UNLIMITS New Single “Cascade”

May 16th, 2012

UNLIMITS release a new single “Cascade” featuring an outro theme of the TV anime series “NARUTO Shippuden.”

From Sony Music Entertainment:

“Formed in 2002, the 4-piece rock band UNLIMITS gained popularity with the interweaving harmonies and the lyrical emphasis on the sound of Japanese by the twin female vocalists, added with their melancholic melody lines which reminiscence of the 70’s Japanese pop music.

In 2005 UNLIMITS released their first mini-album “Nanairo no Kioku”, and in 2008 they opened for Sum 41 Japan tour, and for Paramore Japan tour the following year. In August 2010, the band released their mini-album “AOI” from Sony Music Records. They performed at Taishan MAO Rock Festival in China, and released their first single “Haruka Kanata” (ending theme song to TV anime series BLEACH) in September 2011.

Their new single Cascade is the latest ending theme song to NARUTO SHIPPUDEN.”

Cascade
1. Cascade
2. Kodoku Weno Signal
3. Tsukiakari Silece
4. Puzzle
5. Cascade NARUTO size
6. Cascade Instrumental

Release date : May 16th, 2012

This EP will be available in following 20 countries from iTunes and 7 countries from Amazon

iTunes:
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Canada, United States, Russian Federation, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands
Australia, New Zealand

Amazon:
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Links
UNLIMITS Official
J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

tezya Interview Comments

May 16th, 2012

Post your comments about our tezya Interview and let us know what you thought of him.

“I was forced into playing the piano… I disliked music at first. But after seeing Michael Jackson and Duran Duran, I became a prisoner of music.” – tezya

Bad boys come and bad boys go… and sometimes they become rock stars. For one troublemaking kid growing up Japan music offered a more constructive outlet for his energies. With a musical style he describes as “my version of what I call Future Glamour Rock’n'Roll” and a dramatic visual style that’s hard to ignore, we think tezya is an artist worth taking a closer look at.

With his debut album “Life My Babylon” now available and an insatiable desire to spread his music around the world, what better time to hear the story of the man who says in song: “The first thing these eyes saw must have been your smile…”

On May 15, 2012 tezya was kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. tezya Interview

FLiP Release “XX emotion”

May 15th, 2012

The all girls band are back with their second full-length album featuring the intro theme to the anime series “Gintama”.

XX emotion (5/16/2012)

1. CHERRY BOMB
2. WALTHER
3. EMIMOA
4. WONDERLAND
5. EVERYTHING IS ALRIGHT
6. YUKEMURI DJ
7. SAIGO NO BANSAN
8. SHUT UP. MEN!
9. HOSHII MONO HA
10. DEMO MAYBE
11. KONYA TSUKI DE AIMASHOU
12. FUTSUTSUKA SHOUJO
13. GHOST BUSTER

Links
FLiP Official
J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

Demon Kakka’s Mythology

May 14th, 2012

The always in character “Demon Kakka” releases a new album “Mythology” on May 16, 2012.

Mythology

1. BEYOND THE BLUE -AI NO KANATA HE-/ TAKE
2. RAIDENTAMEMON/ HIDAKA TORU
3. A STORY OF THE AGES -SHINWA YOUYUU-/ KOYANAGI YUKI
4. REBIRTH-DAY SONG/ May J.
5. TATTOOS ON THE SKY
6. YOUKOSO INTANETO HE/ Sekihan
7. AKANE LIV
8. AI.KIBOU.YUUKI
9. MEIKAISHIN-HIRAKU NO SEIDAN-
10. LIFE VEST IS UNDER YOUR SEAT -KYUUMEIDOUI HA ZASEKI NO SHITA NI-
11. RAINING IN THE SUNSHINE/ mie
12. WEASEL ROCK YOU
13. SOLA

Links
Demon Kakka Official
J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

Budo Grape Interview Comments

May 14th, 2012

Post your comments about our Budo Grape Interview and let us know what you thought of them.

“After Naho joined, the calm atmosphere, the soft, funny feeling has moved to the background, and now the tight, sharp, solid feel has come out to the front.” – Nagai

Fans of Budo Grape began falling in love with their upbeat, fun sound ever since their debut back in 2001 amidst the Japanese underground scene. They’re only gripe has been the several years waiting for a new album. That wait came to an end on April 25 with the release of “Kare no Namae wo Omoidasenai” and we expect that their fans will be as thrilled with the results as we were.

Now joined by Naho (and her official band member name of “74 Grape”) this new version of Budo Grape shows every sign of playing on happily into the future.

On May 14, 2012 Nagai and Quminco from Budo Grape were kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. Budo Grape Interview

Yumi Yoshimura of Puffy AmiYumi Announces Pregnancy

May 11th, 2012

From Puffy AmiYumi’s official website April 1st, 2012:

“I have a personal announcement to share with everyone. I’m going to become a mommy this summer! I’m a little worried since everything is still so new to me but there’s so much to look forward to that everyday is very fulfilling. As for work during this period, I will be consulting Ami and the staff to balance and work as much as I can, so please keep supporting us.” – Yumi Yoshimura

Yumi married her long-term friend who is described in the media as “a businessman five years younger than her”. You go girl! She was previously married to singer Takanori Nishikawa aka T.M. Revolution.

In her previous announcement on her 2009 wedding she said:

“I have a personal announcement to make. I, Yumi Yoshimura, has gotten married on December 31. I’ve been able to catch this great happiness but I still plan to take charge as always so please continue to send us your support. I will continue trying to do my best. He is 29 years old, and we’ve been friends for 7 years. As he doesn’t work in the same entertainment industry it would be great if we are quietly supported. Hope everyone has a great year!

Oh, btw, no worries cause I’m not pregnant.” – – Yumi Yoshimura

So looks like Ami’s growing daughter will soon have a baby to play with.

Links
Puffy AmiYumi Official
Puffy AmiYumi World
J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

Yukie Dong coming to AM2

May 10th, 2012

AM2 ANNOUNCES MORE SCREENINGS AND TALENT FOR THE SUMMER FESTIVAL STAGE

REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA, DIRTY PAIR:The Original TV Series, RENTAL MAGICA, SOUND OF THE SKY (SORA NO WOTO) and Vocaloid Singer YUKIE DONG Comes This Summer’s Most Anticipated Animation, Music and Manga Convention in Southern California

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 9, 2012) ­ The Right Stuf/Nozomi brings additional screenings to this year’s highly anticipated summer event, AM2, June 15-17, 2012 that will be held in sunny Southern California (Anaheim, California). Screening titles include REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA, DIRTY PAIR: The Original TV Series, RENTAL MAGICA and SOUND OF THE SKY (SORA NO WOTO). In addition, Bay Area active live anime & vocaloid singer, performer, and lyricist Yukie Dong to perform on the Summer Festival stage! More info and convention registration can be found at www.am2con.org

There is something for everyone at AM2, states Convention Representative Chase Wang, Get your Passports today and join the fun!

Official Synopsi of Additional Screenings:
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Never lose that strength or nobility, even when you grow up. When Utena was just a child and in the depths of sorrow, she found salvation in those words. They were the words of a prince, who wrapped her in his rose-scented embrace and bestowed upon her both a ring and the promise that it would lead her to him again. She never forgot the encounter. In fact, she was so impressed that she aspired to be like the prince and also help those in need.

Now a spirited teenager, Utena attends the prestigious Ohtori Academy. However, her strong sense of chivalry soon places her at odds with the school’s student council and thrusts her into a series of mysterious and dangerous duels against its members.

DIRTY PAIR: The Original TV Series
Kei and Yuri are operatives dispatched by the for-profit World Welfare Works Association to resolve crises throughout the universe. Their preferred codename may be ³Lovely Angels,² but their on-the-job effectiveness, which is only rivaled by the path of destruction left in their wake, has earned them a very public, very unwanted nickname ­ the ³Dirty Pair.²

Rental Magica
Destroying supernatural monsters? dispelling dark magic? It¹s all in a day¹s work for the mages of Astral! However, after the mysterious disappearance of the company president, they¹re left in a lurch. His son, Itsuki Iba, begrudgingly fills in, but Itsuki¹s unfamiliarity with magic could spell bad news for Astral ­ especially with their rival Goetia vying for the very same contracts. As the jobs grow ever more dangerous, they soon find that staying in business is the least of their worries.

Sound of the Sky (Sora no Woto)
In a lonely corner of the world, on the edge of No Man¹s Land, sits Clocktower Fortress. It¹s home to the 1121st Platoon of the Helvetian Army, and their newest member is a 15-year-old volunteer named Kanata Sorami, who enlisted to learn how to play the bugle. When she was a child, Kanata was saved by a beautiful soldier and found inspiration in the clear, golden sound of her trumpet. From that day forward, Kanata decided music would be her life. As the other platoon members train her how to be a bugler and a soldier, Kanata’s enduring optimism will inspire them to look for happiness and beauty, even in a world haunted by war.

About Yukie Dong
Yukie Dong is an active live anime & vocaloid singer, performer, and lyricist based in Bay Area, California. She is known for her energetic performance on stage, close connection with her audiences, and being innovative with the latest otaku music trend. Her performance is usually consisted of trendy otaku songs and her original vocaloid songs.

With a deep love of anime music, Yukie has been doing live shows at various US conventions ever since 2008. Outside US, she was invited to perform at European convention in 2011, and invited to perform in Mexico in 2012. In Jan 2012, her first original vocaloid song Hanamai Tsukuyomi Tan was released on Hatsune Miku Project Diva Arcade and PS3 game Hatsune Miku Project Diva Dreamy Theatre 2nd. Yukie is currently working with composers and Dj’s creating her own original songs, and she is also collaborating with talented artists oversea to create dance choreography for vocaloid live shows.

Yukie’s past & future stops include:
Japanwa 2012(Mexico), AnimeFX 2012, Daico 2012, Fanime2008-2011, Ani-maid
Cafe 2009, Fanimaid Cafe 2008-2012,, HyperCon2010, SF Japan Town Cherry
Blossom Festival2009-2011, Anime On Display2009-2012, Anime
Destiny2009-2010, San Jose’s Spirit of Japantown Festival 2009-2011, Aime
Conji 2012, Kin-tokiCon 2011, AnimeiCon 2011, and GenkiCon 2011(Europe).

Join Yukie for otaku music fun at AM2 Summer Festival on Sunday at 11:30am, and enjoy a list of trendy anime / vocaloid songs, and Yukie’s own original vocaloid songs live! The show will also feature master keyboardist Pata, who will bring you hot keytar plays along with Yukie’s performance.

Links
Yukie Dong
Anime.Music.Manga Convention
J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

THE SOUND BEE HD album “SOU”

May 9th, 2012

From Starwave Records: THE SOUND BEE HD mini album’s 2nd press.

THE SOUND BEE HD mini-album [SOU] on sale July 11, 2012. “Sadness does not resound in the circle of life and death that judges all.” The new mini-album by THE SOUND BEE HD after completing their Japanese goth concept series and returning to their origins! Includes 6 brand new tracks with an even heavier, darker sound created by the use of down-tuning!

Line-up :
Vocal: DAISUKE
Guitar: TAK
Bass: YOU
Drums: HIRO

Live Schedule :
May 17 Ikebukuro Cyber (Release party)
May 26 Shinsaibashi Club Alive!
May 27 Kobe Mersey Beat
June 13 Ikebukuro Cyber (three man)

THE SOUND BEE HD Mini Album [SOU]
May 17, 2012: available for pre-sale at live venues
July 11, 2012: on sale in stores
Disc number: SWSB-5
Label: Starwave Records
Distribution: Daiki Sound, Tainted Reality, CD baby, Code 7
Price: 2,100 (tax in)
Limit 1000 copies
Specs: 6 page booklet

Playlist:
01. SOURETSU
02. SOU
03. NEGAI
04. DIE
05. NEMURI
06. OMOI

Links
THE SOUND BEE HD
Starwave Records
J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

Yuzu release Yuzu You

May 8th, 2012

From YesAsia:

From the streets of Yokohama to the top of the Oricon charts, folk rock duo Yuzu are finally celebrating their 15th anniversary together. To commemorate this special occasion, Yuzu are releasing the compilation album YUZU YOU. In addition to featuring all their singles released since 2005, YUZU YOU also features a new version of their hit song Eiko no Kakehashi and their cover of T.W.L., which they originally wrote for Kanjani8.

Yuzu You
Released 04/25/2012

1. NIJI
2. SAKURAE
3. AITAI
4. SHISHIKABABU
5. YESTERDAY AND TOMORROW
6. ICHIGO
7. ASHITA TENKI NI NAARE
8. STORY
9. FROM
10. JIAI HE NO TABIJI
11. CHOU TOKKYUU
12. HARUKAZE
13. HI HA MATA NOBORU
14. HEYWA
15. EIKOU NO KAKEHASHI [Symphonic Orchestra Version] (New Recording SPECIAL TRACK)
16. T.W.L [Y.Z ver.] (New Recording SPECIAL TRACK)

Links
J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

lix album “SICKS PAIN”

May 7th, 2012

Starwave Records releases lix mini album’s 2nd press:

lix 1st mini-album [SICKS PAIN -SICKS RAIN 2nd press ver.-] on sale June 13, 2012.

After selling out all copies of their mini-album [SICKS RAIN], a second press release has been confirmed! It will include brand new songs as well as re-recorded and re-mastered versions of the tracks from the first press!

If an advance order is placed together with an order for an item in stock, both items will be delivered together when the item on advance order is officially released. Therefore, it is recommended that advance orders are placed separately.

Line-up :
Vo: Chihiro
Gu: Yuu

Live Schedule :
May 18-20 Otafest (Calgary / Canada)
May 25-27 Anime North (Toront / Canada)
June 1 Nishikujyo BRAND NEW
July 6-8 Animex (Montorey / Mexico)

lix 1st mini-album [SICKS PAIN -SICKS RAIN 2nd press ver.-]
May 18, 2012 at the live venue
June 13, 2012 in stores
CD number: SWLX-5
Label: Starwave Records
Distribution: Daiki Sound, Tainted Reality, CD baby, Code 7
Price: 2,500 yen (tax in)
Includes: 8 page booklets
Limit: 1000 copies

Playlist:
1. Theme of lix [rain] (SICKS PAIN ver.)
2. Gekijyou (SICKS PAIN ver.)
3. Zengiaihi
4. Aihime (SICKS PAIN ver.)
5. DEVIL’S HEAVEN (SICKS PAIN ver.)
6. SICKS (SICKS PAIN ver.)
7. Theme of lix [pain] (SICKS PAIN ver.)
8. …alone (SICKS PAIN ver.)
9. Doukoku no kiba

Links
lix Official
Starwave Records
J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage