VAMPS has announced some dates for their VAMPS LIVE 2010 World Tour. Their world tour seems to work their way around from North America to Europe to Asia and finally South America. The first of the tour dates is on October 1st at the Avalon in Los Angeles. The last of these dates is Teatro Caupolican in Santiago, Chile on November 6th. The information for ticket sales is coming soon but will be announced separately for each date.
The legendary rock band LOUDNESS, who will tour through Europe in July, will release a new album. King Of Pain will be available from May 19th.
The first press is expected to come with a 32-page booklet, an original guitar pick of the band and an application card. Other details such as the tracklist have not yet been announced.
April 28th marks the day that °C-ute's new single Campus Life ~umarete kite yokatta~ will be released. The CD will be available in three different version of which Type A and Type B will come with a DVD.
The five girls of °C-ute are part of Hello!Project and create cheerful music. In March they started their °C-ute concert tour 2010 haru~shocking LIVE~, which will last until May.
Omedetou is the title of mihimaru GT's new single, which will be released on April 27th.
mihimaru GT consists of Miyake and Hiroko, who create a mix of urban and Jpop. In February this year the duo had released the album mihimalogy.
The release will be available in a CD and CD+DVD format. Both versions have four tracks. the DVD contains the music video of Omedetou and the making-of. The title track will be used as the theme song for the anime movie "Crayon Shinchan cho jiku! Arashi wo yobu ora no hanayome" and as ending song for Asahi's "Onegai! Ranking".
Female rapper COMA-CHI will release her first solo single STEP UP! on April 21st. The CD is coupled with the song Love symphony feat. JAY’ED. As indicated by the title, this is a collaboration with R&B/hip-hop singer JAY'ED and the song has recently reached the top 20 of the daily charts.
On her official site COMA-CHI also announced the release of a new album, which is expected to be available on May 26th.
Singer-songwriter Angela Aki has announced that she will release a new single in April. Kagayaku hito will be available in a CD-only and a CD+DVD version.
The female pop artist had her break through when she sang the theme song for "Final Fantasy XII". This year Angela celebrates her fifth anniversary since her major debut.
This release will contain four tracks and Kagayaku hito will be used as the theme song for the NHK show "Kokoro no idenshi". The DVD of the limited edition contains the PV of the title track, making-of recordings and a documentary of ANSWER tour ~15mannin no "tegami"~.
Electronica artist De De Mouse will release a new album on April 7th. A journey to freedom is his first release of 2010 after sunset girls remixes & more, which was released in February 2009. The CD will contain ten tracks.
Daisuke Endo, the brains behind De De Mouse, has been active within the Japanese music scene as a DJ since 2005. In 2008 he made is major debut with avex trax.
Idol group AKB48 will release their upcoming single Ponytail to Chouchou on May 26th.
AKB48 are known as one of the few up-and-coming idol groups who maintain both an active musical and theater career and have steadily gained popularity within Japan throughout their career. The group have also recently made their international debut following their performance in July 2009 at the Japan Expo held in Paris and in September with a concert at the Webster Hall in the US. Within Japan, the release of their previous single Sakura no shiori saw AKB48 securing their second major number single on the Oricon.
Ponytail to Chouchou will be released in two CD+DVD editions with each version featuring six tracks total. The DVDs of both versions are expected to include the music videos for the title track and two other currently untitled songs. The first press of the single will also include an application ticket for an AKB48 national handshake campaign, with meetings expected to be held in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Hiroshima and Sendai.
R&B/Hip-Hop singer JAY'ED will release his first single of 2010 entitled PRAY on May 26th.
JAY'ED, who is of Polynesian and Japanese descent, made his major debut in May 2008 with the single Superwoman. However, it was only following a duet with singer/songwriter JUJU on the track Ashita ga kuru nara that JAY'ED achieved his first national success. In terms of solo success, JAY'ED went on to achieve his first top 20 single release in October 2009 with Everybody, which was used in the commercial for au Smart Sports.
PRAY will be released in CD format only and will include three tracks. The title track will be used as the theme song for KTV's coverage of the "Pro Yakyuu Chuukei 2010". Further information regarding the single is currently unknown, although details are expected to be made available via JAY'ED's official site in the coming weeks.
Pop musician Ishii Tatsuya will release his first single of 2010 entitled OCEAN DRIVE feat.K on May 5th.
Ishii Tatsuya initially established himself within the music industry with the commercially successful group Kome Kome Club, who began their career in 1981 and disbanded in 1997. Following their dissolution, Ishii Tatsuya embarked on his own solo career and is also well-known for his involvement with several other projects, including his own private art exhibitions and as the producer of several art events entitled "GROUND ANGEL".
OCEAN DRIVE will be a collaborative effort with South Korean singer K, who has achieved relative success within the Japanese music industry since his move to the country in 2004. The single will feature the title track, plus the tracks Michi e no michi and Midori no mado.
★ Top 10 - Singles
01. [++] Watarirouka Hashiritai - Akkanbe bashi
02. [==] Arashi - Troublemaker
03. [++] "Anime" - Alright! Heartcatch pretty cure! / Heartcatch paradise!
04. [-3] Yusuke - Lion
05. [++] Akina Minami no Super Mild Seven / Pabo - Shiawase ni naro / Koi
06. [++] NoB (Project.R) - Tensou Sentai Goseiger
07. [++] THE BAWDIES - HOT DOG
08. [-5] Ikimono-gakari - Nostalgia
09. [+8] Fuyumi Sakamoto - Mata kimi ni koishi teru / Asia no kaizoku
10. [++] Oku Hanako - Hatsukoi
★ Top 10 - Albums
01. [++] "Various Artists" - ONE PIECE MEMORIAL BEST
02. [++] JUJU - JUJU
03. [++] Sakanaction - kikUUiki
04. [-3] YUKI - Ureshikutte idakiau yo
05. [++] Kalafina - Red Moon
06. [+2] FUNKY MONKEY BABYS - FUNKY MONKEY BABYS BEST
07. [-5] L'Arc~en~Ciel - QUADRINITY - MEMBER'S BEST SELECTIONS -
08. [-5] ICONIQ - CHANGE MYSELF
09. [++] Morning musume. - I MY ME
10. [+3] Kana Uemura - Watashi no kake ra tachi
★ Top 10 - Indies Singles
01. B.L.T. idol college - Ganbare!! Otome!! Ichigo parfait
02. rice - Lovers
03. And - Rengoku
04. Phantasmagoria - Diamond Dust
05. Sekai no owari - Maboroshi no inochi
06. DaizyStripper - Harumeku Bokura
07. Dirty Old Men - Dirty Old Men e.p.
08. Utsosuki Barbie - Kagaku no shinsaku
09. NERDHEAD - BRAVE HEART feat. Kana Nishino
10. Mai Hoshimura - Ichiban hoshi
★ Top 10 - Indies Albums
01. Ken Yokoyama - Four
02. Northern19 - SMILE
03. D=out - CARNIVAL Ukiyo
04. Shinsei Kamatte chan - Tomodachi wo koroshite made.
05. FreeTEMPO - Life
06. CRAZY KEN BAND - CRAZY KEN BAND Best Kame
07. THE NOVEMBERS - Misstopia
08. HY - Whistle
09. 50TA - 50TA
10. AK-69 - THE STORY OF REDSTA - RED MAGIC TOUR 2009-Chapter 1
JIN AKANISHI from Johnny's idol group KAT-TUN will be performing solo in Los Angeles on June 19th and 20th. There will be three performances-one on the 19th and two on the 20th at different times. The tickets go on sale April 15th and will be available through Ticketmaster and All American Tickets.
However, the other five members of KAT-TUN will be embarking on a tour without JIN. They will start in Japan in May and will work their way into Asia in August, performing in Taipei and Seoul.
JIN AKANISHI has studied English in Los Angeles for six months from 2006 until 2007. He will be performing these solo concerts entirely in English.
D-51 will be releasing their 14th single called titled Familia on May 26th.
This single will be used as ending theme for the anime "Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn!" from April to June this year.
The last single this duo released was Lady Don't Cry, out October 28th last year.
More information regarding this new single has yet to be announced.
Rock quartet ONE OK ROCK has announced the release of their fourth album titled Niche Syndrome, which will be out on June 9th.
Niche Syndrome will mark the contuinuity of the group's activities after a long pause in 2009 due to the departure of guitarist Alex. In February, the band released their comeback single Kanzen kankaku Dreamer, peaking at the ninth position in the weekly Oricon charts.
This new album is their first since Kanjou Effect, which was released in November 2008. It will showcase a wide range of rock, emotive and melodic tunes, similar to what was released within Kanzen kankaku Dreamer.
Also in June, ONE OK ROCK will kick off their first Zepp tour, named ONE OK ROCK 2010 "This is my own judgment" TOUR. With the first concert booked for the 27th in Sendai, the tour will also cover Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya, wrapping up with two consecutive performances in Tokyo on the 22nd and 23rd of July.
On 26th February 2010, artist Jun Seba, more popularly known as Nujabes passed away. His label Hydeout Productions announced it on 18th March.
Nujabes, well-known for his soulful music with a cool jazz influence, was involved in a car accident that night. The funeral was a private burial attended by family. He was only 36 years old.
Professionally Nujabes was a well-known hip-hop producer and was deeply involved in the anime Samurai Champloo original soundtrack. He was also the founder of Hydeout Productions label and collaborated with as well as influenced many artists from the R'n'B and hip hop scene.
He will missed by fans, friends and family. May he rest in peace.
★ Top 10 - Singles
01. [++] Yusuke - Lion
02. [-1] Arashi - Troublemaker
03. [++] Ikimono-gakari - Nostalgia
04. [++] T−Pistonz+KMC - Katte nakoze!
05. [==] Hey! Say! JUMP - Hitomi no screen
06. [+2] Kana Nishino - Best Friend
07. [-1] Hannya, fruits punch - Onara hazukashikunaiyo / Pirameki taiso
08. [-6] SID - sleep
09. [-6] Berryz Kobo - Otakebi boy WAO! / Tomodachi wa tomodachi nanda!
10. [==] KAT-TUN - Love yourself ~Kimi ga kirai na kimi ga suki~
★ Top 10 - Albums
01. [++] YUKI - Ureshikutte idakiau yo
02. [++] L'Arc~en~Ciel - QUADRINITY - MEMBER'S BEST SELECTIONS -
03. [++] ICONIQ - CHANGE MYSELF
04. [++] THE ALFEE - Shin sekai −Neo Universe−
05. [++] Ken Yokoyama - Four
06. [-5] Shota Shimizu - Journey
07. [++] w-inds. - Another World
08. [-3] FUNKY MONKEY BABYS - FUNKY MONKEY BABYS BEST
09. [++] Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - WORLD SKA SYMPHONY
10. [++] Shoko Nakagawa - Shokotan☆cover 3
★ Top 10 - Indies Singles
01. DaizyStripper - Harumeku Bokura
02. Dirty Old Men - Dirty Old Men e.p.
03. Cosmetic Robot - Digital LOVE
04. Zoro - GOLD CARD
05. Frantic EMIRY - World End
06. Sekai no owari - Maboroshi no inochi
07. Utsosuki Barbie - Kagaku no shinsaku
08. NERDHEAD - BRAVE HEART feat. Kana Nishino
09. Tokyo Michael. - Happiness
10. Virgil - SENSE
★ Top 10 - Indies Albums
01. CRAZY KEN BAND - CRAZY KEN BAND Best Kame
02. 50TA - 50TA
03. sasakure.UK - Vocaloid wa shumatsu dori no yume wo miru ka?
04. AK-69 - THE STORY OF REDSTA - RED MAGIC TOUR 2009-Chapter 1
05. HY - Whistle
06. RED SPIDER - No.10
07. mudy ON the sakuban - pavilion
08. Namiko - Desert Butterfly
09. L-VOKAL - Lovin'
10. GLORY HILL - proof of existence/LOST GENERATION
Punk/hardcore band D.S.B, formed in 1990 has announced their disbandment.
They have decided to conclude their activities after 20 years by having a show on March 28th in Shinjuku. The reason for the break-up was that the band members felt that D.S.B has reached its limit, musically.
The band, made up of members HEAT, YO and EIJI reckoned that they might have some shows overseas but this is yet to be confirmed.
The band thanks the fans and everyone involved with D.S.B. After this disbandment, vocalist/guitarist YO will be performing under a new name.
More information will be announced on the band's MySpace page.
JPop sensation misono will release the single 「...suki XXX」/ 0 ji mae no tsunderera on May 5th.
The single will be available in a CD-only and a CD+DVD format. Next to that, there will also be a special package release available through the misono shop. The tracklist is still unknown.
On April 21st the popular Johnny's duo Tegomass will release a new mini-album, Tegomass no ai. The CD will have a total of six tracks.
The limited edition comes with a DVD which will contain live footage of the Tanabata Matsuri Live Event and the video of Moshimo, kono sekai kara 00 ga nakunattara. This version will come with a booklet of 16 pages as well. The regular edition will come with a bonus track titled Chu Chu Chu!.
J-glam has announced the USA leg of MIYAVI's world tour, which was postponed toward the end of last year. This time around, he is hitting many more locations including Canada.
Pre-sale starts today, March 19th, at 10AM the local time of the venue. However a password is needed to make this purchase. The password, which was revealed via MIYAVI's twitter page, is "REBOOT". Pre-sale will end on March 22nd at 5PM.
Please check our tour schedule for exact locations and dates. Also, please make sure to click on the respective concert to find learn more about that location's pre-sale information.
JapanFiles will release Dazzle Vision's fourth full-length CD titled to the next at Sakura-Con 2010. Dazzle Vision will perform their first USA live concert at the three-day event from April 2nd to April 4th.
This new release which contain eight new tracks will be on sale at the JapanFiles.com booth and at the band's concert as well as autograph sessions. For more information go to please visit the Sakura-Con page for schedule and details.
The USA release of to the next contains the complete Japanese-language booklet. Dazzle Vision fans will be able to purchase the CD and digital versions one month before the official release in Japan.
Visual Rock band Nightmare have unveiled the upcoming release of NIGHTMARE 10th anniversary special act vol.1 GIANIZM ~tenma fukumetsu~ for April 28th.
Nightmare celebrated their 10th anniversary on January 9th 2010 with the special performance NIGHTMARE 10th anniversary special act vol.1 GIANIZM ~tenma fukumetsu~ at the Saitama Super Arena. The band performed a host of hits from across their career including Яaven Loud speeeaker, muzzle,muzzle,muzzle and dogma amongst others which are expected to be featured on the CD and DVD releases.
The release will be issued in CD, DVD and limited box set editions with each version containing audio/visual footage from their 10th anniversary performance. The CD version will include a 10th anniversary special coupon and a trading card, whilst the DVD edition will also feature the coupon amongst other privileges which have yet to be disclosed. The limited edition boxset will include two DVDs of their performance at Saitama, a bonus DVD which will feature footage from their Countdown Live which was held at Zepp Sendai between December 31st 2009 and January 1st 2010, two live CDs, a 10th anniversary coupon and other special items.
Visual kei band GLACIER has announced the release of their second digital single, Hoshi no Shirushi. The digital single whose name means "Signs upon a star" will be released on May 26th via the iTunes Store and will be available worldwide.
Hoshi no Shirushi is described as a standard pop-rock tune with the theme of 'The Princess and the Shepherd' from Chinese folklore. Even though it is a popular song that the band plays live, this is their first studio recording of it. GLACIER's next digital release will be out in June and more information on this release will be announced on their MySpace page.
Dir en grey has recently performed at the famous Nippon Budokan on January 9th and 10th. They have compiled these nights into a new live DVD titled UROBOROS -with the proof in the name of living...- IN NIPPON BUDOKAN. This anticipated DVD will be released on May 26th in Japan.
There will be two versions of this release: the regular edition with 2 DVDs will contain live recordings from both days at Budokan; while the limited ddition comes with one more DVD containing bonus material and a CD with audio live recordings.
This release will also be released all over Europe on various release dates:
May 24th: UK
May 26th: France
May 28th: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
June 2nd: Finland
June 4th: Seychelles, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland
June 14th: Spain, Portugal
Popular girl rock band, Chatmonchy, will perform in the US for the first time at SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. They will also go on tour with Japan Nite around the US. They have also just announced Chatmonchy will play a club show at the Cake Shop in New York City on March 22nd.
May will be a busy month for the old-school rock band Electric Eel Shock. They will be releasing a new live album LIVE AROUND THE WORLD Vol. 1 which will be released on May 5th. However, the album will be available to purchase early on their new Japan-wide tour starting in April.
Starting on May 26th, the band will have another European tour. This tour will include performances at various festivals. The have just announced their tour dates in Switzerland including the Bad Bonn Kilbi at the end of May. The tour will run into June with shows in the Netherlands and Spain.
The label Maru Music has announced that D’espairsRay shall release their latest compilation album IMMORTAL in the US. This collection of D’espairsRay songs features some of their most popular songs and their personal favorites.
This release is set for April 20, 2010 in North America and will likely be supported by a world tour this year. Maru Music also announced that this US version of the album will include the lyrics in romaji.
Producer AILI will release her debut album Future on April 14th.
The artist will make her debut under the label "rhythm zone" which is well known for producing artists such as Koda Kumi and EXILE amongst others. AILI is currently having her work featured in the latest commercial for "Samantha Thavasa × GLAMOROUS" which co-stars fashion models Iwahori Seri, Michibata Jessica and Hiraka Risa. The backing track for the commercial is entitled Shiny! Shiny! and is part of her collaborative series "AILI thanx to..." and the song includes vocals by R&B singer May J..
Future will continue AILI's collaborative "thanx to..." series and will feature such artists as EMI MARIA, twenty4-7, SATOMI' and KEN THE 390 amongst others. The album will be released in CD and CD+DVD format and both versions are expected to include twelve tracks total whilst the DVD will feature music videos and other footage.
Popular jazz singer Toki Asako will release her upcoming currently untitled album on May 26th.
Toki Asako made her initial debut in the rock band Cymbals in 1997. Following their disbandment in February 2004, she made her solo debut with the album STANDARDS~Toki Asako Jazz wo utau~ which she collaborated on with her father, saxophonist Toki Hidefumi.
It will be almost a year and a half since her third studio album touch and this new album will feature music written by a variety of artists including Izawa Ichiyou of Tokyo Jihen as well as Ishiwatari Junji and Okuda Kensuke of NONA REEVES, amongst others. In addition, the album will also be Toki Asako's first to be released in CD and CD+DVD format which will include digest footage from her performances at Akasaka BLITZ and Billboard Live TOKYO. The DVD will also feature music videos and off-shot footage which will amount to around 40 minutes.
Rock band Mr.Children will release their upcoming live DVD Mr.Children DOME TOUR 2009 ~SUPERMARKET FANTASY~ IN TOKYO DOME on May 10th.
Mr.Children have established themselves as one of the most successful rock groups within Japan since their beginnings in 1989. Over the course of their career, they have collectively sold over 50,000,000 copies of their singles and albums.
The DVD will feature footage from Mr.Children's performance "The Cutting Edge Live at Tokyo Dome 3Days" which celebrated the group's 20th anniversary. The setlist will include such hits from the group as HANABI, Namonaki uta, Dance Dance Dance and special feature footage from their performance of Dakishimetai. The DVD will also feature a photobooklet which will include images from their performance.
Visual Rock group Hana Shounen Baddies will release their first mini-album entitled Balloon on June 9th.
Hana Shounen Baddies, who were previously known as Billy, have been steadily making a name for themselves under their new alias since their formation in 2009. The group have released a handful of singles over the past year and will subsequently unveil their first mini-album this summer.
Balloon will be issued in two formats with both editions including seven tracks. One version of the mini-album will include the song Kyuutai juuryoku as its seventh track, whilst the other will feature Binbou Man.
Spanning fourteen years, the Japan Nite tour is the longest running US tour featuring Japanese artists. This year's line-up features many returning members, as well as some new faces. OMODAKA, Riddim Saunter, JinnyOops!, GEEKS, BO-PEEP, The Dolomites, Camisama and Red Bacteria Vacuum will be bringing their own unique sounds to stages across the US from March 18th to the 27th.
HearJapan is offering a free compilation album featuring a special MP3 download from each artist. Check out the website to get your own free album!
White Wolf Records is pleased to announce that Japanese singer/songwriter Kiryu will be appearing at this year’s Japonawa in Tijuana, Mexico taking place May 22, 2010. Kiryu will be performing a special set during the afternoon concert, with a few added surprises, and will be available at the White Wolf booth throughout the day to sell merchandise, sign autographs, and pose for photo-ops.
★ Top 10 - Singles
01. [++] Arashi - Troublemaker
02. [++] SID - sleep
03. [++] Berryz kobo - Otakebi boy WAO! / Tomodachi wa tomodachi nanda!
04. [++] Mai Kuraki - Eien yori nagaku / Drive me crazy
05. [-4] Hey! Say! JUMP - Hitomi no screen
06. [-2] Hannya, fruits punch - Onara hazukashikunaiyo / Pirameki taiso
07. [-2] AKB48 - Sakura no shiori
08. [-5] Kana Nishino - Best Friend
09. [++] Anzen Chitai - Aoi bara / Wine red no kokoro (2010 version)
10. [-4] KAT−TUN - Love yourself ~Kimi ga kirai na kimi ga suki~
★ Top 10 - Albums
01. [++] Shota Shimizu - Journey
02. [++] Remioromen - Kachofugetsu
03. [-2] Tokyo Jihen - Sports
04. [++] capsule - PLAYER
05. [-1] FUNKY MONKEY BABYS - FUNKY MONKEY BABYS BEST
06. [++] Dong Bang Shin Ki - BEST SELECTION 2010
07. [-4] Kimura Kaela - 5years
08. [-2] Hata Motohiro - BEST OF GREEN MIND'09
09. [++] Lady Gaga - The remix
10. [++] STRAIGHTENER - CREATURES
★ Top 10 - Indies Singles
01. Sekai no owari - Maboroshi no inochi
02. ViViD - Across The Border
03. NERDHEAD - BRAVE HEART feat. Kana Nishino
04. ivory7 chord - light a tree
05. Starmarie - Andromeda propose
06. -OZ- - wisteria
07. Karasu - LASTICA
08. SEEDA - WISDOM feat.ILL-BOSSTINO, EMI MARIA
09. Naozumi Takahashi - Rashinban
10. Crush Tears - Senko no mabataki
★ Top 10 - Indies Albums
01. CRAZY KEN BAND - CRAZY KEN BAND Best Kame
02. AK-69 - THE STORY OF REDSTA - RED MAGIC TOUR 2009-Chapter 1
03. 50TA - 50TA
04. HY - Whistle
05. RED SPIDER - No.10
06. andymori - Fanfare to nekkyo
07. DuelJewel - Will
08. MIGHTY JAM ROCK - SOUND BACTERIA 11
09. Galileo Galilei - Ame no chi Galileo
10. C&K - CK STYLE
Girl grunge rock band BO-PEEP will tour the US this March. The trio consists of Mika on guitars and vocals, Ryoko on drums, and Take on bass.
After participating in last years SXSW, BO-PEEP will once again return to the music festival this year on March 19th. These three girls have already toured the US last year, as well as performed at a few festivals in the UK and even participated in Japan's Fuji Rock Festival.
J-glam, Inc. has confirmed that MIYAVI will continue his world tour that began last year and perform not only in the USA, but also in Canada. The tour will begin in June. Tour details will soon be announced on MIYAVI's official website.
Second, MIYAVI also announced that part of the proceeds from his upcoming DVD release, NEO TOKYO SAMURAI BLACK WORLD TOUR Vol.1, will be donated to Red Cross Japan for the earthquake disaster in Chile.
Continuing with the NEO TOKYO SAMURAI BLACK WORLD TOUR Vol.1 DVD, on the night before its release, MIYAVI will have a live webcast of his rehearsal for the upcoming Japan tour NEO TOKYO SAMURAI BLACK WORLD TOUR –JAPAN CIRCUIT, which is scheduled to begin on March 28th. In collaboration with Ustream and Twitter, the webcast will be from midnight to 1:00 AM on MIYAVI’s official MySpace on March 23rd. There will be a special gift of a "Dress-Up 雅-MIYAVI- icon" for those who access through Twitter Official Navigation site, "Tsui Navi."
Lastly, beginning on March 10th with Japan, MIYAVI will being his world release of his song SURVIVE on iTunes.
Here is the full schedule:
March 10th: Japan
March 12th: Austria, Australia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland
March 15th: Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, U.K.
heidi. have annouced their major debut with the single yokan to be released on May 26th 2010 under Geneon Universal Entertainment.
heidi. began activity back in 2006 with their birth-day live at Ikebukuro Cyber. Since then, they have made many releases with the indie label O Market, including the latest release of their first live album today on March 10th 2010 entitled Live Tour 2009 [Panorama] @ Shibuya C.C.Lemon Hall.
The single will be available in two formats - CD only, or CD+DVD with the DVD featuring the yokan music video. Each type will include a bonus commemoration plate. The title track will also be featured as the ending theme of the anime Kaichou ha Maid Sama due to premier on TBS as of Thursday April 1st.
Visual kei band vistlip will release their upcoming single STRAWBERRY BUTTERFLY on May 12th.
vistlip first appeared on the music scene in 2007 and since the release of their mini-album Revolver the following year, have steadily gained popularity within the visual music scene.
The single will be issued in CD and CD+DVD formats, with the regular edition including three tracks. The limited version will feature two tracks and the music video for STRAWBERRY BUTTERFLY.
New visual band VII-Sense announced on their official MySpace that they will be releasing their first single BLACK BIRD on March 24th.
This new band consists of six members, featuring Shaura, formally known as Juka, who was the vocalist for Moi dix Mois and XOVER, and former Dio - distraught overlord guitarist erina.
Even though there are no further details concerning the single, they have put up music samples of the songs BLACK BIRD and divine dot. You can listen to them on their official MySpace.
In order to share his music with a larger audience, Satsuki, former vocalist of RENTRER EN SOI, has announced that all three of the singles released since the beginning of his solo career are now available through iTunes.
At first, only his first single AWAKE, which has sold out, was available for download at his official MySpace account. Now all three of his singles, also referred to as his stories, are available digitally. However, all single releases contained four songs, whereas the digital versions of the singles on iTunes only contain three songs.
After AWAKE, Satsuki released the single CRYSTAL in August last year. His third story, MOON SPIRAL, was released on Valentine's Day this year to celebrate the first anniversary of his solo career, which he started on the 14th of February 2009.
Singer/songwriter Kumagai Ikumi will release her third single, Getsurenka, on May 5th.
Kumagai Ikumi blends traditional Japanese melodies into her work and, following the release of her indies single, made her major debut in the fall of last year with the single Hitomachi gumo.
Getsurenka will be used as the theme song for the upcoming movie "Gekijouban TRICK Reinouryokusha Battle Royal". Further information has yet to be announced regarding the release, but will be unveiled shortly via Kumagai Ikumi's official site.
Popular singer Ayumi Hamasaki have set the release of her newest album, Rock'n'Roll Circus, as well as a new live DVD called ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 A ～NEXT LEVEL～ for April 14th.
Rock'n'Roll Circus, will be Ayumi's eleventh original album so far since her latest full-length CD NEXT LEVEL, which was released in March last year. This album will feature 14 songs total, including all her latest four singles: You were..., BALLAD, Sunrise ~LOVE IS ALL~ and Sunset ~LOVE IS ALL~, as well as the brand-new songs Microphone and Don't look back, which are currently being used as commercials in Japan.
Two editions of the album are going on sale, one of these accompanied by a DVD including eight different music videos and making-ofs, plus a digest video of the live DVD ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 A ～NEXT LEVEL～. A special edition including the album and the full DVD is also being released in the same day as a limited box set.
As for the Live DVD, it is a three-disc set featuring footage from one of Ayumi's performances at Yoyogi Daiichi Taiikukan in 2009, which was part of her latest arena tour. This tour spanned 35 dates in approximately seven months and mobilized almost 300,000 people. 24 songs, as well as screen footage and all the MCs from the concert have been recorded to give shape to the release.
Visual Kei new comers Luzmelt are set to make their US debut at Tekkoshocon VIII. Their appearance will consist of two full concerts, merchandise sales, autograph sessions, a Fan Q&A panel and an internet radio Telethon with label mates Suicide Ali to air on Tainted Reality on April 8th at 8pm Eastern, 5pm Pacific live from the convention.
For fans unable to attend the convention, those who purchase Luzmelt CDs on the Tainted Reality Online Store during the telethon will receive autographed CDs signed by the band members. Tekkoshocon VIII will take place on April 8-11 2010 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Luzmelt released their first mini-album Swallowed Scenery, and their second mini-album Luz-Destination is set to be released on March 24th, 2010.
Heavy Metal quartet Onmyo-za have announced the upcoming release of their latest DVD, entitled Ryuuou rinbu, for April 21st.
Onmyo-za made their commercial debut in 1999 with the album Kikoku tenshou and have since become well-known within Japan and internationally for the "reinforcement of traditional Japanese culture" within their works and their costume designs. which are inspired by those worn during the Heian era.
The DVD will feature footage from Onmyo-za's 10th anniversary concert tour Ryuuou rinbu and their final performance on December 29th at the JCB Hall in Tokyo. The release will be issued in a regular and limited edition and both versions will contain 31 tracks from the performance. The limited edition will come housed in a special slipcase, cased in digipack binding and will also feature a 36-page colour booklet.
Visual rock band boogieman have announced the release of their newest single, called Kijou no kuuron, for April 28th.
Kijou no kuuron will be the band's third single so far. The other two singles HIDDEN and Gashuu were released last year in June and October respectively.
The single is being released as a two-track CD only, including the main track, which has been described as a melancholy tune and a remix of [P] agent, which was released originally in boogieman's debut mini-album libido in January 2009.
★ Top 10 - Singles
01. [++] Hey! Say! JUMP - Hitomi no screen
02. [++] Tsubasa Imai - BACKBORN
03. [++] Kana Nishino - Best Friend
04. [-1] Hannya, fruits punch - Onara hazukashikunaiyo / Pirameki taiso
05. [-4] AKB48 - Sakura no shiori
06. [-4] KAT−TUN - Love yourself ~Kimi ga kirai na kimi ga suki~
07. [++] Kii Kitano - Sakura saku
08. [++] Minori Chihara - Yasashi bokyaku
09. [++] Shinsengumi Rien - Honto ni boku de iindesuka
10. [++] Erina Mano - Haru no Arashi
★ Top 10 - Albums
01. [++] Tokyo Jihen - Sports
02. [-1] Dong Bang Shin Ki - BEST SELECTION 2010
03. [++] THE BLUE HEARTS - ALL TIME SINGLES - SUPER PREMIUM BEST -
04. [-2] FUNKY MONKEY BABYS - FUNKY MONKEY BABYS BEST
05. [-1] Kimura Kaela - 5years
06. [++] mihimaru GT - mihimalogy
07. [++] CHEMISTRY - regeneration
08. [-3] Kumi Koda - BEST ~third universe~ & 8th AL “UNIVERSE”
09. [++] Toshi Kubota - Timeless Fly
10. [++] CRAZY KEN BAND - CRAZY KEN BAND Best tsuru
★ Top 10 - Indies Singles
01. ViViD - Across The Border
02. Crush Tears - Senko no mabataki
03. NERDHEAD - BRAVE HEART feat. Kana Nishino
04. ivory7 chord - light a tree
05. Sekai no owari - Maboroshi no inochi
06. Naozumi Takahashi - Rashinban
07. Karasu - LASTICA
08. sister jet - Mr.Lonely
09. SEEDA - WISDOM feat.ILL-BOSSTINO, EMI MARIA
10. Kuchu loop - Ongaku no ko
★ Top 10 - Indies Albums
01. 50TA - 50TA
02. HY - Whistle
03. C&K - CK STYLE
04. andymori - Fanfare to nekkyo
05. HY - HeartY
06. MIGHTY JAM ROCK - SOUND BACTERIA 11
07. DJ KYOKO - XXX “If You Came Here”
08. VELTPUNCH - BLACK ALBUM
09. Bam B Crew - Bam B Crew
10. Mayumi Kojima - Blue rondo
Jinkaku Radio will release a new single entitled Taiyou on April 28th. It will be their first release in two and a half years. The main song has been used for a commercial of a car retailer in Kagoshima since late December.
In mid 2008, Jinkaku Radio took a break from their live activities in order to focus on the recording of a new album. Since last year, they are performing again and switched labels in late 2009.
Indies visual kei band Megaromania will be releasing their first selection album, entitled Oblivious, on 10th March.
The album will come in two types, both containing ten songs songs and one of six randomly selected trading cards. One type will also feature a forty-minute DVD of live footage.
Unfortunately, this release will be the last with Megaromania's current line up, as drummer Leda will be leaving the band as of 31st March due to personal reasons. The band will hold a series of lives, finishing at SHIBUYA BOXX, and then Megaromania will take a short activities pause. Hopefully this original and talented band will return to the music scene soon.
Musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has announced the release of a new Live DVD entitled watch- ryuichi sakamoto playing the piano 2009 japan due to hit stores on March 17th. This DVD features footage of his concert that was held on April 28, 2009 at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. This DVD also includes rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, as well as commentary.
Also to be released on March 17th is Original Soundtrack of the film Love is The Devil (1998), also composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto. This film is a biography of Irish painter Francis Bacon, concentrating on his relationship with his model/lover George Dyer. This soundtrack was released before in 1999. However, this new release from the label commmons (a joint venture between the label avex trax and Ryuichi Sakamoto) contains remixes by Taylor Deupree.
Los Angeles-based Maru Music have signed an exclusive licensing agreement for albums and official merchandise in North America with SWORD Records in Tokyo. This agreement will allow fans to have much greater access to their favorite bands' music and merchandise without having to pay import prices.
The first three bands scheduled for release include D'espairsRay, Vidoll and DuelJewel. In addition to releasing products, Maru Music is hopeful it will be able to provide an infrastructure for SWORD bands to tour in North America.
Singer/Songwriter Odani Misako will release her upcoming mini-album Kotonoha on May 12th.
Odani has achieved acclaim in her own brand of self-produced compositions on which she both sings and performs on piano and at the time of her debut and has been described as the "young Carole King". The pianist has also gained popularity amongst other performers within Japan, with bands such as ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, eastern youth and LOST IN TIME amongst others, claiming to be fans of her work.
The release will be Odani's first in around three years since her ninth studio album OUT. The mini-album is expected to feature five tracks including Sora no machibito and Aosa.
Singer Nakagawa Ayumi will release her debut single Jijitsu~12-sai de watashi ga kimeta coat~ on May 5th.
Nakagawa Ayumi's upcoming debut has been partnered with the somewhat tragic tale of her young life, including the divorce of her parents and adoption by her grandparents. Since legally changing her surname from Mihara to Nakagawa, the 13-year old will make her musical debut in May. Her debut music video, which is currently hosted by YouTube includes documentary themed footage surrounding her life at school and includes statements from her adoptive parents. The young singer's vocal talent and the tale of her earlier life has caused a stir on her YouTube Channel and since the publication of the music video on February 11th, has scored views of more than 200,000.
Further details are currently unknown regarding the single, but are expected to be announced in the coming months. The short music video for Jijitsu~12-sai de watashi ga kimeta coat~ can be viewed below:
Nakagawa Ayumi - Jijitsu~12-sai de watashi ga kimeta coat~ (PV)
TETSUYA, who is best known for his work with rock band L'Arc~en~Ciel, has announced an upcoming single entitled Roulette for May 19th.
TETSUYA began his solo career in 2001 with the release of wonderful world/TIGHTROPE. The upcoming single Roulette will be his first in almost three years. Roulette will be issued in CD and CD+DVD format and although the tracklist for the single is currently unknown, the DVD will feature the music video for the title track.
The artist has also announced that he will be embarking on his first national tour this coming July, although further details regarding his schedule have yet to be revealed.
Following the their debut album Doctor Ray, MOLICE will hit the JRock world again with their new release Catalystrock on March 24th. The veterans of Summer Sonic 2007 are looking to increase their worldwide fanbase after the Doctor Ray singles Ms. Panic and Headphone received international radio and PV airplay.
MOLICE was formed in 2007 when lead singer Rinko and guitarist Yuzuru Takeda formerly of the band Chinachop met up with bassist Ikuhiro and drummer Takashi Koyama. Coming off a successful UK tour, they continue to headline regularly in Tokyo. The band, to date, has released 4 EPs titled MOLICE DEMO 1-4 as well as their debut LP Doctor Ray.
To kick off promotions for this new album, MOLICE will hold a CD Release Party in Kichijoji's Rock Joint GB. They will be joined by artists including Moja andSister Paul.
Visual band ZXST announced on their official website that they will be going on an indefinite hiatus as of April 2nd.
The band thank their fans, staff and everyone who has helped them so far for their continuous support, but have decided that this is the best decision for the band. ZXST's final concert before their hiatus will take place at Nagoya Music Farm with special guests meth., BUG IMPACT, TOA, SYSTEM RESISTANS and others.
Pop singer alan will release her first live DVD entitled alan 1st concert -voice of you- in TOKYO 2010.01.24 on March 24th.
alan is originally of Chinese/Tibetan descent and made her musical debut in Japan with the single Ashita e no sanka in 2007. alan's move to the Japanese market came following her performance in China (along with 40,000 other hopefuls) at the "avex China New Discovery Audition". Since her debut, alan has also performed the theme songs for the movie "Red Cliff" and secured the number one spot on the Oricon daily chart with the release of Kuon no kawa, making her the first Chinese artist ever to do so in Japan.
The DVD will feature footage taken her performance on January 21st at the Hitomi Kinen Hall in Tokyo, though details regarding a tracklist have yet to be announced.
According to an announcement on MaitoreiA's official website, vocalist RETSU will graduate from the band after their performance in Yokohama on April 23rd.
After their one year anniversary, the group came to the realisation that their individual ideals surrounding the band have changed and agreed that RETSU's graduation would be the best course of action for the band. They regret that they have been together for such a short period of time as a quartet, but thank everyone who supported them. They also ask that their fans continue to keep an eye on their activities and support them in the future.
The band recently released the single Yugudorashiru on December 12th last year.
Currently, MaitoreiA will be focusing on underground activities and performances while they search for a new vocalist.
July 17th will mark the disbandment of the band GaGaalinG.
The band will hold their last live on this date, which will be held at Takadanobaba Club Phase. According to the announcement on their Official MySpace, the disbandment is due to musical differences between the members.
Before this, GaGaalinG will still appear at live events at venues including Nagoya OYS on March 20th, Nishikujo BRAND NEW in Osaka on March 21st and Takadanobaba CLUB PHASE on April 25th.
GaGaalinG formed in 2005 and debuted with the album ROYAL PUNX.
Singer/Songwriter Kato Miliyah has unveiled further details of her upcoming single BYE BYE which is scheduled for release on March 24th.
Kato has recently collaborated with Shota Shimizu on the single FOREVER LOVE which was released in February, but this will be her first solo effort in around four months since the release of WHY. The title track will focus around the theme of spring and feature a message regarding a painful separation from loved ones.
The single will be released in CD and CD+DVD format and both versions will feature the title track, SENSATION, Koi ga owaru sono toki ni and SENSATION -DANCE EDIT-. Details of the content featured on the DVD have yet to be announced, but are expected to be updated via Kato's official site shortly.
Pop/Rock quartet GARNET CROW will release their upcoming single entitled Over Drive on April 14th.
Over Drive will be the group's first single since the release of Hana wa saite Tada yurete nearly eight months ago and will feature lyrics written by band member AZUKI, while the composition and arrangement will be provided by Nakamura Yuri and Furui Hiroto respectively. The title track will also be used as theme song for the upcoming movie "Detective Conan The Lost Ship in The Sky" which is expected to hit cinemas in Japan on April 17th and will appoint GARNET CROW as having the most songs attributed to the opening and ending credits of Detective Conan (alongside Kuraki Mai, who currently holds a total of 9).
The single will be released in CD and CD+DVD format with both versions featuring the title track and its instrumental counterpart, plus a currently untitled second song. The DVD will include a "Director's Cut Version" music video for As the Dew and the regular edition is expected to include a QR code for an exclusive present for purchasers of the single.
Following a performance at Nagoya BOTTOM LINE on February 28th, rock band lynch. announced that they would be releasing a new single this spring.
lynch. have rapidly become one of the leading bands of the Nagoya music scene since their beginnings in 2004 and have gained a considerable fanbase both within Japan and internationally. In October 2009, lynch performed alongside bands/artists such as INORAN, Merry and the Underneath at the V-ROCK FESTIVAL, which was held at the Makuhari Messe.
The single is currently in pre-production and so further details regarding the release are currently unavailable. Vocalist Hazuki also unveiled that lynch. would also be holding a one-man performance on July 19th at Nagoya Diamond Hall, which, he has stated, is a venue he has aspired to perform in since his high school years.
Musical unit GRANRODEO have announced the upcoming release of a currently untitled single and live DVD, tentatively titled ROLLING the SCAR LEMON for April 28th.
GRANRODEO is a unit who started in 2005 and currently includes members KISHOW and e-ZUKA who are both known within Japan for their involvement with the anime industry amongst others. KISHOW (otherwise known as Taniyama Kishou) is better known as a voice actor and has been involved in such anime projects as Bleach and One Piece. e-ZUKA (otherwise known as Iizuka Masaki) is responsible for the composition and arrangement of several songs, including tracks for BLUE SEED and Macross 7.
Further details are currently unknown regarding the single and the DVD is expected to include three discs and feature a colour photobooklet. The pair have also announced that they will be holding an anniversary show on May 5th entitled "5TH ANNIVERSARY LIVE AT Budokan ~G5 ROCK★SHOW~".
Singer/Songwriter vocal unit ANNY PUMP will release their second single entitled Kokuhaku ~give me a chance~ on April 7th.
ANNY PUMP consists of members Itsuki and Manami, who have only recently made their major debut under the musical label Universal Music. The unit released their major debut single Naiteitaiyo in February which also featured vocals from GooF who is best known for his work with SOFFet.
The upcoming single will feature a remake of the million seller single track Last Chance, which was originally performed by Something ELse on their release of the same name in 1998. The coupling track featured on the single entitled Sekai ga teki ni natte mo was featured in the movie "Koikyokusei" which was released in March 2009. The single cover will be illustrated by illustrator Mizumori Ado, whose popularity peaked during the 1970s with her somewhat nostalgic drawings of young girls, boys and animals.
Indie band GLACIER will embark on monthly digital releases starting this April. This band will release a new song every month until October.
The first release, titled The Dancing Branches will be available at the iTunes Store on April 28. The single is a remastered English version of their Kanasambana single which was released last November. This new single contains two tracks: The The Dancing Branches and its instrumental version.
The second release will be available digitally in May and more information will be made available through the the band's Official Myspace.
The band has recorded a video message for overseas fans announcing this news, which includes comments on this new release as well as a sneak preview of the The The Dancing Branches PV. The video has English subtitles and can be viewed below:
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