Today, EXILE’s ATSUSHI announced that he will be leaving the group until 2018. During this period, he will move overseas in an effort to become a world class vocalist. He has been thinking about taking this evolutionary step for the past few years, and it was spurned by the departures of original members HIRO, MATSU, USA, and MAKIDAI (which left him as the group’s sole original member).

In his announcement, ATSUSHI noted that EXILE’s R&B and dance sound originates in the US. He says that EXILE combines those elements with Japanese heart and soul to create a new genre.

During his previous trips overseas, ATSUSHI has played with many great local musicians, prompting him to want to study music more. He wants to go back to basics, growing his vocal ability and expressiveness, while learning English. He welcomes the challenge though. ATSUSHI believes that his overseas hiatus will make him a world class vocalist, which will help him make EXILE into a world class group.

Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Namie Amuro defeat Keyakizaka46. She’s back again this week, facing off against 2 newcomers! Find out what various staff members thought of the songs that topped the physical and digital charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!

This week’s guests were Kishidan, Kitadani Hiroshi, and SKE48.

Kishidan to Kitadani Hiroshi – We Can

SKE48 – Kin no Ai, Gin no Ai

Women’s magazine Oggi, has enlisted legendary doll Licca for a special spread for October. An influential taste maker in the toy world, Licca has been used in many special campaigns; but this is her first time modelling for a magazine. One of the reasons why Licca (and those at Takara Tomy) accepted this offer was to show that she had grown up, and no longer had the fashion sense of a elementary school 5th grader. With the help of stylist Takahashi Rita, Licca was able to show off a more mature style while having a youthful allure. Take a look at the sophisticated looks that were created for her!

Virtual diva and queen of advertising tie-ins Hatsune Miku stars in a new commercial for Lux shampoo and conditioner featuring relatively unknown actress Scarlett Johansson.

The release was preceded by a 3D-rendered press conference announcement earlier this week.

The new commercial depicts the musical icon abandoning her classic twin-tails hairstyle in favor of straight, silky hair, in hopes she could emulate Johansson’s sex appeal.

Following the success of their soundtrack for the animated film “Kimi no Na wa.”, well-known rock band RADWIMPS have revealed that they will be releasing another original album on November 23rd.  This new album will be their first full length vocal release since 2013’s “Batsu to Maru to Tsumi to” and will include the original versions of tracks “Zen Zen Zense” and “Sparkle”, which were present on the aforementioned soundtrack in rearranged form.

The currently untitled album will be released in only two versions:  a CD-Only edition and a Limited CD+DVD edition which will feature the footage of 13 performances from the band’s 10th anniversary one-man live “RADWIMPS no Hajimari Hajimari” at Makuhari Messe.

While details about the actual contents of this release are scarce for the moment, look forward to additional articles as more information is revealed.

(via natalie)

Just over two years after the release of his previous album “Fantastic Magic”, singer/songwriter TK from Ling Tosite Sigure has announced that he will be releasing a new studio album on September 28th.  His third full album will be titled “white noise” and is set to include his previously released tracks “Secret Sensation”, “like there is tomorrow”, and “Signal”, as well as seven new songs like the string and piano-driven “Tsumi no Houseki”.

“white noise” is planned to be released in three different versions:  a regular CD-Only edition, a Limited CD+DVD edition which will include footage from TK’s most recent tour, and a Deluxe CD+Blu-ray version which will bundle the CD and concert footage with an art book and a portrait produced by Tetsuya Nagato.

Read on below for a look at both the album’s cover and its complete track list, and keep an eye out for further updates as its release date draws closer.

On November 30, Tomita Lab will release his fifth album, “SUPERFINE.” Per usual on his albums, “SUPERFINE” features many collaborative guests. The roster for this album includes the likes of Kenmochi Hidefumi and Koumai of Suiyoubi no Campanella, Maaya Sakamoto, Takagi Shohei of cero, YONCE of Suchmos, Fujiwara Sakura, Avec Avec, and more.

Ahead of the album’s released, on September 23, two songs off the album will be released digitally, “Radio Taiso Girl” featuring YONCE and “Yuki no Machi” featuring Abe Yuma of never young beach. These two songs will also be released together on the same day as a limited edition 7 inch vinyl single that is only available at HMV, in an edition of 500.

Today, video teasers of  “Radio Taiso Girl” and “Yuki no Machi” were released. Check them out below, along with more information on Tomita Lab’s new album!