J-pop

Akishibu Project “Dear Best Friend” MV Released

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Akishibu Project New World

Akishibu Project has released the MV for their track titled Dear Best Friend.

Part of their upcoming album titled NEW WORLD that was released on February 23rd, this song follows the release of their MV Change the World.

As you might remember from the details for the album, this song is a cover of Fukuda Momoyo’s song with the same title. The original song had an R&B feel to it and the MV is faithful to the original.

With the members singing to their heart’s content while they run around a beach in white outfits, the soft vocals match perfectly as they sing alongside each other.

Of course, the song is the main point and it doesn’t disappoint. With a vocal heavy song paired with a soft instrumental, we get to enjoy their voices perfectly alongside a soft piano that melds perfectly with the scene.

Well worth a look for those looking for a relaxing song to start the day!

Akishibu Project CDJapan

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C-ute’s 34th Single Announced

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C-ute 2016

C-ute has announced the release of their 34th single titled Hito Naze wa Arasoun Darou? / Jinsei wa STEP! / Summer Wind.

Releasing April 20th, this single was announced at a release event the group held for their recent album release for Cmaj 9.

There will be 6 editions for this release, 3 Regular editions alongside 3 Limited editions which will contain DVDs.

Apart from continuing the H!P tradition of long single titles, it seems like we’re in store for yet another amazing C-ute single. Despite the title, there isn’t much to go based off of in terms of what to expect but we might get to see some ballads and upbeat idol songs.

We’re just around a month away so we should be getting more info soon!

Hello! Project | C-ute CDJapan

Country Girls “Ranrarun ~Anata ni Muchuu~” MV Released

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Country Girls Ranrarun Anata Muchuu MV

Country Girls have released the MV for their single titled Ranrarun ~Anata ni Muchuu.

Releasing March 9th, this is the final of the triple a-side single previews with the Boogie Woogie LOVE and Koi wa Magnet MVs being released a few weeks ago.

While we have already explored the funky sounds of the 60’s and a more traditional idol ballad sound, we have now come to an interesting place where we go for a fun but lighthearted ballad with a 20’s feel to it.

How much more can we go back? Well if the French scenery doesn’t get you in a romantic mood, then the members dressed up in Charlie Chaplin-esque outfits is sure to do that.

The look of the MV is just amazing, with the cardboard French scenery being the main draw, alongside the members dressed up in cute outfits as well as male counterparts where they ask each other out.

Alongside that the sound of the song is light, a bit too light at times but the beat is soft and just enough to make you want to sing along.

Overall this song is an amazing addition and the perfect way to complete the single. Will you be getting a copy? Let us know and make sure to check out the MV after the break!

Country Girls CDJapan

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SKE48’s Miyamae Ami Announces Graduation, Agency Transfer

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SKE48 Miyamae Ami

SKE48 have announced that Miyamae Ami will be graduating from the group. Alongside that, she will be transferring agencies to San Office.

Announced at their recent SKE48 performance, her move is a result of her wanting to pursue a career as an actress.

It’s a sad occasion when an idol graduates from the group, but it’s interesting when the move is shortly followed by an agency transfer. Of course, it’s a good sign that she is serious with her dreams and ambitions so that should come as a relief for many.

Best of luck Miyamae Ami!

San Office Profile | SKE48 OHP

SKE48 “Chicken LINE” MV Released

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SKE48 Chicken LINE MV

SKE48 have released an MV preview for the main song from the single Chicken LINE.

Releasing March 30th, we have already seen the other MV previews for the other tracks from the singles released a while ago.

What kind of beat comes to mind when you see a dark dystopia full of idols and action?

Exactly, Flamenco-inspired music with trumpets and a catchy beat.

Full of catchy beats with a Latin touch, it makes for an amazing song that is so catchy when combined with the talented voices of SKE48. The voices are a nice match since they have a calm sound that seems to melt into the beat.

Unfortunately, the MV itself doesn’t seem to match much with the song, instead going for a look that would feel right at home at a Batman movie or even a dark industrial anime (the intro suggests that before going full trumpet).

Despite the visual throw off, I am loving the song since it has a nice beat that is sure to have you nodding your head to the beat.

Well worth a look, so make sure to check it out after the break!

SKE48 CDJapan

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Perfume “COSMIC EXPLORER” Covers Released

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Perfume COSMIC EXPLORER Cover Standard
Standard

Perfume have released the covers for their upcoming release titled COSMIC EXPLORER.

Releasing April 6th, this album will be their 6th and will feature remixes as well as new songs.

Perfume COSMIC EXPLORER Cover Limited
Limited

Unfortunately the quality of the covers is a bit lacking (thanks Facebook) but it’s nice to see that we at least have some kind of theme to find out what’s in store for us.

In terms of looks alone the covers are amazing. Each featuring a different motif, they seem to have a blue look alongside some interesting imagery.

From the covers alone I am definitely a fan of the Limited edition since it seems to have a symmetrical look to it. The regular edition is not that far away, with a folded origami look to it that’s just amazing.

Definitely recommended (and already reserved from my end), this album is shaping up to be an amazing one!

Perfume Facebook | Perfume CDJapan

Perfume “COSMIC EXPLORER” US Tour Dates Announced

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Perfume Star Train

Perfume have announced the dates for the US COSMIC EXPLORER tour.

> Los Angeles
[Date] 2016/08/26
[Venue] The Wiltern
http://www.wiltern.com
[Doors Open / Concert Start] 19:00/20:00 (PST)
[TICKET] $39.50 / $49.50 / $59.50

> San Francisco
[Date] 2016/08/28
[Venue] The Warfield
http://www.thewarfieldtheatre.com
[Doors Open / Concert Starts] 19:00/20:00 (PST)
[TICKET] $49.50 / $59.50

> Chicago
[Date] 2016/08/31
[Venue] The Vic Theatre
http://jamusa.com/the-vic/
[Doors Open / Concert Starts] 19:00/20:00 (CST)
[TICKET] $49.50

> New York
[Date] 2016/09/03
[Venue] HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM
http://www.mcstudios.com
[Doors Open / Concert Starts] 19:00/20:00 (EST)
[TICKET] $39.50 / $49.50 / $59.50 / $64.50

> New York
[Date] 2016/09/04
[Venue] HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM
http://www.mcstudios.com
[Doors Open / Concert Starts] 19:00/20:00 (EST)
[TICKET] $39.50 / $49.50 / $59.50 / $64.50

As expected it seems like they’re only going to have dates in the biggest cities, but it’s a nice touch that they will be going coast to coast so that everyone has at least one venue nearby them.

It’s also good to note that there are various ticket prices, so if you would like to be as close as possible then it’s highly recommended you get the higher priced ones.

Make sure to get those tickets as soon as possible since this is promising to be one of the highlights of the year for fans of Japanese music!

Perfume OHP

Country Girls’ Ozeki Mai 1st Solo Blu-ray Announced

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Country Girls Ozeki Mai Greeting Cover

Country Girls have announced that Ozeki Mai will be releasing her 1st solo Blu-ray titled Greeting ~Ozeki Mai~.

Pre-orders will take place from now until March 23rd, with shipping starting in late April.

Country Girls are certainly a unique group, but with all of the members of the group it might be a bit hard to get to know them well. Thankfully it seems like solo blu-rays are starting to be released and with it comes a chance to get to know the members well.

Scenes of her running in a field in a cool Letterman jacket as well as the all too traditional seifuku are a good way to showcase her, and while the preview might only be around 2 minutes long it does give us a nice preview of what to expect.

Overall it’s a nice way to showcase Ozeki Mai, so make sure to check it out after the break!

e-LineUP! Site

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