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Difference between revisions of "BENI"
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[[Image:HeavenDoorBENIPROMO1.jpg|thumb|280px|[[Arashiro Beni|BENI]] promoting "[[Heaven’s Door]]" (2010)]]
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[[File:HeavenDoorBENIPROMO2.jpg|right|380px|thumb|BENI promoting "[[Heaven’s Door (BENI)|Heaven's Door]]" (2010)]]
  
 
<div align="justify">
 
<div align="justify">
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'''BENI''' is a [[J-Pop|Japanese pop]] singer, currenly signed to the [[Universal Music Japan]] record label. She made her debut as a member of the defunct supergroup [[Bishoujo Club 31]], and was the first member of the group to pursue a solo career while being an active member. In 2004, she debuted on the [[avex trax]] record label as '''Arashiro Beni''' (安良城紅). Her third single, "[[Here Alone (Arashiro Beni)|Here Alone]]" (the theme song to the [[Dorama|dorama]] ''[[Kurokawa no Techou]]'') became her most successful with the label, peaking at #14. In 2008, Arashiro moved from avex to her current label, changed her stage name to '''BENI''' and has seen a significant boost in popularity.
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'''BENI''' is a [[J-Pop|Japanese pop]] singer, currenly signed to the [[Universal Music|Universal Music Japan]] record label. She made her debut as a member of the defunct supergroup [[Bishoujo Club 31]], and was the first member of the group to pursue a solo career while still being an active member. In 2004, she debuted with the [[avex trax]] record label as '''Arashiro Beni''' (安良城紅). Her third single, "[[Here Alone (Arashiro Beni)|Here Alone]]", the theme song of the [[Dorama|dorama]] ''[[Kurokawa no Techou]]'', became her most successful with the label peaking at #14 on the [[Oricon]]. In 2008, Arashiro moved from avex to her current label, changed her stage name to '''BENI''', and has seen a significant boost in popularity.
  
 
==Profile==
 
==Profile==
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*'''Name:''' Beni Daniels
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* '''Name:''' Beni Daniels
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*'''Stage Name:''' BENI
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* '''Stage Name:''' BENI
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*'''Other Aliases:''' Arashiro Beni (安良城紅), used for career in Japan while under avex-trax label (安良城,Arashiro is her mother's maiden name)
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* '''Other Names:''' Arashiro Beni (安良城紅), used while under the [[avex trax]] label (Arashiro is her mother's maiden name)
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*'''Birthday:''' 1986.03.30  
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* '''Birth Date:''' {{bda|1986|03|30|mf=yes}}
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*'''Birth Place:''' Kanagawa, Japan  
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* '''Birth Place:''' [[Kanagawa Prefecture]], [[Japan]]
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*'''Ethnicity:''' 50% Okinawan (via her mother), 25% European-American/25% Native-American (via her father)
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* '''Ethnicity:''' 50% Okinawan Japanese (via her mother), 25% European-American / 25% Native-American (via her father)
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*'''Hometown:''' Okinawa & Yokosuka  
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* '''Hometown:''' Okinawa & Yokosuka
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*'''Current School:''' Sophia University  
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* '''Current School:''' [[Wikipedia:Sophia University|Sophia University]]
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*'''Favorite Artists:''' Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Utada Hikaru  
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* '''Favorite Artists:''' [[Wikipedia:Alicia Keys|Alicia Keys]], [[Wikipedia:Janet Jackson|Janet Jackson]], [[Utada Hikaru]]
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*'''Favorite Actors:''' Johnny Depp, Wesley Snipes  
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* '''Favorite Actors:''' [[Wikipedia:Johnny Depp|Johnny Depp]], [[Wikipedia:Wesley Snipes|Wesley Snipes]]
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*'''Favorite Magazine:''' Seventeen, XXL, Vibe  
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* '''Favorite Magazine:''' [[Seventeen (magazine)|Seventeen]], XXL, Vibe  
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*'''Favorite Movies:''' X-Men, Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo  
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* '''Favorite Movies:''' [[Wikipedia:X-Men (film)|X-Men]], [[Wikipedia:Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl|Pirates of the Caribbean]], [[Wikipedia:Finding Nemo|Finding Nemo]]
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*'''Other Favorites:''' Harry Potter, hip-hop dancing, soccer, shopping
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* '''Other Favorites:''' [[Wikipedia:Harry Potter|Harry Potter]], hip-hop dancing, soccer, shopping
  
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==Information==
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==Biography==
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=== Beginnings ===
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[[File:Arashino Beni - Beni promo.jpg‎|right|260px|thumb|Arashiro Beni promoting ''[[Beni (album)|Beni]]'' (2005)]]
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[[Image:Beni_photo.jpg‎|thumb|250px|Arashiro Beni promoting ''[[Beni (album)|Beni]]'' (2005)]]
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===Beginnings===
  
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Arashiro Beni comes from a multi-cultural background. Her father is an American, while her mother is an Okinawan Japanese who lived in Miyakojima. Her parents were music lovers, who let her take dance and piano lessons from an early age. While Arashiro was born in Kanagawa, she lived out her childhood in California. When she was 12 she moved from California to Yokohama, and attended the American School in Japan. While there, she was classmates with [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Japan]]-signed artist [[Crystal Kay]] and became close friends with her. Because of this, Arashiro is fluent in both English and Japanese.  
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Arashiro Beni comes from a multi-cultural background. Her father is an American, while her mother is an Okinawan Japanese who lived in Miyakojima. Her parents were music lovers, who let her take dance and piano lessons from an early age. While Arashiro was born in Kanagawa Prefecture, she lived out her childhood in California. When she was 12 she moved from California to Yokohama, and attended the American School in Japan. While there, she was classmates with [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Japan]]-signed artist [[Crystal Kay]] and became close friends with her. Because of this, Arashiro is fluent in both English and Japanese.
  
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In 2002, Arashiro competed in the 8th National Japan Bishojo Contest (a beauty pagent) and became one of the finalists, despite not having any formal training for the beauty contest. Due to her high placing in this contest, she was chosen to be part of the musical/TV personality group [[Bishoujo 31]] in mid-2006 (though at the time were called [[Bishoujo 31]] as 10 more members came in 2004). She became a regular on the TV-show GIRLS A GOGO! along side the rest of the members of this group.  
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In 2002, Arashiro competed in the 8th National Japan Bishojo Contest (a beauty pagent) and became one of the finalists, despite not having any formal training for the beauty contest. Due to her high placing in this contest, she was chosen to be part of the musical/TV personality group [[Bishoujo Club 31]], though at the time were called [[Bishoujo Club 31|Bishoujo Club ''21'']] as ten more members came in 2004. She became a regular on the TV-show ''[[GIRLS A GOGO!]]'' along side the rest of the members of the group.
  
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=== avex trax Era ===
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[[File:Arashino Beni - Girl 2 Lady promo.jpg‎|left|245px|thumb|Arashiro Beni promoting ''[[Girl 2 Lady]]'' (2006)]]
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[[Image:girl2lady.jpg‎|thumb|250px|left|Arashiro Beni promoting ''[[Girl 2 Lady]]'' (2006)]]
 
  
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In April 2004 the group with debut with their first single, [[Da Di Da Go! Go!|Da Di Da☆Go! Go!]] (the ending theme song that was used in their TV show GIRLS A GOGO!). The single broke the top 40 at #34. Arashiro was then picked up by [[avex trax]] to become a solo artist away from the [[Pony Canyon]]-produced [[Bishoujo Club 31]] and debuted in June with the single "[[Harmony (Arashiro Beni)|Harmony]]" ([[Dorama|drama]] ''[[Reikan Bus Guide Jikenbo]]'''s theme song). This made her the first of the girls to pursue a solo project. The single, however, would barely see more success than the group's effort, peaking at #26.
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===[[avex trax]] Era===
  
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In August, Arashiro found her second TV opportunity by appearing on the MTV Japan show M size appearing in a segment called JANGLISH STYLE from Arashiro Beni ~Otona no Junky Life~. Two months later, her second single "[[Infinite...]]" was released. On the day after the single's release, a special one-off drama starring popular actress [[Yonekura Ryoko]] called ''[[Kurokawa no Techou]]'' was aired, which used a new song of Arashiro's, "[[Here Alone]]", as its ending theme song. Interestingly, [[Yonekura Royoko]] had won the 1992 competition for the Bishoujo award that Arashiro had become a finalist in. This new song proved to be much more popular, peaking at #14 on Oricon charts (this is her most successful single to date). At the same time, Arashiro was promoting her second Bishoujo Club single called [[Tokyo Gourmet Tour]] which was released two weeks before.  
+
In April of 2004 the group with debuted with their first single, "[[Da Di Da Go! Go!|Da Di Da☆Go! Go!]]", which was used as the ending theme song in their TV show. The single broke into the top 40 at #34. Arashiro was then picked up by [[avex trax]] to become a solo artist away from the [[Pony Canyon]]-produced [[Bishoujo Club 31]] and debuted in June with the single "[[Harmony (Arashiro Beni)|Harmony]]", which was then used as the theme song for the [[Dorama|drama]] ''[[Reikan Bus Guide Jikenbo]]''. This made her the first of the girls to pursue a solo project. The single, however, would barely see more success than the group's effort, peaking at #26.
  
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The start of 2005 saw Arashiro become the spokesgirl and CM model for cosmetics company KOSÉ's VISEE range (a title that has gone to such people as [[Amuro Namie]], [[Hamasaki Ayumi]], [[Koda Kumi]] and [[Tsuchiya Anna]]). Following this in February was debut self-titled album, ''[[Beni (album)|Beni]]'', as well as a single released on the same day called Miracle taken from the album. In March at the 19th Japan Gold Disc Award ceremony, Arashiro was one of the receivers fo the Best New Artist of the Year award. Arashiro starred in her first musical as the heroine Mary Maguire in the Japanese run of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Beautiful Game (it had two dates in March-April).  
+
In August, Arashiro found her second TV opportunity by appearing on the MTV Japan show ''M size'' appearing in a segment called "JANGLISH STYLE from Arashiro Beni ~Otona no Junky Life~". Two months later, her second single "[[Infinite...]]" was released. On the day after the single's release, a special one-off drama starring popular actress [[Yonekura Ryoko]] called ''[[Kurokawa no Techou]]'' was aired, which used a new song of Arashiro's, "[[Here Alone (Arashiro Beni)|Here alone]]", as its ending theme song. Interestingly, [[Yonekura Royoko]] had won the 1992 competition for the Bishoujo award that Arashiro had become a finalist in. This new song proved to be much more popular, peaking at #14 on the [[Oricon]] charts (this is her most successful single to date). At the same time, Arashiro was promoting her second Bishoujo Club single called "[[Tokyo Gourmet Tour]]", which was released two weeks before.
  
−
[[Image:beniluna.jpg‎|thumb|250px|right|Arashiro Beni promoting "[[Luna (Arashiro Beni)|Luna]]" (2007)]]
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The start of 2005 saw Arashiro become the spokesgirl and [[CM]] model for cosmetics company KOSÉ's VISEE range (a title that has gone to such people as [[Amuro Namie]], [[Hamasaki Ayumi]], [[Koda Kumi]] and [[Tsuchiya Anna]]). Following this in February was her debut self-titled album, ''[[Beni (album)|Beni]]'', as well as a single released on the same day called "[[Miracle (Arashiro Beni)|Miracle]]" taken from the album. In March at the 19th Japan Gold Disc Award ceremony, Arashiro was one of the receivers for the Best New Artist of the Year award. Arashiro starred in her first musical as the heroine Mary Maguire in the Japanese run of [[Wikipedia:Andrew Lloyd Webber|Andrew Lloyd Webber]]'s [[Wikipedia:The Beautiful Game (musical)|The Beautiful Game]] (it had two dates in March-April).
  
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June saw Arashiro's first new single since her debut album, "[[Hikari no Kazu Dake Glamorous]]" (used as the VISEE CM song to the commercial which starred her). On August 6 she performed both the Japanese national anthem and the American national anthem at the half time show for the American Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts at the Tokyo Dome. August also saw the final release from [[Bishoujo Club 31]], a DVD mini-album.  
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June saw Arashiro's first new single since her debut album, "[[Hikari no Kazu Dake Glamorous]]". It was used as a VISEE [[CM]] song in the commercial which starred her. On August 6th she performed both the Japanese national anthem and the American national anthem at the half time show for the American Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts at the Tokyo Dome. August also saw the final release from [[Bishoujo Club 31]], a DVD mini-album.
  
−
In late 2005 she would release a single "[[Cherish (Arashiro Beni)|Cherish]]" which was the lead-in to her second album [[Girl 2 Lady]]. While [[Girl 2 Lady]] was significantly less successful commercially, it also saw Arashiro committing more to her music (she co-wrote several tracks on the album). After a period of inactivity she released a new single "[[How Are U|How Are U?]]" (produced by [[YANAGIMAN]]) in September which did not chart on [[Oricon]] chart's top 200 single (implying less than 350 copies sold that week). Nothing else was released in 2006. In 2007, Arashiro made a comeback with the theme song to the drama ''[[Warui Yatsura]''], "[[Luna (Arashiro Beni)|Luna]]" (peaking at #77) and her third album, ''[[Gem (Arashiro Beni)|GEM]]'', following in April. At the same time, Arashiro became the face of clothing label CECIL McBEE.
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[[File:Arashiro Beni - Luna promo.jpg‎|right|260px|thumb|Arashiro Beni promoting "[[Luna (Arashiro Beni)|Luna]]" (2007)]]
  
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Following her third album, ''[[Gem (Arashiro Beni)|GEM]]'', Arashiro was finally given the chance to have one-man lives. There were two in total, one which was held in Tokyo and the other in Osaka.  Following these lives, Arashiro was relatively inactive in her music career but started work as a host for NHK TV's ''Tokyo Kawaii TV''. In late 2007 it was announced on her website that she would continue to sing the theme song for American Football in Japan. It was soon announced in 2008 that Arashiro would star in the movie, ''[[Buraburabanban]]'', as the lead character. Shortly after this a best of album was announced which was titled ''[[Chapter One ~Complete Collection~|Chapter One ~complete collection~]]''. The best of album had two versions, a CD only and a CD+DVD version. The CD+DVD version included all of her music videos and performances from her first live.
+
In late 2005 she would release a single, "[[Cherish (Arashiro Beni)|Cherish]]", which was the lead-in to her second album ''[[Girl 2 Lady]]''. While the album was significantly less successful commercially, it also saw Arashiro committing more to her music as she co-wrote several tracks on the album. After a period of inactivity she released a new single "[[How Are U|How Are U?]]" (produced by [[YANAGIMAN]]) in September which did not chart on the [[Oricon]] chart's top 200, implying less than 350 copies sold that week. Nothing else was released in 2006. In 2007, Arashiro made a comeback with the theme song to the drama ''[[Warui Yatsura]]'', "[[Luna (Arashiro Beni)|Luna]]", which peaked at #77, and her third album ''[[Gem (Arashiro Beni)|GEM]]'' following in April. At the same time, Arashiro became the face of clothing label CECIL McBEE.  
  
−
===Switch to Universal===
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Following her third album, Arashiro was finally given the chance to have one-man lives. There were two in total, one which was held in Tokyo and the other in Osaka.  Following these lives, Arashiro was relatively inactive in her music career but started to work as a host for NHK TV's ''[[Tokyo Kawaii TV]]''. In late 2007 it was announced on her website that she would continue to sing the theme song for American Football in Japan. It was soon announced in 2008 that Arashiro would star in the movie ''[[Burabura Banban]]'' as the lead character. Shortly after this a best of album was announced which was titled ''[[Chapter One ~Complete Collection~|Chapter One ~complete collection~]]''. The best of was released in two versions, a CD+DVD edition and a CD only edition. The CD+DVD version included all of her [[PV|music videos]] and performances from her first live.
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[[Image:Beni_arashiro.jpg‎|thumb|250px|left|BENI promoting "[[Mou Nido to...]]" (2008)]]
 
  
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Following the release of her best album, it was rumored that she possibly could have been dropped due to the title of her best-of album being "complete collection". Fan's fears were slightly settled when it was announced that Arashiro would be featured as "BENI" on [[Dohzi-T]]'s single, "[[Mou Ichido...]]".  Upon "[[Mou Ichido...]]"'s release, it became the biggest hit to date for both [[Dozhi-T]] and Arashiro. In late August 2008, it was announced that Arashiro would be featured on  [[MAKAI|DJ MAKAI]]'s album ''[[Stars (MAKAI)|STARS]]'', with the song titled "[[Star in My Sky|STAR IN MY SKY]]". In September 2008, without a warning, Arashiro's official site at Avex was shutdown. It was widely believed that what fans had feared most had actually happened, she was dropped by her label.
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[[File:BENI - Mou Nido to promo.jpg‎|left|260px|thumb|BENI promoting "[[Mou Nido to...]]" (2008)]]
  
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But in late October, it was officially announced that rather than being dropped Arashiro had switched record label companies as well as management from [[avex trax]] and Oscar Promotion to [[Universal Music Japan]]'s Nayutawave Records and Survive on Music Inc. respectively. It was also announced that Arashiro switched her name from Arashiro Beni to '''BENI''' and that she hoped to pursue solely on her music from that point on. In order to be more committed to her music it was also announced that she would take part in the writing of her songs from that point on.  A single was quickly announced, titled "[[Mou Nido to..]]." which was an answer song to the widely popular collaboration with [[Dozhi-T]] "[[Mou Ichido...]]".  "[[Mou Nido to...]]" was released on December 10th and was able to reach #20 on the weekly [[Oricon]] chart (her highest chart rank since her debut) and was extremely popular in downloads.
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===Switch to [[Universal Music|Universal]]===
  
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[[Image:Beni.jpg‎|thumb|250px|right|BENI promoting "[[Kiss Kiss Kiss (BENI)|Kiss Kiss Kiss]]" (2009)]]  
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Following the release of her best album, it was rumored that she possibly could have been dropped due to the title of her best-of album being "complete collection". Fan's fears were slightly settled when it was announced that Arashiro would be featured as "BENI" on [[Dohzi-T]]'s single, "[[Mou Ichido...]]".  Upon its release, it became the biggest hit to date for both [[Dohzi-T]] and Arashiro.
  
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Following "[[Mou Nido to...]]", it was announced that BENI would be collaborating once more with [[MAKAI]] for his new mini-album ''[[Legend (MAKAI)|LEGEND]]'' where BENI covered Cece Pennington's hit song "Finally". BENI also took part in a tribute album to [[wikipedia:The Carpenter|The Carpenter]]'s and covered the song "[[Superstar (BENI)|Superstar]]". Another single was also announced, "[[Kiss Kiss Kiss]]", that was released on April 8, 2009. "[[Kiss Kiss Kiss (BENI)|Kiss Kiss Kiss]]" was used as the CM song for Kao Biore's new line of body soap "Body Deli". Although "[[Kiss Kiss Kiss]]" only managed to rank in at #40 on the [[Oricon]] weekly chart it saw significant success on the download charts, managing to rank in at #1 for its release week with Chaku-Uta Full. After "[[Kiss Kiss Kiss]]" another single was quickly announced entitled "[[Koi Kogarete]]" that is set to be released on June 10tg, 2009.  "[[Koi Kogarete]]" will be used as popular TV show "[[Music Fighter]]"'s June Power Play theme song. The single will include the song "[[Forever 21]]" which was produced by [[YANAGIMAN]] and is being used as the image song for popular clothing company FOREVER 21 which recently crossed over into the Japanese market.
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In late August of 2008, it was announced that Arashiro would be featured on [[MAKAI|DJ MAKAI]]'s album ''[[Stars (MAKAI)|STARS]]'', with the song titled "[[Star in My Sky|STAR IN MY SKY]]". In September of 2008, without a warning, Arashiro's official site at [[avex trax]] was shutdown. It was widely believed that what fans had feared most had actually happened, she was dropped by her label.
  
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In a blog in May 2009, BENI answered one of commentator's questions, one which asked if an album was going to be released soon. BENI replied that she is currently working on recording songs for the album and that it should be ready soon.  
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But in late October, it was officially announced that rather than being dropped Arashiro had switched record label companies as well as management from [[avex trax]] and [[Oscar Promotion]] to [[Universal Music|Universal Music Japan]]'s sub-label [[NAYUTAWAVE RECORDS]] and [[Survive on Music Inc.]], respectively. It was also announced that Arashiro switched her name from Arashiro Beni to '''BENI''' and that she hoped to pursue solely on her music from that point on.
  
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BENI is currently studies political science at Sophia University in Tokyo.
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In order to be more committed to her music it was also announced that she would take part in the writing of her songs from that point on. A single was quickly announced, titled "[[Mou Nido to...]]" which was an answer song to the widely popular collaboration with [[Dohzi-T]] "[[Mou Ichido...]]". "[[Mou Nido to...]]" was released on December 10th, 2008 and was able to reach #20 on the weekly [[Oricon]] charts, her highest chart rank since her debut, and was extremely popular in downloads.
 +
 
 +
[[File:BENI - Kiss Kiss Kiss promo.jpg‎|right|250px|thumb|BENI promoting "[[Kiss Kiss Kiss (BENI)|Kiss Kiss Kiss]]" (2009)]]
 +
 
 +
Following "[[Mou Nido to...]]", it was announced that BENI would be collaborating once more with [[MAKAI]] for his new mini-album ''[[Legend (MAKAI)|LEGEND]]'', where BENI covered [[Wikipedia:CeCe Peniston|CeCe Peniston]]'s hit song "[[Wikipedia:Finally (CeCe Peniston song)|Finally]]". BENI also took part in a [[wikipedia:The Carpenters|The Carpenters]] tribute album and covered their cover of the song "[[Wikipedia:Superstar (Delaney and Bonnie song)|Superstar]]". Another single was also announced, "[[Kiss Kiss Kiss]]", which was released on April 8th, 2009. "Kiss Kiss Kiss" was used as the [[CM]] theme song for Kao Biore's new line of body soap "Body Deli". Although it only managed to rank in at #40 on the [[Oricon]] weekly charts it saw significant success on the download charts, managing to rank in at #1 for its release week with Chaku-Uta Full.
 +
 
 +
After "[[Kiss Kiss Kiss (BENI)|Kiss Kiss Kiss]]" another single was quickly announced entitled "[[Koi Kogarete]]" that is set to be released on June 10th, 2009. It was used as the popular TV show ''[[Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER]]'' June Power Play theme song. The single included the song "[[Forever 21]]", which was produced by [[YANAGIMAN]], and was used as the image song for the popular clothing company [[Wikipedia:Forever 21|FOREVER 21]] which recently crossed over into the Japanese market.
 +
 
 +
In her blog in May of 2009, BENI answered one of a commentator's questions, one which asked if an album was going to be released soon. BENI replied that she is currently working on recording songs for the album and that it should be ready soon. The album in question, ''[[Bitter & Sweet (BENI)|Bitter & Sweet]]'', was released four months later on September 2nd.
 +
 
 +
BENI is currently studies political science at [[Wikipedia:Sophia University|Sophia University]] in [[Tokyo]].
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
 
==Discography==
 
==Discography==
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[[Image:Koi Kogaretepromo.jpg‎|thumb|220px|right|BENI promoting "[[Koi Kogarete]]" (2009)]]
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''Note: Click [[Bishoujo Club 31#Discography|here]] for prior releases with '''[[Bishoujo Club 31]]'''.''  
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''Note: See [[Bishoujo Club 31#Discography]] for prior releases with '''[[Bishoujo Club 31]]'''.''  
 
 
===Albums===
 
===Albums===
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*[2005.02.09] [[Beni (album)|Beni]]
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* [2005.02.09] [[Beni (album)|Beni]]
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*[2006.02.22] [[Girl 2 Lady]]
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* [2006.02.22] [[Girl 2 Lady]]
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*[2007.04.25] [[Gem (Arashiro Beni)|GEM]]
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* [2007.04.25] [[Gem (Arashiro Beni)|GEM]]
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*[2009.09.02] [[Bitter & Sweet (BENI)|Bitter & Sweet]]
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* [2009.09.02] [[Bitter & Sweet (BENI)|Bitter & Sweet]]
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*[2010.06.02] [[Lovebox]]
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* [2010.06.02] [[Lovebox]]
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*[2010.12.08] [[Jewel]]
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* [2010.12.08] [[Jewel (BENI)|Jewel]]
  
 
===Other Albums===
 
===Other Albums===
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*[2008.03.05] [[Chapter One ~Complete Collection~|Chapter One ~complete collection~]] (Best Album)
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* [2008.03.05] [[Chapter One ~Complete Collection~|Chapter One ~complete collection~]] (Best Album)
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*[2010.03.10] [[Bitter & Sweet Release Tour Final|Bitter & Sweet Release Tour FINAL]] (Live Album)
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* [2010.03.10] [[Bitter & Sweet Release Tour Final|Bitter & Sweet Release Tour FINAL]] (Live Album)
  
 
===Singles===
 
===Singles===
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*[2004.06.09] [[Harmony (Arashiro Beni)|Harmony]]
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* [2004.06.09] [[Harmony (Arashiro Beni)|Harmony]]
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*[2004.10.20] [[Infinite...]]
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* [2004.10.20] [[Infinite...]]
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*[2004.11.25] [[Here Alone (Arashiro Beni)|Here alone]]
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* [2004.11.25] [[Here Alone (Arashiro Beni)|Here alone]]
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*[2005.02.09] [[Miracle (Arashiro Beni)|Miracle]]
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* [2005.02.09] [[Miracle (Arashiro Beni)|Miracle]]
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*[2005.06.01] [[Hikari no Kazu Dake Glamorous]] (光の数だけグラマラス)
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* [2005.06.01] [[Hikari no Kazu Dake Glamorous]] (光の数だけグラマラス)
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*[2005.12.07] [[Cherish (Arashiro Beni)|Cherish]]
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* [2005.12.07] [[Cherish (Arashiro Beni)|Cherish]]
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*[2006.09.20] [[How Are U?]]
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* [2006.09.20] [[How Are U?]]
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*[2007.02.28] [[Luna (Arashiro Beni)|Luna]]
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* [2007.02.28] [[Luna (Arashiro Beni)|Luna]]
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*[2008.12.10] [[Mou Nido to...]] (もう二度と・・・)
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* [2008.12.10] [[Mou Nido to...]] (もう二度と・・・)
−
*[2009.04.08] [[Kiss Kiss Kiss (BENI)|Kiss Kiss Kiss]]
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* [2009.04.08] [[Kiss Kiss Kiss (BENI)|Kiss Kiss Kiss]]
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*[2009.06.10] [[Koi Kogarete]] (恋焦がれて)
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* [2009.06.10] [[Koi Kogarete]] (恋焦がれて)
−
*[2009.08.12] [[Zutto Futari de (BENI)|Zutto Futari de]] (ずっと二人で)
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* [2009.08.12] [[Zutto Futari de (BENI)|Zutto Futari de]] (ずっと二人で)
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*[2009.11.04] [[Kira Kira (BENI)|KIRA☆KIRA☆]]
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* [2009.11.04] [[Kira Kira (BENI)|KIRA☆KIRA☆]]
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*[2010.01.20] [[Sign (BENI)|Sign]] (サイン)
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* [2010.01.20] [[Sign (BENI)|Sign]] (サイン)
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*[2010.03.10] [[Bye Bye (BENI)|bye bye]]
+
* [2010.03.10] [[Bye Bye (BENI)|bye bye]]
−
*[2010.05.05] [[Yura Yura / Gimme Gimme|Yura Yura / Gimme Gimme♥]] (ユラユラ/ギミギミ♥)
+
* [2010.05.05] [[Yura Yura / Gimme Gimme|Yura Yura / Gimme Gimme♥]] (ユラユラ / ギミギミ♥)
−
*[2010.08.11] [[Heaven’s Door]]
+
* [2010.08.11] [[Heaven’s Door]]
−
*[2010.11.24] [[2FACE]]
+
* [2010.11.24] [[2Face|2FACE]]
  
 
===DVDs===
 
===DVDs===
−
*[2010.03.10] [[Bitter & Sweet Release Tour Final|Bitter & Sweet Release Tour FINAL]]
+
* [2010.03.10] [[Bitter & Sweet Release Tour Final|Bitter & Sweet Release Tour FINAL]]
  
 
===Compilation / Other===
 
===Compilation / Other===
−
*[2005.02.23] [[Major Original Soundtrack]] (#33 ''Step (TV-size)'')  
+
* [2005.02.23] [[Major Original Soundtrack]] (#33 ''Step (TV-size)'')  
−
*[2005.03.30] [[Gazen Parapara!! Presents Super J-Euro Best]] (#8 ''Harmony (Spring Remix)'')  
+
* [2005.03.30] [[Gazen Parapara!! Presents Super J-Euro Best]] (#8 ''Harmony (Spring Remix)'')  
−
*[2005.03.30] [[Kim Possible Sound Track]] (#16 ''Call Me, Beep me! (English Version)'')  
+
* [2005.03.30] [[Kim Possible Sound Track]] (#16 ''Call Me, Beep me! (English Version)'')  
−
*[2005.03.30] [[Super Best Trance Presents Super J-Trance Best]] (#5 ''Here alone (OVERHEAD CHAMPION remix)'')  
+
* [2005.03.30] [[Super Best Trance Presents Super J-Trance Best]] (#5 ''Here alone (OVERHEAD CHAMPION remix)'')  
−
*[2006.03.23] [[Eyeshield 21 Song Best]] (#15 ''GOAL (TV size''))  
+
* [2006.03.23] [[Eyeshield 21 Song Best]] (#15 ''GOAL (TV size''))  
−
*[2006.03.29] [[Fleur|fleur]] (#9 ''Here alone'')  
+
* [2006.03.29] [[Fleur|fleur]] (#9 ''Here alone'')  
−
*[2007.03.07] [[Disneymania Presents Pop Parade Japan|Disneymania presents POP PARADE JAPAN]] (#8 ''Call Me, Beep Me (English Version)'')  
+
* [2007.03.07] [[Disneymania Presents Pop Parade Japan|Disneymania presents POP PARADE JAPAN]] (#8 ''Call Me, Beep Me (English Version)'')  
−
*[2007.08.29] [[Dohzi-T]] - "[[One Mic]]" (#11 ''summer days'' ([[Shingo.S]] feat. '''Arashiro Beni'''))  
+
* [2007.08.29] [[Dohzi-T]] - "[[One Mic]]" (#11 ''summer days'' ([[Shingo.S]] feat. '''Arashiro Beni'''))  
−
*[2007.10.03] [[EQUIP]] - "[[For Your Love|FOR YOUR LOVE]]" (#2 ''Late Night'' feat. '''BENI''', ''By My Side'' feat. '''BENI''')
+
* [2007.10.03] [[EQUIP]] - "[[For Your Love|FOR YOUR LOVE]]" (#2 ''Late Night'' feat. '''BENI''', ''By My Side'' feat. '''BENI''')
−
*[2008.06.11] [[Dohzi-T]] - "[[Mou Ichido...]] feat. '''BENI'''"
+
* [2008.06.11] [[Dohzi-T]] - "[[Mou Ichido...]] feat. '''BENI'''"
−
*[2008.09.24] [[Dohzi-T]] - "[[12 Love Stories]]" (#12 ''Summer Days ('08 Ver.)'' feat. '''BENI''')
+
* [2008.09.24] [[Dohzi-T]] - "[[12 Love Stories]]" (#12 ''Summer Days ('08 Ver.)'' feat. '''BENI''')
−
*[2008.09.24] [[MAKAI]] - "[[Stars (MAKAI)|STARS]]" (#4 ''STAR IN MY SKy'' feat. '''BENI''')
+
* [2008.09.24] [[MAKAI]] - "[[Stars (MAKAI)|STARS]]" (#4 ''STAR IN MY SKy'' feat. '''BENI''')
−
*[2009.03.25] [[MAKAI]] - "[[Legend (MAKAI)|LEGEND]]" (#4 ''FINALLY'' feat. '''BENI''')
+
* [2009.03.25] [[MAKAI]] - "[[Legend (MAKAI)|LEGEND]]" (#4 ''FINALLY'' feat. '''BENI''')
−
*[2009.03.25] [[Yesterday Once More ~Tribute to the Carpenters~|Yesterday Once More ~TRIBUTE TO THE CARPENTERS~]] (#3 ''SUPERSTAR'')
+
* [2009.03.25] [[Yesterday Once More ~Tribute to the Carpenters~|Yesterday Once More ~TRIBUTE TO THE CARPENTERS~]] (#3 ''SUPERSTAR'')
−
*[2009.09.16] [[m-flo Tribute ~Maison de m-flo~|m-flo TRIBUTE ~maison de m-flo~]] (#9 ''L.O.T. (Love or Truth)'')
+
* [2009.09.16] [[m-flo Tribute ~Maison de m-flo~|m-flo TRIBUTE ~maison de m-flo~]] (#9 ''L.O.T. (Love or Truth)'')
−
*[2009.12.16] [[Dohzi-T]] - "[[4 Ever|4 ever]]" (#6 ''Heaven'' feat. '''BENI''')
+
* [2009.12.16] [[Dohzi-T]] - "[[4 Ever|4 ever]]" (#6 ''Heaven'' feat. '''BENI''')
  
−
==TV/Movie Filmography==
+
==Filmography==
−
*[2008.xx.xx] [[J-Melo]] - special guest appearance
+
* [2008.xx.xx] [[J-Melo]] - special guest appearance
−
*[2008.03.15] [[Burabura Banban]] ( ブラブラバンバン) - as '''Seryu Yuriko'''
+
* [2008.03.15] [[Burabura Banban]] (ブラブラバンバン) - as '''Seryu Yuriko'''
  
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
−
* [http://www.universal-music.co.jp/beni/ Official Universal Music Website]
+
* [http://www.benibenibeni.com/ Official Website]
−
* [http://www.avexnet.or.jp/beni/ Official avex trax Website]
+
* [http://www.universal-music.co.jp/beni/ BENI @ Universal Music Japan]
 +
* [http://www.avexnet.or.jp/beni/ Arashiro Beni @ avex trax]
 
* [http://ameblo.jp/beni-official/ Official Blog "THE "B" LOG"]
 
* [http://ameblo.jp/beni-official/ Official Blog "THE "B" LOG"]
−
* [http://beni-arashiro.com/ Beni-Arashiro.com Fansite]
+
* [http://beni-arashiro.com/ Beni-Arashiro.com (English Fansite)]
  
 
{{BENI}}
 
{{BENI}}

Revision as of 21:32, 14 November 2010

File:HeavenDoorBENIPROMO2.jpg
BENI promoting "Heaven's Door" (2010)

BENI is a Japanese pop singer, currenly signed to the Universal Music Japan record label. She made her debut as a member of the defunct supergroup Bishoujo Club 31, and was the first member of the group to pursue a solo career while still being an active member. In 2004, she debuted with the avex trax record label as Arashiro Beni (安良城紅). Her third single, "Here Alone", the theme song of the dorama Kurokawa no Techou, became her most successful with the label peaking at #14 on the Oricon. In 2008, Arashiro moved from avex to her current label, changed her stage name to BENI, and has seen a significant boost in popularity.

Profile

Biography

File:Arashino Beni - Beni promo.jpg
Arashiro Beni promoting Beni (2005)

Beginnings

Arashiro Beni comes from a multi-cultural background. Her father is an American, while her mother is an Okinawan Japanese who lived in Miyakojima. Her parents were music lovers, who let her take dance and piano lessons from an early age. While Arashiro was born in Kanagawa Prefecture, she lived out her childhood in California. When she was 12 she moved from California to Yokohama, and attended the American School in Japan. While there, she was classmates with Sony Japan-signed artist Crystal Kay and became close friends with her. Because of this, Arashiro is fluent in both English and Japanese.

In 2002, Arashiro competed in the 8th National Japan Bishojo Contest (a beauty pagent) and became one of the finalists, despite not having any formal training for the beauty contest. Due to her high placing in this contest, she was chosen to be part of the musical/TV personality group Bishoujo Club 31, though at the time were called Bishoujo Club 21 as ten more members came in 2004. She became a regular on the TV-show GIRLS A GOGO! along side the rest of the members of the group.

File:Arashino Beni - Girl 2 Lady promo.jpg
Arashiro Beni promoting Girl 2 Lady (2006)

avex trax Era

In April of 2004 the group with debuted with their first single, "Da Di Da☆Go! Go!", which was used as the ending theme song in their TV show. The single broke into the top 40 at #34. Arashiro was then picked up by avex trax to become a solo artist away from the Pony Canyon-produced Bishoujo Club 31 and debuted in June with the single "Harmony", which was then used as the theme song for the drama Reikan Bus Guide Jikenbo. This made her the first of the girls to pursue a solo project. The single, however, would barely see more success than the group's effort, peaking at #26.

In August, Arashiro found her second TV opportunity by appearing on the MTV Japan show M size appearing in a segment called "JANGLISH STYLE from Arashiro Beni ~Otona no Junky Life~". Two months later, her second single "Infinite..." was released. On the day after the single's release, a special one-off drama starring popular actress Yonekura Ryoko called Kurokawa no Techou was aired, which used a new song of Arashiro's, "Here alone", as its ending theme song. Interestingly, Yonekura Royoko had won the 1992 competition for the Bishoujo award that Arashiro had become a finalist in. This new song proved to be much more popular, peaking at #14 on the Oricon charts (this is her most successful single to date). At the same time, Arashiro was promoting her second Bishoujo Club single called "Tokyo Gourmet Tour", which was released two weeks before.

The start of 2005 saw Arashiro become the spokesgirl and CM model for cosmetics company KOSÉ's VISEE range (a title that has gone to such people as Amuro Namie, Hamasaki Ayumi, Koda Kumi and Tsuchiya Anna). Following this in February was her debut self-titled album, Beni, as well as a single released on the same day called "Miracle" taken from the album. In March at the 19th Japan Gold Disc Award ceremony, Arashiro was one of the receivers for the Best New Artist of the Year award. Arashiro starred in her first musical as the heroine Mary Maguire in the Japanese run of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Beautiful Game (it had two dates in March-April).

June saw Arashiro's first new single since her debut album, "Hikari no Kazu Dake Glamorous". It was used as a VISEE CM song in the commercial which starred her. On August 6th she performed both the Japanese national anthem and the American national anthem at the half time show for the American Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts at the Tokyo Dome. August also saw the final release from Bishoujo Club 31, a DVD mini-album.

Arashiro Beni promoting "Luna" (2007)

In late 2005 she would release a single, "Cherish", which was the lead-in to her second album Girl 2 Lady. While the album was significantly less successful commercially, it also saw Arashiro committing more to her music as she co-wrote several tracks on the album. After a period of inactivity she released a new single "How Are U?" (produced by YANAGIMAN) in September which did not chart on the Oricon chart's top 200, implying less than 350 copies sold that week. Nothing else was released in 2006. In 2007, Arashiro made a comeback with the theme song to the drama Warui Yatsura, "Luna", which peaked at #77, and her third album GEM following in April. At the same time, Arashiro became the face of clothing label CECIL McBEE.

Following her third album, Arashiro was finally given the chance to have one-man lives. There were two in total, one which was held in Tokyo and the other in Osaka. Following these lives, Arashiro was relatively inactive in her music career but started to work as a host for NHK TV's Tokyo Kawaii TV. In late 2007 it was announced on her website that she would continue to sing the theme song for American Football in Japan. It was soon announced in 2008 that Arashiro would star in the movie Burabura Banban as the lead character. Shortly after this a best of album was announced which was titled Chapter One ~complete collection~. The best of was released in two versions, a CD+DVD edition and a CD only edition. The CD+DVD version included all of her music videos and performances from her first live.

BENI promoting "Mou Nido to..." (2008)

Switch to Universal

Following the release of her best album, it was rumored that she possibly could have been dropped due to the title of her best-of album being "complete collection". Fan's fears were slightly settled when it was announced that Arashiro would be featured as "BENI" on Dohzi-T's single, "Mou Ichido...". Upon its release, it became the biggest hit to date for both Dohzi-T and Arashiro.

In late August of 2008, it was announced that Arashiro would be featured on DJ MAKAI's album STARS, with the song titled "STAR IN MY SKY". In September of 2008, without a warning, Arashiro's official site at avex trax was shutdown. It was widely believed that what fans had feared most had actually happened, she was dropped by her label.

But in late October, it was officially announced that rather than being dropped Arashiro had switched record label companies as well as management from avex trax and Oscar Promotion to Universal Music Japan's sub-label NAYUTAWAVE RECORDS and Survive on Music Inc., respectively. It was also announced that Arashiro switched her name from Arashiro Beni to BENI and that she hoped to pursue solely on her music from that point on.

In order to be more committed to her music it was also announced that she would take part in the writing of her songs from that point on. A single was quickly announced, titled "Mou Nido to..." which was an answer song to the widely popular collaboration with Dohzi-T "Mou Ichido...". "Mou Nido to..." was released on December 10th, 2008 and was able to reach #20 on the weekly Oricon charts, her highest chart rank since her debut, and was extremely popular in downloads.

BENI promoting "Kiss Kiss Kiss" (2009)

Following "Mou Nido to...", it was announced that BENI would be collaborating once more with MAKAI for his new mini-album LEGEND, where BENI covered CeCe Peniston's hit song "Finally". BENI also took part in a The Carpenters tribute album and covered their cover of the song "Superstar". Another single was also announced, "Kiss Kiss Kiss", which was released on April 8th, 2009. "Kiss Kiss Kiss" was used as the CM theme song for Kao Biore's new line of body soap "Body Deli". Although it only managed to rank in at #40 on the Oricon weekly charts it saw significant success on the download charts, managing to rank in at #1 for its release week with Chaku-Uta Full.

After "Kiss Kiss Kiss" another single was quickly announced entitled "Koi Kogarete" that is set to be released on June 10th, 2009. It was used as the popular TV show Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER June Power Play theme song. The single included the song "Forever 21", which was produced by YANAGIMAN, and was used as the image song for the popular clothing company FOREVER 21 which recently crossed over into the Japanese market.

In her blog in May of 2009, BENI answered one of a commentator's questions, one which asked if an album was going to be released soon. BENI replied that she is currently working on recording songs for the album and that it should be ready soon. The album in question, Bitter & Sweet, was released four months later on September 2nd.

BENI is currently studies political science at Sophia University in Tokyo.

Discography

Note: Click here for prior releases with Bishoujo Club 31.

Albums

Other Albums

Singles

DVDs

Compilation / Other

Filmography

  • [2008.xx.xx] J-Melo - special guest appearance
  • [2008.03.15] Burabura Banban (ブラブラバンバン) - as Seryu Yuriko

External Links

v • d • e
BENI
Songs · Images · Bishoujo Club 31
Studio Albums BENI - Your Song promo2.jpg
Best Albums
Cover Albums
Concept Albums
Live Albums
Mini-Albums
Singles
01 · 02 · 03 · 04 · 05 · 06 · 07 · 08 · 09 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26
Digital Singles
Video Releases
01 · 02
Official Website
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