On July 14, TBS will air Ongaku no Hi 2018. The first and second sets of acts performing on the show were previously announced and it includes the likes of Utada Hikaru, EXILE, Perfume, DA PUMP, Daichi Miura, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Ken Hirai, and Little Glee Monster. The third and fourth sets of performers have now been revealed. The third set consists of all idols, while the fourth set is more focued on artists. See who was added below!
On July 11, SALU will release a new digital single, “Good Vibes Only.” It is a collaboration with JP THE WAVY and EXILE SHOKICHI. This release is SALU’s first since joining the label LDH MUSIC. It also part of the label’s new project, “KOMA DOGG.” The project was started by EXILE SHOKICHI in an effort to give LDH MUSIC a new, identifiable sound. Check out the digital single’s cover below!
On July 11, Frederic will release a new EP, “Hyohyo to Emotion.” the release will be a mixture of song new songs, some that the band has played live at recent shows, and some live tracks. The DVD that comes with the limited edition will include a documentary about the band’s recent tour, as well as performance footage from it. Frederic recently released the video for the EP’s title track. Check it out below, along with more information on this release!
Daichi Miura has two new releases on the horizon. The first is his new album, “Kyutai.” Out July 11, the album is produced by Daichi’s longtime collaborator Nao’ymt. “Kyutai” is linked to Daichi’s recent tour of the same name, which was a solo affair that he produced, organized, and choreographed himself. This was done to embody the concept of a “sphere”, the translated name of the album. The 17 songs on “Kyutai” reflect Daichi’s view of the world. The DVD / Blu-ray that comes with the album contains footage from Daichi’s previously mentioned tour. Footage from the tour can be seen in the album’s teaser below.
Daichi’s second upcoming release is the single “Be Myself.” Also produced by Nao’ymt this release is set for August 22.
This week, NEWS topped the Oricon single chart with their new single “BLUE”, selling 164,642 copies in its first week.
Utada Hikaru topped the Oricon album chart with her new album “Hatsukoi”, selling 203,787 copies in its first week.
Yonezu Kenshi retook the top spot on the Oricon digital single chart with his single “Lemon”, selling 30,930 copies in its 20th week, and topping the chart for the 13th non-consecutive week.
Utada Hikaru also topped the Oricon digital album chart with “Hatsukoi”, selling 38,185 copies in its first week.
This week’s episode was the first part of LOVE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018. This week’s guests were 04 Limited Sazabys, KANA-BOON, CHAI, Straightener, Dizzy Sunfist, and ACIDMAN.
04 Limited Sazabys – My HERO / monolith
KANA-BOON – Baton Road / Samayou Hibi to Fanfare/ Full Drive
CHAI – N.E.O. / Future
Straightener – The Future Is Now / Sea Glass
Dizzy Sunfist – SHOOTING STAR / The Dream Is Not Dead
ACIDMAN – Aru Shomei / Sekai ga Owaru Yoru ni / Aka Daidai
A few months ago, Shibutani Subaru announced that he would be leaving Kanjani8 and Johnny & Associates. The July 8 episode marks his last appearance with the group. This week’s guest was Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra x Kanjani8 – Musekinin Hero
Kanjani8 – Osaka Romanesque / LIFE ~Menomae no Mukou e~
Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Morning Musume. ’18 defeat Southern All Stars and DA PUMP. Southern All Stars are back this week, facing off against three newcomers and a blast from the past. Find out what Ronald thought of the songs that topped the singles charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!