Latest news with #ManakaInaba
Hype Malaysia
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Interview: Japanese Artists Manaka Inaba & Leon Niihama On Performing For Japan Expo & Trying M'sian Dishes
The 6th edition of Japan Expo Malaysia was recently held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The three-day event, which ran from 18th to 20th July and was officiated by His Excellency Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, brought together over 50 exhibitors along with a line-up of Japanese artists and performances under one roof. Speaking of artists, we had the opportunity to interview some of them on the launch day. In our first session, we sat down with singers Manaka Inaba and Leon Niihama, who spoke about their first experience in Malaysia and their excitement at performing for the festival. 1. Is this your first time in Malaysia? What has the experience been like so far? Manaka Inaba: It's my first time here, and although it was a long flight, I was very happy to meet all my fans and be part of this year's Japan Expo. I've already tried a few things, but I'm looking forward to exploring more once I have the time. Leon Niihama: This is my first time since my debut, but I've been to Malaysia once for an exchange student program during my high school years. A lot has changed. I was very surprised about the aerotrain, which was not there before when I last came here. 2. Have you received food or tourist attraction recommendations from Malaysian fans? Manaka Inaba: Satay! My team and I had satay when we arrived, and it was so good! The ones we had were sweeter than I thought, but I loved them. I've also tried a lot of the local fruits here, but I've yet to try durian, so we'll see how that goes. Leon Niihama: The last time I was here, I had Nasi Lemak, but I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to, so I didn't remember the taste much. This time, I get to savour the dish as much as I like! I had it for breakfast, and I plan to have 5 more later. 3. For Inaba, how does it feel to be part of Japan Expo Malaysia this year? I was absolutely thrilled when I found out I'd be part of the event. It's my first performance overseas, and I was a little worried that not many fans would turn up—but I'm so happy that so many came to see me earlier. 4. You first debut as a member of Hello! Project before going solo. What was the transition like? Basically, everything is different. In a group, you have to think about your members, so it's all about finding balance. As a solo artist, it's just me, and I had to learn the importance of expressing my opinions as myself and for myself. There's also a different kind of pressure in terms of performances cause I don't have my members to rely on, but I do my best. 5. Leon, could you tell us more about your musical style and what inspired you to pursue this direction? Yes, I am an Enka singer, which is basically equivalent to the traditional or soulful genre of music. My father was a professional enka singer, so I grew up with it. He has inspired me a lot musically. I'm also very grateful to have received opportunities such as creating songs for 'Detective Conan', which allows me to introduce this style of music to a younger audience. I could've chosen a pop route, yes, but I wanted to share this part of Japanese culture with the rest of the world. 6. Speaking of 'Detective Conan', could you share more about the new ending theme for the latest film? Collaborating with 'Detective Conan' has been a fantastic opportunity. The song is called 'Fun Fun Fun', and we also did a dance for the music video called the Waki Waki Dance. You can see both children and adults dancing together, and the feedback has been really positive. The dance challenge has also taken off on TikTok, with lots of people joining in. 7. What do you hope Malaysian fans take away from your performance here at Japan Expo Malaysia 2025? Manaka Inaba: I want people to feel the beauty of Japan with not just my own music, but also Hello! Project's songs as well. I hope the audience will feel inspired by the message I'm trying to convey. Leon Niihama: I believe there are still many people who aren't familiar with enka music, so I want to keep sharing the beauty of this genre to help more people learn to appreciate it.
Malay Mail
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
J-pop, ‘Enka' and a whole lot of laughs: What's on at Japan Malaysia Expo 2025 in KL
KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The Japan Malaysia Expo 2025 (JEMY 2025) has opened its doors for a three-day celebration of Japanese culture at Hall 1 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), with its Entertainment Zone drawing crowds eager for a taste of J-pop, Enka and comedy — straight from Japan. Here's a look at three standout Japanese acts bringing their talents to Malaysian fans: J-pop soloist Manaka Inaba, Enka singer Leon Niihama, and physical comedy trio Wannabes. J-pop star Manaka Inaba has been performing solo since 2022. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Manaka Inaba on Malaysian food and flying solo If you think Malaysia has great food, you've got something in common with J-pop soloist Manaka Inaba — who's not only performing at JEMY 2025 but also on a personal mission to sample as much local food as possible. The 27-year-old managed to get her first taste of satay on her first night in Malaysia and was surprised by its sweet and savoury flavour. She's also excited to try durian, pineapple and watermelon during her stay. Despite being in the Japanese entertainment industry for over 10 years, this is her first time in Malaysia — and she was touched by the warm welcome from fans who came out in droves for the JEMY 2025 launch. 'First of all, Japan to Malaysia is not a short distance, and to be able to see some fans who flew over just to catch me here is truly heartwarming,' said Manaka, adding that she even met fans who had travelled all the way from Japan. A former idol under Hello! Project, Manaka was previously part of Country Girls and Juice=Juice before officially 'graduating' in 2022 to pursue a solo career — a move she admits comes with fresh challenges. 'As a group, we had other members, so you'd only need to sing your part. But now that I'm on my own, every single part is mine, and I have to decide how I want to deliver each line,' she said. Her setlist for JEMY 2025 includes a mix of solo hits such as Pink Temperature and Attoeteki Love, as well as nostalgic favourites from her Hello! Project days. Enka singer Leon Niihama also performed the ending theme for the popular anime 'Detective Conan'. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Leon Niihama: Second visit, first performance For Enka and pop singer Leon Niihama, this trip marks his return to Malaysia — but his first time performing here. Best known for singing the Fun! Fun! Fun! ending theme from the Detective Conan anime series, Leon is now in his seventh year as an Enka singer. According to Masterclass, Enka is a traditional Japanese music style built around pentatonic scales and a melismatic vocal technique called kobushi. It often takes the form of sentimental ballads with roots in ryūkōka, a genre popular in 19th- and early 20th-century Japan. Leon said his love for Enka started with his father, who was also an Enka singer. 'I've loved Enka and pop songs since I was a child, and I've always felt that it's my duty to share their greatness with all generations and the rest of the world,' he said. The 29-year-old recalled his last visit to Malaysia during a high school trip. 'Malaysia is truly a country of many memories for me,' he said. 'I was in a hotel when a malfunctioning alarm went off, and my friends and I rushed out into the hallway, accidentally locking ourselves out. With our shaved heads, wearing T-shirts and shorts, we had a really tough time at the front desk,' he added with a laugh. He's also hoping to relive one of his favourite local eats: Nasi lemak. Wannabes is made up of Gon (centre), Chiro (left), and Guri (right). — Picture by Firdaus Latif Wannabes: The comedy trio that's going global Formed two decades ago as a duo, the comedy group Wannabes — originally known as Bicsmalln — now consists of three members: Gon, Chiro and Guri, who joined in 2019. Specialising in 'physical comedy', the trio are known for transforming themselves into objects using a blend of acrobatics, choreography and slapstick. They say they're currently the only performers in Japan focused on this style. The group recently saw their international profile skyrocket after appearing on Britain's Got Talent, leading to invites from Italy, the Philippines, the US and Spain. Their rebrand from Bicsmalln to Wannabes, said Gon, was to make their name easier to pronounce and remember. Wannabes are a regular live act at Tokyo Tower, but since the Covid-19 pandemic, they've also focused on YouTube, where their channel now boasts over three million subscribers. As for their performance at JEMY 2025? Dressed in their signature striped outfits, the trio simply said, 'We just want to make sure everyone has fun.' JEMY 2025 is on now at KLCC from July 18 to 21. Entry to the Exhibition Zone is free, but tickets for the Entertainment Zone cost between RM25 and RM40. For more info, visit:
Malay Mail
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
J-pop, ‘Enka' and a whole lot of laughs: What's on at JEMY 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The Japan Malaysia Expo 2025 (JEMY 2025) has opened its doors for a three-day celebration of Japanese culture at Hall 1 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), with its Entertainment Zone drawing crowds eager for a taste of J-pop, Enka and comedy — straight from Japan. Here's a look at three standout Japanese acts bringing their talents to Malaysian fans: J-pop soloist Manaka Inaba, Enka singer Leon Niihama, and physical comedy trio Wannabes. J-pop star Manaka Inaba has been performing solo since 2022. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Manaka Inaba on Malaysian food and flying solo If you think Malaysia has great food, you've got something in common with J-pop soloist Manaka Inaba — who's not only performing at JEMY 2025 but also on a personal mission to sample as much local food as possible. The 27-year-old managed to get her first taste of satay on her first night in Malaysia and was surprised by its sweet and savoury flavour. She's also excited to try durian, pineapple and watermelon during her stay. Despite being in the Japanese entertainment industry for over 10 years, this is her first time in Malaysia — and she was touched by the warm welcome from fans who came out in droves for the JEMY 2025 launch. 'First of all, Japan to Malaysia is not a short distance, and to be able to see some fans who flew over just to catch me here is truly heartwarming,' said Manaka, adding that she even met fans who had travelled all the way from Japan. A former idol under Hello! Project, Manaka was previously part of Country Girls and Juice=Juice before officially 'graduating' in 2022 to pursue a solo career — a move she admits comes with fresh challenges. 'As a group, we had other members, so you'd only need to sing your part. But now that I'm on my own, every single part is mine, and I have to decide how I want to deliver each line,' she said. Her setlist for JEMY 2025 includes a mix of solo hits such as Pink Temperature and Attoeteki Love, as well as nostalgic favourites from her Hello! Project days. Enka singer Leon Niihama also performed the ending theme for the popular anime 'Detective Conan'. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Leon Niihama: Second visit, first performance For Enka and pop singer Leon Niihama, this trip marks his return to Malaysia — but his first time performing here. Best known for singing the Fun! Fun! Fun! ending theme from the Detective Conan anime series, Leon is now in his seventh year as an Enka singer. According to Masterclass, Enka is a traditional Japanese music style built around pentatonic scales and a melismatic vocal technique called kobushi. It often takes the form of sentimental ballads with roots in ryūkōka, a genre popular in 19th- and early 20th-century Japan. Leon said his love for Enka started with his father, who was also an Enka singer. 'I've loved Enka and pop songs since I was a child, and I've always felt that it's my duty to share their greatness with all generations and the rest of the world,' he said. The 29-year-old recalled his last visit to Malaysia during a high school trip. 'Malaysia is truly a country of many memories for me,' he said. 'I was in a hotel when a malfunctioning alarm went off, and my friends and I rushed out into the hallway, accidentally locking ourselves out. With our shaved heads, wearing T-shirts and shorts, we had a really tough time at the front desk,' he added with a laugh. He's also hoping to relive one of his favourite local eats: Nasi lemak. Wannabes is made up of Gon (centre), Chiro (left), and Guri (right). — Picture by Firdaus Latif Wannabes: The comedy trio that's going global Formed two decades ago as a duo, the comedy group Wannabes — originally known as Bicsmalln — now consists of three members: Gon, Chiro and Guri, who joined in 2019. Specialising in 'physical comedy', the trio are known for transforming themselves into objects using a blend of acrobatics, choreography and slapstick. They say they're currently the only performers in Japan focused on this style. The group recently saw their international profile skyrocket after appearing on Britain's Got Talent, leading to invites from Italy, the Philippines, the US and Spain. Their rebrand from Bicsmalln to Wannabes, said Gon, was to make their name easier to pronounce and remember. Wannabes are a regular live act at Tokyo Tower, but since the Covid-19 pandemic, they've also focused on YouTube, where their channel now boasts over three million subscribers. As for their performance at JEMY 2025? Dressed in their signature striped outfits, the trio simply said, 'We just want to make sure everyone has fun.' JEMY 2025 is on now at KLCC from July 18 to 21. Entry to the Exhibition Zone is free, but tickets for the Entertainment Zone cost between RM25 and RM40. For more info, visit:
Hype Malaysia
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Japanese Pop Star Manaka Inaba Set To Light The Stage At Japan Expo Malaysia 2025
The highly anticipated Japan Expo Malaysia 2025, bringing Malaysians a taste of Japan, is set to headline one of Japan's most beloved pop stars – Manaka Inaba (稲場愛香)! Loved for her dancing skills and elegant charm, her performance is not one to miss out on. Celebrated former member of Juice=Juice and Country Girls, Manaka Inaba has been announced as a headliner, set to perform at Japan Expo Malaysia 2025 at the KL Convention Centre, from 18th to 20th July 2025. Here's what we know so far: The pop star is best known for her role in Hello! Project, a popular idol collective consisting of female recording artists and groups. Inaba's first stint on the project was in 2014 to 2016, with the group Country Girls but had to graduate from the group in 2016. After a break, she returned to Hello! Project in 2017 as a solo performer based in Sapporo and took on the role of leader for Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido. In 2018, it was announced that she would join the group Juice=Juice. After her time on Hello! Project and Juice=Juice, Inaba continued her career as a solo artist, releasing her first single, 'Attouteki LØVE / Pink Temperature', in 2024. Her appearance at Japan Expo Malaysia 2025 will be her first time performing in Malaysia. In addition to her concert, the idol is also holding an exclusive fan meeting. Here's what we know about her appearance: Manaka Inaba First Live Concert & Fan Meeting at Japan Expo Malaysia 2025 Date: 18th – 20th July 2025 (Friday – Sunday) 18th – 20th July 2025 (Friday – Sunday) Venue: KL Convention Centre KL Convention Centre Organiser: Japan Expo Malaysia Japan Expo Malaysia Ticketing: TBA Stay tuned to Japan Expo Malaysia's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram platforms for the latest updates on more artists and booth announcements. Are you excited to see Manaka Inaba live in KL this July? Source: Twitter Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
