A special animation was released by Japanese confectionery company Lotte on Monday (February 1) as a commercial for their Ghana chocolate. The video, entitled “Ghana Gift,” features a collaboration with Japanese music artists Eve and suis from Yorushika.

 

Eve x suis from Yorushika’s New Song “Heikousen” Features in ‘Gift’ Animation

The animation was directed by Nobutaka Yoda and written by Genki Kawamura, with character design by Kiyotaka Oshiyama. With the pandemic, it has become difficult to see loved ones and friends and many of us are unable to express our feelings to these special people in our lives directly. Lotte created the animation to promote the gift of giving this Valentine’s Day as a way of conveying ties to loved ones. The animation is 30 seconds long but a 4-minute version will be released in the near future.

 

The Animation’s Story

The story follows two children, a high schooler and middle schooler, who are neighbours. Both of them throw paper planes to each other with messages written on them to go shopping, make chocolate, and hang out. But the day before Valentine’s Day, we find out the girl has to move away, but before she does, she gives the boy chocolate. The two of them were always together, but they never expressed their love for each other.

 

The 30-second version can be viewed on YouTube and the official website.

 

Ghana Gift Twitter Campaign

Ghana launched a retweet campaign on Twitter on Monday where 130 lucky people can win a selection of prizes. Check out the details below.

 

Campaign – How to Join

1. Follow Ghana on Twitter @ghana-recipe
2. Retweet the daily campaign Tweet

 

Prizes
A-Tier Prize: Heikousan Limited Edition CD + 5 Ghana Milk Chocolates (30 People)
B-Tier Prize: 2 each of Ghana Milk, Ghana Black, Ghana White, Roast Milk, and Ghana Pink Chocolate (100 People)

 

Running: February 1, 2021 – February 14, 2021

*Winners will be DM’d on Twitter. Shipping in Japan only from mid March 2021.

A Whisker Away (Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu) is the second original anime feature film from Studio Colorido. The studio’s first feature film Penguin Highway released in August 2018 to critical acclaim (August 2018 release) and went on to win the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year as well as the Axis: The Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation award at Fantasia International Film Festival for the best-animated feature.

The film is being co-directed by Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon; Princess Tutu) and Tomotaka Shibayama, the latter making his debut as the director of a feature length film. The screenplay is being written by screenwriter Mari Okada (AnoHana; Black Butler; O Maidens in Your Savage Season).

A new promotional video has been released featuring the ending song Uso Tsuki by Yorushika who are also performing the main theme Hana ni Bourei (Flower for the Dead) and insert song Yakou (Walking in the Night).

 

Yorushika – “Uso Tsuki” x “A Whisker Away”

The video showcases scenes with Hinode and Taro, and even a scene with Muge holding Hinode’s hand. The ending song by Yorushika adds another layer to the scenes with its melancholic lyrics and melody.

 

Yorushika | Comment

n-buna (Guitarist/Composer)

We are a band that creates music based off the concept of a work, so we were concerned on how far we should express the outlook of this film, but we had no reason to be worried. We felt reassured when the director said to us on our first meeting with him that we could do as we liked. One concept from our next album is the feeling between transitioning from spring to early summer, which we thought didn’t stray from the film, so we continued writing in the way that we were at the time. All three of the songs we came up with is themed inside a town inside a memory.

 

‘Hana ni Bourei’… a ghost is pretty much just a memory, so this song is about looking at a memory of flowers blooming in the summer.

‘Yakou’… the ‘night’ which we’re talking about here is the night of life. Becoming an adult, forgetting things, heading towards death. These things have replaced nighttime [as we know it].

‘Uso Tsuki’… it means liar. The lyrics are laced with lines from [Japanese poet] Ozaki Hōsai.

 

suis (Vocals)

I love animated movies, so I am overjoyed and excited that Yorushika will be heard during the credit roll of one! At the same time, I felt it my goal to make everyone at the end of the film cry, so I wanted to make sure I sang a good song.

 

*Comments translated from Japanese by MMN

 

© 2020 「泣きたい私は猫をかぶる」製作委員会

It has been announced that TK from Ling Tosite Sigure has written a song for the fictional alternative rock band εpsilonΦ who appear in the upcoming anime series Argonavis from BanG Dream! which is set to begin airing tomorrow on May 2, 2020.

 

Argonavis from BanG Dream! is a boy band multi-media project that is part of the BanG Dream! music media franchise.

 

The title of the song is Hikari no Akuma (Light of the Devil). TK wrote, composed, and arranged the check entirely himself. A short music video was released for the track which you can watch below.

 

Argonavis from BanG Dream! | εpsilonΦ – “Hikari no Akuma” Music Video

The song was announced as a surprise on the second day of ARGONAVIS 3rd LIVE CROSSING Sound Only Live which was a ‘live’ performance from the characters with just their voices that took place on April 28 and 29. The two-day concert took place as a result of the postponement of ARGONAVIS 3rd LIVE and featured the same scheduled playlist. The concert received much attention and trended high on Twitter Japan.

 

To promote the upcoming anime series, the first four episodes of Argonavis from BanG Dream! will be streamed for free on YouTube.

 

©ARGONAVIS project.　©DeNA Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.　©bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

Studio Colorido’s second original anime feature film Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu is set to release in Japan on June 5, 2020. The studio’s first feature film Penguin Highway released in August 2018 to critical acclaim (August 2018 release) and went on to win the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year as well as the Axis: The Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation award at Fantasia International Film Festival for the best-animated feature.

A music video has been released featuring clips from Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu and its main theme Hana ni Bourei (“Flower for Dead”). by Yorushika. Yorushika is a rock duo composed of n-buna, who is both a composer and Vocaloid producer, and female singer suis. The band is also performing an insert song for the film entitled Yakou (“Walking in the Night”).

 

The new music video was directed by Popurika, who has worked on a number of Yorushika’s past videos.

We see the contrast between the bright, lively and smiling Muge and the listless Hinode, who is looking down under his umbrella beneath the night sky.

Muge has the mysterious ability to transform into a cat, and does so to visit Hinode whom she loves so. He names the cat Tarou.

 

Muge had hoped to cheer Hinode up, but not only did it not go well, she ends up saying something awful to him. She freezes, and tears begin to fall down her cheeks. She goes to some place she finds comfortable: being a cat. What does the future hold for the two of them?

In the music video, we see Muge and Hinode holding hands as well as kissing while wearing yukata. We also see a torii gate with “Cat Shrine” written in Japanese, amongst many other scenes which continue to built up excitement for the movie.

 

Popurika, the director of the music video, said: “My aim was to edit it in such a way that it has a different air to it than the movie itself, more Yorushika-like. I hope people think about Muge’s many expressions and gestures, as well as Hinode whose expression is difficult to read and who we always see from behind, while they’re watching it.”

 

Yorushiki – “Hana ni Bourei” Music Video | “Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu” Main Theme

The voice actors for the two main characters also made the following comments with regards to the music video.

 

Mirai Shida (Voices: Miyo Sasaki/Muge) | Comment

“Yorushika’s vocals are beautiful, and liberate me gently from those feelings when I’m not being honest with myself, or shut people out. Those vocals, together with the melody, which is fleeting yet has modulation, makes this a very beautiful song. It’s bittersweet and reminds me of a certain summer back during school. I was conscious of getting across Muge’s straightforwardness and innocence when voicing her, so I feel Yorushia’s song matches her feelings and deepens the story even more.”

 

Natsuki Hanae (Voices: Kenjin Hinode) | Comment

“The music really feels with the atmosphere of Nakineko [the film], and I thought it was beautiful how the vocals are sad but slip in seamlessly. The lyrics link together with the movie, so I found myself unintentionally tearing up. I was captivated how the music growing stronger overlaps with Muge growing up. I think ‘Hana ni Bourei’ is perfect for this film!”

 

©2020 “Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu” Production Committee

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/

Studio Colorido’s second original anime feature film Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu is set to release in Japan on June 5, 2020. The studio’s first feature film Penguin Highway released in August 2018 to critical acclaim (August 2018 release) and went on to win the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year as well as the Axis: The Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation award at Fantasia International Film Festival for the best-animated feature.

 

It has been revealed that rock duo Yorushika’s newest song Yakou (“Walking in the Night”), which was released on March 4, will be featured as an insert song in the film. Yorushika is also performing the film’s main theme Hana ni Bourei. The duo have garnered over 290 million music video views without ever having shown their faces. This is their first time writing music for a movie.

The film directors for Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu Junichi Sato and Tomokata Shibayama, spoke with the members of Yorushika, n-buna and suis, about the movie which helped them to write the insert track Yakou which has already garnered huge popularity. The song’s music video was created by the film’s animation staff, Studio Colorido, and is set in Tokoname, Aichi, where the movie is also set.

 

Yorushika – “Yakou” Official Music Video

Film director Junichi Sato said of the song: “It plays in a scene where Hinode learns the true feelings of the protagonist Mune. Normally, a relatively calm song would be used in such a scene, but with Yorushika’s songs they have a tinge of melancholy to them as well as rhythm, so I thought we’d try it. When I first heard it, I felt that the music went beyond the words and painted the picture in my mind. It’s a typical Yorushika song, and I’m happy with the results. The song aligns with Muge and Hinode’s feelings and elevates them.”

Tomokata Shibayama, also a director on the film, commented: “I remember having a conversation with my fellow director Sato, who is also the sound director, where he said to me, ‘It’s fine if the song doesn’t integrate too much with the film.’ Then ‘Yakou’ arrives, and when I first heard it together with the film visuals, I was really taken aback. It felt like the image we were going for just stretched out in front of me. It captures Hinode’s feelings, and brings to mind scenes one by one in your head. I’ve listened to it every day since then.”

 

©2020 “Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu” Production Committee

Studio Colorido’s second original anime feature film Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu is set to release in Japan on June 5, 2020. The studio’s first feature film Penguin Highway released in August 2018 to critical acclaim (August 2018 release) and went on to win the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year as well as the Axis: The Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation award at Fantasia International Film Festival for the best-animated feature.

The above-pictured new visual was released, showcasing Muge looking happily at Hinode playing with a catーa bittersweet scene. A new promo trailer revealing Kōichi Yamadera and Hiroaki Ogi (of comedy duo OgiYahagi) as members of the voice cast. Japanese rock duo Yorushika will also perform the film’s main theme Hana ni Bourei which features in the promo trailer. The songーwhich is centred on the story of the filmーwith its melody and vocals, is sure to pierce the hearts of all that hear it when they watch the movie.

Left: Kōichi Yamadera / Right: Hiroaki Ogi

Kōichi Yamadera, a veteran in the voice acting industry, will play the part of a cat store owner who plays a key part in the film’s story, and who guides the protagonist Muge into the world of cats. Hiroaki Ogi will voice the teacher at Muge and Hinode’s school.

 

Speaking about his role as the shop owner, Kōichi Yamadera said: “This is a wonderful film where the two main characters’ wavering emotions, their everyday lives, and the profoundly mysterious world of the cats is touched on with careful consideration. I want people of generations to watch it, and of course those in their teens, who are sure to be sensitive and be full of worries.”

 

Hiroaki Ogi, who voices the teacher, also said: “This is a film you can properly watch with your folks. It’s one that both kids and adults alike can enjoy, so I want everyone to see it. I love stories that have family love in them, so I want to watch this with my folks too. Oh, and I hope people think I play a good teacher <laughs>. One that makes people say, I want a teacher like him too! <laughs>. This is a movie, so it might be long for some people, but please refrain from looking at your phones when you watch it at the cinema.”

Yorushika, who perform the film’s main theme Hana ni Bourei, said: “I watch a lot of movies; I have done for a long time. Whenever I have some free time, I’ll watch one, whether it be Japanese or from the West. There’s something priceless about how you’re moved when the music and the film harmonise. I’m especially drawn to films where the characteristics of the film and the characteristics of the music come together.”

 

They continue: “The words said to us by the director during our first meeting was, ‘You’re free to make the music you want.’ We’re a band that fundamentally releases music based around a concept. When we had that conversation, we were actually in the middle of writing a new concept album. I was overjoyed at those words. We basically treated it as a request to write a song that’s not within the framework, but outside of it; one that flows freely.”

 

Yorushika wraps up their comment saying: “The main theme song we’ve created is quintessentially Yorushika. We hope that it shines when it collides with the creativity of the film and beautifully preserves the harmony of this independent second film. We’re looking forward to seeing it at the cinema.”

 

© 2020 “Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu” Production Committee

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure announced last year the release of a new album. More information has now been released with regards to the albumーhis fourth album in total and the first in three years.

 

TK’s new album is entitled Sainou, and it’s releasing on April 15, 2020. It will include such hit tracks as katharsis, which was the opening theme to the popular anime series Tokyo:re; P.S. RED I which was used as the main theme for the Japanese release of Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse; the opening theme Chou no Tobu Suisou forthe ongoing anime series pet; and his digital single melt which featured suis of rock duo Yorushika on guest vocals. First Press Edition copies of the album include a bonus CD featuring the audio taken from TK’s acoustic live show Bi-Phase Brain “R side” which was held at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Tokyo in December 2019.

 

Fans who purchase the new album together with TK’s single Chou no Tobu Suisou, which was released on January 22, 2020, have the chance to be invited to rehearsals for the singer’s upcoming tour which will promote the new record. Full details can be found on his website.

 

The 11-date tour is entitled “TK from Ling Tosite Sigure Sainou TOUR 2020” and will kick off at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM in Tokyo on April 22, 2020.

 

Supporting TK on tour is BOBO on drums, who has supported TK since his early days, Honoka Sato on violin, and Ichiro Yoshida on bass. MARI (Gesu no Kiwami Otome) and Kie Katagi (jizue) will also join as support members.

The anime adaptation of Ranjou Miyake’s sci-fi human drama series pet began airing on January 6. TK from Ling Tosite Sigure’s newest single Chō no Tobu Suisō is the opening theme for the series, and his music video for it just dropped on YouTube.

 

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure – “Chō no Tobu Suisō” Music Video / TV Anime “pet” Opening Theme

The video was created by maxilla who also worked on TK’s music video for katharsis. He took an artistic approach for this video, which was shot in the snow. We see a man and woman performing contemporary dance across the snowy landscape and on the icy shallow waters.

 

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure will promote his new album with a tour starting in April. The second wave of pre-sale tickets went on sale today, you can find the link below.

 

TK’s longest tour to date, it will kick off at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM in Tokyo. He will be supported by a live band made up of BOBO on drums, who has supported TK and his beautiful, aggressive sound since his early days; Honoka Sato on violin; Ichiro Yoshida on bass, who first joined TK on tour last year; and on piano, MARI from Gesu no Kiwami Otome and Kie Katagi from jizue.

 

©Ranjou Miyake・KADOKAWA/Twin Engine Inc.

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure is set to release his new single Chō no Tobu Suisō (The Water Tank the Butterfly Flies in). The single serves as the opening for the upcoming anime adaptation of the Remaster Edition of Ranjō Miyake’s Pet manga seriesー a Sci-Fi drama which is set to premiere in January 2020.

 

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure also announced that he will release a new album next spring. The album will be the fourth full album to be released in the last 3.5 years of his project. The new album’s visuals were simultaneously unveiled, revealing a design that is completely different from his usual style, adding to the excitement and anticipation. 

 

To celebrate the album release, TK will be embarking on a Japan tour of 11 performances which will kick off at Ebisu Liquid Room on April 22, 2020. TK will be accompanied by drummer BOBO, who has been performing with TK since the early days of his solo project, violinist Honoka Sato, bassist Ichiro Yoshida who has been working with TK for a year, Gesu no Kiwami Otome’s keyboardist Chan Mari on piano, and Kie Katagi (jizue). Each new support member will contribute with an exciting new sound that fans can’t wait to hear.

 

Advanced orders are currently being accepted so don’t miss out if you’re interested. 

It has been announced that Memai Siren’s new song image _____, which is produced and arranged by TK (Ling Tosite Sigure), will be released on January 22 next year.

The song will be used as the ending theme for the upcoming TV anime series pet. The opening theme is entitled Chō no Tobu Suisō (The Water Tank the Butterfly Flies in) and sees TK from Ling Tosite Sigure taking the helm to perform the song.

Both the anime edit version and full version of image _____ will be made available for digital download on January 6.

 

Memai Siren said: “There’s a lot of things in pet we can relate to. It looks at the mountains and valleys of people’s hearts, and questions if what we’re looking at really is reality. We set out to create a song from the perspective of the storyーone that can support people. And with TK kindly on board to produce for us, we believe we have been able to elevate our expressive power like we never have. However, the reality in which I am writing this right now: is it just a memory? Or am I just rewriting something? Does this song even exist in the first place? I entrust the answers [to these questions] to you, the listeners.”

It has been announced that TK from Ling Tosite Sigure will perform the opening theme song for the upcoming anime adaptation of the Remaster Edition of Ranjō Miyake’s Pet manga series. The song is titled Chō no Tobu Suisō (The Water Tank the Butterfly Flies in).

A new promotional video for the anime was also released which features the song.

Pet will premiere on TOKYO MX on January 6, 2020. Amazon will exclusively stream the series on Amazon Prime Video in Japan and overseas, with the first two episodes hitting the service on January 5, 2020 at 24:00 (January 6, 2020 at 12:00am).

Speaking about being involved with the series, TK commented: “I have read [the manga] countless times. The story takes me somewhere else. It makes me feel like I’m in a dream. If you asked me how this song came about, it seems like my memory of it has been plucked from me.”

 

©Ranjō Miyake・KADOKAWA/ Twin Engine Inc.