Tomonari Sora releases new single ‘Niramekko’, along with lyric video!

Niramekko Digial Jacket Cover

Vocalist Tomonari Sora released his new single ‘Niramekko’ on last Wednesday, May 15.  His previous single, ‘Demons Banquet’, was released in January to explosive success. The song dominated the charts on various subscription streaming platforms, peaking at No.14 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart and at No.7 on the Spotify Top 50 ranking for Japan, while its music video has racked up over 30 million plays on YouTube, hitting No.3 in YouTube’s weekly music videos chart.

Now, all eyes are on Sora’s new single ‘Niramekko’, which tells the tale of falling in love with a beautiful yet dangerous femme fatale. The song depicts her phoney facial expressions and her heart of love and hate through vivid sounds and wordplay. A lyric video is also out now, so be sure to check it out below along with the streaming link here!

About Tomonari Sora

Tomonari Sora is a multitalented singer-songwriter who produces the lyrics, music and arrangements for his songs, and even creates his own illustrations. He makes high-quality, genre-defying J-pop music with deep metaphorical lyrics, resonating with a younger generation of music fans. Via the label cutting edge, he has released the singles ‘Faregate’ (December 6, 2023), ‘Demons Banquet’ (January 10, 2024), ‘I LOVE ME!’ (March 13, 2024), and new single ‘Niramekko’ (May 15, 2024). On Sunday, January 21, he held his first solo concert at TOKIO TOKYO, titled ‘Ame nochi Sora’.

Tasuku Hatanaka to Release 9th Single “It’s time to fly!” Event to Commemorate 30th Birthday and 9th Single Announced!

Popular voice actor/artist Tasuku Hatanaka has announced the upcoming release of his 9th single “It’s time to fly!” on July 17, 2024.

This single marks Hatanaka’s first self-production, with him penning the lyrics for the title track himself. With his 30th birthday coming up on August 17, he delivers a piece of music on the theme of “travel,” packed with his current feelings and the challenges he would like to take on. The composition was done by M-Swift, also known as Shohei Matsushita, along with the artist XinU and musician Yota Shoji. The initial production run will include early ticket lottery applications for Lantis MENS GIG “A・C・E” 2024, which will take place on October 13.

Furthermore, an event commemorating Hatanaka’s 30th birthday and the release of his 9th single, titled “TASUKU HATANAKA 30th Birthday & 9th Single Release Party -It’s time to fly!-,” will be held at Zepp Yokohama on August 18. The first half will consist of a variety segment with guests, while the second half will feature a live performance by Hatanaka himself, making for an event packed with content. Yuma Uchida and Chikahiro Kobayashi, who both share close relationships with Hatanaka, will appear as guests for the afternoon and evening performances, respectively. Additionally, the event logo, which features a suitcase inspired by the travel theme of the 9th single, has been revealed. Ticket pre-orders are open from 12:00 on May 11.

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Be sure to pre-order “It’s time to fly!” below!

Standard edition

Limited edition

Kenichi Suzumura Manten Fes 2024: A Festival to Eat, Talk, Sing, and Laugh! Announced!

The event “Kenichi Suzumura Manten Fes 2024: A Festival to Eat, Talk, Sing, and Laugh!” will be held over two days, on October 5 and October 6, at Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater. The last Manten Live, a regular part of Suzumura’s activities as an artist, was held in 2019. Now, after nearly five years, it is making a comeback as the new and improved “Manten Fes.” As the title “Eat, Talk, Sing, and Laugh” suggests, various events are planned to keep attendees entertained at Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater all day long. Leading up to Suzumura’s performance, it will be just like a festival. An early ticket application voucher for this event is included in the Kenichi Suzumura LIVE TOUR 2023 “ROOTS” LIVE Blu-ray, which went on sale on May 15.

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Comment from Kenichi Suzumura

Thank you for waiting so long! We are finally hosting a live performance at Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater again! This time, we are bringing you Manten Fes, an evolution of Manten Live. The venue, Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater, is truly a wonderful place! It’s comfy! And the air is refreshing! It really is special! At the Manten Fes, not only will you get to enjoy a live performance on a stage, but we’ve also incorporated a variety of other entertainment to enjoy within the theater grounds even before the performance begins. You could say it is a festival by Kenichi Suzumura, for Kenichi Suzumura, to enjoy with Kenichi Suzumura! (laughs).

We will continue to provide updates with specific details, so please stay tuned. We are preparing everything with great care to ensure you have a fantastic time at Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater all day long. Please look forward to it!

Title: Kenichi Suzumura Manten Fes 2024: A Festival to Eat, Talk, Sing, and Laugh!

Date & Time:

October 5 (Sat): Doors Open 15:00 / Show Starts 17:30

October 6 (Sat): Doors Open 15:00 / Show Starts 17:30

Venue: Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater, Yamanashi Prefecture

Ticket Price:

All seats: ¥12,000 (inc. tax)

*Tickets are required for children aged 3 and above.

*Resale for profit is prohibited.

*Entry with a resold ticket is prohibited.

*Listing tickets for auction is prohibited.

*Any disruptive behavior is strictly prohibited.

*Depending on your seat, parts of the stage or performance may be partially or completely obstructed.

*Due to the venue’s layout, the wheelchair area may have limited visibility.

Ticket Limits:

Up to 4 tickets per serial number (multiple performances may be applied for)

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Early ticket application vouchers enclosed in with “ROOTS” LIVE Blu-ray This pre-sale can be accessed using the URL and serial number included in the application flier enclosed with the first production run of the Kenichi Suzumura LIVE TOUR 2023 “ROOTS” LIVE Blu-ray, which was released on May 15, 2024.

■ Application Period: 10:00 AM on May 15 to 11:59 PM on June 2, 2024

■ Results Confirmation Period: From 1:00 PM on June 6

■ Payment Period: 1:00 PM on June 6, 2024 (Thursday) to 9:00 PM on June 10

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Survive Said The Prophet Announce Additional East Coast Dates For First American Tour “MAKE / BREAK YOURSELF America Tour”!

International rock band Survive Said The Prophet, have announced three additional East coast dates to the band’s first American Tour, with the title “MAKE / BREAK YOURSELF America Tour”.
Originally scheduled for April, Survive Said the Prophet rescheduled the tour due to visa issues. The band uploaded its latest tour trailer video announcing that the band’s inaugural US tour will visit seven major cities in North America this July, starting at (le) poisson rouge in New York, NY on July 3th, including a stop in Canada at Lee’s Palace Toronto, and concluding at Brick by Brick in San Diego, CA on July 15th.
Formed in Tokyo in 2011, Survive Said The Prophet, also known as “SABAPURO”, is fronted by bilingual vocalist Yosh who had sung for FINAL FANTASY VII Remake. Their eclectic blend of rock, pop, electro, hip hop, and R&B has captivated audiences globally. Featured in numerous popular anime series, their latest single “Paradox” was featured as the opening theme for Vinland Saga Season 2. The band’s hit single “MUKANJYO” was also the opening theme for the first season of the anime series and “found & lost” had been the opening theme of the anime series BANANA FISH.

Tickets are now on sale.  TICKET LINK

ABOUT Survive Said The Prophet

Survive Said The Prophet is an international rock band based in the heart of Tokyo. With western rock as the foundation their sound, the band has incorporated wide range of genres into their music which has crossed them over to be utilized on TV commercials, B-league Basketball theme song, world renounced anime such as Vinland Saga Season 1 & 2, BANANA FISH, and Code Geass.

Since their first single release in 2011, the band has signed with Sony Music put out 6 records and headlined tours that has sold out Shinkiba Studio Coast(2.5KCap) in 2020(Pre Corona). Survive Said The Prophet has also performed at major rock festivals throughout Japan, (KNOTFES, SUMMER SONIC, WARPED TOURJP, ROCKIN JAPAN, etc) and also shared stages with INCUBUS, PARAMORE, HOOBASTANK, The Used, Stand Atlantic, and more.

While keeping their domestic numbers intact, Survive Said The Prophet has always traveled around the globe to perform. From touring to performing at festivals in neighboring Asian countries, the band has even developed a collaborative relationship with Chinese Rock Band Supper Moment and has released the song “To Whom” which led to performing at Hong Kong Coliseum. The band has also toured across UK and is starting to get exposer in North America performing at Anime convention in Key cities such as Toronto, NY and Seattle.

BE:FIRST Unveil Music Video for New Single ‘Masterplan’ – a Fusion of Hip-Hop with a Distinctive ‘Made in Japan’ Flair!

Seven-member dance and vocal ensemble, BE:FIRST, announced the release of their latest single, 'Masterplan' across all digital music streaming platforms

The electrifying track 'Masterplan' saw its initial performance during BE:FIRST's inaugural Tokyo Dome concert, titled BE:FIRST LIVE in DOME 2024 ‘Mainstream – Masterplan’. Serving as a sequel to their earlier hits 'Boom Boom Back' and 'Mainstream', the single features compelling Eastern rhythms crafted by producer Ryosuke "Dr.R" Sakai, the creator behind previous challenging numbers for BE:FIRST, such as 'Gifted.', 'BF is...', and 'Mainstream'.

This hip-hop anthem maintains the group's unique musical trajectory, showcasing their impressive artistry and solidifying their signature sound.

 The music video encapsulates the idea that BE:FIRST's astronomical rise since their debut has been anything but coincidental, but instead part of a well-orchestrated "masterplan". Paying homage to the group's past works, the video references the success of their track 'Mainstream', which topped 116 different charts, and the significant achievement of their Tokyo Dome concert.

The result is a thoughtfully curated visual narrative, marking each milestone as a preconceived chapter in BE:FIRST's journey.

The video's concluding image of a massive cherry blossom tree aptly embodies the song's spirit and the quintessential "Made in Japan" aesthetic characteristic of BE:FIRST. A grand cherry tree piercing through concrete symbolizes the band's resilience, with seven sturdy branches representing each member, all adorned with flourishing cherry blossoms. It's a visual masterpiece that merges hip-hop with a distinctive Japanese essence, declaring an impassioned musical statement to offer the world.

Be sure to check out the ‘Masterplan’ on all streaming platforms here, along with the dance performance video for the track below!

 ‘Masterplan’

Lyrics by SKY-HI

Music by Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai, Daisuke Nakamura, and SKY-HI

Produced by SKY-HI, Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai

Choreography by SOTA (BE:FIRST) and ReiNa

Total production by SKY-HI (BMSG)