Who don’t know this name? Morning Musume and L’Arc en Ciel?

Morning Musume and L`Arc en Ciel, two of Japan`s hottest pop groups, will soon be in Seoul to perform.

L`Arc en Ciel, one of the most-loved Japanese rock bands in the world, will play at the Seoul Olympic Gymnastic Stadium in southeastern Seoul on May 17. Formed in 1991, the quartet of Tetsu (bass guitar), Hyde (vocal), Ken (guitar) and Yukihiro (drum) has been at the heart of J-pop`s popularity overseas from the beginning, selling more than 25 million albums worldwide.

The group, whose name means rainbow in French, made its breakthrough in 1996 when they sold a million copies of their fourth album “True.” Their popularity in Asia grew when they simultaneously released two albums, “Ark” and “Ray,” in seven Asian countries in 1999.

Including the most recent “Jojoushi,” 16 of their singles have topped the Japanese Oricon chart.

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Popularity: 86% [?]

After soaring up to Oricon’s no. 6 spot with Mikan in November 2007, Morning Musume returns with their first 2008 single. Titled Resonant Blue, this release presents another song by lyricist/composer Tsunku and arranger Suzuki Daichi Hideyuki. As for the lead vocals, they once again have been given to Morning Musume’s sixth generation leader Takahashi Ai and Tanaka Reina.

Popularity: 9% [?]