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/313887ONE 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/313974Kyary 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/290378RADWIMPS'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/178674Ling 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/270910amazarashi'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/207422Suchmos'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/288707Superfly'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