By Blogger Master Kamis, 28 Maret 2013 0 comments

K-Pop groups have secured hearts of music fans in Japan with their latest records’ sales scoring big on Oricon’s music charts.

According to Oricon’s chart rankings on March 27, Supernova’s new Japanese single album ‘I Want to Hug You’ nabbed the No.2 position after selling 39,656 copies on the day of its release. The group was followed by KARA’s 8th single album ‘Bye Bye Happy Days’ at No.3 with 25552 units sold.

FT Island also proved their popularity in the music scene in Japan with their new single ‘You Are My Life’ ranked No.4 on the same chart, while Boyfriend’s third Japanese single “Melody of the Eyes” placed at No.5.

By Blogger Master Kamis, 21 Maret 2013 0 comments

K-pop big names including Girls’ Generation (SNSD), Big Bang, CNBLUE, T-ara and IU have reigned supreme on the Japan’s Oricon Charts.

T-ara sat at the #2 spot of the Oricon daily single chart with their new single, “Bunny Style” after selling 40,705 copies since its release on March 20. The group also left for Japan to officially begin their Japan activities.

Girls’ Generation’s remix album ‘Best Selection Non Stop Mix’ album ranked #4 Oricon’s daily album chart, while IU‘s mini-album ‘Can You Hear Me?’ reached #9 on the same chart.

Big Bang sat atop the Oricon’s daily DVD Chart with the DVD recording their ‘BIGBANG ALIVE TOUR 2012 IN JAPAN SPECIAL FINAL IN DOME.’ CNBLUE also nabbed the #2 position of the same chart with their ‘Arena Tour 2012 ~COME ON!!!~’ DVD.

By Blogger Master Kamis, 14 Maret 2013 0 comments

Currently dominating the local music charts, SHINee also scored success in Japan with their latest single.

On March 13th, SHINee released their seventh Japanese single ‘Fire’ in Japan. The single immediately nabbed the #3 spot of the Oricon’s Daily Singles chart after selling a total of 28,861 units on the first day.

‘Fire’ is currently garnering attention as it has gathered the greatest creators -- Junji Ishiwatari (lyrics), BACHLOGIC (track maker), SHIKATA (songwriter), ERIK LIDBOM (songwriter), D.O.I (mixer) and Akihiro Shiba (mastering).

You can check out ‘Fire’ MV here.

By Blogger Master Selasa, 12 Maret 2013 0 comments

The duo of TVXQ has set another record in Japan!

TVXQ has managed to top Japan’s Oricon Weekly Album Chart with their latest album ‘TIME’. The album managed to sell over 244,000 copies in its first week, setting a new record for the boys.

This marks the third time that TVXQ has managed to top the weekly album chart, following its compilation album ‘Best Selection 2010’ released in February 2010, and its studio album ‘TONE’ in September 2011. It also smashed TVXQ’s personal record for the biggest first week sales.

According to Oricon News, it’s the first time a foreign artist sold over 200,000 copies for 2 consecutive albums since Avril Lavigne achieved the feat five years and 11 months ago with ‘Every Damn Thing’. For a foreign group, the only other time this occurred was 12 years and 10 months ago when Bon Jovi achieved it with ‘Crush’.

By Blogger Master Rabu, 06 Maret 2013 0 comments

The duo of TVXQ saw their latest Japanese release sit atop of Japan’s Oricon Chart!

Just a day into its release, TVXQ’s sixth Japanese studio album ‘TIME’ has sold 160,719 copies and clinched the top spot of the Oricon Daily Album Chart. With this whopping amount, the group has set their new record in Japan with highest sales for a studio album on the first day.

Congratulations TVXQ!

By Blogger Master Jumat, 01 Maret 2013 0 comments

Hallyu artists BoA, Jang Geun Suk and Big Bang’s Daesung have scored big on Japanese Oricon chart.

According to the Oricon website on February 28th, Jang Geun Suk and Big Brother’s Team H landed at number two with its first studio album ‘I Just Wanna Have Fun’ on the Oricon Daily Chart. The album, which was released in China as well, is filled with upbeat and electronic tracks.

Big Bang’s Daesung released his first solo album ‘D’scover’ on February 27th, and debuted fourth on the Oricon Daily Chart on the same day. To celebrate his solo ventures in Japan, he will hold his concert tour starting in March through June.

On the other hand, BoA stood at number nine on the same chart with her latest Japanese single “Only One”. The single is the Japanese version of the song that she released in Korea last year.

Congratulations!

By Blogger Master Kamis, 26 April 2012 0 comments

Hallyu star Lee Jun Ki and singer Se7en are standing side-by-side on the Oricon chart with their latest Japanese releases.

According to Oricon website, Lee Jun Ki’s comeback single “Deucer” landed on the fifth spot of Oricon’s Daily Singles chart. The actor delighted Japanese fans again with a repackaged version of his hit-single and managed to re-enter the chart.

Se7en debuted on the sixth spot of the same chart, trailing behind Lee Jun Ki with his 7th Japanese single “Love Again.” Meanwhile, In promotion of his new release, Se7en will hold a series of showcases in different cities including Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Osaka.

By Blogger Master Rabu, 25 April 2012 0 comments

After scoring high in Oricon Daily Chart for the past few days, INFINITE’s latest Japanese single “Be Mine” captured the #2 spot on Oricon Weekly Chart.

According Oricon’s website, INFINITE’s second single album, “Be Mine” has reached second place on the Oricon Singles Weekly Chart, following behind popular Japanese artist Mr. Children. In the span of five days, the single managed to sell 50,473 copies since going on sale on April 18th.

Meanwhile, INFINITE will kick off promotional events starting on Tokyo today, April 25 and will then head to Dojima River Forum in Osaka on April 27 and at the Zepp Fukuoka on April 30.

Source: Oricon
Written by: jhezwafu @dkpopnews.net

By Blogger Master Jumat, 20 April 2012 0 comments

Infinite’s new single in Japan, “Be Mine,” has sold more than 28,192 copies on the day of its launch, landing the Korean group at second place on the Oricon daily chart for April 18.

On the single album, the title track “Be Mine” is accompanied by “Over the Top” and “Julia.”
This isn’t the first time that the seven member boy band has made its mark on the famed Japanese record chart.

In November last year, the band’s single “BTD” came in at second on the daily chart and seventh on the weekly chart.
To commemorate the new single’s launch, Infinite will hold a special fan meet event from April 25 to 30, visiting fans in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]
Source: koreajoongangdaily

By Blogger Master Rabu, 18 April 2012 0 comments

More K-Pop artists are scoring high of Japan’s Oricon Chart. According to Oricon’s website, idol group INFINITE and rock band FT Island claimed the upper tier of Oricon Daily Singles Chart.

On April 18, INFINITE released its second Japanese single, “Be Mine.” The single debuted on the second spot of the Oricon Daily Singles chart with a total of 28,192 copies sold on its first day. The single contains the Japanese version of INFINITE’s Korean hit tracks “Be Mine” and “Julia.”

FT Island is performing well on charts as well. The group’s latest Japanese single “Neverland” landed on the 8th spot of Oricon Daily Singles chart.

“Neverland” is a fast rock song composed and written by band member Choi Jonghun. The song has been chosen as the opening theme song for the Japanese anime “Ozma.”


Source: Oricon
Written by: jhezwafu @dkpopnews.net

By Blogger Master Selasa, 17 April 2012 0 comments

After debuting at 4th spot on Oricon Daily Chart last week, 2AM’s second Japanese single continued its success and grabbed the 5th spot on Oricon Weekly Chart.

According to Oricon’s official website on April 17th, 2AM’s newest release “You Wouldn’t Answer My Phone Calls” became the fifth best-selling single between the week of April 9 and 15, proving the group’s arising popularity in Japan.

The single also features a Japanese version of “Like Crazy” and the 2AM’s cover of Ken Hirai’s “With My Eyes Closed”, a chart-topper in 2004.

Meanwhile, 2AM is currently busy promoting their latest release, and working as the regular panels for the Japanese TV Show “2PM&2AM Wander Trip” with brother group 2PM.

Source: Oricon
Written by: jhezwafu @dkpopnews.net

By Blogger Master Rabu, 11 April 2012 0 comments

After a short four-week promotions in South Korea, ballad group made their comeback in Japan with second Japanese single “You Wouldn’t Answer My Phone Calls.” Released on April 11th, the new single is already making a sound on Oricon charts.

According to Oricon on Aprill 11th, 2AM’s second Japanese single “You Wouldn’t Answer My Phone Calls” made its debut at #4 on the Daily Singles Chart, proving the group’s arising popularity in Japan.

The single also features a Japanese version of “Like Crazy” and the 2AM’s cover of Ken Hirai’s “With My Eyes Closed”, a chart-topper in 2004.

Meanwhile, 2AM will be wrapping up promotion activities for their second mini-album ‘F.Scott Fitzgerald’s Way Of Love’ on the April 15th episode of SBS’ ‘Inkigayo’. On the same day, the group will hold a special Facebook fan meeting.


Source: Oricon
Written by: jhezwafu @dkpopnews.net

By Blogger Master Jumat, 30 Maret 2012 0 comments

By Blogger Master Rabu, 28 Maret 2012 0 comments

Hallyu representatives KARA and IU, who recently released new singles in Japan, have entered the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

According to Oricon website on March 28th, girl group KARA, who debuted #2 on Oricon Daily Singles Chart, ranked second on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart after selling a total of 99,236 units with their 6th Japanese single "Speed Up/Girls Power."

While IU, who made a soft landing at 8th spot on daily chart, climbed on the 6th place of Oricon Weekly Singles Chart after selling 21,283 copies of her Japanese debut single "Good Day."

By Blogger Master Senin, 05 Maret 2012 0 comments

Oricon had a chance to have a special interview with South Korean boy group U-Kiss.

Read the interview below.

By Blogger Master Jumat, 24 Februari 2012 0 comments

A senior figure in the Japanese entertainment industry has warned against the flood of Korean singers, manufactured bands and actors who rush to perform in Tokyo, which has become something of a rite of passage for entertainers who made it in Korea. "I'm afraid that the rotation of Korean acts [through Japan] is too fast," said Koh Koike, the CEO of Japan's Oricon, which supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry.

The Oricon chart has become something of a Bible for Korean musicians. Established in 1967 and using album sales data collected from around 26,000 music stores across Japan to come up with daily, weekly and monthly rankings, it is a highly respected barometer of Japan's entertainment industry, comparable to the Billboard Top 100 Chart in the U.S.

Koike made the remarks in Korea, where he attended the first Gaon Charts K-Pop Awards on Wednesday. His advice paints a less-than-rosy picture of the future of K-Pop in Japan. "Right now, there is a fan base for K-Pop due to the physical appeal of groups like Girls' Generation or Kara, but I think what will matter in the future is the variety of music that Korean singers are able to offer," he said. "Korean singers who have recently become popular in Japan tend to stay in the country briefly and tour only major cities, but this won't help them win broad popularity there," he added. "The precedents set by leaders TVXQ, Girls' Generation and Kara are very important for other Korean singers in Japan. If their album sales fall, this could impact other Korean singers as well, and that would lead to the perception that their popularity was just a flash in the pan."

He said the polished image and strong fan base are the main reasons for the success of Korean acts on the Oricon chart. "Korean acts who did well on the Oricon chart have unique visual concepts and their singing and dancing skills are outstanding," Koike said. "Many fans find out about them from the Internet even before their Japanese debut, so they get a huge welcome."

Asked about the abrupt cancellation of an advertising campaign in Japan featuring Korean actress Kim Tae-hee due to anti-Korean sentiment, Koike said, "That sentiment is being expressed by only a small group of people. I think that Kim Tae-hee's side may have overreacted to the negative opinions. Most Japanese people do not express opinions. They just like K-Pop and Korean TV dramas."

Source: The Chosun Ilbo

By Blogger Master 0 comments

- DBSK, Girls' Generation and KARA are singers from South Korea who have already became well-known names in Japan. In the future, which singers do you expect to become popular there?

▶ I was actually surprised at the award ceremony. There is a lot of Korean singers continuously debuting who are talented. In particular, it was the first time I saw a live performance of BEAST. All the members were impressive and unique. T-ara's dance-pop and visual concept are unique too. In the future, I expect T-ara to be gain popularity in Japan.

Source: http://news.nate.com.../20120224n04889

Credit: Nathaniel @ Diadem 

By Blogger Master Senin, 19 Desember 2011 0 comments

1. Kis-My-Ft2 - 1.47billion yen (~$18.9 million USD)
2. 2PM - 990million yen (~$12.7 million USD)
3. SHINee - 870million yen (~$11.2 million USD)

The original article states that last year (2010), KARA was #1 with 13 billion yen and SNSD was #2 with 8.8 billion yen. :)


CREDIT: ORICON (SOURCE) ; TOKYOGRAPH (TRANS)

By Blogger Master Jumat, 16 Desember 2011 0 comments

ELI: AJ is in charge of rap and he’s very serious. He’s a perfectionist who will try his hardest and really concentrate on something if he’s into it.

Kevin: Eli’s looks and his personality are very manly and frank . He’s in charge of rap.

Dongho: As you can tell by looking, (Kevin) he’s very pretty, but one stage he’s very cool. He has two different sides. He’s a vocalist so he’s a great singer, and as far as his personality goes, I think he’s the purest one in the group.

KISEOP: Dongho is a rapper, and he is like a puppy, maybe because he’s the youngest. (laughter) He’s cute and he’s got a cheerful personality.

HOON: Kiseop is a vocalist and his face and body are perfect! His heart is also warm, and he talks to his mother and father every single day.

SOOHYUN: Hoon is cool, and on top of that he’s nicer than anyone else, and really pure. He’s a vocalist.

ELI: When we’re eating, AJ eats my last piece of meat.

AJ: I only did that once, but you bring it up every time!

SOOHYUN: Hey, but you also ate my egg.

AJ: I don’t really remember doing that. (laugh)

HOON: I wish Soohyun and Dongho and Eli would wake up earlier. No matter how hard we try to wake them up they always sleep until the very last minute and we have to wait for them. And they go to work without showering. (laughter)

Really?

SOOHYUN: Really (laughter) Even if they wake me up, I fall back asleep, so I don’t really remember it.

ELI: Me too. When I wake up the members are always mad at me.

DONGHO: Same with me. I’m actually still sleepy right now. (laughter)

The type of girl each member likes...

Please wake up. (laughter) Next, what kind of girl do you like?

SOOHYUN: Someone who respects their parents and their superiors. Looks wise, I like a girl who has pretty eyes and who has dimples when she smiles.

HOON: I like girls who are cute, short and good listeners.

KISEOP: I’m like Hoon, I like girls who are so delicate that I can wrap my arms around them.

ELI: I like tall girls. I’d also like a girl with a sweet personality, who works hard.

AJ: I like girls who are intelligent. I don’t care what anyone says about her looks as long as I like her. Even if I’m the only one who thinks she’s pretty.

KEVIN: I also think that personality is most important. I want a girl who is cheerful and laughs a lot and understands me.

DONGHO: I’m kind of particular; I’d say that looks are a 6 and personality is a 4. My ideal is a girl who’s 168 cm (5’5”) and 45 kg. (99 lbs) Also she needs to have beautiful hands.

You have high standards! (laughter) Is there anything that’s popular with you all recently?

HOON: This isn’t really recent, we’ve been always been this way, but we all like exercise, so we always go to the gym. We go almost every day in Korea.

KEVIN: Because you can tone, and you can also relieve stress.

Who’s the worst loser, and who’s the most unique?

What would you say you are the most of in the group?

AJ: I’m the most finicky and the most tenacious in the group.

KEVIN: I’m the thinnest in the group.

HOON: I’m the strongest. No one can beat me at arm wrestling.

KISEOP: I’m the most fashionable.

DONGHO: I’m best at video games. I’m the biggest gamer in the group: I play playstation, computer games and cell phone games.

SOOHYUN: I think I have the most leadership.

ELI: I guess I’m the funniest. I especially good at imitating animals. (he suddenly imitates a bird call.)

ALL: Oooh!

That sounds so much like a bird! Now, out of the group who is: “The sorest loser” “marches to the beat of his own drum” “sentimental” “manly”.

SOOHYUN: Hoon, Eli and Kiseop all hate to lose, but I think Kiseop is the worst. When we were on a variety program in Korea, we had to play games against other idol groups, and Kiseop fought with such a serious expression. (laughter)

KISEOP: Even if something just for fun, I end up getting really into it. I don’t want to lose.

HOON: I’d say Kevin marches to the beat of his own drum, right?

KEVIN: That’s true. Even if we’re busy I always eat dinner slowly. Even if people try to hurry me and say “Hurry up and eat, we don’t have any time!”, I don’t speed up my pace.

SOOHYUN: And Hoon is most sentimental.

HOON: I always cry at sad dramas. (laughter)

So who’s the most manly?

KEVIN: Eli, of course.

ELI: You better believe it!

All of U-KISS’ charms are packed into their addictive new song.

Thank you so much. Next, I’d like to ask you about your new song. Both the song and performance for Tick Tack are so cool. It has such a strong impact that you get sucked in the moment you hear it.

ALL: Thank you!

What was your impression the first time you heard the song?

SOOHYUN: I thought it was a very addictive song. So I remembered it as soon as I heard it and I could imagine the concept of our performance. It has elements of both K-POP and J-POP, and it’s really new, and I think it’s packed with all of U-KISS’ charm.

What do you think of lyrics, with their theme of ‘men’s lies’?

DONGHO: Oh no, it’s bad to lie.

SOOHYUN: I know, but aren’t good lies necessary sometimes?

KEVIN: I think that it’s alright to lie if it’s out of consideration for that person.

HOON: Especially in the song, the narrator is telling a lie for the sake of a woman, so it couldn’t be helped. He doesn’t want to break up with her, he loves her, but he tells a kind lie with her happiness in mind. I could understand it in a situation like that.

The performance seems to express a man’s battle with his heart, but what is a point to look for?

AJ: There are a lot, but the chorus where we’re all singing together is really important. Also, I think that the dance at the beginning of the song has a lot of impact, and I’d like people to pay attention to the dance at the dance break at the end too. We’re not all dancing the same synchronized steps, we all have different steps. So I think it will be fun to watch.

Your sharp, perfectly coordinated moves left a big impression, how do the seven of you stay in synch?

AJ: Our leader SOOHYUN takes the lead and thoroughly matches each part. Then, once we’ve got one part down, we cut it into parts and practice them separately. We dance until we get it perfect, even if we have to go all night.

SOOHYUN: But no matter how much we practice, it’s not perfect. So we always practiced until we’re satisfied. When it comes to performances, we’re all perfectionists. Even thought we’re not perfect when it comes to waking up in the morning. (laughing)

(laughs) What’s U-KISS’ charm?

SOOHYUN: There’s no wall between us and our fans. Usually fans don’t know about an artist’s normal life, and artists don’t understand about their fans, but we have a lot of chances to meet our everyone, so I think we know each other really well. I think that we’re maybe the only ones who treat our fans like friends.

So there’s a sense of familiarity. And you plan to keep that stance after your [Japanese] debut?

SOOHYUN: Of course! We’re going to do a high five meeting [meet & greet] and all sorts of things at each event, and we’ve got a lot of plans for things we can enjoy with our fans!

By Blogger Master 0 comments