Boy band members Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi & Shingo Katori meet fan club members for the first time!

18.February.2019 | MUSIC

Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Shingo Katori from the famous boyband SMAP held their first fan meeting concert “NAKAMA to MEETING_vol.1” on Saturday 16th February. The live performance was intended for the three band members to have an opportunity to meet their “NAKAMA”, which is what they call the fans from their fan club “Atarashii Chizu” (NEW MAP). The band previously performed at other live events, but this was their first ever full-blown concert. The first part of the concert kicked off at 1 pm that day when approximately 8,000 over-excited fans greeted the band with smiles and cheers of joy.

The boys danced onstage alongside 12 dancers, connecting their hearts as the performance unfolded with their song “#SINGING”. They then moved to the centre stage to be closer to their fans. After fans enjoyed a choreographed dance to the song “72 ka no nani ka no nani?”, it was time for the boys to take a break to talk to their fans.

Goro Inagaki started by saying:

“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way. When I first stepped onstage, I could feel myself getting emotional.”

Shingo Katori then commented with deep emotion in his voice:

“Last year, I never believed that we would ever have the chance to meet our fans in this way.”

Finally, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, overflowing with gratitude, said to the crowd:

“It’s been a year and four months since we created “NEW MAP” and really, it’s all thanks to our fans. Thank you!”

 

The atmosphere then turned honest and open as the band enjoyed talking to their fans. Audience members who got lucky in the concert lottery were invited onto the stage to play games with the boys, and after that, there was even time for the fans to take pictures with their smartphones. Interacting with the boys in this relaxed atmosphere was a completely unique experience and only granted to their fans.

During the second half of the concert, they performed tracks from the movie “Kuso-yarō to Utsukushiki Sekai” (THE BASTARD AND THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD) in a musical-style performance. They also performed “72”, which is a song loved by fans from the time NEW MAP was first established. Fans sang along with the band in one big voice. From their eyes to their ears, fans embraced every aspect of the concert.

Tsuyoshi Kusanagi’s final words to end the performance were:

“I’m glad I had this opportunity to feel your love firsthand.”

Goro Inagaki then followed up with: “I had so much fun! I want to keep going!”

Finally, Shingo Katori finished with: “That was our first ever live and therefore it deserves to be commemorated. Thank you! From here on out, I want to perform at different venues to meet more of our NAKAMA fans.”

The band then surprised all their fans by seeing them all off as they returned home. Their first ever live performance had ended and the press swooped in.

 

Katori explained to the press:

“What we are is entirely shaped by the fans that came to see us today and the fans we will meet in the future. We finally found a place where we can come into direct contact with our fans in order to directly tell them how much we appreciate them. Recently, I’ve held a solo exhibition and have been called an “artist”, however my life as an idol is the best feeling ever.” he said with a broad smile.

Goro Inagaki then reflected on his feelings about the concert to the press:

“It’s been a long time since my last performance so naturally, I was nervous, and as expected I was touched by our audience. However, we have been singing on stage for a long time now. This is our favourite thing. It gives us the energy to live. The stage is where we can directly feel the love from our fans.”

Kusanagi then added:

“I felt as if I was connected closely to each and every single fan. However, during photo time, that was the first ever time I’d ever had so many smartphones take pictures of me at any one time,” he laughed. “This all started because we got on social media. From now on, I don’t want to focus on the size of the venue or the number of audience members, but on passion. I want to concentrate on feeling each and every single moment.”

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Atarashii Chizu Release Mobile Game ‘Star Dragon Quest’ Song & Music Video Worldwide

    27.May.2019 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC

    Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Shingo Katori―who form the music group Atarashii Chizu―were appointed producers of the popular mobile game Star Dragon Quest to help promote it. The game has enjoyed well over 20 million downloads. As part of the promotion, the trio have digitally released a song together worldwide entitled Hoshi no Fanfare along with a music video.

     

    Atarashii Chizu join Music – “Hoshi no Fanfare” Official Music Video

     

    The music video was shot entirely in cooperation with the game’s staff. It features Inagaki, Kusanagi and Katori’s signature pop and dance style as well as appearances from familiar Dragon Quest characters. This marks the first time that the characters of the Dragon Quest franchise have performed alongside music artists.

    Hoshi no Fanfare was written and composed by Nakajin of SEKAI NO OWARI. The lyrics to this foot-stomping pop song contain words related to the game such as courage, stars, treasure, map, story, adventure and so on.

     

    The song was first performed at the invitation-only Dragon Quest event “Dragon Quest Day – Producer Giga Meeting” which was held at Makuhari Messe on May 25, 2019. The song was released worldwide today across major digital music and streaming platforms. (*Not available in select countries and regions)

  • Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi & Shingo Katori Conclude Atarashii Chizu Fan Meeting Tour

    19.April.2019 | MUSIC

    Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Shingo Katori wrapped up NAKAMA to MEETING_vol.1 to huge success in Fukuoka on April 17. This was their first ever “fan meeting” and tour held as the music group Atarashii Chizu. It took them to Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Miyagi and Fukuoka for a total of 22 concerts for over 120,000 fans.

     

    The tour finale saw four concerts held at Fukuoka Kokusai Center with each date having an attendance of 4,800 “NAKAMA,” a name the band has given to their fans which means friend or comrade.

     

    It was clear to see that each member had a lot of fun across the tour as they showed nothing but pure joy on stage. They called the tour a “fan meeting” as they wanted to come before fans and ascertain each and every one of their faces.

    Goro, Tsuyoshi and Shingo planned many different things for the tour as it was their first time meeting fans. During the set the group entertained the crowd with a scavenger hunt as each member wandered around trying to find items. They also used TikTok with which they performed an impromptu dance routine. It can be viewed here. The feverishly hasteful dance provided fans with lots of laughs.

     

    There was even a 1-minute photo section where the members had to take a photo they could post on social media. NAKAMA were treated to lots of entertaining interaction and communication.

     

    Tsuyoshi also tried playing the guitar for the first time during the final concert.

    The group performed several songs from the 2018 four-part omnibus film The Bastard and the Beautiful World which stars all three members. For Aru Pianist no Theme by Goro and Chikyuu Saigo no Hi by Goro and Kusanagi both members changed into chic suits and performed contemporary dance which pulled the crowd into what felt like a musical. This was followed by Shingo’s performance of Atarashii Shi which drew the show towards the grand finale.

    With the show’s program completed and the NAKAMA Dancers sent away, the three members each had closing comments for their NAKAMA. Shingo began: “I never imagined this day would come so quickly where we would get to stand on stage and sing before you all. Turns out I really like this atmosphere, so I hope you’ll let us sing for you again.”

     

    Goro continued: “Seeing the fun you have all  had on your faces gives us courage. I feel we have played the best game of catch ever. I look forward to being with you all again.”

     

    Tsuyoshi concluded: “I feel that having a place like this where we all promise [to get together] gives me the strength to continue doing my best. Let’s meet again in the near future.”

    For the tour finale a video entitled “NAKAMA to MEETING” Special Video which is available only to fan club members was shown. This video is still available for fan club members for a limited time until May 6 at 23:59 (JST). It features live footage from NAKAMA to MEETING_vol.1, comments from the members and more.

  • Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Shingo Katori Feature in New Amazon Music CommercialUnder ‘Atarashii Chizu’

    12.December.2018 | MUSIC

    Japanese singers Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Shingo Katori featured a TV commercial for Amazon Music under their Atarashii Chizu music group which was set up to promote movies, plays, commercials and more. The song in the video entitled #SINGING will be released on Amazon Music Unlimited on December 12, 2018.

    The happy tune has a fast-paced rhythm that perfectly matches the trio’s voices and is described as having positive lyrics “that you want to keep singing.” The song was written and composed by SASUKE, a 15-year-old middle school student and up-and-coming multi-talent active in singing, dancing and music production.

     

    As well as this new track, the songs 72, Ame Agari no Step and KISS is my life. by the three singers are now available for unlimited streaming on Amazon Music Unlimited. Goro Inagaki’s solo single SUZUNARI is also set to be added on December 21.

    Fans can also enjoy a special playlist of recommended songs created by the members entitled “Selected by Atarashii Chizu Join Music.”

     

    The Amazon Music commercial itself features stylish footage of Goro, Tsuyoshi and Shingo recording #SINGING. A short version of the song’s official music video is available to watch on Atarashii Chizu’s official homepage and Amazon. Be sure to check out all the new content from the three musicians.

    Comment: Shingo Katori

    “The new talent SASUKE was given the freedom to write a song for Atarashii Chizu. Let’s have a fun party together with music! Let’s dance, SASUKE!”

  • ‘The Bastard and the Beautiful World’ to be Released on DVD & Blu-ray.

    07.August.2018 | MUSIC

    The Bastard and the Beautiful World is a four-part omnibus featuring three members of  Atarashii Chizu―Shingo Katori, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Goro Inagaki. A DVD and Blu-ray release of the movie has been long-awaited, and it’s finally been announced that both versions will be available as made-to-order.

     

    The movie received a 2-week limited run at 86 cinemas across Japan. Each episode in the movie received its own director: Sion Sono directed Pianist wo Utsu na!, Kenji Yamauchi directed Shingo-chan to Uta Kui no Maki, Hikari Ota directed Hikari e, Wataru, and Yuichi Kodama directed Atarashii Uta respectively. The movie was seen by 280,021 people in its short run, overtaken only by Detective Conan: Zero Executor which was released during the same period and beating Pacific Rim Uprising and Coco. It trended high social media after cinema runs finished with people waiting for a physical release.

     

    The DVD and Blu-ray release features behind the scenes footage, an audio commentary with Shingo Katori, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Goro Inagaki, and a 28page special photobook. It also includes the movie soundtrack which was originally available as a digital release only via Amazon Music. Those who pre-order either the DVD or Blu-ray between August 6 and 13 will also receive an original clear file. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’d best be quick if you want one!

     

    “Atarashii Uta” – Kuso Yaro★ALL STARS

     

    A music video for Atarashii Uta, also featured on the soundtrack, was also released on YouTube and can be viewed above.

     

    ■Information

    “The Bastard and the Beautiful World” (*Made-to-order)

    Available: August 6, 2018 – September 9, 2018

    *Early pre-order bonus: August 6, 2018 – August 13, 2018

    https://contents.atarashiichizu.com/?page_id=6563

     

    Official Movie Website:http://kusoyaro.net/

    Atarashii Chizu Official Homepage:https://atarashiichizu.com/

  • Goro Inagaki and Shingo Katori Promote Non-Alcoholic Beer Tasting Beverage ‘All-Free All-Time’

    14.June.2018 | FOOD

    All-Free All-Time is a new limited-edition non-alcoholic beverage that tastes like beer hitting convenience stores around Japan on June 19. A special website has gone live featuring videos promoting the drink. The videos are presented by musician Goro Inagaki and actor Shingo Katori who take on the roles of Dr. Goro and Dr. Shingo respectively.

    Dr. Goro and Dr. Shingo are mysterious inventors. Each of their videos is in the form of a presentation to an audience where they discuss the concept behind All-Free All-Time.

     

    The speeches of each individual character are filled with humour and plenty of expressive body language that captivates the audience.

    First up is Inagaki‘s presentation. His body language, liveliness and cool moments are bold displays come so natural that you’d never guess this is the first time he’s done something like this. He becomes more sophisticated with each sip and expresses almost surprise at how delicious it is. His personality shines through in parts of the performance even in such an intellectual and calm environment.

    Next is Katori‘s presentation who, unlike Inagaki, begins on standby in the center of the stage. The presentation is perfect from the first cut. While watching it, it’s as if you’re simulating it inside your head. There’s plenty of unique ad-libs from Katori, with overreactions and the free use of words he’s never used before. Even when he stumbles on his words partway through, he declares, “I didn’t say my lines right, so I shall say them once more!” His performance really entertained the audience.

    This was the first time both of them had come across this drink. They showed their surprise with each sip and commented on its delicious taste and how it tastes just like real beer.

     

    If you’re interested in All-Free All-Time, you’ll find it at convenience stores in Japan from June 19 for a limited time.

     

    ■Information

    Suntory “All-Free All-Time” Web Video

    Official Website: http://suntory.jp/ALLTIME/

     

    Video Links

    1. Dr. Goro (Long Version – 02:11)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBkUhUAGxLc

    2. Dr. Goro (Short Version – 00:30)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VvHkjJODpk

    3. Dr. Shingo (Long Version – 02:17)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Gx1S6O5Eo

    4. Dr. Shingo (Short Version – 00:30)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wRSvSBoYO0

     

  • Goro Inagaki and Shingo Katori will appear on SUNTORY’s new TVCM, “All Free”

    30.November.2017 | FOOD / MUSIC

    SUNTORY Beer will use Goro Inagaki and Shingo Katori as a new messenger of the non-alcohol drink “All Free” which will be renewed and sold from the 13th of January 2018.

    suntory

    Inagaki and Katori established an official fan site on the 22nd of September (Fri.) called “The new map” and are gathering much attention nowadays. Under the concept of, “Let’s run away from what confines us. Let’s cross over the border. Let’s rewrite our past. Love freedom and peace. Our weapons are our ideas and our charms. Let’s touch other peoples’ hearts. Let’s live like a breeze. We are a new map,” they started to walk down a new path. They are going to deliver a message to tell people how tasty the renewed “All Free” is.

     

    Video message

    Goro Inagaki

    (Shingo: What do you think about the new “All Free?”)

    It’s very tasty! I hope we can renew ourselves just like “All Free” did.

     

    Shingo Katori

    I love “All Free” and am drinking it all the time. It is so tasty!

    The content of the product has changed as well as the packaging. The original product was so good, but the new version is even better! It’s so amazing!

    I hope many people will try the new version of “All Free.”

     

    Let’s watch the new “All Free” TVCM!

     

    ■Information

    All Free

    CM on air- 2018, mid-February :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnSPgrh0CjU

    The new map: https://atarashiichizu.com/

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