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Yukie Nakama and Aya Ueto are Japan’s CM Queens
Nakama’s still the CM queen: Video Research Ltd. has published its mid-year report on TV commercials, which includes a section measuring celebrities’ exposure. On top of the list is actress Yukie Nakama, continuing her streak as ‘CM queen’ since 2005. In the Kanto region, Nakama had a total of 6,175 commercial broadcasts, adding up to…
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On the Eve of Karakui’s 10,000th Hit
Last checked we were about two shy of 10,000 hits! I’m planning to do something special for it but haven’t decided on just what that will be yet. In the meantime, *ahem* check out my O-pop article from the Uchinanchu newsletter online at the HUOA website (in pdf).
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In Hawaii: Hanayakara, Ryusei Daiko & Naha Daiko
The girls of the group Hanayakara are so cute and talented that they could possibly be thought of as the Okinawan version of the popular J-pop group Morning Musume. Hanayakara will be performing in Hawaii at 2pm on Friday (8/31/07) at the Ala Moana Shopping Center’s Centerstage and at 4:05pm on Saturday (9/1/07) at the…
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In Hawaii: Miiuta Taishou Winner Takayuki Oshiro [Unconfirmed]
Last year, one of my favorite upcoming utasaa, Akane Murayoshi, came to Hawaii as part of Radio Okinawa’s annual Miiuta Taishou Grand Prix winner’s prize. This year’s (the 18th annual) grand prix winner is Takayuki Oshiro (his nickname is ‘Ootaka’ おおたか) who will be performing his winning composition, “Sakasanaya∼”. The YouTube clip above is Ootaka…
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In Hawaii: Churamana
Name sound familiar? Yup, I recently posted an entry about Churamana here and we’ll have a chance to see them live in Hawaii on Friday, August 31, 2007 at the Okinawan Festival in Kapiolani Park. They’ll be performing as part of the “Aloha Concert” set starting from 8pm with Kumu Hula Sonny Ching & Halau…
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In Hawaii: Rinken Band
It looks like it’s confirmed, the group that put the “O” in O-pop, Rinken Band, will be performing a free, wait, let me say that again, FREE (yes, doesn’t it look better emphasized and bold?) concert in Honolulu on Saturday, September 1, 2007. Opening for them will be “Hawaii’s Largest Bon Dance” (yeah, I wish…
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CD Album: Yanawarabaa’s ‘Utagusui’
I’m marking this as the O-pop CD album to buy this year. Yanawarabaa’s forthcoming 1st full-album of 13-tracks, “Utagusui” (AKCY-58033) will be released on August 29, 2007, and the first press edition will come with kunkunshii (think guitar tabs for your sanshin)! Check out my ‘Digging Yanawarabaa’ post for a YouTube clip of this fantastic…
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DVD: Misako Oshiro’s ‘Uta Kataree’
Utasaa great Misako Oshiro is making 2007 a year to remember. She started off the year with her first full-album in 10 years, “Uta Umui” (UBCA-1008, Tuff Beats), and held her 50th anniversary (in Okinawa’s performing arts) recital last month (7/8/07) at the Naha Shimin Kaikan. She’ll be performing around Japan from August to October…
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Yui Aragaki to Make Debut as J-pop Singer!
If Yukie Nakama is beautiful, Yu Yamada sexy, then 19 year old Yui Aragaki definitely has cute down. The model-turned-actress will be making her J-pop singing debut with the song “Memories” from the film which she also stars in called “Koisuru MADORI” (starts its run in theaters on 8/18/07). Also appearing in the movie is…
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CD Album: Hirokazu Matsuda’s ‘Sanshin-Zanmai’
Long known as a master utasaa (Okinawan folk musician), it’s hard to believe that the September 26, 2007 “Sanshin-Zanmai” (RES-126, 14 tracks), marks Hirokazu Matsuda’s (The Fere) first nationwide CD album release. Thanks to the awesome record label Respect Record (Seijin Noborikawa, Sadao China, Yoriko Ganeko, Takashi Hirayasu, Ryukyu Underground, Toru Yonaha), fans of Okinawan…
Karakui 