONGS
- Resonant Blue
- Ame no Furanai hoshideha aisenaidarou
- Take off is now!
- Naichaukamo
- Watashi no miryoku ni kidukanai donkanna hito
- Gurguru JUMP
- Mikan
- Jounetsu no kiss wo hitotsu
- It’s You
- Onna ni Sachi are
- Kataomoi no Owari Ni
- Kanashimi twilight
Vibrant, catchy and another solid Morning Musume release that fans will truly enjoy.
Morning Musume, the most popular all-girl Japanese pop group from Japan makes their first album debut in the US with their ninth full-length album “PLATINUM 9 DISC” (which will be released simultaneously in Japan and via digital MP3 in the US at www.JapanFiles.com).
The group which debuted back in 1997 has had a good number of members who have come and gone over the years but the current lineup consists of:
Fifth Generation Members: Ai Takahashi, Risa Niigaki
Sixth Generation Members: Eri Kamei, Sayumi Michishige, Reina Tanaka
Seventh Generation Members: Koharu Kusumi
Eighth Generation Members: Aika Mitsui, Junjun (Li Chun) and Linlin (Qian Lin). Note: both girls are the first Chinese members to join the group. And with the ten years of Morning Musume., in 2007, producer Tsunku (Sharan Q) has positioned the current group to expand their performances outside to China.
And in 2009, the group is now expanding their music to the United States with a performance in Los Angeles and kicking of the year with their first US release with “PLATINUM 9 DISC”.
The new album consists of their 33rd CD single “Kanashimi Twilight” up to their 38th CD single “Naichau Kamo” with the exception of their Pink Lady’s cover single “Pepper Keibu” (their 37th single).
The first song on the album is a pop track “SONGS” which is an energetic, vibrant track. Definitely different from past musical tracks to utilize almost a Western style of pop music. Different from what we usually hear from Morning Musume. but over all a very cool track.
The second track “Resonant Blue” is the 36th CD single (rel. April 2008) from the group. One of my favorite pop tracks from the group. Catchy, idol pop featuring lead vocals from Ai Takahashi, Reina Tanaka and Koharu Kusumi. Despite the upbeat music, the song is actually a sad song. Love the chorus: “Cry cry don’t cry watashi wo suki na no, Tonight tonight KISU shinai asobi ja KISU shinai.” (Cry, Cry, don’t you love me? Tonight, tonight no kisses if this is just a game).
The third track is a beautiful ballad titled “Ame no furanai hoshideha aisenai darou”. The song has been sung on the group’s tour but this is the first time the song is featured on the album and what a beautiful track this is. The song features all girls harmonizing together. Love the utilization of both Japanese and Chinese in the song. Overall, a solid song that I really enjoyed listening to many times.
The fourth track is “Take off is now!” A track that utilizes a deep groove with bass drum and synth brass. A song that also utilizes a variety of vocals from each member of the group. A fun, upbeat dance track.
The fifth track “Naichau Kamo” (which means “I might cry) is the group’s 38th CD single (rel. Feb. 2009). The song features primarily Ai Takashi and Reina Tanaka as the two leads. An upbeat, dance track that may also sound happy but actually is a track about a girl and a guy who knows that their relationship is not working out and a breakup will be happening soon. The girl thinking to herself on the day that they do break up, “I might cry”.
The sixth track “Watashi no miryoku ni kidukanai donkanna hito” and features member Aika Mitsui. A very cute idol pop track (cute in a way that reminds me of Mini Moni cute). A synth pop driven track. Sounds like an anime idol track type of track in it’s sugary sweet style.
The seventh track “Gurguru JUMP” is an enjoyable pop track featuring Koharu Kusumi, Junjun and Linlin. After repeated listening of this cute, sugar sweet pop track, it eventually became one of my favorites on the album. One of those songs that jumped out to me like “Otome no Shinrigaku” (from “Second Morning”). Very upbeat, cute and vibrant.
The eighth track “Mikan” is the 35th CD single (rel. Nov. 2007) from Morning Musume. A single which would feature all members singing individually and together (as opposed to recent singles that feature a primary group of lead vocals). One of the older 2007 tracks on the album which is significantly different musically from their more current style of music. A synth-based idol pop track all about the positivity of love.
The ninth track “Jounetsu no kiss wo hitotsu” is an R&B track that utilizes acoustic guitar, synth and deep grooves and bass drum. Cool beats, mid-tempo track. I definitely dig the utilization of acoustic guitar and synth-based strings in the background.
The tenth track “It’s You” features a solo track by Sayumi Michishige. A cute, breathy track. Where Aika went to sugary, idol synth pop in her track, Sayumi goes with a track with a deeper synth groove.
The eleventh track “Onna ni Sachi Are” is the 34th CD single to come from Morning Musume. The song would be the first track to feature Junjun and Linlin. Synth heavy, pop track. Again, despite the upbeat track, the song is not necessarily a happy track as the lyrics is about a guy who messed around with another girl behind his girlfriend’s back and the girl thinking back of how she could be stupid and not recognize it.
The twelfth track “Kataomoi no Owari ni” is a solo track featuring Eri Kamei. Where Aika and Sayumi go for a more sugary pop, Eri’s track is more of a mid-tempo ballad. Overall, a pretty cool track from Kamei.
The final track on the album is “Kanashimi Twilight”. The 33rd CD single (rel. April 2007) which would be the final track to feature Hitomi Yoshizawa and Miki Fujimoto. It’s interesting to have a song with both Hitomi and Mikitty since it’s been nearly two years since they been in the group. But nevertheless, listening to this track and remembering how awesome these two were together on vocals. The track is an upbeat electric guitar and synth driven track about a sorrowful breakup and having a hard time trusting another (or any) guy. The lyrics are pretty cool! “Otoko nante nante shinjinai, datte datte uso bakari, iiwake gurai shite mite yo” (Why can’t I trust boys? Because they are nothing but lies. At least, try and give me an excuse.)
Morning Musume, PLATINUM 9 DISC.
Overall, “PLATINUM 9 DISC” is an album that features a variety of music. From synth-based idol pop, R&B grooves and heavy bass to electric guitar & synth-based rock. You definitely get to hear the musical difference the group has went through (single-wise) from the release of “Kanashimi twilight” (April 2007) to their most recent release “Naichaukamo” (Feb. 2009).
Also, for a large part of the years listening and watching Morning Musume, it was surprising to see “Naichaukamo” and “Resonant Blue” being sung primarily by three of the members rather than everyone in the group (using the music video as a reference). So, it makes me wonder if this will be the future of Morning Musume’s CD singles.
But for those who feel the CD singles have been mostly Ai Takashi, Reina Tanaka and Risa Niigaki-driven, fans should find comfort that “PLATINUM 9 DISC” is a group effort as we have a beautiful track such as “Ame no furanai hoshideha aisenaidarou” featuring all members singing together and also solo tracks featuring Eri Kamei, Sayumi Michishige and Aika Mitsumi and a fun track by Koharu Kusumi, Junjun and Linlin.
As for the album, I felt production and music-wise, it was definitely a major improvement from their last album “SEXY 8 BEAT” but I will say that I do miss the Hitomi Yoshizawa and Miki Fujimoto and miss the “Aruiteru” style of happy, pop tracks. But that album was two years ago and I like to think that “PLATINUM 9 DISC” shows a maturity in sound on certain tracks for the current group.
Tracks such as “SONGS”, “Take off is now!” and “Jounetsu no kiss wo hitotsu” show the gradual move towards a more mature, pop and R&B style but then you have this balance as the producers made sure that fans are not alienated by making sure tracks such as “Watashi no miryoku ni kidukanai donkanna hito”, “Gurguru JUMP” and “Kataomoi no owari ni” retain the idol-pop, sugary sweetness of the group and its current young members.
And of course, you have five CD singles from the last two years (with the exception of the sixth – “Pepper Keibu”) featured on this album. Overall, you get a good variety and balance of music. So, there is something for everyone.
“PLATINUM 9 DISC” is an album that has something for everyone that is a fan of “PLATINUM 9 DISC”. Actually, some of these tracks, I definitely look forward to seeing them performed at their concert in Los Angeles in July at Anime Expo.
Also, I just have to say that it’s pretty to cool to know that from here on in, we can purchase a Morning Musume album for $10 (via digital MP3) versus the near $40 I used to shell out for a Morning Musume album.
I can remember back in 1999, ten years ago, going all over Yokohama and trying to find the latest VHS copy of their first concert, going everywhere to find the album “Second Morning” and their movie soundtrack for “Morning Cop” and spending quite a bit and telling myself, I wish someday Morning Musume. would be released in the US and at American prices.
Here we are in 2009 and their upcoming album “PLATINUM 9 DISC” will be available via JapanFiles.com for $10.00. It’s a bit surreal and to know that a large number of the Hello! Project catalog from past to present will be available in the US at American prices. Again, it’s a bit unreal.
But “PLATINUM 9 DISC” will be available on JapanFiles.com on March 18th and with no DRM and audio set at 320 kbps, for ten bucks, that’s an awesome deal!
“PLATINUM 9 DISC” is an album that has something for everyone and I really enjoyed the production values and music featured on this album. It’s definitely different compared to the 8th album but somewhat of a mature album and a different direction production-wise compared to “SEXY 8 BEAT”.
All in all, this is the first Morning Musume album to have a Japan and USA simultaneous release. Definitely something to be excited about for fans who have waited for this to happen for many years. Also, an album that features a good variety of music for the fans, although vocally, less group oriented than past albums but overall, “PLATINUM 9 DISC” is a vibrant, fun and energetic album worth checking out!
BUY THIS ALBUM FROM JAPANFILES.COM
Morning Musume & Michiyo Heike – Morning Cop (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)
January 9, 1999 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“A short but sweet soundtrack for Morning Musume and Michiyo Heike’s film ‘Morning Cop’. Worth it if you are a big fan of Morning Musume or Michiyo, otherwise it may be a bit too expensive for the casual J-Pop fan.”
Purchase this album:
GROUP/ARTIST: Morning Musume & Michiyo Heike
ALBUM: Morning Cop
LABEL: Zetima
CATALOG #: EPCE-5006
DURATION: 24:31
RELEASE DATE: September 30, 1998
- Dakedo Aishisugete -Mix for Screen- (Michiyo Heike)
- Onegaineru (Michiyo Heike & Morning Musume)
- Yoroshiku! (Morning Musume)
- Koi no ABC (Morning Musume)
- Tsuyokunaranakucha…ne (Michiyo Heike)
- Daite HOLD ON ME! -Sexy Long version- (Morning Musume)
Morning Musume and Michiyo Heike’s first soundtrack for their film “Morning Cop” is cute, sweet and six tracks that are absolutely fun to listen to!
When I was in Yokohama, I searched high and low for this album (in very cold weather) and I eventually found it at the student store at Kanagawa University and needless to say, I was very happy. Having been a new convert to Morning Musume’s music and seeing the movie after renting it at a Blockbuster in Yokohama, it was great to see the girls in this film.
Sure, the film was not exactly the best but for fans of Morning Musume, just seeing the group together in a film was enough.
But my main purpose was for one song and that was the long version of “Daite HOLD ON ME!” which is the group’s third CD single which I absolutely love and literally all I have been listening throughout the remainder of last year (1998).
The album kicks off with “Dakedo Aishisugite” which is probably my favorite song from Heike Michiyo, which is a rock-based track.
The second track “Onegaineiru” is a happy, fun pop track sung by Michiyo Heike and Morning Musume.
The third track is one of my favorites from the album and that is “Yoroshiku!” by Morning Musume. A cute and sweet idol track which I really love the group’s harmony on this track. A very fun track!
The fourth track “Koi no ABC” is by Morning Musume and I actually first heard this song sung in the group’s first concert video. A sexy and fun pop track!
The fifth track “Tsuyokunara nakucha…ne” is a beautiful ballad sung by Michiyo Heike and another track by her.
The album ends with the sexy long version of “Daite HOLD ON ME!”. I absolutely love this single and again, it’s all I listened to last Winter and definitely wanted the long version of this song. The main difference from the original track is that during the vocal parts, the arrangement is much different and with less music. Overall, an interesting remix of the song.
As for the CD insert, the insert comes with a lot of still photos taken from the “Morning Cop” film and the track listings with a message about each song and an article in regards to who Morning Musume and Michiyo Heike are. Also, movie cast information and single and album discography for both Michiyo and Morning Musume.
It’s hard to recommend an album that is almost $30 and only comes with six songs but if you are a big fan of Morning Musume, there is no reason why you shouldn’t buy this album. It has six solid songs, including a longer version of “Daite HOLD ON ME!”. But it all comes down to finances and if you are a big fan, it’s definitely worth it for your collection, otherwise if six songs for $30 is very expensive, you may want to pass.
Definitely for the hardcore Morning Musume and Michiyo Heike fan!
Purchase this album:
Tanpopo – Last Kiss (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review
November 18, 1998 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
A fantastic debut for the Morning Musume side-group, Tanpopo!
GROUP: Tanpopo
CD SINGLE: Last Kiss
LABEL: Zetima
CATALOG #: EPDE-1014
DURATION: 12:03
RELEASE DATE: November 18, 1998
BUY THIS CD SINGLE from:
- ラストキッス
- 時間よ止まれ
- ラストキッス (Instrumental)
In 1998, producer Tsunku (of the band Sharan Q) decided to create spin-off musical side projects from his successful all-female idol group Morning Musume and one of those side groups is called Tanpopo.
The group consists of Morning Musume members Aya Ishiguro, Kaori Mochida and Mari Yaguchi and the goal is to have a group that has a more mature sound.
The first single is titled “Last Kiss” which is being used on the anime series “Sorcerous Stabber Orphen” and features an arrangement by Takao Konishi. The song definitely is very much of a departure from the original Morning Musume sound and it’s catch and well-sung. Mari Yaguchi’s voice is probably the most noticeable in the single but all three performers are well-coordinated vocally. “Last Kiss” has a somber feel to it and even when you watch the music video, you can tell it’s very much a sad song. But overall, a wonderful first single for the trio.
The second track “Jikan yo Tomare” is quite interesting as it has a more bossa nova style and is arranged by Yuichi Takahashi and LH Project. A very mature track but I really love the musical arrangement and once again, the three do a wonderful job in performing the song.
Overall, Morning Musume fans or any fans of Yaguchi, Ishigiru or Mochida should find a lot to love with this single. Fantastic debut single from Tanpopo!
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