Johnny’s “Marching J” fundraiser attracts 389,000 people over 3 days

Many fans gathered outside the fundraiser for the March 11th earthquake, on the afternoon of April 3rd.

As we previously reported, Johnny & Associates held a 3-day fundraiser at Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Stadium, as part of their earthquake relief project, “Marching J“.

All of the artists of the agency, including SMAP, TOKIO, Arashi, KAT-TUN, NEWS, and Kanjani8, helped with the fundraiser, and over the course of the 3 days, around 389,000 people came out to support the cause (we reported the first day total of 101,000).

On April 3rd, the final day, SMAP’s Kimura Takuya thanked fans, saying, “Thank you to all of you for lending us your help, two days ago, yesterday, and today.”

Fellow member Katori Shingo commented, “I believe these thoughts will definitely reach many people.”

SMAP also performed an a cappella version of their hit songs “Sekai de Hitotsu Dake no Hana” and “Yozora no Mukou“.

The “Marching J” relief project will be continuing its support of relief efforts even after the event.

Source + Photo: Sanspo /Kyodo News via excite

Arashi & Disney fellows’ collaboration on Himitsu no Arashi-chan!

On the latest episode of Arashi’s variety show, Himitsu no Arashi-chan which aired on March 31st, Disney’s biggest star, Micky Mouse made a guest appearance. The corner Micky appeared was called the VIP ROOM, and this was the 2nd time for Arashi to co-star with Mickey. (Arashi has held special christmas live in Tokyo Disney Sea on November 20th in 2009.)

On the show, Mickey introduced his hometown “TOON TOWN”, and showed off his special drum playing skills. Moreover, Mickey brought his fellow friends, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Chip and Dale. By Mickey’s suggestion, each Arashi member teamed up with each character, and the characters taught Arashi some choreography. (Ohno&Mickey, Sakurai&Goofy, Ninomiya&Chip and Dale, Aiba&Donald, Matsumoto&Minnie)

But, it wasn’t all! At the end of the show, Arashi and the Disney fellows held a special collaboration live together. Arashi performed “When You Wish upon a Star” and “Mickey Mouse March” with the characters.


SOURCE : TOKYOHIVE

p/s...sure bring a great smile to all of us watching this~~

GACKT to begin worldwide video + photo project for earthquake relief

Popular singer GACKT has begun multiple projects to assist victims of the Tohoku earthquake, but recently revealed through his official Twitter that he would like to begin yet another one to show Japan that citizens all over the world care about Japan’s well-being. “I have a new idea here. Would you try something else with me?”, he tweeted on March 29th. “I want messages from people all over the world. Please take a video of yourself and your message for ‘SHOW YOUR HEART!!!’ We want you to put the videos up on You Tube starting from the 31st. It will give courage to all people in the disaster areas.” Fans of GACKT and other supporters are being asked to upload a video of themselves holding a piece of paper with “SHOW YOUR HEART” written on it, along with your own message and your current location. Those who are unable to upload the videos to YouTube themselves can send it to GACKT directly, who will then post it for earthquake victims to view. Alternatively, fans can send a photo with a message and the name of their city and country to photo@showyourheart.net. All photos received will be posted on the official website for viewing to encourage those who are currently struggling with the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake. Source: GACKT’s Official Twitter

Johnny & Associates announces earthquake relief project, “Marching J”, feat. all talents

Johnny & Associates have announced the creation of an earthquake relief project called “Marching J“, which will feature the participation of all Johnny & Associates talents. The project was named by president Johnny Kitagawa, and the “J” stands for both ‘Japan’ and ‘Johnny’s’. Mr. Kitagawa says, “I put the meaning of ‘Let’s walk together toward the recovery.” Although Johnny & Associates housed a relief unit, “J-FRIENDS“, for 1995’s Great Hanshin Earthquake, it was only comprised of TOKIO, KinKi Kids, and V6. This time, however, “Marching J” will involve all the agency’s talents – it’ll mark the first in-house collaborative project since the company’s founding in 1962. Mr. Kitagawa explained, “It was that big of a disaster. We need to get together, and take actions to make our hearts as one.” He also revealed that there were many talents who were willing to do something for the disaster relief. The first event for “Marching J” will be through a fundraiser, which will be hosted in front of the First Gymnasium at the Yoyogi National Stadium. The event will run from April 1st to the 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Including Johnny’s Jr. boys (and trainees), there will be over 100 talents participating the event under the slogan, “Use our energy without using electricity“. Talk segments will also be held at the event. Mr. Kitagawa also stated that the project does not have a set time limit, nor will this be a one-time event. He said, “We will continue to do some kind of activity every month until the end.” Source: Sanspo

The Do's and The Don't's

This week lesson is about the DO'S and the DON'T'S thing.... Many thing we do are sometimes legal n some are not...depends on what we do...the good n the bad. Recently i juz learn a few thing that related to LOVE... Maybe it sound a lil' bit weird but there are certain things that we allowed to do it n some r not regarding LOVE... Every each of us have own opinion about this kind of thing...i'm juz being curious why there r such thing but i finally found my understanding about it...after going through one by one n after i scan everything..i got my conclusion...now i understand why some people said "there are rules in Love"....this is the rules that every each of us provide for our own relationship...but in every each relationship there have they own rules.... The Do's and the Don't's thing are very useful in every relationship. It help us realize our own border with our partner...so don't be too surprised if we have a broken relationship... p/s...this is as a reminder for myself coz i keep doing the Don't's thing much...but now i know what should i do....one more thing...before its too late the environment of LOVE should be change..^_^

Which songs have earthquake victims requested the most on FM Sendai?

It’s been 12 days since the occurrence of the Great Tohoku Kanto Earthquake and as the days goes by, the song requests have sharply increased on FM Sendai. 40 % of the requests are for songs from Johnny & Associates‘ artists, and the most wanted artist is Arashi. According to FM Sendai, Arashi’s “Kitto Daijoubu” and “Believe” receive the most amount of the requests.

When the earthquake occurred, FM Sendai only aired information about the disaster without any music, however, beginning this week, their music segments began to occupy 50 % of their broadcasts. The director of FM Sendai stated, “We received mainly requests for ballad songs at first, but the victims’ needs started to change healing songs to positive songs. Arashi is the favorite for elementary kids to people in their 50s.”

Source: Nikkan Sports

Image: Arashi’s “Kitto Daijoubu” cover jacket

Kim Hyun Joong is busily recording for his solo album

SS501’s leader, Kim Hyun Joong, is finally working towards releasing his debut solo album!

On March 24th, a representative from KeyEast Entertainment spoke through OSEN and revealed, “Kim Hyun Joong has been living in the recording room and is busily recording his newest tracks. Since it is his first solo album apart from his group, he’s filled with both determination and effort.”

Aside from attending photoshoot schedules, the singer/actor has cleared everything in his path so that he could focus entirely on his music. Whether it’s night or day, representatives revealed that he would be seen in and out of the recording room for hours on end, surprising everyone with his passion.

The representative continued, “He’s been expressing his ideas and opinions on his album’s concept and the tracks to be included. He’s working very hard to exude a different charm as a soloist, which will distinguish him from his usual image as a SS501 member. “

His solo album will be released by May at the earliest, or by June at the latest.

Source: OSEN via Nate