QUEEN BEE just dropped the music video for their song P R I D E which is taken from their new record BL. The band dropped their new album BL last Wednesday, which charted at No. 3 on Oricon’s daily charts and No. 5 on Billboard Japan’s weekly album charts. 

The music video is built up on the two CD covers for the album, including the above-pictured illustrated one drawn by manga artist Harada which blew up on social media when it was released, and the exclusive version which features a different cover.

QUEEN BEE – “P R I D E” Official MV

MOre details have also been released for the band’s upcoming two concerts at Makuhari Event Hall on April 4 and 5.

Titled QUEEN BEE Solo Concert “Ten” −Introduction−, the first day (April 4) will be “BLACK” themed, while the second day (April 5) will be “BLUE” themed.

It is anticipated that the band will fuse together their last album TEN, which was released last year and which features in the name of the two concerts, and BL.

QUEEN BEE released their industry-shaking album Ten in May last year, which shot to number one on iTunes in Japan and peaked at 4th place on Oricon’s weekly charts. Their success didn’t end there however, as tickets to all of their live shows in promotion of the record sold out.

It hasn’t even been a year yet, and QUEEN BEE are set to release yet another new album, BL, on February 19.

The album will be released in several different versions. There will be two limited pressing editions, lily and rose, each with their own design concept and each coming with a gorgeous 88 page visual book. There will also be regular edition copies with just the CD.

The limited pressing editions feature photos of the members wearing different makeup and outfits in line with the respective lily and rose themes. Both visual books will each also contain entirely different photos.

The CDs of all three versions will contain 8 brand new songs, and in line with each edition’s different concepts, the track list will be in different orders too. Additionally, regular edition copies also contain instrumental versions of all 8 tracks.

The album also includes QUEEN BEE’s new song BL which features as the opening theme for the Japanese drama series Juu no Himitsu (“10 Secrets”) starring Osamu Mukai. The title and lead track for the new album, BL will be released digitally at midnight in Japan tonight (January 28). Pre-orders for the full album are also now open on iTunes in Japan.

Tickets are now on sale for QUEEN BEE’s two concerts entitled “Ten −Introduction−” taking place at Mahukari Event Hall on April 4 and 5.

QUEEN BEE just dropped their new music video for Introduction on YouTube.

The song is taken from their latest album Ju which hit shelves back in May. The song will feature as the main theme for the forthcoming film Tokyo Ghoul S, the sequel to the live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series Tokyo Ghoul.

The music video was directed by Nakane Sayaka who has worked on QUEEN BEE’s most recent videos including HALF, Hypnotize, and Holy War.

©Sui Ishida / Shueisha   ©2019 “Tokyo Ghoul S” Production Committee

Masataka Kubota, who is reprising his role as Ken Kaneki in the upcoming live-action film Tokyo Ghoul S, announced at the film’s premiere at The Golden Hall in Ebisu that QUEEN BEE will perform the movie’s main theme song.

The song is titled Introduction and is taken from QUEEN BEE’s new album Ju which hit shelves in May. The band also previously performed the song HALF as the ending theme for the TV anime series Tokyo Ghoul:re.

QUEEN BEE released a new artist photo to promote the new collaboration.

Speaking about their return to the franchise once again, QUEEN BEE’s vocalist Avu-chan commented: “Talks began on the day when we had finished everything on our album Ju―the music, the photos, and the music videos […] Introduction is the last song on the album. It’s a song that follows the road down ten years of QUEEN BEE, and we are honoured that it will begin as the theme song for Tokyo Ghoul S. Please look forward to it.”

©Sui Ishida / Shueisha   ©2019 “Tokyo Ghoul S” Production Committee

The original Ring film was released in Japan in 1998 and was directed by Hideo Nakata. It is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s horror novel of the same name about a cursed video that when watched kills the viewer seven days after watching. It went on to become Japan’s No. 1 horror film. The film franchise is set to receive a sequel entitled in Sadako which is set to premiere in Japan on May 24, 2019.

The film stars Hiroya Shimizu who plays the role of a video creator. He spreads Sadako’s curse after posting a certain video on a video streaming website.

It has been revealed that hugely popular Japanese YouTubers Mizutamari Bond will make an appearance in the film.

Mizutamari Bond are a comedy duo on YouTube consisting of Kanta and Tommy. They first began posting videos in 2015 and have since gone on to garner almost 4 million subscribers. They produce a variety of different videos daily, from pranks to experiments to exploring urban legends. Their fried rice prank video which was posted in January has clocked 9.5 million views and even featured on TIME’s website.

Kanta and Tommy will play themselves in Sadako. While they are watching content from another creator, they will discover something strange in the video. We will get to see the spread of Sadako’s curse across the video streaming platform.

Both Kanta and Tommy gave comments on being involved with the film. Kanta said: “I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to be involved with such a historical film as this. I shuddered when I first saw the cursed tape as a child. Sadako finely traumatised me. I’m happy that Nakata is bringing Sadako to modern society by changing it from a tape to an online video. It’s because we’re so familiar them that makes it scary, and if you love in Japan, it’s scary because of the way Japanese houses are laid out and how Japanese-style rooms are. Sadako can come in many forms and is scary in whatever time she appears. This is a really fantastic film.”

Tommy commented: “I never thought a day would come where I would appear in a national horror movie like Sadako. I was also really happy that it came when it did as the subject matter is what I do as my job. I definitely want all the kids of the younger generation who are using the net to watch this film. It’s really scary, but in one viewing I also think it’s a fantastic film.”

The film’s director Hideo Nakata also spoke about having Kanta and Tommy involved. He said: “The scene where both of them appear went unbelievably smoothly, as expected of such big YouTubers. They were lively in front of the camera. Their ability to talk so casually [in front of it] is their forte. We shot on location, so the middle school kids on their way back from cram school spotted them. The setting is that they are watching a―street-style?―type of video which we made by learning from watching others. They praised us enthusiastically for out efforts and said ‘With this you’ll be able to hit a million views!’ [laughs] We were overjoyed to hear that. There’s also a part where a shot from the cursed tape appears on their smartphone…

©2019 Sadako Production Committee

The original Ring film was released in Japan in 1998 and was directed by Hideo Nakata. It is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s horror novel of the same name about a cursed video that when watched kills the viewer seven days after watching. It went on to become Japan’s No. 1 horror film. The film franchise is set to receive a sequel entitled in Sadako which is set to premiere in Japan on May 24, 2019.

QUEEN BEE will perform the film’s main theme song Seisen (“Holy War”) which you can hear in the latest trailer.

In the trailer, we see the fear-filled protagonist Mayu (played by Elaiza Ikeda) sitting on a bed, contrasted with another scene of her where her desperate eyes are full of rage. There’s also a mysterious scene of a small child with mysterious eyes.

Hideo Nakata explained how Sadako maintains that J-horror atmosphere while keeping in line with the “entertaining fear factor” of today’s movies. He also noted that the film contains strong human drama elements as expressed through love as a blood connection. Nakata praised QUEEN BEE’s song Seisen as being the perfect match for the film as they were able to capture and portray the movie’s themes. He admitted to being in tears after seeing the band perform live.

Elaiza Ikeda’s passionate performance of Mayu combined with the beautiful collaboration between Seisen and the movie are just a couple of reasons why you should check the trailer out.

©2019 Sadako Production Committee ／A KADOKAWA film.

Two news trailer for the latest entry to the Ring film franchise Sadako have been released.

In the “Seriously Scary Sadako” trailer, we see Sadako emerging from the deep dark well once again. The merciless and frightening ghost is set to imbue fear once again.

The original Ring film was released in Japan in 1998 and was directed by Hideo Nakata. It is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s horror novel of the same name about a cursed video that when watched kills the viewer seven days after watching.

Sadako will premiere on May 24, 2019 in Japan.

©2019 “Sadako” Production Committee / Publisher: KADOKAWA

QUEEN BEE will release their new album Ju on May 22, 2019, their first studio album in two years. The record’s lead track Seisen (“Holy War”) received an early digital release on May 9.

The band revealed last month that Seisen will be used as the main theme song for the upcoming Japanese horror film Sadako, the latest entry to the Ring film series set for release in Japan on May 24, 2019. The song debuted in Japan on the J-WAVE radio show SONAR MUSIC on May 8.

Ju will feature a total of 10 tracks including Seisen, the Tokyo Ghoul:re ending theme HALF, Hypnotize which was originally only available as part of a Limited Pressing Edition, and Kaen, the opening theme song for the anime series Dororo. Each single featured on the album is an album version different from the single versions.

First Press Limited Edition copies of the album include a DVD of “Honeybee Night 4~:re~,” a sold-out show organised by QUEEN BEE. They also come with an 84-page booklet filled with photos and visuals of the band as well as a special sticker sheet.

Depending on where fans purchase the CD from they will receive exclusive bonuses. Buying from either Tower Records, Amazon or their 2019 “Ju” tour will earn fans one of three cards that enables them to watch different documentary footag. This footage includes off-shots of the band when they performed at MEGAPORT FESTIVAL this year in Taiwan, an interview, and more. Additionally, when picked up at TSUTAYA RECORDS, copies will be coupled with a sticker of the CD cover art, and a sticker of the QUEEN BEE logo can be receive at select participating stores.

The band also unveiled the above-pictured new artist photo.

QUEEN BEE are in the midst of their 2019 “Ju” tour. The tour will conclude with two performances at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo on July 5 and 6 respectively.

A new trailer for the latest entry to the Ring film franchise Sadako has been released. The film is set to premiere on May 24, 2019 in Japan. Check out the new trailer below.

The original Ring film was released in Japan in 1998 and was directed by Hideo Nakata. It is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s horror novel of the same name about a cursed video that when watched kills the viewer seven days after watching.

QUEEN BEE made headlines last month for performing a cover of feels like HEAVEN which is being used in promotional videos for the film including the one above. In more recent news, it has just been announced that their new song Seisen (“Holy War”) will be used as the film’s main theme song.

The track will be included on the band’s upcoming new album Ju (“Ten”) which will drop on May 22, 2019 just before the film’s release.

A new promo visual has also been released featuring the protagonist Mayu about to close her camera shutter as some familiar hands show their ghoulish hands from behind her. This poster is creepy enough to have us thinking we’re already cursed by looking at it!

The original Ring film was released in Japan in 1998 and was directed by Hideo Nakata. It is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s horror novel of the same name about a cursed video that when watched kills the viewer seven days after watching. The film kindled a J-horror boom when it was released and the main antagonist, Sadako, has gone on to become one of Japan’s most famous ghosts.

The next entry to the famous horror series will be Sadako hitting Japanese cinemas on May 24, 2019. It was revealed earlier this month that Hitomi Satō will reprise her role as Masami Kurahashi ―20 years later.

It has been announced that QUEEN BEE are releasinga cover of feels like HEAVEN, the theme of the original 1998 film and considered synonymous with Sadako. The song is being used for promotional material.

The already-released trailer for the film features a snippet of the song―a lyric that embedded fear in the hearts of Japanese people with the original movie was released: Kitto kuru (“I’m on my way”).

A promotional visual was released featuring QUEEN BEE’s vocalist Avu-chan as a “reverse-Sadako,” donning long white hair. The band’s cover of the main theme will be released on iTunes and other digital platforms on March 28, 2019 at midnight (JST).

Avu-chan released the following statement: “Sadako. A superstar in the world of Japanese horror movies. The artwork we have created and our cover of that iconic song respect her [Sadako’s] development and charisma. We have begun the effort to help spread Sadako’s curse. She’s on her way. On her way to you.”

The film’s director Hideo Nakata also commented on teaming up with QUEEN BEE: “At the first QUEEN BEE concert I went to it felt like I had suddenly returned to when I was going through puberty in my teens. Avu-chan’s lyrics and voice have a quality to them that is characteristic of puberty: delicate and easy to hurt. That combines with the other members’ energetic playing. It’s all-out raw positivity, the kind that makes you feel no matter what happens you will keep on living. I felt the combination of those things and the pull of their magnetic force was something incredible. When I met Avu-chan, she explained how she was captivated by Ring and the power that Sadako holds, which is what led her to listen to the original song feels like HEAVEN. I am shuddering at the cover which incorporates the band’s uniqueness magnificently.”

The original Ring film was released in Japan in 1998 and was directed by Hideo Nakata. It is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s horror novel of the same name about a cursed video that when watched kills the viewer seven days after watching. The next entry to the famous horror series will be Sadako hitting Japanese cinemas on May 24, 2019.

Japanese actress Hitomi Satō played the part of Masami Kurahashi in the original 1998 movie who, despite encountering Sadako―the haunting antagonist of the film franchise―miraculously survived. She reprised her role again in the 1999 sequel, Ring 2.

It has been announced that Satō will once again play her character in the new film―20 years later.

Elaiza Ikeda plays the main character Mayu Akigawa, a psychology counsellor working at a mental hospital. She becomes interested in one of her female patients who seems very peculiar.

The film’s director Hideo Nakata has described her having an innate disposition when it comes to acting, and so it will be interesting to see how Hitomi Satō’s role will play out as a survivor of Sadako.

Speaking about this, Nakata commented: “She played the part magnificently, bringing together that distinct tension born from a mix of horror and everyday life.” Satō herself also remarked, “It’s not a blur for [Nakata] at all. It’s exactly like it was back then (laughs)[when filming the original]. He’s always talking about it (laughs).”

Their mutual trust in each other only propels the excitement to seeing her role reprised. What will happen when she encounters Sadako once more, after having crawled out alive from the curse?

Below are the full statements from both Hitomi Satō and Hideo Nakata.

Hitomi Satō (Masami Kurahashi): ‘I was taken aback when I received the offer. I remembered, “Oh yeah, I survived!!” and felt really happy and wondered to myself how interesting it would be if I was to return after having survived 20 years ago. I hope everybody looks forward to seeing how [Masami] is 20 years on. The films Nakata makes really are scary… Rather than having fun I want you to be scared out of your pants (laughs).’

Hitomi Satō (Director): ‘When Satō finished filming her part in the first Rings equence, I was really happy for her to bring to my attention that she wanted to be in it longer. And so in Ring 2, I had her play a very important role―an eyewitness and survivor of Sadako. In this film, although 20 years have passed, Satō is still able to vividly convey Sadako’s image to Elaiza. We had countless auditions for Ring, but the moment I saw Satō, who was then a teenager, and her innate disposition for acting, I said “she’s the one!” I have seen her playing vital parts in recent dramas and scenes too, so I requested she come on board a third time. She played the part magnificently, bringing together that distinct tension born from a mix of horror and everyday life, something which Elaiza also now has.’

The film will star Elaiza Ikeda as the main character Mayu Akigawa, a psychology counsellor who gets involved in an incident with Yusuke Ishida, played by Takashi Tsukamoto, who will try to fix it. Hiroya Shimizu will play the part of Mayu’s younger brother Kazuma Akigawa who becomes a YouTuber to try and awaken Sadako’s curse. Himeka Himejima will play Jinko, a mysterious girl who lost her memory and is taken in at the hospital Mayu works at. Renn Kiriyama will play Mayu’s colleague Minori Fujii.

A new trailer for the recently-announced upcoming next entry to the Ring film franchise Sadako has been released.

The original Ring film was released in Japan in 1998 and was directed by Hideo Nakata. It is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s horror novel of the same name about a cursed video that when watched kills the viewer seven days after watching.

The film kindled a J-horror boom when it was released. The antagonist of the film, Sadako Yamamura, has gone on to become the most famous ghost in Japan with the image of her crawling out of the TV with her white one piece and long black hair.

The new trailer features the protagonist Mayu Akigawa (played by Elaiza Ikeda), a psychology counselor, watching her young brother Kazuma Akigawa’s (Hiroya Shimizu) video on his YouTube channel where he enters the room of a multi-unit apartment which burned from a fire. In the video, she notices a mysterious figure cloaked in a white robe with long black hair standing behind him…

The rest of the trailer features clips of the cursed tape backed by a new arrangement of the song feels like ‘HEAVEN’, a song that was used in the original Ring film.

Sadako is crawling through Japanese cinema screens on May 24, 2019. It will star Elaiza Ikeda as the main character Mayu Akigawa, a psychology counselor who gets involved in an incident with Yusuke Ishida, played by Takashi Tsukamoto, who will try to fix it. Hiroya Shimizu will play the part of Mayu’s younger brother Kazuma Akigawa who becomes a YouTuber to try and awaken Sadako’s curse. Himeka Himejima will play Jinko, a mysterious girl who lost her memory and is taken in at the hospital Mayu works at. Renn Kiriyama will play Mayu’s colleague Minori Fujii.