Let's Speculate ... The next volleyball unit debut.

I actually tried to post this yesterday but I've been rather busy this weekend so I didn't get far before I had to leave it to do other things. But as you can see this is a massive post, hence why I'm actually using a jump break for it, so I hope you guys don't mind the wait.

First off I think I need to make sure everyone knows what I'm talking about when I talk about debut. I've thought about it for a while now and finally figured an easy way to title the two different CD debuts Johnny's can have. The CD debuts that are only for a single CD, such as Shuuji to Akira, Ya-Ya-Yah, GYM, Snow Prince Gasshoudan, etc..., are what I like to call one-shot debuts, as you don't get follow up CD releases by these groups and their status (as in the groups they were originally in or not moving up from being a Junior) doesn't change. The next debut type is what I've come to call career debuts. These debuts are for groups and solo acts that release a CD with the plan to continue releasing CDs as a group or solo act, the most recent to have done this are Akanishi Jin and of course Kis-My-Ft2. And of course with a career debut there is a status change as there are group changes most of the time and these groups/soloists are no longer considered Juniors.

The only exceptions I can think of to those are J-Friends, which was meant to be a temporary group to raise charity money, and NYC as despite releasing more than one single Nakayama Yuma hasn't had a status change and is still a Junior. Just about every other group I think fits neatly into the one-shot debut or career debut categories.

The volleyball unit debut I'm talking about in this post is for a career debut so when I'm talking about debuting for the rest of the post it's this kind of debut I'm talking about.

I do honestly think that we are indeed going to have another debut this year as if you've looked at the debut years between the volleyball debut groups (V6, Arashi, NEWS and Hey! Say! JUMP) there are four years between each one. 2011 will be four years after Hey! Say! JUMP's debut which means we're due for the next volleyball debut unit. And I think the image and target age group between Kis-My-Ft2 and a volleyball debut unit (as they all start off with a youthful and fresh image) are different enough that it won't be that much of an issue having only about six months between debut singles.


Before going to the lists there is one Junior that I'm not sure where to place because it's so hard to figure out what's going on with him. That of course is Nakayama Yuma. He's had a one-shot debut with Nakayama Yuma w/ B.I. Shadow & NYC boys, then what looks like a career debut with NYC but he's still listed as a Junior by Johnny's. So it's hard to figure out what his debut chances are when technically he already has a career debut with NYC. I think though if Johnny's plans on having him debut with another group though it's bound to be the upcoming volleyball group. I say this because he would be a shoe-in to be lead as he has easily the most experience of the Juniors for being in active groups and as lead already. And unlike NYC he won't be easily overshadowed by fellow members, at least for a while, as he would be the most well known of the group.

Most Likely to Debut

This list are for the few that seem like they would be no brainers to be debuted based on how Johnny's has promoted then, such as how much time they get on Shounen Club, acting roles in movies and dramas and part of the regular cast of shows.


Morimoto Shintaro

I will be shocked, completely and utterly, if Morimoto Shintaro does not debut with the next group. Between numerous drama and stage roles, starring in a movie, being a regular on a variety program and even already having a one-shot debut he has to be one of the better known Juniors right now. And because of all the promotion he has a good deal of experience in talking to press and the like so he would be a perfect front boy for a new group.

Nakajima Kento

Johnny's seemed to know exactly what they have with Nakaken, as I know I am one of many fans that saw his star potential the moment he was given just a few moments of screen time on Shounen Club. He just has a natural star quality that is perfect for an idol to have. Johnny's has done well by making sure he has gotten drama roles, even if they're just part of the supporting cast. He, as well as the rest of B.I. Shadow, also had the help of having a one-shot debut making them rather well known for Juniors. And as they are almost always present at Hey! Say! JUMP concerts they get a good deal of exposure that way too.

Sanada Yuma

I think Sanada may be more a mix of this category and the next. I think it would be smart for Johnny's to debut him and they seem to have shown signs that he's well in the running. I say this as he's been promoted outside of Mis Snow Man several times, I clearly remember a recent Shounen Club episode that Mis Snow Man was there but Sanada mostly sung with other Juniors than with them. And of course when he is performing with Mis Snow Man he is one of the front boys and main vocals so he gets a good amount of screen time. He's a regular on two different TV programs and the only Johnny's that acted in Kinpachi-sensei's last full season to still be with the agency. And I have a feeling that the upcoming MSM movie is going to have him front and center for most of it. Even if he isn't a surefire candidate for the next debut he's bound to be one of the leading candidates.


Leading Candidates for Debut

These are the Juniors that I can see being chosen for debut but wouldn't be placing any bets on just yet.

Hashimoto Ryosuke

I really do think Hasshi stands a good chance at debut. He's the right age and he's worked so hard in the past few years with A.B.C.-Z. The Hasshi from before that seemed too shy to say much of anything when talked to on stage has completely disappeared and he seems comfortable no matter where he is. As a member of A.B.C.-Z he has had ample opportunity to perform with them, whether it be back dancing, in musicals or on Shounen Club. In fact very few Junior groups get the amount of chances to perform as A.B.C.-Z and Kis-My-Ft2 and as one of the lead vocals of A.B.C.-Z it also means a lot of screen time. The only thing that makes me stop from putting him up in the other grouping is that he does lack exposure in things like dramas and TV programs. But I honestly think Johnny's would be wasting a great talent by not debuting him.

Kikuchi Fuma

Where Nakaken goes Fuma is usually there with him so I would think he would at least be a strong candidate for debuting next. It also helps that he's lead vocals with Nakaken for B.I. Shadow so he gets a good amount of screen time. As one of the original BIS members he's had his chance at acting and like the rest of the current BIS members he has the advantage of the popularity boost from a one-shot debut on his side. He may not be the natural Nakaken is but I think he has a great deal of potential.


Nozawa Yuki

Nozawa is much like Fuma but instead being Sanada's near constant companion. This has helped him in that he is a regular on a TV program with Sanada. And then there's the fact he's the other lead vocal for Mis Snow Man. I'm sure he'll also get a sizable role in the upcoming MSM film. I think he's another Junior that shows promise but needs the right opportunities to keep improving himself with.

Koichi Yuugo

With being a regular on a TV program and a one-shot debut with the rest of B.I. Shadow I think Yuugo actually has a good chance of being picked for debut. I would have never thought in the first few months since his joining Johnny's but recently he seems to have really come out of his shell and actually gotten comfortable on stage. I think Fuma has a better shot than Yuugo does for debut but I wouldn't be surprised to see him selected as well.

Otsuka Yuya

Otsuka gets on this list because after all this group is going to be about youth so there's bound to be a good chance young Johnny's like him to be selected. It also helps that he's been grouped with Morimoto Shintaro before Snow Prince Gasshoudan was even formed so out of the younger Juniors he's one of the more recognizable. He also tends to get selected when they want to do something with the Juniors that include the younger group so he does get a decent amount of promotion through that.

Tanaka Juri

Honestly I wasn't sure if I should have put him on this list but I think for the younger Juniors he probably has a good chance if just for the fact he is Tanaka Koki's younger brother. He has been given quite a bit of attention because of this so he's probably one of the better known young Juniors from this. I honestly would want Johnny's to wait a while before debuting him as I feel he still needs more time and experience before I would think him to be debut ready.


Others I Would Like to See Debut

Kyomoto Taiga

I really wanted to put him in the category above but I just don't think there's been enough focus on him recently to warrant it. I would love to have him debut though as he has a great voice and seems to promising. It's just frustrating that he's one of the un-grouped Juniors, as he really only gets to be a part of medleys, and while he's usually always lead vocal for them it's just such a short time before he has to move aside for the next group to do their part of the medley. I just hope Johnny's aren't forgetting him and he does have a good shot at debuting and soon.

Shigeoka Daiki

I feel bad that I can't figure out how to gauge the Kansai Juniors well when it comes to debut possibilities. The only exception is of course Nakayama Yuma but even with him there are issues. What I do know though is that I've come to like Shigeoka from 7WEST and would love to see him debut. He comes off as being likable with a natural charisma and he's really the Kansai Junior that stands out the most to me right now. (Excluding Yuma of course.)

Anyone else from 7WEST

I want a Kansai Junior to be a part of this upcoming group that hasn't debuted before. And while Shigeoka is my top choice and I'll be sad if he doesn't debut I'd still be happy if any of his group mates get to debut instead. This group seems to easily be one of the most popular Kansai Junior groups and I think they all show promise if Johnny's gives them the chance and has them debut. And if they don't debut any of them with the new volleyball group then there better be plans for the next Kanjani8 in the works or I shall rage.

Anderson Casey

Casey probably seems like an odd choice but I don't care, I like him. He's been a regular mic holding Junior on Shounen Club for a while and there's just something about him I really like. I haven't quite placed what that something is but I do feel he's worked hard and long and I would like to see him succeed because of that. Of course right now I'd just be happy to hear him sing a few solo lines here and there on Shounen Club so I know this is mainly wishful thinking. But this list is for who I want to see debuted and he's definitely on that list.

Matsumura Hakuto

I place Hakuto down here because as much as I am his fan I don't think he has the same chance as his fellow BIS members do at being chosen for debuting at this time. He hasn't been given all the chances his group members have to be showcased and seems to have a more reserved personality so without those chances it's probably hard for him to get noticed. But I don't think that if he doesn't debut this time around it's over for him because he is one of the younger members of BIS so he probably has enough time that if he stays with it and works hard enough he'll get another chance. Though I really would not mind being proven wrong and have him debut sooner rather than later.


Though despite all my speculation and wishes I doubt I'm completely spot on with everything. I'm sure I've forgotten some Juniors that should be on the Leading Candidates list, partly because I'm not familiar with each Junior. I feel other members of Mis Snow Man and more of the younger Juniors or the un-grouped probably do have decent chances as well but I just don't know them well enough to give much more explanation outside of them being the right age and possibly being popular enough with either fans or management to be considered. Then there's always the fact that Johnny's tends to throw in a Junior that is new to the agency in these groups.

One thing to note from watching past Shounen Club episodes I think paying attention to who gets spotlighted in the September episodes tend to hint towards possible Juniors that will be selected. Which makes sense as that's bound to be the Shounen Club episodes right before they announce the new group. So I may do an updated version of this when that time comes.

But one thing is for sure, unless the next group has twenty members of something I'm going to be heartbroken over favorites not making it. As much as I look forward to this debut I'm dreading it as well.

Kanjani8 8uppers concert tour DVD release

Kanjani8 is releasing one of their Tokyo Dome performances on DVD and even Blu-Ray. The DVD versions have two versions, a regular edition and a limited edition. The limited edition comes with bonus backstage footage and more. The Blu-Ray release only has one edition and it has exactly the same thing that the regular edition of the DVD release has, though all on one disc instead of the two the DVD has. They all have the street date of March 30th.


KANJANI8 LIVE TOUR 2010-2011 8UPPERS [Regular Edition] / KANJANI8

KANJANI8 LIVE TOUR 2010-2011 8UPPERS [Limited Edition] / KANJANI8

KANJANI8 LIVE TOUR 2010-2011 8UPPERS [Blu-ray] / KANJANI8

I do admit I'm rather jealous that Kanjani8 fans will be getting to see their boys in Hi-def with this release. Especially since Blu-Ray has less regions and because of that Japan and North America are within the same region block for Blu-Ray so if you have a North American Blu-Ray player you're able to play Japanaese Blu-Ray discs. So I hope Johnny's will make it a habit to release more of their concerts onto Blu-Ray.

Yamapi collaborates & Mis Snow Man get hot

A couple of new news items. The first is that Yamashita Tomohisa will be collaborating with female pop star Amuro Namie for a song on her upcoming collaboration album, Checkmate! The song is titled UNUSUAL and will have a PV for the DVD version of the release, though it's unknown if Yamapi will be in the PV. The album will be released on March 23rd.

Tokyo Graph article. (English)


Then in Junior news it has been confirmed that Mis Snow Man will be starring in a movie together. The film is titled HOT SNOW and will have a limited theater run in Japan beginning March 26th.

What is known about the film is that the plot revolves around a group of four dancers that somehow go back in time by 25 years and find another group of four dancers that they befriend.

Tokyo Graph article. (English)

Honestly I have to just laugh at the plot and assume it's one of those films that will mostly enjoyed by fans of the people in it. I rather hope it manages to get a DVD release eventually though as I am one of those people and it could possibly one of those 'it's so bad it's good' movies. If not then at least it'll be nice eye candy.

Kis-My-Ft2 debut thoughts.

As promised here's my more in depth post about Kis-My-Ft2's debut announcement.

Even days after I still get a smile on my face when I think about it and watching the videos Johnny's has put up on Johnny's net about the announcement still get me a bit teary-eyed. I realize that I'm really lucky that I ended up as a big than of Kis-My-Ft2. As I was around for the Hey! Say! JUMP debut I know that this kind of debut isn't something that being a popular Junior group will insure. They could have always been broken up with some members going to a new group to debut or be stuck as back dancers for the rest of their careers with Johnny's. But Johnny's thankfully saw the potential fans like me always believed they had and chose them to debut.

And not only will they be debuting but Johnny's has set them up to be working hard this year with what looks like non-stop activities all through spring and summer.

First up Kitayama Hirosuke and Fujigaya Taisuke will be heading overseas to attend the Pattaya International Music Festival on March 18th. I can only assume they received an invitation because of their roles in Misaki No.1, much like like how Takaki Yuya with B.A.D. were invited to Hong Kong because of their roles in Gokusen 3.

Next up is for the other five, Yokoo Wataru, Senga Kento, Tamamori Yuta and Nikaido Takashi, they will be in Takazawa Kabuki, which runs from April 8th to May 8th. As they do that Kitayama and Fujigaya will have joint concerts at Crea threater from May 7th to May 10th.

Then in the summer they will tour once more as a full group on what will be their fourth nation wide tour but their first as a debuted group. And that is the last known event they are signed up to do this year.

Overall it's a pretty exciting time to be a Kis-My-Ft2 fan, especially when they also begin promoting their debut single which should get them on many TV programs.

Though of course there are those that aren't happy with Kisumai's debut and I can't help but think many are unnecessarily bitter about the whole thing. I've seen many excuses why this debut is 'ridiculous' but I don't think they hold as much weight as those espousing them. Some though I think are understandable but there isn't much that can be done by us fans.

Those fans of other older Junior groups, such as A.B.C.-Z and Question?, and Kansai Juniors I can feel sympathetic with. All of them have probably worked just as hard as Kisumai but in the end Kisumai just had the luck to be able to be given the chances they had to help gain enough popularity to be selected for debut. And as much as I do like A.B.C.-Z and Question? I don't think they will be debuting, which does seem like a complete pity as they are talented enough. As for the Kansai Juniors, not only are there some really talented boys and it feels like they've been massively overlooked. With this debut it's three groups (if you don't count NYC as Nakayama Yuma is still considered a Junior) without a Kansai Junior as a member. I really hope that the next group that debuts will fix this and will have at least one Kansai Junior, though I would rather see about two debut. If not then I will happily join with the rage about having the Kansai Juniors snubbed once again.

The next excuse is that it isn't smart to have a KAT-TUN ver. 2 debut because KAT-TUN is still around. Honestly while Kis-My-Ft2 is similar to KAT-TUN with their sound and look I wouldn't say they are exactly the same and can only appeal to the same fans. I mean if Johnny's can debut a group every four years around the same image (the volleyball debut groups) then I can't see why after five years they can't debut a group with a similar image and sound.

And as I mentioned before just because two groups are similar doesn't mean they're going to have the same fans, especially when there is an age difference between the two groups. The three older members of Kisumai may be around the ages of KAT-TUN but the other four members have a good age gap and are around the Hey! Say! BEST members' ages and will be bound to attract a younger group of fans compared to KAT-TUN's. Also with Kitayama and Fujigaya in a school drama it's another sign that Johnny's knows that they way to make Kisumai work while having KAT-TUN is to go for a younger age group to gain fans instead of trying to rely on the same age group for fans.

Plus it makes no sense to believe that if you're a fan of one group you'll be a fan of the other. I'm not a big KAT-TUN fan, just really like two members of the group, but I completely love all of Kis-My-Ft2. I'm sure I'm not the only one that prefers one group over the other so thinking that Kisumai will fail because of the existence of KAT-TUN just seems like flimsy reasoning to me.

And now with that out of the way I want to address some of my own ideas about this debut. First off is that I find it actually rather exciting that they won't be under one of Johnny's in house music labels but rather with Avex Trax like fellow Johnny's groups, V6 and Tackey & Tsubasa. Avex is one of the largest music companies in Japan and Asia, and it's the label Johnny's goes through for releasing their music and DVDs in Asia. So having Kisumai on the label could make it easier for Kisumai to expand into the Asian markets which would fit in with Johnny's recent push to make their groups more international.

Also like many media companies Avex has a hand in just about everything media related so it could allow Kis-My-Ft2 to have more opportunities for things like tie-ins and promotions that they would not have if they were with a in house music label.

And I will confess that ever since they performed Kaizoku for the first time it's been a secret dream of mine that they would somehow be able to sing a theme song for the anime series One Piece. This series is one of the many that Avex helps produce so usually the TV theme songs are sung by Avex artists, which has included Tackey & Tsubasa. And One Piece is one of my all time favorite manga/anime series and from all the sales records the manga has been breaking recently it's Japan's too. So it's been making me a bit giddy at the idea that my dream is one step closer to becoming true, especially since it was such a whimsical one. But if it happens do expect me to spazz like a complete dork about it . XD

So I think having them with Avex Trax was a smart move by Johnny's. They can continue to strengthen their ties to Avex as well as give their newest group opportunities that only an artist on an Avex label can have.

I hope that since we've already gotten a release announcement for something coming out in May (Jin's concert DVD) that we won't have to wait much longer to get some more news about Kis-My-Ft2's debut single.

Akanishi Jin concert DVD release

Meant to write my Kis-My-Ft2 debut thoughts post yesterday but found myself sidetracked then forgot about and went to bed. I will make sure I don't forget today and will aim to have it done by tonight. Until then Johnny's net has two new Kis-My-Ft2 videos that I recommend watching (as one is footage of them learning about their debut) as well as some new release news, but for another Johnnys.


Akanishi Jin is releasing his recent solo tour on DVD on May 4th . All three versions come with a first press release bonus of a tour pass replica. The first LE version comes with a bonus second disc that has digest footage from his U.S. leg of this tour and the other LE comes with a photo book.

Yellow Gold Tour 3011 [Regular Edition] / Jin Akanishi

Yellow Gold Tour 3011 [2DVD / Limited Edition Type-A] / Jin Akanishi

Yellow Gold Tour 3011 [w/ photo book, Limited Edition / Type B] / Jin Akanishi

Also another bit of news for Jin is that for his upcoming U.S. debut single he will be collaborating with U.S. artist Jason Derulo.

Tokyo Graph article. (English)

Hey! Say! JUMP take over hosting Shounen Club.

From the Shounen Club program information on NHK's website Koyama Keiichiro and Nakamaru Yuichi will no longer be hosting the program. Hey! Say! JUMP are listed as the hosts starting with the April episodes that shall be filmed in March.

NHK Shounen Club program information. (Japanese)

I have nothing against Koyama and Nakamaru but I'm glad to see them finally leave. They've been hosts for years so I think it's time the torch was passed and with Hey! Say! JUMP being supporters for the past year (even if it was mainly just Takaki, Arioka and Nakajima) it makes sense for them to hold that position.

Before I came to post the news though I read several reactions to the news and found myself being annoyed by some of the attitudes. The biggest complaints seem to be that HSJ aren't good enough MCs to do this or are too young.

For the first complaint I don't think those people have given HSJ much of a try. From what I've seen Arioka has come to be someone who is quite comfortable talking with the mic and doing MCing. Takaki and Nakajima aren't bad either and with more experience I believe they will do well. And if being a good MC was an actual requirement for the job then most of the past MCs for Shounen Club would have never been selected. Most start out awkward and only get better with time.

The second complaint annoys me more because I can't see HSJ as a group of kids anymore. I mean by the end of this year all but one will be 18 years old or older so it's ridiculous to think they're children still. The group has been around for over three years now and I refuse to think those years gave them no experience, especially since they tend to do three concert tours every year, which means plenty of times to do MCs.

I can understand being upset of having Koyama and Nakamaru leave if you were a fan, I kinda am as they have become really good at what they do, but I think you should just admit that's what your problem is and not making up excuses to why you believe HSJ will be bad.

A couple small pieces of news.

I've been wanting to make a big post putting down all my thoughts about Kis-My-Ft2's debut but I'm making myself wait a bit longer in hopes I won't miss something and feel the need to write another. So until then I'll post the couple pieces of news I had planned on sharing yesterday but got forgotten in my excitement.


First off, Arashi continues to break records. This time they have become the only Japanese music artist to have sold over 4 million music DVDs according to Oricon's charts. They are almost 2 million copies in front of the next biggest seller, Morning Musume.

Oricon article. (Japanese)


Also in recent news it's been learned that Kato Shigeaki will be in a drama SP that will air on March 7th titled, New – Jidan Koshonin Ura-file. He will be playing the role of an insurance company worker.

Momoedgewood Mediawatch. (English)