…or to see Takeshi Tsuruno perform live–probably a mix of both.

Takeshi Tsuruno’s concert, “Quiz! Hexagon II” was held at Yoyogi Gymnasium on October 29. Ten thousand fans flocked to see Takeshi perform the Ultraman single, as well as his other top hits. Many fans flocked the merchandise booths, eagerly awaiting and anticipating Takeshi’s arrival. This is Takeshi’s first solo concert in Tokyo and expectations are high.

Takeshi performed over 17 songs, including “M”, “Reiniburu”, “Love Is Over”, and “Do you mind if I Cry”. The talented singer also performed the theme song to the Ultraman Movie, which will be released in December. The audience were fully engaged for the whole 2 hours and thirty minutes as Takeshi performed his songs as well as playing the ukulele, piano, and guitar.

source: Barks

On October 28, Shibuya O-West held an independence live event at the GO! GO! 7188. In the Battle of the Bands, Chatmonchy performed on the 26th, Black Bottom Brass Band on the 27th, and Beat Crusaders on the 28th.

On the 28th, Beat Crusaders performed their songs “Traveler in the Brain”, “Stationary”, and many more to a rousing crowd. The GO! GO! 7188 fall tour will begin in early November.

Fall Tour:

Gakuensai Takoyakitsua <GO!GO!7188 Takoyakino & Nitakowo Shite>
November 1 (Sunday) Yamanashi, Kofu Campus
November 3 (Tue) Ise Kogakkan University Campus
November 14 (Sat), Hamamatsu, Shizuoka University Campus
November 15 (Sun), Kobe University Rokkodai Campus

＜J・J 20th Anniversary TOUR  GO!GO!7188＞ × GO!GO!7188> Jittarin·jin <J·J 20th Anniversary TOUR
11月4日（水）　神戸 WYNTERLAND　November 4th (Wed), Kobe WYNTERLAND w / Jin Jittarin
11月6日（金）　埼玉 HEAVEN’S ROCK さいたま新都心 VJ-3 November 6th (Fri) Saitama Saitama New HEAVEN’S ROCK VJ-3 w / Jin Jittarin
11月7日（土）　横浜 FAD YOKOHAMA　 November 7th (Sat) Yokohama FAD YOKOHAMA w / Jin Jittarin
11月11日（水）　熊谷 HEAVEN’S ROCK Kumagaya VJ-1　w/ジッタリン・ジン November 11 (Wed) Kumagai HEAVEN’S ROCK Kumagaya VJ-1 w / Jin Jittarin
11月12日（木）　宇都宮 HEAVEN’S ROCK Utsunomiya VJ-2 w/ジッタリン・ジン November 12 (Thu) Utsunomiya HEAVEN’S ROCK Utsunomiya VJ-2 w / Jin Jittarin
11月16日（月）　福岡 DRUM Be-1　w/ジッタリン・ジン November 16 (Mon) Fukuoka DRUM Be-1 w / Jin Jittarin

＜NEXUS “NO GIRL,NO BASSIST” ～女性ベーシストバンドのNEXUS～＞ <NEXUS “NO GIRL,NO BASSIST”女性Beshisutobandononexus>
11月8日（日）　新木場STUDIO COAST November 8 (Sun) Shin-Kiba STUDIO COAST
w/サカナクション / Base Ball Bear / bonobos / mere mortals(from LA) w / Sakanaction / Base Ball Bear / bonobos / mere mortals (from LA)

That is the question lurking in the minds of the hardcore fans of TVXQ all the way down to the casual listeners of this talented vocal group. This is no longer about SM and these three band members trying to work out their differences in opinion concerning the exclusive contract. Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu want out.

On August 22nd the legal representative of the 3 members forwarded members’ thought to the court, “We found it very difficult to improve and reach our goals in this industry if we live under SM’s management with all its terms and conditions.”. It’s also reported that, “The arguments happened with SM Lee Soo Man regarding this dispute already reached our highest limit of emotion.” together as a group. (source: Asiae, translation:kenoa@sharingyoochun)

The court hasn’t even made a decision yet, but in the back of a lot of  people’s minds, it’s a lose/lose situation.

Let’s look at this rationally, shall we?

If the courts decide in Yoochun’s, Junsu’s, and Jaejoong’s favor, then the three men will have successfully terminated their exclusive contract with SM. However, what about Changmin and Yunho? These two would still be contractually obligated under SM. All five members have repeatedly voiced that they want to stay as a group. It’s wonderful to have faith that the five will somehow be able to achieve this in Korea, but at this point–let’s be realistic.

It’s a fact that this whole legal debacle has lifted the curtain on the shadiness and shifty ongoings of big entertainment companies.  SM has lost credibility as well as monetary value/profit. The company has also suffered irreplicable damage in public relations. For fans to think SM won’t retaliate in some way or form, is just not likely. Through the different forms of media, we’ve already witnessed just how petty/manipulative SM powerplayers are willing to be in order have things go in their favor. This company will do what it can to make sure these three have a hard time succeeding on their own in Korea. It’s easy to fall into labeling SM as being the “BIG BAD” because to fans of the group, it’s like the bully picking on the less powerful. Yes, there are two sides to each story and I’m sure both sides have some fault. However, this is different because we’ve seen similar situations happen before concerning SM.

I respect Yunho’s and Changmin’s decision to stay with SM for whatever reasons. It’s a decision I’m sure all five have discussed with each other and it’s up to the fans to respect their decision. With that said, it just makes this whole situation harder to overcome since unlike Shinwa, only 3 instead of all members, decided to file a lawsuit against SM.

So I have to ask? Where do we go from here? Whether the band members win or lose, ultimately they have a tough road ahead of them. I’ve witnessed how young and old fans have supported all the members through reading different blogs and articles and it’s pretty great. So in that aspect, I believe the fans will always support whatever they choose to do in the future. I think I’m so interested in this case because it’s not just about TVXQ anymore. The court’s decision will affect not only all future cases dealing with entertainment companies and contracts in Korea, but also how individuals are treated by these companies.

October 21st, GLAY will release the 3-disc, Best Album: The Great Vacation Vol. 2 in Japan. This is the sequel to the band’s successful 15th anniversary edition, The Great Vacation Vol 1: Super Best of GLAY, eight years ago.

In addition to the songs released after 2001 and on the best album, new songs have also been added. The best album boasts the singles, “However”, “Winter Again”, “Beloved”, “Lip”, as well as other singles that have contributed to GLAY’s 11 million sales since 2001. Five songs have been re-recorded for the release.

Source: Glay Myspace

DAZZLE VISION  releases single, “Eternity” off their new album and plans to perform the song in North America.  According to the official blog, the group plans to expand to America in hopes of boosting production.

Youtube reaction in the states has caused for the band to release more title songs on the popular site. The talented band plans to hold lives in Japan through the coming months and perform in Seattle during Sakura Convention in April.

source: Barks

Here is the list

1. Yunho (DBSK)
2. Micky Yoochun (DBSK)
3. G-Dragon (Big Bang)
4. T.O.P (Big Bang)
5. Sunye (Wonder Girls)
6. Taeyeon (SNSD)
7. Yoona (SNSD)
8. Siwon (Super Junior)
9. Kim Hyun Joong (SS501)
10. Han Seungyeon (Kara)

Honorable mentions go to every other member of DBSK (seriously), Heechul and Kangin from Super Junior, Daesung, Jessica and Tiffany from So Nyeo Shi Dae and Sohee.

This wasn’t just some random poll done at the blog, 12,ooo people(wow) voted for the Daum Poll.

source: soulbeats

My mind is still reeling from Yunho being placed at #1…not that there’s anything wrong with that. Anyone who gets this reference gets a cookie!

I could not for the life of me think of the male counterpart for “darling” LoL

Yu Sakai’s debut song, “Story”, has established a winning record in Powerplay (program). He surpasses Motohiro Hata’s record with an aquisition of 41 stations!

His excellent taste in music and beautiful voice will “penetrate into the world” due to his live performances. His mini live back in late August revived many industry officials who were instantly hooked. The overwhelming positive feedback led to the establishment of Yu Sakai’s debut album. Apparently, several well-known artists have gotten on the Yu Sakai train too.

“When I met him first impression of Sakai-kun is a funky dude. I listened to the sound and then after a while. Unlike the first image and voice could not believe so. He then look at the stage several times for real I thought artists. glimpse of him playing with a very cool sound. and I have to say, surely everyone will soon become obsessed with his charm. “─ ─ Sukima Switch Oohashi Takuya

“Tomoyasu Takeuchi Yuka Sakai aka SEXY is to be introduced to me. I tried it on CD” Yu, Sakai “is really shocking, many times we have played live and then making music.  The talent is amazing that such a time, often it has been exciting. After playing on the other hand, freely sold, please buy the equipment times the price of the equipment present. Strong and strong, please sing live and gently. ──KREVA

“Yu is a romantic song they always the sentimental. Lacrimal often deprived of the hearts simply a quick glance at what comes. Surely the near future, will become a major figure in Japanese pop. Mejadebyushinguru can feel it. Few years, glad I’m serious as a fellow of the same stage together! album I hope. “─ ─ Tomoyasu Takeuchi (Maboroshi)

source: Barks

I think I’ll have to check his songs out!

Mika Nakashima (pictured above) held a mini live during the 2008 lighting ceremony. This year,  CHEMISTRY are the honored guests who will be performing during the event.

CHEMISTRY is expected to perform their new single, “Once Again” during the ceremony as well as their other hits. The event director promised a enviromental friendly ceremony, using special illumination lights for the Kira Biyakani tree. The lighting ceremony will be held on November 5 at Mediage Odaiba 1F Atrium.

source: Barks

Yes, you heard correctly.

FM802′s music program, “Music Freaks”, will hold live events with a plethora of j-artists just for your listening pleasure. The event will be called, “Music Freaks Live with the venue being held in Namba Hatch, Osaka from November 20-22.

FM802 decided to commemorate their anniversary by holding these live performances that boasts artists such as, Salyu, BEAT CRUSADERS, Monobright, Sikao Suga, Kreva, Scoobie Do, and many more.

<FM802 STILL20 SPECIAL LIVE “MUSIC FREAKS LIVE”>
@ Namba Hatch
11月20日(金) 18:15 開場/19:00 開演　Salyu／BEAT CRUSADERS／monobright November 20 (Fri) Open 18:15 / 19:00 Salyu / BEAT CRUSADERS / monobright
11月21日(土) 16:15 開場/17:00 開演　スガ シカオ／ハナレグミ／渡和久(from 風味堂) November 21 (Sat) Open 16:15 / Start 17:00 Sikao Suga / Hanaregumi / Wataru Kazuhisa (from hall flavor)
11月22日(日) 16:15 開場/17:00 開演　KREVA／SCOOBIE DO／ROCK’A'TRENCH November 22 (Sun) Open 16:15 / Start 17:00 KREVA / SCOOBIE DO / ROCK ‘A’TRENCH

source: FM802

FT Island will be holding a nationwide concert tour titled “Men’s Stories“.

FT Island is starting their concert tour in Seoul, at Jangchung Gymnasium, on 14th (6pm) and 15th (3pm) November. At the concert, FT Island will be telling their “Men’s Stories“, using strong visuals and sound. There is going to be much interaction with the fans instead of just a normal performance.

Tickets are available at MaxTicket, starting 14th October at 9pm.

source: Primanoona

This is my first post on FT Island, but these young guys are very talented musicians/singers(yes, not just Hongki). Give their music a try.