In Real Life

For This Idol, Life Sounds More Like Rhythm Hell

Famous since the age of twelve, sugary sweet idol Ai Kago grew up in the limelight. By the time she turned 18, that light had dimmed. During the past few weeks, Kago’s been on television, first for Yakuza connections. The second reason is far more tragic: Ai Kago tried to kill herself.


November 6, 2010
In Real Life

Japanese Video Game Pop Star Called Out For Racism

Singer Reina Tanaka was never a lighting rod for controversy. The 20-year-old is a member of the popular girl group Morning Musume. She has her own anime and a spin-off mobile phone game. That is, until she and two fellow group members offended Koreans.


July 9, 2009
In Real Life

Rhythm Heaven Producer: Hey Americans, You Have Rhythm!

By day, music producer Tsunku writes Morning Musume songs. By night, he sleeps. Sometime in between he creates Rhythm Heaven games.


April 14, 2009
In Real Life

From Girly Idol Group To Hit Nintendo Game

Prolific Japanese music producer Mitsuo Terada (aka “Tsunku”) is best known for producing idol J poppppp group Morning Musume and helping to launch the career of singers like Aya Matsuura. He also created Rhythm Heaven.


In Real Life

Famitsu’s Latest Columnist Is…

Former Morning Musume singer Mari Yaguchi, apparently. The first of her “blog-like” serialised columns will appear in the issue going on sale May 1.