Singer Vickeblanka has released a live performance video of Black Catcher, the opening theme song for the anime series Black Clover. On January 25, 2023, the singer will release Vickeblanka presents RAINBOW ROAD -Ki- on Blu-ray and DVD.

Black Catcher – Vickeblanka (from「RAINBOW ROAD -Ki-」LIVE DVD＆Blu-ray on sale January 25, 2023)

Black Catcher serves as the 10th opening theme for Black Clover. The song has been ranked in Spotify’s Top 10 Most Played Japanese Songs Overseas for three consecutive years and has been streamed over 160 million times. The accompanying music video has been viewed over 50 million times.

Vickeblanka appeared in the recent Shochiku Tokyu New Year’s drama series Kaden Samurai Special Stop! Chuushingura. At the start of the series, the main character Shijuro Kanenashi plays a yakuza in prison after being falsely accused of a crime. The series co-stars Kenichi Takito who was surprised by Vicke’s powerful performance.

Treasure, the theme song for the regular drama series, is also being used as the theme of this special.

Vickeblanka presents RAINBOW ROAD -Ki- will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on January 25, 2023. This was the singer’s first arena concert, featuring a rare 19-track setlist including encores.

The live show includes signature tracks like Masshiro, Ca Va?, and ULALA, as well as an encore performance of the song Changes. The concert release also includes a 2-CD set of live recordings from the performance. The asymmetrical stage featured a unique acoustic setup that is fully captured in this incredible set.

In addition to the standard edition, a Limited First Edition will include a 52-page photobook with rare images from the rehearsal.

Those who preorder through the French Link fan club will receive a special rubber band, and an A3-size calendar poster on a first-come, first-served basis. 55 people who preorder by midnight on January 6 will win an A3-size calendar poster autographed by Vickeblanka himself.

Vickeblanka has announced that his 5th single Ponytail will be released on March 17, 2021. It features two songs: the title track which is a ballad themed on spring that sings of melancholic love, and Ten, an uplifting pop song aimed at helping you to take the first step towards something.

The single’s Blu-ray edition features Vickeblanka’s Billboard Special Live performance from 2020 as well as a documentary entitled SPECIAL LIVE edit.

The fan club “French Link” edition come sin a special box together with the Blu-ray as well as an original bath towel and hairband. This edition also includes Vickeblanka’s “French Link Live’ fan club performance held at Billboard Live YOKOHAMA. Early orders of the fan club edition will also come with a signed photo.

Vickeblanka’s postponed 5-date tour, “Tour de Devil 2020,” will finally kick off at Nagoya Congress Center in Aichi on February 12, 2021. Details can be found on his official website.

The new ending theme BEAUTIFUL by TREASURE for the TV anime series Black Clover hit the air on January 5, 2021. The song has been a hit with TREASURE fans around the world as it garners huge attention on social media, with the hashtag “#BlackClover_with_TREASURE” having trended this week.

TREASURE is a South Korean boy band signed to YG Entertainment which is known for some of the biggest names in the K-pop industry such as BIGBANG and BLACKPINK. The band released three consecutive singles in August, September, and November of 2020 as part of their THE FIRST STEP single series which has sold over 700,000 copies. The band also won Best New Act last year at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards and Korea First Brand Awards.

“We are honoured that our first original Japanese song will be used as the ending theme before we make our Japan debut,” explains TREASURE. “We express those anime themes of positivity and not giving up on your dream in the song. We’d love it if you enjoyed it together with the series.”

Black Clover is a manga series written and illustrated by Yūki Tabata and serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump. The story follows a boy by the name of Asta who is born without magic—something unknown in his world―and his journey to become the next Wizard King. An anime adaptation has been airing since 2017 with its fourth season currently airing.

TREASURE will release their first album THE FIRST STEP:TREASURE EFFECT digitally on January 11, 2021, with the CD edition dropping the following day on January 12.

©︎ 田畠裕基／集英社・テレビ東京・ブラッククローバー製作委員会

Four pieces of news related to the TV anime series Black Clover were announced at the Black Clover Stage of Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE on Sunday (December 20).

1) Special music video for new OP theme ‘Grandeur’ by Snow Man

A special music video was released featuring the upcoming new Black Clover opening theme Grandeur which is set to feature in the anime series in January for the Heart Kingdom Arc. The video includes footage from the anime series – check it out below.

Snow Man – “Grandeur” Special Music Video

2) Gakuto Kajiwara performs ending theme ‘A Walk’ live

Gakuto Kajiwara, the voice actor for Black Clover‘s protagonist Asta, performs the current ending theme A Walk which also comes as his debut single. The voice actor performed the song live at Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE making it his first performance on a big stage. Kajiwara described it as a deeply moving experience having wished to perform live after seen Kankaku Pierrot perform at the first Jump Festa four years ago.

3) Heart Kingdom Arc main visual unveiled

The Heart Kingdom Arc main visual teases the Clover Kingdom battling against the Spade Kingdom with Asta & Yami vs Dante, Yuno vs Zenon, and Noelle vs Vanica.

4) Tatsuhisa Suzuki as Zenon & Yui Ogura as Vanica

It was confirmed that Tatsuhisa Suzuki will voice Zenon and Yui Ogura will voice Vanica. Suzuki said, “I hope to do my very best to make everyone feel good by dragging them into a whirlpool of fear,” while Ogura said, “I’m going to awaken the pleasure-seeking individual inside me for these recordings. I’ll work hard to fill you all with fear!”

©田畠裕基／集英社・テレビ東京・ブラッククローバー製作委員会

It has been confirmed that Snow Man and TREASURE will perform the new opening and ending theme songs respectively for Black Clover Starting in January. Snow Man is set to showcase a special anime music video featuring the song at Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE, and there will also be a live streamed performed by Gakuto Kajiwara who voices Asta in the anime series.

Black Clover is a manga series written and illustrated by Yūki Tabata and serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump. The series has over 11 million copies in circulation. The story follows a boy by the name of Asta who is born without magic—something unknown in his world―and his journey to become the next Wizard King. An anime adaptation has been airing since 2017 with its fourth season currently airing.

The series will enter a new arc on January 5, 2021 as part of Season 4 which will introduce the new opening theme Grandeaur by Snow Man and ending theme BEAUTIFUL by TREASURE. Snow Man previously performed the Black Clover opening theme Stories which served as their second single and enjoyed over a million streams. TREASURE is a South Korean boy band with BEAUTIFUL as their first original Japanese song.

Snow Man will reveal a special music video featuring the new opening theme Grandeur at the upcoming online anime festival Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE which is set to begin on December 20, 2020 at 11:30am (JST). Gakuto Kajiwara, the voice of Asta in the Black Clover anime series, will also perform the current ending theme A Walk. If you didn’t know, the voice actor is in fact the original singer for that song.

Snow Man | Comment

“We’re so happy we get to do another Black Clover opening song. Grandeur is French for splendour. The lyrics talk of plunging forward in the world together with your comrades, things like overcoming your fate and taking your dream in your grip and running with it, and nabbing a world beyond imagination in the palm of your hands. We hope you enjoy the incredible world of Black Clover while listening to our song Grandeur.”

TREASURE | Comment

“We are honoured that our first original Japanese song will be used as the ending theme before we make our Japan debut. We express those anime themes of positivity and not giving up on your dream in the song. We’d love it if you enjoyed it together with the series.”

©田畠裕基／集英社・テレビ東京・ブラッククローバー製作委員会

Vickeblanka dropped his third studio album Devil digitally today on Spotify and iTunes. The album has already shot up to No. 1 on the J-Pop Album charts on iTunes Japan.

Vickeblanka is also set to premiere the music video for the album’s title track Shekebon! on YouTube today (March 3) at 20:00 (JST).

Vickeblanka – “Shekebon!” (Official Music Video)

*Premiering: March 3, 2020 at 20:00 (JST)

The music video was directed by Tai Nakazawa and features Vickeblanka carrying out a solo band session. Vickeblanka showcases his love for music by playing all the instruments before performing to a crowd at the end.

Shekebon! is a song to lift up those who are going through some kind of struggle. When the music video premieres, Vickeblanka is scheduled to talk in the chat box in real time on YouTube.

Speaking about the music video, Vickeblanka said: “The video fully recreates the idea that was in my head. It was fun to shoot from beginning to end. Be sure to check it out.”

The new album includes Black Catcher, which was the 10th opening theme for the TV anime series Black Clover, as well as the Ca Va?, which was written for a Spotify TV commercial.

Tickets for Vickeblanka’s new tour, “Tour de Devil 2020,” are now on sale. The tour is set to begin on April 29, and tickets are already sold out in certain regions, so you’d best order yours ASAP if you’re thinking of going.

Artist Vickeblanka will release a new song called Black Catcher on January 8, marking the second release of the singer’s three-month digital song release plan. Black Catcher will be used as the tenth opening theme song for the anime Black Clover.

A strong melody pours out over the dark soundscape of this song. The groaning bassline is punctured by the sharp beat of the drums, over which the guitar melody glides gracefully, entwined with the turbulent yet beautiful piano accompaniment. The fighting spirit of the song rises with the endless strength of the vocals. 

This isn’t the first Black Clover opening theme song for Vickeblanka – the artist previously released the song Black Rover as a Black Clover anime opening. The song ranked at number 15 on Spotify’s 2019 list of most played Japanese songs overseas. At the moment, the sensational song has been played over 20 million times on streaming services and over 15 million times on just Spotify alone, leaving expectations for Vickeblanka’s upcoming track at an all-time high. 

A Statement by Vickeblanka

As a Jump fan, I am extremely honoured to be in charge of a Black Clover opening for the second time now. As the story has progressed significantly since, I put a lot more empathy into this song. It is filled with darkness and a sense of urgency. 

Vickeblanka is set to release the new album Devil on March 4, marking the artist’s third ever original album release in a year and four months. As fans reminisce of how we were drawn in by the euphoric world of Vickeblanka’s previous album wizard, the complete change of tone with the new album Devil is sure to shock listeners. 

Vickeblanka will also embark on a tour titled Tour de Devil 2020 which consists of eight performances including some in Higashi-Meihan halls. The tour will kick off at Orix Theater, Osaka on April 29 and will arrive at NTK Hall Forest Hall, Nagoya on May 1. The final performance will take place on May 9 at Nakano Sunplaza in Tokyo. Tickets will be available to purchase from event hosts in the respective performance regions.

©Y/STB

Kalen Anzai has been lauded as a next-generation icon, earning the nickname Posu Gyaru (“Post-Millennial Girl”). Her newest song Jinsei wa Senjō da is currently being used as the latest ending theme for the ongoing hit anime series Black Clover. The track was used in a new goosebump-incuding TV commercial for the show.

Kalen Anzai – “Jinsei wa Senjō da” (TV Anime Black Clover Ver.)

The commercial is a compilation of memorable scenes from the anime series woven together perfectly to make it look like the characters are singing the ending theme.

The commercial has kindled an excited fire amongst fans of the show, with Japanese viewers commenting such things as, “Asta’s singing! They have all the best scenes in there, I’m hyped to watch again!” and “I’ve never seen a commercial like this before.”

Since her debut, Anzai’s popularity has spread across Japan: she was featured on the front cover of online and physical Shibuya culture magazine POSTOKYO.JP, was the first female solo artist to feature in the promotional visual for cosmetic brand M·A·C, has appeared on MTV and MUSIC ON! TV and more. Her android-like appearance has even sparked rumours that she is a virtual artist. She has garnered huge attention for both her sound and visual aspect.

Kalen Anzai made her debut with her single Sekai no Subete Teki ni Kanjite Kodoku Sae Ai Shiteia which was released across digital music platforms on May 1 this year. Since then, her music has been picked up by major music media services, like MTV and MUSIC ON! TV in Japan, who have played her songs countless times.

Since her debut, she has been lauded as a next-generation icon, earning the nickname Posu Gyaru (“Post-Millennial Girl”). Her popularity has spread across Japan: she was featured on the front cover of online and physical Shibuya culture magazine POSTOKYO.JP, was the first female solo artist to feature in the promotional visual for cosmetic brand M·A·C, and more.

Her new single, Jisei wa Senjō da (“Life is a Battleground”), was released digitally on October 1. The song will be used as the new ending theme for the ongoing TV anime series Black Clover.

She has been a longtime fan of the manga series, which has sold over 9 million copies. It is written and illustrated by Yūki Tabata and serialised in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine.

Speaking about her involvement with the series, Anzai commented: “Everyone in the Black Bull squad is straightforward when it comes to their feelings, and they believe in their friends. It’s something that always gives me courage. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to sing the ending theme for a series I love so much.”

She continues: “This song is akin to Asta, [touching on things like] the pain felt in the face of adversity, and sewing courage, so I’d be overjoyed if it gets across to people in some way when it plays in the series.”

The official music video was posted on avex’s YouTube channel and can be seen below.

The music video is Anzai’s third in a series of three, following on from Sekai no Subete Teki ni Kanjite Kodoku Sae Ai Shiteia and Dareka no Raise no Yume Demo ii. It’s set in a fictional world called “Immersive Society 3.0,” based on a near-future created by advanced AR technology. It considers the worry of losing sight of our real selves to create a virtual version.

Anzai teamed up with some of Japan’s leading Sci-Fi creators to make this crazy virtual reality feel more real, including acclaimed Japanese CG studio Cafe Group, and Yuki Tsujimoto who has received huge praise for his futuristic visuals.

Anzai’s outfit was created by RISA “ribbon” KATO―who is known for her unique style and as a spearhead of street fashion―while her hair and makeup in the video was done by TORI. who is also known for her work as a collage artist. All of the people involved with the music video have helped to elevate its cyberpunk, vaporwave, and avant-garde aesthetic.

Anzai has also teamed up with Tower Records for their Ki ni Naru Ano Ko (“We’re Curious About That Artist”) promotion for Tower Records Members. The above-pictured poster is now plastered across all Tower Records branches. Anzai is dressed in the music store’s red and yellow colours and is serving that post-millennial girl makeup.

With the hype around her surging, we look forward to seeing what Kalen Anzai has in store next. Stay tuned for updates.

©Yūki Tabata / Shueisha・TV Tokyo・Black Clover Production Committee

GIRLFRIEND is an all-girl Japanese pop-rock band made up of four members whose average age is 18. Each of them has a hand in writing and composing all of their tracks and all of them perform vocals.

Their new song sky & blue began being used as the eighth opening theme to the ongoing TV anime series Black Clover on August 6. The CD will hit shelves in Japan on August 28, but in the lead up to its release, the band have dropped a short version of the music video along with a new artist photo and the CD covers for the single.

GIRLFRIEND – “sky & blue” Music Video (Short ver.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGJ37P4QNXA

The video was directed by Tsugumi Matsunaga who puts the visuals through a light and pale lens which conjures up a feeling of nostalgia. Within that scene GIRLFRIEND give a powerful musical performance as they show their skills with each of their instruments: SAKIKA on vocals and guitar, NAGISA on guitar, MINA on bass, and MIREI on drums.

The new artist photo and CD covers were also shot by Matsunaga and show GIRLFRIEND in a different light to their usual photos with a lighter atmosphere and softer tones.

The anime edit version of sky & blue will be released as a standalone digital download tomorrow (August 7). The song is produced once again by NAOKI-T who has worked with many artists including singer-songwriter Miwa.

©Yūki Tabata / Shueisha・TV TOKYO Corporation・Black Clover Production Committee

Vickeblanka is set to spread the word of his music this year at numerous festival in Japan including SUMMER SONIC 2019 in Tokyo and Osaka in mid-August.

The singer is set to drop his third single Ca Va? on June 12. The DVD that is coupled with the CD includes footage taken from his 2019 “Wizard Tour.” The singer has given us a taste of what to expect by releasing his performance of Urara from Zepp Tokyo on avex’s official YouTube channel.

Vickeblanka – “Urara” from WIZARD TOUR 2019 at Zepp Tokyo

This show was held on February 10 this year. It was the final concert of the tour and enjoyed a sold-out venue.

The CD cover for the single was also revealed today, as well as the news that the single’s lead track Ca Va? will receive an early digital release on May 17.

Tickets for Vickeblanka’s solo show Voom Voom Room at Shinkiba Studio Coast are now on sale. The concert is being held in promotion of the new single. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so if you’re looking to catch him live for the new release, then you’ll want to be quick.

Ca Va? is the first release from Vickeblanka in 7 months since his second album. The record included the song Masshiro which was used as an insert song for a Japanese drama series. Ca Va? also includes the song Lucky Ending which is being used as the ending theme for the new adaptation of Natsuki Takaya’s manga series Fruits Basket. It also includes an acoustic version of Urara. The original song reached No. 1 in Japan’s radio charts.

Singer/songwriter Vickeblanka will release his third single on Wednesday 12th June. The single will consist of four songs including “Lucky Ending”, which is the ending theme for anime Fruits Basket. You can also get your hands on the single DVD version, which includes video extracts from his sold-out final live performance at Zepp Tokyo for his “WIZARD TOUR 2019”.

To commemorate this single release, Vickeblanka will perform a one-man-live show called “Voom Voom Room” on Friday 14th June at Shinkiba Studio Coast.

Vickeblanka  / 『Lucky Ending』(anime music video)

Lucky Ending is also available for digital download. A Fruits Basket music video version of the video with lyrics has also been released.

A light three beat rhythm drives the song. Vickeblanka’s gentle voice sings words of love, perfectly depicting the image of Fruits Basket. Please check out this popular masterpiece!

© Natsuki Takaya/ Hakusensha, Inc／ Fruits Basket Production Committee