Kanjani Eight

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article or section has multiple issues. Please help improve the article or discuss these issues on the talk page. It does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve it by citing reliable sources. Tagged since September 2007. It may require general cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Tagged since February 2007.

Kanjani Eight
Origin	Kansai region, Japan
Genre(s)	Pop, enka
Years active	2004–present
Label(s)	Teichiku/Imperial Records
Members
You Yokoyama Subaru Shibutani Shingo Murakami Ryuhei Maruyama Shota Yasuda Ryo Nishikido Tadayoshi Okura Hiroki Uchi (suspended)

Kanjani Eight (関ジャニ∞, Kanjani Eito^?, or Kanjani∞) is a rising Japanese seven-man music and entertainment group hailing from the country's Kansai region. One of the many top idol units under the talent agency, Johnny & Associates, and signed to the record label, Teichiku^[1]. This group was formed in 2002 and made its CD debut in 2004 as 'Johnny's modern enka group'. While their releases continue to be classified under enka and consistently break enka-related sales records, they actually exhibit a diverse range of styles including pop, rock, ballad, blues, funk, jazz and even comedy – for example, Sukiyanen, Osaka, a trademark single, incorporates "konto" (comical skits) which are always ad-libbed.

Kanjani Eight project a strong image of being funny and loud – traits stereotypically connected with people from Kansai, or more specifically, Osaka (six members are from Osaka^[2]). In fact, 'Osaka' is a recurrent theme in many of their songs – Sukiyanen, Osaka proclaims their love for the city, while in ∞saka Obaachan Rock, they sing about Osaka older ladies/mothers. While fulfilling the Johnny's-idol prerequisites of being able to sing and dance, the individual members also exhibit a broad range of talents including speaking, hosting TV shows, song-writing, acting, playing musical instruments, and even Manzai.

Contents 1 Members 1.1 Former member 2 Sub-groups 3 History 3.1 Another, 2002[4] 3.2 NEWS 3.3 2004 – 2005 3.4 Hiroki Uchi 3.5 2006 3.6 2007 3.6.1 Tour 3.6.2 TV 3.6.3 Uchi 3.6.4 Music 3.6.5 Others 3.7 2008 3.7.1 Uchi 4 Discography 4.1 Albums 4.2 Singles 5 Filmography 5.1 Concert DVDs 6 Collaborations [24] 7 Concerts/Tours 8 Activities 8.1 Weekly Variety Shows 8.2 Weekly Radio Shows 8.3 TV Dramas 8.4 Stage 9 Other 9.1 CMs 9.2 Soundtrack 9.3 Photobook 9.4 Manga 10 References 11 External links

[edit] Members

• You Yokoyama
• Subaru Shibutani
• Shingo Murakami
• Ryuhei Maruyama
• Shota Yasuda
• Ryo Nishikido
• Tadayoshi Okura

[edit] Former member

• Hiroki Uchi

[edit] Sub-groups

Kanjani Eight has several sub-units within the group. Most came about organically as the members collaborated and meshed their talents together:

• V West ("five-west") – Uchi, Maruyama, Yasuda, Okura
  • Pre-existing band from their Jr days (more info under History)
• Manzai:
  • Yamada – Maruyama (boke), Yasuda (tsukkomi)
  • Matsubara kazuhiro – Shibutani (boke), Murakami (tsukkomi)
    • Both acts have been performing since their junior days, in concerts and TV shows like Shounen Club and Ya-Ya-yah TV show.
    • Murakami-Shibutani combo have also performed for Downtown (owarai) on Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ.
• Subaru Band – Shibutani (vocals, guitar, lyricist), Yasuda (guitar, composer), Maruyama (bass), Okura (drums)
  • The band performs during Kanjani Eight concerts, original songs penned by Shibutani and Yasuda: "ONE," "High Position," "Down Up↑"
  • "ONE" has been recorded into Kanjani Eight's first full-album, KJ1 F.T.O.
  • Subaru Band wants to compose more original songs and fulfill a dream of performing in 'live houses' one day
• Kanjimi3 (Kanjimi Three) /OhYamada – Yasuda, Maruyama, Okura
  • Due to their relative lack of participation on the show Mugendai no Gimon, they were teasingly dubbed Kanjimi3 ("jimi" – Japanese slang for plain) which was later 'switched' to OhYamada (an acronym for their names)
  • Coincidentally, the trio is also Kanjani Eight's core-band for their concerts
  • Song: "Ashita," "Monaco Blues"
    • Performed at 2005 Osaka-jo Hall 1st live, and 2005 X-mas Party, respectively

• SanKyoudai (three brothers) – You (Yokoyama), Chipa (Shota), Baru (Shibutani)
  • An acoustic music group.
  • You writes the lyrics and Chipa composes and plays the guitar accompaniment to the songs, which Baru sings.
  • Songs: "Purin," "Ame-chan," "Mikan," "Onigiri"
  • "Purin" and "Onigiri" have been released (as part of Kanjani Eight's first full-album, KJ1 F.T.O.).
• Kanjani Sentai Eight Rangers (関ジャニ戦隊∞レンジャー, Kanjani Sentai Eitorenjā^?)
  • Kanjani Eight's latest 'sub-group', akin to "Super Sentai"/"Power Rangers", they are Kanjani Eight's alter-ego who appear in the Kanjani Eight original musical-"konto" (comical skits) segments that are incorporated into all their concerts
  • First appearance was in Kanjani Eight Xmas Party 2005
  • Eight Ranger have their own introductory theme song
  • Each Ranger is referred to by the color of his costume:
    • "Black" – Yokoyama
    • "Red" – Shibutani
    • "Nasu" ("Nasu" = eggplant) for Purple – Murakami
    • "Orange" – Maruyama
    • "Blue" – Yasuda
    • "Yellow" – Nishikido
    • "Green" – Okura

• • According to the group, Yokoyama is generally responsible for writing the Eight Ranger "konto". However, ad-libs and impromptu script-revisions are mainstay features, keeping the "konto" fresh, and the audience entertained, each time. The members want to continue featuring Eight Ranger "konto" in all their concerts.

[edit] History

Most of Kanjani Eight entered Johnny's and became Kansai Johnny's Jrs around 1996–1997^[3]. They were part of the 'golden era' of Jrs. It was the height of popularity and activity for Johnny's Jrs, then led by top junior Hideaki Takizawa (Takki).

Among the big names of that era of Johnny's Jrs were four Kansai Johnny's Jrs (future Kanjani Eight members) in particular:

• Subaru Shibutani – He stood out for his impressive singing and intriguing persona. He rose straight to the top and, at his peak as a Jr., it was "Takki of the East (Kantō), Subaru of the West (Kansai)". He wrote the lyrics to many original songs that became his solos.
• You You Yokoyama – His comic talents (he was seen as a natural boke) and gift of the gab emerged early. He also received many acting jobs.
• Shingo Murakami – He too became popular with the Jr fans, with his likeable personality and a talent for speaking. His sharp follow-ups were developing into the 'tsukkomi' skills he is known for today.
• Ryo Nishikido – He was singled out early on for many singing opportunities showcasing his clear high-pitched voice. He became known as Ryo-chan ('chan' = little/kiddo) not least due to his prolonged tiny stature. It is a nickname that has endured to today.

Since work was mostly in Tokyo, they had to commute to and from there regularly. To facilitate a rising career, Shibutani moved to Tokyo. He was later followed by Yokoyama and Murakami.

A little after Hiroki Uchi entered Johnny & Associates in 1999, a new Kansai Jr unit was formed; a band called V West ("five-west"). The members were:

• Hiroki Uchi = vocals
• Shota Yasuda = guitar
• Ryuhei Maruyama = bass
• Kiyohito Mizuno = guitar
• Toru Imayama = drums

V West had a regular TV show, Weekly V West, shown on Kansai TV. The band was also popular enough to hold its own live concert. Toru Imayama and later, Kiyohito Mizuno, left V West, quitting Johnny's for other pursuits, before Kanjani Eight was formed.

Tadayoshi Okura, the 8th Kanjani Eight member, had actually been chosen to be a part of V West before its formation. His interest being in dancing and thinking that an instrument would tie him down, he declined the position, a move he would later regret. He was a member of Johnny's unit MAO for a while. Later, he got a second chance when Johnny Kitagawa wanted an 8th member to form Kanjani8 who could also be the drummer for V West. Not knowing how to drum but eager to try, Okura began intensive lessons a month prior to the formation of Kanjani Eight.

Circa 2001, Kansai Jrs suffered a period of neglect. Before they knew it, their activities had dwindled to a trickle. Shibutani, Yokoyama and Murakami returned to Osaka. It was a difficult period and future prospects seemed very dim. They got part-time jobs elsewhere. Shibutani later admitted to being lost, but it was also during this time that he managed to subsequently reaffirm his passion and calling for singing. In the same boat was Nishikido, who was once on the super-elite Johnny's course. Reflecting on his past faults, he regretted taking previous opportunities for granted. It seemed already too late. Still, they all persisted.

[edit] Another, 2002^[4]

Another is a stage play/musical the Kansai Jrs put on in the summer of 2002. Nishikido once said in a later interview that he had been contemplating quitting from Johnny's when Another came along, saving him from making a decision. The play that brought the Kansai Jrs back was a success. Since then, Kanjani Eight, supported by the Kansai Jrs, have put on a summer stage play every year until 2006. However, it would be two more years before they are finally able to sell out their shows.

Soon after Another, the top Kansai Jrs got to host their own TV show – Weekly V West was reborn as J³Kansai ("Jcube Kansai"). In December 2002, two big announcements were made on the show; they introduced Tadayoshi Okura and announced that he was to be the 8th member of a new official Johnnys's unit they were going to form – Kanjani8. The story the members like to tell goes this way; J³Kansai aired on Kansai TV's Channel 8 – the producers, thinking that having an eight member group on the show would be an interesting gimmick, relayed the idea to Johnny Kitagawa, and that was how Kanjani8 came to be.

The happy 'comeback' year ended resoundingly with a Christmas concert, another event Kanjani Eight will go on to hold at Osaka Shochiku-za Theater every year, until 2005.

[edit] NEWS

Although Kanjani Eight was still a new unit, the many years working together as Jrs as well as the bleak period of 2001, made them a tight-knit and ever more determined group. They were already developing bonds closer than most Johnny's units. Then, in 2003^[5] came the unexpected news, or rather NEWS. Without prior indication, two Kanjani Eight members Ryo Nishikido and Hiroki Uchi were suddenly called away to Tokyo to be part of this new Johnny's unit. Each member was naturally unsettled by this turn of events and worried about the future of Kanjani Eight. However, they accepted the change and the rest supported the pair who would now have to shuttle back and forth between two groups.

[edit] 2004 – 2005

While there was no shortage of work for the Kanjani8 boys now, their activities were still largely concentrated in the Kansai region. The Shochiku-za became somewhat of a 'home' venue. In the thousand-odd-capacity theater, they charmed their cozy audiences and built a loyal Kansai fanbase that would soon spread.

Kanjani8 were performing at the annual Yagura Dance Bon Odori festival event in Osaka-jo Hall for the first time in 2004 when Yokoyama and Murakami heard from Johnny Kitagawa that the group would debut, in the enka direction. The other members found out about it later from a newspaper article.

August 25, 2004 saw the Kansai-limited release of Kanjani8's debut single, Naniwa Iroha Bushi^[6]. The song was a hit and reached #8 on the Oricon singles chart on the strength of Kansai sales alone. Thus on September 22, 2004, Naniwa Iroha Bushi was released nationwide. It re-debuted on the Oricon weekly singles charts at #1 and became the first enka #1 single in seventeen years ^[7]. The nationwide release marked the official debut of this two year old unit, which was announced in a simple press conference on the rooftop of their record-company building, far-removed from the grand fanfare typically surrounding the debut of Johnny's groups.

Kanjani8 held their first Tokyo live, 'Kansha ni Eight in Tokyo' concert, on November 27, 2004^[8].

On December 15, 2004, Kanjani8 released their first mini-album Kansha ni Eight. Their Christmas concert that year was filmed and released as their first concert DVD (Excite!!) the following year.

In 2004, Kanjani8 also appeared in the musical DREAM BOY that starred Hideaki Takizawa and also featured KAT-TUN. The two groups headlined the musical in its subsequent runs in 2005 and 2006.

By 2005, the group had made big strides and were picking up more momentum. Their singles continued to make respectable sales despite the lack of publicity their stablemates enjoy as a matter of course. Osaka Rainy Blues, their second single was released on March 2, 2005 with first-week sales of more than 160,000 copies, debuting near the top of the Oricon charts.

On September 14, their third single, Sukiyanen!Osaka was released and debuted at #2 to Ayumi Hamasaki on the Oricon weekly chart^[9].

However, 2005 was a bittersweet year for Kanjani8. That summer, for the first time as a unit, the boys would finally hold a big arena concert – the Osaka-jo Hall Zenyasai . It was a definite milestone for this group that had become inseparable. But they had to do it with one member less.

[edit] Hiroki Uchi

On July 15, 2005 Hiroki Uchi was detained for public disorder under the influence of alcohol. Apparently he had been invited out to drink by an older Fuji TV presenter^[10]. Being eighteen and underaged for drinking at that time, he was promptly 'suspended from the public eye'.

Due to Johnny & Associates strict enforcement of Uchi's punishment, Yakusoku, a drama special starring all the members of Kanjani Eight together for the first time, was not aired on Kansai TV as scheduled, although filming had already ended.

Uchi was also starring as one of the main characters in "Ganbatte Ikimasshoi" at the time of the 'suspension'. He was only there for the first two episodes and was replaced by KAT-TUN's Junnosuke Taguchi for the remainder of the series^[11].

Although they were not allowed to even mention his name in public, Kanjani Eight managed to let Uchi, and the fans, know that they were always "waiting for him"; through veiled comments, 'coded' messages, album/singles' cover illustrations, and gestures like leaving a gap between two members during the group-bow at the end of concerts.

[edit] 2006

Kanjani Eight first full-album, KJ1 F.T.O. (Funky Town Osaka), was released on March 15, 2006. This album contained many new songs with a new, slicker feel and a poppier sound. Following that, the boys released another single, ∞saka Obachan Rock (with the long-awaited fan concert favorite, Osaka Romanesque on the B-side) on June 6. It debuted at #2 on the Oricon chart (losing out to B'z). In December, with their 5th single, Kanfuu Fighting, Kanjani Eight finally landed their first Oricon debut week #1 ranking.

2006 was a year of concerts for Kanjani Eight. They held their first ever concert tour during the spring; F.T.O.N. (Funky Tokyo Osaka Nagoya). It spawned "Heat Up!", a 3rd concert DVD as well as a tour extension. In the fall, they had their 1st Nationwide Tour , holding thirty-six shows in eleven cities. That was soon followed up by a 2nd Nationwide Tour in the winter (December 2 – 29) which featured sixteen shows in six cities.

Six members also held solo concerts in this year; Ryo Nishikido held his in January at Yokohama Arena and Osaka-jo Hall. Subaru Shibutani and Tadayoshi Okura held theirs together as 'Subaru Shibutani with Okura Band' in August with shows later added in September due to overwhelming response in ticket balloting. In December, Shota Yasuda, Ryuhei Maruyama, and Shingo Murakami held their respective solo concerts for three days each at the Osaka Shochiku-za Theater in the midst of Kanjani Eight's on-going 2nd nationwide concert tour. Ticket ballots for the solo concerts of the three members collectively came up to 900,000 while the Shochiku-za can only seat 1003.

Kanjani Eight's members, individually as well as collectively, have also acted in drama series, most notably Ryo Nishikido. Tadayoshi Okura made his acting debut in the drama special "Cinderella ni Naritai". Both You Yokoyama and Tadayoshi Okura starred in their own four part Gekidan Engimono series. Ryuhei Maruyama and Shota Yasuda co-starred in "Jitensha Shounen Ki", a J-dorama special

At the close of the year, Kanjani Eight members starred in Kansai TV Kanjani Eight Winter Break Drama Series that consisted of three separate J-dorama specials aired over three consecutive days

• "Dive to the Future" – Shingo Murakami, Shota Yasuda, Ryo Nishikido
• "Double" – Subaru Shibutani, Ryuhei Maruyama, Tadayoshi Okura, Shota Yasuda
• "Kemarishi" – You Yokoyama, Tadayoshi Okura, Ryo Nishikido

This drama series was released the following year in a special DVD box-set (with a bonus Making-of video) on August 15, 2007 that debuted at the top spot on the Oricon overall DVD chart – the first local drama box-set to reach #1, in six and a half years.

[edit] 2007

[edit] Tour

While nationwide activities in 2006 were keeping Kanjani Eight busy away from their home-ground, Osaka remained on their minds and the members regularly expressed their wishes to do something special for the fans back home. They were pleasantly surprised with the opportunity to do so when Johnny & Associates announced the "Eh?Honma?!Bikkuri!"("What! Really!? What a surprise!!") Kanjani Eight Dome Concert in OSAKA, their first dome concert. It was held in the 48,000 capacity Osaka Dome for two days on February 24–25, 2007. During the concert, Kanjani Eight thrilled their fans with more good news: the release of a new single and a new album, plus a major tour for 2007.

Kanjani Eight have embarked on their third nationwide tour, the Kanjani Eight Nationwide 47-Prefecture Eh!Honma!?Bikkuri!! Tour 2007. What was initially planned to be a 30-prefecture tour was expanded, at Kanjani Eight's request, to span all 47 prefectures of Japan; a first in the history of Johnny&Associates. The tour kicked off in Yokohama on May 3, 2007 and the group performed in venues of varying sizes, from the 1000-capacity venue in Yamanashi to the 55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome. Additional dates for Okinawa were added after the announcement of the tour. The tour had 113 shows all in all, with an estimated total attendance of 650,000. It is reportedly the biggest tour planned for 2007 of any act in Japan. The Tour ended with its last show in Okinawa on September 30, 2007.

[edit] TV

True to their promise in 2006, Kanjani Eight have had more TV appearances in 2007, starting with a regular spot in TV Asahi's program "Oishinsuke", hosted by top comedian Shinsuke Shimada, on which they rotated in pairs or alone. However, the show was canceled in September, and Shimada continued with a new one, titled "Megami no Antenna", with Shingo Murakami as a representative for Kanjani Eight. Since May 3, 2007, Ryuhei Maruyama has become a regular every Tuesday on Kansai TV's daily morning show "Tsuukai Everyday" on which he hosts his own corner, "Nanjani Kanjani".

In the drama scene, You Yokoyama appeared in Fuji TV's winter J-dorama series Haikei, Chichiue-sama, alongside friend Ninomiya Kazunari (Arashi) and earned favourable reviews. Ryo Nishikido starred in the a drama special spin-off of his 2005 drama Ichi Rittoru no Namida (One Litre of Tears). Ryuhei Maruyama acted in a drama special Wachigaiya Itosato~Onnatachi no Shinsengumi that aired on TBS in September starring Aya Ueto and Hideaki Ito.

Tadayoshi Okura appeared in the drama special remake of the classic Hissatsu Shigoto-nin, alongside his J&A seniors, Higashiyama Noriyuki (Shounen-tai) and Matsuoka Masahiro (Tokio). He also appeared in his first drama series that fall, Utahime starring his sempai, Tomoya Nagase (Tokio) , Saki Aibu and Ryuta Sato.

You Yokoyama is was one of the lead actors of the popular comic-turned-drama series Yukan Club alongside co-johnny's talents Akanishi Jin and Taguchi Junnosuke.

[edit] Uchi

After nearly two years of absence from the entertainment scene, Hiroki Uchi made his first public appearance since his suspension in July, acting in Shounen-tai's stage show Playzone. His return had been announced earlier in the year, as a 'trainee' (reportedly lower in level than a Johnny's Jr). Johnny & Associates have indicated in ambiguous terms that no activities are in place for Uchi after the play's run ends in September as yet nor is it likely that he will be returning to either his groups (Kanjani Eight and NEWS). In a speech written into the play, Uchi apologizes to the members of both his groups, and specifically thanked and apologized to Ryo Nishikido. He vowed to work hard to make amends and thanked everyone that had supported him for giving him a chance to be active again.

It was announced during Kanjani Eight's Tokyo Dome concert that a live DVD of the entire concert tour will be released by years-end. During the second encore of their second (and last) Tokyo Dome show on August 5, 2007, Ryo Nishikido pulled a surprise guest on to stage – Hiroki Uchi, who himself was shocked. Members and fans alike showered the suspended member with love, while Uchi made his way around the dome and expressed his apologies and thanks to the audience for their support.

[edit] Music

Their sixth single, Zukkoke Otokomichi was released on April 11 and debuted on the Oricon chart at #1, followed by the release of their second album KJ2 Zukkoke Daidassou on June 6, also debuting at the top spot.

Kanjani8 was one of the 16 artists and groups invited to be part of a tribute album in celebration of iconic Japanese composer, Ryoichi Hattori's 100th anniversary. They sang a funk-inspired remake of 'Kaimono Boogie'. The album was released October 17, 2007.

Released on the same day was their seventh single, It's My Soul, debuting at #1 on Orion's weekly chart.

Yokoyama You put on a Johnny Kitagawa-presented solo show at the Osaka Shochiku-za over 6 days (December 17 - 23) with a total of 11 shows.

[edit] Others

The group's 1st photobook, a picture-documentary of their 47-prefecture tour, was released on November 22, 2007. Hiroki Uchi appeared in it. And it turned out to be the best selling photobook of 2007 according to Oricon^[12].

A DVD of the tour's Tokyo Dome show (as well as footage from other prefectures), 47, was released December 12. It was named Best Music Video in Japan Gold Disc Award of 2008 ^[13].

[edit] 2008

Subaru Shibutani and Shingo Murakami put on a self-produced stage act in Tokyo and Osaka from January until February.

In February Shota Yasuda held his own self-produced solo stage show 818, where he played four different characters, along with writing the play and composing its theme song. Around the same period of time, Tadayoshi Okura got to star alongside his senior Koichi Domoto (from Kinki Kids) in the musical Shock.

In March, Yokoyama held the second part of his solo concert in Nagoya and Tokyo.

From April until May the group held their Spring Tour (Kanjani8 Live Tour 2008! 8 Da Yo! Zen-in Shugo!) starting in Yokohama and ending in Fukuoka. It was held in 4 arenas with more than 20 shows in all.

In April it was announced that they would hold a Summer Tour as well, entitled Kanjani8 Live Tour 2008 Natsu Da! Tsuua Da! Wahaha! (It's Summer! It's a tour! Wahaha!). The tour started in July in Tokyo Dome and went to 9 other venues, including Kyo Sera Dome Osaka, before ending in Nagano at the end of August.

Subaru Shibutani and Tadayoshi Okura announced that they will both hold solo concerts in the fall.

During Japan's Environment Awareness week, Kanjani8 acted as the ambassadors in Touch! eco 2008 For Tomorrow's Sake, 55 Challenges held by NTV^[14]. They not only went on to promote the campaign on TV throughout the week, but also co-hosted the 13hour live show at the end of the week, and participated in several of the challenges themselves^[15][16].

[edit] Uchi

It was announced on Jan. 3, 2008, that Hiroki Uchi will be making his return to the small screen with a lead role in a Fuji TV drama mini-series^[17]. Titled "Isshun no Kaze ni Nare," the show will air for four consecutive nights at 11:00pm, starting on February 25. Together Ryo Nishikido will also appear in the show as a guest.^[18] No official announcement has yet been made regarding Uchi's return to Kanjani Eight.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

Album Information	Copies Sold 1st Week	Year-end Sales
Kansha ni Eight (感謝＝∞?) Released: December 15, 2004 Debut mini-album , debuted at #5	72,308	121,864
KJ1 F·T·O Released: March 15, 2006 First Full Album , debuted at #2 F.T.O stands for Funky Town Osaka	161,985	214,317
KJ2 Zukkoke Daidassou Released: June 6, 2007 2nd Full Album , debuted at #1 Zukkoke Daidassou (ズッコケ大脱走?) means "Zukkoke THE GREAT ESCAPE" (alternative spelling used on album covers – Zuccoke) Limited Edition includes a short movie entitled "Zukkoke Otakara Panic"	211,805	252,288
PUZZLE[19][20] Release: April 15, 2009 3rd Full Album , debuted at #1[21] Certified Platinum[22] for shipment of 250,000 copies	212,058[23]	245,128

[edit] Singles

Single Information	Debut Week Sales	Year-end Sales
Naniwa Iroha Bushi (浪花いろは節?) 1st Single Released: Kansai region release – August 25, 2004 , debuted at #5 with 1st week sales of 37,892 Nationwide release – September 22, 2004 , debuted at #1 with 1st week sales of 85,487 Tracklist Naniwa Iroha Bushi Cool magic city Naniwa Iroha Bushi (Original Karaoke)	85,487	175,612
Osaka Rainy Blues (大阪レイニーブルース?) 2nd Single Released: March 2, 2005 , debuted at #4 Tracklist Osaka Rainy Blues Heavenly Psycho Osaka Rainy Blues (Original Karaoke)	62,010	112,297
Sukiyanen, Osaka/Oh! Enka/Mugendai (好きやねん、大阪。/桜援歌(Oh!ENKA)/無限大?) 3rd Single Released: September 14, 2005 , debuted at #2 Tracklist Sukiyanen, Osaka (好きやねん、大阪。) Oh! Enka (桜援歌) Mugendai (無限大) Sukiyanen, Osaka (original karaoke) Oh! Enka (original karaoke) (on regular edition)	163,155	248,684
Osaka Obachan Rock/Osaka Romanesque (∞SAKAおばちゃんROCK/大阪ロマネスク?) 4th Single Released: June 7, 2006 , debuted at #2 Tracklist Osaka Obachan ROCK Osaka Romanesque [single version] Itsuka, mata... (いつか、また…。?, on regular edition) Osaka Obachan ROCK (original karaoke) Osaka Romanesque [single version] (original karaoke)	170,257	203,032
Kanfuu Fighting (関風ファイティング?) 5th Single Released: December 13, 2006 , debuted at #1 Tracklist Kanfuu Fighting Propeller (プロ∞ペラ?) Samurai Blues (サムライブルース?) Mirai no Mukou e (未来の向こうへ?) Kanfuu Fighting (Karaoke)	264,183	342,718
Zukkoke Otokomichi (ズッコケ男道?) 6th Single[1] Released: April 11, 2007 , debuted at #1 Tracklist Zukkoke Otokomichi Ai ni Mukatte (愛に向かって?) Explosion Zukkoke Otokomichi (Karaoke)	196,733	239,415
It's My Soul (イッツ　マイ　ソウル?) 7th Single Released: October 17, 2007 , debuted at #1 Tracklist It's My Soul Ano kotoba ni (あの言葉に?) Yorimichi (ヨリミチ?) It's My Soul (Karaoke)	193,738	232,187
Wahaha (ワッハッハー?) 8th Single Released: March 12, 2008 , debuted at #1 Tracklist Wahaha Dare Yori Kimi ga Suki Dakara (誰よりキミが好きだから?) BJ Wahaha (Karaoke)	194,304	229,094
Musekinin Hero (無責任ヒーロー?) 9th Single Released: Oct 29, 2008 , debuted at #1 Tracklist Type A Limited Edition (Bonus DVD) Musekinin Hero Kemuri (ケムリ?) 8 o'clock 08 DVD Tracklist (Live @ Nagano Big Hat) FUKA-FUKA LOVE THE EARTH BJ Type B Limited Edition (Bonus DVD) Musekinin Hero FUKA-FUKA LOVE THE EARTH DVD Tracklist (Live @ Nagano Big Hat) Desire - Shibutani Subaru & Yasuda Shota Torn - Nishikido Ryo & Ohkura Tadayoshi Hoshii Mono wa (ホシイモノハ。?) - Maruyama Ryuhei & Murakami Shingo (on Piano) & Yokoyama You Regular Edition Musekinin Hero Michishirube (道標?) Musekinin Hero (Original Karaoke)	347,735	399,073

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Concert DVDs

DVD Cover	DVD Information	Concert Location	Copies Sold 1st Week	Year End Copies Sold
	Excite!! Released: March 29, 2005 Footage of X-mas Party 2004	Osaka Shochiku – za	43,000
	Spirits!! Released: November 23, 2005 Footage of the Osaka-jo Hall Zenyasai 1st Live – last show	Osaka-jo Hall	75,000	162,000
	Heat Up! Released: September 06, 2006 Footage of F.T.O.N. (Funky Town Osaka Nagoya – Kanjani8's 1st Tour) last show	Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo	107,000	150,547
	47（フォーティーセブン） Release: December 12, 2007 Footage of "E! Honma!? Bikkuri!! Tour 2007" filmed, August 5, 2007	Tokyo Dome, Tokyo	208,000	283,605

[edit] Collaborations ^[24]

Single

• "Secret Agent Man" by "Secret Agent" (February 23, 2000) - Higashiyama Noriyuki ft. Nishikido Ryo
• "鏡花水月 (Kyouka Suigetsu)" by "The SHIGOTONIN" (February 04, 2009) - Higashiyama Noriyuki, Matsuoka Masahiro, and Okura Tadayoshi for drama Hissatsu Shigotonin 2009

Album

• (服部良一~生誕100周年記念トリビュート・アルバム~^?) (October 17, 2007) - Performed track 3 (買い物ブギ^?).

DVD

• "Dream Boys 2006" (June 28, 2006) – Musical with KAT-TUN with 178,350 sold.

[edit] Concerts/Tours

• X-mas Party [Christmas concerts] (2002 – 2005) at Osaka Shochiku-za
• Osaka-jo Hall Zenyasai 1st live (Summer 2005)
• F.T.O.N. (Funky Tokyo Osaka Nagoya) 1st tour (Summer 2006)
• 1st Nationwide tour (Fall/Autumn 2006)
• 2nd Nationwide tour (Winter 2006)
• Kanjani Eight Dome Concert in OSAKA "Eh?Honma?!Bikkuri!"("What! Really!? What a surprise!!") (February 24–25, 2007) at Kyocera Dome Osaka
• Kanjani8 Nationwide 47 Prefecture Tour "Eh?Honma?!Bikkuri! Tour 2007" (May 3 to September 30, 2007)
• KANJANI∞ LIVE TOUR 2008! "8 Da Yo! Zenin Shugo!" (April 3 to May 18, 2008)
• KANJANI∞ LIVE TOUR 2008 "Natsu Da! Tsuua Da! Wahaha!" (It's Summer! It's a tour! Wahaha!) (July 6 to August 31, 2008)
• KANJANI∞ TOUR 2009 PUZZLE (May 10 to July 30, 2009)

[edit] Activities

[edit] Weekly Variety Shows

• Can!JANI(TV Asahi, 2008.10.04 – present)
• Ariehen Sekai (TV Tokyo, 2008.04.15 - present)
• Jani-Ben (Kansai TV, 2007.05.02 – present)
• -ended – Mucha Buri (TV Tokyo, 2007.04.03 – 2008.03.25)
• -ended – Oishinsuke (TV Asahi, 2007.04.23 – 2007.09.10)
• -ended – Honjani (Kansai TV & Fuji TV, 2003.06.10 – 2007.04.25)
• -ended – Suka J (TV Tokyo, 2005.10.04 – 2007.03.27)
• -ended – Mugendai no Gimon (TV Tokyo, 2005.04.05 – 2005.09.27)
• -ended – Urajani (TV Tokyo, 2004.04.06 – 2005.03.29)
• -ended – J³Kansai (Kansai TV, 2002.10.02 – 2003.03.26)

[edit] Weekly Radio Shows

• Kanjani Eight Yokoyama You – Murakami Shingo no Recomen! (JOQR 1134, Thursdays 22:00–01:00)
• Kikujani8 (MBS 1179, Saturdays 23:30–24:00)
• Murakami Shingo no Jyukan! Kanjani Tsushin (ABC 1008, Sundays 24:00–24:30)

[edit] TV Dramas

• Yakusoku (Kansai TV, production ended – Fall 2005; Screening undetermined)
• Dive to the Future (Kansai TV, 2006)
• Double (Kansai TV, 2006)
• Kemarishi (Kansai TV, 2006)
• Jitensha Shonenki Jitensha Shonenki (TV Tokyo, 2006)

[edit] Stage

• Summer Specials:
  • Another (2002)
  • Douton Boys (2003)
  • Summer Storm (2004)
  • Magical Summer (2005)
  • Another's Another (2006)
• Magical Musical Dream Boy (2004)
• Hey!Say!Dream Boy(2005)
• Dream Boys (2006)

[edit] Other

[edit] CMs

• Sukiyanen Instant Ramen
• Oronamin C (Nishikido Ryo & Okura Tadayoshi only)
• UFO Nissin Ramen
• U.F.O NEXT GENERATION
• TV Guide

[edit] Soundtrack

• "Mugendai" for Robots (film) OST (Japan release)
• "Oh! Enka" for Nintama Rantarou (Ending theme)
• "Ai ni Mukatte" (愛に向かって) for Nintama Rantarou (Ending theme)

[edit] Photobook

• Kanjani8 "E! Honma!? Bikkuri!! TOUR 2007 Close-up Document Photobook - release: November 22, 2007

[edit] Manga

• Honma ni Kanjani 8!! Volumes 1-3

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Teichiku official site
• Official Johnny & Associates site
• Johnny's J-Web Translations
• Japanese Wikipedia site

v • d • e Johnny & Associates Current Artists Arashi · Hey! Say! JUMP · Kanjani8 · KAT-TUN · KinKi Kids · Masahiko Kondo · Yuma Nakayama w/ B.I. Shadow · NEWS · Shonentai · SMAP · Tackey & Tsubasa · TOKIO · V6 Temporary Units J-Friends · Kitty GYM · MATCHY with QUESTION? · The Shigotonin · Shūji to Akira · Tegomass · Toraji・Haiji · Trio the Shakiin Trainees Johnny's Jr. Official Site: http://www.johnnys-net.jp/