Jpop Predictions for 2003

Zak Zak (Japanese entertainment news) fortune-teller predicts that Ayumi Hamasaki and idol boy-band Tokio's vocalist, Tomoya Nagase who already have been dating for quite some time now, will eventually tie the knot sometime in 2003. However, Akadot believes this will not happen because Hamasaki has other career goals in mind. It is speculated among fans that she is trying to break out in the western music industry. In a past interview, she once said she would not include English lyrics in her songs because she is not confident with her English. However, her newest album, Rainbow, features a few songs with English lyrics.

Also predicted in Zak Zak is Aya Ueto's bound for Hollywood. Rather new in the Jpop industry, singer Aya Ueto will be starring in a new samurai film entitled Azumi. With Hollywood's recent interest in Japanese films (such as Tom Cruise's upcoming flick The Last Samurai or the Ring), it is predicted Aya Ueto will become an international star. It is reported that Miramax may distribute this film worldwide, but Akadot believes announcing her as a Hollywood star is a bit far-fetched. Perhaps she will make waves in Japan with her controversial and taboo role in the upcoming Japanese TV drama series entitled High School Teacher (about a high school student (Ueto) and her relationship with her teacher) which debuts on Japanese TV this winter.

Akadot has predicted that Utada will have much success under the Island Def Jam record label depending on the marketing of her work. Hopefully, she will be promoted well by her English record label and have the opportunities to do co-production projects with other Island Def Jam artists or musicians under the Universal Music Label. However, Akadot predicts that Utada's Jpop work will definitely change due to her marriage. Comparing her past albums with the 2002 release of Deep River, Utada's style has become more mature and perhaps in 2003, fans will see more ballads released by Utada.

Akadot also predicts that Jpop singers Ken Hirai and BoA will also follow in Utada's footsteps and try to enter the western music industry. Hirai has already released a Japanese remake of the American folk song Grandfather's Clock which dominated the Japanese music charts for months. BoA has also been selected to sing a duet with boy-band Westlife entitled Flying Without Wings, which will be featured on their new album. She has also featured numerous all-English tracks on her Jpop releases and it's only a matter of time before an English album will be compiled.

2002 was definitely filled with interesting events and surprises. Jpop fans have been introduced to many new faces and have seen new music trends launched in the Japanese music industry. Also, with the 2002 World Cup co hosted by Japan and Korea this past year, Jpop music has become more diverse as well. It has been an exciting year for the world of Jpop and Akadot hopes for more good things to come in 2003.

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