Sunday, June 3, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Ayumi Hamasaki "evolution" Chosen as Theme Song for 2012 Movie "Helter Skelter"
Ayumi Hamasaki "evolution" Chosen as Theme Song for 2012 Movie "Helter Skelter"
It was announced on Thursday that "evolution," a 2001 song by Ayumi Hamasaki, will be the main theme song for the live-action film adaptation of Kyoko Okazaki's Helter Skelter psychological manga. This will be the first film to use one of Hamasaki's songs as its theme since the 2009 Dragonball: Evolution live-action film. When asked for comment, Hamasaki stated that she was a fan of the original manga, and is looking forward to seeing the completed film. Hamasaki's "evolution" single was released on January 31, 2001, and reached the number one spot on the Oricon singles sales ranking charts.
Erika Sawajiri (SHINOBI - Heart Under Blade, 1 Liter of Tears drama series) will star in the film, playing the character Ririko, a model who underwent extensive plastic surgery to attain her beauty. The photographer Mika Ninagawa (Sakuran) will direct the film, while Asmik-Ace Entertainment and Shochiku will distribute the adaptation. The film's main cast includes Nao Omori as the prosecutor Makoto Asada, Shinobu Terajima as Ririko's manager Michiko Hata, Gou Ayano, Kiko Mizuhara as Kozue Yoshikawa, Hirofumi Arai, Anne Suzuki, Susumu Terajima, Kaori Momoi as Hiroko Tada, Shou Aikawa, Mieko Harada as Hisako Wachi, and Yosuke Kubozuka as Takao Nanbu.
Okazaki's original Helter Skelter manga won the Manga Grand Prize at the annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prizes in 2004. The story centers on Ririko, a model who underwent extensive plastic surgery to attain her beauty. The clinic who performed Ririko's surgeries goes under investigation for questionable business practices, and Ririko's body starts to deteriorate. As the model's prominence in the entertainment industry begins to falter, so does her sanity.
The film will premiere in Japan on July 14.
Erika Sawajiri (SHINOBI - Heart Under Blade, 1 Liter of Tears drama series) will star in the film, playing the character Ririko, a model who underwent extensive plastic surgery to attain her beauty. The photographer Mika Ninagawa (Sakuran) will direct the film, while Asmik-Ace Entertainment and Shochiku will distribute the adaptation. The film's main cast includes Nao Omori as the prosecutor Makoto Asada, Shinobu Terajima as Ririko's manager Michiko Hata, Gou Ayano, Kiko Mizuhara as Kozue Yoshikawa, Hirofumi Arai, Anne Suzuki, Susumu Terajima, Kaori Momoi as Hiroko Tada, Shou Aikawa, Mieko Harada as Hisako Wachi, and Yosuke Kubozuka as Takao Nanbu.
Okazaki's original Helter Skelter manga won the Manga Grand Prize at the annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prizes in 2004. The story centers on Ririko, a model who underwent extensive plastic surgery to attain her beauty. The clinic who performed Ririko's surgeries goes under investigation for questionable business practices, and Ririko's body starts to deteriorate. As the model's prominence in the entertainment industry begins to falter, so does her sanity.
The film will premiere in Japan on July 14.
Check out the trailer below:
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
濱崎 步 ARENA TOUR 2012 ～HOTEL Love songs～
濱崎 步 ARENA TOUR 2012 ～HOTEL Love songs～
2012/4/7~2012/8/12 共29場
首場已於今日開唱！
以下為曲目表（HOTEL Love songs first day song list.）
01.Happening Here
02.reminds me
03.Tell me why
04.appears
05.Shake It♥
06.STEP you
07.NaNaNa
08.Sparkle
09.the next LOVE
10.Eyes, Smoke, Magic
11.Return Road
12.Ladies Night
13.Party queen
14.SURREAL~evolution~SURREAL
15.Love song
ENCORE
16.Letter
17.Boys&Girls
18.how beautiful you are
2012/4/7~2012/8/12 共29場
首場已於今日開唱！
以下為曲目表（HOTEL Love songs first day song list.）
01.Happening Here
02.reminds me
03.Tell me why
04.appears
05.Shake It♥
06.STEP you
07.NaNaNa
08.Sparkle
09.the next LOVE
10.Eyes, Smoke, Magic
11.Return Road
12.Ladies Night
13.Party queen
14.SURREAL~evolution~SURREAL
15.Love song
ENCORE
16.Letter
17.Boys&Girls
18.how beautiful you are
Ayumi celebrates her 14th anniversary at Saitama Super Arena
MONDAY, 9 APRIL 2012
[Article] 08.04.2012 Hamasaki Ayumi celebrates her 14th anniversary at Saitama Super Arena
On April 8th, Hamasaki Ayumi (33) performed for the second day at Saitama Super Arena for her nationwide tour. On that very day in 1998, Hamasaki debuted with her single “poker face”.
14 years later, she celebrated her anniversary with 17,000 fans, “It sure is surprising, isn’t it? It went by so fast.” Hamasaki took a commemorative photograph with her dancers and bandmates on stage, “I’m going to continue running toward my 15th year without change, so please look after me!”
After the dance performance, during the encore, Hamasaki returned to the stage for a surprise cake from her dancers. “All I’ve been thinking about has been this live. Before the concert, my chief manager asked me about my 14th anniversary, but when the performance started I forgot about it again.” The audience gave her their blessing, “Thank you guys so much. And, congratulations” she told them.
“ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2012 A~HOTEL Love songs~” is Hamasaki’s 10th arena tour. To play into the theme of her concert, Hamasaki performed her first song wearing an outfit resembling those worn by hotel receptionists.
Afterwards Hamasaki called out to the audience, “Are you guys having fun!?” and performed “Party Queen” and “how beautiful you are” from her latest album. She performed 21 songs in total including her hit tracks “Boys&Girls” and “evolution”.
Hamasaki stared into the audience telling the crowd, “With the love and power I have received from all of you here today, I will be able to show a ton of love starting next week nationwide.”
Hamasaki’s tour will include 28 performances in 12 different cities, finishing on August 12th at Marine Messe in Fukuoka. By then she will have performed for 300,000 people.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
New LANDS of Eden. Photoshoot (Correction!)
Turns out these photos aren't from Party Queen, but rather a new LANDS of Eden photoshoot! Thanks Leny and Anne for the info ;)
Click on the thumbnails to see them in bigger size:
More pictures:
Click on the thumbnails to see them in bigger size:
More pictures:
A3D Wins International Awards
The International 3D Society recently announced the winners of its 2012 Creative Arts Awards in LA. A3D ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 A ～NEXT LEVEL～ won its award for “Electronic Broadcast Media (Television) – Live Event.” A full list of winners can be found at the organization’s website.
A3D previously won the International Society’s Japan Committee’s top prize, the “Lumiere Japan 2011 Grand Prix.” This most recent award came from the society’s Hollywood-based branch and was announced at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.
The International 3D Society is an organization that strives to advance the presence of and innovation in stereoscopic 3D in the arts. It accomplishes this through increasing the visibility of 3D projects–such as through its annual awards–as well as industry education through its International 3D Society University program.
A3D ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 A ～NEXT LEVEL～ (credited on the 3D Society’s website as “Ayumi Hamasaki: Arena Tour”) was both Ayu’s and J-pop’s first 3D concert film. It had a limited theatrical run in Japan and was recently screened in Singapore alongside her second 3D concert film, A3DII ayumi hamasaki Arena Tour 2010 A ~Rock’n'Roll Circus~. It is currently available on 3D Blu-ray.
A3D previously won the International Society’s Japan Committee’s top prize, the “Lumiere Japan 2011 Grand Prix.” This most recent award came from the society’s Hollywood-based branch and was announced at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.
The International 3D Society is an organization that strives to advance the presence of and innovation in stereoscopic 3D in the arts. It accomplishes this through increasing the visibility of 3D projects–such as through its annual awards–as well as industry education through its International 3D Society University program.
A3D ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 A ～NEXT LEVEL～ (credited on the 3D Society’s website as “Ayumi Hamasaki: Arena Tour”) was both Ayu’s and J-pop’s first 3D concert film. It had a limited theatrical run in Japan and was recently screened in Singapore alongside her second 3D concert film, A3DII ayumi hamasaki Arena Tour 2010 A ~Rock’n'Roll Circus~. It is currently available on 3D Blu-ray.
how beautiful you are" single releases on iTunes Japan
The "how beautiful you are" single releases on iTunes Japan today! ^^ Here's a bigger version of the cover:
Download of the single at AHN here!
Download of the single at AHN here!
Ayumi hamasaki「how beautiful you are」Digital Single Cover Revealed!
Ayumi hamasaki「how beautiful you are」Digital Single Cover Revealed!
Team Ayu has revealed the official cover for 「how beautiful you are」 Digital Single which will be released on 08.02.2012.
It's gorgeous and very detail, just that it's too small, I barely can see Ayu's face in here, hopefully to see the bigger version soon.
It's gorgeous and very detail, just that it's too small, I barely can see Ayu's face in here, hopefully to see the bigger version soon.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Download a Digital New Year’s Card From Ayupan At Your Nearest “7SPOT”!
From 1~9 Jan, just access “7SPOT” at any 7/11 and Itoyokado within Tokyo, or Seibu’s Ikebukuro or Shibuya branches, and you’ll be able to download a digital New Year’s Card from ayupan onto your iPhone, Android or PC.
Let’s start a great year with a digital New Year’s Card!
▼Sample Image
There will be 4 different designs of ayupan digital New Year’s Cards, 2 limited to smart phones and 2 limited to PCs/tablets ♪
*”7SPOT” is a public wireless LAN service free for use in any 7&i Group stores. Each access period is limited to 60 minutes, and up to 3 access periods are permitted per day.
*The service will be available throughout Tokyo, though some regions may not be able to acquire reception.
*Note that some smart phones may not be able to access 7SPOT.
▼How to use 7SPOT + Participating Outlets
http://webapp.7spot.jp/
Let’s start a great year with a digital New Year’s Card!
▼Sample Image
There will be 4 different designs of ayupan digital New Year’s Cards, 2 limited to smart phones and 2 limited to PCs/tablets ♪
*”7SPOT” is a public wireless LAN service free for use in any 7&i Group stores. Each access period is limited to 60 minutes, and up to 3 access periods are permitted per day.
*The service will be available throughout Tokyo, though some regions may not be able to acquire reception.
*Note that some smart phones may not be able to access 7SPOT.
▼How to use 7SPOT + Participating Outlets
http://webapp.7spot.jp/
ViVi January 2012
ViVi January 2012
Almost forgot about my magazines and internet. Work. Sport. New friends. No time
And lazyness of course ~_^
3400x4620
-->Scans<--
Ayu Ranks No. 1 as The Best Selling Japanese Solo Female Artist of All Time
According to recent Music Station episode, Music Station has crowned Ayu as the best selling female artist in Japanese music industry.
She ranks no. 1 with approximately 49,780,000 units sales in her entire career.
Congrats Ayu!
She ranks no. 1 with approximately 49,780,000 units sales in her entire career.
Congrats Ayu!
Ayumi Hamasaki Files for Divorce
Above: Ayu & Manuel must now face a fork in the road. Ouch.
We thought it would be a love to last an eternity, but it barely lasted a year. J-pop superstar Ayumi Hamasaki has announced that she will be ditching Manuel Schwarz, her hunky husband, on her "Team Ayu" fan club website.
Hamasaki's explanation reads:
“I am reporting that I will be filing for divorce on Monday in America...The reason lies within myself. At the time of our marriage, we decided to live in America, however, because of the Tohoku Earthquake that occurred two months later, a strong feeling sprouted within me that I didn’t want to be apart from Japan. I wasn’t able to imagine a life in America, and as a result, I left my husband by himself for a long period of time.”
(We sorta hope she told him first before posting; this is way worse than breaking up over the phone or via text...)
The superstar couple met in 2010 when Schwarz, an Austrian native and male actor/model, appeared in Ayumi’s music video for her song "Virgin Road" (the live versions of which were oftern performed in a wedding dress. The irony here is pretty thick, folks). A swift courtship was followed by a wedding on Jan 1, 2011, but alas, this high profile international romance appears to have run out of steam.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Hamasaki Ayumi Holding Her Annual New Years Count Down at Yoyogi National Stadium!
It has been revealed that popular pop-singer Hamasaki Ayumi will be holding her special New Year's countdown, which is a huge annual event, at Yoyogi Stadium this year.
The concerts will be held from December 29th to December 31st, whereas the last performance is of course scheduled to last until the beginning of the new year, starting as late as 22:30 that day.
The whole event will be held under the title "HOTEL Love songs" and seems to be a real must for fans. General sales are scheduled to start on December 10th.
New Year's Count Down "HOTEl Love songs"
Venue: Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium
Dates:
2011/12/29 (Thu)
OPEN 17:00 / START 18:00
2011/12/30 (Fri)
OPEN 17:00 / START 18:00
2011/12/31 (Sat)
OPEN 21:30 / START 22:30
The concerts will be held from December 29th to December 31st, whereas the last performance is of course scheduled to last until the beginning of the new year, starting as late as 22:30 that day.
The whole event will be held under the title "HOTEL Love songs" and seems to be a real must for fans. General sales are scheduled to start on December 10th.
New Year's Count Down "HOTEl Love songs"
Venue: Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium
Dates:
2011/12/29 (Thu)
OPEN 17:00 / START 18:00
2011/12/30 (Fri)
OPEN 17:00 / START 18:00
2011/12/31 (Sat)
OPEN 21:30 / START 22:30
Ayumi Hamasaki New Calender 2012 Cover!
Hamasaki Ayumi x LESLIE KEE in NY!
Hamasaki Ayumi and Leslie Kee have teamed up for calendar shooting again.
Furthermore, the shooting was done in NY, the same place as the shoot 10 years ago!!
“…If we can, let’s shoot the calendar in the same place as we did for the 2003 shoot!!”
With this special idea from Leslie, the calendar shoot was based on this theme.
After 10 years, Hamasaki Ayumi x LESLIE KEE has powered up, and this item is a must-check ★
Hamasaki Ayumi 2012 Calendar
B2-size/7 pages including cover
￥2,400
▼TeamAyu Preorder
4 November 2011 19:00 ~
TA Special Gift: Clear File
http://shop.mu-mo.net/st/fc/AOG.html
▼mu-mo Shop Preorder
11 November 2011 19:00 ~
mu-mo Special Gift: Postcard
Link coming soon!
Hamasaki Ayumi and Leslie Kee have teamed up for calendar shooting again.
Furthermore, the shooting was done in NY, the same place as the shoot 10 years ago!!
“…If we can, let’s shoot the calendar in the same place as we did for the 2003 shoot!!”
With this special idea from Leslie, the calendar shoot was based on this theme.
After 10 years, Hamasaki Ayumi x LESLIE KEE has powered up, and this item is a must-check ★
Hamasaki Ayumi 2012 Calendar
B2-size/7 pages including cover
￥2,400
▼TeamAyu Preorder
4 November 2011 19:00 ~
TA Special Gift: Clear File
http://shop.mu-mo.net/st/fc/AOG.html
▼mu-mo Shop Preorder
11 November 2011 19:00 ~
mu-mo Special Gift: Postcard
Link coming soon!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
JELLY November 2011
JELLY November 2011
I choosen this issue the first for scanning because it have four pages only :)
2 promo pages of color contact lens "Sweet Days" are included
3300x4450
->>Scans<<-
Hamasaki Ayumi: Tears during Encore “We have overcome many things” Finale for Nationwide Tour Postponed after Earthquake Disaster
Hamasaki Ayumi: Tears during Encore “We have overcome many things” Finale for Nationwide Tour Postponed after Earthquake Disaster
Singer Hamasaki Ayumi (33) concluded her nationwide tour 「ayumi hamasaki ～POWER of MUSIC～」 on the 19th at Saitama Super Arena. In summary, Hamasaki stated that “Today is the finale! We have overcome lots of different things thus far…”. Following that with “For all those who can’t take part today, let’s sing, dance and party for them!”, she stirred the spirits of the 25,000 audience members.
During the encore’s charity song 「A Song is born」, she seemed overcome with emotion. Crying as she sang, she continued on passionately despite stopping many times because of her tears. Starting out with new song 「progress」, the nationwide tour included 21 songs including the encore, performing at 10 locations around Japan, with 28 shows and about 280,000 audience.
The tour, which was planned to begin from 9 April, was postponed after the Eastern Japan Earthquake Disaster. The 8 shows from 9~30 April, as well as the 2~3 July shows in Miyagi Prefecture’s Sekisuiheim Super Arena, were cancelled. With a new title 「ayumi hamasaki ～POWER of MUSIC～2011」, the tour began anew. With the “power of music” as its theme, Hamasaki challenged the 360-degree centre stage, and used a full orchestra as a base for the entire concert.
The original concept of the tour did away with huge stage props, flashy performances and even costume changes. As the affected regions started to recover, Hamasaki wished to send out the message “Let’s not remain in sorrow, but face forward and progress, while never forgetting this”. The setlist and performances slowly evolved, with the addition of special effects and costume changes. During the finale, she revealed 9 different costumes, and together with 13 dancers, 6 performers, 8 band members and 16 orchestra players, the live was brought to the grand close.
October’s new setlist included new song 「progress」, performed in a mini-dress adorned with ostrich feathers. 「BRILLANTE」 was sung with a strong voice, accompanied by flaming torches and a long red dress. Halfway through the show, guests Urata Naoya from dance-vocal unit 「AAA」 and JUNO, Korean boyband unit 「JYJ」 member Junsu’s elder twin brother, gave passionate performances of 「ANother song」 and 「Why…」 with Hamasaki respectively, in the midst of cheering audience. 「SEASONS」 was performed in a pink tutu dress, and she engaged the audience with the words “Everyone here, sing this song with me~”.
With regards to this tour, Hamasaki gave a comment to the media, “From that day (of the disaster) on, moment by moment, Japan’s situation is changing. I hold this fact, plus various emotions and events along the way that I will never forget, in my heart, and the live continued to evolve. And because I believed in the power of music, I managed to pull through to the very end”. Happily, she added, “I will continue to sing, hoping to bring love and hope through my songs to all those people around Japan who are still holding on”. This live was also broadcast to a limited audience of 15,000 on 「Ameba Pigg」.
Singer Hamasaki Ayumi (33) concluded her nationwide tour 「ayumi hamasaki ～POWER of MUSIC～」 on the 19th at Saitama Super Arena. In summary, Hamasaki stated that “Today is the finale! We have overcome lots of different things thus far…”. Following that with “For all those who can’t take part today, let’s sing, dance and party for them!”, she stirred the spirits of the 25,000 audience members.
During the encore’s charity song 「A Song is born」, she seemed overcome with emotion. Crying as she sang, she continued on passionately despite stopping many times because of her tears. Starting out with new song 「progress」, the nationwide tour included 21 songs including the encore, performing at 10 locations around Japan, with 28 shows and about 280,000 audience.
The tour, which was planned to begin from 9 April, was postponed after the Eastern Japan Earthquake Disaster. The 8 shows from 9~30 April, as well as the 2~3 July shows in Miyagi Prefecture’s Sekisuiheim Super Arena, were cancelled. With a new title 「ayumi hamasaki ～POWER of MUSIC～2011」, the tour began anew. With the “power of music” as its theme, Hamasaki challenged the 360-degree centre stage, and used a full orchestra as a base for the entire concert.
The original concept of the tour did away with huge stage props, flashy performances and even costume changes. As the affected regions started to recover, Hamasaki wished to send out the message “Let’s not remain in sorrow, but face forward and progress, while never forgetting this”. The setlist and performances slowly evolved, with the addition of special effects and costume changes. During the finale, she revealed 9 different costumes, and together with 13 dancers, 6 performers, 8 band members and 16 orchestra players, the live was brought to the grand close.
October’s new setlist included new song 「progress」, performed in a mini-dress adorned with ostrich feathers. 「BRILLANTE」 was sung with a strong voice, accompanied by flaming torches and a long red dress. Halfway through the show, guests Urata Naoya from dance-vocal unit 「AAA」 and JUNO, Korean boyband unit 「JYJ」 member Junsu’s elder twin brother, gave passionate performances of 「ANother song」 and 「Why…」 with Hamasaki respectively, in the midst of cheering audience. 「SEASONS」 was performed in a pink tutu dress, and she engaged the audience with the words “Everyone here, sing this song with me~”.
With regards to this tour, Hamasaki gave a comment to the media, “From that day (of the disaster) on, moment by moment, Japan’s situation is changing. I hold this fact, plus various emotions and events along the way that I will never forget, in my heart, and the live continued to evolve. And because I believed in the power of music, I managed to pull through to the very end”. Happily, she added, “I will continue to sing, hoping to bring love and hope through my songs to all those people around Japan who are still holding on”. This live was also broadcast to a limited audience of 15,000 on 「Ameba Pigg」.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Ayu and JUNO at "LANDS of Eden"
Reportedly across major Japanese news sites was both Ayu and JUNO's visit to new fashion store "LANDS of Eden" at Laforet Harajuku Department Store and Museum on 8th October! LANDS of Eden was opened on the 17th September this year and the company was holding a campaign known as "Who is Adam & Eve?", showing only an image of JUNO holding a mysterious woman back then. The mysterious woman whose identity was rather obvious among her fans was recently revealed as Ayumi Hamasaki on more promotional photos below (large photos via Aderianu).
Do check out Nikkansports for a short video footage of Ayu and JUNO at the storefront!
Full report with gallery of Ayu and JUNO is available below via Biglobe and MantanWeb
Do check out Nikkansports for a short video footage of Ayu and JUNO at the storefront!
Full report with gallery of Ayu and JUNO is available below via Biglobe and MantanWeb
Hamasaki Ayumi: 420,000yen Shopping at Harajuku, Visits LANDS of Eden. Store Arm-in-arm with JUNOOn the 8th, singer Hamasaki Ayumi, together with JUNO, the elder twin brother of Junsu from the 3-man Korean unit 「JYJ」 visited the store of fashion brand 「LANDS of Eden.」 at la foret Harajuku. Amidst cheers from the shoppers, the two stayed in the store for about 20 minutes picking items, finally leaving with 6 bags filled with 31 items, costing a grand total of 429,800yen. Changing into a striped long knitted parka, Hamasaki appeared at the storefront again, posing for the cameras while holding onto JUNO’s arm. With a smile, she stated “JUNO picked this for me. Do I like it? Yes, I do.”「LANDS of Eden.」 opened its first store at la foret Harajuku on 17 September, and is a fashion brand with a relaxed, vintage concept. Before that, advertisements outside the building and at the storefront displayed JUNO holding a mystery lady in his arms. Much discussion sprang up regarding the identity of the beauty, and on the 7th this month, a new advertisement featuring Hamasaki and JUNO was revealed. In order to commemorate the release of this new visual, the two paid the store a visit.The two came to the store a little after 6pm. After signing her autograph on the advertisment visual next to the store’s entrance, Hamasaki waved to all the cheering shoppers around. With that, she entered the store and did her shopping, all the while accompanied by a shopkeeper recommending items. After changing, a khaki and beige striped long knitted parka for Hamasaki and a blue and grey knitted top for JUNO, the two left the store in the midst of flashing media cameras.
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