J-pop

ANGERME Introduce New 4th Generation Member

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Kamikokuryo Moe Angerme

ANGERME have announced the addition of a new 4th generation member: Kamikokuryou Moe.

She’s a 16-year-old high schooler from Kumamoto that enjoys playing the drums, karaoke, and jump rope. She had previously auditioned for Morning Musume ’14. Here is her full profile:

Kamikokuryo Moe

Moe Kamikokuryo
Date of Birth: 1999/10/24 (16 years old)
Origin: Kumamoto
Blood Type: O
Height: 150cm
Hobby: Karaoke
Skills: Jumping rope, pen spinning, drums

With the graduation of Fukuda Kanon it seems like the group was in need of a talented member, and it seems like the search is finally over. Sure, she might be the sole addition for the 4th generation, but in H!P history that usually means that they are quite the interesting member so we will see how she does in the coming months as she gets used to the group.

Welcome, Kamikokuryo Moe!

Source: Hello! Project | Oricon | Barks.jp

HKT48 6th Single MV Previews Released

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HKT48 Buddy

MV previews for tracks from HKT48’s 6th single Shekarashika! titled Buddy from Team H as well as Ijiwaru Chu by Yabuki Nako have been released.

The overarching theme for both of the songs seems to be retro. Sure, some might be a bit turned off, but regardless it’s a bit calmer than what we’re used to and a nice change from the more overused themes that we see today.

Starting out from the top, Buddy has a nice calm rock sound that seems to have an old-timey feel to it. At times, the instrumental is a bit awkward but overall it’s a solid song that is sure to have you tapping along to the beat. Singing is a bit lackluster at times, but the instrumental is solid.

Ijiwaru Chu is a blast from the past complete with a filter on the MV that brings to mind older Japanese shows. Alongside the video, it seems like the song has a certain sound that fans of older idols will appreciate with the chorus matching the sound many idols from the time would have.

So which of the two do I prefer? While I do appreciate a nice retro rock throwback, I’m loving Ijiwaru Chu even more since the sound and feel of the video are both impressive and contribute to a more solid song.

Either way, both are a nice addition to the single that we will be enjoying this November 25th, so make sure to get a copy if you’re loving the previews!

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Flower “Hitomi no Oku no Ginga (Milky Way)” Single Announced

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Flower

Flower have announced the release of their upcoming single titled Hitomi no Oku no Ginga (Milky Way).

The title track has been used as the ending theme for an anime titled Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo Returns. As for the single, there will be 5 different versions, with the full tracklists after the break.

Since it has been some time since their last single Blue Sky Blue, it seems only fitting that we get to finish off the year with a bang and we will be doing just that with a jam-packed single from this talented group.

Not much info is known about the release at the moment apart from the theme song being used from October 3rd in the anime, but we might be getting cover pictures soon since the release is around a month away.

December 16 is the release, so stay tuned for more updates!

Source: Flower OHP | Flower CDJapan

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SAWA “Odore Balcony” Details Released

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SAWA Odore Balcony

Details for SAWA’s upcoming EP titled Odore Balcony have been released.

Here is the tracklist from arama JAPAN:

  1. Tatakae Balcony
  2. Odore Balcony
  3. Juliet no Paradox (※Yufu Terashima cover)
  4. Oishikute Kyoumi Motteru (feat. Idolrenaissance)
  5. Chinese wa Totsuzen ni
  6. LastSnowFlakes -Album ver.-
  7. Gizagiza na KOTO to Sasaki Kissa
  8. Gizagiza no Lonely Night (※KOTO cover)
  9. Tamashii

From the cover alone it seems like we are in for a treat in the form of a new electro-pop mini album from this talented artist, and while I doubt we’ll get some Spartan themes in the songs I am looking forward to finding out a bit more once the release date nears.

January 13th is the date, so it should be a solid release to start off the year!

Source: arama JAPAN

ANGERME’s Fukuda Kanon “Watashi” MV Released

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ANGERME Fukuda Kanon Watashi

The MV for Fukuda Kanon’s solo song and final single with ANGERME titled Watashi has been released.

This being Fukuda Kanon’s last single with the group meant that my expectations were high, and thankfully it seems like this release has resulted in a catchy song with a nice idol sound that fits perfectly.

With a happy electronic sound alongside a colorful set where we get to see her dance and sing, this release so far has been nothing short of amazing. In a way, it reminds me of earlier S/mileage since they had a more happy sound that fit their younger image.

It’s weird to see Kanon finally leaving a group where she grew into an amazing idol, and while some graduation songs seem to fall flat it seems like fans are in for a treat with many subtle touches here and there making this MV an impressive one. For example, the final touch of Kanon putting away the Cinderella shoe in a chest was a nice touch due to how she seems to be symbolizing the end of her era.

It’s nice that her final song was a happy one so while I might be sad that she will be leaving I am happy that she is leaving in a positive note. This is definitely a must see for fans, so make sure to check it out!

The release is set for November 11, so just a few more days until we get to enjoy this amazing single!

ANGERME CDJapan

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HKT48 “Yume Miru Team KIV” Short MV Released

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HKT48 Yume Miru Team KIV

A short MV for HKT48 Team KIV’s Yume Miru Team KIV has been released.

The song is the coupling for the new Kishidan collaboration single, so naturally with the main song being a bit harder we get a softer idolish song to balance out the release.

The song is quite nice and laid back with a ballad sound and what appears to be double center vocals split between Tomonada Mio and Okada Kanna. By itself the song isn’t the catchiest song ever, but it’s nice and holds a nice contrast against the main song.

The video centers around Mio and Kanna running for student council president, with the two divided into groups where we get to see them plan out their tactics. Painting posters, making signs, and many other things as the members do everything they can to win the elections.

November 25th is the date, so check out the song and get a copy of the single reserved!

Source: HKT48 Site | HKT48 CDJapan

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AKB48’s 42nd Single Titled “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby”

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Takahashi Minami AKB48

It was announced during a handshake event in Hokkaido that the title for AKB48’s 42nd single will be Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby.

Alongside the release, there will be a special set list made by Takahashi at the AKB48 Theater, but there is no current info about that at the moment. Still, it’s a relief to find out more info about this single since it is one of the most important due to it being the last for Minami.

From the title alone it seems like we might be getting a ballad or a traditional idol song so it will be nice to find out what it sounds like. Of course, we should be getting a preview anytime soon since the release is around a month away.

The release date is set for December 9, so make sure to get that copy pre-ordered!

AKB48 CDJapan

SKE48 Love Crescendo, Caramel Cats, Transit Girls, and Furumarion Unit Profile Pictures Released

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Love Crescendo
Caramel Cats
Transit Girls
Furumarion

Profile pictures for the upcoming SKE48 unit single featuring Love Crescendo, Caramel Cats, Transit Girls, and Furumarion have been released.

As the pictures suggest, each profile picture gives us a nice look at what to expect from each song. Love Crescendo are made up of younger members so naturally we have a fresher look with Matsui Jurina leading the group. Caramel Cats, in contrast, have a more fashion derived look with a cute dress and room look.

Transit Girls are more focused on the main members in a park setting that looks refreshing and calming, with Oya Masana alongside Takayanagi Akane leading up the group. Nearing up the end is Furumarion, the smaller of the units featuring Azuma Rion and Furuhata Nao with a more model look to their picture.

From the pictures it’s apparent that we are in for a nice release with a multitude of sounds and themes to look forward. Of course, the release date is near with November 25 bieng the date we finally get to enjoy this single, so make sure to get those preorders in!

Source: SKE48 Site | SKE48 CDJapan

Uemura Akari Solo Blu-ray Announced

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Uemura Akari

A solo Blu-ray for Uemura Akari has been announced.

With every PB release comes the inevitable release of a solo Blu-ray and thankfully it seems like we have the confirmation that we will indeed be getting a chance to enjoy more of Uemura Akari but now in video form.

Not many details apart from the date are known, but we should be getting a preview any day now since we usually get one shortly after the announcement.

The release date is set for December 16, so those who loved the PB are in for a treat with this Blu-ray.

Source: Hello! Project Site