A two-disc album that includes songs from Ohtaki and Rainych’s first album, a compilation of 70s/80s City Pop, and Neo City Pop from the 90s onwards will be released on October 27 2021.
The album is the first compilation work from Sony Music Direct’s new ALDEIGHT label, who are proud to release this compilation featuring 31 remastered iconic songs, both new and old, that have garnered attention both in Japan and overseas following the growing popularity of City Pop.
Among the track list is ‘Kimi wa Tennen Iro’ from Ohtaka Eiichi’s ‘A LONG VACATION 40th Anniversary Edition,’ which was released on March 21 2021 with a music video soon expected to surpass 7 million views on YouTube. It also includes ‘RIDE ON TIME’ covered by Indonesian singer Rainych and evening cinema’s Yamashita Tatsuro, which gained huge popularity on YouTube.
Disc One is full of classic songs from the 70s and 80s, while Disc Two is full of iconic songs from between the 90s and now, that are said to have influenced the current Neo-City Pop sound. This definitive compilation represents the recent City Pop boom in just two discs.
Look forward to the release of this timeless CD which makes the perfect introduction to Japanese City Pop!
Information
ALDELIGHT CITY -A New Standard For Japanese Pop 1975-2021
Release Date: October 27 2021
Price: ¥3,520 (Tax Incl.)
Official Site: https://www.110107.com/ALDELIGHTCITY
RELATED ENTRIES
-
The singer’s previous song, Yakusokutte Warukunai na, was written during a difficult period in which the artist found it difficult to keep going. It quickly trended for its straightforward and relatable lyrics filled with raw emotion. Kondo’s newest work is a heartbreaking song that features a sad piano melody and describes the seemingly pathetic and embarrassing feelings of wanting to see an ex even after a breakup. The jacket art was created by illustrator asuka and was inspired by the temperature of a sensitive and delicate heart. Additionally, Natsuko Kondo has announced two shows for her yearly birthday event. The first will be held on the day of her birthday, July 29, at Shibuya LUSH in Tokyo, followed by a performance at Club Gessekai in Hyogo on August 6. All four consecutive tracks that Kondo has released will be performed during each concert. [Comment from Natsuko Kondo] “To be honest, the emotion in this song is so raw, I didn’t want to share it with anyone. I packed in everything I wanted to say–things like “I like you, I’m sorry for liking you, I miss you, I’m so stupid.” I’m sure that these painful experiences will be something I treasure someday, so I’d be happy if people who have had their hearts broken could listen to this song and find some peace.”
Information
<Release Information>
Dear You – Natsuko Kondo (Digital Single)
Release Date: June 13, 2023
Streaming URL: https://ssm.lnk.to/Dearyou<Concert Information>
■Natsuko Kondo BD Live 2023 ~Otonatsuko Eastern Camp~
Date: July 29, 2023 / Doors open 17:30, Show starts 18:00
Venue: Shibuya LUSH (Tokyo)
Admission: Presale ¥4,000 / Day-of ¥4,500 (Tax Included, Drinks separate)[Presale Tickets]
Available: May 19, 22:00 – July 28, 23:59
Buy Here: https://t.livepocket.jp/e/0729otonatsuko■Natsuko Kondo BD Live 2023 ~Otonatsuko Western Camp~
Date: August 6, 2023 / Doors open 17:00, Show starts 17:30
Venue: Club Gessekai (Hyogo)
Admission: Presale ¥4,000 / Day-of ¥4,500 (Tax Included, Drinks separate)[FC Ticket Presales]
Available: June 9, 18:00 – June 13, 23:59
Buy Here (FC): https://kondo.natsuko.asobisystem.com/news/349001
*General ticket information will be announced on the official website at a later date. -
Sony Music Labels is now accepting orders for Alba Sera birthday goods! The talent from VERSEⁿ, a VTuber project in collaboration with Helixes, is celebrating her special day with tons of new merch. Items will be available until May 8 on the VERSEⁿ official BOOTH shop.
Birthday Merchandise
Full Birthday Goods Set (Including Bonus)Sticker Set Acrylic Keychain Canvas Art Alba Sera A girl who sticks to her beliefs even in loneliness. She is quite hard on herself and not very good at socializing, but she does care about others and has a lovely side of a little girl. She sings her heart out strongly through her doubts and conflicts. Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/sera_alb Character Design: Kane / https://twitter.com/Kaneblob Information
Alba Sera Birthday Goods
Order Period: April 21 – May 8, 23:59
Where to Buy: VERSEⁿ Official BOOTH
Order Page: https://verse-n.booth.pm/Official Site: https://verse-n.com/
-
Video streaming service dTV will broadcast the final performance of Sakurazaka46’s first tour on October 31, 2021, at 5:30 PM. dTV members will get ¥1,000 off the general admission price of ¥3,500. For those who aren’t able to watch the live broadcast, a repeat broadcast will begin at 10:30 PM on October 31. Sakurazaka46 made their major debut on December 9, 2020, with the single Nobody’s fault. The group performed on Debut Countdown Live!! the day prior, and their incredible performance was aired in movie theaters across the country. In April 2021, Sakurazaka46 released their second single, BAN. At July’s W-KEYAKI FES. 2021, they performed in front of a live audience for the first time. Their third single will be released on October 13, and the group will perform the new tracks during this concert. Their new music video was unveiled to audiences during this tour. Using dTV, fans can watch the concert on their smartphone, tablet, computer, or television.
Information
Sakurazaka46 1st TOUR 2021 – Saitama Super Arena
Streaming Date: October 31, 2021 at 17:30 (Doors open at 16:30)
Repeat Broadcast: October 31, 2021 at 22:30
Sales Period: October 9, 2021 at 12:00 until October 31, 2021 at 22:30
Price: ¥3,500 (Tax Included)
Special Price for dTV Members: ¥2,500 (Tax Included)
Where to Watch: dTV
dTV Ticket Page: https://bit.ly/3al4vQu
-
Up-and-coming seven-member J-pop group 7ORDER is scheduled to embark on a massive winter tour across Japan! The first performance will take place in Tokyo on November 27, 2021, and the final show will be held at Yoyogi National Stadium on February 26 and 27, 2022. The 7ORDER LIVE TOUR 2021-2022 ‘Date with…….’ tour will be coming to thirteen locations nationwide. The group clearly isn’t interested in taking a break any time soon, with their most recent tour wrapping in September. The 7ORDER Musha Shugyo TOUR ~NICE “TWO” MEET YOU~ eight-city tour was a massive success, with over 20,000 tickets sold. Check the tour dates below to see if 7ORDER is coming to your city soon!
Information
7ORDER LIVE TOUR 2021-2022 ‘Date with…….’
Running: November 27, 2021 – February 27, 2022
Details: https://7orderproject.com/contents/462920
Official Site: https://7orderproject.com/
<Tokyo Concert>
Location: TACHIKAWA STAGE GARDEN
Date: November 27, 2021
Contact: SOGO TOKYO, 03-3405-9999
<Miyagi Concert>
Location: Sendai Bank Hall Izumity 21
Date: December 5, 2021
Contact: Coolmine, 022-796-8700
<Osaka Concert>
Location: Grand Cube Osaka Main Hall
Date: December 11, 2021
Location: Grand Cube Osaka Main Hall
Date: December 12, 2021
Contact: SOGO OSAKA, 06-6344-3326
<Hokkaido Concert>
Location: Kanamoto Hall (Sapporo Shimin Hall)
Date: December 19, 2021
Contact: WESS, 011-614-9999
<Hiroshima Concert>
Location: Ueno Gakuen Hall
Date: December 25, 2021
Contact: YUMEBANCHI, 082-249-3571
<Fukuoka Concert>
Location: Fukuoka Sun Palace Hotel & Hall
Date: December 27, 2021
Contact: BEA, 092-712-4221
<Kumamoto Concert>
Location: Kumamoto-Jo Hall, Main Hall
Date: December 29, 2021
Contact: GAKUON, 0985-20-7111
<Aichi Concert>
Location: Nagoya Congress Center, Century Hall
Date: January 13, 2022
Location: Nagoya Congress Center, Century Hall
Date: January 14, 2022
Contact: Kyodo Tokai, 052-972-7466
<Shizuoka Concert>
Location: Act City Hamamatsu Hall
Date: January 16, 2022
Contact: Kyodo Tokai, 052-972-7466
<Osaka Concert>
Location: Orix Theater
Date: January 18, 2022
Location: Orix Theater
Date: January 19, 2022
Location: Orix Theater
Date: January 20, 2022
Contact: SOGO OSAKA, 06-6344-3326
<Hyogo Concert>
Location: Kobe Kokusai Kaikankokusai Hall
Date: February 11, 2022
Location: Kobe Kokusai Kaikankokusai Hall
Date: February 12, 2022
Contact: SOGO OSAKA, 06-6344-3326
<Kanagawa Concert>
Location: PIA ARENA MM
Date: February 19, 2022
Location: PIA ARENA MM
Date: February 20, 2022
Contact: SOGO TOKYO, 03-3405-9999
<Tokyo Concert>
Location: Yoyogi National Stadium
Date: February 26, 2022
Location: Yoyogi National Stadium
Date: February 27, 2022
Contact: SOGO TOKYO, 03-3405-9999
-
The Creative Center, the design division of the Sony Group, is collaborating with a number of science fiction authors to use sci-fi prototyping to find out what Tokyo will look like in the future. Inspired by the three keywords ‘2050,’ ‘Tokyo,’ and ‘love,’ Sony designers have created four design prototypes, each with a theme: wellbeing, Habitat, Sense and Life. Science fiction authors Taiyo Fujii, Miyuki Ono, Haruka Mugihara, and Itsuki Tsukui each created a sci-fi short story to accompany these creations. These prototypes will be available to see at the Sony Park Exhibition at Ginza Sony Park starting on August 31. Sci-fi prototyping is a technique using science fiction to envision the future, then using it as a starting point to consider what society can do now to impact that possible future. The current global pandemic has made it more difficult than ever before to envision what the future will look like. Audiences around the globe are more interested than ever before in seeing what the world will be like in 30 years, and this technique might be able to put some minds at ease. Would you like to take a look at what the future might hold?
Information
ONE DAY, 2050/ Sci-Fi Prototyping
Running: August 31-September 13, 2021, 11:00-19:00
Location: Ginza Sony Park PARK (B3)
Price: Free Admission (Advanced reservations not required, limit on number of people.)
Event details (English): https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/design/oneday2050/
Official Site: https://www.ginzasonypark.jp/
-
Japanese music journalist Toshi Kanazawa released Vol.6 of his ‘J-DIGS: Light Mellow City Essence’ music playlist series last Wednesday. It comes as the final installment to the series which began in July last year.
The 20-track playlist includes jazz fusion instruments, pop tunes by jazz singers, and others, all of which are compiled with urban city music vibes. The playlist is now available on major streaming and download services including Spotify. Kanazawa’s J-DIGS project began as a way to promote the rich catalogue of Japanese record label Nippon Columbia which was established 110 years ago. The project now has its own YouTube channel, so if you love music from Japan, be sure to check it out below. Additionally, a Chee Shimizu playlist taken from his 2013 book Obscure Sound is also available to listen to on music platforms with genres ranging from psychedelic to spiritual, experimental, cosmic, tropical, groovy, and more. Information
J-DIGS: Light Mellow City Essence
Released: May 12, 2021
Listen on Apple Music: https://li.sten.to/XpH1rCf
Listen on Spotify: https://li.sten.to/LzEFbZ1
Toshi Kanazawa Light Mellow on the Web ~turntable diary~: http://lightmellow.livedoor.biz/
J-DIGS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdK82a9RqKVY81__z9FaCzg