It really doesn’t matter because Toma is doing well and it’s just goes to show that when a door closes, a window will open. I get that right, right? Aside from that,  “Sakurai-Ariyoshi abunai yakai” is getting a lot of news lately.

Last Jan 15th, Ikuta Toma appeared in  “Sakurai-Ariyoshi abunai yakai” to promote his drama, “Ouroboros“. Arashi‘s Sakurai Sho is one of the show’s MC and Ikuta talks about how Sakurai  rescued him, which made Sakurai tear-up.

Before Arashi was formed, Ikuta was one of the most active in Johnny’s Jrs. together with his peers, Aiba Masaki, Ninomiya Kazunari, and Matsumoto Jun. So when the three got chosen and Ikuta did not, he got frustrated. Furthermore, Arashi became popular and Ikuta was one of backdancers during their first concert. Ikuta felt like a gap was built between him and Arashi and he was thinking that he’s defeated.

Nevertheless, during the first concert, Sakurai faced the fans and thanked everyone including Johnny’s Jrs. After the concert, Sakurai directly went to Ikuta and he said, “thank you, Toma”. Ikuta was touched by Sakurai’s word of thanks and he was very happy.

Back at the show, Sakurai smiled with embarrassment as he covers his face to wipe his tears.

via Daily Sports and Sponichi Annex

Frankly, he’s better off as an actor. Though I was also disappointed that he didn’t debut together with MAIN or with 4tops, it paved the way for him to grow as an actor. He may never have a CD debut but he got amazing movies under his belt. So, Toma, you were never defeated.

My first Rumor Digest for 2015 where rumor and facts collide! Involved parties, are: a lot of Johnny’s who graduated or still studying in college, Kimura Takuya, Yamapi, and Nakai Masahiro.

• Education is becoming essential in Johnny’s 

Now that Kanjani8‘s Yokoyama Yu and Okura Tadayoshi passed their High School Certification exam, having higher education is becoming more essential in Johnny’s. Well, Johnny’s poster boy for higher education, Arashi‘s Sakurai Sho, is a Keio University graduate and is now a newscaster for NEWS ZERO. Not far behind, NEWS‘ Koyama Keiichiro and Shigeaki Kato graduated at Meiji University and Aoyama Gakuin School of Law, respectively. Former NEWS’ Yamashita Tomohisa also graduated at Meiji University. Then there’s KAT-TUN‘s Nakamaru Yuichi who graduated from Waseda University even though he started college at 21 yrs old. Well, the younger ones are also doing college starting with Hey!Say!JUMP‘s Okamoto Keito in Sophia University, Kota Yabu in Waseda (using correspondence system like Nakamaru), Sexy Zone‘s Nakajima Kento at Meiji Gakuin University, and Kikuchi Fuma at Keio University. The latest Johnny who graduated from a university is Hey!Say!JUMP’s Inoo Kei who graduated at Meiji University with a degree in architecture. The increase in higher education enrollment in Johnny’s serves as a back-up for them since debuting is not always a guarantee that they can break into the real world.

Eduation is always essential, duh! COllege is a big deal and I’m happy that younger Johnny’s are in college. 

(c)geitopi

• New Year meeting with famous friends 

Actress Shibasaki Kou is rumored to be in a relationship with retired football player, Nakata Hidetoshi. The couple are said to be dating since November and mid-January, the two were seen again in a party/meeting by a famous photographer with SMAP‘s Kimura Takuya and his wife, Kudo Shizuka. Kimura have been friends with Shibasaki since they’ve worked together in his past dramas. The picture from Weekly Seven garnered comments about the Kimura’s that their marriage seem to be doing well.

Nakata still looks hot btw. Anyway, I’m sure that the Kimura x Kudo haters are irk now since they seem to be doing really well. 

• Hostesses round-table discussion

Three hostesses, A (no.1 in Roppongi), B (Kabukicho hostess), and C (Yokohama hostess), talks about their rich and famous customers that includes Yamapi and SMAP‘s Nakai Masahiro. Hostess B said that Yamapi came over one night, and even sang a duet of “Shuji to Akira” with her. She also added that Yamapi looks cold on TV but he’s actually a nice young person. Hostess C talked about when SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro came in wearing a hat, no one really recognized him. Until he takes off his hat and “He’s Nakai of SMAP!”; he’s really interesting to chat with.

I can picture Yamapi still going to hostess clubs but Nakai should opt in going for omiai instead. XD

via Livedoor 1, 2, and asagei

Being an actor doesn’t really mean you can act and in Japan, being overpushed by your agency by any reason that doesn’t involve acting is common.

In Johnny’s, most of them are stereotype for being bad actors simply because they are tag as idols. This particular ranking has loads of Johnny’s in Top 10.

Here is Actors who are bad at acting ranking

1) MAKIDAI (EXILE)

2) AKIRA (EXILE)

3) Mokomichi Hayami

4) Kimura Takuya (SMAP)

5) Katori Shingo (SMAP)

6) Ishida Junichi

7) Okura Tadayoshi (Kanjani8)

8) Nishikido Ryo (Kanjani8)

9) Sakurai Sho (Arashi)

10) Matsumoto Jun (Arashi)

via Goo

Image : sumomona

ARGH! It’s so unfair for Takuya to be on top spot (among Johnny’s) since we all know that he can act. His dramas wouldn’t rate that much (except for Ando LLoyd) just because he’s KimuTaku but because he can act. I mean, Ando Lloyd is a proof that people don’t watch is dramas just because he is KimuTaku but because they actually love watching him and his projects. As for Shingo, he’s fine enough and he has good projects in the past as an actor. Okay, I know that Okura is so-so as an actor, but he’s being given lots of supporting roles on TV to grow more as an actor. MatsuJun might be overrrated but he has improved and he just needs the right projects. As for Nishikido and Sakurai, they could definitely act!

It’s Valentines Day and since V-day is always about couples, Only★Star surveyed 300 of their female readers from ages 10 to 30 on who among actors/celebrities they want to kiss.

Here is Only★Star’s Men I want to Kiss Ranking Top 10

(c)matsujang

1) Sakurai Sho (Arashi)

2) Matsumoto Jun (Arashi)

3) Ninomiya Kazunari (Arashi)

4) Fukuyama Masaharu

5) Mukai Osamu

6) Nishijima Hidetoshi

7) Kamenashi Kazuya (KAT-TUN)

8) Ohno Satoshi (Arashi)

9) Kimura Takuya (SMAP)

10) Aiba Masaki (Arashi)

via Yahoo!Japan

Of course I’ll vote for Kame and I’ll also choose Ryo and Nagase. Other than that, I’m glad that these ranking didn’t include the “kids”. XDDDDD

Since I’m too lazy to translate some of these stuff, here is a rundown of what’s happening in Johnny’s land collated from Feb 13th-15th. Involved parties, are: Nakayama Yuma, Arashi, Kamenashi Kazuya, and SMAP.

• NYC is a such a thing of the past and Yuma is getting by with his solo career. In fact, Nakayama Yuma will go on a solo tour titled “Nakayama Yuma First Solo Concert 2015“. There will be a total of 6 performances from 3 venues and more details can be found on Johnny’s Web.

• In never ending rankings and because it’s V-day weekend, Oricon surveyed 500 women ranging from teens to 50’s on who among today’s actors they want as a lover. Arashi’s Aiba Masaki places 3rd among Johnny’s included in the poll. Other Johnny’s included, are: Matsumoto Jun (6th), Ohno Satoshi (7th), Sakurai Sho (8th), Ninomiya Kazunari (9th), and Kamenashi Kazuya (10th). I guess that Kame’s love scene from “Second Love” did wonders to voters imagination.

• Those papa-pics of Arashi’s Ohno Satoshi in Las Vegas and Matsumoto Jun aren’t some look-a-like. XD. Their journey together will be featured in “Arashi ni Shiyagare” as they drive around Los Angeles to eat hotdogs, ride helicopter for Grand Canyon’s sunset tour, and Ohno gets his try in fishing at Lake Mead.

(c)NASASMAP

• SMAP‘s “SMAPxSMAP” featured NASA‘s satellite, which is coincidentally called SMAP. Well, NASA’s SMAP doesn’t stand for “Sports Music Assembly People” but for “Soil Moisture Active Passive“. Still, it’s cool to have a satellite with the same name as yours.

That’s all for now, I’m leaving you with this creepy yet hilarious Kanjani8 gif.

(c)navybluetears

It’s February and in Japan, it’s graduation month just in time for Sakuras to bloom. Anyway, I miss my own high school graduation and even though don’t want to attend any high school reunions, it’s fun to walk down the memory lane.

Anyway, here is my occasional Rants & Raves : Graduates

• Nakajima Yuto is becoming a familiar face in Golden Time dramas particularly with his salaryman roles. Nakajima is only 21 yrs old but he has played salaryman roles from “Hanzawa Naoki” to “Date” and even in his CMs from Nippon Life Insurance to AOKI. In fact, some people are surprise that the Hey!Say!JUMP member is from Johnny’s since he usually doesn’t play “sparkling” characters.

I’ve seen Yuto in “Date” and he’s really good, he can carry himself well during his arguments with Takumi (Hasegawa Hiroki) when he’s so bent in making Yoriko (Anne) realize how wrong Takumi is for her. I guess that being given well-written dialogues  and acting along established actors made him want to be better. I don’t mind that he plays salaryman roles for now because that means that he’s ready for more mature or adult roles instead of forever playing a student.

• Three factions unite for “Takizawa Kabuki” that stars Takizawa Hideaki (Johnny Kitagawa’s faction), Hey!Say!JUMP’s Kota Yabu (Julie faction), Kis-My-Ft2’s Kitayama Hiromitsu (Iijima faction), and some Johnny’s Junior units (Johnny’s faction).

In the name of profit aka money, which everyone else’s love, all faction must unite and any words that Mary Kitagawa have thrown against Iijima can be forgotten for now. Well, it’s up to Kitayama to prove that talents under Iijima can dance. haha. Seriously, factions be damned, fans are eager for any JE talents from different groups to interact so those who writes fanfics have more OTPs to explore.

(c)milkyr

• Sakurai Sho have a “nadegata” face-off with Hamada Takahiro when Johnny’s WEST appeared in “VS Arashi”

Idols making fun of themselves is priceless, it’s just goes to show their level of confidence is. Other than that, they should be glad they aren’t women or they can’t use shoulder bags. XD. Aside from sloping shoulders, they do have huge neck.

• Hey!Say!JUMP have been unveiled to be the 9-member group in “Sensations”

LOL at the height differences. ^^ Aside from that, are there anyone else surprise? Of course, HSJ will be singing the theme song for Yamada’s first solo movie. Furthermore, I’m more interested on the voice behind Koro-sensei.

• They are not from Koro-sensei’s class but congratulations to Batch 2015, Johnny’s talents who graduated from High School.

卒業おめでとう to Sexy Zone’s Sato Shori (Horikoshi), Johnny’s Jr. Matsumura Hokuto (Horikoshi), Jesse, Hagiya Keigo, Okamoto Kauan, Iwahashi Genki, Johnny’s WEST Kotaki Nozomu (Osaka Gakukei High School), KinKan’s Hirano Sho and Kaneuchi Toma, and Naniwa Ouji’s Nishihata Daigo. From all of them, only Iwahashi is confirmed to attend college in a university and will be under Faculty of Economics. Did I miss anyone else?

(c)kiyosism

That’s all for now, enjoy the cold wind of February!

Well, I think it’s just goes to show that some people are satisfied with being “just friends”.

Only★Star magazine surveyed their female readers from 10-30 yrs old on which guy they want to be friends with, here are the results:

Only★Star’s “Guys I want to be friends with” Ranking

1) Aiba Masaki (Arashi)

2) Sakurai Sho (Arashi)

3) Ninomiya Kazunari (Arashi)

4) Ohno Satoshi (Arashi)

5) Fukushi Sota

6) Matsumoto Jun (Arashi)

7) Kamenashi Kazuya (KAT-TUN)

8) Ariyoshi Hiroiki

9) Tamamori Yuta (Kis-My-Ft2)

10) Maruyama Ryuhei (Kanjani8)

via Only Star

What I missed to write because of work and some news and not-so-news that I’m too lazy to translate or have been translated in full by other bloggers. Collated from Feb 22nd to Mar 1st; involved parties, are: Kanjani8, Sakurai Sho, Kimura Takuya, Kitayama Hiromitsu, and NEWS.

• Kanjani8 “Shiwake” will end this Mar 21st but will be replaced by an all new musical show featuring Kanjani8 as a band! The show is called “KanJAM kanzen moeru show“, a show that will feature two groups of artist from different generations that will also have one night jam session with the group.  More details, HERE. I will miss the MC from Shiwake but I guess this new show will put a rest those fears about Kanjani8 transforming to Arashi. haha. Other than that, I wonder if JE will allow KOKI‘s INKT to do guesting.

• Who wants to hear Kis-My-Ft2‘s Kitayama Hiromitsu and Senga Kento speak in English? Well, the two will appear in Yamapi‘s “Otona no KISS Eigo” and their English-speaking skills will be put to a test when they receive a surprise call from a foreigner.

• Speaking of Kisumai’s Kitayama Hiromitsu, he mentioned in his radio program that he bumped with Ikuta Toma recently and the latter asked him about his impression about Ouroboros. Kitayama managed to rave about Ikuta’s character and later revealed in his radio show that he’s yet to see a single episode of Ouroboros. Ikuo is gonna get you. XD

(c)jprime

• Known Kabuki actor, Mitsuguro Bando (10th generation), died due to pancreatic cancer and SMAP‘s Kimura Takuya is of the 5,000 celebrities and fans who said their farewell last Feb 25th. Speaking of KimuTaku, his high school alma mater, Tokyo Metropolitan Yoyogi High School, will be closing down since it will be integrated into another high school. Nakai Masahiro also attended the same school.

• NEWS appeared in Feb 22nd broadcast of NTV’s “LIVE MONSTER” and in one of the show’s VTR segment, Tegoshi Yuya and Masuda Takahashi expressed their surprise that there will be a movie adaptation of Shigeaki Kato‘s “Pink to Gray” novel. haha. I hope TegoMass is aware that Shige have written his third book, they are aware, right?

• According to Video Research, Arashi‘s Sakurai Sho ranked 10th among celebrities with highest CM exposure in 2014. The said annual ranking is based from no. of seconds per CM advertised in five station across Kanto and Kansai region. Sakurai is the only JE talent in Top 10 with 135,645 secs and he ranked 17th last year.

That’s all for now, I’m leaving you with Ryo’s “hair rebond” look. haha.

(c)niwiwin

In the tradition of nonsense ranking, here is another ranking that will surely make you wish it’s true.

Fashion magazine “an an” has been doing “dakaretai otoko” (literally, I want to held by him) feature that stopped in 2008. When it got resurrected, the said feature became limited to manga characters. This time, joshi SPA! decides to bring back famous an an‘s feature by surveying 300 women around 30s on who among today’s men (celebs, newscasters, and sportsmen) they want to be held by. 

Here are the results for Joshi SPA!’s “I want to be held by him” Ranking

1) Saito Takumi

2) Tamaki Hiroshi

3) Ikuta Toma

4) Mukai Osamu

5) Sakurai Sho (Arashi)

6) Matsumoto Jun (Arashi)

7) Oguri Shun

8) Matsuda Shota

8) Tsumabuki Satoshi

10) EXILE TAKAHIRO

via Yahoo!Japan

Is it such a coincidence that the Johnny’s who made the Top 10 are those who made the cover of an an’s sex issue? haha. Toma’s the hottest btw, the one with Matsujun is just awkward, and Sho just doesn’t seem to fit.

This ranking is different from the previous ranking about “Favorite and Hated Actors” since this ranking is mainly about Johnny’s. Women’s Weekly surveyed 3,000 readers on who is their favorite and hated Johnny’s talent.

Here are the results:

Favorite Johnny’s Ranking 

*() last year’s ranking 

1) Matsumoto Jun (4)

2) Ohno Satoshi (5)

3) Sakurai Sho (1)

4) Ninomiya Kazunari (-)

5) Aiba Masaki (7)

(c)tegomasulove-fcargentina

6) Masuda Takahisa (-)

7) Takizawa Hideaki (-)

7) Yamashita Tomohisa (10)

9) Kimura Takuya (2)

10) Domoto Koichi (-)

Hated Johnny’s Ranking 

*() last year’s ranking

(c)yutakuya

1) Kimura Takuya (1)

2) Ohno Satoshi (-)

3) Matsumoto Jun (-)

4) Masahiko Kondo (4)

(c)yamapimex

5) Yamashita Tomohisa (-)

6) Tegoshi Yuya (-)

7) Shibutani Subaru (-)

8) Fujigaya Taisuke (-)

9) Nakai Masahiro (3)

10) Nishikido Ryo (-)

Johnny’s-Watcher

LOL at this ranking, there are lot of “new” additions in the “Hated list” and I wonder why. haha. KimuTaku, MatsuJun, Ohno, and Yamapi are in both lists and I guess it shows how popular they are. I wonder why my faves, Kame, Ikuta, and Yuto aren’t on this list. In fact, the “favorite” list is dominated by Arashi and none from Kanjani8 and KAT-TUN made it. As for the “hate list”, I can only assume why they are hated, particularly those new in the ranking. Yamapi and Ryo are hated because they are gorgeous party boys are who are BFFs with Jin. Subaru because he got a movie deal even though he looks like he doesn’t care most of the time. Fujigaya because he keeps on winning the “Best Jeanist” award. haha. Tegoshi because he’s pretty and MatsuJun because he might really marry Inoue Mao.

After 3 years, Arashi is back on top of Nikkei’s annual Talent Power Ranking, a survey used to gauge a person’s popularity based from factors such as name recognition and public’s level of interest to the said individual/group. That individual/group could be an artist, musician, TV host, athlete, actor, celebrity etc.

Aside from familiar names who graced the yearly ranking, there’s also some huge leap and changes in standings.

Without further adieu, here is the result for Nikkei Entertainment Talent Power Ranking 2015

[Top 10 only]

Arashi is already popular but their popularity became more established last year during their “BLAST in HAWAII” for the celebration of their 15th anniversary. This is also the first time that Riida got into the Top 10. Sakurai has been a regular in Top 10 since 2013 and I guess his popularity have rubbed-off to his “Abunai Yakai” co-host since it’s the first time that Ariyoshi entered the Top 10.

Other Johnny’s who made the ranking, are: TOKIO (12), Ninomiya Kazunari (13), Aiba Masaki (19), Nakai Masahiro (21), Matsumoto Jun (24), SMAP (25), and Kimura Takuya (73). Ouch, KimuTaku is soooo far even though last year’s “HERO 2″ was deemed successful.

One thing I learned from Nikkei’s past ranking result is that exposure is the key. The more visible you are in any kinds of media would land you a spot in this ranking.

* (-) – I have no idea what was their ranking in 2013 since I’ve only been doing up to Top 10.

via Nikkei

Who ruled the airwaves this first half of the year with their bunch of endorsements?

Nihon Monitor recently released results from their research and analysis of CM advertising situation from January to June 2015. The results are based on the following survey outline:

• No. of companies that appointed each men and has appeared in TV CMs.
• Study period made from January 1 to June 30, 2015
• Target stations : NTV / TV Asahi / TBS / TV Tokyo / Fuji TV (Tokyo district terrestrial on-air content)
• Note: CD / DVD / game (including social), music distribution and movie CM program advertising  are not included.

Here are the results:

CM Appointment Ranking (Male category / First half of 2015)

Number of companies	Talent	Company name
10 companies	Aiba Masaki (Arashi)	IkedaMohan-do / Gung Ho Online Entertainment / Kirin Beer / Kirin Beverage /Sumitomo Life Insurance / Nissan / Japan Airlines / Hitachi / taste sugar / Mister Donut
	Sakurai Sho (Arashi)	Ajinomoto / American Family insurance / Kao / Gung Ho Online Entertainment / Kirin Beer / Nissan / Japan Airlines / Hitachi / Morinaga / Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
	Matsuoka Shuzo	KDDI / P & G / Bicycle Association / raw sum Corporation / Sorimachi / Nissin Food / pips / Fujiyakuhin / Marudai Food Co., Ltd. / Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance
9 companies	Ohno Satoshi  (Arashi)	Gung Ho Online Entertainment / Kirin Beer / Kirin Beverage / Nissan / Japan Airlines / Hitachi /Hisamitsu /Morinaga / Lawson
	Nishijima Hidetoshi	Gunze / Suntory spirits / Suzuki / Takeda / independent administrative agency Japan sports promotion center / Nissin Food / Panasonic / PanaHome / Lion
	Ninomiya Kazunari (Arashi)	Ezaki Glico / Gung Ho Online Entertainment / Kirin Beer / JCB / Nissan / Nisshin OilliO Group / Japan Airlines / Hitachi / Hisamitsu
8 companies	Okada Junichi (V6)	Ajinomoto General Foods /Otsuka / King / Sapporo Beer / Nippon Life Insurance /JMA Management Center / Meiji / Lion (c)deeal
	Matsuzaka Tori	AOKI Holdings / NTT DoCoMo / Kirin Beverage / Square Enix / Daiwa House Industry / House Foods / Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS / Lotte
	Matsumoto Jun(Arashi)	Gung Ho Online Entertainment / Kirin Beer / Kose Cosmetics port / Daio Paper / Nissan / Japan Airlines / Hitachi / Meiji
	Mukai Osamu	Asahi Beer / Ajinomoto / Kao / Zenrosai / first Sankyo Healthcare / housemates Partners / Bourbon / Snow Brand Megumiruku
7 companies	Abe Hiroshi	Itoham / Johnson & Johnson / Sekisui Chemical / Toyota / Japan Airlines / Coca-Cola / Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Bank
	Nishikori Kei	Asahi Beer / Eau~ivu / Jaguar Land Rover Japan / Jacks / Nissin Food / Hisamitsu / UNIQLO
	Honda Keisuke	P & G / Asahi Food & Healthcare / Olympus / Konami / Fusion Communications / Benesse Corporation / Mercedes-Benz Japan
6 companies	Ayano Go	NTT DoCoMo / Asahi Food & Healthcare / intelligence / Suntory spirits / Daihatsu / Tokyo Gas
	Ishikawa Ryo	Arc Quest / Asahi Beer / Esprit line / national credit union association / first Sankyo Healthcare / Mynavi
	Oguri Shun	Ajinomoto / Ezaki Glico / Suntory Food International / Taisho / Nikon / Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
	Katori Shingo (SMAP)	RIZAP / Asahi Beer / Softbank Mobile / Hisamitsu / Meiji /USJ (c)soyrwoo
	Saito Takumi	GLS JAPAN / Asahi Soft Drinks / Eichimu / Tokyo City Horse Racing / Nissin Food / Sumitomo Mitsui Card
	Shofukutei Tsurube	ITO EN / Toyota / Japan Racing Association / Fujifilm / Yamaki / Japan Post Bank
	Tosaaka Hiroomi (Sandaime J Soul Brothers)	7gogo / Aoyama Trading / Acecook / Samantha Thavasa Japan Limited / All Nippon Airways / Rohto
	Nakai Masahiro (SMAP)	Able / Softbank Mobile / Nissin Food / Coca-Cola / Human Trust / USJ
	Matsushige Yutaka	Sansan / Ajinomoto / Kobayashi Pharmaceutical / Sapporo Beer / independent administrative agency Japan sports promotion center / You Can
	Murakami Shingo (Kanjani ∞)	Intelligence /Otsuka Pharmaceutical /Guthy-Renker Japan / King /Sompo JapanNipponkoa Insurance Inc. /Morinaga (c)jpcmhd

Arashi is still on top when it comes to endorsements, I guess that Japanese viewers aren’t tired of seeing them yet in every commercial. Some Johnny’s who used to be in the ranking are not included for the first half like Kimura Takuya, Kamenashi Kazuya, and Kokubun Taichi.

via Nihon Monitor

Woot! It’s August and I can see this month being busy and hopefully, very productive. Oh well, let’s get on with my occasional Rants & Raves : Let’s Get Physical

(c)burning-butterfly BEFORE…

…AFTER

• ABC-Z’s Hashimoto Ryosuke loses weight as a birthday gift to himself and runs 15 km to get to his desired weight since he wanted to be pretty

I know that most Johnny’s are into skinny side but I draw the line when they have those sunken cheeks and so. It looks unhealthy and so unappealing and he’d better see a psychologist soon since this could be a case for “athletic anorexia”. Okay, I’m over thinking things, haha, but pls. stop. I’m not “thin shaming” him or whatever but it doesn’t look good on him and with all the acrobatics that ABC-Z are known for,  he needs strength more than being slim.

• Japan’s New National Stadium aka “New Kokuritsu” might be limited sporting events only

Bad news to all Arashians who are hoping that Arashi will set foot on the “New Kokuritsu” after Tokyo 2020 Olympics since news has it that the newly-renovated Kokuritsu will be limited to sporting events . It’s such a shame since the new stadium will have a roof, which will be perfect for any events for any kind of weather. Oh well, I think this would not push through since after Tokyo 2020, the only way for the stadium to have more income is to allow big events like Arashi concerts.

• “Terra Formars” first trailer is already out!

None of the gorgeous cast is in the trailer but the first trailer already looks cool and I can’t wait when Warner Bros. Japan releases the trailer featuring the actors and the humanoid cockroaches.

Sakurai Sho’s otosan

• Sakurai Sho’s papa has been named the Permanent Secretary of Bureau of Internal Affairs and Communications. 

Congrats to Sho’s papa and it’s pretty obvious that the son is more popular than his father because even the headline for Sakurai Shun’s greeting goes like, “Sakurai Sho’s father first greeting as top bureaucrat of….”. Gahd, the man has an identity okay?

(c)Oricon

• Hanyu Yuzuru collaborates in this year’s “24 Hr TV” chari-t-shirts. 

Famous figure skater, Hanyu Yuzuru, gets to collaborate for the prized chari-t-shirts. The t-shirst is cute, Yuzuru even has his trademark on it (skates and YZ), but the smiley face is soooo overrated. I know that this year’s theme is about “connecting with a smile” but can’t they think other design to interpret that theme instead of something that resembles an emoji? Well…guess not.

That’s all for now, I’m leaving you with a Matsumoto Jun gif of him being cute.

(c)montiels

In the tradition of useless and weird ranking in the Japanese entertainment world, here is another ranking based on Johnny’s intelligence. 200 people (100 men and 100 women) in their 20-30 yrs old were surveyed on who among the Johnny’s talents they think has BRAINS.

Leading the pack is pretty obvious, Arashi’s Sakurai Sho, Keio graduate and respected newscaster. The rest of Johnny’s who made the Top 10 ranking, are:

2) Nakai Masahiro (SMAP)

3) Inohara Yoshihiko (V6)

(c)maakun-senpai

4) Okada Junichi (V6)

5) Kimura Takuya (SMAP)

6) Kokubun Taichi (TOKIO)

7) Joshima Shigeru (TOKIO)

8) Matsuoka Masahiro (TOKIO)

9) Ikuta Toma

(c)blowing-journey

10) Murakami Shingo (Kanjani8)

This ranking makes me think that of the saying “wisdom comes with age” because those who made the ranking are already in their 30s-40s. Does this mean that the younger ones aren’t viewed as smart as their senpais? Come to think of, Johnny’s who enter college are fewer than their senpais. Anyway, Inocchi and Kokubun have background in being news moderators so they are viewed as smart and articulate when  they expressed their opinions about different matters during their news programs. Nakai is also viewed as smart because he has chaired different variety shows and he seem always interesting to watch. NEWS’s Koyama Keiichiro, who is also NEWS EVERY’s newscaster, also made this ranking in the 13th place.

Those who aren’t doing into news, Okada is seen smart just by his impressive wit and remarks. Kimura seem smart because of the various TV roles he played, he’s seen as dexterous for being able to portray different roles. People think that Ikuta is smart because of the way he converses, and Matsuoka has an “intelligent face”. Frankly, these seem face value. haha.

Last but not the least, TOKIO’s leader is deem smart because of his different expertise in Astro DASH! and Shingo’s way of talking is considered “witty” by the voters.

via Yahoo!Zasshi

Let’s first have a run with this POSITIVE news before that matter on Ohno…

Last Sept 19th, Arashi had the first leg of their “BLAST in MIYAGI” at Hitomebore Stadium in Miyagi. The concert is also a fundraising campaign by the group to aid the reconstruction of the prefecture since Miyagi has been badly affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake last 2011.

The four-day event is aiming to mobilize 208,000 people and is expected to raise 9.3 billion Yen in economic revenue. Arashi’s “BLAST in MIYAGI” has become a major event in the entire province with reported increase in flights and shinkansen lines. In lieu to influx of fans, 26 special trains will run in Sendai-Rifu Tohoku Line to service concert goers. There is also a special shinkansen that will travel from Sendai to Tokyo after the concert, and 2,500 shuttle buses were organized to connect four locations.

52,000 people cheered for Arashi in the first day of their “Miyagi Festival”, it has been 8 years since a live performance was allowed in the disaster-stricken area. To make concert “uniquely Miyagi”, the group incorporated Miyagi’s “Sparrow Dance” during one of their two songs and sang “Kansha kangeki ame Arashi” with a High School chorus group. The concert stage was also built in the typical Johnny’s flare; aside from having the first ever “Arashi 3D Flyer” that goes up to 15 meters, Matsumoto Jun flew around the venue at 20 meters in height during his solo performance.

After the show, Sakurai Sho commented that it was the best 3 hours and Matsumoto got a sense of fulfillment in seeing Miyagi back in shape.

In numbers:

• Arashi’s “BLAST in MIYAGI” will continue until Sept 23rd, a total of four days.
• Arashi made use of Miyagi Prefecture Sports park, a 146.1 hectares property which is equal to 31 Tokyo Domes.
• 100 stores are in running in “Reconstruction Support Market” with sellers from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima.

• Arashi’s goodies also collaborated with local businesses where you can buy Arashi’s “bocchan soap” for 1000 Yen.
• Ohno Satoshi is also holding a painting exhibit that features a painting called “chonmage no kodomo” which Ohno painted with the children of Miyagi.
• 1,600 fireworks has been used so far…

via Nikkan Sports and Hochi

Image credits to @tekuteku55555

Let’s just say that I’m looking for an excuse to post something about Fukuyama Masaharu’s marriage even though this is supposed to be a Johnny’s Entertainment blog. haha.

In case you’re new to Japanese entertainment, you know that the uber hot Fukuyama Masaharu have ended his bachelor living by marrying actress Fukiishi Kazue. Well, Arashi‘s Sakurai Sho used a bit of his commentary time in “NEWS ZERO” to send his congratulations to Fukiishi, saying “I co-starred with Fukiishi-san to a lot of works, that smiling face of your’s when you talked about your family and brother is very warm. I hope so you may build a warm home, too.”

Sakurai and Fukiishi have co-starred in a lot dramas including “Kobe Shinbun no Nanokakan”, “Yoiko no Mikata”, and “Yamada taro Monogatari”. To save you time in searching, she was Sho’s and Nino’s teacher.

(c)yoshi09

Furthermore, Sakurai is rumored to have been “friend-zone” by Fukiishi and if that’s true then Sho have let two girls go. haha.

via Nikkan Sports

Another week is about to start so that means that less posts for me. Anyway, here are some news and not-so news that happened in Johnny’s world collated from Oct 2nd-4th. Involved parties are: Okada Junichi, Sakurai Sho, TOKIO, Takaki Yuya, Katori Shingo, Matsumoto Jun, Kimura Takuya, and Senga Kento.

• In an interview for Only★Star magazine, V6‘s Okada Junichi chose Arashi‘s Sakurai Sho as his cutest kouhai. Okada said that “cute” isn’t the usual term to describe Sho but because he’s the kouhai that he worked with a lot before.

• In another interview, this time with the staff of NTV‘s “Astro!DASH!“, the staff were asked on their impressions about the members of TOKIO. On Tomoya Nagase, he is described as being surprisingly cautious and wants to do things surely. On Matsuoka Masahiro, he is the type to just do things and think about it after he’s done. Yamaguchi Tatsuya is the type who get reckless and engrossed in tasks. As for their leader, Joshima Shigeru, the Joshima Doll idea has a huge help. No comments for Kokubun Taichi, I guess it’s true that he only appears when it’s time to eat. haha.

• Only★Star magazine surveyed 300 women as to whom they want to take to gym. Johnny’s who were included in the ranking, are: Katori Shingo (1), Matsumoto Jun (2), Sakurai Sho (3), Domoto Koichi (6), Okada Junichi (8) and Kimura Takuya (9).

• Hey!Say!JUMP’s Takaki Yuya shared in “JUMP da Babe!” that he was mistaken for a store clerk by an old man the last time he went shopping with his parents. Well, I hope he was not wearing those clothes the last time the papz caught him dating.

(c)ithinkhernamewasisabella

• Kis-My-Ft2‘s Senga Kento and AKB48‘s Sashihara Rino are rumored to be dating due to some incidences where they were seen having the same phone covers, shirt, and when Sasshi posted a steak dinner and the guy nearest to her is wearing a Rolex watch, which is similar to the one with Senga. This is one rumor that I hope is not true since I’m Sasshi x Nika shipper!

That’s all for now. Let’s all work and play later.

I’ve been so busy, I didn’t notice that my blog finally reaches more than 1 million page views. I really thought that wordpress would be giving me some sort of notice since they do notify me when there’s heavy traffic on my blog or just like those annual reports that they send me. Anyway, even though my skin is drying due to stress from all those work overtime, I’m feeling celebratory so this week’s Rants & Raves will be good news. Also, I decided to bring the old format of R&R back.

Here is Rants & Raves : 1M

(c)jprime

• Yamada Ryosuke was seen shopping at ZARA in Roppongi Hills with his mother. Yamada is noted to be wearing Harry Potter-like glasses and an ensemble that resembles his mother. Aside from that, fans who noticed him said that Yamada smells good.

Rants : That is Yamada? Okay, I think I’ll just take the word of whoever took this picture that the guy is Yamada Ryosuke who also happens to be in the same height as his mother. Overall, I like his fashion sense since I also shop in ZARA, too much bling on his phone though, and what’s with him smelling good? Girls, if you can smell someone at that distance then they must have used an entire bottle of perfume, which is lame.

Raves : A guy shopping with his mother is like the cutest, this is like “Risou no Musuko” all over again without those Koala punches and so.

(c)okmusic

• INKT will participate in this year’s “SuG Fest 2015′ thanks to Alice Nine aka “A9”

Rants : I’m still not into INKT’s brand of music but I’m awed that KOKI still manage to do gigs while Jin is…well,uhm, designing.

Raves : Happy for KOKI for still doing what he loves even after leaving Johnny’s. Let’s get real, those who leave Johnny’s are treated invisible after and somehow KOKI still manage to have a presence.

(c)xxemitaxx

• In Goo ranking’s “male celebrity who looks unfashionable in plain (civilian) clothes”, SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro takes the top spot while Kanjani8’s Yasuda Shota landed in 7th (9th) spot. [Three male celebrities tied on 7th spot]

Rants : Nakai on this ranking is expected but really, it’s so rare to see him in civilian clothes. I mean, doesn’t he always work? As for Yasu, are they not talking about those clothes that they make Kanjani8 wear?

Raves : I get Nakai but Yasu? I mean…okay, I haven’t seen too much pics with them in civilian clothes to judge.

• In Only★Star ranking on “Guys you want to take on a library date”, Arashi’s Sakurai Sho gets the top spot.

Rants : Just because Sho is brainy doesn’t mean that he wants to date in libraries. Libraries isn’t exactly romantic but I heard that there are some deserted aisles where you can have a private moment. Hah!

Raves : There was also this ranking about Sho being the #1 male celebrity they want as their teacher. I guess he’s really seen being uber smart.

Rants : So where do we go from being smart?

Raves : Uhm, libraries.

Rants : If I want a library date, I’ll go with Okada Junichi with him in his Dojo character.

Raves :That wouldn’t be date since there will be guns and so and he’ll be sadistic instead of sweet.

Rants : Well…that’s what I’m craving for. haha.

• The trailer is finally out for Nakajima Yuto’s “Pink and Gray” movie. Check it out here.

Rants : Wait, who died? I’m Nakajima-biased so damn, he looks so fine in everything.

Raves : The trailer looks so interesting that I can’t wait for next year. I have high hopes for Yuto.

Rants : Yeah, his ikemen level is outstanding.

Raves : Yuto aside, the trailer alone made me swoon on Suda.

(c)prtimes

• Wanna go for a drive with your idol? Survey says that most people (men and women) wants to go on a drive with Arashi.

Rants : It’s a wonder that the papz never caught them driving anything else. The last time I saw a paparazzi photo of Sakurai and Ohno, Sakurai was hailing a cab. There was also a FRIDAY photo of Ikuta Toma with Sho and Sho was also hailing a cab.

Raves : It must be because of those rumors on the car they drive. Aside from Ohno who doesn’t have a driving license and Sho is a cheap-o, the three are rumored to drive some fancy wheels. Though the papz never caught of it.

(c)wolkenprinzessin

• Kis-My-Ft2’s Fujigaya Taisuke is named “Best Jeanist 2015” for second year in a row.

Rants : So I’m just waiting for him to be included in that Hall of Fame so someone new can be called the “Best Jeanist”. Surely, that someone new will still be from Johnny’s.

Raves : Congrats to Taipi though I’m really just thinking how I can push my ichiban to the top spot.

Rants : You can’t push your ichiban, this kind of awards are already premediated just like that “Megane” awards.

Raves : Okay, so now I’m thinking how will Johnny fix that Yuto wins next.

Rants : It’s weird though that during awards ceremony, the winners are usually wearing the most outrageous and unflattering jeans. Only Rola looks deserving of the win.

Raves : I guess the point of this award is how you can make the most outrageous jeans looks good on you.

Rants : Maybe…but it doesn’t really look good.

That’s all for now, for a change, I’m leaving you with a gif that will make you breathless and hungry!

…or Johnny’s who look good as a transvestite. Well, I think that the hallmark of being an idol is when you get to cross-dress. I mean, almost everyone in Johnny’s have done it, Shingo looks effortless and Okura looks so pretty. Well, those are my favorites, how about the others?

Here are the results for Johnny’s who look cute in cross-dressing Ranking TOP 4 

(c)钱钰 @Claire_0212

4) Yamashita Tomohisa aka Yamapi

(c)everydaytokimeki

3) Sakurai Sho (Arashi)

(c)j-popthelove

2) Yamada Ryosuke (Hey!Say!JUMP)

1. Tegoshi Yuya (NEWS)

I guess we all agree on the first place!

*Body shape has nothing to do with this ranking.

via MyNavi

Okay, so this is a weird post that  I felt like sharing. Frankly, I rarely used Google Maps, but when I do, I used it to search places. Places, not names, unless it’s a street or building named after a person. So, what would happen if you search someone from Johnny’s using Google Maps? Well, if you think that you will be lead to their residence, well, think again.

• If you search KAT-TUN, you will be directed to Tokyo Dome. If you search for the members from Kamenashi Kazuya, Junno Taguchi, and Ueda Tatsuya, nothing will come out. However, if you search Nakamaru Yuichi, you will be directed to Waseda University. I think this makes sense because Nakamaru graduated from Waseda University.

• Surprisingly, Arashi and SMAP are not registered. However, if you search KinKi Kids, you will also be directed to Tokyo Dome as well as Imperial Theater. As for other groups like Kanjani8, Kis-My-Ft2, Johnny’s WEST, Hey!Say!JUMP…nothing will appear as well.

• For Sexy Zone, you will directed to “Fuji-Q Highland“, an amusement park. Well, Sexy Zone did a program at the said place.

• Individually, searching for Sakurai Sho will lead you to Keio University and  Nakajima Kento to Meiji Gakuin University.

All in all, stick to searching proper places the next time you use Google Maps.

via ticket