EXILE AKIRA has been a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren since 2017, but his status with the house has gone to a whole new level! He is now the global model for the brand’s high end Purple Label line! He is also the first Asian to do this.
He joins the likes of world famous actors such as Johnny Depp (Dior), Keanu Reeves (Saint Laurent), and Jude Law (Dunhill) in modelling for a fashion brand globally. Lauren approved of the decision, saying that AKIRA has a presence in line with the world’s top stars.
A billboard featuring AKIRA’s Ralph Lauren campaign is currently in front of Los Angeles’ famed Chateau Marmont hotel. There will be more billboards and magazine ads featuring AKIRA worldwide soon.
On October 30, Touyama Mirei will release her new EP, “PLAYLIST.” The five-song release features collaborations with Sanari and Maruritoryuga. “PLAYLIST” comes in a limited edition and a regular edition, with the limited edition containing a DVD that includes two music videos. The EP’s trailer was recently released and can be found below, along with more information on this release!
We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback! This is where we look back on what topped the charts this week 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music.
As previously reported, Koda Kumi will release her new album, “re(CORD)”, on November 13. But international fans will not be able to purchase the album when it’s released!
Until last week when the album’s covers and tracklist were released, international fans were able to order it from Kumi’s global fanclub online shop. It then disappeared! Fans inquired as to why the album was no longer available for pre-order. They then received a message from the shop saying that due to a copyright issue with one of the album’s songs, that “re(CORD)” would not be available for purchase outside Japan. All of the pre-orders were cancelled, and the purchasers will received more information about the cancellations in the future.
It was not specified which song had the copyright issue, but it is assumed that it is Kumi’s cover of Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” This situation is crazy indeed.
Speaking of crazy, Avex has been holding onto Kumi’s previous music video costumes and sets. Playing into Kumi’s recent concept of reliving the peak of her career, the music video for the new song “again” features items from the music videos for her 00s hits “you” and “Ai no Uta.” Check it out below, along with the message the global fanclub members were given!
Back in September we reported that singer/songwriter Motohiro Hata would be releasing both a new single and a new album this year. While the info. concerning the single was included with that initial announcement, he has now chosen to publish more details regarding the album.
This record, titled “Copernicus”, will be Hata’s sixth studio effort and is set to include his previously released tracks “Hana”, Aogeba Aozora”, and “Raspberry Lover”, a pair of instrumental tracks, and eight new vocal songs for a total of 13. Its Limited Edition (and the special Fanclub Edition) will come packaged with a DVD (or Blu-ray) which contains both the era’s music videos and footage from his live event “HATA EXPO”.
Read on below to find both the cover and track list for “Copernicus”, as well as the audio for Hata’s upcoming single “Raspberry Lover”.
Popular rock band Mr.Children have revealed that they will be releasing a brand new Live DVD/Blu-ray titled “Mr.Children Dome Tour 2019 -Against All GRAVITY-” on December 25th. This release will contain footage from the group’s second tour in support of their latest studio album “Juuryoku to Kokyuu”, focusing in on its May 26th show at the Nagoya Dome.
The main disc (or two) will feature 21 tracks, including the band’s hit songs HANABI”, “Namonaki Uta”, and “CANDY”, along with all MC segments. Two versions are planned for release, with the Limited Edition to include a pair of Live CDs containing audio from their May 20th performance at the Tokyo Dome.
You’ll find a trailer, along with the track list for “Mr.Children Dome Tour 2019 -Against All GRAVITY-” below.
Newly formed rock trio Aurain released their first EP, titled “6:00”, this week on October 29th. “6:00” will include both an introduction and three songs from the group, all of which were composed by leader and guitarist Arashi Shimizu.
In conjunction with this release, they have chosen to upload the music video for its lead track “Youth” to their YouTube channel. Influenced by 80s minimal music, this slow-burning song is paired with a clip which uses light and water to evoke both facets of the band’s name.
You’ll find the PV for “Youth”, as well as the cover and track list for “6:00” right after the cut. If you like what you hear, feel free to give the rest of the EP a listen on Spotify.
This week’s guests were K and Kankaku Pierrot.
K – Hikaru Sora Aoku
Kankaku Pierrot – Haikei, Itsuka no Kimi e / O・P・P・A・I
