Kuramochi Asuka‘s debut solo single Itsumo Soba ni (いつもそばに) will go on sale on May 29.
The single is released as the prize for the victory of Kuramochi Asuka in AKB no Gachi Uma 2 Revenge (AKBのガチ馬2 リベンジ), a contest in which the members of AKB48 give tips on the G1 horse race. It will be the theme song for the TV CM for JRA (Japan Racing Association).
Dempagumi.inc will participate in Japan Expo 2013. They will hold showcases in the JE Live House and signing sessions.
Dempagumi.inc are the first musical guests who have officially announced their presence at the festival this year.
Japan Expo is the biggest convention on Japanese culture in Europe. The festival will be held on July 4-7 at Villepinte near Paris, France.
More details on the event will be announced later.
On the last day of the event AKB48 Group Rinji Soukai ~Shiro Kuro Tsukeyoujanaika!~ (AKB48グループ臨時総会～白黒つけようじゃないか！～) held at Nippon Budokan, it was announced that AKB48 will hold a concert tour in the 5 major Domes of Japan title AKB48 2013 Manatsu no Dome Tour ~Madamada, Yara Nakyaikenai Koto ga Aru~ (AKB48 2013真夏のドームツアー ～まだまだ、やらなきゃいけないことがある～) .
The concerts will take place in Fukuoka, Sapporo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo between July and August.
Moreover, some important team changes have been announced. Sashihara Rino has also been promoted to HKT48 Theater manager in addition to her activities as a member.
Nogizaka46 announced the graduation of Ando Mikumo from the group.
Ando Mikumo, who will be 20 in May, decided to leave the unit to focus on her studies.
She will graduate on June 16 after the special event Anata Dake no Tame ni Message, Iwasete Kudasai! -Namagoe Rokuon Kai- (あなただけのためにメッセージ、言わせてくださいっ！-生声録音会-) which will be held in Tokyo.
Ando Mikumo joined Nogizaka46 in August 2011 as a 1st generation member.
Weather Girls’ 3rd single Koi no Love♥Sunshine (恋のラブ♥サンシャイン) will be released on June 5.
The single contains 2 songs and their instrumental versions.
The regular edition includes a trading card randomly selected from 8 kinds.
The limited edition comes with a DVD featuring the music video and other bonus footage. It also includes a trading card.
Check out the music video.
Tokyo Girls’ Style’s 12th single Unmei / Wonderful Smile (運命 / ワンダフル スマイル) will be released on June 5.
This is a double A-side single. It contains 3 songs and their instrumental versions.
Type A and B editions include a bonus a track and a DVD featuring a music video, its making-of, and special movies including a documentary on Tokyo Girls’ Style Live at Budokan 2012.
Unmei is the theme song for the TV show Music Dragon (ミュージックドラゴン) broadcast on Nippon Television (NTV)
Wonderful Smile is a collaboration song performed by Arai Hitomi and Matsushima Wanko. It is used for the Matsushima no Chikara Project (松島のちからプロジェクト). Matsushima Wanko (松島湾子) is the character representing the project.
Fudanjuku’s new single Shita wo Muite Kaerou / Rikishi-Man (下を向いて帰ろう / Rikishi-Man) will be released on May 15. This is a double A-side single.
The regular edition includes a bonus track and instrumental versions.
The limited editions come with a DVD featuring either the music video or making-of footage.
Shita wo Muite Kaerou will be used as the ending theme for the TV show Tokui to Goto to Uruwashi no Shelly ga Konya Kurabete Mimashita (下を向いて帰ろう) broadcast on Nippon Television (NTV).
Rikishi-Man has been chosen as the Japan Sumo Association (日本相撲協会) official song.
Juice=Juice’s 2nd indies single Samidare Bijo ga Samidareru (五月雨美女がさ乱れる) will be released on May 8.
The CD includes only the title song and its instrumental version.
Their 1st single Watashi ga Iu Mae ni Dakishimenakya ne (私が言う前に抱きしめなきゃね) is on sale since April 3.
Moreover, Juice=Juice will perform at the concert tour Hello! Project 2013 Summer Cool Hello! from July 27 to August 31.
Prizmmy☆’s new single Boy Meets Girl will be released on May 22.
The single includes a DVD featuring the music video, its “dance master” version, and bonus footage.
The title song is the opening theme for the anime series Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live (プリティーリズム・レインボーライブ).
Prizmmy☆ also perform the ending theme song for the anime, RainBow × RainBow, as Prism☆Box in collaboration with Prism☆Mates.
Watch out the music video.
Watanabe Miyuki will release her 1st DVD and Blu-ray Miru Neko (みるネコ) on July 2.
The DVD and the Blu-ray include making-of footage of her 1st photobook Mirugami (みる神), which was released on November 20, 2012, and other bonus videos for a total of 87 minutes.
Watanabe Miyuki is part of NMB48 Team N and a tempory member of AKB48 Team B.