Kinoko Teikoku to Release Major Label Debut Album “Neko to Allergy”

Earlier this year, Kinoko Teikoku was signed to major label EMI Records. The band made their major label debut with the single “Sakura ga Saku Mae ni” this past April. Now, Kinoko Teikoku is set to release their first album under a major label, “Neko to Allergy.” Out November 11, the album will have 12 songs, including “Sakura ga Saku Mae ni.” The cover and promo picture for “Neko to Allergy” allude to the album’s title by featuring cats (“neko” means “cat” in Japanese).

Check out the album’s cover and tracklist after the jump!

FAKY Opens New Website and Releases 3 New Songs to Streaming Services

FAKY has spent the past few days releasing video teasers on YouTube. There was also a countdown on their site, which ended today. The result is the opening of FAKY’s new website, which is in Japanese and English. The site features news, the previously mentioned teaser videos, and photos from the members’ Instagram accounts. There are also profiles of FAKY and its members.

Of special note is the profile of new member Akina. The 15 year old, born to an American father and Japanese mother, has the role of “infusing the group with American culture.” After her birth in California, her family moved to Okinawa, and then back to the US. She then returned to Japan to join FAKY.  Akina has been taking vocal and dance lessons since she was 6 years old. She’s recently been working on her songwriting skills with her guitar. Akina is a fan of alternative R&B and electro, listing The Weeknd and Years & Years among her favorite artists. Vanessa Hudgens is her style icon. Due to moving around so much as a child, she’s good at making friends. She’s grown close to her groupmates. Anna says that Akina is mature for her age. Mikako notes her perceptiveness and says that she’s very much aware of her surroundings.

chay, Ohara Sakurako, and More Perform on Premium MelodiX! for October 19

This week’s guests were Ohara Sakurako, Sakai Yu, chay, and Ueno Yuuka.

Ohara Sakurako – Kimi wo Wasurenai yo

Sakai Yu – Jasmine

chay – Suki de Suki de Suki Sugite

Ueno Yuuka – Tada, Anata no Soba de

Arukara to Release New Album “Chigirero”

On October 21, Arukara will release their 8th studio album, “Chigirero.” This album comes a little more than a year after their album “CAO.” “Chigirero” will come in 2 editions: a CD+DVD Limited Edition and a CD only Regular Edition. The Limited Edition’s DVD will include footage from Neko Fes 2015, which took place this past June.

Arukara recently released the music video for the third track on “Chigirero”, “Suiyoubi no Mannequin wa Warau.” Check it out after the jump, along with more information on their new album!

Kis-My-Ft2 and French Kiss top the weekly Oricon charts! 10/12-10/18

The Oricon physical music sales charts for the week of 10/12-10/18 have been released!

Kis-My-Ft2’s latest single “AAO” tops the singles ranking with 181,745 copies sold in its first week.

AKB48 sub-unit French Kiss top the album chart with their self-titled debut album (23,890 copies sold). This is their first chart-topping album and their first #1 release since 2011’s “Saisho no Mail”.

hitomi to Release Digital Mini Album “Journey”

On October 21, hitomi will release a new mini album digitally titled “Journey.” This is her first release since her March 2014 digital single “Bara Yume”, which was a collaboration with MAX. In her 20 years in the industry, hitomi has undergone numerous life events (multiple marriages and divorces, motherhood, and cancer). Because of these changes,”Journey” sees hitomi doing a style of music that is different from her signature songs such as “CANDY GIRL”, “LOVE 2000”, and “SAMURAI DRIVE.” The songs on “Journey” are acoustic guitar-based, reminiscent of Sheryl Crow. hitomi is going for an “adult cool” feel with this release.

Check out the cover and tracklist for “Journey” after the jump!

[Alexandros] Releases Chaotic PV for “Girl A”

On December 2, [Alexandros] will release their new single “Girl A.” The song serves as the opening song for the new Fuji TV drama “Siren”, which premiered on October 20. Ahead of its physical release, “Girl A” will be available for digital download starting on October 21.

Today, [Alexandros] released the music video for “Girl A.” It centers around a girl in a nightclub. The video explores the themes of multi-layered personalities and multi-layered worlds. The video is energetic and vibrant, just like the song. “Girl A” features [Alexandros] adding an electronic edge to their sound. Check it out after the jump, along with the singles covers and tracklist!

Seiko Matsuda Collaborates with Yasutaka Nakata

Seiko Matsuda is currently celebrating the 35th anniversary of her debut. As part of this celebration, she is releasing the single “Eien no Motto Hate Made / Wakusei ni Naritai” on October 28. It will come in 4 editions: a CD+DVD Limited Edition A, a CD+Vinyl-sized Packaging+Poster+Photo Limited Edition B, a Cassette Limited Edition C, and a CD only Regular Edition.

“Eien no Motto Hate Made” serves as the theme song for the Japanese release of the movie “Pan.” It was written by Takashi Matsumoto, composed by Yumi Matsutoya, and arranged by Masataka Matsutoya.

“Wakusei ni Naritai” sees Seiko working with Yasutaka Nakata. He arranged the song, which was written by Takashi Matsumoto and composed by Yumi Matsutoya. A preview of the song was released today. Check it out after the jump along with the covers and tracklist for this single!