Image gallery from Yoshiki Classical Special with Orchestra at Osaka Castle Hall Dec. 5, 2016
BRATS features The Idol Formerly Known As Ladybaby performer Rei Kuromiya SLAVEMAN film features Kamen Rider series actor Yuichi Nakamura FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2, 2016 – Japanese girls band BRATS (featuring Rei Kuromiya of LADYBABY/The Idol Formerly Known As) will contribute the song “Nounai Shoukyo Game” (“Brain Erase Game”) to the soundtrack of the […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2016 — Japanese trauma techno rock group URBANGARDE has revealed the details of their new single, “Akumade Akuma”, the band’s first non-album music release in over four years.
Yoshiki Wins Asian Icon Award at Classic Rock Awards in Tokyo X Japan Leader Performs David Bowie Tribute and Art of Life FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 14, 2016 — X Japan leader Yoshiki performed at the Classic Rock Awards held at Ryogoku Kokugikan this past Friday, November 11. Yoshiki made history by becoming the first-ever […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2016 — X Japan is all over U.S. media this month with the nationwide rollout of the documentary film We Are X. The rock-doc has garnered mainstream attention from the likes of SPIN, the Los Angeles Times, and Rolling Stone, and band leader Yoshiki has hosted sold-out Q&A screenings in […]
maidreamin brings Akihabara’s maid culture to the Middle East for ANI:ME Abu Dhabi Maid cafe stars join renowned manga, cosplay, anime, cultural, and E-sports guests at first-year convention FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2016 — Japan’s internationally-famous maid cafe maidreamin will present authentic and fun maid service at ANI:ME Abu Dhabi October 27-29. The three-day […]
X JAPAN’s VISUAL JAPAN SUMMIT–Powered by Rakuten Over 100,000 Music Fans Gather For First-Annual Event Marking The Largest Rock Festival for 2016 in Japan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2016 — Japanese all-female rock band exist†trace has revealed the jacket art and track list for their upcoming 6-track EP Royal Straight Magic, due for release November 16.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2016 – YOSHIKI kicked off Tokyo Fashion Week (sponsored by Amazon) on Monday, October 17, with the Spring/Summer 2017 launch of YOSHIKIMONO. The rock star and fashion designer, whose parents ran a kimono shop, performed classical piano alongside a violinist and then a powerful, rock drum solo performance with a […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2016 – Nitroplus mascot Super Sonico celebrated her 10th Anniversary in Japan this week with several announcements and a special website. In her first decade of representing the successful video game company, Super Sonico has been portrayed as a fashion model, university student, and aspiring musician (with her band FAV […]
What gives you inspiration when you’re writing new songs? Nagai: “Unexpected things become inspiration, like a conversation with someone, words I hear on TV, a novel I’m reading or a billboard I see in town. I don’t listen to others’ music when I write songs, because I don’t want to mimic them.” Link: http://www.mymbuzz.com/2016/10/15/interview-budo-grape-an-enticingly-odd-japanese-band/
What part of British culture caught you most by surprise? Quminco Grape: The big difference in expression of UK people, before and after they hear music. Their hugs when they get emotional are full of feeling. I learned the word ‘cuddle’ for the first time and I thought it was lovely. Another thing, beer glasses […]
YOSHIKI NEW YORK CLASSICAL CONCERT VIP TICKETS ON SALE TODAY Exclusive Limited VIP Packages for Yoshiki in Concert with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage in New York City
“My agent in Los Angeles… Head of Music, Marc Geiger, he and I have been friends for a long time. He kind of started saying several things over five to six years ago: ‘You need to create a documentary.’ I was like ‘Woah… that’s too heavy.’ You know, I don’t open that door. Because you […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 2016 — Japanese all-female rock band exist†trace has announced the title and release date of their new album Royal Straight Magic, due for release November 16. The six-song EP will be the follow-up to exist†trace’s March release This Is Now. Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter miko explains the title represents the […]
“A roller coaster ride of emotions and a spectacular inside look at the band… props to director Stephen Kijak for capturing the essence of X JAPAN so brilliantly.” JaME: http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-122955-x-japan-quot-we-are-x-quot-film-review.html “Beautiful HD footage… an extravagant display. ‘We Are X’ masterfully introduces X Japan to the world.” VKH Press: http://www.vkh-press.com/2016/09/review-x-japans-visually-shocking.html “Like everything X Japan, ‘We Are […]
Yoshiki in Concert with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra on January 12 and 13, 2017, at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage in New York City Classical Concert Tickets On Sale September 29th FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 19, 2016 Yoshiki — songwriter, drummer/percussionist, classically-trained pianist and the creative force of the rock group X Japan — […]
September 10, 2016 WE ARE X (Film Synopsis) X Japan was formed by childhood friends, Yoshiki and Toshi who ignited a musical revolution in Japan during the late 80’s with their melodic metal and flamboyant fashion. Their unique appearance and style created a Japanese cultural rock phenomenon known as “Visual-Kei,” a movement that spread globally. […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 10, 2016 – Japanese all-girl ska-punk band TsuShiMaMiRe returns to America next month for a packed schedule of tour dates across the country, tagging along with Texas rock band WE Are The Asteroid. TsuShiMaMiRe have been indie scene favorites since their debut at SXSW in 2004. Since then, they’ve formed their […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2016 – Japanese band Budo Grape has announced additional dates for their third British tour. The Nagoya “New Wave” rockers will play three UK dates in November, including a return to Manchester’s Doki Doki Japanese Festival. Budo Grape recently completed their 10-single digital release project, including the music video for […]
The concept of your new solo album, Blue Forest, revolves around the themes of ‘blue’ and ‘love.’ What kind of message do you want to deliver to listeners through these themes? How is your message important? Yoko Hamasaki: ‘Blue’ is a mysterious, wonderful word. It can express a depressed feeling, and it’s also used to […]
Performing at the Nippon Budokan has been a long-term goal for you and you will finally get the chance to perform there on January 1st next year. What kind of preparations are you making in order to be in tip-top condition for the big day? Yudai: It’s such a blessing to be able to stand […]
What is the concept behind the composition of DISORDER? Takaha: The composition was, of course, based on the anime and our own outlook. In previous albums, we’ve made some very complex metal songs, but this time we went for something simple and catchy. With this kind of melody, we felt there was a chance to […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 5, 2016 — The return of the popular Japanese Go Torch mascots brought lots of smiles, laughter, and dancing to this year’s J-Pop Summit. The Japanese pop-culture festival brought a record 20,000 attendees to San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center July 22-24, teaming the Go Torch (“Yuru-Kyara”) characters with pop music artists […]
“Releasing her first solo project in six years, Hamasaki Yoko’s Blue Forest, a collection of seven songs, enchants with whimsical chimes and ethereal vocals that will entertain listeners whilst showing off a different, new sound compared with her work as a vocalist in URBANGARDE.” JaME: http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-122236-hamasaki-yoko-blue-forest.html “Following her outstanding work in last year’s URBANGARDE album, […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 31, 2016 – URBANGARDE has announced a collaboration with popular Japanese photographer Yuki Aoyama, known internationally for his provocative “Schoogirl Complex” photobook series. The special collection of photos and poems titled “Schoolgirl Trauma” combines the edgy view of the “trauma techno pop” music group with Aoyama’s fetish-focused work. URBANGARDE leader Temma […]
Fafafoom: What do you think is the biggest challenge of getting new fans and supports for YANAKIKU? Kiku: While performing is a great boost to get new fans, it’s hard afterwards when they don’t get to see us for a long time. So we do our best to keep in touch via social media, such […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2016 — Last year’s hit Japanese pop culture Go Torch characters are returning to San Francisco’s J-Pop Summit this weekend to bring more laughter and unique Japanese culture to the 3-day event, July 22-24.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 19, 2016 — All-female rock band exist†trace will broadcast a live concert from Japan on July 28, 2016 at 8:30pm (Japan time). Fans worldwide can view the band’s performance with multi-camera views from Tokyo’s Future SEVEN live house by using smartphone apps available at the iTunes store.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2016 – Momoiro Clover Z will return to America for a 3-city “Trans-America Ultra Live Tour” November 15th-19th, with stops in Hawaii, New York, and Los Angeles. The 5-girl Japanese pop idol unit made their last appearance on U.S. shores at Anime Expo 2015, joined on stage by Paul Stanley […]