Shirley Temple sings two Japanese nursery rhymes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M3GuNEOVBY

They announced that Yuki Amami is going to do a drama where she's a singer and one of the songs is "Roman Hikou" by Kome Kome Club. I found it on YouTube and all I can say is, "Only in Japan."

I'm still trying to figure out what the job is of the guy with the beard and top hat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNAOB73Ucy4

"Roman Hikou" - �Q����s means "wandering flight". My sources tell me JAL used the song in their CMs at one time.

I Listen to KARA these days... i recommend you all also listen to their song..

gaijinmark wrote:

They announced that Yuki Amami is going to do a drama where she's a singer and one of the songs is "Roman Hikou" by Kome Kome Club. I found it on YouTube and all I can say is, "Only in Japan." I'm still trying to figure out what the job is of the guy with the beard and top hat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNAOB73Ucy4 "Roman Hikou" - �Q����s means "wandering flight". My sources tell me JAL used the song in their CMs at one time.

I love Roman Hikou! I first saw it being used for a fanmade video for the movie G@me, featuring Fujiki Naohito and Nakama Yukie. Thought it was a great choice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKqqhBYN9fs

Also, I thought �Q�� = romantic, not wandering.
_________________

玉木宏、藤木直人、佐藤健

blog

Ikimonogakari to release 'best of' ballad album

Ikimonogakari will be releasing a ballad best-of album titled �gBalladon�h on December 19th.

The album will feature the group�fs hit songs such as �gKaze ga Fuiteiru�g, �gArigatou�g, and �gYELL�g. Along with the original version of �gKaze ga Fuiteiru�h, it will include a new version that was recorded in England.

As a bonus, the limited edition will come with a special �gBalladon�h scarf towel.

===

<Balladon>
•Kaze ga Fuiteiru (New Version)
•Kaze ga Fuiteiru
•Aruite Ikou
•Arigatou
•Ashita e Mukau Kaerimichi
•YELL
•Futari
•Kokoro no Hana wo Sakaseyou
•Planetarium
•Kaeritakunatta yo
•Akaneiro no Yakusoku
•Koisuru Otome
•SAKURA

Source: natalie

ganmo was a fan of 'Bump of Chicken', so wherever you are, this is for you:

Bump of Chicken to release first live DVD/Blueray

It was announced that popular rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN will be releasing their live DVD/Blu-ray Disc �gBUMP OF CHICKEN GOLD GLIDER TOUR 2012�h on March 6, 2013. This will be the very first time for the band�fs live footage to be released since they made their major debut back in September of 2000.

The live DVD/Blu-ray will contain footage of the first day (July 3rd) of their 4-day concert at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium which a part of their nation-wide arena tour held during April ~ July of this year. It will also include an opening movie that was produced by filmmaker Yamazaki Takashi who is known for his �gALWAYS Sanchoume no Yuhi�h series. Additionally, their �gSmile�h performance from Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi, that the illustrations exclusively drawn by Manga-ka Inoue Takehiko formed the backdrop for the performance will also be include.

There will also be a photo booklet that will consist of the photos from the live taken by Hirama Itaru. The photo booklet for the limited edition will be a 48-page long which is double the regular edition, and the limited edition will also come with a bonus live CD that will be about 70 minutes long.

Track list for �gBUMP OF CHICKEN GOLD GLIDER TOUR 2012�� below.

=====

01. Mitsuboshi Quartet
02. Uchuu Hikoushi e no Tegami
03. HAPPY
04. Zero
05. Tomodachi no Uta
06. Smile
07. Good Luck
08. Harujion
09. sailing day
10. embrace
11. Hoshi no Tori ~Mayday
12. Innocent
13. supernova
14. beautiful glider
15. Karma
16. Tentai Kansoku
17. Glass no Blues

<Bonus CD> *Limited Edition DVD/Blu-ray only
- Track list unknown (from the live concert on July 3rd 2012 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium)

Source: natalie

I see in the latest videos there's one by a band called "FukuMimi". I had never heard of these guys, so I looked them up and found this:

"Fukumimi is a band formed by artists from the same label Office Augusta; it consists of Shikao Suga, Chitose Hajime, Masayoshi Yamazaki, Kyoko (�ǎq), COIL, Araki Yuko (mi-gu), and Sukima Switch."

Been a big fan of Masayoshi Yamazaki for a long time, but was clueless about the rest of the band.

Here's the video that got submitted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI7NcYzOPg0.

Maybe it's me, but it has kind of an ELO feel to it. And to whoever submitted that video,

Here's a live version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWu7eTf8Gx0

Someday I'd like to go to one of these Japanese music festivals that make Woodstock look like a day in the park.

Every Little Thing announces new single and tour

Every Little Thing has announced that they will be releasing their new single, �gON AND ON�g, on February 20th. They will also be kicking off their nationwide tour, �eEvery Little Thing Concert Tour 2013 -ON AND ON-�e, on January 26th.

After focusing on their solo activities last year, the duo will be celebrating their 16th anniversary this year. This will mark their first single in a year and two months. More details will be revealed later.

For their upcoming tour, Every Little Thing is scheduled to hold a total of 34 shows. The duo will be performing 15 years worth of hit songs one after another for a �gELT Greatest Hits Tour�h. The tour dates can be seen below.


<Every Little Thing Concert Tour 2013 -ON AND ON->

Saturday, January 26th – Misato-shi Bunka Kaikan (Saitama)
Saturday, February 2nd – Omiya Sonic City (Saitama)
Friday, February 8th – Yokosuka Geijutsu Gekijou (Kanagawa)
Sunday, February 10th – Iwaki Alios (Fukushima)
Monday, February 11th – Utsunomiya-shi Bunka Kaikan (Tochigi)
Saturday, February 16th – Toyama-shi Bunka Kaikan Rose Theater (Shizuoka)
Sunday, February 17th – Yokkaichi-shi Bunka Kaikan (Mie)
Saturday, February 23rd – Nara 100-nen Kaikan (Nara)
Sunday, February 24th – Kobe International House International Hall (Hyogo)
Saturday, March 2nd – Osaka International Convention Center Main Hall (Osaka)
Sunday, March 3rd – Osaka International Convention Center Main Hall (Osaka)
Saturday, March 9th – Tokyo International Forum Hall A (Tokyo)
Sunday, March 10th – Tokyo International Forum Hall A (Tokyo)
Thursday, March 14th – Kochi Kenmin Bunka Kaikan (Kochi)
Saturday, March 16th – Matsuyama Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Ehime)
Wednesday, March 20th – Arkas SASEBO Dai-Hall (Nagasaki)
Friday, March 22nd – Shimin Kaikan Sojo Daigaku Hall (Kumamoto)
Saturday, March 23rd – Fukuoka Sun Palace (Fukuoka)
Saturday, March 30th – Aubade Hall (Toyama)
Sunday, March 31st – Joetsu Bunka Kaikan (Niigata)
Tuesday, April 2nd – Suzaka-shi Bunka Kaikan Mesena Hall (Nagano)
Wednesday, April 3rd – Nagano-ken Ina Bunka Kaikan (Nagano)
Saturday, April 6th – Sapporo Shimin Hall (Hokkaido)
Friday, April 12th – Kurashiki Shimin Kaikan (Okayama)
Saturday, April 13th – Ueno Gakuen Hall (Hiroshima)
Saturday, April 20th – Akita Kenmin Kaikan (Akita)
Sunday, April 21st – Morioka Shimin Bunka Hall (Iwate)
Monday, April 29th – Sendai Sun Plaza Hall (Miyagi)
Saturday, May 4th – iichiko Grand Theater (Oita)
Sunday, May 5th – Miyazaki Shimin Bunka Hall (Miyazaki)
Tuesday, May 7th – Kagoshima Shimin Bunka Hall Dai-1 Hall (Kagoshima)
Saturday, May 11th – Biwako Hall (Shiga)
Sunday, May 12th – Nagoya Congress Center (Aichi)
Sunday, May 19th – Gunma Beisia Bunka Hall (Gunma)

Source: natalie

Fukuyama Masaharu to release new single in April

On March 9th, singer/actor Fukuyama Masaharu announced during his radio show, �eTamashii no Radio�e, that he would release a new double A-side single �eTanjoubi niwa Masshiro na Yuri wo/Get the groove�e on April 10th. This release will be his 30th single.

One of the title tracks �gTanjoubi niwa Masshiro na Yuri wo�h is the theme song to TBS�f ongoing drama �gTonbi�h which stars Uchino Masaaki, while the other title track �gGet the groove�h is the CM song for Asahi Super Dry.

Two songs �gAi wa Kaze no youni�h and �gGood Job�g, which were recorded from his live concert �gFuyu no Daikanshasai Sono Juuni�h held back in December 2012, will be included as coupling tracks.

Fukuyama also stated that he would start performing on music programs along with the release of this new single.

Additionally, a new season of the drama �gGalileo�g starring Fukuyama will also begin airing on April 15th.

Source: Oricon

Garnet Crow announces they are disbanding

On March 30th, GARNET CROW held their one-man live, �eGARNET CROW livescope 2013 ~Terminus~�e, at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL, where they announced the band�fs disbandment.

On the reason for their disbandment, Nakamura Yuri (Vo) explained, �gWe have done all we can as GARNET CROW.�h She continued, �gThank you very much for supporting us for 13 long years! Right now we are filled with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment.�h

In response, GARNET CROW will be holding their last lives, �eGARNET CROW livescope ~FINAL~�e, on May 24th in Tokyo and on June 8th and 9th in Osaka. The members�f further activities have not been revealed at this time.

It was also announced that the band will be releasing a 3-disc best-of album titled �gTHE ONE ~ALL SINGLES BEST~�h on May 22nd. More details on this will be announced later.

GARNET CROW made their debut back in 2000 with �gMysterious Eyes�h and �gKimi no Ie ni Tsuku Made Zutto Hashitte Yuku�g. They have released a total of 34 singles and 10 albums thus far.

Source: natalie

Hanamizuki - Hitoto You
Aisuru Hito - Thyme
Kimi ni Todoke - Flumpool
Okaeri - Ayaka

most of the songs are from Jmovies
_________________

Shiina Ringo to release double-A single for 15th anniversary


Shiina Ringo has announced that she will be releasing a new single, titled �gIrohanihoheto / Kodoku no Akatsuki�g, on May 27th, which marks the 15th year anniversary since her debut.

Ringo�fs upcoming single is a double A-side which have both received tie-ups. �gIrohanihoheto�h will be used as the theme song for Matsushita Nao�fs upcoming drama, �eKamo, Kyoto e Iku. ~Shinise Ryokan no Okami Nikki~�e, starting on April 9th. The song was both written and composed by Ringo herself.

Meanwhile, �gKodoku no Akatsuki�h was written as the theme song for NHK E-tele�fs new program, �eSWITCH Interview Tatsujintachi�e, starting on April 6th. Ringo, who received the offer to provide the program�fs theme song, had Watabe Aya, the scriptwriter for drama �eCarnation�e, write the lyrics. For this song, Ringo was in charge of the composition and arrangement.

Source: natalie

Ikimonogakari to sing theme song for new 'Pokemon' movie + new album and tour

Ikimonogakari will be providing the theme song for the new �ePokemon�e movie, �eGekijoban Pocket Monster Best Wishes! Shinsoku no Genosekuto: Myuutsu Kakusei�e, that will open in theaters on July 13. They have also announced the release of their 6th album on July 24, as well as a nationwide tour starting in September.

The theme song for the new �ePokemon�f movie is titled �gEgao�g. It�fs written and composed by Mizuno Yoshiki, and arranged by Kameda Seiji. It�fs described as a medium-tempo number with a positive message and Yoshioka Kiyoe�fs cheerful voice. The song will be released in Chaku-Uta form on April 20h, and will also be released as Ikimonogakari�fs 26th single on July 10.

Additionally, Ikimonogakari will release �g1 2 3 ~Koi ga Hajimaru�g, which is the CM song for �eCalpis Water�e, on June 5th. More details on the two singles and new album will be revealed at a later date.

Furthermore, Ikimonogakari will set out on a nationwide tour in September to coincide the album�fs release. They are scheduled to perform a total of 25 shows for about 200,000 people. The tour schedule can be seen below.

===

<Ikimonogakari Live Tour 2013>

Sunday, September 1st – Fukui Sun Dome (Fukui)
Tuesday, September 10th – Yokohama Arena (Kanagawa)
Wednesday, September 11th – Yokohama Arena (Kanagawa)
Sunday, September 15th – Sendai Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Miyagi)
Monday, September 16th – Sendai Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Miyagi)
Saturday, September 28th – Osaka-jo Hall (Osaka)
Sunday, September 29th – Osaka-jo Hall (Osaka)
Saturday, October 5th – Marine Messe Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
Sunday, October 6th – Marine Messe Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
Saturday, October 12th – Makomanai Sekisui Heim Ice Arena (Hokkaido)
Sunday, October 13th – Makomanai Sekisui Heim Ice Arena (Hokkaido)
Saturday, October 19th – Ehime-ken Budokan (Ehime)
Sunday, October 20th – Ehime-ken Budokan (Ehime)
Saturday, October 26th – Hiroshima Green Arena (Hiroshima)
Sunday, October 27th – Hiroshima Green Arena (Hiroshima)
Saturday, November 9th – Kobe World Memorial Hall (Hyogo)
Sunday, November 10th – Kobe World Memorial Hall (Hyogo)
Saturday, November 16th – Shizuoka Ecopa Arena (Shizuoka)
Sunday, November 17th – Shizuoka Ecopa Arena (Shizuoka)
Friday, November 22nd – Nippon Budokan (Tokyo)
Saturday, November 23rd – Nippon Budokan (Tokyo)
Wednesday, November 27th – Nippon Gaishi Hall (Aichi)
Thursday, November 28th – Nippon Gaishi Hall (Aichi)
Saturday, December 7th – Mie Sun Arena (Mie)
Sunday, December 8th – Mie Sun Arena (Mie)

Source: natalie

Garnet Crow announces track list for 'best of' album


GARNET CROW has revealed the tracklist for their best-of album, �gTHE ONE ~ALL SINGLES BEST~�g, which will be released on May 22nd.

Previously, GARNET CROW announced that they would be disbanding after their live concert, �eGARNET CROW livescope ~FINAL~�e, which will be held on May 24th in Tokyo, and on June 8th and 9th in Osaka. The best-of album will come with 3 discs and it will be a compilation of 35 songs that they have released throughout their career.

The tracklist can be seen below.

===

<THE ONE ~ALL SINGLES BEST~>



DISC 1:
01. Mysterious Eyes
02. Kimi no Ie ni Tsuku Made Zutto Hashitte Yuku
03. Futari no Rocket
04. Sen Ijou no Kotoba wo Narabete mo�c
05. Natsu no Maboroshi
06. Last love song
08. call my name
09. Timeless Sleep
10. Yume Mita Ato de
11. Spiral
12. Crystal Gauge

DISC 2:
01. Nakenai Yoru mo Nakanai Asa mo
02. Kimi to Iu Hikari
03. Bokura Dake no Mirai
04. Kimi wo Kazaru Hana wo Sakasou
05. Wasurezaki
06. Kimi no Omoi Egaita Yume Atsumeru HEAVEN
07. Haredokei
08. Rairaiya
09. Yume Hanabi
10. Koyoi Eden no Katasume de
11. Maboroshi
12. Kaze to RAINBOW

DISC 3:
01. Kono Te wo Nobaseba
02. Namida no Yesterday
03. Sekai wa Mawaru to Iukeredo
04. Yume no Hitotsu
05. Hyakunen no Kodoku
06. Doing all right
07. Hana wa Saite Tada Yurete
08. Over Drive
09. Smiley Nation
10. Misty Mystery
11. Nostalgia

===

Source: natalie

Dreams Come True to release new single in July

DREAMS COME TRUE will be releasing their first single in a year and 2 months (currently untitled) on July 10.

The title track will serve as the theme song for the 5th season of Fuji TV�fs �eKyumei Byoto 24-ji�e which will air starting in July. It will also include �gMADE OF GOLD -featuring DABADA-�g, which is being used in the CM for �eNes Cafe Gold Blend�e. While this song was released digitally back in July, fans had been anticipating its CD release.

The limited edition will come with a DVD containing the video clips for the two songs. It will also come with the live audio for �gA theme of the WONDERLAND ~Anata ni Aitakute�h and �gLOVE LOVE LOVE ~Kumikyoku �eMirai Yosouzu�f�h from their orchestra concert, �eSYMPHONIC GOLDBLEND ~Songs for DREAMS COME TRUE~�e, as the bonus tracks.

Source: natalie

Looks like Jero has some competition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDVnaDxPSgQ

There's a full video of this song, but I can't find it, , , yet.

His name is Chris Hart, short bio here: http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000001626

Details for new Ikimonogakari album 'I'


Ikimonogakari have revealed the details on their new album that is scheduled for release on July 24th.

The new album titled "I" is Ikimonogakari's 6th original album, and it will be the first album in a year and a half since their previous one "NEWTRAL".

The title "I" represents many meanings, such as "I", as the author of the album, "I," as the listener of the album, "I" from Ikimonogakari, "I" for Ai (=love), "I" for Ai (=sorrow), and so on.

Ikimonogakari also revealed their newest artist photo in which the members form the shape of "I".

The new album will be comprised of 14 tracks including their singles "Haru Uta", "Kaze ga Fuiteiru", "1 2 3 ~Koi ga Hajimaru~", and "Egao."

There will be a limited edition and a regular edition, and the limited edition will come with a DVD "Ikky Monkey no i Radio" which recorded Kameda Seiji and Honma Akimitsu, who served as the sound producers, making a commentary on the album.

Track list:

01. Egao
02. 1 2 3 �`Koi ga Hajimaru�`
03. Papapa~ya
04. Koi Ato
05. Haru Uta
06. My SUnshine Story
07. Nande
08. Ashita no Sora
09. Kaze Koute Hana Yureru
10. MONSTAR
11. Renai Shosetsu
12. Tokyo
13. Kaze ga Fuiteiru
14. Nukumori

=====

Source: natalie

Dreams Come True to hold concerts in Yokohama and Osaka in December

DREAMS COME TRUE has announced live concerts on December 20th and 21st at Yokohama Arena and December 26th and 27th at Osaka-jo Hall.

These lives will be held to commemorate Nestle Japan's 100th anniversary. FUZZY CONTROL will serve as the opening act for all shows.

A lottery entry ticket for concert tickets or an autographed photo panel will be included in DREAMS COME TRUE's upcoming double A-side single, "Saa Kane wo Narase / MADE OF GOLD -featuring DABADA-", that's set for release on July 10th.

<NTV presents the Nestle Japan 100th Anniversary SPECIAL LIVE 2013 ~MADE OF GOLD~>

Friday, December 20th - Yokohama Arena (Kanagawa)
Saturday, December 21st - Yokohama Arena (Kanagawa)
Thursday, December 26th - Osaka-jo Hall (Osaka)
Friday, December 27th - Osaka-jo Hall (Osaka)

Source: natalie

Kaela Kimura launches private label

Kimura Kaela has revealed that the name of her private label under Victor Entertainment will be 'ELA'. The first release from this label will be a collaboration cover album titled "ROCK" this fall.

The label officially launched on June 23, which is Kimura's debut anniversary. Its name is derived from the singer's name 'Kaela'.

For the cover album, Kimura will collaborate with various artists, both domestic and foreign, in covering songs from foreign artists of the 1960's, 70's, and 80's that have influenced and moved her. As of now, POP ETC, Ishino Takkyu, and Chara have been announced to collaborate. The album will consist of about 10 tracks.

Through Twitter, Kimura is asking fans to request rock songs that she could cover. To make a request, fans can tweet the hashtag, #rock_rq. This will take place until July 7 at 5:59.

Source: natalie

Southern All-Stars back after 5 year hiatus

Southern All Stars, who celebrated their 35th anniversary on June 25th, has announced that they will be resuming their activities after a 5-year hiatus. The band will release their new single, "Peace to Highlight", on August 7th, and will also hold an outdoor stadium tour.

Southern All Stars went on an indefinite hiatus back in August of 2008 after their 4-day concert, "Southern All Stars 'Manatsu no Daikanshasai' 30 Shunen Kinen LIVE", at Nissan Stadium. Taking their 35th anniversary as an opportunity, the 5 members looked back at the recent changing of times, the Tohoku Earthquake, and Kuwata Keisuke's (Vo) illness over the past 5 years, and decided to get back together.

"Peace to Highlight" marks the band's 54th single and also their last single since "I AM YOUR SINGER" was released in August of 2008. It will be released in 3 different types: Complete Production Edition (CD+Special Goods), Regular Edition (CD-Only), and an Analog Edition (with sticker sheet).

The song is available for download via their official website sas-fan.net and will also be used in the CM for Volkswagen's 'New Golf' which feature the members themselves.

The tour will kick off at Nissan Stadium, where the band promised 5 years ago, "We want to meet everyone here again. We will temporarily leave our name with everyone, so please hold onto it until the day we come back, the day we meet again." In late-August, the band will make a stop at their hometown of Chigasaki where they last held a live in 2000. They will also prepare a live viewing of this concert for their fans.

The tour is said to pull in about 350,000 people. Their last tour was "SOUTHERN ALL STARS Live Tour 2005 Minna ga Suki desu!" in 2005 and their last outdoor tour was "'Sasuga (SAS ga) da Manatsu Tour! Aaa! Nama. Daga SAS!' ~Carnival Deru Baniika!?~" in 2003.


The tour dates here:

<Southern All Stars Outdoors Stadium Tour (Title Undecided)>

Saturday, August 10th - Nissan Stadium (Kanagawa)
Sunday, August 11th - Nissan Stadium (Kanagawa)
Saturday, August 17th - Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium (Hyogo)
Sunday, August 18th - Kobe Unversiade Memorial Stadium (Hyogo)
Saturday, August 31st - Chigasaki Park Baseball Stadium (Kanagawa)
Sunday, September 1st - Chigasaki Park Baseball Stadium (Kanagawa)
Saturday, September 7th - Toyota Stadium (Aichi)
Sunday, September 8th - Toyota Stadium (Aichi)
Sunday, September 22nd - Miyagi Sogo Athletic Park Miyagi Stadium (Miyagi)

Source: natalie