Tag Archives: Japanese Idol

Feature Article, Interviews

‘Even if it’s different, I won’t let Satanic Punish deteriorate’ – An Interview with Bokuga Sakura

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Come April 29th, the stages of Japan will darken with the promise of a new era for Satanic Punish, who will go through a major lineup change with the graduation of Legendary Members, Webshiki and Himeno Usagi. After making their debut in March of 2020, both Webshiki and Usagi created an image and sound for Satanic Punish that is undeniably theirs, but after three years with the group, both are ready to pass the baton and allow Satanic Punish to flourish under a new system.

Now, new member and soloist Bokuga Sakura will be joining the front lines of Satanic Punish alongside fellow member Mana Manomu – who joined the group at the tail-end of October 2022 – and crafting her own image within and for the group upon her official join date, which begins on April 29th, 2023.

Continue reading ‘Even if it’s different, I won’t let Satanic Punish deteriorate’ – An Interview with Bokuga Sakura →
Music Review

I am Crazy, Crazy, Crazy for The Long Goodbye’s Music

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Review by: Kelly

One of the things I like most about Idol music, is that it is varied in its sound, and there is something out there for everyone. Whether it is a pop-rock tune or a smooth groove that hits the sweet spot, Idol music is a mixed basket of delight, and the gift that keeps on giving.

Yet I think we sometimes forget that J-pop is more than the ‘pop’ that its name eludes to. When we look at the word ‘pop’ – myself included – we consider it to be generic in sound, bubblegum to its core and the most sugar-coated tune to ever grace our ears, when it is anything but. Sometimes, we simply have to remind ourselves that J-pop as a genre has layers, much like onions (or an ogre named Shrek).

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Music Review

Mugen no Plume Fly on New Wings in their Debut Mini-Album (Review)

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Review by Kelly-Mae Matt

In this ever-growing world of Idols and music, it comes as no surprise that there are new groups to discover at every turn. Whether they are downright cute or ready to blow your brains out with their vicious death growls, there will always be something there for us to discover as we walk down this path as Japanese music fans.

In my most recent ventures on YouTube, I happened to stumble upon Mugen no Plume by pure chance, and was pleased to realise that they are right up my alley in regard to their sound and style. Cute and orthodox in every sense of the word, I’m aware that this group won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but they are right up my alley in regard to their sound and style.

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I have found myself almost instantly enamoured with the group. Yes, I will still hold a candle toward the NECRONOMIDOL’s (R.I.P) and Satanic Punishes within this world, but there is something about the glittering lights and pastel dresses that inspires me as a fan and listener.

And boy oh boy, don’t I feel motivated right now thanks to this group and their adorable music! So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty, and talk about Mugen no Plume and their debut mini-album.

Continue reading Mugen no Plume Fly on New Wings in their Debut Mini-Album (Review) →
News

PLANCKSTARS Set to Overtake London for their BUTTER DOG SUMMIT Tour

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It’s time to practice the fan calls and break out the penlights, because the first alternative Idol live event for 2023 has been secured!

PLANCKSTARS – an seven member idol group from Hiroshima, Japan – will be descending upon the UK this January 22nd, 2023, as a part of their first One-man Live World Tour, which has been creatively titled the BUTTER DOG SUMMIT.

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Interviews

With DEARDEVIL: The Final Interview

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As November draws to a close in the coming days, so does the final chapter in DEARDEVIL’s journey. With a final performance set for November 22nd, AKANE, ARARA and RISA will take their final bow together, before walking backstage and into a void of the unknown.

Of course, this does not mean that this is the end of the members and their individual journeys as performers, but is instead the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and careers, and wherever that path may take them, the fans will be there to cheer them on.

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Feature Article, Interviews

From Behind the Curtain: A Veiled Introduction to the ‘True’ Member of Satanic Punish

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All images included in this post are owned by Devil Margin Inc.

It was October 30th, 2022, and some new information had come to light: A new member had joined Satanic Punish, and one of Beyond Senpai’s contributor’s needed answers. What are their thoughts on joining this musically driven group, what music do they enjoy outside of what they are set to perform, and finally, just Who are they?

With their anonymity however, there is a strange kind of beauty. It adds to the anticipation of their unveiling – whenever that may be – and allows for speculation, because while we want to know more, we also crave to figure things out for ourselves, like a puzzle. So with this in mind, one of Beyond Senpai’s writer’s challenged themselves to something a little different.

An Interview with the ‘TRUE’ member of Satanic Punish, one that would not compromise their identity whatsoever.

Continue reading From Behind the Curtain: A Veiled Introduction to the ‘True’ Member of Satanic Punish →
Feature Article

This Is My Love For Houkago Princess

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A personal reflection by Kelly

Idols bring us hope, happiness and a drive to continue with our daily lives, no matter how mundane a day might be, or how weary we feel after the work has been done. Come rain or shine, the joy that an idol creates is second to none, and a core point of our fan journey.

Looking back at my own journey as a fan, there is one group that comes to mind when I think about the love I hold for Idols and Japanese music, and the role they have played in my life as an Idol fan.

So, let’s talk about Houkago Princess.

Continue reading This Is My Love For Houkago Princess →
Interviews

Reborn With A Smile: An Interview with LONDON BLUE and Kiyoshi Hayashi

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On November 1st, 2021, LONDON BLUE revealed in a surprise announcement that the group would make a return to the stage after a year-long hiatus. What was more surprising was the member reveal, with current member AOBA – also known as Harumi Aoba – being the groups sole successor after the dissolution of her former group, Ever! BE Mayowanaide!! just a day before.

Now AOBA begins her journey with LONDON BLUE, and after holding her first mini one-man live at Ikebukuro MONO on November 13th, she is ready to take on the groups 8 year legacy with the support of her seniors and a never-ending smile.

It is time to celebrate LONDON BLUE’s return to the Idol world, so Beyond Senpai would like to welcome both AOBA and LONDON BLUE’s manager, Kiyoshi Hayashi, to talk about the groups revival, AOBA’s strengths and LONDON BLUE’s future goals.

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Interviews

The Ebimayo Experience: An Interview with Ever!BE Mayowanaide!!

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Since beginning their activities as Ever!BE Mayowanaide!! over a year ago, the charming duo made up of Natsukawa Aoba and Momoha Airi are moving forward after wrapping up their tour to promote their debut EP, #Ebimayo.

In the midst of the worlds current issues and its slow repair, both Aoba and Airi have continued to work hard as idols to create hope for their fans, whilst also taking on their own challenges as performers. Be it writing their own lyrics for the first time or preparing the choreography for their music, Ebimayo’s Aoba and Airi are starting a journey that will hopefully lead them to success the more they pursue this path they have undertaken.

Now after the successfully wrapping up their first CD release tour, Beyond Senpai were lucky enough to have a chat with the members of Ever!BE Mayowanaide!! to get to know the idols behind the music, and to find out what it was like working alongside the cute noodle loving mascot, Udon-Nou.

Continue reading The Ebimayo Experience: An Interview with Ever!BE Mayowanaide!! →
Music Review, The Retrospective Review

Where It All Began: A Retrospective Review Of Houkago Princess ~Oshiete Kudasai~

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Release Date: August 3rd, 2011

It has been a decade since Houkago Princess made their debut as idols, and like many that came before them, they started out small and relatively unknown. With seven members making up the original lineup, the group would open up their own live house in Ikebukuro, standing on a checkerboard stage that could barely hold the entire group. Backed by a team of industry newbies to help with recording, set design and promotion, Houkago Princess was a group as green as they come, but they were just as determined as any other idol group out there, and they were ready with a debut single before they even hit the stage.

This is where it all began.

Continue reading Where It All Began: A Retrospective Review Of Houkago Princess ~Oshiete Kudasai~ →