Yasutaka Nakata performs alongside Perfume for the first time in 15 years at his hugely successful music festival “OTONOKO”
The highly anticipated music festival OTONOKO, produced by Yasutaka Nakata, was held on December 2nd in Hall 4 of Ishikawa Sangyo Tenji in Ishikawa, the birthplace of Nakata.
The first OTONOKO was held last year to a buzzing crowd of 6,500 and became a huge success. This year’s event was only bigger and better, with a record breaking 8,620 music lovers lined up to witness once more this new kind of music festival, with an unmatched line up consisting of Yasutaka Nakata himself as well as CAPSULE, Perfume, tofubeats, C&K, Taiiku Okazaki, 80KIDZ, DAISHI DANCE and more.
The venue was broken into two sections: the main stage and the second stage. For the opening acts of the main stage, the crowd were graced by DJ audition winner DJ KOKI, ASOBISYSTEM’s young and fast budding newcomer artist MANON, and Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders who made their major debut earlier this year.
Over on the second stage was a diverse range of artists blending together different areas of culture, including Una, Anna Yano, as well as local specialist schools who showcased hair & make-up and fashion shows and more.
The first of the main acts to open was none other than CAPSULE, welcoming the crowd with a set list that was inevitably guaranteed to get everybody pumped, including songs such as “more more more,” “FLASH BACK” and “JUMPER.”
Artists from last year’s OTONOKO festival then returned to the stage such as DAISHI DANCE, TeddyLoid and 80KIDZ.
Popular Japanese YouTubers HIKAKIN & SEIKIN took to the stage during TeddyLoid’s act. They added variety to their set by performing songs such as their 2015 hit “YouTube Theme Song.” 80KIDZ’s set electrified the audience with a full band set who provided some sharp and catchy beats.
The middle slot of the night was taken up by live acts Taiiku Okazaki and C&K as well as hugely popular DJs and close friends of Yasutaka Nakata, banvox and tofubeats. Taiiku Okazaki made his original style known with tracks such as “Open” and “We Can Get Over It.”
C&K began their set with their emotional ballad “Y,” changing the mood of the floor with their crystal clear vocals and pop musicality.
Then, like passing a baton, tofubeats effortlessly transitioned to the DJ booth from banvox where he created hooks with a selection comprised of “POSITIVE feat. Dream Ami,” “LONELY NIGHTS,” “Too Many Girls feat. KREVA” and more while interweaving them with the roaring beats of tracks such as “Drum Machine.” Chisato Moritaka’s vocals were played for his killer tune “Don’t Stop The Music feat. Chisato Moritaka” to which the crowd clapped along. With the mic in hand, tofubeats sang along with everybody during “Asa ga Kuru Made Owaru Koto no nai Dance wo” and “Suisei.”
Finally, the wait was over. The moment “GLITTER” began playing and the lasers shot through the air, the crowd knew that could only mean one thing – Perfume. The crowd went wild, and although dancing to the heavy and upbeat songs “FLASH” and “FAKE IT,” A~chan gave spoke of some observations about the event: “Doesn’t listening to that heavy bass all the time get to your ears after a while!? The people at OTONOKO are something else.” Yasutaka Nakata has produced Perfume’s music for a very long time, but this is the first time ever in 15 years that him and the J-pop trio have performed together. The girls see him as a “god” and commented: “He has been with us for such a long time and never grown tired. We were able to go on television with him this year, and he’s even kindly invited us to OTONOKO. You probably think that Nakata is weird. But we’re super thankful to be able to work together with a god.” The crowd were divided into three sections – “na,” “ka” and “ta” – for a call & response session to revere the godly Nakata.
Towards the end of the show Perfume switched to some club tunes, delivering “Chocolate Disco” and “TOKYO GIRL,” before performing a completely brand-new, not yet released song titled “FUSION.” Nakata surprised everybody by taking to the DJ booth for this song which showcases a cool side of Perfume the likes of which nobody has seen. The song has thick bass and is exotic with almost no lyrics, and the choreography has gentle movements and a downbeat rhythm to them.
Yasutaka Nakata subsequently took over the stage with his solo performance. After Perfume’s act he was the only one up there where he played a number of songs from his forthcoming first ever solo album “Digital Native,” set for released next year on February 7th. As well as that, he hit off a behemoth list of other tracks including “NANIMONO (feat. Kenshi Yonezu),” a remix of “Stay” by Zedd & Alessia Cara, new solo tracks “Give You More” and “Jump in Tonight (feat. Momo Mashiro)” announced this year, and more.
Perfume made a guest reappearance for “If you wanna” as if it was a return gift to collaborate once again. The spectacle of seeing Perfume sing and dance alongside Nakata had the entire room with their hands in the air.
For the night’s grand finale, CAPSULE member Toshiko Koshijima stepped onto stage to perform CAPSULE’s hit song “Starry Sky.” The song encapsulated the show’s climax with fireworks, smoke, confetti and endless strings of high speed lasers. With that performance, Yasutaka Nakata vividly proved his ready wit and unequalled talent as one of Japan’s foremost leading artists, producers and DJs. The edgy dance beat defined that fact to the end before concluding OTONOKO 2017.
Nakata said his goodbye to the crowd: “Thank you for being here tonight! I will return to Kanazawa!”
With the forthcoming release of his 2018 solo album, it’s time to get excited about Yasutaka Nakata and his spirited activity.
TEXT by Mami Naruta
■Information
Yasutaka Nakata presents OTONOKO 2017
OTONOKO Official Website: http://www.otonoko.com
Yasutaka Nakata Official Website: http://yasutaka-nakata.com
Photography:
Tetsuya Tsurumi
IMGRAPH
masatoshi okamoto
satoshi fukuda
KAZUYA OTA
Kei Nakagoshi
RELATED ENTRIES
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Since the start of their career, electro-pop duo CAPSULE has utilized virtual studios in the production of their music. Now, a new world has been created using VRChat, one of the world’s largest social VR platforms, to bring the world of CAPSULE’s latest album, METRO PULSE, to life. Along this exciting announcement also came the news that the duo would hold a virtual concert titled CAPSULE Live in VRCHAT “METRO PULSE” on August 5.
In a virtual world that transcends the limitations of reality, the members of CAPSULE have been transformed into avatars to share their latest Synthwave and city pop album METRO PULSE. Fans are invited to use this opportunity to experience the world of CAPSULE in an entirely new way. The duo continues to lead the Japanese electro scene.
The overall production of this live performance will be handled by ANNIN, a joint production of Activ8, the company behind the legendary VTuber Kizuna AI, and ASOBISYSTEM. Additionally, the concert will be produced by ReeznD, who has experience in live-action music videos and XR live performances. Kinu, who previously performed at the SANRIO Virtual Festival, will supervise the production.
■Stroll around the CAPSULE HOUSE, seen in CAPSULE’s music video, in VR
The venue for the virtual concert is CAPSULE HOUSE, a special world in VRChat. The CAPSULE HOUSE, seen in the pair’s music video, has been recreated, and as you go deeper into the house, the door to the live performance venue will appear. The CAPSULE HOUSE is open to the public now, and can be visited by logging in to VRChat. Be sure to pay close attention to the countless gimmicks scattered around the house!
<Comment from CAPSULE>
“We’re looking forward to sharing our latest work, METRO PULSE, in a new way. We’ll see you all at the CAPSULE HOUSE in VRChat.”
■Official Concert T-Shirts to be available
To commemorate the virtual live event, CAPSULE’s first e-commerce site has also been opened. The first item to be made available will be an official T-shirt.
Information
<Concert Information>
CAPSULE Live in VRChat “METRO PULSE”
Date: August 5, 2023 / Show starts at 20:00
Venue: ‘CAPSULE HOUSE,’ a special world inside VRChat
URL: https://vrchat.com/home/launch?worldId=wrld_4f4e208f-e89c-402a-89fc-e3273b28530d
Admission: FreeFor details on how to take part in the event, please refer to the following link.
https://www.capsule-official.com/blog
CAPSULE E-commerce Site
URL: https://bit.ly/3Q3n5Tk[What is VRChat?]
VRChat is a social VR platform that allows users from around the world to communicate with one another in avatar form. Inside VRChat, players can visit unique metaverse spaces called ‘worlds,’ where they can meet and chat with tons of other users. The game can be played on any Windows-based PC, but connecting it to a VR device will provide a more immersive experience.
Official Site: https://hello.vrchat.com/<Product Details>
METRO PULSE – CAPSULE (Latest Album)
[Digital Release]
Streaming URL: https://capsule.lnk.to/METROPULSE[CD]
Purchase here: https://capsule.lnk.to/16thAL
Limited First Edition (2 CDs, includes sleeve) / WPCL-13320 / ¥4,180
Standard Edition (1 CD) / WPCL-13322 / ¥3,300・DISC 1 Contents (Both Limited First and Standard Editions)
01. Hikari no Disco (Album Mix)
02. Give Me a Ride
03. Future Wave (Album Mix)
04. Start
05. Virtual Freedom (Album Mix)
06. Wonderland
07. Seaside Dreams
08. Starry Night
09. Escape from Reality
10. To my World・DISC 2 Contents (Limited First Edition only)
01. Hikari no Disco
02. Future Wave
03. Virtual Freedom
04. Starry Night ‘97
05. Hikari no Disco (Instrumental)
06. Future Wave (Instrumental)
07. Virtual Freedom (Instrumental)[LP Version]
Purchase here: https://capsule.lnk.to/METROPULSE_LP
LP Version / WPJL-10145 / ¥4,400・LP Contents
01. Hikari no Disco (Album Mix)
02. Give Me a Ride
03. Future Wave (Album Mix)
04. Start
05. Virtual Freedom (Album Mix)
06. Wonderland
07. Seaside Dreams
08. Starry Night
09. Escape from Reality
10. To my World -
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the electro-pop duo CAPSULE, 18 celebrities with close ties to the duo have commented on this auspicious occasion. These celebs are active across a wide range of industries, including music, film, fashion, and manga. Music Natalie’s 25th anniversary special feature, which has just been released, includes plenty of favorite songs and events from CAPSULE’s past releases along with comments from various contributors.
As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, an analog version of the duo’s synth wave and city pop-centric 16th album Metro Pulsereleased last December will be released on May 24, 2023. This is the first time since the release of the single JUMPER in November 2008 that CAPSULE’s works have been released on analog vinyl. Fans shouldn’t miss this exclusive product!
▶︎25th Anniversary Comment Contributors
AMIAYA / Ayase / Souichiro Uchida / Eiichiro Oda / Kyary Pamyu Pamyu / Kenmochi Hidefumi / Kentaro Shinozaki (Rittor Music) / Shonan no Kaze / Toshio Suzuki / Kazuaki Seki / Goro Taniguchi / Teddyloid / Toshihiro Nagoshi / Perfume (A-chan, Kashiyuka, Nocchi) / MIKIKO / MEG
Information
Metro Pulse
Analogue LP: ¥4,400 (Tax Included)
Release Date: May 24, 2023
Purchase: https://capsule.lnk.to/METROPULSE_LPDigital Release Streaming Links: https://capsule.lnk.to/METROPULSE
Official Site: https://www.capsule-official.com/home -
Electro-pop duo CAPSULE is celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2022. The two will release their 16th album Metro Pulse, a Synthwave and City Pop album meant to be a return to their roots, on December 14. The album’s lead track Give Me a Ride is a neo-fusion song with plenty of reimagined 80’s synthesizers, and is now available to stream. Fans can also pre-add/pre-Save the album ahead of its release.
A teaser video of the music video featuring 3D versions of CAPSULE as seen on the album jacket has also been uploaded to CAPSULE’s official YouTube page.
Give Me a Ride Teaser Trailer
Information
Give Me a Ride – CAPSULE (Digital Single)
Streaming: December 2, 2022
Streaming URL: https://capsule.lnk.to/METROPULSE
Metro Pulse – CAPSULE (16th Album)
Release Date: December 14, 2022
Pre-add/Pre-Save Album
https://wct.live/app/35780/CAPSULE_METROPULSE
Preorder: https://capsule.lnk.to/16thAL
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Electro-pop duo CAPSULE is celebrating their 25th anniversary. To that end, the legendary creators have announced that their 16th album Metro Pulse will be released on December 14, 2022.
Metro Pulse is largely a synth wave and city pop album with a completely original and timeless sound. Promising to take listeners on a trippy tour through a unique soundscape, hype around the album is already starting to spread.
The album will contain ten tracks including newly-updated album mixes of three popular singles: Hikaru no Disco (the theme song for the film Knights of Sidonia), Future Wave, and Virtual Freedom. Overall, fans can expect an uplifting collection of songs.
Curiously, the eighth track on the album, Starry Night, is a reimagining of an earlier song that Nakata and Toshiko recorded as teenagers before they formed CAPSULE. This is included to celebrate the duo’s 25th anniversary. A limited-edition release of Metro Pulse will feature a version of this song that is more similar to the original, along with a bonus disc featuring instrumental versions from an unreleased cassette tape as a campaign bonus.
The newly-released CAPSULE artist photo featured the duo in 3D and was created by filmmaker, music video director, and CG designer Kentaro Saisho. Previously, he worked on the music videos for Future Wave and Virtual Freedom.
Information
Metro Pulse – CAPSULE (16th Album)
Release Date: December 14, 2022
Order: https://capsule.lnk.to/16thAL
Official Site：https://www.capsule-official.com/home -
A selection of perfumes inspired by characters from the iconic manga series Ranma ½ are now available! Fans can get them at the official online store, Amazon, and the Fairytale shop on the third floor of Nakano Broadway.
Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Ranma Saotome
This light scent was inspired by Ranma Saotome.
A light fragrance fused with the feminine scents of jasmine and white rose, this product will remind you of Ranma’s strength and tenderness.Top Notes: Citron, Blueberry
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Bamboo, White Rose
Base Notes: Cedar, Amber, Musk
Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Ranma
As you’d expect, the Ranma scent was made with a water-covered woman in mind!
The strong aroma of blackcurrant and blueberry slowly give way to a deeper scent of musk and moss.Top Notes: Black Currant, Grapefruit Zest, White Flowers
Middle Notes: Blackberry, Whitewood, Jasmine
Base Notes: Musk, Moss, Grass
Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Akane Tendo
This cute fragrance was inspired by the girly Akane Tendo, who is both strong and adorable.
The exotic and sweet fragrance transforms into a graceful and feminine scent blending rose and tuberose.Top Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Violet, Peach Nectar
Middle Notes: Rose, Tuberose, Cashmere Wood
Base Notes: Amber, Cedar, Powdery Musk
Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Shampoo
This sexy fragrance was inspired by the gorgeous Shampoo.
The gorgeous, feminine scent combining fruity and floral notes represents the character’s naivete.Top Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Peach
Middle Notes: Peony, Rose, Magnolia, Violet
Base Notes: Vanilla, Cedar
Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Ryoga Hibiki
This commanding fragrance was inspired by the powerful Ryoga Hibiki.
The perfume includes robust notes of jasmine and lily of the valley for a one-of-a-kind scent.
Top Notes: Lily of the Valley, Gardenia
Middle Notes: Bergamot, Jasmine
Base Notes: White Musk
Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Mousse
Mousse inspired this more traditional floral perfume.
As the day goes on, this fragrance will evolve from flowery and sweet to more warm and deep notes of patchouli and amber.Top Notes: Citrus, Exotic Jasmine, Hyacinth
Middle Notes: Iris, white musk
Base Notes: Patchouli, Amber, Vetiver
©高橋留美子／小学館
Information
Ranma 1/2 Perfume
Where to Buy: Official Online Store, Amazon, Nakano Broadway 3F ‘Fairytale’
Online Store / Official Site: http://www.fairytail.jp
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Perfume’s Flow, the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama series ‘Fight Song,’ was released on streaming services on March 9, 2022.
The four-track single also includes Mawaru Kagami, which was performed at ‘Perfume LIVE 2021 [Polygon Wave]’ last August.
Perfume also announced that they would release a new album in the summer of 2022, four years after their last album, Future Pop. Be sure to listen to the song on your favorite music service!
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The sixth piece of apparel in the Perfume Closet fashion project officially went on sale on March 1, and the popular Fashion Truck pop-up store has made a comeback after being introduced last spring. The truck will travel to seven cities across Japan carrying new items.
With fans already excited, the three members of Perfume decided to surprise everyone by appearing at the Laforet Harajuku pop-up shop! Appearing on stage, each wore a new item and took selfies with their cell phones before strolling around the store and chatting with customers. Perfume also autographed the truck’s interior and wrote personal messages.
The members on the second floor of the CONTAINER store. On display are costumes worn by Perfume while performing Polygon Wave.
Perfume in front of the fashion truck set up in front of the store.
The girls pose with items from the collaboration menu at Laforet Harajuku.
Participating restaurants at Laforet Harajuku are offering Perfume-themed menu items for a limited time. Guests buying select items will receive a special Perfume lunch mat!
Which Perfume track is your favorite?
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In January, Perfume held ‘Perfume LIVE 2022 Polygon Wave,’ an encore of the concert they held in August 2021. Massively popular with fans around the world, the three-member girls techno-pop unit continues to impress year after year. On March 9, 2022, they will release their new track Flow, the theme of the TBS Tuesday drama series ‘Fight Song.’ On February 21, the 6th Perfume Closet apparel collection was announced on the official Perfume website and the A! SMART Online Store.
Merchandise at a Glance
Laforet Harajuku x Perfume Closet Collaboration Menu
Chipoon Soy Milk Noodles with Hiroshima Lemon
MILKMILKMILK! Perfume Closet Gradient Soda/Perfume Closet Milk Ice Cream
ovgo B.A.K.E.R Meiji St. Salty Chocolate
Cafe Crepe – Banana, Chocolate, and Fresh Cream / Fermented Butter & Vanilla Sugar / Avocado Shrimp Salad
The 6th apparel line features items inspired by Perfume’s on-stage costumes. The new pieces focus on three songs in particular–Polygon Wave, Rebirth, and If you wanna. Made popular during the reveal of the Perfume Closet project, the pop-up fashion truck will return for this new release! At the pop-up store, fans can see the actual costumes worn in the Polygon Wave video on display for the first time.
At Laforet Harajuku, Perfume Closet will collaborate with participating restaurants to create a limited-time menu inspired by the pop group. Which dish looks the tastiest?
Information
Perfume Closet
Shop Opens March 1, 2022 at 11:00
Online Shop: https://www.asmart.jp/perfumePop-up Shop
Tokyo
Laforet Harajuku 1F Entrance / 2F CONTAINER
March 1 – March 7, 11:00-20:00Hakata
Caitac Square Garden 1F Central Atrium Plaza
March 11 – March 13, 11:00-20:00Hiroshima
SOGO Hiroshima New Building Entrance Plaza, New Building 4F
March 18 – March 21, 10:00-19:30Kyoto
Daimaru Kyoto 1F Higashinotoin Entrance / 3F Women’s Clothing Event Space
March 25 – March 27, 10:00-20:00Osaka
Osaka Takashimaya 1F East Entrance / 3F Rose Equair
April 1 – April 3, 10:00-20:00Nagoya
Global Gate 1F Open Air Plaza / Atrium
April 15 – April 17, 11:00-20:00Sendai
Sendai PARCO AER, AER Plaza / AER 1F Atrium
April 22 – April 24, 10:00-20:00 -
The music duo CAPSULE is celebrating 20 years since their major debut, and their third new single for 2021 Virtual Freedom is now streaming. The highly-anticipated music video has also been released.
Virtual Freedom Streaming Links
https://capsule.lnk.to/virtualfreedom
Virtual Freedom takes listeners on a trip through the history of synthesizers and submerges you in layers of interwoven soundscapes.
Virtual Freedom Music Video
Director: KENTARO SAISHO
3DCG supervisor: HIROMU KONNO
Production: Totte.Co., LtdA song-sharing campaign is also underway! Follow Warner Music Japan’s Twitter account and use the Twitter share function on Apple Music, Spotify, or LINE MUSIC to share Virtual Freedom with the hashtag #VirtualFreedomCP. 50 random people selected will receive the original cassette tape photographed for the cover of the Virtual Freedom album!
Information
Virtual Freedom
Now Streaming
Streaming Links: https://capsule.lnk.to/virtualfreedom
CAPSULE Official Site: http://capsule-official.com
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Japanese electronic band CAPSULE is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its major debut! The group’s two members, Yasutaka Nakata and Toshiko Koshijima, have announced the release of their third new single for 2021, Virtual Freedom. The track will release on streaming platforms on December 10 and follows Hikari no Disco and Future Wave. Cover art for the song featuring an old-school cassette tape has been revealed ahead of the song’s release.
Composer and producer for the band Yasutaka Nakata also serve as the music producer for popular group Perfume and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.
Virtual Freedom can now be pre-added or pre-saved on Apple Music and Spotify. Be sure not to miss out on this new song when it drops later this week!
Information
Virtual Freedom
Streaming Release Date: December 10, 2021
Pre-add/Pre-save Track: https://fpt.fm/app/31760/vf
CAPSULE Official Site: http://capsule-official.com
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Perfume’s first EP, ‘Polygon Wave EP,’ was released on September 22 2021.
Perfume ‘Polygon Wave’
The EP is titled ‘Polygon Wave’ after the song, which has been used as the theme song for the Amazon Original show The Masked Singer. The EP is composed of seven songs; ‘Polygon Wave,’ a ‘Polygon Wave’ remix, the instrumental, and a selection of other songs, including ‘System Reboot,’ which was shown in the opening of the ‘Perfume LIVE 2022 [Polygon Wave]’ concert, held in August 2021.
The First Limited Edition contains footage of all 10 songs from ‘Perfume Imaginary Museum “Time Warp,”‘ as shown at the ‘POP (Perfume Online Present) Festival,’ which was held online in September 2020 to mark the 15th anniversary of the groups major debut and the 20th anniversary of their formation.
In addition, you can also listen to two commentary tracks – One with the members, and one with Rhizomatiks’ Manabe Daito, who was in charge of the technical direction on stage.
You’ll have technopop on loop with the new ‘Polygon Wave EP!’
Information
Perfume EP “Polygon Wave EP”
Release Date: September 22 2021
Official Site: https://www.perfume-web.jp
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Celebrating 10 years since her major debut, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will release her fifth full-length album Candy Racer on October 27, 2021. This will mark the singer’s first full-length album release in three years, her last being Japamyu in 2018.
Limited Edition
Regular Edition
The fifth album, titled Candy Racer, will be produced by CAPSULE’s Yasutaka Nakata. It will feature 11 tracks, including the recently released single GENTENKAIHI, of which the wacky music video has amassed over 1 million views on YouTube. Previously released tracks Kimi ga LINE Kuretara and Gum Gum Girl will also be included, along with world fabrication, a cover of a pre-electronic CAPSULE track originally released in 2005.
Creation of the album brought together a number of creative minds who have worked with Kyary Pamyu Paymu over the years, including Steve Nakamura serving as art director, Ken Hanzawa acting as photographer, Kumiko Iijima returning as the singer’s stylist, and Shinji Konishi as Kyary’s hair and makeup artist. All of these individuals were with Kyary at the time of her debut, and have returned to encourage her to not only stay connected to her roots, but to move forward without hesitation.
The limited edition version will come with a special 64-page flipbook.
A number of bonuses have also been announced, from stickers, clear pouches, and mobile stand keychains. These will be available while supplies last, so fans looking to get their hands on some of this swag are encouraged to preorder the album.
Are you looking forward to hearing Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s new tracks?
Information
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 5th Full-Length Album, ‘Candy Racer’
Release Date: October 27, 2021
Preorder/Buy: https://nippon-columbia.lnk.to/CANDYRACER
Official Site: http://kyary.asobisystem.com
