Japan’s favorite artists named by 20,000 people

Weekly entertainment magazine “Only★Star” has revealed its 8th “20,000 Music Fans Select Their Favorite Artist Ranking”.

As expected, Arashi kept their position from last year, coming in at #1 for two consecutive years. Additionally, this year also saw some big leaps. Popular for their hit songs and infamous “Senbatsu General Election”, the girls of AKB48 jumped from #30 to #11. Meanwhile, Perfume jumped from #28 to #20 with their movie and CM appearances, marking  their first time in the Top 20.

Check out the Top 20 below!

[20,000 Music Fans Select Their Favorite Artist Ranking]

01. Arashi

02. Ikimonogakari

03. Mr. Children

04. Utada Hikaru

05. aiko

06. Fukuyama Masaharu

07. B’z

08. Kobukuro

09. Southern All-Stars

10. Yuzu

11. AKB48

12. YUI

13. DREAMS COME TRUE

14. Spitz

15. Porno Graffitti

16. Kuwata Keisuke

17. BUMP OF CHICKEN

18. Amuro Namie

19. GReeeeN

20. Perfume

–

[Favorite Among Teens]

01. Arashi

02. Ikimonogakari

03. YUI

04. AKB48

05. BUMP OF CHICKEN

–

[Favorite Among 20 Year Olds]

01. Arashi

02. Mr. Children

03. Ikimonogakari

04. Utada Hikaru

05. AKB48

–

[Favorite Among 30 Year Olds]

01. Mr. Children

02. Arashi

03. B’z

04. Ikimonogakari

05. Utada Hikaru

–

[Favorite Among 40 Year Olds]

01. Southern All-Stars

02. Ikimonogakari

03. Fukuyama Masaharu

04. Kuwata Keisuke

05. Arashi

–

[History Of The Top Artists]

2011: Arashi

2010: Arashi

2009: Mr. Children

2008: Utada Hikaru

2007: Utada Hikaru

2006: aiko

2005: aiko

2004: Utada Hikaru

Source: Oricon

aiko wraps up her ‘Love Like Pop vol.14′ tour in Sendai

On August 29th, singer-songwriter aiko wrapped up her nationwide tour, “Love Like Pop vol. 14“, at Sendai Sun Plaza Hall.

This live was previously postponed due to the Great Tohoku Earthquake, but aiko had promised that, “I will make this live like an extra edition!“, and so true to her word, she prepared a special set list different from the performances at other venues.

Additionally, during a special segment of the concert, aiko gathered keywords from fans and created an original song. Using Sendai-based words like ‘zunda‘, ‘rakuten‘, and ‘Izui‘, aiko created a touching love song on the spot.

During the MC segment, the singer presented humorous talks as her usual self. She talked about a strange spam message she received the other day, and how her foot got sore from walking around the city of Sendai.

Meanwhile, she called out, “I think there are a lot of people who came into this venue carrying all kinds of feelings. I was very nervous to stand on the stage, but I started wanting to create fun memories with everyone. I wanted to create a time that for a moment, you were able put all those things aside on the seat, and laugh along with me thinking, ‘You’re an idiot, aiko’.”

At the end, aiko delivered a positive message saying, “I’m glad I was finally able to come here. I will do my best to be able to see everyone again. So, lets work hard together! Thank you very much for today!“, and wrapped up the concert.

Furthermore, aiko is scheduled to start her live house tour, “Love Like Rock vol.5” in October. Tickets will be available from September 25th.

Check out the special set list below!

-

01. Ai no Yamai
02. beat
03. Power of Love
04. Smooch!
05. Asparagus
06. Anata to Akushu
07. Saigo no Natsuyasumi
08. Kabutomushi
09. Radio
10. Niji Goro
11. Sakura no Toki
12. Koi no Super Ball
13. Jet
14. Neko
15. Boyfriend
16. be master of life
Encore:
17. Home
18. Shiawase
19. Yakusoku
Double Encore:
20. Boushi to Mizugi no Suiheisen

Source: natalie

Aiko announces nationwide tour, “Love Like Rock vol.5″

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Singer-songwriter aiko will be holding a nationwide tour, “Love Like Rock vol.5“, starting this October.

The announcement was made on July 24th after the encore performance during aiko’s current tour, “Love Like Pop vol.14“. The crowd burst into loud cheers as they read the info flashing on the screens.

“Love Like Rock” is a standing-type concert mainly held at live houses. This new tour will revive her “Love Like Rock” series, which has been on hiatus for two years after she last held ‘vol.4′ from July to September in 2009.

Additionally, aiko will release her latest live DVD, “Pop to Rock“, on July 27th. The second disc will include footage from “Love Like Rock vol.4” in order for fans to prepare for vol.5.