FedEx Air Shipping & Saturday Delivery

We serve a lot of customers who want their stuff within 24-48 hours, no matter where they are, and I've always wondered how 'Brand X' gets away with charging a customer for 2nd Day delivery, and then taking a week to ship the order out... hmmmm.... it's like hey, thanks for nothing, but I'm sure they are too busy to do better and I stopped trying to figure them out a long time ago...

... so anyway, as many of you already know, if you are a US customer and select FedEx air shipping on your RACS Anime order up until about 2-3pm (EST) we ship your order the same day for delivery the next business day or in two business days if you select 2nd day air. So if you place an overnight order early on Tuesday afternoon, you are going to get it Wednesday morning. There is no 'you might get it' or 'most orders arrive the next day' or 'ships next day but takes an additional 1-2 days for processing' kinda thing going on. Hey, we choose our warehouse location partly for it's proximity to the airport and the regional FedEx air depot (it's only 2 blocks away) - we're pretty serious about this stuff.

So with that in mind, there are a couple of features of how we handle 'FedEx Air' orders here that I thought you guys might like to know:

1) FedEx Air orders, no matter when they are placed, go right to the front of the line and get processed before any other class of orders.

2) FedEx Air orders get priority for inventory allocation. This is the only time that inventory is assigned to orders in a manner that could be considered 'less than fair'. Though it does not happen very often, let me give you an example: If we have 1 unit of a PVC Figure left in stock, and we get 2 orders for it over the weekend, on Monday we would assign it to the first order that was placed - except if the second order is an 'Air' order. In that case, the air customer would get first preference for the inventory, and we would backorder it for the other customer. Bet you didn't know that. :-)

Air customers pay extra for priority treatment, and that's what they get - plain and simple.

So great, we offer FedEx air express shipments, and we get them shipped right away. What's the catch? Well, one issue we run into is this: FedEx delivers on a business day schedule. If your order ships out on Friday, and you select 2nd day, it definately will NOT get delivered on Sunday. It gets delivered on Tuesday, which is 2 'business days' later. Same thing with overnight. A Friday Overnight shipment won't be delivered until Monday unless you specifically check the 'Saturday Delivery' box and authorize us to add the additional $18 fee that FedEx charges for this service, and that's only if your address is inside their Saturday delivery area. Sometime it's not even available.

And speaking of FedEx Air parcels with Saturday delivery, there is a pricing anomaly that appears sometimes. A Thursday shipment going out 2nd day with Saturday delivery added can sometimes be more expensive than a regular Next day air shipment that would be delivered a day sooner anyway. We run into that from time to time, and when we do - if Overnight is cheaper - we toss out the Saturday option and just ship the order for next day delivery.

Just a little info to help you guys understand our FedEx air shipping service.

Have a great evening!

Bob (aka Robert)

Note 1: I want to mention that our FedEx International service is a little different, but those orders typically ship next business day and get delivered where ever you are in the world within 48 hours. In my opinion that service level is worth the extra cost no matter how you cut it. Those parcels get handled with kid gloves too.

Note 2: Just for fun, we're planning to offer a same day delivery service through FedEx later this year, so an order placed at 10am here on the East Coast could be delivered by 3-4pm the same day on the West Coast 3,000 miles away. It will be REALLY expensive, but we think it will fill a niche among the 'gotta have it RIGHT NOW' crowd. :-)

Episode 22 Leda - The Fantastic Adventure Of Yohko

Im back with one of my longest shows yet!!!
I take a look at the 1985 classic The Fantastic Adventure Of Yohko.

Download HERE

pics

Aya Hirano (平野綾) - Unnamed World

Aya Hirano

Aya Hirano (平 野 綾, Hirano Aya, born October 8, 1987) from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a seiyū and J-pop singer who has had roles in several anime, visual novels, and TV commercials in Japan. She is contracted to Space Craft Produce, a branch of Space Craft Group for her seiyū career. For her singing career, she is signed under Lantis. Her blood type is O.

Hitomi Shimatani - Album 4

Hitomi Shimatani

Hitomi Shimatani (島 谷ひとみ, Shimatani Hitomi, born September 4, 1980 in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan), is a female J-pop singer signed to the Avex Trax label.

Shimatani started her career as an Enka singer with the release of her debut single "Ōsaka no Onna" (大阪の女, Ōsakan Woman) in 1999, but later decided to get into the dance/pop style for her music. Shimatani's music has also appeared in video games and also anime series.

Hitomi Shimatani's childhood dream, like many others, was to become a famous singer. At the age of seventeen, when she was still in high school, Shimatani decided to pursue this goal and attended "The Japan Audition 1997" hosted by the music label avex trax. Hitomi was chosen out of around 200,000 other girls who participated and received a recording contract with avex. However, before starting her music career, she wished to finish high school -- to which avex agreed, but with the stipulation that Shimatani attend vocal lessons at the same time. She agreed. She also liked playing tennis when she was young.

Hitomi Shimatani - GATE

Hitomi Shimatani

Hitomi Shimatani (島 谷ひとみ, Shimatani Hitomi, born September 4, 1980 in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan), is a female J-pop singer signed to the Avex Trax label.

Shimatani started her career as an Enka singer with the release of her debut single "Ōsaka no Onna" (大阪の女, Ōsakan Woman) in 1999, but later decided to get into the dance/pop style for her music. Shimatani's music has also appeared in video games and also anime series.

Hitomi Shimatani's childhood dream, like many others, was to become a famous singer. At the age of seventeen, when she was still in high school, Shimatani decided to pursue this goal and attended "The Japan Audition 1997" hosted by the music label avex trax. Hitomi was chosen out of around 200,000 other girls who participated and received a recording contract with avex. However, before starting her music career, she wished to finish high school -- to which avex agreed, but with the stipulation that Shimatani attend vocal lessons at the same time. She agreed. She also liked playing tennis when she was young.

Hitomi Shimatani - Album 3

Hitomi Shimatani

Hitomi Shimatani (島 谷ひとみ, Shimatani Hitomi, born September 4, 1980 in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan), is a female J-pop singer signed to the Avex Trax label.

Shimatani started her career as an Enka singer with the release of her debut single "Ōsaka no Onna" (大阪の女, Ōsakan Woman) in 1999, but later decided to get into the dance/pop style for her music. Shimatani's music has also appeared in video games and also anime series.

Hitomi Shimatani's childhood dream, like many others, was to become a famous singer. At the age of seventeen, when she was still in high school, Shimatani decided to pursue this goal and attended "The Japan Audition 1997" hosted by the music label avex trax. Hitomi was chosen out of around 200,000 other girls who participated and received a recording contract with avex. However, before starting her music career, she wished to finish high school -- to which avex agreed, but with the stipulation that Shimatani attend vocal lessons at the same time. She agreed. She also liked playing tennis when she was young.

Hitomi Shimatani - Delicious-The Best of Hitomi Shimatani

Hitomi Shimatani

Hitomi Shimatani (島 谷ひとみ, Shimatani Hitomi, born September 4, 1980 in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan), is a female J-pop singer signed to the Avex Trax label.

Shimatani started her career as an Enka singer with the release of her debut single "Ōsaka no Onna" (大阪の女, Ōsakan Woman) in 1999, but later decided to get into the dance/pop style for her music. Shimatani's music has also appeared in video games and also anime series.

Hitomi Shimatani's childhood dream, like many others, was to become a famous singer. At the age of seventeen, when she was still in high school, Shimatani decided to pursue this goal and attended "The Japan Audition 1997" hosted by the music label avex trax. Hitomi was chosen out of around 200,000 other girls who participated and received a recording contract with avex. However, before starting her music career, she wished to finish high school -- to which avex agreed, but with the stipulation that Shimatani attend vocal lessons at the same time. She agreed. She also liked playing tennis when she was young.

Hitomi Shimatani - Album 2

Hitomi Shimatani

Hitomi Shimatani (島 谷ひとみ, Shimatani Hitomi, born September 4, 1980 in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan), is a female J-pop singer signed to the Avex Trax label.

Shimatani started her career as an Enka singer with the release of her debut single "Ōsaka no Onna" (大阪の女, Ōsakan Woman) in 1999, but later decided to get into the dance/pop style for her music. Shimatani's music has also appeared in video games and also anime series.

Hitomi Shimatani's childhood dream, like many others, was to become a famous singer. At the age of seventeen, when she was still in high school, Shimatani decided to pursue this goal and attended "The Japan Audition 1997" hosted by the music label avex trax. Hitomi was chosen out of around 200,000 other girls who participated and received a recording contract with avex. However, before starting her music career, she wished to finish high school -- to which avex agreed, but with the stipulation that Shimatani attend vocal lessons at the same time. She agreed. She also liked playing tennis when she was young.

Hitomi Shimatani - Album 1

Hitomi Shimatani

Hitomi Shimatani (島谷ひとみ, Shimatani Hitomi, born September 4, 1980 in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan), is a female J-pop singer signed to the Avex Trax label.

Shimatani started her career as an Enka singer with the release of her debut single "Ōsaka no Onna" (大阪の女, Ōsakan Woman) in 1999, but later decided to get into the dance/pop style for her music. Shimatani's music has also appeared in video games and also anime series.

Hitomi Shimatani's childhood dream, like many others, was to become a famous singer. At the age of seventeen, when she was still in high school, Shimatani decided to pursue this goal and attended "The Japan Audition 1997" hosted by the music label avex trax. Hitomi was chosen out of around 200,000 other girls who participated and received a recording contract with avex. However, before starting her music career, she wished to finish high school -- to which avex agreed, but with the stipulation that Shimatani attend vocal lessons at the same time. She agreed. She also liked playing tennis when she was young.

Yui Horie - I Loved Yesterday

Yui Horie

Yui Horie (堀 江 由衣, Horie Yui, born on September 20, 1976) is a popular Japanese singer and voice actress. Horie's real name is Yoshiko Horie (堀江 由子, Horie Yoshiko), and she is sometimes affectionately nicknamed "Hocchan" (ほっちゃん, "Hocchan") by her Japanese fans. She is not to be confused with YUI, another J-Pop singer.She hosts a radio show called "Horie Yui no Tenshi no Tamago" (堀江由衣の天使たまご, "Yui Horie's Angel Eggs") and is the founding member of the singing group, Aice5. She is also a member of the band Kurobara Hozonkai, with the name YUIEL. Her blood type is B , and her hobbies include shoulder massage, reading and food.

Yui Horie - FROM ME TO YOU

Yui Horie

Yui Horie (堀江 由衣, Horie Yui, born on September 20, 1976) is a popular Japanese singer and voice actress. Horie's real name is Yoshiko Horie (堀江 由子, Horie Yoshiko), and she is sometimes affectionately nicknamed "Hocchan" (ほっちゃん, "Hocchan") by her Japanese fans. She is not to be confused with YUI, another J-Pop singer.She hosts a radio show called "Horie Yui no Tenshi no Tamago" (堀江由衣の天使たまご, "Yui Horie's Angel Eggs") and is the founding member of the singing group, Aice5. She is also a member of the band Kurobara Hozonkai, with the name YUIEL. Her blood type is B , and her hobbies include shoulder massage, reading and food.

Yui Horie - Usotsuki Arisu to Kujiragō o Meguru Bōken (嘘つきアリスとくじら号をめぐる冒険)

Yui Horie

Yui Horie (堀江 由衣, Horie Yui, born on September 20, 1976) is a popular Japanese singer and voice actress. Horie's real name is Yoshiko Horie (堀江 由子, Horie Yoshiko), and she is sometimes affectionately nicknamed "Hocchan" (ほっちゃん, "Hocchan") by her Japanese fans. She is not to be confused with YUI, another J-Pop singer.She hosts a radio show called "Horie Yui no Tenshi no Tamago" (堀江由衣の天使たまご, "Yui Horie's Angel Eggs") and is the founding member of the singing group, Aice5. She is also a member of the band Kurobara Hozonkai, with the name YUIEL. Her blood type is B , and her hobbies include shoulder massage, reading and food.

Yukari Tamura- Tenshi wa Hitomi no Naka ni (天使は瞳の中に)

Yukari Tamura

Yukari Tamura (田村 ゆかり, Tamura Yukari), born on February 27, 1976 in Fukuoka, is a popular Japanese singer and voice actress (seiyū) who works for I'm Enterprise. She is known affectionately by her fans as Yukarin (ゆかりん, Yukarin).
In 2001, Yukari Tamura formed a unit called Yamato Nadeshiko with another well known seiyū, Yui Horie. Two singles were released, Mou Hitori no Watashi (もうひとりの私, Mou Hitori no Watashi) and Merry Merrily - the latter of which was an insert song in the Love Hina Christmas Special.Yukari Tamura has also featured as a narrator of Japanese anime satellite television network Animax.

Yui Sakakibara - HONEY (榊原ゆい)

Yui Sakakibara

Yui Sakakibara (榊原ゆい, Sakakibara Yui) born October 13 is a female Japanese choreographer, dancer, singer, songwriter, and voice actress from Hyōgo, Japan. She appeared on Kōhaku Uta Gassen as back ground dancer behind Ami Suzuki in 1999 and 2000.

Minori Chihara (茅原実里) - Contact

Minori Chihara

Minori Chihara (茅原実里, Chihara Minori, born November 18, 1980) is a seiyū who has had roles in several anime series, and a J-pop singer. In her musical career, she has been signed under King Records, Avex Trax, and is now currently with Lantis. She was born in the city of Utsunomiya, Tochigi and was raised in Saitama. Her blood type is B, and is the middle child of three siblings consisting of an older sister and younger brother.She is affectionately referred to as "Minorin" (みのりん) by her fans.

Aya Ueto - MESSAGE

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Hirano (平野綾) - [明日のプリズム] (单) (曲)

Aya Hirano

Aya Hirano (平野 綾, Hirano Aya, born October 8, 1987) from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a seiyū and J-pop singer who has had roles in several anime, visual novels, and TV commercials in Japan. She is contracted to Space Craft Produce, a branch of Space Craft Group for her seiyū career. For her singing career, she is signed under Lantis. Her blood type is O.

Aya Ueto - AYAUETO

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Ueto - Afuresou na ai daite - Namida wo fuite

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Ueto - Kaze - Okoru kotoba

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Ueto - Ai no tameni

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Ueto - Binetsu

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Ueto - Kanshou - Mermaid

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Ueto - Message - Personal

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Ueto - Pureness

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

Aya Ueto - Hello

Aya Ueto

Aya Ueto (上戸 彩, Ueto Aya) (born September 14, 1985 in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, idol and singer.

In 1997, Aya Ueto participated in the 7th All-Japan National Young Beauty contest, where she received a special award from the judges. Her discovery led to many TV commercial deals, which eventually started her acting career.

In 1999, she formed the J-pop band Z-1 with Mami Nejiki, Mai Fujiya, and Manami Nishiwaki. They released five singles before breaking up, but Aya went on to start a solo career when she signed with Pony Canyon two years later. She released her first single, "Pureness," in 2002. It peaked at #4 on the Oricon charts and became the first female artist debut single in 3 years and 3 months to enter the Top 5 since Kyoko Fukada. Since then, she has released thirteen singles and six albums. Throughout her five year old solo musical career she has collaborated with the likes of Tetsuro Oda, RYOJI (from Ketsumeishi), Toshihiko Takamizawa (from The Alfee), Toko Furuuchi and Suguru Shimabukuro (from Begin).

Aya began her acting career in May 1999 in the movie "Killer of Paraiso". In 2000 she received her first role in a drama, Namida wo Fuite. In 2001, she played a part in Kinpachi-sensei, and her performance greatly boosted her popularity. She starred in several later dramas, including Koukou Kyoushi 2003, Hitonatsu no Papa e, and Ace o Nerae!. She also ventured into the big screen in famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura's 2003 blockbuster Azumi and in its sequel, Azumi 2: Death or Love in 2005, where she played the title role in both.

She is often said to physically resemble Japanese star Momoe Yamaguchi and is widely regarded to be one of the biggest idols in Japan today. She is often mentioned as a "super idol". As of 2008, Aya Ueto remains ubiquitous in Japan, appearing constantly on magazines and in commercials. She is often called the 'low-rating idol', even on some news sites.

On January 28, 2008, SoftBank announced that they've collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in making a limited 10 model-only cellphone, which contains more than 400 platinum diamond, coming to the cost of more than 100,000,000 yen. Since Aya was the girl doing the commercial for SoftBank, she received a free phone (now there are 9 models left).

On April 15, 2008, she was crowned CM Queen for a second time (the first being in 2004), raking in a significant 360 million yen for her 8 advertisement contracts.

UVERworld - Colors of the Heart

UVERworld

UVERworld (ウー バーワールド, Ūbāwārudo) is a Japanese rock band known for their mixture of musical genres such as hard rock, electronic, and beat-boxing. UVERchan, the band's mascot, is a fictional bear-bat like character, which appears on several of their covers.

The five-member band known as UVERworld first formed in 2003, and were known as Sound Goku Road or, more popularly, "Sangoku Road." The band originally consisted of seven members, and released a demo CD which ended up selling 3,000 copies. Unfortunately, one of the band members, the saxophonist Seika, left the group (the other was Hiko, who left after he married). After his departure, Ace∞trigger renamed himself TAKUYA∞ and the band renamed itself to UVERworld.

According to an interview with the band there was another vocalist who left, however this vocalist hasn't yet been identified. Though it appears that that person may have left some time before Seika did, as Seika is the only one of the two credited on the demo CD and pictured with very early live photos of the band pre-UVERworld.

2005 was the year that the band signed with the label gr8! records, which is under Sony Music Records. The band made their debut with the single "D-tecnoLife", which served as the 2nd opening theme song for the anime BLEACH. After three months UVERworld's second single, "CHANCE!" was used as the theme for the PSP game Bleach: Heat the Soul 2 and was the last single released in 2005.

On January 25, 2006 "just Melody", the band's third single, ended up at #17 on the Oricon charts. Three weeks later UVERworld's 1st album Timeless was released, breaking the top 10 at #5 and selling 60,000 copies. Seika made a brief return during this album, playing saxophone for track 5, Yasashisa no Shizuku. After a three month break, UVERworld released "Colors of the Heart" as the third opening theme for BLOOD+, an anime series based on the animated movie, Blood: The Last Vampire. The single debuted at #3 and was the highest position any of UVERworld's singles had reached up to that time. Their 5th single, entitled SHAMROCK, was released on August 2, 2006, and was used as the ending theme for the J-Drama Dance☆Drill, a show about a group of girls who aspire to become cheerleaders. UVERworld's 6th Single was released on November 15, 2006, entitled "Kimi No Suki na Uta", the song was used as the theme song for the TBS TV show Koi Suru Hanikami! or Honey Coming! from October until December. It was the first ballad UVERworld released as a single, and it reached number two on the Oricon charts (the highest place for an UVERworld single thus far) until it fell off of the charts three and a half weeks later. It sold around 70,000 copies according to the Oricon sales charts. On February 21, 2007, UVERworld released their second album titled BUGRIGHT. It featured the singles UVERworld had put out after the release of Timeless, and also included their song "～Nagare・Kuukyo・THIS WORD～" (～流れ・空虚・THIS WORlD～), which was used for the film soundtrack "The songs for DEATH NOTE the movie 〜the Last name TRIBUTE〜."

After another three month break UVERworld released "endscape," which was featured as the first opening theme for the anime Toward the Terra (based on a 1977 manga by Keiko Takemiya). They released another single named "Shaka Beach ~Laka Laka La~" on August 8, 2007. Shaka Beach tied with another of UVERworld's singles for highest place on the Oricon weekly charts. Ukiyo Crossing, the band's 9th single since their debut was released on November 14, 2007. It is their 5th highest selling single to date, and reached number 3 in the Oricon charts. Based on numbers alone, Ukiyo Crossing was the band's most commercially successful release in almost a year.

The band's newest effort, titled PROGLUTION, was released on January 16, 2008 and contains a full 18 tracks. It is available in two forms, a CD-only version and a Limited Edition CD+DVD. Another song, called "Gekidou," and also have the "Gekidou radio" version was used as the fourth opening theme of the anime series, D.Gray-man.

UVERworld - Just break the limit

UVERworld

UVERworld (ウー バーワールド, Ūbāwārudo) is a Japanese rock band known for their mixture of musical genres such as hard rock, electronic, and beat-boxing. UVERchan, the band's mascot, is a fictional bear-bat like character, which appears on several of their covers.

The five-member band known as UVERworld first formed in 2003, and were known as Sound Goku Road or, more popularly, "Sangoku Road." The band originally consisted of seven members, and released a demo CD which ended up selling 3,000 copies. Unfortunately, one of the band members, the saxophonist Seika, left the group (the other was Hiko, who left after he married). After his departure, Ace∞trigger renamed himself TAKUYA∞ and the band renamed itself to UVERworld.

According to an interview with the band there was another vocalist who left, however this vocalist hasn't yet been identified. Though it appears that that person may have left some time before Seika did, as Seika is the only one of the two credited on the demo CD and pictured with very early live photos of the band pre-UVERworld.

2005 was the year that the band signed with the label gr8! records, which is under Sony Music Records. The band made their debut with the single "D-tecnoLife", which served as the 2nd opening theme song for the anime BLEACH. After three months UVERworld's second single, "CHANCE!" was used as the theme for the PSP game Bleach: Heat the Soul 2 and was the last single released in 2005.

On January 25, 2006 "just Melody", the band's third single, ended up at #17 on the Oricon charts. Three weeks later UVERworld's 1st album Timeless was released, breaking the top 10 at #5 and selling 60,000 copies. Seika made a brief return during this album, playing saxophone for track 5, Yasashisa no Shizuku. After a three month break, UVERworld released "Colors of the Heart" as the third opening theme for BLOOD+, an anime series based on the animated movie, Blood: The Last Vampire. The single debuted at #3 and was the highest position any of UVERworld's singles had reached up to that time. Their 5th single, entitled SHAMROCK, was released on August 2, 2006, and was used as the ending theme for the J-Drama Dance☆Drill, a show about a group of girls who aspire to become cheerleaders. UVERworld's 6th Single was released on November 15, 2006, entitled "Kimi No Suki na Uta", the song was used as the theme song for the TBS TV show Koi Suru Hanikami! or Honey Coming! from October until December. It was the first ballad UVERworld released as a single, and it reached number two on the Oricon charts (the highest place for an UVERworld single thus far) until it fell off of the charts three and a half weeks later. It sold around 70,000 copies according to the Oricon sales charts. On February 21, 2007, UVERworld released their second album titled BUGRIGHT. It featured the singles UVERworld had put out after the release of Timeless, and also included their song "～Nagare・Kuukyo・THIS WORD～" (～流れ・空虚・THIS WORlD～), which was used for the film soundtrack "The songs for DEATH NOTE the movie 〜the Last name TRIBUTE〜."

After another three month break UVERworld released "endscape," which was featured as the first opening theme for the anime Toward the Terra (based on a 1977 manga by Keiko Takemiya). They released another single named "Shaka Beach ~Laka Laka La~" on August 8, 2007. Shaka Beach tied with another of UVERworld's singles for highest place on the Oricon weekly charts. Ukiyo Crossing, the band's 9th single since their debut was released on November 14, 2007. It is their 5th highest selling single to date, and reached number 3 in the Oricon charts. Based on numbers alone, Ukiyo Crossing was the band's most commercially successful release in almost a year.

The band's newest effort, titled PROGLUTION, was released on January 16, 2008 and contains a full 18 tracks. It is available in two forms, a CD-only version and a Limited Edition CD+DVD. Another song, called "Gekidou," and also have the "Gekidou radio" version was used as the fourth opening theme of the anime series, D.Gray-man.

UVERworld - Just Melody

UVERworld

UVERworld (ウーバーワールド, Ūbāwārudo) is a Japanese rock band known for their mixture of musical genres such as hard rock, electronic, and beat-boxing. UVERchan, the band's mascot, is a fictional bear-bat like character, which appears on several of their covers.

The five-member band known as UVERworld first formed in 2003, and were known as Sound Goku Road or, more popularly, "Sangoku Road." The band originally consisted of seven members, and released a demo CD which ended up selling 3,000 copies. Unfortunately, one of the band members, the saxophonist Seika, left the group (the other was Hiko, who left after he married). After his departure, Ace∞trigger renamed himself TAKUYA∞ and the band renamed itself to UVERworld.

According to an interview with the band there was another vocalist who left, however this vocalist hasn't yet been identified. Though it appears that that person may have left some time before Seika did, as Seika is the only one of the two credited on the demo CD and pictured with very early live photos of the band pre-UVERworld.

2005 was the year that the band signed with the label gr8! records, which is under Sony Music Records. The band made their debut with the single "D-tecnoLife", which served as the 2nd opening theme song for the anime BLEACH. After three months UVERworld's second single, "CHANCE!" was used as the theme for the PSP game Bleach: Heat the Soul 2 and was the last single released in 2005.

On January 25, 2006 "just Melody", the band's third single, ended up at #17 on the Oricon charts. Three weeks later UVERworld's 1st album Timeless was released, breaking the top 10 at #5 and selling 60,000 copies. Seika made a brief return during this album, playing saxophone for track 5, Yasashisa no Shizuku. After a three month break, UVERworld released "Colors of the Heart" as the third opening theme for BLOOD+, an anime series based on the animated movie, Blood: The Last Vampire. The single debuted at #3 and was the highest position any of UVERworld's singles had reached up to that time. Their 5th single, entitled SHAMROCK, was released on August 2, 2006, and was used as the ending theme for the J-Drama Dance☆Drill, a show about a group of girls who aspire to become cheerleaders. UVERworld's 6th Single was released on November 15, 2006, entitled "Kimi No Suki na Uta", the song was used as the theme song for the TBS TV show Koi Suru Hanikami! or Honey Coming! from October until December. It was the first ballad UVERworld released as a single, and it reached number two on the Oricon charts (the highest place for an UVERworld single thus far) until it fell off of the charts three and a half weeks later. It sold around 70,000 copies according to the Oricon sales charts. On February 21, 2007, UVERworld released their second album titled BUGRIGHT. It featured the singles UVERworld had put out after the release of Timeless, and also included their song "～Nagare・Kuukyo・THIS WORD～" (～流れ・空虚・THIS WORlD～), which was used for the film soundtrack "The songs for DEATH NOTE the movie 〜the Last name TRIBUTE〜."

After another three month break UVERworld released "endscape," which was featured as the first opening theme for the anime Toward the Terra (based on a 1977 manga by Keiko Takemiya). They released another single named "Shaka Beach ~Laka Laka La~" on August 8, 2007. Shaka Beach tied with another of UVERworld's singles for highest place on the Oricon weekly charts. Ukiyo Crossing, the band's 9th single since their debut was released on November 14, 2007. It is their 5th highest selling single to date, and reached number 3 in the Oricon charts. Based on numbers alone, Ukiyo Crossing was the band's most commercially successful release in almost a year.

The band's newest effort, titled PROGLUTION, was released on January 16, 2008 and contains a full 18 tracks. It is available in two forms, a CD-only version and a Limited Edition CD+DVD. Another song, called "Gekidou," and also have the "Gekidou radio" version was used as the fourth opening theme of the anime series, D.Gray-man.