Funk-pop singer/songwriter Hanaregumi has announced that he will be releasing a new studio album on March 31st. Titled “Hakkoutai”, this will be his first such release since 2017’s “SHINJITERU” and his eighth longplay in total.

“Hakkoutai” is set to include Hanaregumi’s previously released tracks “Nigiyaka na Hibi” and “Quiet Light”, along with eight new songs for a total of ten. Among this new offering are collaborations with his former SUPER BUTTER DOG bandmate Rekishi, Clammbon’s Ikuko Harada, TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA member Yuichi Oki, and mabanua.

You’ll find the music video for “Quiet Light”, a Live Video for album song “Dokuji no LIFE”, and the cover and track list for “Hakkoutai” right after the cut.

Earlier this week young singer/songwriter Vaundy released his latest digital single “Yuukai sink” on February 24th. In conjunction with this release, a music video for the track has been published to his YouTube channel.

Directed by Mitsunori Yokobori and starring actress and model Sara Minami, the clip pairs stark live-action visuals with CG effects meant to evoke a dreamlike world. The contrast between these two halves provides for a truly enthralling experience, each ultimately complementing the other.

You’ll find the striking PV for “Yuukai sink” right after the jump.

Singer/songwriter Ohashi Trio will be releasing a new full-length album titled “NEW WORLD” next week on March 3rd. His fifteenth studio effort, “NEW WORLD” will include the singer’s previously released tracks “Favorite Rendezvous” and “Dokoka no Machi no Kimi e”, as well as seven new songs – like the funky, all-English “Butterfly” – for a total of nine.

Ahead of the record’s street date, a music video for its lead track “Milk & Sugar” has been uploaded to Ohashi Trio’s YouTube channel. The song sees Ohashi performing a duet with actress and singer Mone Kamishiraishi, whose album “note” he contributed to last year.

You’ll find the full version of this PV, as well as the cover and track list for “NEW WORLD” below.

Ayumi Hamasaki has released the visuals for her upcoming compilation album titled “A BALLADS 2“. Initially the album was supposed be released in March to celebrate the anniversary of “A BALLADS”, but was delayed due to production issues. The new release date is April 8th, her 23rd anniversary.

The tracklist will consist of 30 ballads released since 2003, including the hits “No way to say”, “HEAVEN”, “Days”, and “JEWEL”. 20 songs have been revealed so far, the DVD and blu-ray content will consist of live performances from her various concert tours, and performances from Kohaku Uta Gassen. For the past week Ayu has been teasing a brand new MV on her social media, it is currently unknown what the MV is for but it’s likely related to “A BALLADS 2”.

This week’s guests were aiko, THE RAMPAGE, Yasuda Rei, and First Summer Uika.

aiko – Aozora / Jishaku

THE RAMPAGE – SILVER RAIN

Yasuda Rei – Not the End

First Summer Uika – Chameleon

Hey, Arama Japan! It’s Friday, so it’s Open Post time! Feel free to chat with your fellow readers about whatever you like! Enjoy!

On February 24, Mukai Taichi released a new digital single, “BABY CAKES.” The song sees Taichi collaborating for the first time with T.Kura and michico, musicians that he grew up listening to. The duo are known for their work with the likes of Namie Amuro, Ken Hirai, and Sandaime J Soul Brothers. The lyrics were written by T.Kura and michico, with T.Kura and Taichi creating the composition. T.Kura also arranged the song.

A special live video for “BABY CAKES” was released today. The laid back atmosphere of the performance complements the song’s throwback 2000s R&B sound. Check it out below!

Back in January 2020 it was announced that Perfume would be appearing on the Disney program “Disney My Music Story“. The show covered each members personal memories involving Disney, along with their life stories and where their passion for music began.

The special will also feature exclusive performances of many beloved Disney tracks by Perfume, along with some of their own original material. The original release date for Perfume’s “My Music Story” was January 31st, exclusive to the Japanese version of Disney’s streaming service Disney+.

At the time there was no announcements for availability outside of Japan, but this month it was announced that Perfume’s episode will be available for streaming on March 12th!