J-Pop Project News
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The latest news on female J-Pop for overseas fans, from the J-Pop Project - news, radio and more.
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Former HKT48 idol Hazuki Hokazono (26) has announced her marriage to Richard Sunagawa (26), a baseball player for Yomiuri Giants. x.com/hazuki___0117/...
November 26, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Former HKT48 idol Hazuki Hokazono (26) has announced her marriage to Richard Sunagawa (26), a baseball player for Yomiuri Giants. x.com/hazuki___0117/...
Oricon have revealed that YOASOBI's "Idol" has become the second ever song to have reached 1 billion streams (since records began in 2018) - the first was also from YOASOBI, the duo's debut single, "Yoru ni Kakeru", which passed one billion streams in September 2023. www.oricon.co.jp/new...
November 26, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Oricon have revealed that YOASOBI's "Idol" has become the second ever song to have reached 1 billion streams (since records began in 2018) - the first was also from YOASOBI, the duo's debut single, "Yoru ni Kakeru", which passed one billion streams in September 2023. www.oricon.co.jp/new...
1/2 - XG will make their US television debut performing "GALA" on the finale of NBC's "The Voice" on December 16, 2025, before an estimated 6-9 million viewers.
people.com/khalid-xg...
people.com/khalid-xg...
November 25, 2025 at 12:06 PM
1/2 - XG will make their US television debut performing "GALA" on the finale of NBC's "The Voice" on December 16, 2025, before an estimated 6-9 million viewers.
people.com/khalid-xg...
people.com/khalid-xg...
1/2 - Ten idol groups will promote Japan's Furusato Nōzei - a "hometown tax" scheme letting residents donate part of their taxes to the regions and receive gifts in return. The groups, which include SKE48 & RINGOMUSUME, also receive a small sum from the scheme's profits. www.furusato-tax.jp/...
November 24, 2025 at 1:39 PM
1/2 - Ten idol groups will promote Japan's Furusato Nōzei - a "hometown tax" scheme letting residents donate part of their taxes to the regions and receive gifts in return. The groups, which include SKE48 & RINGOMUSUME, also receive a small sum from the scheme's profits. www.furusato-tax.jp/...
1/2 - OSHIAI will provide the AI avatars of members of 16 real life idol groups for fans to chat with through their app whenever they want. The groups are all relatively new idol groups being promoted by SPARKing. prtimes.jp/main/html...
November 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
1/2 - OSHIAI will provide the AI avatars of members of 16 real life idol groups for fans to chat with through their app whenever they want. The groups are all relatively new idol groups being promoted by SPARKing. prtimes.jp/main/html...
Ado, ATARASHII GAKKO!, CHANMINA, and HANA, are among the artists appearing at a Japanese music festival to be held in Los Angeles on May 16. Organised by entertainment agency CLOUD NINE, the event is being held at the 35,000 capacity "Brookside at The Rose Bowl". cloud9pro.co.jp/news...
November 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Ado, ATARASHII GAKKO!, CHANMINA, and HANA, are among the artists appearing at a Japanese music festival to be held in Los Angeles on May 16. Organised by entertainment agency CLOUD NINE, the event is being held at the 35,000 capacity "Brookside at The Rose Bowl". cloud9pro.co.jp/news...
1/2 - The NSE 2025 idol event in Shanghai (November 29-30) has been cancelled, affecting Japanese idol groups NMB48, iLiFE!, Niji no Conquistador, and Kyururin te shitemite, plus AKB48 sister groups AKB48 Team SH, CGM48 and BNK48. www.oricon.co.jp/new...
November 22, 2025 at 8:37 AM
1/2 - The NSE 2025 idol event in Shanghai (November 29-30) has been cancelled, affecting Japanese idol groups NMB48, iLiFE!, Niji no Conquistador, and Kyururin te shitemite, plus AKB48 sister groups AKB48 Team SH, CGM48 and BNK48. www.oricon.co.jp/new...
1/2 - The nominees for the main awards, and winners of other awards at the 67th Japan Record Awards have been announced. The 10 nominees for the main "Grand Prix" award include FRUITS ZIPPER "Kagami", AiNA THE END "Kakumei Dochu (On The Way)", Lilas Ikuta "Koikaze", and CANDY TUNE "BAIBAI FIGHT!".
November 21, 2025 at 12:29 PM
1/2 - The nominees for the main awards, and winners of other awards at the 67th Japan Record Awards have been announced. The 10 nominees for the main "Grand Prix" award include FRUITS ZIPPER "Kagami", AiNA THE END "Kakumei Dochu (On The Way)", Lilas Ikuta "Koikaze", and CANDY TUNE "BAIBAI FIGHT!".
1/2 - Management of idol group "Maison de Queen" have suggested a novel way of dealing with a fan who they had banned. Apparently he is always trying to attend events, and recently was seen near the front row at an event with several groups participating (HYPE IDOL!)
November 20, 2025 at 10:30 AM
1/2 - Management of idol group "Maison de Queen" have suggested a novel way of dealing with a fan who they had banned. Apparently he is always trying to attend events, and recently was seen near the front row at an event with several groups participating (HYPE IDOL!)
To celebrate Morning Musume sub-unit Minimoni's 25th anniversary, a number of prizes and capsule toys have been released in collaboration with amusement arcade operator, Molly Fantasy. The group mascot, Minimo, has also opened social media accounts this year. www.helloproject.com...
November 20, 2025 at 9:41 AM
To celebrate Morning Musume sub-unit Minimoni's 25th anniversary, a number of prizes and capsule toys have been released in collaboration with amusement arcade operator, Molly Fantasy. The group mascot, Minimo, has also opened social media accounts this year. www.helloproject.com...
ExWHYZ have announced their first tour of the UK, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. The group will perform at the same three venues in Manchester, Bristol, and London that another WACK group, ASP, visited in September. www.exwhyz.jp/news/d...
November 20, 2025 at 8:47 AM
ExWHYZ have announced their first tour of the UK, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. The group will perform at the same three venues in Manchester, Bristol, and London that another WACK group, ASP, visited in September. www.exwhyz.jp/news/d...
1/2 - Even if your idol retires from the entertainment industry, they may return one day, as Aiko Sato has shown by making her first appearance in 32 years! The 52-year-old was part of "Ribbon", an idol trio, who had a number of top 10 singles between 1989 and 1994. encount.press/archiv...
November 18, 2025 at 10:36 AM
1/2 - Even if your idol retires from the entertainment industry, they may return one day, as Aiko Sato has shown by making her first appearance in 32 years! The 52-year-old was part of "Ribbon", an idol trio, who had a number of top 10 singles between 1989 and 1994. encount.press/archiv...
As we near the 20th anniversary of AKB48's theatre debut, AKB48 have announced a collaboration with Atre Akihabara, involving a pop-up shop with limited edition goods, a small costume display, and AKB48 music throughout the store. It is on for just a week from November 28. www.akb48.co.jp/news...
November 18, 2025 at 8:43 AM
As we near the 20th anniversary of AKB48's theatre debut, AKB48 have announced a collaboration with Atre Akihabara, involving a pop-up shop with limited edition goods, a small costume display, and AKB48 music throughout the store. It is on for just a week from November 28. www.akb48.co.jp/news...
1/2 - ASOBISYSTEM's "log you" made their live debut on November 15, with eight experienced members, formerly with AKB48, STU48, Cherry Bullet, My Dear Darlin', PIGGS, THE COINLOCKERS, and other groups. The event also included the two other "PEAK SPOT" groups, "Toi Toi Toi" and "fav me".
November 16, 2025 at 9:17 AM
1/2 - ASOBISYSTEM's "log you" made their live debut on November 15, with eight experienced members, formerly with AKB48, STU48, Cherry Bullet, My Dear Darlin', PIGGS, THE COINLOCKERS, and other groups. The event also included the two other "PEAK SPOT" groups, "Toi Toi Toi" and "fav me".
1/2 - KissBee management have reported that an individual was caught photographing up the skirts of members at a performance. He admitted what he had done, and the police were called. However, it was determined that it wasn't an act of voyeurism under current law. (Pic: KissBee posing for photos)
November 14, 2025 at 2:53 PM
1/2 - KissBee management have reported that an individual was caught photographing up the skirts of members at a performance. He admitted what he had done, and the police were called. However, it was determined that it wasn't an act of voyeurism under current law. (Pic: KissBee posing for photos)
1/2 - The performers for 2025's prestigious "Kōhaku Uta Gassen" include, for the first time, AiNA THE END, FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, Lilas Ikuta (as a soloist rather than as part of YOASOBI), and both Chanmina and the group she produces, HANA. www.nhk.or.jp/kouhak...
November 14, 2025 at 12:56 PM
1/2 - The performers for 2025's prestigious "Kōhaku Uta Gassen" include, for the first time, AiNA THE END, FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, Lilas Ikuta (as a soloist rather than as part of YOASOBI), and both Chanmina and the group she produces, HANA. www.nhk.or.jp/kouhak...
Perfume's A-chan (Ayaka Nishiwaki) has announced on IG that she recently married a non-celebrity man. The 36-year-old wrote "He's a friend from way back, we are best friends who know a lot about each other. He's also a fan who wholeheartedly supports me and Perfume." www.instagram.com/p/...
November 11, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Perfume's A-chan (Ayaka Nishiwaki) has announced on IG that she recently married a non-celebrity man. The 36-year-old wrote "He's a friend from way back, we are best friends who know a lot about each other. He's also a fan who wholeheartedly supports me and Perfume." www.instagram.com/p/...
Visitors to the Hello! Project Official Shop in Akihabara now see this sign, with the shop having closed at the end of October, after 12½ years. The company say they plan on opening a new shop in a new location. Their two other shops, in Nagoya and Osaka, continue to operate. www.helloshop.info/s...
November 11, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Visitors to the Hello! Project Official Shop in Akihabara now see this sign, with the shop having closed at the end of October, after 12½ years. The company say they plan on opening a new shop in a new location. Their two other shops, in Nagoya and Osaka, continue to operate. www.helloshop.info/s...
1/3 - A survey suggests that Gen Z's attitudes to "oshikatsu" are different from older generations, with 61% supporting those who provided the "best content", while only 5% see them as a pseudo-romantic partner - there was also a clear preference for talent over looks.
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
1/3 - A survey suggests that Gen Z's attitudes to "oshikatsu" are different from older generations, with 61% supporting those who provided the "best content", while only 5% see them as a pseudo-romantic partner - there was also a clear preference for talent over looks.
1/2 - The "Happy Party Train" from Aqours 3rd single was created in April 2017 for a "limited time", but is still operating today on the Izuhakone line between Mishima and Shuzenji.
November 9, 2025 at 8:01 AM
1/2 - The "Happy Party Train" from Aqours 3rd single was created in April 2017 for a "limited time", but is still operating today on the Izuhakone line between Mishima and Shuzenji.
Nogizaka46's captain, Minami Umezawa, has announced that they will soon release their first album in almost 7 years. "My respect" will go on sale on January 14, 2026. www.oricon.co.jp/new...
November 7, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Nogizaka46's captain, Minami Umezawa, has announced that they will soon release their first album in almost 7 years. "My respect" will go on sale on January 14, 2026. www.oricon.co.jp/new...
Reina Yokoyama has been experiencing severe symptoms of her Meniere's disease, and will take around three weeks of rest. With the 24-year-old graduating from Morning Musume '25 at the end of their Autumn concert tour, there may be few opportunities for fans to see her again. www.helloproject.com...
November 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Reina Yokoyama has been experiencing severe symptoms of her Meniere's disease, and will take around three weeks of rest. With the 24-year-old graduating from Morning Musume '25 at the end of their Autumn concert tour, there may be few opportunities for fans to see her again. www.helloproject.com...
1/2 - A man (57) has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for murdering a former underground idol (24) in Tokyo. The woman (identified as Ms. A) was stabbed to death in a hotel room in February 2023. www.dailyshincho.jp/...
November 7, 2025 at 11:33 AM
1/2 - A man (57) has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for murdering a former underground idol (24) in Tokyo. The woman (identified as Ms. A) was stabbed to death in a hotel room in February 2023. www.dailyshincho.jp/...
The second holding of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN will see14 new categories added (including Best Girls Idol Culture Song (Group/Solo)) when it takes place on June 13, 2026 at the new TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. www.ceipa.net/newsle...
November 5, 2025 at 2:19 PM
The second holding of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN will see14 new categories added (including Best Girls Idol Culture Song (Group/Solo)) when it takes place on June 13, 2026 at the new TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. www.ceipa.net/newsle...
Karaoke company JOYSOUND celebrated "Good Oshi Day" on November 4 by issuing a list of customers' favourite female artists.
ME:I grabbed the top spot with VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi, Nogizaka46, VTuber Fubuki Shirakami, and =LOVE making up the top 5. x.com/JOYSOUND_PR/st...
ME:I grabbed the top spot with VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi, Nogizaka46, VTuber Fubuki Shirakami, and =LOVE making up the top 5. x.com/JOYSOUND_PR/st...
November 4, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Karaoke company JOYSOUND celebrated "Good Oshi Day" on November 4 by issuing a list of customers' favourite female artists.
ME:I grabbed the top spot with VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi, Nogizaka46, VTuber Fubuki Shirakami, and =LOVE making up the top 5. x.com/JOYSOUND_PR/st...
ME:I grabbed the top spot with VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi, Nogizaka46, VTuber Fubuki Shirakami, and =LOVE making up the top 5. x.com/JOYSOUND_PR/st...