Vice remembers Utada Hikaru’s “Exodus” on the 10th anniversary of its US release

Ten years ago today, Utada Hikaru released “Exodus” in the United States. The album was an attempt to break into the Western market after her massive success in the Asian market. Despite its acclaim, the album was not well received by the masses. It has however gained a cult following since its release. On the 10th anniversary of the US release of “Exodus”, Vice’s music blog Noisey has released an article discussing the album’s making, its’ cult status, and how it is still relevant in today’s market.

#1 Song Review: Week of 9/24 – 9/30

Hello AramaJapan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week, JUJU trumped EXILE TRIBE to take the top spot. She’s back this week along with a newcomer and another returnee. 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!

Live Monster for October 5

Yu Takahashi – Taiyou to Hana / Fukuwarai

X Japan to get U.S. Documentary

Rock band X Japan is set to film a documentary filmed by Stephen Kijak at their upcoming Madison Square Garden concert date in New York City on October 11.

Formed in 1982, X Japan’s journey to stardom is filled with much dramatic back story, persevering through breakups and the deaths of two members and selling over 30 million albums and singles to this day. The band originally disbanded in 1997 but reunited in 2007 as if nothing had changed, selling out their previous Madison Square Garden date back in 2010.

The band’s co-founding drummer-pianist-songwriter Yoshiki and the rest of X Japan are planned to appear before their concert at New York Comic Con where they take part of a panel with Marvel legend Stan Lee and talk about the comic book based on based on the band’s leader.

Thanks Becky for the news tip!

(Via Deadline)

Two Brand New Unreleased tracks from ORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE is back with two unreleased songs!

In the days leading up to the start of their “Tebura De Gomen Tour 014”,  the band has shared two videos of new songs live from the studio.

Trailer for upcoming Blu-ray release of “Cowboy Bebop” Complete Series in HD

Blending multiple genres of film, including film noir, philosophy, crime, slapstick comedy, romance, and black comedy, “Cowboy Bebop” is one of a kind and it’s no surprise the impact it has had on anime.

The complete series that inspired a generation and redefined anime as an indisputable art form has been remastered in HD and will be released on DVD and Blu-ray with Amazon and FUNimation exclusive packages on December 16th.

There are some notable differences between these versions, so check below for the details on each and what you’re getting.

CDTV performances for October 4
Sandaime J Soul Brothers – C.O.S.M.O.S. ~Akizakura~
Nana Mizuki – Kindan no Resistance
Nana Mizuki CM for upcoming single “Kindan no Resistance”

The YouTube channel of voice actress/singer Nana Mizuki has posted a CM advertising her upcoming single “Kindan no Resistance“.

The singles consists of three tracks. The A-side, “Kindan no Resistance“, is the singer’s 30th single and is used as the opening theme for the anime “Cross Ange: Tenshi to Ryuu no Rondo“, in which she also voices the protagonist Ange/Angeliese Ikaruga Misurugi. The coupling song “BLUE” is used as the ending theme to anime film “Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199” and an original track “Dream Rider” is also on the single.

The 30-second CM video shows shorts of the PV for “Kindan no Resistance” including scenes of her outside a dilapidated mountain-side castle and of her inside a steam punk factory setting.