Born in the year 2000 to an American father and American-Okinawan mother, Gen-Z pop singer Grace Ami released her 12-track debut album on November 26. The album is comprised of both new tracks and some previously available on streaming services and was produced by Chaki Zulu. Along with the release, a teaser for the Karaoke Queen music video was uploaded to YouTube, with the full video scheduled to be released on December 6.
MV Teaser (Directed by Takuto Shinpo)
chttps://www.youtube.com/c/GraceAimiOfficial
Aimi began her career by starting a YouTube channel with her younger brother. As they began posting covers to popular songs, their popularity on social media grew, and in 2020 Grace Aimi released Eternal Sunshine. She is now signed to Capitol Records US and constantly experiments with new sounds and genres, jumping between gospel R&B to rock and rap and goth-pop. Her creativity and individuality are making her a unique addition to the Japanese music scene, and she’s definitely someone to keep an eye on!
Originally from Okinawa, Grace believes that her hometown has been essential to her sensibilities as an artist. “My home island was devastated during WWII, but the people there are beautiful and genuinely happy. I hope to share that Okinawan spirit with everyone,” she says.
Information
If
Release Date: November 26, 2021
Streaming Link: https://umj.lnk.to/GraceAimi_If_Album
CD Price: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
https://store.universal-music.co.jp/product/uice1210/
Grace Aimi Official Site: http://graceaimi.com/
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Scenic Girls’ Fashion Festival OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023 to be Held for the First Time in September, Popular Boy’s Group OCTPATH Announced as First Performers
The Okinawa Collection Executive Committee has announced the first girls’ fashion festival OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023. The event will be held at Umisora Park in Okinawa on September 24, 2023. The first round of performers has been announced and pre-sale tickets are now available.
The event will be held on the picturesque sandy beaches of Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. The area is famous for its contributions to entertainment, and the show aims to share current pop culture with both audiences in Japan and the world.
■Several influential models are scheduled to appear!
The first batch of performers include Yuina Kogawa, a model and television personality; Nana Kato, an exclusive model for Ray and LARME magazines; Ariana Sakura, an exclusive model for ViVi and a model for many popular brands; Nagomi, who also produces the cosmetics brand "GENTY," and PyunA., an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Koakuma ageha who is set to release her first photo book in August.
■Additional guests, including popular YouTubers, will take the stage!
Guests include the popular YouTuber duo Nakonako Couple, active both online and on TV; Mukuena, two childhood friends and artists with a popular YouTube channel; Toua, a current trendsetter; Osaki, a high-schooler appearing in the People category of the JC/JK Buzzword Awards 2022; Sakura, an exclusive model for Popteen; Mika Kato, an exclusive model for nuts; and Yuichami, the younger sister of Uchami and an exclusive model for egg.
■The trending boy band OCTOPATH will perform!
OCTPATH, a boy group consisting of former trainees appearing on the popular audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2, made their major debut in 2022. Guests can expect a mesmerizing performance!
More performers and content will be announced soon. Check out the event's official website for the latest information!
Information
OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023
Date: September 24 / Doors open at 14:30, Show starts at 16:00
Venue: Umisora Park (3-chome-3-1 Tsuji, Naha, Okinawa)<Seating Type/Pricing>
Standing Only
Pre-sale Tickets: ¥3,000 (Tax Included) / General Tickets: ¥3,500 (Tax Included)
*Tickets are required for all guests ages 4 and up.
*Up to five tickets per purchase.
<Pre-sale Tickets>
Available: July 27 – August 15, 2023 at 23:59
Where to Purchase: e+ https://eplus.jp/okinawa-collection/<General Ticket Sales>
Available: August 18 – September 23, 23:59
Official Site: https://okinawa-collection.jp/■Performers
[Guest Models]
Arianna Sakura / Nana Kato / Nagomi / PyunA. / Yuna Kogawa[Guests]
Osaki / Katomika / Sakura / Toua / Nakonako Couple / Mukuena / Yuina Kogawa[Artist]
OCTPATH -
Licaxxx’s Tokyo Community Radio Releases First Digital Compilation Album Inspired by the “sessions” Training Program
On June 29, SESSIONS COLLECTION VOL. 1 was released. This is the first digital compilation inspired Tokyo Community Radio’s recent training program “sessions.” DJ and Beatmaker Licaxxx runs the online radio platform, and the training sessions have seen incredible success, inspiring new musicians to grow and improve. “sessions” is a training program focused exclusively on dance music. Participants work closely with DJs and other active music creators to hone their skills and share unique experiences. The main goal of the program is to teach more about current technology and to share real-world examples that can help participants thrive. Sharing actual problems that current artists are facing and how to overcome them is also a popular part of the program. Club (RDC) and Red Bull, inviting guests to embark on a 3-day/2-night training camp in Izu to hone their DJ and dance music skills. Artists from all over Japan were selected from an open call and gathered to create new works individually or in groups after listening to advice and having discussions with track makers active in several different genres. A ton of music produced during the “sessions” program is included on TCR’s first 18-track digital compilation album. In addition to the 14 artists that participated, Stones Taro, Carpainter, Pharakami Sanders, and Licaxxx worked with FELINE to create a track as well. This genre-crossing compilation album by the next generation of Japan-based artists is a must-hear for active DJs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the training camp is available on TCR’s official YouTube channel. TCR will also be hosting events in Tokyo and Osaka this weekend with re:lax, a unit comprised of DJ/producers re:ni and Laksa from the UK. Keep an eye out for more details!Information
Tokyo Community Radio Digital Compilation Album
SESSIONS COLLECTION VOL. 1
Release Date: June 29, 2023
Streaming URL: https://tokyocommunityradio1.bandcamp.com/album/sessions-collection-vol-1Featured Artists: abentis / Carpainter / ETV / K8 / LICAXXX&FELINE / mah-ble soda / natsumi hirota / NirBorna / Pharakami Sanders / Pine / QUNIMUNE / SEKITOVA / Stones Taro / Syunto / tanakana / Terax / TIMER feat. plan i / yokinist
<About Tokyo Community Radio>
TCR is a distribution platform based in Tokyo that focuses on introducing both local DJs and up-and-coming DJs from around Japan. The program features all musical genres and showcases both DJ mixes and live performances. In featured podcasts, DJs talk about their music, hobbies, and interests, allowing fans the rare chance to learn more about their favorite creators. The station also cooperates with community radio stations in other Asian cities and supports DJs and artists from Asia and beyond when they visit Japan. In addition to regular DJ sessions and podcasts, TCR also collaborates with corporate events, produces music events, and matches DJs to places and brands. -
Kroi is a five-member band blending a wide mix of musical styles, from R&B and funk to soul, rock, and hip-hop. The group has just released their new digital single Fuurai on all major streaming services.
The song will also be included in Kroi’s second major EP MAGNET scheduled to be released on March 29, 2023.
The song is vastly different than Hard Pool released last month, featuring a relaxing melody and vocals and lyrics by Uchida. Fuurai shows off the true range of Kroi’s music.
Fuurai also features performances by members of Zainichi Funk, a band that participated in Kroi’s Live Tour 2021-2022 “Dig the Deep.” Motoi Murakami (Trumpet), Gentle Kubota (Trombone), and Takehide Hashimoto (Sax) appear on the track. Fuurai (Music Video)The music video for Fuurai has also been released.
Takuto Shimpo, who has directed many of Kroi’s past music videos and stage productions, returned for Fuurai.
The many locations seen in the video match the music perfectly, and fans will want to head to YouTube right away.
Kroi will release its second major EP MAGNET on March 29, 2023.Information
Fuurai – Kroi (New Digital Single)
Streaming Date: February 22, 2023
https://lnk.to/fuuraiMAGNET – Kroi (2nd Major EP)
Release Date: March 29, 2023
https://pony-canyon.lnk.to/magnet[Order Bonuses by Shop]
・Tower Records, TOWER mini, Tower Records Online: Kroi x Tower Records Original Sticker
・HMV/HMV&BOOKS Online: HMV Original ‘magnet’ Sticker (50mm x 70mm)
・Amazon.co.jp: Mega Jacket
・Rakuten Books: Original Acrylic Keychain (50 x 50)
・Seven Net Shopping: Original Pin
・Other CD Shops: Original Sticker
*The number of available bonus items is limited.
*Some stores may not participate in the promotion, so please check beforehand.
*If you pre-order online, be sure to place your order from the bonus cart to receive the order bonus.
Profile
Kroi is a five-member band blending a wide mix of musical styles, from R&B and funk to soul, rock, and hip-hop.
Formed in February 2018, the band debuted with the single Suck a Lemmon. In June 2021, Kroi released its first album LENS.
In addition to music, each member is involved in a variety of cultural activities including modeling, design, and music production.
Official Site: https://kroi.net
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In 2013, Shinichi Ishizuka’s BLUE GIANT manga series hit the scene. Serialized in Big Comic, the series has sold over 9 million copies to date. Readers have fallen in love with the author’s depiction of emotion and Ishizuka has even influenced the real-world jazz scene with his creation. BLUE GIANT will be adapted into an anime film coming to theaters on February 17, and the staff’s dream of bringing real jazz at max volume to the masses will finally come true.
The world-renowned pianist Hiromi Uehara oversaw the film’s music. The authentic jazz heard in the film’s trailer has already become a hot topic, and the original soundtrack will be released on February 17, the same day as the film's release.
Hiromi Uehara has been a close friend of Shinichi Ishizuka for years, and even before the film adaptation was announced, she had privately composed an original song for JASS, the trio formed by the main character Dai Miyamoto. Uehara wrote, performed, and produced the entire soundtrack including the songs FIRST NOTE, N.E.W., and WE WILL.
Saxophonist Tomoaki Baba will play the saxophone for the character Dai, who aspires to be the best sax player on Earth. Auditions were held in cooperation with Universal Music, featuring leading players from Japan and abroad. Baba was an easy choice, wowing judges with his large sax and powerful performance. Shun Ishiwaka, the drummer of the band Millennium Parade, will play the drums for Dai’s classmate Shunji Tamada.
More than 30 top-class classical and jazz musicians participated in the soundtrack’s production, including a string section conducted by Miho Hazama and led by members of Hiromi Uehara’s Piano Quintet.
Hiromi Uehara also wrote the original track BLUE GIANT, used as the film’s end-roll song. “When I was doing the recording for this film, this melody suddenly popped into my head. I became obsessed and immediately wrote it down,” Uehara said. “I was so inspired by the BLUE GIANT film that I created this song that same day. Of course, I had to title it the same thing!”
The soundtrack contains 29 songs and is perfect for listening to while you enjoy a quiet winter night at home. Don’t miss it!
Information
BLUE GIANT Original Soundtrack
Release Date: February 17, 2023
Preorder: https://BLUE-GIANT.lnk.to/OSTPR -
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.
Information
Vickeblanka presents RAINBOW ROAD -Ki-
Release Date: January 25, 2023
Preorder: https://vickeblanka.lnk.to/RAINBOWROAD_DVDBD●DVD+2 CDs
Limited First Edition
Sleeve with 52-page photobook
Product Number: AVBD-27616/B~C
Price: ¥8,000 (Excluding tax)●Blu-ray Disc+2 CDs
Limited First Edition
Sleeve with 52-page photobook
Product Number: AVXD-27617/B~C
Price: ¥8,000 (Excluding tax)●DVD+2 CDs
Product Number: AVBD-27618/B~C
Price: ¥6,000 (Excluding tax)Official Site: https://vickeblanka.com/
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LE SSERAFIM, a girl group produced by BTS’s label HYBE, released FEARLESS -Japanese version- on download and streaming sites on December 15. The full single will be released on January 25, 2023. LE SSERAFILM is a five-member girl group consisting of Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae. This is the first girl group produced by HYBE and SOURCE MUSIC, who have both worked with a number of global artists. The original Korean track FEARLESS spent 19 consecutive weeks on the U.S. Billboard charts, setting a record for K-pop idols. The music video received over 100 million views within its first 100 days of release.
Numerous Campaigns Underway Now
In conjunction with the advance release of the Japanese version of FEARLESS, a playback campaign was launched on Rakuten Music starting December 15. Those playing the song can receive an original postcard. A social media sharing campaign is also underway–those sharing the song from select music streaming services on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #FEARLESS will be entered to win an original sticker. A LINE MUSIC playback campaign will also begin on December 21. Participants will be selected by lottery to take place in an online event with random members of LE SSERAFIM. All participants will also receive an original LINE Talk background image, so be sure to take part! More details will be released soon, so keep an eye out.Information
FEARLESS – LE SSERAFIM (1st Japanese Single)
Release Date: January 25, 2023
Download/Stream: https://lesserafim.lnk.to/flsjp
Official Site: https://www.le-sserafim.jp