The 59th Annual NHK Kouhaku Utagassen returns this year and takes place, as usual, on December 31st. The show will last from 7:20pm to 11:45pm Japan time, with a five minute news intermission in the middle. The theme of the competition this year is "The Power of Music: Bonds of People," emphasizing how music has the ability to bring people together. Nakama Yukie and Nakai Masahiro reprise their roles as the host for the Red and White Teams respectively. There are 53 performing artists this year, of which 14 are new. Among the first-timers are big-hits like Aoyama Thelma, Perfume, Tohoshinki, and Mr.Children. Complete list of performing artists below.

Red Team

• aiko (7)
• Aoyama Thelma (*)
• Akimoto Junko (*)
• ayaka (3)
• Angela Aki (3)
• Ikimonogakari (*)
• Ishikawa Sayuri (31)
• Ootsuka Ai (5)
• Kawanaka Miyuki (21)
• GIRL NEXT DOOR (*)
• Koda Kumi... [Read More]

Entertainment magazine ORI★STAR recently conducted their fifth annual survey where the publication asked 20,000 music fans for their favorite artist of the year. With her numerous drama theme song tie-ups this year, Utada Hikaru claimed the top spot for the second year in a row. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, Kobukuro manage to also maintain the number two position for the second year in a row. Making her comeback with her number-one single 60s 70s 80s and the chart-dominating best album BEST FICTION, Amuro Namie leapt from last year's #21 to seventh place this year. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Southern All-Stars rose from last year's #11 to the sixth place, and B'z jumped from number ten to number eight this year with their 20th anniversary best albums.

The top 20 favorite artists of the year are listed below, with the number in parenthesis indicating their placements from last year.

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Having recently released their long-awaited new album Kaze no Chroma, Remioromen will return early next year with a new single, 夢の蕾 (Yume no Tsubomi)[/i], to be released on 2008.1.7. The single is described as a precious ballad and will be used as the theme song for the upcoming movie "Kansen Rettou," starring Tsumabuki Satoshi.

More info to come.

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First debuted with Every Little Thing more than ten years ago, ELT's vocalist Mochida Kaori will be launching her solo project on 2008.1.29. with her first, currently untitled, single. Mochida has made many appearance as featuring artists, as well as participating in commercials and music videos. Her solo project will no doubt launch a new chapter in her career. The single will be released in CD+DVD and CD-only formats.

More info to come.

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Having recently been crowned Nail Queen of the Year for the third year in a row, Koda Kumi will be releasing her 7th original studio album, TRICK, on 2009.1.28!! According to her official fanclub, Koda-Gumi, the album will include her singles Moon Crying, TABOO, stay with me, and the collaboration with Fergie, That Ain't Cool, along with ten new songs for a total of 14 tracks. The album will be released in CD+2DVD, CD+DVD and CD-only formats, with the DVDs expected to include PVs for the four aforementioned tracks as well as music videos for two new songs.

For the first time, the album will be available for preorder at a cheaper price. Called the "Preorder TRICK Price," if you order the CD+2DVD version at this price, the album will come with a bonus track.

Tracklist (Not Ordered)

• INTRODUCTION
• Driving
• show girl
• Your Love
• stay with me
• Joyful
• JUST... [Read More]

avex trax's hit new unit of the year, GIRL NEXT DOOR, will be releasing their first album! After three-month consecutive singles release, the trio will be releasing their self-titled debut album, GIRL NEXT DOOR, on 2008.12.24. The album is expected to include their three singles as well as new tracks. The album will be released in CD+DVD and CD-only formats.


CD+DVD

CD-only

More info to come.

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