As part of a web promotion for Pepsi, Suntory released videos of SKY-HI, Fischer’s, and Taiiku Okazaki on July 11th to their official YouTube channel each singing the song to Momotaro. (*Taiiku Okazaki’s video will be released on July 13th)
“Momotaro” is a nursery rhyme known to everyone in Japan. All three of these contemporary artists have created their own versions of the song to make a 2017 version of “Momotaro”.
The music video, song and lyrics were also all made by each individual artist.
The accompanying music video has the date “July 18, 2017” and the hashtag “#いざ鬼ヶ島” (#izaonigashima), as well as the artists themselves also walking somewhere at the end.
People are wondering why they chose to sing about Momotaro, where they are heading to at the end, and what exactly will happen on July 18th.
Pepsi held a campaign on July 13th where they sold Momotaro bottles with hidden messages on them. Winners were sent a damaged box that looked like it had been in caught up in a great battle or something. Inside the box was a photo of a fallen Momotaro and mysterious messages that read “Momotaro is in a crisis!?” and “July 18, 2017 #いざ鬼ヶ島”. And once you had drank the Pepsi, a hidden message was revealed inside that said “lend me your power”!
The nursery rhyme of “Momotaro” tells the tale of Momotaro going to the island of Onigashima with his companions to fight a band of oni. Does the new music video have something to do with Momotaro being in a pinch on the distant island of Onigashima? Maybe there are hints scattered through the music video itself.
What on earth is going to happen on July 18, 2017?! Whatever the case, we’d best keep our eyes peeled!
Related Article:SKY-HI to Release First Artist Book Covering His Entire Career!
Related Article:Release of special footage in commemoration of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s world tour
RELATED ENTRIES
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ShowMinorSavage, Formed by SOTA and MANATO of BE:FIRST and Aile The Shota, Releases Long-Awaited 1st EP
24.February.2023 | MUSIC
ShowMinorSavage, a new unit formed by BMSG’s Aile The Shota along with SOTA and MANATO from BE:FIRST, have released their first EP! ShowMinorSavage was added to all major streaming services on February 22, 2023.
The three artists met at a BMSG audition and immediately hit it off, sharing similar musical backgrounds and interests. Unsurprisingly, they formed ShowMinorSavage soon after.
Their unit name comes from their intention to transform minor acts in the music scene into major acts, showing how savage they can be. Their first EP was created with this idea very much in mind.
ShowMinorSavage / SUPER ICY (Prod. Chaki Zulu) -Music Video-
The EP features the first songs produced under the group name ShowMinorSavage, including No Cap Navy, a song sampled from SKY-HI’s Nanairo Holiday created by the three members, and Thinkin’ bout you, a dope hip-hop track expressing the member’s love and featuring a vocal loop by TRILL DYNASTY. The groovy and extremely danceable song SUPER ICY was produced by Chaki Zulu.
The major debut of ShowMinorSavage is sure to create waves in the music scene, and you won’t want to miss it!
Information
ShowMinorSavage
Streaming Date: February 22, 2023
Streaming Links: http://BMSG.lnk.to/ShowMinorSavage
ShowMinorSavage Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ShowMinorSavage_official -
SKI-HI and NTV Launch New Major Project, Theme Song ‘D.U.N.K’ Streaming Soon
31.January.2023 | MUSIC
SKY-HI and NTV have announced a new major project titled D.U.N.K. -DANCE UNIVERSE NEVER KILLED-. The large-scale project aims to promote SKY-HI and other Japanese vocal and dance groups around the world.
The project will be broadcast on YouTube and other video streaming platforms and fans can expect content other forms of media content as well. D.U.N.K. will feature exciting content that blends music and dance along with conversations with artists, behind-the-scenes extras, and collaborative ventures.
The project will start on February 1, 2023 on NTV with an interview with SKY-HI about the project’s launch and a few chats with participating artists. This will be followed by a large-scale live event over three days on March 5, March 11, and March 12 featuring a lineup of incredible artists.
The theme song D.U.N.K. will be released on all streaming services on February 3, 2023. The track promises to be a killer tune that will make all of Japan dance and will inspire people to follow their dreams. With straightforward lyrics, impressive rap, and emotional vocals, get ready to tune in to this track early next month!
Information
D.U.N.K. – SKY-HI (B-ME)
Release Date: February 3, 2023
D.U.N.K. -DANCE UNIVERSE NEVER KILLED-
Premieres February 1, 2023
Official Site: https://dunk.dance
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Live Video of SKY-HI’s Performance of ‘MISSION’ Released on YouTube
23.January.2023 | MUSIC
On December 11 and 12, SKY-HI held solo concerts at Toyosu PIT to celebrate the group’s first album, THE DEBUT. The event, Round A Ground Special 2022, was a hit with fans, and a live video of the new song MISSION has now been released on SKY-HI’s YouTube channel.
MISSION (Round A Ground Special 2022 ーBirthday Eveー December 11, 2022 at Toyosu PIT)
MISSION is being used as the theme song for MISSIONx2, an audition documentary show following BMSG’s attempts to find members of MAZZEL, a new 8-member boy band. SKY-HI’s trackmaker, SOURCEKEY, composed the track.
The powerful lyrics inspire listeners to pursue the best version of themselves. There’s no doubt that MAZZEL will be a group to watch.
Audition Documentary Show MISSIONx2, Ep.01 / Prologue -BMSG Trainees-
MISSIONx2 is now available to watch on the official BMSG YouTube channel.
Information
THE DEBUT – SKY-HI (Debut Album)
Release Date: December 12, 2022
Streaming & Download Links: https://sky-hi.lnk.to/THEDEBUT_DLSTR
Purchase: https://skyhi.lnk.to/thedebut_pkg -
Sanrio Virtual Festival 2023 in Sanrio Puroland to Bring Fans Into the Metaverse
17.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
The Metaverse event that was a smash hit in 2021 will be returning in 2023! Sanrio Virtual Festival 2023 in Sanrio Puroland, one of the world’s largest music festivals blending both the real and virtual worlds, will be held starting January 13, 2023.
A lineup of high-profile performers has been announced, including Airi Suzuki, SKY-HI, Yabai T-Shirts Yasan, and Aoi Fuji. Popular Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi will also appear, and visitors will be able to experience the virtual Puroland by utilizing unique avatars and taking part in a number of exciting events.
The 2021 event was incredibly popular, and the 2023 version will increase the duration and amount of content available. To do this, Puroland has joined forces with VRChat, a well-known US company and social platform. Artists, VTubers, and Sanrio characters will perform in a massive space on B5 of Virtual Sanrio Puroland, and fans can enjoy live performances while also communicating with other guests!
Highlights of SANRIO Virtual Festival 2023 in Sanrio Puroland
・Inspired by PURO VILLAGE at Sanrio Puroland, VIRTUAL PURO VILLAGE is now available in the Metaverse!
・The popular Sanrio Puroland parade will be performed in the virtual space with an original story!
・Starting January 13, 2023, visitors will be able to chat and play in an open space before the concert, and special events–like radio calisthenics–will be held.
・Guests can enjoy mini concerts featuring Sanrio characters every day from January 14 until January 20 (*Fee required.)
The event can be accessed via smartphone, PC, or other devices. Guests can have fun creating their own unique avatars and immersing themselves in the Sanrio Puroland atmosphere no matter where they are! Come experience this state-of-the-art Metaverse space while you can.
Experience Mini Live Shows Featuring Popular Sanrio Characters Every Day
A daily mini concert will be held daily from January 14 until January 20 with a different Sanrio character appearing each day.
The mini-concert ticket allows guests to watch all seven mini-concerts and also includes digital items to use with your avatar, including a fan and a T-shirt.
17 Artists Announced (So Far) to Perform During Virtual Music Festival!
Artists like Airi Suzuki, SKY-HI, and Yabai T-Shirts Yasan will take to the LUNA STAGE (*fee required), with virtual artists including Aoi Fuji appearing on the FUTURE STAGE (*fee required.)
Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters will also appear at CHILL PARK, each giving a mini live performance. The second artist lineup and performance timetable will be announced in early December.
Free areas will be open to the public. More details and ticket information is available on the official website.
Information
SANRIO Virtual Festival 2023 in Sanrio Puroland
Running: January 13 – January 22, 2023
Venue: Virtual Sanrio Puroland
Official Site: https://v-fes.sanrio.co.jp
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Boy Band BE:FIRST to Hold First Photo Exhibition
BE:FIRST is a seven-member dance and vocal group created during THE FIRST boy band audition. Organized by BMSG, a company founded by popular rapper SKY-HI, the group immediately amassed an army of fans who immediately fell in love with the member’s incredible perseverance and passion during the audition program.
Original Merchandise
Long Sleeve T-Shirt: ¥5,800
Hand Towel: ¥900
Rubber Keychain: ¥700
To commemorate the group’s major debut on November 3, PARCO will play host to the ‘BE:FIRST Photo Exhibition “We Just Gifted” event starting on October 22 in Shibuya and November 13 in Nagoya. The showing will feature unreleased photos and videos of the audition process, and original merchandise and materials will only be available at the event. There are plans for an online photo exhibition and regional tour in the future, so keep an eye out for details!
Information
BE:FIRST Photo Exhibition “We Just Gifted.”
Shibuya
Running: October 22 – November 8, 2021
Address: :Shibuya PARCO B1F Gallery X (15-7 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Details: https://art.parco.jp/galleryx/detail/?id=740
Nagoya
Running: November 13 – December 5, 2021
Address: Nagoya PARCO East Building B1F Event Space (3-29-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
Hours: 11:00-20:00
Admission: ¥500 (Tax Included) *Advanced Tickets Required
Details: https://art.parco.jp/nagoya/detail/?id=755
How to Reserve Tickets: https://art.parco.jp/galleryx/detail/?id=740
Reservations for Shibuya: http://t.livepocket.jp/t/2asx9
Reservations for Nagoya: http://t.livepocket.jp/t/t616h
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Winning Group of SKY-HI Audition BE:FIRST Releases Pre-Debut Track
19.August.2021 | MUSIC
BE:FIRST, the 7-member boy’s group created from winners of SKY-HI’s 6-month “THE FIRST” audition, has released their pre-debut song titled Shining One. Initially, the song was performed at the final screening of the audition process.
The group is made up of members SOTA, SHUNTO, MANATO, RYUHEI, JUNON, RYOKI and LEO. Hip-hop group m-flo’s ☆Taku Takahashi, who initially produced the track, added some finishing touches to this official release.
The BE:FIRST version of Shining One hit #1 on iTunes, LINE Music, Rakuten Music, AWA’s trending list, mora, and mu-mo. The group credits the success of the track to a blend of incredible quality, creativity, and artistry.
The BE:FIRST version of the track and an accompanying music video were released on August 16. Performed against a white backdrop, the members perform impeccably, and the video has been a hot topic on social media since its release. Following their final audition, the members were tasked with learning a new dance in only 30 minutes, after which they were immediately filmed performing on stage. If you pay attention, you can see bits and pieces of this incredible choreography!
BE:FIRST Shining One Music Video
What do you think of this new group?
Information
Shining One
Streaming Link: https://bmsg.lnk.to/ShiningOne
Official Site: https://befirst.tokyo/
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SKY-HI’s Boys Group Audition Project THE FIRST Releases ‘Move On’ Single
13.July.2021 | MUSIC
THE FIRST is a boys group audition run by SKY-HI’s music management label BMSG which he himself has invested over 100 million yen into. The latest song to release as part of the project, Move On, dropped on July 5. The track before it, Be Free, was released just last week.
Move On shot up in the Japanese music charts upon its release, making it to No.3 on iTunes and AWA as well as No.1 on mu-mo. The song continues the success that Be Free enjoyed last week.
Move On is a song about breaking out of your shell and not subscribing to the existing framework. It’s a full-on, energetic song, the first of its kind to be released by THE FIRST. The sound and choreography mark a significant different from the boys group until now.
The song was written by SUNNY BOY and SKY-HI. SUNNY BOY has worked with not only some of Japan’s biggest artists, such as Namie Amuro, but South Korea’s biggest K-pop groups too like BTS, BLACNPINK, BIGBANG, and more. In 2018, the song SUNNY BOY wrote for BTS hit No.1 on Billboard.
[THE FIRST] Move On (Prod. SUNNY BOY) / Shota, Ryoki, Ran, Rei, Shunto, Ryuhei
Check out a performance of the song above, which has reached nearly 1 million views since its release on July 5. Be Free also broke 1 million in just five days.
Information
Move On
Download/Stream Here: https://BMSG.lnk.to/MoveOn
THE FIRST Official Website: https://bmsg.tokyo/thefirst/
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SKY-HI Produces New ‘Sexual Healing’ Reed Diffuser Set
Ueni Trading has opened pre-orders for a new reed diffuser set by RADSKY, a perfume brand with SKY-HI acting as the brand ambassador. The set is available to pre-order at LOFT, both in-store and online.
RADSKY Sexual Healing Coffret Set | ¥3,850 (Tax Included)
The new fragrance gets its name from the title of SKY-HI’s new song Sexual Healing. The fragrances captures the fragrance of a ‘sexy man’ with tempting white musk, which users can have around their home wherever they like with the sleek reed diffuser bottle which has a handwritten-style logo on it. The clear case is also made from a biodegradable material.
The first fragrance collaboration continues to enjoy sales
SKY-HI’s first collaboration with the brand was the RADSKY Neon Eau De Toilette perfume which is still enjoying sales for its “Night Fruity” aroma. It’s a more natural, refreshing smell balanced by sweet fruity notes.
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SKY-HI Drops #Homesession Video From His Own Home On YouTube
07.April.2020 | MUSIC
SKY-HI has released a video from his own home on his official YouTube channel for a song his he writing called #Homesession.
The rapper and singer began posting vlogs on his channel at the end of February amid the coronavirus outbreaks and continues to together with his band SUPER FLYERS.
SKY-HI has made the vocal track and system data for #Homesession public, so fans can download it and try recording their own home session.
“#Homesession -0406-” / SKY-HI”
SKY-HI | Message
“How’s everyone holding up? We’ve gotten to a point where starting off with greeting like that has taken on a special meaning. But I really miss being around people as well. I’d thought to myself, well, this would be around the time I’d be sessioning with SUPER FLYERS every year, we can’t return to life before the novel coronavius, and I want to session with everyone during the time of the coronavirus, so I’m releasing the song #Homesession. The song isn’t done yet though. Now the baton will be passed to each member of SUPER FLYERS, so if you’d like, please try recording yourself too at home and send it to me. I’ll put them online, and the last one will be the version with SUPER FLYERS! I look forward to sharing with you. I hope we can have fun together like we always do even if we’re at home. That’s what’s going through my head!”
He continues: “I myself get so much energy from Gen, Origami, and all the other musicians out there too. I really believe that thinking about the future and enjoying the moment are one in the same. I’m going to work to drop music and stems, so if anyone wants to mix them then please feel free to mix them whenever you like. That being said, let’s all meet at home together!”
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SKY-HI Releases Saucy Photos For His Upcoming Greatest Hits Album ‘SKY-HI’s THE BEST’
27.March.2020 | MUSIC
SKY-HI will drop his first ever greatest hits album SKY-HI’s THE BEST on June 17, 2020. Today, the CD covers for the album have been released, with SKY-HI flaunting his power of seduction.
The photos taken during this photo session will be compiled in a photo book exclusive to Limited Pressing Edition copies of the album. This edition of the album is jam-packed: it will include 3 discs compiling the best of SKY-HI’s pop songs, rap songs, and collaborative songs respectively, as well as new songs, fully-remastered tracks, and songs with re-recorded vocals.
Live Edition copies of the album can be bought with either a DVD or Blu-ray which features footage of SKY-HI’s entire “Round A Ground 2019 ~Count Down SKY-HI~” live concert held at Toyosu PIT on December 11, 2019. For this show, fans submitted their favourite songs of SKY-HI, of which 20 of the most popular were chosen and performed in a “countdown” style. SKY-HI was joined by his band, SUPER FLYERS, on stage for the show.
Limited Pressing Edition copies are available to buy exclusively on mu-mo Shop, AAA Party, and AAA mobile. If you order before April 26, 2020 at 23:00 (JST) your name will be written on the CD box. This edition will also be sold with a DVD or Blu-ray featuring all of SKY-HI’s music videos to date including commentary by the artist himself, a 100-page A4 size photo book, and exclusive merchandise.
SKY-HI also posted a teaser video of a piano arrangement of his song Iris Light which can be watched below.
Information
SKY-HI’s THE BEST
Release Date: June 17, 2020
Buy: https://avex.lnk.to/SKY-HIs_THE_BEST
Official Website: http://avex.jp/skyhi/
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Japanese rapper and singer posted his very first vlog on his official YouTube channel, SKYHICHANNEL, on February 29, 2020.
Fans have expressed their excitement at getting to see a closer and more personal look at SKY-HI, as well as their interest in wanting to see more behind the scenes when it comes to music production and the music world.
SKY-HI’s new vlog series is set to cover not only the Japanese artist knee-deep in the recording process, but will also feature in-depth talks with other artists and production staff from the music world, as well as other related technical music content. SKY-HI has also expressed his desire to post based on what viewers want to see too.
SKY-HI stated that if he reaches 100,000 subscribers, he will post the video of his recording of the song Uren which he did during a previous livestream on his channel. The video will have the song played over it and the lyrics will be shown on screen. If he reaches 150,000 subscribers, he’ll post the song’s music video. And if he makes it to 1 million subscribers, he’s going to collaborate together with someone famous in the YouTube community.
Subscriber to SKY-HI’s YouTube channel at the link below and stay tuned for the next vlog upload.
Information
SKY-HI Official YouTube Channel – “SKYHICHANNEL” 公式YouTubeチャンネル「SKYHICHANNEL」
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/SKYHICHANNEL/featured
Vlog Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRNXwHsWAt0YZyQgKAmmiWXUiiRD42gQB
SKY-HI Official Website: https://avex.jp/skyhi/
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SKY-HI Releases Lyric Video in Collaboration With Thai Pop Star STAMP
02.February.2020 | MUSIC
SKY-HI released the first of a series of upcoming songs together with Thai pop star STAMP. The song is now streaming on major music platforms including Spotify.
The song combines SKY-HI’s technical rap ability with STAMP’s gentle yet powerful singing voice. Its lyrics say that if people experience good things in life, they’ll experience bad things too, so we should pick them up all up and take them with us as we move forward.
Don’t Worry Baby Be Happy feat. STAMP (Prod. its) -Lyric Video-
The lyric video is taken from the duo’s debut performance of the song at the concert “SKY-HI Round A Ground 2019 ~YO! SKY RAPS~” held on December 12 last year. It features English, Japanese, and Thai captions, so be sure to read along with the lyrics as you listen to the song.
Speaking about the song, SKY-HI said: “When I went to Thailand last year, I got a really good vibe from the country. On one of my free days, I found myself quickly heading to the studio. I asked if anyone knew STAMP, and he came to the studio. I thought, well, he’s here and everything now, so… And that’s how the song came to be. We recorded it there in the studio.”
He continues: “The songs we make these days end up having such heavy bass no matter what, and even I don’t like it, but thanks to STAMP’s rich voice, and his nature, this is the song I have been most encouraged for. He said to me, ‘Having a mountain of things you don’t like is part and parcel with life, but more than anything, time keeps on ticking. No matter how big things may seem, or how many of those things you have, while ever you’re alive, you put those things to work.’ Thanks to him, now the moment the intro starts, I feel lifted up <laughs>.”
SKY-HI finishes by saying: “It was so much fun doing this song live too. As an artist, and as an individual, getting to meet STAMP for me was really fortunate. I pray this song becomes the same for everyone that hears it too. Don’t Worry Baby Be Happy!!”
STAMP was also interviewed about the new song. When asked to give his impressions on it, he said: “The beat is groovy, cool-sounding, and melodic. I really like how it speaks to the heart. It’s become my favourite song. Even if you don’t understand the Japanese rap lyrics, SKY-HI’s rap parts are just the best. It moves me how it transcends the barriers of language. The melodies for the hook were written by me when we first met in the studio. It was my first time writing a half-Japanese, half-Thai song.”
He also commented on how the recording process was. “When we were recording, SKY-HI was always dancing to the rhythm while singing. I had such a fun time working in there. I haven’t met many artists that are overflowing with energy like him. It was really exciting. Now I want to try dancing next time I’m in the studio.”
Finally, STAMP was asked to give a message to Japanese listeners. “Like other people, I’m really pleased with this collaboration too. I am honoured to have been able to do this with such a genius artist like SKY-HI. I hope everyone likes hearing the Thai lyrics as well as the Thai music influences too.”
Information
Digital Single : Don’t Worry Baby Be Happy feat. STAMP
Released: January 31, 2020
Digital Download/Stream Links: https://lnk.to/SKY-HI_DWBBH
STAMP
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stampapiwat/?hl=ja
SKY-HI Official Website: http://avex.jp/skyhi/