#Showbiz: AKB48’s secret of staying relevant
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel #Showbiz: AKB48’s secret of staying relevant Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo BEFORE K-Pop groups took over the world, there was J-Pop. Japanese pop groups like Arashi, Exile and Hey! Say! Jump have had a huge influence on teens over the years, thanks to the members’ charming personalities and exciting music. But the most iconic of them all is girl group AKB48, one of Japan’s biggest-selling musical acts with numerous chart-topping hits, commercial deals and world tours. It owes its resounding success perhaps to its unique concept of “idols you can meet”, where the members perform live on a rotational basis, simultaneously, at various events. Instead of appearing occasionally on TV and concerts, the music phenomenon also has its own performing theatre, thus making the band more accessible to fans. The rotations are made possible with a large band member base. And no, AKB48 doesn’t have just five or seven members, like most idol groups. As of December last year, the group boasts a whopping 134 members! You’re probably wondering how they can all be on a stage together. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 This number actually includes AKB48’s “sister groups”; additional teams of girls were formed in locations across Japan, as well as other major Asian cities. So in Japan, you have the main group AKB48, hailing from Akihabara. Then there are SKE48 (from Sakae), NMB48 (Namba), HKT48 (Hakata), NGT48 (Niigata) and STU48 (Setouchi region). In 2011, AKB48 expanded its wings outside of Japan by forming JKT48, a group based in Jakarta and featuring Indonesian members. Following that were AKB48 Team SH (based in Shanghai, China); AKB48 Team TP (Taipei), BNK48 and CGM48 (Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand, respectively); MNL48 (Manila, the Philippines); and SGO48 (Saigon, Vietnam). Set to debut are MUB48 and DEL48, from Mumbai and Delhi, India. Basically, they are everywhere! MUSIC UNITES Besides releasing their own singles, the sister groups also perform some of AKB48’s singles as well as their local-language versions. In an interview with the Malaysian press, AKB48 member Mion Mukaichi said it’s an awesome feeling to know that they have teams all over the region. “Earlier this year, we held a huge concert in Thailand where AKB48 and the entire sister groups performed together for the first time. We saw and felt the power of music, how it is able to unite people of diverse cultures,” she says. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Another member, Nana Okada, recalled her experience being part of an AKB48 concert in Jakarta featuring JKT48. “It was the first time AKB48 worked closely with its sister group, so it was extremely exciting. The local fans were beyond supportive, I’ll never forget that momentous event,” said Okada. Added Mukaichi, “Even though we were from different parts of Asia, we were singing the same songs together.” Unlike conventional groups that disband or have their members retire, AKB48 also employs a unique strategy that enables its power and influence to live on for years since inception in 2005. Older members are allowed to “graduate” from the group and their spots will then be filled by existing trainees who are promoted. This way, the AKB48 family will continuously grow and run across several generations. One of the younger members, Yui Oguri admitted to feeling the pressure of carrying the AKB48 name and preserving her seniors’ legacy. “At the same time, it’s exciting to come out with a fresh image that resonates with the current crowd. “Whatever we do though, we will be sure to pass on our seniors’ teachings to our own juniors.” Although the status between seniors and juniors is clear, the line blurs whenever the girls meet up. “We’re all really close and there are always new fun topics to discuss,” Oguri said. “Even though we’re colleagues, our seniors are like our big sisters. We look up to them career-wise, and they’re always willing to help out if we need guidance in any way.” DIFFERENT FANS, DIFFERENT REACTIONS Oguri, Okada, Mukaichi and three other AKB48 girls — Megu Taniguchi, Rin Okabe and Nagisa Sakaguchi — were in town last week for a performance. They were the headliners for Japan Expo Malaysia 2019 held at Pavilion KL. Presented by G-Yu Creative Co Ltd and Siam Connection, it also featured performances by 19 acts, including Banzai Japan, DJ Hello Kitty, Sorgenti and Win = W1n. Since this is the first time AKB48 has made it to Malaysian shores, local fans accordingly welcomed the six members with banners and loud cheers. “It was very heartwarming! The night view here is stunning, and the food is great. We’re very happy to be here,” Mukaichi exclaimed. The girls were also thrilled and surprised (“Ehhh?! Sugoi [amazing]!”) to learn that Pavilion KL has a Tokyo Street. The section of the mall features shops selling Japanese-related products and services. “Japanese people love every aspect of their culture,” says Mukaichi. “We love our country, so to know that other people also love it as much as we do, that’s an incredible feeling.” Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
10 musical acts you shouldn’t miss out on at Japan Expo Paris 2023
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel 10 musical acts you shouldn’t miss out on at Japan Expo Paris 2023 Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo It is almost time for another edition of Japan Expo Paris and that means we will highlight a selection of musical artists that we think you should not miss out on. Just like every year, many artists will again take to the various stages of the French event, which is scheduled to take place from 13 July to 16 July at Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, so be sure to check out the Japan Expo Paris website to inspire yourself and, above all, to start scheduling as it promises to be a packed event. Here is our list of recommendations. Wings of Artemis Inspired by Greek mythology, idol group Wings of Artemis made their stage debut in November 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. With the mission to bring love, courage and friendship to this world full of chaos, they have released several singles and a full-length album. The group will have several showcases and signing sessions during Japan Expo Paris, plus there is a fan meeting scheduled on 13 July and a 45-minute concert where they will share the stage with BANZAI JAPAN, and U&Pia on the last day of Japan Expo. Yuzu Natsumi & Ikumi Togawa Thinking about classical Japanese music, one of the first things that comes to mind for many is the string instrument called shamisen. And if that applies to you too it might be a nice experience to see Yuzu Natsumi perform live on that very instrument. While watching the show you can experience some wonderful traditional dance performed by Ikumi Togawa and those pair very well together. If you want to experience Japanese culture from a different angle check them out! Yukka Yukka is no unknown name, she has been highlighted several times on AVO Magazine. After the possibility to perform in the United States and the United Kingdom, singer-songwriter Yukka finally got the chance to go to France to perform at Japan Expo Paris. The musician is a self-producing multi-talented musician and is known for doing street performances. During the 2023 edition of Japan Expo Paris, she will give several showcases, join a game show and will also have a couple of signing sessions throughout the event. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 Vicke Blanka Chances are his name won’t be unfamilair to you, having made a popular opening song to Black Clover. Smooth deep notes with catchy high parts in the chorus to get you energized & a nice instrumental with band instruments, an electronic beat and/or keys. He has a variety of different songs with various different vibes and some of them also feature French language which makes him a uniquely good fit for an event like Japan Expo Paris. This multi-talented musician does it all, so one thing you can be sure off is that you will have a great time when you stop by. Check out his show on the Friday afternoon and if you would like to see more of his other sides check out if he is just as talented in the kitchen with cooking youtuber Gastronogeek on Saturday morning. U&Pia This year, Japan Expo Paris has invited several idol groups to perform, including dance and vocal boyband U&Pia. This self-produced group links Japanese pop and Korean pop, coming up with and performing everything themselves from concepts, songs, costumes to marketing. Last December, the group made their debut and have grown from five group members to seven. They will have several showscases and signing sessions, including a performance where they share the stage with Wings of Artemis and BANZAI JAPAN. Sakurazaka46 One of the great parts of seeing an Idol group perform is seeing how in sync they perform. And in several of their performance videos you can see that they have nailed this (for example the live performance of Dead end). Aside from that all the members look really cute and they have the dance moves to match. And if that’s something you like seeing Sakurazaka46, until 2020 active under the name Keyakizaka46, will be a great experience. This will be the first time that they perform outside of Japan so if you check them out you can be part of their Western debut Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Sera Amagi Born in Los Angeles and raised in Tokyo, singer-songwriter Sera Amagi makes music she characterises as ethnic fantasy, connecting elements of world music with an ode to Japanese culture. In her career, she has released five albums and six singles. Sera Amagi debuted as a guest vocalist on FATE GEAR’s Killers in the Sky Part 2 (they are touring Europe very soon). For her shows at Japan Expo Paris, she will bring her guitarist Yuukineko with her to share a bit of their mystical world. The showcases are scheduled for 14, 15 and 16 July. Yoshiki He is known for being part of the legendary group X Japan (often credited for being the start of Visual Kei) but even when performing alone he can fill up the stage with his wonderful voice and piano accompaniment. As a solo performer Yoshiki focuses more on classical music and he has some beautifully written songs written to share the emotions and thoughts to deal with the grief of losing his mother. With these songs he made a return to performing and at Japan Expo he will give you guys a preview of what you can expect from his World Tour later in the year. If you’re interested in seeing a living legend of Japanese music be sure to check Yoshiki out and if you can’t keep a look out for his tour: Yoshiki Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour with Orchestra 2023 “REQUIEM”. KAGURAMUSOU They attended Japan Expo Paris last year for several shows and this year KAGURAMUSOU will return for another set of performances. This band can
Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto and Koji Mukai to return to Japan Expo Thailand in 2023
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto and Koji Mukai to return to Japan Expo Thailand in 2023 Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo Snow Man will be meeting overseas fans in Thailand again next year! The best-selling J-pop group’s leader Hikaru Iwamoto and Thai-Japanese member Koji Mukai are set to participate in Japan Expo Thailand 2023 on Saturday, 4 February, at the CentralwOrld complex in Bangkok, Thailand. This will be Snow Man’s third time at the expo billed as the “biggest all-Japan event in Asia”, following their virtual appearance in 2022 and their first overseas live showcase in 2020. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 The two members will be engaging in a series of soon-to-be-announced activities on the day of their scheduled appearance. Watch this space to find out! Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Check out Snow Man’s Snow World music video, filmed in Thailand, below: https://youtu.be/Rd8Veoxek2c Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
J-pop takes on Malaysia and Myanmar
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel J-pop takes on Malaysia and Myanmar Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo Japan Expo Thailand – the biggest Japanese pop culture event in Thailand – has gone from strength to strength since its debut in 2014 and now it is taking that success a step further by expanding to two other markets. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 “We have joined with Japanese businessmen for several events for over the past 15 years and Japan Expo Thailand is now a major success,” says Yupares Akethuraprakapl, chief executive of event organiser G-Yu Creative. “Now we want to share our experience with other countries and Malaysia and Myanmar are in agreement with our proposals.“This year doesn’t just mark the 130th anniversary of the Japan-Thailand Diplomatic Relations but also the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia. We will use our renowned events in the Asian market to serve as a bridge connecting several countries.”Japan Expo Malaysia 2017 is slated to take place at Pavilion and Farenheit 88 of Bukit Bintan in Kuala Lumpur from July 28-30, and Japan Expo Myanmar 2017 will be at Novotel Max Yangon from October 11-13. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s “The expos in Malaysia and Myanmar will follow the same format as the Thailand edition and underline tourism, food, franchising and SMEs as well as business matching (B2B).The entertainment segment will feature fashion led by professional designer Saruda ‘Kung’ Nimpitakpong of Kunita on the Harajuku concept including a showcase of hijab in Malaysia. In Myanmar, Thailand will be promoted as a centre to expand the technologies of logistics and bring income to the country,” says Yupares.Follow the movement at www.JapanExpoMalaysia.com and www.JapanExpoMyanmar.com, or email [email protected]. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Karuizawa to show travellers a different side of Japan at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Karuizawa to show travellers a different side of Japan at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 Banzai Japan Music Video The area is one of Japan’s most notable highland destinations As Japan works to promote its diverse regions, the highland province of Karuizawa takes its spot centre stage at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 from 7th to 9th February at CentralWorld Bangkok. The picturesque resort town aims to attract more Thai travellers who seek natural and cultural experiences that are available throughout the year’s four seasons. Considering its position as a leading highland retreat for locals, Karuizawa remains relatively unknown in Thailand after attracting just 8,725 Thai visitors in 2023 per data from Nagano Prefecture. This may change thanks to its participation at JAPAN EXPO Thailand. Book Novotel Hotel Karuizawa Tourism and Economic Affairs division chief Kazuto Sato explained: “Karuizawa is exhibiting at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 because we see the opportunity for engagement and the potential to attract more Thais with a new destination in Japan that offers all-year round experiences in an unspoiled natural environment.” Banzai Japan Music Video A cool and exhilarating retreat Karuizawa’s popularity dates back to the late nineteenth century as a summer retreat for missionaries and diplomats based in Tokyo. It soon attracted the upper echelons of Japanese society, including members of the Imperial Family, becoming the highland resort town of choice to escape Tokyo’s blistering heat. Located only 70 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo, Karuizawa is one of Japan’s most renowned highland resorts and is located 1,000 metres above sea level at the foot of Mount Asama. It is a fascinating oasis for those who cherish natural mountain landscapes, changing seasons, plus a vibrant food and shopping scene to round out the offering. Its excellent ski slopes and long golfing season, which runs into December, have also proved popular with Japan’s elite. The town’s rich cultural heritage also attracts writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians year-round with its captivating art galleries and museums, plus an abundance of attractions that inspire creativity. It’s also home to the Karuizawa Tourist Hall, with its classic wooden exterior, and the nearby Alexander Croft Shaw Memorial Chapel which dates back to 1888, both open year-round. Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Akara
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Akara Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo Between tradition and rock’n’rollité, AKARA, who plays both the electric guitar and the koto, returns to Japan Expo. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 Let’s Rock. Akara is a three-member band with a very atypical trait: in addition to hard rock-inspired guitar riffs, they use traditional Japanese instruments for the most effective hybrid sound. Each member uses his or her 100% Japanese instrument: a Koto (string), a Shinobue (bamboo flute), a Nokan (a flute of No), and a Tsuzumi (drum). The band formed in 2014 around the multilingual singer MIKIKO and released their latest EP “World of Revenge” in 2023. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Japan Expo had the joy of presenting to its delirious crowds this group with a strong identity proclaiming itself as “J-trad Rock”. The festival is an unannounced opportunity for the group to take over generic anime cults. Find the AKARA group on the networks: Official website Instagram YouTube Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
TT Brothers
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel TT Brothers Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo Experience an ostentatious instan-T with the humorous duo TT Brothers. Two great fellows passionate about T. And no tea, the drink, the letter. After their show, only the T will occupy your mind… Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 “Ti-titi. Ti-ti ti-tiiii” Shun and Shohei love the “T” and dedicate their existence to pay homage to this important letter of the alphabet. Together, they form the TT Brothers and set themselves the task of illuminating the humani-T on the many “T” that set the tone for our daily lives. With nearly 2.4 million followers on YouTube, Chocolate Planet is a Japanese comedy duo, an extremely popular Team since 2005, known for its unique humor and tonic energy. Among their many sketches, one of the most famous is “TT Brothers”, which has bothered and small, and became a trend in Japan, until it was por-T at the American leaf on the American “Ameress’ Got Talent”. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s The concept of “TT Brothers” is simple but twisting: the two comedians form the letter T with their bodies and shout “T.” at the rate as soon as they have the opportunity. This perfectly mastered nonsense and their comical synchronization make the sketch irresistibly funny. Thanks to its addictive and easy-to-imi-T side, this gag exploded on social networks and YouTube, inspiring thousands of fans to reproduce it. Their success was not zippered to humorous shows; they also appeared in children’s advertising and programs, making their style even more emblematic. But Chocolate Planet is not just “TT Brothers.” Their imitations are T-rible, their sketches varied and their creativi-T make them humorous. Their intelligent and accessible humor reaches a wide audience, and once you have seen their performance, you can’t do without it. If you don’t know them yet, look at “TT Brothers” and let yourself be empor-T by their hilarious universe. CHOCOLATE PLANET FOLDER ON: YouTube Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Youth Theatre Japan
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Youth Theatre Japan Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo Youth Theatre Japan, a young Japanese musical theatre company, performed a second time at Japan Expo. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 Youth Theatre Japan trains young talents in all prefectures in Japan As a kind of cosplayed youth leader, Youth Theatre Japan designed his own musicals by adding his Japanese references. In 2023, they made the fantastic musical “JAPANderland”. A jump in Alice’s rabbit burrow in Wonderland, featuring characters and costumes from Japanese folklore. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Meet them this year for a brand new show made specifically for visitors to Japan Expo. The name of this musical is “Purple Spiral – Shiunka”. Horror is at the heart of the themes of the 2025 edition of Japan Expo. The show is inspired by accounts of Japanese terror, echoing, for example, the motif of madness through the spiral of our guest of honour Junji Ito. Youth Theatre Japan is not afraid to give you goosebumps through singing and dancing. “Kanna, an ordinary high school student, has only one anguish: dolls. She grew up in a temple dedicated to the conservation of these puppets that she abhors. One day, she brings back to school a strange doll deformed and, without shouting, under the frightened eyes of her childhood friends Sora and Miho, Kanna gradually transforms. Soon after, purplish clouds wrap over high school. The mad students have become a hysterical dancing pack, only Sora and Miho do not seem to lose their senses…” Directorate Mamoru Ueki Music Junichi Matsuda Scenario Ryota NGSK Follow Youth Theatre Japan on: Website Youtube Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Oreco TACHIBANA
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Oreco TACHIBANA Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo While his new series is buzzing on social media, Oreco Tachibana first gets known through his first long-term series, Promise Cinderella. As funny as it is touching, one can only be carried away by the turbulent daily life of Issei and Hayame Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 Both with a strong character and deckless by life, which will manage to reconcile with their past thanks to their unexpected encounter. The series ends during 2022, but the author returns in force in January 2023 with Les Noces des Fuckles, whose bold planks matching female delicacy and bloody assassin provoke a general thunderbolt at Glénat Manga. It is impossible to resist the terrifying charm of Goto Shinpei and the strange chemistry that binds him to Satoko. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s With these two series, Oreco Tachibana imposes a style led by strong women and offers a counter-fee to the classic shojo characters, while exploring the complex meanders of human relations with as much sensitivity as delicacy. CINDERELLA PROMISE at GLÉNAT LUCIOL NOCES at GLÉNAT Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Makoto Sumikawa
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Makoto Sumikawa Banzai Japan Music Video Reiko in Kamen Rider, Metalder, Shaider, Miki in Devilman, and especially Diana Lady in Spielvan: you know their game or stunts, this is her actress straight out of the Japan Action Club. Makoto Sumikawa is present at Japan Expo with teammate Spielvan. Book Novotel Hotel Makoto Sumikawa, also known as Jun Kohyamaki, is a Japanese actress and cascader. She marked the field of Japanese superhero series as Diana Lady, Spielvan’s faithful partner Spielvan in the eponymous series. With or without his armor, it is his strength and charm that have conquered viewers around the world. More than just a “sidekick”, Diana and Spielvan formed a real duet on an equal footing. Although Makoto Sumikawa did not always play Diana Lady under her suit, even in human form she was agile as a cat and ferocious as a lion. Her talent for stunts and action scenes allowed her to put herself in the shoes of male characters: hidden behind the Metal Heroes masks, she stealthily serves as a liner to the heroes Shaider and Metalder, lead roles in the series Uchuu Keiji Shaider and Choujinki Metalder. Banzai Japan Music Video Apart from her record in the tokusatsu, she also shone as a seiyuu as Miki Makimura, a leading female role in the Devilman OVA between 1987 and 1991. She is an actress who loves to get involved in her characters, meet her and discover her multiple facets with her sidekick Hiroshi Watari (Spielvan) from July 3 to 6, 2025 at Japan Expo. Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol