Urusei Yatsura is one of the most beloved anime series of all time. The show’s theme song Lum’s Love Song is still a fan-favorite 40 years after its release in 1981. To celebrate the anniversary of the track, the original composer Izumi Kobayashi has released a self-cover only available on streaming services. A worldwide remix project based on the song is also underway and will continue into the new year.    On November 17, Izumi Kobayashi released Lum’s Love Song (Reboot) along with Limited Toss, a trackmaker she met in London. The B-side of the single is another self-cover of Bambutsuruten, the theme to Tokyo Gambo.    Izumi Kobayashi wrote a number of anime songs in addition to Lum’s Love Song, such as tracks for Sasuga no Sarutobi and Stop!! Hibari-kun! After working as an artist, session musician, and playwright in the 1980s, she moved to the UK and worked alongside Depeche Mode and SWING OUT SISTER, while also supporting the overseas activities of Ken Ishii, Denki Groove, and DJ KRUSH.   In addition to this self-cover project, Lum’s Love Song is now being remixed by a number of talented artists from around the world. The first EP of the remix project, ‘Lum’s Love Song (Reboot) Mimix EP.1’ was released digitally on December 8. It features remixes by Kenmochi Hidefumi of Wednesday Campanella, Chinese trackmaker 3asic, and Osaka-based Limited Toss.    Upcoming Lum’s Love Song remixes will be provided by Korean music producer T.WON and SKYTOPIA, along with tofubeats. ‘Lum’s Love Song (Reboot) Mimix EP.2’ will be released on January 12, 2022.   Rumiko Takahashi, the original creator of Urusei Yatsura, was inducted into the Harvey Awards Hall of Fame in October 2021, one of the most prestigious U.S. comic awards.  

Comment from Izumi Kobayashi

“It’s been a long time since I’ve released a new album!Everyone involved in this project is so excited, and we know that something amazing is going to come from it. As it’s the 40th anniversary of Lum’s Love Song, I created a new cel cover for it. I’m just thrilled!Thank you to everyone who listens!”

小林泉美

tofubeats appeared on the first episode of Red Bull Check Your DMs, a reality show by Red Bull which connects artists around the world together online for the first time and has them make a song together remotely. He collaborated with UK music producer DJ Q and Netherlands singer Gaidaa to create an original track named All In.   Red Bull Check Your DMs - Episode 1

This was the first time the three artists had met each other, all of whom have different nationalities as well as work on different styles of music, from hip-hop and electronic to singer, rapper, and track maker. Just how did these three individuals create a new song from scratch? All they need is talent, inspiration, and an internet environment for this unique project which coincides with today’s digital age. The show welcomes a whole host of artists, from this episode’s tofubeats, music producer DJ Q, and singer Gaidaa to bassline DJ Flava D, rappers Ms Banks and Burna, Canadian electronic music producer Ryan Hemsworth, South Korean singer CIFIKA, Diamond Vargas from Australia, Girl Ultra from Mexico, Phil Speiser and Palazzo Beats from Austria, Wow Jones from the USA, Yartze from Puerto Rico, and more. Red Bull Check Your DMs is available to watch for free on YouTube and the Red Bull TV app. A new episode will air every Friday.

MAISON ABLE Cafe Ron Ron is a popular conveyor-belt dessert cafe in Harajuku. We visited the cafe last year when it had just dropped, so be sure to check out our cover story if you want more information.   The cafe has just announced a night party that is exclusive to those in their 20's. Titled "Cafe Ron Ron 20ty’s Night Party -PINK FRIDAY- supported by MAISON ABLE," the event began yesterday and will run every night up to September 27. Customers can enjoy all-you-can-eat unlimited snacks for just ¥500 with no time restrictions. For an additional fee, you can also pick from the food menu which features 5 dishes and order from the drinks menu which includes alcohol. Everything on the food and drinks menu is ¥500 too, making it a delicious bargain! Desserts are served at varying time slots from 19:00. Depending on what time you arrive or decide to start eating the menu will change which is all part of the fun! The cafe has also teamed up with the fashion rental shop airCloset next door so customers can enjoy dining at Cafe Ron Ron while wearing a yukata. You can even continue wearing the kimono after you've eaten so you can stroll the streets of Harajuku, go to nearby festivals and more for an exciting day out in Japan's youth and culture hub. The yukata can be rented by people of all ages - full details on the websites below.

DINING & BAR TABLE 9 TOKYO is a fabulous dining and bar venue located on the top floor of Shinagawa Prince Hotel. The establishment is known for its "DJ TIME" where a DJ plays music, and it has just been announced that the experience is set to be revamped on May 29 where the theme will change each day.   Ever since its grand opening, the bars of TABLE 9 TOKYO have been leaders of today's Tokyo with its night scene as its opening hours roll out until 4:00am. It is home to 3 different bars, NINE BAR being one of them, and each enjoys a huge attendance rate including many non-Japanese guests. The bar and lounge is a place for adults to sit down, enjoy a drink and listen to music. The idea to have a theme change each day is a way for the bar to expand its services by having more options to choose from when it comes to the music. The first week will begin with jazzy music, and there will be disco music on Wednesday and Thursday for which a new standing area has been set up in front of the DJ booth. On Friday night guests can enjoy getting down to some energetic dance music while on the weekends the playlist will span a wide variety of genres.   Enjoy a sophisticated night out in Tokyo at NINE BAR.

It's been 15 years since Roppongi Hills first opened, which is set to welcome summer again this year with exciting events running from July 14 to August 26. It will be packed with events including the 5th run of TV Asahi's collaborative Natsumatsuri Summer Station event, the annual Bon Odori dance and more. There will even be events up Tokyo City View, one of Tokyo's best observation decks with a panoramic view of the city.

TV Asahi & Roppongi Hills Natsumatsuri Summer Station 2018

One of summer's biggest events in Tokyo, Summer Station began in 2014 and has been held every year since. Last year, it saw a record 5.8 million people turn up. The theme this year is 'summer magic' for which the event will collaborate with the whole town. Look forward to live music performances, shows, food, VR sessions, photo spots, exhibitions and more. The popular life-sized Doraemon will make a return at 66 Plaza where there'll also be artists performing as well as anime inspired food. A new booth will also make an appearance at Keyakizaki this year. There's plenty for both adults and children to enjoy!

 

Roppongi Hills Bon Odori 2018

This will be the 16th year of the Roppongi Hills bon odori where people come together and dance around the central yagura. The event will offer the real Japanese 'matsuri' festival experience, with food stands serving up original menus from restaurants in Roppongi Hills, and more.

 

Feel the Summer Sky Atop Tokyo City View

A summer event will be held at Tokyo City View, the observation deck of Roppongi Hills, where you can learn about the ocean and environment. There will be a digital globe you can touch which will introduce the mysteries of the world with a focus on the sea. It's a popular project that was set up by the UN and museums around the world. Also, people who head up to the roof sky deck dressed in yukata or other traditional summer clothes will receive a special bonus. The opening hours will also be extended so people can fully enjoy watching neighbouring firework events, the starry night sky and the city nightscape. If you're looking to experience Japanese summer to the max then this one's a must!

 

 

Enjoy an exciting Japanese summer from all angles in Roppongi!

 

 

TOWER DISCO is a night party coming to Kyoto Tower where you can enjoy music and a nighttime view up 100m high.

The event will take place in three places in Kyoto Tower: the Sando B1 Food Hall, KUU Sky Lounge, and Observation Deck. Expect DJ booths manned by some of the industry's leading DJs as well as Kyoto-bred DJs.

Continuing the trend of Kyoto Tower's transformation from the opening of Kyoto Tower Sando in 2017, TOWER DISCO is a stylish and modern event that serves to symbolise its change!