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09.April.2019 |

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Illustrator BEY to Hold ‘NEW WAMERICAN’ Solo Exhibition at TRUNK (HOTEL) Starting November 1

    22.October.2024 | FASHION / SPOT

    Illustrator BEY’s solo exhibition ‘NEW WAMERICAN’ will be held at TRUNK (HOTEL) in Shibuya starting November 1. 

     

    BEY is known for his illustrations inspired by the ‘Wamerican’ theme, a blend of Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e, and American pop culture. Currently, he is attracting attention as an up-and-coming creator who also works on CD jackets for artists and window art for apparel brands.

     

    Canvas works newly painted for the exhibition will be exhibited and sold, and new merchandise such as teacups and Palo Santo with limited edition packaging will be available. 

     

    [Comment from BEY]
    “I hope to approach this exhibition as the first of its kind to showcase the new expressions of ‘WAMERICAN,’ a style which has continued to evolve over the past seven years, with a focus on original paintings on canvas. I hope tons of people will come to visit!”

     

  • CUTIE STREET to Release 1st Single CD ‘Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~’ on November 13

    16.October.2024 | MUSIC / Uncategorized

    After making its debut this August, the new idol group CUTIE STREET will release its first single CD, Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~, on November 13. The music video for the song is already available along with the jacket and artist photo.

    The digital single Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~ was released on September 8 and was ranked #1 on the TikTok Weekly Top 20 (from September 20 – October 6, 2024) and has become a hot topic, also reaching the top spot on Spotify’s ‘Viral Top 50 – Japan’ playlist, which ranks the hottest songs on social media.

     

    The art for the upcoming single CD’s jacket was designed by Keiichiro Oshima and photographed by Takeshi Hanzawa. Following the theme of “our own sparkling jewels,” the jewelry portion of the pictured ring is made up of each sparkling member, all bringing their unique sparkle that fans hope will continue to shine.

     

    The costumes were designed by Kumiko Iijima, who has created costumes for countless artists and follows the theme of “I am different than everyone else, and I can be anything I want to be.” Each member’s costume design is different, including frills, ribbons, lace, tulle, and other ‘kawaii’ elements that appear often in girl’s dreams. The member’s individuality shines through, expressed through the creation of original accessories.

    Limited First Edition

    CUTIE STREET Edition

    Standard Edition

  • CUTIE STREET Displays Top-Tier KAWAII to a Full House at First Solo Concert

    11.October.2024 | MUSIC / Uncategorized

    Idol group CUTIE STREET, which debuted this August, held its first solo concert CUTIE STREET Solo Live – 01 STREET – at Tokyo Hulic Hall on October 7, 2024.

     

    CUTIE STREET is composed of eight members: Risa Furusawa, Aika Sano, Kana Itakura, Ayano Masuda, Emiru Kawamoto, Miyu Umeda, Nagisa Manabe, and Haruka Sakuraba. The girls made their debut as part of ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB. idol project in Summer 2024, with the group’s concept being “KAWAII MAKER.” The eight members are all different ages and come from different backgrounds, and they aim to transmit KAWAII from Harajuku to the world. 

     

    This solo performance was held about two months after the girls made their stage debut. Tickets were sold out and many fans came to the venue way before the show, eager to see the girls perform on their big day.

    As the Overture played, the members appeared on stage one after another, with the audience erupting with shouts of joy. Their first song performed solo was Devoted Cinderella! Despite clearly being nervous, the girls continued to smile, performing earnestly like princesses in a fairy tale.

     

    After the song, the eight members greeted the fans gathered at the venue. Adorably, each girl introduced herself and announced what they had eaten for breakfast that day. “I’m so happy to see so many people here,” Manabe said. “I hope that even more people will come to love CUTIE STREET!” 

     

    The second song performed was Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka? The track is getting rave reviews and recently ranked first in the ‘TikTok Popular Songs Ranking 50.’ The song is scheduled to be released via CD on November 13 and features a catchy pop melody and fun dialogue and phrases from the members. The performance was open to video recording, and the eight too-cute performers can be seen on TikTok and other social networking sites.

    Following this, the group covered the song Nantene! by SWEET STEADY, another idol group belonging to the same label. They performed to the best of their ability, utilizing a different kind of charm than their seniors. The girls also showed off their diverse talents filled with unlimited potential, with Unlock My Heart, a cool song with a rock-style melody, and daylight, an emotional song with a fast pace. CUTIE STREET also performed the new song Happy World! for the first time, showing off choreography filled with fist-pumping and energy. The audience couldn’t help but smile, and the entire venue was filled to the brim with happiness.

     

    The final part of the concert began with Hello Hello Mirai as Furusawa called out to the audience. “Are you ready to wave your penlights?” Penlights displaying the girl’s member colors twinkled like a starry sky throughout the venue. The light shone as if it was congratulating the girls on their future lives as idols. Lastly, the group performed their popular song Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka? one more time, with the girls charming the audience with their extreme cuteness.

     

    CUTIE STREET announced a solo performance to commemorate the CD release of their first single, Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?, would be held at Hulic Hall Tokyo on November 13, with a second solo performance scheduled for December 5. The surprises did not end there, as the group also told fans that on October 16, they would release the music video for the song, getting the audience more excited. A teaser for the music video has already been revealed.

    The eight idols have continued to grow at a rapid pace since their debut, and no one knows what the future holds. After seeing such an engaging solo performance, fans are excited to see what’s in store, as CUTIE STREET’s journey has only just begun.

  • CANDY TUNE to Release New Song ‘Are You Zombie?”

    10.October.2024 | MUSIC

    On October 18, CANDY TUNE will release the new track Are You Zombie? Ahead of the song’s release, it is already available to stream on TikTok.

     

    This song is CANDY TUNE’s first Halloween song and features a cute arrangement and catchy chorus that embodies the spirit of mischief. The lyrics, music, and arrangement were all handled by songwriter Satsuki ga Tenkomori.

     

    Additionally, Halloween events will be held on October 27 and October 30 to celebrate the song’s release.

    @candy_tune 本日よりTikTok先行配信スタート😈❣️ CANDY TUNE『君もゾンビですか ゾンビですね』 みんなでハロウィンを盛り上げよー🧟❤️‍🩹 是非#君ゾン でたくさん投稿してね🍬 #きゃんちゅー#CANDYTUNE #君ゾン#君もゾンビですかゾンビですね #ハロウィン#Halloween ♬ 君もゾンビですか ゾンビですね – 1サビ ver. – CANDY TUNE

  • FRUITS ZIPPER Member Yui Sakurai Concludes Project Celebrating 10th Anniversary as an Idol, Will Release Solo Track Recently Performed Live

    02.October.2024 | MUSIC

    Last October, FRUITS ZIPPER member Yui Sakurai began a one-year project titled ‘Yui Sakurai 10th Anniversary -IDOL OF IDOLS-’ to celebrate the 10th year since her idol debut. On October 2, the idol held ‘Yui Sakurai 10th ANNIVERSARY LIVE 2024’ at Zepp Divercity (Tokyo). 

     

    Sakurai debuted in the entertainment industry in 2013 and currently boasts the mint green member color in the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER. With their adorable looks and unique personalities, the members have become popular with both men and women alike, and are currently seen as representatives of idol culture going into 2025. ‘Yui Sakurai 10th Anniversary -IDOL OF IDOLS-’ included a solo tour held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, along with the release of her first photo book. 

     

    The recent solo concert represented the culmination of the project, and understandably, many fans came to the venue to congratulate the idol. 

     

    As the lights dimmed and green penlights filled the venue, Sakurai appeared in a dress resembling a bouquet of flowers, accompanied by the lively sounds of the band. The idol first performed her solo song Spotlight from FRUITS ZIPPER’s latest single NEW KAWAII  / Fruits Basket. The track expresses the singer’s desire to grow up after 10 years as an idol, and dares to feature a tune that Sakurai doesn’t excel at. The audience agreed that Sakurai performed Spotlight with a perfect score of 100 points, proving her growth before her fans. Continuing on, the idol won the hearts of the fans yet again with Zurui Kawayui, a pop tune with a distinctive sound. The live performance immediately invited fans into the ever-changing world of Yui Sakurai without holding back. 

     

    After thanking the fans who had gathered at the venue, Sakurai continued with a cover of Seiko Matsuda’s classic Akai Sweet Pea. Her performance mesmerized fans, her voice soft, but she quickly raised the venue’s voltage with a cover of Hatsukoi Cider by Buono! After changing into an angelic costume complete with wings, she went on to perform Tokaikko Junjou (°C-ute) and More Kiss (Fairies). Her confidence amazed the crowd. 

     

    In addition to these covers, Sakurai also performed You, You, You, a new song prepared for the concert. The dance number embodied a more mature Yui Sakurai, blending cuteness and sexiness and showing an entirely new side to the performer. As the atmosphere seemed to switch, Sakurai also performed covers of Tenshi wa doko e (≠ME) and Idol (YOASOBI.) The stage was a stunning sight, and loud cheers rang out from the entire audience.

    The second half of the concert began with Caste Summer Session as silver tape fell from the ceiling. Even though fall had already begun, the venue was filled with summer-like enthusiasm. With the electricity in the venue at its highest level of the night, Sakurai sand FRUITS ZIPPER’s signature song Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro solo. The biggest KAWAII of the day had certainly appeared at Zepp Divercity (Tokyo), and for the last song of the show, the idol performed BABY I LOVED. Her crystal clear voice captivated every fan in the audience.

     

    As soon as the idol left the stage, the fans immediately asked for an encore. These loud voices summoned the artist back, and she performed her new song You, You, You for a second time. An MC portion followed, in which Sakurai read a letter reflecting on the past decade, including the excitement she felt starting out as an idol, the heartbreak of leaving the stage at one point, and how it felt meeting the other members of FRUITS ZIPPER. “I’m only here because of those who support me and protect me. Even in my private life, I’m supported by so many people,” she said. “I continue to love and cherish each and every one of you!” Continuing, Sakurai concluded her letter hoping for future growth. “For my next anniversary, I’d like to truly embody what it is to be an eternal idol for everyone, inspired by the phrase “idol of idol” given to me by (producer) Misa Kimura.” 

     

    The final encore was a second performance of Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, and fans were allowed to record video. Yui Sakurai’s growth and cuteness are sure to spread around the world thanks to this footage taken by the audience. 

    Sakurai’s 10 years as an idol have not been smooth. Nevertheless, she continued to work as hard as she could and has grown into an idol who can now fill Zepp Divercity (Tokyo), not only as a group but also as a solo artist. “If you don’t give up, your dreams will come true.” This Cinderella story was something the artist realized together with her fans. The story of Yui Sakurai will continue, into her 11th year, 15th year, 20th year, and beyond. “Someday, I’d like to hold a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan,” Sakurai said when the concert concluded. Fans are excited to see what other dreams she’ll make come true in the future.

     

    In addition, the new digital single Zurui Kawayui will be available on all music streaming services on October 20, the 10th anniversary of Sakurai’s debut. The solo song You, You, You and Caste Summer Session will also be available.

  • Klang Ruler Releases Trillion Game-Inspired ‘Unbelievable EP’

    01.October.2024 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC / Uncategorized

    On December 25, Klang Ruler will release the Unbelievable EP, including the new song Unbelievable, used as the ending theme for the TBS anime series Trillion Game. The series began on October 3. 

     

    The EP will be inspired by Trillion Game and include new songs like Honey Money, Gimme Gimme, Placeless Boy, and Tired. 

     

    A teaser video for Unbelievable with narration from Trillion Game has also been released. 

    October 2, 2024
    The music video for Unbelievable has been released.
    The video, directed by the alternative collective GROUPN, retains the vibes of the anime series, with the members of Klang Ruler dressed as salarymen as they attempt to overcome their colleagues to become the best.

  • FRUITS ZIPPER Begins First Nationwide Hall Tour, Announces 3rd Anniversary Concert at Saitama Super Arena

    29.September.2024 | MUSIC / Uncategorized

    FRUITS ZIPPER kicked off its nationwide tour, FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2024 – AUTUMN – THE STORY OF SEVEN COLORS, on September 28 at Toda City Culture Hall in Saitama.

     

    The tour will feature 15 shows in 12 cities around Japan and is the largest hall tour in the group’s history. Tickets for all performances, except additional dates, are sold out. 

     

    The members transformed into ‘NEW KAWAII Princesses’ for their 1st album released in April, with the 2nd single album’s artwork based on the theme of “the beginning of a fairy tale.” The tour’s theme is “Story,” and audiences will be treated to the tale of how these girls became princesses in the first place. Wearing dresses corresponding to their member colors, the group performed popular tracks like Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro and NEW KAWAII, as well as the new songs Fruits Basket and Starlight Valkyrie from their 2nd single CD released on September 18. FRUITS BASKET performed a total of 20 songs, including solo and unit songs, sharing each member’s individuality along with the meaning of the title “THE STORY OF SEVEN COLORS.” 

     

    For the encore, the group performed Fruits Basket for a second time, and during their performance, the members ran through the aisles of the venue, interacting with the fans. In the middle of the song, the music stopped and a screen suddenly appeared on stage. As the members looked at each other in confusion, an image appeared on the screen, announcing that FRUITS ZIPPER would hold a concert on June 3, 2025 at Saitama Super Arena to celebrate the group’s third anniversary. The venue was immediately filled with applause as fans screamed “congratulations,” with some in tears following the exciting announcement.

     

    Member Suzuka Chinzei quickly responded to the crowd. “I didn’t expect this big of a surprise, but I’m so happy to be able to share this moment with all of you–the moment that my dream of performing at Saitama Super Arena came true,” she said. The first day of the tour ended with cheers as the group performed Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro to conclude the night.

     

    More details about the group’s 3rd-anniversary concert will be released on FRUITS ZIPPER’s official website soon.

     

    Photo: Yuna Yoshimori

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Begins Part 2 of 13-Stop World Tour in North America

    28.September.2024 | MUSIC / Uncategorized

    On September 27, the vocal dance unit ATARASHII GAKKO! began ‘AG! CALLING WORLD TOUR Pt.2’ at PNE Forum in Vancouver, Canada. The second leg of the tour will see a total attendance of about 40,000 fans.

     

    The group performed two songs from their June album AG! Calling live for the first time: Essa Hoisa and Maji Yoroshiku. During the second half of the performance, the remixed versions of fan-favorite tracks Saisyu Jinrui and Koi Geba were played for the first time to massive applause, ending the first day of the group’s North American tour with a bang.

     

    The group will perform in 13 North American cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Mexico City, making this ATARASHII GAKKO!’s largest overseas tour to date. 

     

    <Member Comment>

    “Finally! AG! CALLING WORLD TOUR Pt. 2 has begun!

    How far will our power spread?! I can’t comprehend it but I’m so excited.

    Every time we perform overseas and outside of Japan, we’re so moved by how enthusiastic the audiences are and how they’ve been waiting to see us. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of fans we’ll meet on this North American tour. 

    Our youthful journey is a never-ending story!

    After returning to Japan, we’ll be fully devoting ourselves to our Japan tour starting in November, so get ready to see how much we can power up! Thanks for supporting us!”

  • CUTIE STREET Releases 1st Single ‘Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~,’ Single CD Release and Solo Concert Planned

    12.September.2024 | MUSIC

    CUTIE STREET, a new idol group that debuted in August, released its first digital single, Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~, on September 9. The group’s first single CD will also be released on November 13.

     

    The group will perform at Hulic Hall Tokyo on October 7 and hold its first solo concert at Toyosu PIT on February 2, 2025.

  • FRUITS ZIPPER to Release 2nd Single CD ‘NEW KAWAII / Fruits Basket’

    31.July.2024 | MUSIC

    On September 18, FRUITS ZIPPER will release their second-anniversary concert at Nippon Budokan on DVD and Blu-ray. On the same day, the idol group will release its second single CD titled NEW KAWAII / Fruits Basket.

     

    The release will be a double A-side single, including the popular song NEW KAWAII from the group’s album released on April 10, as well as the new song Fruits Basket.

    The CD will be available in nine formats, including a Limited First Edition, Regular Edition, and seven unique Member Editions. The Limited First Edition will include the song Rainbow, which was performed for the first time during the group’s Budokan performance. In contrast, each Member Edition will include solo songs that the girls have performed at birthday events and unit songs performed at FRUITS ZIPPER’s first arena concert at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Additionally, the Limited First Edition will come with a unique jacket and high-quality booklet.

     

    The theme of the album’s artwork is ‘the beginning of a fairy tale.’ For the group’s previous album, each member wore a dress of their own unique design to become a ‘NEW KAWAII Princess,’ but this album tells the story of these girls before they became royalty. The way the girls approach this classic fairytale-like concept will show their ‘NEW KAWAII’ side.

     

    In addition, a release event will be held to commemorate the release of the second single CD. At Asobi Mall, which handles official FRUITS ZIPPER goods, a Blu-ray of the Budokan concert and the CD can be purchased simultaneously and will be paired with a group acrylic stand as a W-purchase privilege. Quantities of the bundle will be limited.

    Standard Edition

    Limited First Edition

    Mana Manaka Edition

    Yui Sakurai Edition

    Karen Matsumoto Edition

    Amane Tsukiashi Edition

    Suzuka Chinzei Edition

    Noel Hayase Edition

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Performs Solo for 45 Minutes During the GOBI STAGE Grand Finale at Coachella, One of the World’s Largest Music Festivals

    15.April.2024 | MUSIC

    On April 14, ATARASHII GAKKO! performed solo at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, one of the world’s largest music festivals held in Indio, California.

     

    This year’s headliners at Coachella included Lana Del Rey, Tyler the Creator, and Doja Cat. ATARASHII GAKKO! performed during the grand finale of the GOBI STAGE for the April 14 set headlined by Doja Cat.

     

    The opening sound effects and Taiko project set the mood as the girls appeared on stage in their original padded kimonos, starting with a performance of Toryanse, released in January. Without a pause, they transitioned seamlessly into OMAKASE, performing the song for the first time as the audience cheered loudly in tune with the fusion of Showa-era and modern sounds.

    “Everybody jump,” SUZUKA screamed during Pineapple Kryptonite Remix. Not needing to be told twice, the crowd was instantly united, the voltage almost unbearable. “Let me hear you,” the group called out after the song ended, to which the audience instantly responded “ATARASHII GAKKO!” This was the perfect intro to the group’s beloved song OTONABLUE.

     

    The group continued by performing two never-before-heard songs: Arigato and Forever sisters. During Arigato, each of the four members held a broomstick and used it as a guitar, and despite these songs never being heard before, the audience jumped in perfect unison.

    With dynamic dance moves typical of ATARASHII GAKKO! , the girls performed their popular 2018 number Saishu Jinrui. To wrap up the set, the group performed Tokyo Calling with the USC marching band, bringing America and Japan closer together and stirring the audience’s hearts. The energy in the air was palpable, and without prompting, fans raised their fists in the air as the members chanted “We are marching!”

    The last song performed was NAINAINAI, the first song to be released on the global record label 88rising, bringing ATARASHII GAKKO! to the world. The girls ran around the stage, keeping the fans on their toes until the very end, and closing their set with a smile. Yet again, they have left their mark as “representatives of Japan’s youth” at Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals on Earth.

    ATARASHII GAKKO! has announced that a new album is on the way. Details will be released soon.

     

    The group continues to expand, performing in countries around the world and taking on new challenges at every turn. This year, ATARASHII GAKKO!  World Tour Part I will take the girls across Europe and Asia.

     

    Starting with the Primavera Sound Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Europe held in Barcelona, Spain, the band will perform a total of 13 concerts across Europe and Asia.

  • SWEET STEADY Performs Two Unreleased Songs at First Solo Event, Attracts Legion of Fans with Cute and Colorful Style

    14.April.2024 | MUSIC

    Idol group SWEET STEADY held an event on April 13 at Shirokane Takanawa SELENE b2 to celebrate their one-month anniversary.

     

    SWEET STEADY is a new idol group created by KAWAII LAB., an ongoing initiative to promote Japanese idol culture to the world and the project behind FRUITS ZIPPER and other popular groups. The eight-member group consists of Ayu Okuda, Yui Otoi, Natsuka Kurita, Rise Shiokawa, Mayumi Shiraishi, Nagisa Shoji, Mia Yanagawa, and Sakina Yamauchi, and this bouquet of SWEET girls hope to keep STEADY growth as they experience new things in the entertainment industry.

     

    The one-month anniversary event was the group’s solo event and tickets sold out immediately within one minute of going on sale to the public, even before their debut. The audience cheered loudly as the girls performed their debut song Hajimari no Aizu, released on April 5, followed by the second song Nantene!, which was just released.

     

    “I was really looking forward to this day,” said Otoi cheerfully during the MC portion. Okuda also introduced the group’s new costumes, unveiled for the first time during the show. “It has so many frills and it’s so cute,” she said.

     

    The new costumes weren’t the only surprise. After the MC, the group announced that they would perform a new song for the first time. The song, Sweet Cafe, is an adorable pop tune typical of SWEET STEADY, and fans were transported to a date at a cafe during these precious moments.

     

    With the momentum going strong, the members ran around the stage in all directions as they performed Magic of the Heart, released last month. In addition, the group’s new song Michishirube, released on April 14, had the group putting their cute personas aside in favor of sharp dance moves that wowed the crowd. As expected, the girls showed their passion and will to grow on stage.

    The excitement was at a fever pitch when it was announced that the group would perform yet another new song for the first time. Call me, tell me featured an easy-to-remember phrase and easy-to-imitate choreography, making it simple for the audience to join in on the fun. They were so quick to mimic the group that it was hard to believe they had never heard the song.

     

    “Let’s all stay together from now on,” said Yamauchi before the girls performed Hajimari no Aizu one more time. This was the first time that SWEET STEADY was permitted to be filmed by the crowd, and fans were glued to the members through their smartphone screens. Footage from the concert is being shared on social media using the hashtag #SuiSute, so be sure to check it out.

     

    “I’m so happy that these eight members have come together, and that we’ve been able to meet so many people,” said Yanagawa through her tears after the show. Shoji also shared her enthusiasm and excitement about the group’s first solo concert to be held on June 9. “I want to make everyone at the venue happy,” she said, and the audience responded with a massive round of applause.

     

    Despite their debut coming only one month ago, SWEET STEADY is already impressing fans with their rich individuality, each member a part of a colorful bouquet. Expectations are high for their first solo concert at EX THEATER ROPPONGI on June 9. What kind of idols will they blossom into in the future?

    Ayu Okuda

    Yui Otoi

    Natsuka Kurita

    Rise Shiokawa

    Mayumi Shiraishi

    Nagisa Shoji

    Mia Yanagawa

    Sakina Yamauchi

    Photo by Ryuji Kainuma

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