Japanese singer Hikaru Utada concluded her Laughter in the Dark Tour with a final show at Makuhari Messe on December 9, 2018 – the date on which she debuted as an artist exactly twenty years ago.
The tour began at Yokohama Arena on November 6 after which Utada hit up Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Saitama and Makuhari for a total of 12 concerts in six cities. The 20-track set list was a line-up of tracks perfect for celebrating the singer’s 20 year reign. It featured everything from her debut song Automatic up to Hatsukoi from her latest album, covering Utada’s early days to her current status as a seasoned songstress. Her iconic discography pulled the heartstrings of all fans on the tour: many tears were shed during one particular awe-inspiring time skip when she performed her huge 1999 hit First Love and then immediately transitioned onto the 2018 number Hatsukoi.
During her first speech at the final show she kindled a fire amongst fans as she looked back over the past 20 years: “Good evening! Thank you all for making your way out here. Today is the day of my 20th anniversary. Getting to spend such a day like this is honestly like celebrating a birthday. I’m no good at acting like the star of the show but I am delighted to be here. Thank you! I can see all of you to the back [of the room], so let’s have fun together!”
This tour, which was Hikaru Utada’s first in 12 years, saw a huge 140,000 fans in attendance. She delivered a tour that not only celebrated her hit songs over the past 20 years but also showcased what the future holds as she continues to push forward in her career.
This tour will be available to watch in Japan via BS Sky Perfectv on January 27, 2019 at 9:00PM. There will also be a tour documentary shown on MUSIC ON! TV on March 10, 2019 at 8:00PM.
It has also been announced that a PlayStationVR (PSVR) experience entitled Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018 – “Hikaru” & “Chikai” – VR is set to be released for free in January featuring live performances of the Japanese Kingdom Hearts theme songs Hikari and Chikai from the tour. Players with PS Plus will be able to download Hikari on December 25 this year.
Additionally, the official opening movie to the highly-anticipated forthcoming video game Kingdom Hearts III has been released and features a 90-song snippet from Utada’s new song Face My Fears made in collaboration with international singer-songwriter and producer Skrillex. The song will be released on CD on January 18, 2019.
Remastered versions of three of Hikaru Utada’s albums―Deep River (2002), Ultra Blue (2006) and Heart Station (2008)―with 24bit/96kHz high-resolution audio were also digitally released on December 9 all with to celebrate her 20th anniversary. A remastered version of Distance (2001) will also drop on January 23, 2019.
Fans can look forward a string of new tracks on each album: Hayatochiri on Distance, Simple And Clean on Deep River, Sanctuary (Opening) on Ultra Blue and Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) -2007 MIX- on Heart Station.
As Hikaru Utada enters the 21st year of her career and with the release date for Kingdom Hearts III on January 25 drawing nearer, it’s time to look forward to what she has planned next.
Information
Face My Fears
On Sale: January 18, 2019
Price: ¥1,400 (Tax Included)
Order Page: https://erj.lnk.to/Tb3UTWN
(Overseas: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/ESCL-5150?s_ssid=e32d235be2d9219691)
iTunes: https://erj.lnk.to/x3T5NWN
Face My Fears Limited Pressing Vinyl Edition
On Sale: March 6, 2019
Price: ¥2,500 [ESJL 3114]
*Includes poster drawn by Kingdom Hearts series director Tetsuya Nomura.
Order Page: https://erj.lnk.to/zdxOJWN
Hikaru Utada Hi Resolution Remastering Album Website: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/utada-hikaru/2018-remastered
Hikaru Utada Official Website: www.utadahikaru.jp
RELATED ENTRIES
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London-based Japanese Artist Rina Sawayama Covers Hikaru Utada’s Legendary ‘First Love’ at Tokyo Concert
Born in Niigata and living in London, international singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama released her second album Hold The Girl on September 16, 2022. Her Japan-based Hold The Girl Tour saw successful shows in Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo, with Sawayama generating plenty of buzz. During the final show on the tour, the singer surprised the audience with a cover of Hikaru Utada’s hit songFirst Love. The video of this incredible performance is now available to watch on YouTube!
First Love - Rina Sawayama (Hikaru Utada Cover, Tokyo Garden Theatre)
Prior to the Tokyo show, Sawayama took to Instagram, posting a comment for fans. “Since this is the biggest show I’ve ever done, I think I should cover a special Japanese track to commemorate the event,” she said. The singer had previously asked fans to share the songs they’d most like to see performed.
“Without this artist and without this song, I probably wouldn’t have become a musician or an artist. I heard this track when I was around six years old, and I remember dancing for my parents who were sitting on the sofa. This artist also celebrated her 40th birthday yesterday. This is my first cover, but I think it’s the perfect way to commemorate this special event. Please enjoy,” Sawayama concluded.
The audience responded to this surprise with a chorus of excitement, and this was surely an unforgettable night for many fans.
Rina is currently on the Hold The Girl Tour in Europe. At the end of March, she will make her Hollywood debut in the fourth John Wickmovie.
Information
Hold The Girl (2nd Album)
On Sale Now
Listen/Purchase: https://umj.lnk.to/RinaSawayama_HoldTheGirl
Purchase Bonus Details: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/rina-sawayama/news/2022-07-28/
Official Site: https://www.rina.online/ -
The Kingdom Hearts series is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022 with a special collaboration collection! Inspired by the theme of “hearts being connected,” orders are now open on the Super Groupies website until August 15 at noon. A pop-up store will also be held at the Seibu Ikebukuro main store from July 29 until August 2, 2022. The collection features a gorgeous lineup of 45 unique watches, bags, wallets, outerwear, and umbrellas, featuring nine popular characters: Sora, Riku, Kairi, Roxas, Axel, Xion, Ventus, Aqua, and Terra. Series creator Tetsuya Nomura also created a special illustration for the collaboration, and one postcard featuring the image will be included with each ordered item purchased through the Super Groupies site. Those who preorder items at the Seibu and Sogo department store will receive a set of two cards, plus a live-action postcard with styling photos. These will be delivered with the products ordered. Don't miss out on these unique items! Have you been playing Kingdom Hearts since the early days? ©Disney
Information
Kingdom Hearts Series Special Collection
Order Period: July 25 – August 15, 12:00
Details: https://www.super-groupies.com/feature/kh3_06_watch
Official Site: https://www.super-groupies.com/ -
Japanese music streaming site RecoChoku has announced the top song and album rankings for January 2022! In the Single Ranking category, Aimer’s Zankyosanka was ranked #1 for the second consecutive month. The song is the opening for the newest Demon Slayer anime arc which began airing on December 5, 2021. The ending theme for Demon Slayer, Asa ga Kuru, was released on January 10, and quickly climbed the ranks. Aimer is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut, and this is a powerful start to the year for this talented singer. As for the Album Ranking, the top spot was clear for January. Ado’s 14-song debut album ‘Kyogen’ sits in the top spot, and includes many of her smash hits. From Usseewa to Aitakute, the album also contains seven new songs which are steadily gaining popularity. Six days after the album’s release, it was ranked #1 for the month of January.
Ado’s 8th single ‘Kokoro to Iu Nano Fukakai’ also ranked 5th on the Single Ranking. Written and arranged by Mafumafu, the song is the theme for the drama series Doctor White starring Minami Hamabe. Ado will also be holding her first solo concert at Zepp DiverCity on April 4, 2022! Information
RecoChoku Monthly Music Award – January 2022
Single Ranking1st Place: Zankyosanka – Aimer (Released Digitally on December 6, 2021)
2nd Place: Asa ga Kuru – Aimer
3rd Place: Sakayume – King Gnu
4th Place: Ichizu – King Gnu
5th Place: Kokoro to Iu Nano Fukakai – Ado
https://recochoku.jp/ranking/single/monthly/
Album Ranking
1st Place: ‘Kyogen’ – Ado (Released Digitally on January 26, 2022)
2nd Place: ‘Ichi’ – Yuuri
3rd Place: ‘THE BOOK 2’ – YOASOBI
4th Place: ‘Bad Mode’ – Utada Hikaru
5th Place: ‘Kirari Remixes [Asia Edition]’ – Fujii Kaze
https://recochoku.jp/ranking/album/monthly/
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Japanese cosmetic company Shiseido, sold in 88 countries around the world, has released a new conceptual video for its global “POWER IS YOU” campaign. The short video features a star-studded cast of ambassadors from a variety of fields, including Megan Rapinoe, co-captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, known for her advocacy and creative style that defies stereotypes. The athlete has commented on her inclusion in the “POWER IS YOU” campaign, proud to show her authentic self and inspire others to live their truth.
Comment from Megan Rapinoe
“Shiseido makes so many of the products I use in my daily life, so when I was invited to collaborate on this new campaign, I didn’t even have to think about it. Partnering with such a great company means a lot to me. I deeply believe in the individual power of every human being, and I think that anyone has the power to change the world. “POWER IS YOU” represents the power each of us has to alter the world for the better, which is something that resonates with me personally. I want young people especially to know that it is possible to change things. I hope they do, and I hope that this campaign helps to inspire more people to feel the same.”Conceptual Videeo The song used for the campaign is Utada Hikaru’s Find Love. The singer also appears in the video as an ambassador. Comment from Utada Hikaru
“The source of all power is believing in yourself.It takes courage to know yourself, but being honest with yourself is the key to finding that inner beauty. Courage is beautiful.”Finally, Ursula Corbero, who gained international fame for her role in the Netflix series Paper House, appears as the final ambassador. The actress is an avid philanthropist and has long supported a number of causes including breast cancer awareness, childhood cancer awareness, and climate change awareness. She is also the founder of Ymas, a company of artists allowing people to attend movie premieres and special behind-the-scenes events. Comment from Ursula Corbero
“Inner beauty comes from positivity. Tap into your individual energy, and if there’s something you want to do, do it! It’s okay to make mistakes. Life is not perfect, and those imperfections make it beautiful.” -
Japanese company LEGS has announced the opening of two limited-time cafes themed on the video game KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory which will run from December 11, 2020 to January 31, 2021. KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory is a rhythm action game developed by Square Enix. Released on November 11 in Japan and November 13 everyone else, it is the latest instalment to Square Enix and Disney's video game series Kingdom Hearts. The cafe menu features a line-up of dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by characters and worlds found throughout the internationally-beloved video game series. The items all adhere to Disney's nutrient guidelines and so are low in salt and sugar, offering fans a healthier option. The cafe will also sell a range of original merchandise.
The Menu
Food (Excerpt)
<Sora> Power of Waking Tomato Pasta | ¥1,599
A red tomato pasta inspired by Sora that comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.
A black chicken burger based on Riku becoming enveloped by the Power of Darkness. This dish also comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.<Riku> Daybreak Chicken Burger | ¥1,599
A tuna sandwich branded with a King Mickey symbol that comes with a side of fruit.<King Mickey> King's Tuna Sandwich | ¥1,399, with plate +¥2,000
A squid and shrimp seafood curry inspired by Peter Pan's Neverland which you can travel to in Kingdom Hearts.<Neverland> Island Seafood Curry | ¥1,699 Drinks (Excerpt)
A pineapple herb soda based on the Paopu Fruit from the series.<Sora, Riku & Kairi> Fate's Pineapple Herb Soda | ¥899, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000
Based on the sea salt ice cream that Roxas, Xion, and Axel all eat together. It's served with hot milk that can be poured over the ice cream for a tasty treat.<Roxas, Xion, Axel> Sea Salt Ice Cream & Milk | ¥1,199, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000
A latte sweetened with Winnie the Pooh's favourite thing in the world: honey.<Hundred Acre Wood> Honey Latte | ¥799, with mug +¥1,650 Merchandise (Excerpt)
Folder ¥500 / Acrylic Magnet ¥700
Tote Bags (3 Designs) | ¥3,500 Each (Timeless River/Keyblade A/Keyblade B) Bonus Items
Customers who book a table in advance (¥650 before tax) and order from the menu will receive one of two folders, and if they order a drink, one of four coasters. Available while supplies last. © Disney. © Disney/Pixar.*All prices listed are pre-tax Information
KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory Cafe
・Tokyo (Shibuya): SHIBUYA BOX cafe&space
Running: December 11, 2020 – January 31, 2021
Address: LOFT (Floor 2F), 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo・Osaka (Umeda): UMEDA BOX cafe&space
Running: December 11, 2020 – January 31, 2021
Address: Umeda LOFT (Floor 1F), 16-7 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, OsakaKINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory Cafe Official Website: https://khmom.ohmycafe.jp/
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Ringo Sheena's greatest hits album Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~ is currently reigning high on the sales charts. Ringo Sheena will release a brand new Tokyo version of the song Roman to Soroban, which she created with Hikaru Utada, on November 25.
Still image from the Roman to Soroban Official Music Video.
In an interview with Ringo Sheena about the release of her album Sandokushi, she referred to Hikaru Utada as the sun and herself as the shade. Roman to Soroban is the second song the two friends worked on together since Utada's release of Nijikan Dake no Vacance in which Ringo Sheena was the featuring artist. Roman to Soroban LDN ver., which goes by the English name The sun&moon in london, is the opening song of Newton no Ringo. The song features the instrumentals of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. Following up on the release of the London version of Roman to Soroban, Sheena and Utada have set out to release a Tokyo version which will go by the official name Roman to Soroban TYO ver in Japanese and The sun&moon in tokyo in English. The recording of the brand new Tokyo version will be brought to life with the cooperation of her long-time tour members Keisuke Torigoe (bass), Midorin (drums), Yukio Nagoshi (guitar), and H Zett M (keys), recreating the song in a whole new genre which rings "Tokyo sound". Information
Ringo Sheena and Hikaru Utada: Roman to Soroban TYO ver.
Digital Release: November 25, 2019
Download/ Stream https://umj.lnk.to/tsmtyolink
Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~
Release Date: November 13, 2019
First Press Limited Edition (2 Discs): ¥3,300 (Before Tax) [UPCH-29348/9]
*Once all First Press Limited Edition copies sell out, 2-disc Regular Edition [UPCH-20535/6] copies will be sold
*First Press Limited Edition copies include 2 bonus tracks (remixes of Marunouchi Sadistic and Jiyu-Dom), a special case, and AR content in booklet
Ringo Sheena & Hikaru Utada – “Roman to Soroban LDN ver.”
Stream/Download Now: https://smarturl.it/tsmldnlink
Ringo Sheena – “Kouzen no Himitsu”
＜iTunes＞ http://po.st/kouzen_it ＜Recochoku＞ http://po.st/kouzen_re
＜Apple Music＞ http://po.st/kouzen_am ＜LINE MUSIC＞ http://po.st/kouzen_lm
＜Spotify＞ http://po.st/kouzen_sp
＜mora＞ *Hi-res audio http://po.st/kouzen_mo ＜e-onkyo＞*Hi-res audio http://po.st/kouzen_eo
Greatest Hits Album Special Site: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/newton/
SR Nekoyanagi Line Official Website: http://www.kronekodow.com
Ringo Sheena Official Website: http://smarturl.it/ringo_sp