BREAKERZ SHINPEI's band MUSCLE ATTACK to release 3rd album

BREAKERZ guitarist SHINPEI's band MUSCLE ATTACK will release their 3rd album "Hercules Road" on May 11.

This comes a year and two months since their last album "ATTACK". It will feature 9 songs.

HERCULES ROAD

01. SURVIVE
02. HERCULES ROAD
03. LIVING DEAD
04. PROLOGUE
05. I WANNA ROCK 'N ROLL
06. BLUE SKY BLUE
07. LAST TRAIN
08. WHO I AM
09. TIME GOES ON

Source: natalie

Kana Nishino to hold arena tour

Kana Nishino will hold a nationwide arena tour this year.

Nishino made this announcement on March 2 during her ran club tour at Zepp Fukuoka. Ticket pre-reservations can be made through her official fan club from March 15 at 12:00 pm until March 28 at 6:00 pm.

Nishino Kana Nationwide Arena Tour 2016

Saturday, August 6 - Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center - Hokkaido
Sunday, August 7 - Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center - Hokkaido
Saturday, August 13 - Marine Messe - Fukuoka
Sunday, August 14 - Marine Messe - Fukuoka
Wednesday, August 17 - Nippon Gaishi Hall - Aichi
Thursday, August 18 - Nippon Gaishi Hall - Aichi
Saturday, August 20 - World Memorial Hall - Hyogo
Sunday, August 21 - World Memorial Hall - Hyogo
Saturday, August 27 - Ecopa Arena - Shizuoka
Sunday, August 28 - Ecopa Arena - Shizuoka
Saturday, September 3 - Asty Tokushima - Tokushima
Sunday, September 4 - Asty Tokushima - Tokushima
Saturday, September 10 - Sun Dome - Fukui
Sunday, September 11 - Sun Dome - Fukui
Saturday, September 17 - Sun Arena - Mie
Sunday, September 18 - Sun Arena - Mie
Thursday, September 22 - Sekisui Heim Super Arena - Miyagi
Tuesday, October 25 - Osaka-jo Hall - Osaka
Wednesday, October 26 - Osaka-jo Hall - Osaka
Saturday, November 5 - Hiroshima Green Arena - Hiroshima
Sunday, November 6 - Hiroshima Green Arena - Hiroshima
Saturday, November 26 - Saitama Super Arena - Saitama
Sunday, November 27 - Saitama Super Arena - Saitama

Source: natalie

Ikimonogakari to hold free event in Ebina

To commemorate their 10th anniversary, Ikimongakari will hold a free event on March 15 at Vinawalk in Ebina, Kanagawa.

Ikimongakari made their debut with the single 'SAKURA' on March 15, 2006. At Vinawalk, which is located in their hometown, the band will hold a public recording at FM Yokohama and an acoustic live. The event is scheduled to begin at 3:15 pm.

Ikimonogakari will also release their best-of album "Chou Ikimonobakari - Tennen Kinen Members BEST Selection-" on March 15.

Source: natalie

Straightener to release new album and hold nationwide tour

Straightener will release their new album "COLD DISC" on May 18 as well as hold a nationwide tour called "Step Into My World TOUR" starting in June.

In the upcoming album will be a total of 11 tracks including their singles "DAY TO DAY', "NO - Inochi no Ato ni Saita Hana-", "The Place Has No Name", and "Sea Glass". The Limited Edition DVD will contain all PVs from their 2014 single "Super Magical Illusion" to the upcoming "Sea Glass".

For their "Step Into My World TOUR", the band will kick off on June 9 at LIQUIDROOM in Tokyo. The tour will run until November 10 for a total of 26 shows.

Step Into My World TOUR

Thursday, June 9 - LIQUIDROOM - Tokyo
Saturday, June 11 - Drum Be-7 - Nagasaki
Sunday, June 12 - Drum Be-0 - Oita
Tuesday, June 14 - BIGCAT - Osaka
Thursday, June 16 - WStudioRED - Ehime
Thursday, June 23 - Sound Hall a.C - Nagano
Saturday, June 25 - Koriyama CLUB #9 - Fukushima
Wednesday, June 29 - Matsue AZTiC canova - Shimane
Thursday, June 30 - CRAZYMAMA KINGDOM - Okayama
Saturday, July 2 - LiveHouse Hamamatsu Madowaku - Shizuoka
Saturday, July 9 - CASINO DRIVE - Hokkaido
Sunday, July 10 - Hakodate club COCOA - Hokkaido
Wednesday, July 13 - Takasaki club FLEEZ - Gunma
Friday, July 15 - Club SWINDLE - Akita
Friday, September 23 - Zepp Nagoya - Aichi
Saturday, September 24 - Hiroshima CLUB QUATTRO - Hiroshima
Thursday, September 29 - Stella Ball - Tokyo
Saturday, October 1 - Niigata LOTS - Niigata
Sunday, October 2 - Kanazawa EIGHT HALL - Ishikawa
Saturday, October 8 - Sendai Rensa - Miyagi
Monday, October 10 - Sapporo PENNYLANE24 - Hokkaido
Saturday, October 15 - Kumamoto B.9 V1 - Kumamoto
Sunday, October 16 - DRUM LOGOS - Fukuoka
Saturday, October 22 - Sakurazaka Central - Okinawa
Friday, November 4 - NHK Osaka Hall - Osaka
Thursday, November 10 - Showa Joshi Daigaku - Tokyo

Source: natalie

Spitz to release their first single since 2013

Spitz will release their new single "Minato" on April 27.

This will be their first single since "Sara Sara/Boku wa Kitto Tabi ni Deru" was released in May of 2013. The title track is being used as the CM song for NTT Higashinihon.

Minato

01. Minato
02. Garakuta

Source: natalie

Only in Japan:

Grandpa idol group from Kochi Prefecture rising in popularity

Five member grandpa group Jii POP have been rising to popularity in Japan.

The group's average age is 67 with the eldest member being 80 and the youngest being 58. The remaining three members are in their 60s. Through their activities, the group aims to publicize their hometown of Kochi Prefecture which has the second biggest aging population in Japan while showing that aging can be a cool thing. Their debut song, "Kourei Banzai!" (Hooray, Old Age!) has done just that.

With lyrics such as "Kochi-ken, this is how it is. One out of three people are over 65. But lively, lively. Everyday is lively." And, "Even if I stay up late, I still wake up at 5:30"

In an interview with Asahi Shimbun, one of the members stated, "We didn't know it would become this big." Besides their musical activities, the members are active in fishing and managing the local fishery cooperative association.

Source: Chuo Nippo

Video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxc8OVhxXa0

MIYAVI announces first new single in over a year

MIYAVI will release a digital double-A side single, "Afraid to be Cool/Raise Me Up" on April 29. He will also hold a nationwide tour "MIYAVI Japan Tour 2016 NEW BEAT, NEW FUTURE" starting in September.

Afraid to be Cool/Raise Me Up

01. Afraid to be Cool
02. Raise Me Up
03. Afraid to be Cool (Seiho Remix)
04. Raise Me Up (Jonny Dope Remix)


MIYAVI Japan Tour 2016 NEW BEAT, NEW FUTURE

September 19 - Sapporo Penny Lane 24 (Hokkaido)
September 21 - Rensa (Miyagi)
September 22 - Kanazawa EIGHT HALL (Ishikawa)
September 24 - WStudioRED (Ehime)
September 25 - Hiroshima CLUB QUATTRO (Hiroshima)
September 27 - Kumamoto B.9 V1 (Kumamoto)
September 29 - DRUM LOGOS (Fukuoka)
October 1 - Namba Hatch (Osaka)
October 2 - DIAMOND HALL (Aichi)
October 10 - Mukuhari Messe (Chiba)

Source: natalie

Yuzu to embark on their first Asian tour

Yuzu will embark on their first Asian tour "YUZU ASIA TOUR 2016 Summer NATSUIRO" starting in July.

The tour is slated to kick off on July 9 in Singapore. The duo will then travel to Hong Kong and Taiwan before returning to Japan to hold four shows in Osaka and Tokyo.

Prior to the tour, Yuzu's latest album "TOWA" will be released in Taiwan on May 20.

YUZU ASIA TOUR 2016 Summer NATSUIRO

July 9 - SCAPE The Ground Theatre (Singapore)
July 12 - E-max Music Zone (Hong Kong)
July 16 - Taipei ATT SHOW BOX (Taiwan)
July 17 - Taipei ATT SHOW BOX (Taiwan)
July 25 - Zepp Namba (Osaka)
July 26 - Sepp Namba (Osaka)
August 2 - Toypsu PIT (Tokyo)
August 3 - Toyosu PIT (Tokyo)

Source: natalie

DAIGO to release marriage proposal song he wrote for Keiko Kitagawa

DAIGO has announced that he will release the marriage proposal song "K S K" that he performed for his wife, Keiko Kitagawa on the day of their wedding ceremony and reception.

The song was favorably received by persons in the music industry that attended the reception His fans also requested its release after he asked on his blog, "Should I release it? What do you think?"

"K S K" will be available for download on Recochoku for a limited time from May 20 to June 14. The physical CD will be released in a Limited Edition (CD + DVD) and Wedding Edition (CD only) on June 15. The jacket design is similar to the CD that was given to guests at the couple's wedding.

"K S K" means "Kekkon Shite Kudasai" (Please Marry Me) in "DAIGO language". DAIGO wrote this song for Kitagawa as a second proposal with hopes she would respond in "DAIGO language".

K S K

Limited Edition

01. K S K
02. K S K (Karaoke)

DVD

K S K - Music Clip + Music Clip Off Shot

Wedding Edition

01. K S K
02. K S K - Piano Version
03. K S K - Karaoke

Source: natalie

Spitz to release their first album in 3 years

Spitz will release their new album "Samenai" on July 27.

"Samenai" will be the band's first album since "Chiisana Ikimono", which was released in September 2013. The new album will come in six different versions: Limited Edition (CD + DVD of Blu-Ray), Regular Edition, Analog Edition (2 LPs), and Fan Club Edition (CD + DVD or Blu-Ray + Live Album). It will include their latest single "Minato" as well as their digital single "Yukikaze" (released April 2015).

The Limited Edition DVD and Blu-Ray will contain the PV for "Minato". PVs for two brand new songs, and "making of" footage. The Fan Club Edition can be purchased by those who join their fan club "Spitzbergen" by May 13.

Source: natalie

miwa to release her 20th single

miwa will release her 20th single on June 22.

The title of the single is "Princess/Shanrahan". "Shanrahan" was picked up as the opening theme for the TV anime "Flying Witch".

The single will be available in three different versions: Limited Edition, Anime Edition, and Regular Edition. All versions will include a live track of "Kataomoi" as the coupling track. This was recorded in March during her Nippon Budokan concert, and features Emiri Miyamoto on violin. The Limited and Regular Editions will include "Shanrahan" sung by miwa only, while the Anime Edition will feature 96Neko.

Princess/Shanrahan

Limited Edition/Regular Edition CD

01. Princess
02. Shanrahan
03. Kataomoi (Budokan Live version)
04. Princess - Instrumental
05. Shanrahan - Instrumental

Anime Edition CD

01. Shanrahan featuring 96Neko
02. Princess
03. Kataomoi (Budokan Live version)
04. Shanrahan featuring 96Neko - TV Edit Version
05. Shanrahan - Instrumental
06. Princess - Instrumental

Limited Edition DVD

- Princess (Music Video)
- Princess (Music Video Making Of)

Anime Edition DVD

- TV Anime [Flying Witch]

Source: natalie

Kaela Kimura to release first new album in almost 2 years

Kaela Kimura will release a new album titled "PUNKY" on October 19.

"PUNKY" marks the singer's first original album in almost two years.

The new album will include her already released single "EGG" as well as "Koiwazurai no Buta", and "Himawari" which was picked as the theme song for the film "Birthday Card."

Source: natalie

These guys both have threads of their own, but since it's music related, posting it here.

Jin Akanishi and Takayuki Yamada forming duo and releasing single

Jin Akanish and Takayuki Yamada have formed a duo named "JINTAKA" and their debut single, "Choo Choo SHITAIN" will be released on September 21st.

Back on April Fools' Day, Akanishi posted on his Instagram, "Released today. Debut single 'Choo Choo SHITAIN', with a picture of him and Yamada facing the microphone. It seems the joke has become the real deal.

"Choo Choo SHITAIN" was written and composed by Akanishi and Yamada together. It will have a limited and a standard edition.

The limited edition will come with a DVD which contains the music video to the title track, as well as a documentary video. The video will include footage from their recording sessions and meetings, and also the shooting for the music video.

People who purchase both editions can apply for an invitation to attend the release event that will be held on October 3rd in Tokyo.

Source: Oricon

I didn't know this guy used to be a singer. Learn something new everyday.

Yosuke Eguchi to hold solo live in Tokyo on October 9th

Eguchi Yosuke announced on 23 August that he will be holding a solo live concert at Shimokitazawa GARDEN on 9 October. Although Eguchi used to be a singer-songwriter in the 1990s and had churned out hit songs such as 1994's "Ai wa Ai de", he suspended his music activities after the release of his best hits album "Free Life" in 1998 and concentrated on his acting career since then. Nonetheless, he has never given up his passion for music and held a solo concert for the first time in 20 years at Shimokitazawa on 27 May. For this new concert in October, he will be joined by the band KATAMALI and Miyako Keiichi.

Tickets will be sold first via Eplus from noon on 24 August to 6pm on 6 September before the rest are released to the public via Ticket Pia, Lawson, Eplus and GARDEN from 1pm on 17 September. Details of the concert will also be announced later on Eguchi's Facebook page.

Source: Sanspo

If he moves to L.A., I wonder if I'll run into him in Little Tokyo or over at Book-Off some day.

Exile's ATSUSHI announces plans to study overseas until 2018
EXILE's vocalist ATSUSHI announced on 31 August that he will be heading to the US for studies and be based there until 2018.

In his statement, ATSUSHI said that as EXILE headed into its 15th anniversary, he was wondering what he could do in order to evolve into a better artiste so he had been thinking about this for the past few years and discussed his plan with the staff, HIRO and his fellow EXILE members. In view of the fact that EXILE's music is primarily based on R & B from the US, he hopes to study English and music in order to make his music more acceptable to the Japanese market and work with excellent musicians from around the world during his stay there. He also stressed that his stay overseas will be for a limited time only so he promised that he will return as an improved EXILE performer. ATSUSHI called for the support and understanding of his selfish decision and asked for the time off until 2018 so that he can pursue his dream. However, it was not mentioned when exactly he would move overseas.

Sources: Sponichi Annex / Nikkansports

Saw this on NHK, Peanuts tribute album:http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/editors/6/20160916/index.html

VAMPS to tour North America in November

This November, VAMPS will embark on a tour of North America with American rock band Citizen Zero.

Titled, "VAMPS North American Tour 2016 with Special Guest Citizen Zero", they will make stops in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Tour Schedule

Sunday, November 6 - Social Hall San Francisco (San Francisco, California)
Monday, November 7 - El Rey Theatre (Los Angeles, California)
Thursday, November 10 - Teatro Metropolitan (Mexico City, Mexico)
Sunday, November 13 - Irving Plaza (New York, New York)
Monday, November 14 - Lee's Palace (Toronto, Ontario)
Tuesday, November 15 - Bottom Lounge (Chicago, Illinois)

Source: natalie

Chatmonchy to release new double-A side single

Chatmonchy will release a new double-A side single titled "majority blues/Kienai Hoshi" on November 30.

"majority blues" was picked up as the CM song for health care related vocational schools Shuto Iko, Osaka Isen, and Nagoya Isen. "Kienai Hoshi" was written for the movie "Azumi Haruko wa Yukue Fumei".

This single will include "Tomaran" which was used as the official theme song for 'Tokushima Marathon 2016'. The limited edition will include a live version of "Kienai Hoshi" from their Nippon Budokan live last November.

majority blues/Kienai Hoshi

01. majority blues
02. Kienai Hoshi
03. Tomaran
04. Kienai Hoshi - Akachan version - (2015 Nippon Budokan)*

*Limited Edition Only

Source: natalie

Dream Ami covers The Cardigans' hit 'Lovefool' for third single

Dream Ami will release her new single "Lovefool - Sukidatte Itte" on October 19.

For her third single, Ami covered the Cardigans' hit song "Lovefool" and it is currently being used in the CM for Bourbon's "Oishii Coconut Milk" and Right-on's "Mokomoko Iroiro".

Track List

CD + DVD Edition

CD

01. Lovefool - Sukidatte Itte
02. Jaane
03. JUMP!
04. Lovefool - Sukidatte Itte (Instrumental)

DVD

Lovefool - Sukidatte Itte (Video Clip)

CD Only Edition

01. Lovefool - Sukidatte Itte
02. Jaane
03. JUMP!
04. Lovefool - Sukidatte Itte (Instrumental)
05. Jaane (Instrumental)
06. JUMP! (Instrumental)

One Coin Edition

01. Lovefool - Sukidatte Itte

Source: natalie

Sexy Zone to release their first best-of album

To commemorate their 5th anniversary, Sexy Zone will release their first best-of album on November 16.

Two discs will make up the album. The first disc will contain all title tracks of their singles from their debut "Sexy Zone" to their 11th "Shori no Hi Made". The second disc will include 10 songs selected by the members.

The album will be available in three different versions: Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, and Regular Edition. Limited Edition A DVD will be made up of PVs and special footage. As bonus tracks, Limited Edition B will include the members solo songs that were performed during their concert "Summer Paradise 2016" this summer. It will also come with a DVD containing footage from "Sexy Zone CHANNEL".

CD Disc 1 (All Editions)

- Sexy Zone
- Lady Diamond
- Sexy Summer ni Yuki ga Furu
- Real Sexy!
- BAD BOYS
- Bye Bye Dubai, See You Again
- A MY GIRL FRIEND
- King & Queen & Joker
- Otoko never give up
- Kimi ni HITOMEBORE
- Cha-Cha-Cha Champion
- Colorful Eyes
- Shori no Hi Made

Limited Edition A DVD

Single Music Clip Collection

- Sexy Zone
- Lady Diamond
- Sexy Summer ni Yuki ga Furu
- Real Sexy!
- BAD BOYS
- Bye Bye Dubai, See You Again
- A MY GIRL FRIEND
- King & Queen & Joker
- Otoko never give up
- Kimi ni HITOMEBORE
- Cha-Cha-Cha Champion
- Colorful Eyes
- Shori no Hi Made

Limited Edition B DVD

- Sexy Zone CHANNEL Special Footage

Source: natalie
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