Tiger & Bunny 2 will premiere on Netflix worldwide on October 7, 2022. The ending theme is Pilot by Taichi Mukai, and the track will be available to stream starting October 5.

The song’s message is powerful, expressing that while we can’t always control what happens in life, we should always strive to pilot our own course as best we can. Mukai, who is a huge anime fan, studied the bonds and emotions of the show’s characters prior to creating the track, eager to make it something that fans would love. 

The song was produced by CELSIOR COUPE, a close friend of Mukai’s who previously worked on the singer’s other anime tracks including Reset and Michi from Run with the Wind and Bravest from Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai. A mid-tempo track, the song also incorporates elements of Future Beats, creating an emotional sound that is perfect for an anime ending theme. Be sure to give it a listen when it releases next month!

Comment from Taichi Mukai

“I’m so happy to have been chosen to perform the ending theme for Tiger & Bunny 2! I decided to interpret the bonds and emotions of the characters in my own way, and I really wanted to sing about having the strength to move on in the midst of sadness and resentment. I hope that this track will capture the feeling of the series and the fans.” 

©BNP/T&B2 PARTNERS 

The concert featuring the TV anime series Run with the Wind based on the novel Run with the Wind  by Shion Miura, will be held on December 29, 2021 at Ebisu The Garden Hall.

For this concert, Production I.G, the animation company that produced the anime series Run with the Wind, will be involved in the video production. Based on scenes selected by composer Yuki Hayashi, the video has been re-edited for the concert and will be delivered with a live performance by the gorgeous musicians.

The day will surely be a special one, where you can enjoy the music of the special band orchestra alongside a number of masterly scenes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the world of the film before the Hakone Ekiden, the university relay race in January that the characters are striving for!

Original work: Run with the Wind by Shion Miura (Shincho Bunko)

©三浦しをん・新潮社／寛政大学陸上競技部後援会

Taichi Mukai’s newest track Bravest is currently available on streaming platforms worldwide, and serves as the opening theme to the ongoing Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai anime series. Now, the official music video has been uploaded to YouTube! 

Fans of the series will take note of the meaningful lyrics, dotted with powerful words about friendship and long journeys. The song hopes to inspire listeners and to give people the strength to keep fighting during difficult times. 

Bravest (Official Music Video)

The video was directed by Tai Nakazawa, who has also worked on music videos for Shota Shimizu, aiko, [Alexandros], and others. He previously directed Mukai’s music videos for Get Loud and Celebrate! Keep an eye out while watching to catch a glimpse of the singer wearing pieces from costume designer TOMO KOIZUMI. 

©三条陸、稲田浩司／集英社・ダイの大冒険製作委員会・テレビ東京　©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

Singer, songwriter, and model Taichi Mukai has been chosen to perform the new opening theme for Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, currently airing Saturdays on TV Tokyo. The announcement was made during an event on September 12 celebrating a successful first year of broadcasting. A new visual was also released as the anime series starts its second year of airing. 

The new song, Bravest, was written specifically for the show, and features lyrics reminiscent of the main character and his struggles. 

In regards to the track, Mukai commented: “The Adventure of Dai is a masterpiece, and the manga series has been going on since before I was born. I was completely absorbed and totally forgot to get my own work done while going back through the story again, reading it the whole way through! I was full of energy when I wrote this song, and I hope it will get fans pumped up!” 

The first episode marking the second year of the Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai anime series will air on October 2. 

Mukai will also be releasing a new EP titled DOORS, co-produced with Shin Sakiura, on September 22. The song Celebrate! from the EP is available to stream now, so be sure to check it out!

©三条陸、稲田浩司／集英社・ダイの大冒険製作委員会・テレビ東京　

©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

With the world on lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, everybody is cooped up indoors and spending time at home. If you’re looking for something new to watch or listen to, then we’ve got you covered. MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON has compiled a list of 11 Japanese artists who have or are planning to post live footage of their full concerts and performances on YouTube.

The future looks uncertain as it is right now, so in the meantime let’s find time to do the things we enjoy and stay positive as we get through this together.

ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK are set to premiere 6 of their past concerts on YouTube from 2014-2018. They will be the full performances with no cuts and will not be archived, so mark your calendars and be sure to tune in when they drop.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/313887

ONE OK ROCK’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ONEOKROCKchannel

ARASHI

ARASHI has posted a full concert taken from his “untitled” tour which ran from November 2017 to January 2018. “Untitled” is the theme of the tour which looked towards ARASHI of the future. The stage set up and incredible performance are absolute must-sees.

ARASHI’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP7Gw_YZAuh4Yg2fcdcuumQ/

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is in the middle of posting 100 videos of her live performances which will be available to watch for a limited time between April 14 to May 17 this year. The videos are being released as a part of the at-home entertainment #ouchiasobi (“Play At Home”) project launched by ASOBISYSTEM, the agency that Kyary is signed to. Now you can have fun too with Kyary by bringing her concerts into your home.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/313974

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/kyarypamyupamyutv

AAA

AAA’s performance at Saitama Super Arena was a highlight of their 2013 tourーa tour which took them to see 150,000 fans across Japan. The full show is now available to watch on YouTube until April 30, 2020 at 23:59 (JST), so be sure to check it out.

avex’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/avexnetwork/

RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS have posted some content from their recently-released live DVD and Blu-ray ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019 onto their YouTube channel. Feel part of the crowd with the following thrilling performance.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/290378

RADWIMPS’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/radwimpsstaff/

Taichi Mukai

Taichi Mukai recently posted a video of his performance of his popular song Reset. The song was written as the first ending theme for the anime series Run with the Wind.

Taichi Mukai’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/0313taichi/

Official HIGE DANdism

Official HIGE DANdism’s performance of I LOVE… at Pacifico Yokohama, which was held on February 10, 2020 as part of their “Travelers” tour, is available to listen to on Apple Music. This is another one that makes you feel part of the experience.

Apple Music “I LOVE…” Pacifico Yokohama (2020.02.10)

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure

TK posted a video on his YouTube channel of footage taken from his live performance at Landmark Studio in Yokohama. His live band line-up includes the familiar faces BOBO (Drums) and Sato Honoka (Violin) as well as Yoshida Ichiro Untouchable World (Bass) who was a support member for TK last year, Hiroko Sebu (Piano) who provided her piano playing on TK’s single katharsis from last year, and Masao Watanabe (Cello).

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/178674

Ling Tosite Sigure’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sigureSMEJ/

amazarashi

amazarashi dropped a trailer last year for his live DVD and Blu-ray release Mirai ni Narenakatta Subete no Yoru ni. His self-cover of Long Hope Philiaーthe theme song of the anime film My Hero Academia: Two Heroes and fifth ending theme of the My Hero Academia anime seriesーis a must-see!

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/270910

amazarashi’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/amazarashiSMEJ/

Suchmos

A live performance of Suchmos’s hugely popular Mint. It features footage backstage from the band’s tours across three years.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/207422

Suchmos’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ3U5YJLWUr3VmQsO48jcQg/

Superfly

Here’s a live music video of Superfly’s song Kakusei, the theme for the anime movie Promare. The video uses live footage taken from Superfly’s arena tour which incorporates gorgeous CG imagery.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/288707

Superfly’s YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/user/superfly/

As we make headway into the new year, information on Japanese artists performing outside of Japan continues to roll out. This first article covers Japanese artists set to perform concerts overseas in the first half of 2019.

・Perfume

The global popularity of multi-platinum electro J-pop group Perfume is clear for all to see, with their latest album Future Pop released back in August charting in at No.1 in 20 countries across the world. And now, international fans in the US and Asia will be excited to hear that the trio are set to hit a city near them in March and April this year.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/138536

・SID

SID announced at their 15th anniversary tour Ichiban Suki na Basho 2018 that they are set to perform four dates in Asia.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/144270

・Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu took the charts by storm in 2018 breaking many records with a string of singles. While riding this wave of success, it has been announced that Yonezu will embark on his first ever arena tour which begins today on January 19. Two dates in Shanghai and Taipei have been added to the tour.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/158468

・Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra celebrate their 30th anniversary this year, and what better way to kick off it off than performing at Lollapalooza Chilie in March. Before they do however they will first perform at PA’L NORTE 2019, a 2-day music and art festival in Monterrey, Mexico. They are part of a line-up consisting of big names such as Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon and Santana.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/146658

・Taichi Mukai

Taichi Mukai is in the midst of his 2018-2019 “Pure Tour” to promote his newest album PURE. The artist is gaining much attention not just in Japan but across Asia too. Mukai is set to perform in Asia for the first time beginning on March 22.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/155274

・HYDE

HYDE started his solo music career up again last year and has various planned for 2019. He performed at L’Arc-en-Ciel’s 2018 Christmas live show “L’ArChristmas” and will embark on an Asia tour in March.

・GARNiDELiA

GARNiDELiA released Kyoki Ranbu on September 26 this year, an album compiling every song from their internationally acclaimed online dance series including their hit song Gokuraku Jodo. The pop rock duo have announced that they will embark on their biggest Asia tour to date including shows in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/150236

・Wednesday Campanella

Wednesday Campanella is no stranger to performing solo concerts and at festivals outside Japan. The next place to be graced by KOM_I’s incredible performance is Barcelona for the Primavera Sound music festival.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/150817

To all lovers of J-pop, J-rock and any kind of Japanese artist or band living outside Japan – if an artist is coming to a place near you, show your support and don’t miss the opportunity to see them live.

Writer: Heir

A new promotional video has been released featuring the new opening theme of the upcoming TV anime series Run with the Wind. The song, titled Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Atsuku, was written by Q-MHz and Mitsuhiro Hidaka―also known as SKY-HI―and will be released as a digital single on January 23.

The song features a running-like melody coupled with SKY-HI’s vocals and rapping. Check out the video below which showcases the 10 members of the athletic club in Kansei University in their uniforms.

Run with the Wind will continue with episode 12 on January 8, 2019.

Japanese anime is popular worldwide, and one part of the watching-experience that makes a series so memorable is its opening and ending themes.

This is part two of our list of bands and artists providing music for ongoing series and soon-to-air series. Click here for part one.

Q-MHz & SKY-HI x Run with the Wind

Japanese music group Q-MHz which is composed of Aki Hata, Tomokazu Tashiro, Katsuhiko Kurosu and Tomoya Tabuchi (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN) are teaming up with AAA member Mitsuhiro Hidaka―who is also active as a solo rapper under the bane SKY-HI―to release a new digital single called Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Atsuku on January 23. The song will be used as the second opening song for the ongoing anime series Run with the Wind. It features a running-like melody coupled with SKY-HI’s vocals and rapping.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/155436

Taichi Mukai x Run with the Wind

Japanese singer-songwriter Taichi Mukai released his second album PURE last month. The song Reset on his new album is used as the current ending theme for the ongoing anime series Run with the Wind and it has been announced that he is set to perform the second ending theme with his new song Michi. The series, currently on its 11th episode, is set to begin airing again on January 8, 2019.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/155274

Miku Itō x Ueno-san wa Bukiyou

Singer and voice actress Miku Itō’s 5th single Hirameki Heartbeat will be used as the opening theme for the TV anime series Ueno-san wa Bukiyou which is set to begin airing in January 2019. The music video was shot in Kyoto where we get to see the city’s beautiful streets. The theme of the video is “manufacturing” which we see as Itō challenges herself to a range of different activities.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/154889

Maneki Kecak x Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan

Japanese idol group Maneki Kecak will release their long-awaited new single Itsuka Dokoka de / One Chance on March 20, 2019. The track Itsuka Dokoka de will be used as the new ending theme for the anime series Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan which follows the adventures of the cute penguin Chitose-chan in Kyoto. It is described as a cute song that talks about the sights Chitose-chan sees while in Kyoto.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/153841

Japanese music group Q-MHz which is composed of Aki Hata, Tomokazu Tashiro, Katsuhiko Kurosu and Tomoya Tabuchi (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN) are teaming up with AAA member Mitsuhiro Hidaka―who is also active as a solo rapper under the bane SKY-HI―to release a new digital single called Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Atsuku on January 23.

The song will be used as the second opening song for the ongoing anime series Run with the Wind. It features a running-like melody coupled with SKY-HI’s vocals and rapping.

The sports anime is an adaptation of Shion Miura’s award-winning novel of the same name.  It is being directed by Kazuya Nomura (Robotics;Notes, Ghost In The Shell: The New Movie) at Production I.G.

Comment: Q-MHz
“We are Q-MHz and we have been handed the baton from the first opening theme to perform the second one! It has a colourful rock sound that looks towards the climax of the story. Hidaka’s numbing rapping too makes it mega exciting. [People’s] emotions are sure to rise when the song doesn’t play for a second time at the end.”

Comment: Mitsuhiro Hidaka a.k.a. SKY-HI
“Tabuchi was my upperclassman in high school. This is the first time we have worked together, so getting to sing for Q-MHz felt like going back to being a high school student. I also got to sing in a style different to what they usually do! In receiving a request as singer I feel that though the weight is fairly heavy that pressure is thrilling and ties in with the anime and the song. It’s an eternity of youth packed in an instant into 3 minutes!”

Winter illuminations have become popular in cities around Japan in the run up to Christmas, with many being held every year. But did you know that there are lots of other exciting Christmas events too? Let’s take a look at some happening this winter season.

Zombie Christmas Party at Nagashima Spa Land (Mie Prefecture)

Nagashima Spa Land will hold its very first Christmas event, “Nagashima Zombie Christmas Party.” Zombies will prowl around the whole of the huge spa dome venue as DJs and dancers put perform into the evening.

Full Article: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/80315

unBORDE Xmas Party 2017 (Shibuya, Tokyo)

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Shinsei Kamattechan, and RIP SLYME are all members of unBORDE, who will deliver an exciting omnibus live event this year titled “unBORDE Xmas Party 2017.”

Full Article：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/71067

Hilton Tokyo “The World of a Miniature Christmas Market (Odaiba, Tokyo)

Hilton Tokyo in Odaiba is holding a special holiday dessert buffet at their Seascape Terrace & Dining where you can get your fingers into some deliciously kawaii Japanese sweets and take lots of Instagram-worthy photos for Christmas.

Full Article：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/68745

LEGOLAND Japan (Aichi Prefecture)

A Christmas event titled “Christmas Village” is currently being held at the “Mini Land” area of LEGOLAND Japan in Aichi where you can see a 10m tall and 4m wide Christmas tree made of over 610,000 Lego blocks. They are hosting various events at Christmas Village and selling seasonal food and merchandise.

Tokyo Christmas Market 2017 (Hibiya, Tokyo)

The “Christmas market” is a time-honoured festival that has continued to thrive around Europe since the Middle Ages. The Tokyo Christmas Market will be decorated with festive Christmas decorations and illuminations. Stalls will serve up many treats such as traditional sweets and mulled wine and sell various trinkets.

Did you enjoy our list? There’s lots of Christmas events to look forward to this year. We hope you use our list for reference when spending your Christmas this year in Japan.

The singer song writer, Taichi Mukai, released newest album called “24” which he created with latest popular artists in Japan include starRo, yahyel, grooveman Spot, JiNeous and CELSIOR COUPE as composers.

His genreless music style is based on Black music which is his roots as well as Electronica, alternatives, ambient and jazz.  He established the individual status as an artist who pursues the Japanese ways of choosing words, and creates the sound considering where the music will be played. He is definitely one of the most remarkable artists in Japan.

He works not only as a singer song writer but also as a model. He also writes columns on the website of one of the popular fashion magazines called “men’s FUDEGE.” Furthermore, he has more than one million followers on his Instagram. He attracts great support from mainly young people with his great appearance and taste.

We had an interview with him, and he told us about the favorite place in Japan, the artist who gave him influences the most, what he thinks about performing outside of the country and so many things like that.

–You are originally from Fukuoka?  What is the biggest difference between Tokyo and Fukuoka?

I only lived in Fukuoka until I turned 18 years old when I was a high school student. To be honest, I don’t know any place to hang out after I became adult. If I was to say it, Fukuoka is a place where I go home any time I want. This fact makes me want to work harder in Tokyo.

–Do you have a favorite place in Tokyo? If so, tell me about it.

I visit Todoroki-keikoku in Setagaya often. It is very quiet place that you can’t even believe it is in the middle of Tokyo. I just go stroll thinking about nothing.  Also, there are a lot of cats, so I recommend going there if you like cats.

Taichi Mukai /24

Taichi Mukai / THINKING ABOUT YOU

–Tell me if there’s any parts that you want people to listen to the most, that also you really worked hard on the most, and your most favorite song of your 2^nd EP “24”.

There are more challenging tracks this time. I kept in mind to write lyrics all in Japanese that will make you feel something wrong.  I have the people who are much talked about in music scene as a composer, so I really enjoyed making this album.

Taichi Mukai / SLOW DOWN

–What is the album which you listened to the most this year? And tell me the reasons why you listened to it so much.

I listened to many songs from old ones to latest ones for getting inspiration of my new album. I think I listened to the album called “Fantôme” by Hikaru Utada the most. I have really liked her for long time, and I’m absolutely amazed at her songs featuring new artists such as Mr. Kobukuro in 〈Tokyo Recordings〉 and KOHH.

–Who are artist in the other countries that currently give you great influence the most?

I often listen to Heyley Kiyoko recently.  They are not the latest songs, but I did research on her recently, and found out she is working as a director of music videos as well. All her music videos are great. I like thinking about the pictures and music videos too, so I want to do things like that some time.  And I just felt close with her because she is the same age as me and Japanese-American.

–This is the last question.  I think you get great influence from English songs. Are you thinking about going abroad as an artist in the future? And also, if there’s any place that you want to have a live concert or any artist who you want to perform with in the other countries tell me about it.

Of course! I have many things that I really want to do, and there are also many things that I can’t make come true right now, but I’m really going to some time. I got really nervous but was really fun when I had a concert in LA. I personally want to have a concert not only in Asia but also in Europe sometime.

■Information

Taichi Mukai

Official site：http://www.toysfactory.co.jp/artist/taichimukai/

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