Seiji of Guitar Wolf Interview
Category: Music

Screeching guitar. Screaming vocals. Manic jumps in leather pants while wearing sun glasses. Yes that can only mean one thing - its time to say hello to Seiji, the lead singer of Guitar Wolf. The band formed in 1987 with a style they describe as "Jett Rock 'n' Roll" in honor of the great Joan Jett herself. Their music is a combination of punk and rock and unconstrained energy.

On June 26, 2008 Seiji was kind enough to give a hysterically funny interview to J-Pop World.  Here is the direct link: Seiji Interview

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Unshin Interview

So what do you get when you take a talented singer/songwriter from Japan and match her with two musicians from the UK, two from Taiwan and another from Korea? You get the UK based group Unshin. While their music certainly has a Japanese spirit to it, Megumi Miyoshi, Henry Readhead, Thijs Hendricks, Sing Yeh, Yupo Chen and Tobee Paik each bring their own unique background and musical style to this highly unique musical ensemble.

They are currently finishing recording their debut album Waltz for Broken Dolls, which tells the story of a young girl growing up under the strict pressures of Japanese society while trying to stay on her own path and find herself as an individual.

On August 26, 2008 the members of Unshin were kind enough to give J-Pop World an interview. Check it our here.

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Sooners Interview
Category: Music

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Love etc. Interview
Category: Music

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BO-PEEP Interview
Category: Music

Fresh from their tour of the UK and about to launch their forth album "Sick Orange Television" its time to say hello to the Tokyo-based punk-rock group BO-PEEP. Composed of lead guitarist and singer Mika Yoshimura, bass player Junko Himei and drummer Ryoko Nakano these three girls from Fukuoka dish out a manic energy and mastery of the spine chilling scream that few in their audiences will ever forget. If you've ever wondered what genuine head banging Japanese female rockers look and sound like -- you're about to find out.

On June 2, 2008 the members of BO-PEEP were kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World.  Here is the direct link.

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Hiko Suzuki Interview
Category: Music

What do you get when you combine a silky, sexy voice with the fashion sense of Japan's Shibuya and Shinjuku districts? That would be the up and coming singer Hiko Suzuki. Hiko has been making a name for herself in Tokyo with her fast paced English songs and fashion packed music videos.

On May 27th, 2008 the rising star was kind enough to give J-Pop World an interview. Here is the direct link.

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Yoshida Brothers Interview

Where does East meet West and the past meet the future? That would be in the exotic and stirring music of the Yoshida Brothers. In the land of the rising sun, where so often technology is king, two young boys grew up not with guitars and electric synthesizers but with the venerable Shamisen, a traditional three-stringed instrument that traces its origins back to ancient China.

But don't let a mere three strings fool you. Under the accomplished prowess of brothers Ryoichiro and Kenichi the Shamisen has been propelled into the modern age, combining the best of Japan's musical past with the modern sensibilities for which their country is so well known. So take one step back in time and one into the future to say hello to the new masters of the Shamisen -- the Yoshida Brothers of Japan.

On May 15th, 2008 Ryoichiro and Kenichi Yoshida were kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World.  Here is the direct link.

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Petty Booka Interview

And now a riddle. Here is the recipe: Two fun loving Japanese women. 2 ukuleles. 2 cowgirl hats. One part Hawaiian music. One part country western. One part blue grass. Now swirl it all together with some Japanese charm and what do you get?

Petty Booka of course.

Petty Booka is the brainchild of Audrey Benten owner of the Benten record label. Audrey paired the original Petty and Booka together in 1995 with the Hawaiian themed group the Toconuts to record a cover of "Karma Chameleon." In 1996 they released Petty Booka's first album, "Toconut's Hawaii."

Since then the ukulele strumming duo has gone through many incarnations as it changed members, recorded albums and toured in both Japan and the US. Though they are now on the forth generation of "Petty" and "Booka," under Audrey's steadfast tutelage Petty Booka continues to charm their fans with fun, upbeat music infused with a distinctly Japanese version of the Aloha spirit.

On May 2, 2008 Petty, Booka and Audrey were kind enough to give J-Pop World an interview.  Here is the link to the full interview.

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The Moist Towelettes Interview

On May 1st, 2008 The Moist Towelettes were kind enough to give J-Pop World an interview.   Here is the direct link.

What do you get when you bring together two guys from Canada with two gals from Japan? You get the cute, funny and just a little bit scandalous creation known as The Moist Towelettes.

Composed of Yuko, Emi, Dave and Mike the group formed in Tokyo to create their own unique fusion of Japanese and Western music. Their signature songs include "Clap Your Hands" and "Shibuya Station."

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Gina Hiraizumi Interview

On April 28, 2008 Gina Hiraizumi was kind enough to give J-Pop World an interview. Here is the direct link.

Gina first achieved fame as an actress appearing on TV shows such as City Guys, Port Charles and Quintuplets. Her growing film credits include Day of Independence, Hot Spot and Only the Brave, where she played alongside Jason Scott Lee and Tamlyn Tomita. But in 2005 the rising star decided to surprise everyone by taking a break from Hollywood to attend New York's Juilliard School to pursue her dream of a singing career.

With a third generation Japanese-American father and a mother from Japan, Gina grew up in a bilingual California home with a love for both countries. In keeping with her multicultural roots her debut single "Unmei no Ai" was recorded and will be released first in Japan with a full album in the works for later this year.

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