Oh dear... it's been a while since our last post. So sorry for the long wait. We're not even sure yet if we can continue maintaining this LJ. But for my part, I'll try my best to attend to this site whenever I have the chance to.

Currently I had the chance to watch Juri Ueno again in the award-winning TV series, LAST FRIENDS. I've always thought Juri was a good actress when I first saw her on SWING GIRLS (2004). She has that unique charm in her. Prior to the show LAST FRIENDS, she was best known for her notable portrayal of the funny heroine Nodame in the live-action TV series, NODAME CANTABILE.

Juri Ueno has become one of Japan's hottest and versatile actresses. She's been a very busy girl these past couple of years. Winning awards and gaining recognition from the Japanese and international audiences. And as she matures as an artist, things are getting more and more interesting. I'm excited to see more of her in her future movies and projects. Jurippe! Fighto!

In the cut are some sites you can check out to know more about Juri and her works.
 

( Get JURI-fied! )

TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ's 24th JAPANESE SINGLE!
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


There are more good news for TOHOSHINKI fans. Looks like everyone won’t be saving enough to buy things for themselves, especially crazed fans whose goal is to collect everything and anything that the group releases.

Well, another one to add to your list is TOHOSHINKI’s upcoming 24th Japanese single. The new single is scheduled for release on October 1, 2008. Although still untitled, the single is revealed to be the lead off track for TVXQ’s 4th Korean album. For this single, it will be in Japanese.

The song is also expected to be an SMP type, which is a powerful pop/dance track unique to SM Entertainment artists. Fans weren’t expecting to hear news about an upcoming Japanese single so soon, but as always AVEX wants to make sure that everyone gets a piece of news, even months ahead before the release.

I’m pretty sure the single will leak soon enough. We were discussing earlier that AVEX were really the ones leaking previews on the internet way before, to generate public interest. And obviously that helps a lot in promoting TOHOSHINKI’s music. So expect to hear some previews pretty soon.



Below are the CD/DVD descriptions from CD Japan and Shinseido:


JACKET A [ CD+DVD Version ] - ( click here )
New single release from Dong Bang Shin Ki (TOHOSHINKI). This single features the lead off track to the group's upcoming fourth full-length album in Korea, only for this release performed in Japanese. Limited edition includes bonus DVD with music video (subject to change).

• タイトル未定
• タイトル未定（Instrumental）

JACKET B [ CD Version ] - ( click here )
New single release from Dong Bang Shin Ki (TOHOSHINKI). This single features the lead off track to the group's upcoming fourth full-length album in Korea, only for this release performed in Japanese. Regular edition includes bonus remix of the single "Doshite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattann Daro?"

• タイトル未定
• タイトル未定（Instrumental）
• どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう？（Remix）

RUMORS CONFIRMED ~ MUSIC STATION REFUSES TO ACCEPT TOHOSHINKI AS GUESTS
A New Fever - DBSKer
By: S-Diary + aleyna @JpopMusic Forums + Luffa @DBSKer


I guess what we all thought about Music Station conspiracy was true.

S-San (one of the Japanese staff members of Tohoshinki) made a recent post in his blog confirming the rumours about Music Station's refusal to invite DBSK into their program.

Many fans have been speculating for quite some time the reason why DBSK never appeared on the show, especially with the recent #1 on weekly Oricon (their third one, which broke a record as foreign artist with three #1s). DBSK has been consistently in the top 10 weekly in Japanese Oricon charts with their singles and last album. Music Station usually invites singers in top 10 in Oricon atleast once to perform. However, this has not been the case with DBSK, as S-San points out even with the insistence of the company to let them on fairly.

Their lack of promotions in such a major show as Music Station has become jarringly apparent and discussion spring up everytime they release a single as to why they are still not invited. Majority say that its because of Johnny's Entertainment stronghold on Music Station, pointing out that no bands/artists that posed a threat to that agency have ever been invited.

S-San never expicitly states the show's name, however he mentions that Tohoshinki was on the show's #1 list this week, yet still weren't given the chance to perform.

The post also explains the lack of sales of the group, owing to the fact that they are still placed in Foreign Artist category in music stores even though they should be under Jpop. Fans who recently visited Japan confirmed this. They all found it quite hard to find Tohoshinki's CDs in stores, sometimes they were not there at all. Many times, they were put under K-pop or Foreign Artists section. So this really explains why sales get poor after promotions stop ... their CDs aren't in visible places for someone just browsing the Jpop section can pick up and see.

I was wondering how S-San posted about this sticky topic, knowing how hush-hush Japan usually is about these matters. He sounds frustrated, and is probably making his last desperate attempt to try to change the situation - by letting fans know what we all sort of feared existed behind the scenes (of the group not exactly getting equal oppotunity), isn't going away anytime soon. But he urges fan and says that "...the store's customers will have the most impact". The fans in Japan must speak up to store managers about DBSK's CDs being put under "Foreign Artist" section instead of where they rightfully should be - under JPOP.

DETAILS
TVXQ / DBSK / Tohoshinki / 東方神起
3rd LIVE TOUR 2008 ~T~ [ DVD ver. ]
July 1, 2008 (by SpiderLiliez)
MP3 Format
320 kbps / 44 kHz
Japanese
Live / Pop / Live Band


TRACKLIST

• TRICK
• NO PAIN NO GAIN
• Choosey Lover + Talk
  
• Song for You
• You're My Miracle
• NO?
• Darkness Eyes
• Day Moon ~ハルダル~
• Purple Line ( ~ updated! )
  
• Forever Love
• Lovin You
• CLAP!
• Ride On
• Rainbow ( ~ uploaded! )
• Asu wa Kuru Kara
• Last Angel ( ~ uploaded! )
• Beautiful You
• SHINE + Somebody to Love
• High Time ( ~ uploaded! )
• Rising Sun
• Talk + Summer Dream
• Together
• Love in the Ice + Talk
  
• Kiss したまま、さよなら

DOWNLOAD LINK {{ UPDATED! }}
[ CD ] ~ http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JR5JK9S4

AVEX PUSHES BACK TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ's SINGLE PROMOTIONS
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


TOHOSHINKI’s 23rd single, Doushite Kimi wo Suki Natte Shimattan Darou [ どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう ] was originally set for release on July the 23rd, but AVEX released it earlier on July 16th to avoid some possible hard competition with other big names. But they seem to have changed their minds now.

Their Japanese management, AVEX recently pushed back all promotions for the single to a later date this month, leaving fans wondering what exactly AVEX have in mind. Their new single topped the ORICON Daily on the first day of release [ on the 16th ] even without proper promotions, and amazingly with a very huge lead. But so far, their rank on the Daily Chart has been dropping out of the TOP 10, but fans believe they are still leading by the units.

Some fans think that AVEX have full confidence in the group’s reputable status as “Jpop” artists, that no matter what happens TOHOSHINKI could still do well and maybe top the ORICON once they officially start promoting. This means fans can’t really expect to see TOHOSHINKI perform their 23rd single, どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう until they start doing an all-out promotion for it.

The group is very much pre-occupied these days, and they'll be flying back and forth to Korea and Japan, since they are busy preparing for their 4th Korean album, which is due this August. They are also getting ready for AVEX’s annual A-Nation tour and promotions for their 23rd single in Japan.

It is evident that TOHOSHINKI will not fully focus their activities in Korea alone. It’s too important for SM (and AVEX) for the group to continue doing necessary appearances in Japan just to keep their star status there.

DETAILS
TVXQ / DBSK / Tohoshinki / 東方神起
Doushite Kimi wo Suki Natte Shimattan Darou? / どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう？[ 23rd Single ]
July 16, 2008
MP3 Format
320 kbps / 44 kHz
Japanese
Pop / Reggae / Acapella


TRACKLIST

• どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう？
• Box in the ship
• どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう？ (アカペラver.)
• どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう？ (Less Vocal)
• Box in the ship (Less Vocal)

DOWNLOAD LINK  {{ CREDIT WHEN USING! }}
[ CD ] ~ http://www.4shared.com/file/55347018/

TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ IN ORICON #1, HITS RECORD SALES!
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


It doesn’t come as a surprise anymore, but it really is amazing!

TOHOSHINKI is continually making history when yesterday (July 16), at the release of their 23rd Japanese single, “どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう” topped the ORICON Daily Singles chart with massive sales of over 30,000+ on the first day (which does not include 20,000+ other unit sales bought from other outlets not counted by ORICON), and the numbers are likely to increase by the thousands in the coming days.

Their 22nd single, “Beautiful You” which took 22,000+ sales on the first day, and “Purple Line” got 16,000+ on its first day of release. The increase in each single is truly very impressive. It just shows how TOHOSHINKI is constantly impressing music audiences everywhere, gaining more and more fans despite the increasing number of promising new comers of popstars in the Asian region.

The ORICON Charts is regarded as an equivalent of the U.S. Billboards in Asia, as Japan is considered to be the 2nd largest music industry in the world next to the U.S. The ORICON gets their data drawn from some 3,020 retail outlets (as of January 2008), including online stores like Tower Records, HMV Japan, CD Japan and others.

With how the way things are going, it’s a sure-fire that TOHOSHINKI could actually top the ORICON Weekly chart again. They are doing such a marvelous job and I hope they continue to inspire and impress. But what is really amazing here are the fans who have continually given their love, time, energy (and of course money) for this splendid group of talented young men.

Despite the countless number of download links available on the internet, with determination, you (the fans) have constantly supported them by buying their original CDs and DVDs. You guys make TOHOSHINKI and your fellow fans very proud. Kudos to everyone!

CRUEL SCHEDULE, SUPER JUNIOR INJURED ~ "THERE IS EVEN NO TIME TO BREATHE"
Hankooki + Hangeng's Baidu Bar
Translation: miss scarlett @Asianfanatics + shinroo @BLG


Carrying both big and small injuries, the Super Junior members are active with very busy schedules.

On the 12th, Super Junior held their concert in Thailand, titled "Super Show - The 1st Asia Tour in Bangkok". Because of the concert, Yesung's old waist injury reoccured, causing Yesung to suffer difficulties during schedules. Leeteuk was also injured at the concert. While performing Leeteuk slipped, spraining his right foot. Kangin, Sungmin, and other members are still currently suffering from severe fatigue. Their injuries are due to their cruel schedules in both Korea and overseas, causing many of the members to suffer severe fatique and minor injuries.

Starting from the 8th, Super Junior bounced in a tight schedule from Korea to Japan, back to Korea, and then to Thailand. On the 8th, the group held their first fanmeeting in Japan in the Nippon Budokan, and on the 9th the members exchanged business cards with fans and had a handshake meet. After the Japan fanmeeting they returned to Korea to participate in variety show recordings, and on the 11th they immediately flew to Thailand, completing the 2nd stop for their Asia concert tour on the 12th.

In the early morning of the 13th Super Junior-Happy members, with Heechul and Kibum, flew back to Korea, not even having a moment to rest. The subgroup immediately performed on SBS's Inkigayo that same day to promote their single. Super Junior-M members, however, remained in Thailand for their fanmeeting, and it was delayed an hour because Hangeng passed out in his hotel room.

Due to the group's hectic schedules, the members' are physically exhausted, causing them to be more easily exposed to injuries. Luckily, none of their injuries are extremely serious. Fans are already very concerned over the group's tight schedules in Korea and overseas.

Group leader Leeteuk stated, "Our schedules are now all around Asia. Many of our members are now getting injured. Our bodies may not be well, but after receiving so many support from fans, we feel delighted and happy while working on our schedules."

Next month on the 15th Super Junior will participate in "SMTOWN LIVE '08" that will be held in the Seoul Jamsil Stadium. The same concert will soon stop by Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok. Super Junior's Asia concert tour schedule will also continue.

DETAILS
LOVE LETTER (OST)
Remedios + Yuhki Kuramoto
1995
MP3 Format
128 kbps / 44 kHz
Soundtrack / Classical


TRACKLIST

• His Smile
• Childhood Days
• Flow in the Wind
• Letter of No Return
• Sweet Rumors
• Forgive Me
• Fading
• Frozen Summer
• The Flight
• He Loves You So
• A Winter Story
• Eccentric Love Parade
• Soil of his Tears
• Gateway to Heaven
• Small Happiness

DOWNLOAD LINK
[ CD ] ~ http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G91DRRTM

TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ's 23rd SINGLE's B-SIDE, "BOX IN THE SHIP" MAKING WAVES
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez
Media: melinrain @youtube


I was just browsing some news earlier and found out about “Box in the Ship.”

Though only a B-side for TOHOSHINKI’s 23rd single (Doushite Kimi wo Suki Natte Shimattan Darou?), the song “Box in the Ship” has been floating around like a treasure wanting to be found. Thanks to the audio previews that has been popping out recently at music and video sharing sites. We got a chance to hear this happy upbeat song.

The song has a sunny, summer feel to it, it even reminds me a lot of the Caribbean beaches. The genre is a cross between reggae and pop. It’s a very catchy song, and it's just another reason why you should buy the single. I’m quite certain they’d be singing this song in A-Nation which will take place late July until the end of August. The song is just perfect for A-Nation and the summer season.

Below is the preview for “Box in the Ship” thanks to DNBN.

FAN CLUB MEMBERS INCREASE: CASSIOPEIA AND E.L.F.
엠파스
Edits: E L F Philippines


V I P, Cassiopeia, E L F, Wonderful, Jewelry Box. What do these words represent?

Most teenagers would know the answers to this question because either they are or their friends are members of these clubs.

The words written above are all names of celebrity fan clubs. Members of these fan clubs consist mostly of teens. More and more teens are starting to get interested in celebrity fan clubs, especially those for singers.

The number of teenagers joining fan clubs is so great that they are getting attention from around the world. Cassiopeia, the fan club of Korean boy band TVXQ (동방신기), has been recorded in the Guinness World Records book of 2008, for being the biggest fan club for an artist in the whole world. Cassiopeia consisted of over 800,000 official members from China, Japan and South Korea when last counted. This number is excluding the non-official members.

Fan clubs follow their artists wherever they go, whether it is an airport, a TV station, the stars' homes and office. Sometimes they wait not knowing when their stars will appear. But they don't feel tired or fatigued at all because being able to see their idols make them happy.

Having the passion for someone and something is a positive thing. But some of these fans have too much passion that they tend to forget their schoolwork and make their parents worry. Celebrities like to be loved by their fans. But it is apparent that they do not want their fans to quit or drop out of school or have conflict with their family.

TBS JAPAN TO BROADCAST TOHOSHINKI's "3rd LIVE TOUR 2008 ~T~"
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


To those who can’t wait to get the DVD, you can finally watch TOHOSHINKI’s Japanese concerts, including their “3rd LIVE TOUR 2008 ~T~” at TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) channel from June 28-29, as well as in July.

If you have the channel on cable, good for you! To those who don’t have TBS, you “might” be able to watch at KeyHoleTV. Because according to its website, “KeyholeTV has a decent, but limited selection of channels. The bigger channels are TBS, TV Tokyo, TV Asahi, and Fuji TV.”

We heard TVAnts does not have TBS on their channel list/search, so KeyHoleTV might save your day.

Rhythm Zone, recently released a selection of audio versions of TOHOSHINKI’s “3rd LIVE TOUR 2008 ~T~” concert. Currently there are five (5) songs that you can download. ( click here )



SCHEDULE
Below are the complete dates and times for Tohoshinki’s live concerts to be aired on TBS.

Tohoshinki – 1st Live Tour 2006 ~Heart, Mind and Soul~
June 28, 2008, 7:30pm – 9:00pm ( Japan )
July 28, 2008, 11:00pm – 12:30am ( Japan )

Tohoshinki – 2nd Live Tour 2007 ~Five in the Black~
June 28, 2008, 9:00pm – 11:00pm ( Japan )
July 29, 2008, 11:00pm – 1:00am ( Japan )

Tohoshinki – 3rd Live Tour 2008 ~T~
June 29, 2008, 9:00pm – 11:00pm ( Japan )
July 30, 2008, 11:00pm – 1:00am ( Japan )


INTERNET TV
Try your luck and install these softwares. Credits to abc123zyx   and ladian 

JLC's Internet TV
http://jlc-software.com/?page=internet_tv.html

TVU Player
http://pages.tvunetworks.com/downloads/player.html

KeyHoleTV
http://xorsyst.com/japan/watch-japanese-tv-online

TVAnts
http://tvants.en.softonic.com



TIME CONVERSION
Note that Japan time is hours ahead compared to American / US time.
Be sure to use a time converter so you won't miss the show.

Time Zone Converter
http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc

NAMIE AMURO SUES WOMEN'S MAGAZINE OVER PHOTOS
Japan Today

Singer Namie Amuro, 30, this week sued the publisher of women’s magazine Shukan Josei, claiming that the magazine violated her privacy by publishing photos of her and her 10-year-old son. Amuro is seeking 22 million yen in compensation.

According to Amuro’s lawyers, on June 10, the magazine published photos of the two of them walking together and shopping at a convenience store. In a statement released by her agency, Amuro said, “We don’t want our private life to be exposed to the public and we don’t want to live with the fear of always being on display to the public.”

TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ's "DOUSHITE KIMI WO SUKI NI NATTE SHIMATTAN DAROU?" DRAMA VER. MV RELEASED
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez
Video: teeoheychoh @YouTube


AVEX knows how to keep TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ fans at the edge of their seats. Today an official MV was released, but TOHOSHINKI wasn't in a single frame of the video.

Some fans were a bit disappointed since they've been waiting for the video for weeks. It seems like the drama version was only released to buy TOHOSHINKI and their production team more time to work on their own MV version.

The current MV is only a drama version, the storyline is exactly what the title suggests. It shows a young man attending the wedding of a girl he loves. He never told her his feelings even up to his last chance that he could. He just kept it all to himself, and telling himself why he had to fall in love with her.

Reportedly another version will be out as well, which will feature TOHOSHINKI this time. There's been no definite date on when the said video will be released. But we think anytime soon. And it might catch you by surprise.



And just in case AVEX deletes the link of the embeded video posted above.
Below are some alternatives you can go to.


WATCH VIDEO
http://www.mncast.com/player/playerCopy.asp?movieID=10062325620080624234044

SEARCH / WATCH VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=doshite+kimi+wo+suki
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=drama+ver+tohoshinki

9-YEAR-OLD DRUMMER BECOMES GUINESS-CERTIFIED AS WORLD'S YOUNGEST PRO
Tokyo Graph


9-year-old jazz drummer Tiger has officially become recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's youngest professional drummer. The title was made official on Thursday, while he was in New York to perform at the Clinton Recording Studio with artists such as famous pianist Benny Green.

Tiger, whose real name is Taiga Onitsuka, started playing the drums at the age of 5, and he first performed in New York two years later in 2005. This April, he released his first major label album "TIGER!" through Columbia's Savoy Records.