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!

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!

On February 22, the popular rock band SCANDAL will release the documentary MIRROR on Blu-ray and DVD. In April, the artists will embark on the SCANDAL TOUR 2023 – Unlimited UTOPIA, performing in seven cities across Japan.

The new song Line of Sight was written by the band to serve as the theme song for the arcade card game Mobile Suit Gundam Arsenal Base LINXTAGE, scheduled to release in late February. Read SCANDAL’s comment below!

Mobile Suit Gundam Arsenal Base LINXTAGE〈LINXTAGE SEASON:01〉PV

—
“We’re pleased to announce that we’ve been put in charge of the theme song for Mobile Suit Gundam Arsenal Base LINXTAGE.
This summer, SCANDAL will celebrate our 17th anniversary. What a great time to get this incredible offer!
We met with the team behind Arsenal Base and shared our thoughts and feelings before starting production on the song.
In the game, music is played during battle scenes, where players’ emotions are heightened. Considering that, we wrote a fast-paced, danceable track.
In the end, we combined our own thoughts and feelings with the world of Gundam. Be sure to listen to the lyrics closely!
Please enjoy our music as you play Arsenal Base!
—

Mobile Suit Gundam Arsenal Base is a real-time strategy arcade card game in which players take on the role of a commander in control of five mobile suits and five pilots fighting to destroy a collection of enemy battleships. Found in many arcades across Japan, players place pilot cards on the terminal in dedicated boxes. The terminal then reads a QR code on each card. The series will soon introduce tons of new content including the LINXTAGE BATTLE system, in which two players can enter battle at the same time. Be sure to listen to a snippet of Line of Sight in the new PV!

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.

Released in 1988, the film Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack remains popular with fans of the series over 30 years later. A rerelease of the original soundtrack on vinyl has been announced, coming on February 18, 2023. The record will be cut by Bernie Grundman and will feature Shigeaki Saegusa’s magnificent score and the theme song BEYOND THE TIME ~Beyond the Mobius Universe~ by TM Network.

The three-sided panoramic jacket for the record was illustrated by Naoyuki Kato, and fans will love the red record itself reminiscent of Char’s personal emblem and Gundam.

(C)創通・サンライズ

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. 

Rock band MAN WITH A MISSION is getting ready to release a new album, Break and Cross the Walls II, on May 25. Ahead of this exciting date, the group has revealed the music video for Blaze on YouTube!

Blaze has been featured as the opening theme for Mobile Suit GUNDAM Iron Blooded Orphans Special Edition, the nine-episode digest edition of the 2015-2017 anime series, since April. The clip is packed with the anime’s memorable scenes, so be sure to check it out! 

The theme song is also available on all popular music streaming sites.

Blaze – MAN WITH A MISSION (GUNDAM Iron Blooded Orphans Special Edition Anime Music Video)
https://youtu.be/rTamYmhLOaw

MAN WITH A MISSION will start a nationwide tour, MAN WITH A MISSION Presents Break and Cross the Walls Tour 2022, on June 16.

Japanese lingerie brand PEACH JOHN has begun selling a new collaboration with the popular anime series Mobile Suit Gundam 00. These items are available at select PEACH JOHN stores and online, and consists of two lingerie sets, loungewear, and a reusable bag. Those wanting to buy these pieces in-store will need to go to the Shibuya, Shinjuku Sanchome, or Osaka locations.

Peasy001 / Peasy Panties

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Bra Set (No Wires)

Oversized PJ Set

Haro Reusable Bag

Many popular emblems and logos from the popular series appear on these pieces. The Peasy001 set features a non-wired bra top that is extremely comfortable, with fabric made of glossy stretch satin. 

The soft and warm pajamas are available in pastel tones matching the image colors of the main characters, and all are available in loose sizes to make them extra cozy. 

The reuseable bag is large enough to hold A3-sized items, and is made of a light and durable polyester fabric with the beloved character Haro printed all over it. It also includes a storage pouch which can be used as a coin purse or small accessory case.

Premium Bandai is now accepting orders for a new Earthware Pot resembling Char’s Z’Gok from the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam. This is perfect for cooking up some stew this winter season!

Char’s Z’Gok Earthenware Pot: ¥7,480 (Tax Included) *Shipping and Handling not included

The pot is large enough to make food for 1-2 people and is designed to look like Char’s Z’Gok from the “ascending from underwater” scene in the Battle of Jaburo. The pot’s steam vent is the Mobile Suit’s missile launch port!

This product is available to purchase at GUNDAM Cafe locations around Japan and online at the Premium Bandai store. Items ordered online will ship in December. 

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Nagoya PARCO will host the Gundam World Contrast event from December 24, 2021 until January 16, 2022. The event will feature a deep-dive of Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED from various perspectives and will show the contrasts between the two popular series. The event will then travel nationwide after finishing in Nagoya.

Plastic Model for Advanced Ticket Holders

Bonus: Gundam World Contrast Limited Design Special Promo Card

Story Wall

Special Photo Spot

Exhibition of Katsumi Kawaguchi’s Contrast Diorama

Conceptual Exhibitions

Limited-Edition Merchandise

Only at Gundam World Contrast

MG 1/100 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver 3.0 (Event Exclusive)

1/100 Aile Strike Gundam Ver.RM (Event Exclusive)

ENTRY GRADE 1/144 Strike Gundam (Event Presale)

Clear Folder (Set of 2, Gundam World Contrast Exclusive)

Pop Socket (Gundam World Contrast Exclusive)

Acrylic Stand (10 varieties, Gundam World Contrast Exclusive)

Choco Crunch (Gundam World Contrast Exclusive)

Mug (Gundam World Contrast Exclusive)

Visitors can enjoy the exhibition corner, which shows the history of both works including famous scenes and the emotional growth of the main characters. The merchandise corner will feature a number of goods only available at the event including Gunpla. Fans of the franchise shouldn’t miss this, as visitors will get a promo card to use for Bandai’s latest arcade card game Mobile Suit Gundam Arsenal Base, scheduled to release in spring 2021.

©創通・サンライズ

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!

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?