May Pang's Asian Media Internet News

Christmas Eve is tomorrow and I’m sure everyone is scrambling to get everything done in time. It’s the season of giving and of course, Christmas songs. There are classics such as “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Winter Wonderland.” But in Asia, music artists tend to create their own Christmas songs for the giving season. Here is a collection of some of the songs that I listen to every Christmas.

1. BoA – Meri Kuri
This song title is pretty self-explanatory if you know how to decipher Engrish like we do here at AMIN. When I first listened to it, I was a bit skeptical but in the end, I was fairly pleased with how it all turned out. BoA’s voice definitely brings the song together. This song became so popular, even the American band, Weezer, decided to cover it. Good for you BoA!

2. KAT-TUN – White Xmas
Once again, these titles become more and more self-explanatory. But this is one of the groups better songs. Although, I still can’t handle Koki… He still looks weird. “White Xmas” is one of the songs that anyone could sit down and sing-a-long… well if you know Japanese of course.


3. DBSK – Magic Castle
This HAS to be one of their best. Just listen to their harmonies! These boys never seem to fail when it comes to singing acapella or harmonizing. This song just shows how amazing this group really is… I just wish they did acapellas more often. If you like what you hear, check out some of their earlier stuff.


4. T.M.Revolution – Burnin’ X’mas
Okay… maybe I’m being a little biased because it’s T.M.Revolution. I don’t even think this really has to do much with Christmas anyway. But since it’s in the title, it does now. Actually, T.M.Revolution’s earlier work tended to be pretty sexual so I wouldn’t be surprised if this was. Don’t be alarmed by his flamboyant outfits. They’re just too awesome.

5. All I want for Christmas is You
Oh yes. This is the newest addition for my favorite Christmas songs. Mariah Carey needs to watch out. That is all.

Japanese rock band, abingdon boys school, released a music video for their newest single “From Dusk Till Dawn.” The music video included footage from their recent tour in Europe and the band members acting like normal tourists. It seems that the fans in the video had just as much fun as abingdon boys school did. Fans all over Europe are ecstatic to have a chance to be in a music video. ingdon boys school lead singer Takanori Nishikawa. In a recent interview with JaME U.S.A., JaME asked:

Will you play shows in America?

Takanori Nishikawa: With abingdon boys school, not yet. T.M.Revolution is quite well-known in America so the popularity of abingdon boys school in Europe balances that pretty nicely.

What do you think makes Europe and the USA so different?

Takanori Nishikawa: (ponders) T.M.Revolution is more like an anime character in America. For the Americans, that is how they perceive T.M.Revolution and it is easier for them. European fans on the other hand, are more conscious of the music and concentrate on it. I think they are more interested in the band members, their musical background and experience. That’s why abingdon boys school is a better fit for Europe.

This statement made by Takanori Nishikawa (who is also famous as his other act, T.M.Revolution), upset some of the American fans. Yet, some of the fans agree. In 2008, Takanori Nishikawa attended New York Comic Con where he performed as T.M.Revolution. I attended this convention with fellow AMIN writer, Jessica Dawson, and was surprised at the number of people who only knew Takanori for his anime songs. But it also seems that Takanori upset some fans by generalizing the American fans all into one group. It’s not a surprise that he would make such a statement but it still is a bit upsetting especially when you’re an American fans like myself. It was a pleasure seeing him in person and America would be happy to have abingdon boys school here anytime.

Although there was this bit of controversy, abingdon boys school still managed to pull through and give all the fans a music video that we can all enjoy! I’m still wondering who I have to kill to look that good at 39 years old… or at any age.

Watch abingdon boys school’s newest music video “From Dusk Till Dawn!”

Video Credit: absEurope

It was announced Wednesday last week that Big Bang will finally be holding their “Electric Love Tour 2010” in Japan. The tour was originally scheduled in November of this year but was pushed back because of member Daesung’s traffic accident.  During his recovery period the other members have been working hard on solo activities.  More details to come soon but for now here are the pending dates and locations:

February 10th & 11th at Yokohama Arena

February 13th at Kobe World Hall

February 16th at Budokan

You can bet that yours truly will be there to give you the inside scoop!

Too bad he doesn’t have a Twitter! Maybe G-Dragon would be happy to know that he has so many fans to love him! G-Dragon is on the Trending Topics list on Twitter and all of his fans are wishing him luck for his concert “Shine a Light.” As of right now, he is the second most talked about topic and people are trying to make him number 1! Besides the writers here at AMIN, people such as choreographer Shaun Evaristo have even talked about G-Dragon!

We’ll just have to wait for G-Dragon’s first performance. He’ll definitely do well, especially for his eager fans. He recently released a video on his me2day practicing one of his tracks “She’s Gone.” Check it out!