On July 5, Suchmos will release their new single, “FIRST CHOICE LAST STANCE.” The single will be released through the band’s newly created independent label, F.C.L.S. (which obviously are the initials of their new single). F.C.L.S. was created to pursue music that Suchmos thinks is cool and to help the band build upon its dream into the future.
“FIRST CHOICE LAST STANCE” will contain two songs. The first, “WIPER”, is one that Suchmos has been playing at their recent live shows. The second, “OVERSTAND”, is about frontman YONCE’s feelings about the power of music and cherising those around you.
To promote “FIRST CHOICE LAST STANCE”, there are ads around Tokyo. A group of artists related to Suchmos has taken these ads and given them an additional flair, something akin to graffiti. Check out the before and after of these ads, along with more information on Suchmos’ new release, below!
On July 5, South Penguin will release their latest work, “house.” This is the band’s first release since their debut EP, last July’s “Alaska.” Like “Alaska”, “house” was produced by former Mori wa Ikiteiru member Okada Takuro and engineered by Kasai Toshihiko, who has worked with D.A.N.
“house” will also be the last release of the original band version of South Penguin. On June 17, all of the members, with the exception of frontman Akatsuka, left the band, effectively making South Penguin a solo project. Akatsuka will continue South Penguin with support members.
Check out more information on South Penguin’s new release below!
On July 5, DALLJUB STEP CLUB will release their second album,
“CHECK THE SHADOW.” The group has honed their blend of hip hop and electronic music since the release of their debut album, 2015’s “We Love You”, via live shows. “CHECK THE SHADOW” features a collaboration with Tabu Zombie of SOIL&”PIMP” SESSIONS titled “Best Point.” DALLJUB STEP CLUB’s new album also features remixes of two of the album’s tracks, one by Carpainter and the other by the Chicago-based DJ Traxman. Check out more information on the album, including a digest, below!
Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw a tie between Che’Nelle and Ken Hirai, leading them both to defeat B’z. This week, we have two newcomers facing off. 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!
Prepping her image for her 20th anniversary promotions next year, chanteuse Ayumi Hamasaki has been doing a string of variety show appearances to remind the public she’s a relatable, hardworking queen.
Last night, Hamasaki guested on NTV variety show “Konya Kurabete Mimashita” with Yoshimi Tokui, Terumoto Goto, SHELLY and HKT48 Rino Sashihara. Filled with your typical variety shenanigans, the episode also featured photos of Hamasaki’s luxury home (which was filmed ahead of her house photo drama earlier this week).
Throughout her career, Hamasaki has appeared on music programs many times, but she has never been this active in the variety circuit. Hochi reports that it was revealed that 25 staff members came with her for this appearance, including:
- 7 Managers
- 5 Record Company Officials
- 4 Stylists
- 4 Hair & Makeup Staff
- 2 Trainers
- 1 Costume Designer
- 1 Eyelash Extension Specialist
- 1 Esthetician
Of course, with all this material to feed off of, popular Japanese forum Girls Channel had a field day.
This week’s guests were Ishimaru Kanji, Chris Hart, Kozai Kaori, GENERATIONS, Jyunretsu, SEKAI NO OWARI, Dean Fujioka, Tokunaga Hideaki, Nagayama Yoko, Niizuma Seiko, Fukada Kohei, Nishida Ai, Hosokawa Takashi, Miura Yutaro, Mori Sonomi, Yamaguchi Keisuke, Flash Kaneko, MUSIC CONCERTO, Okabe Machi, and Oi Takeshi.
The official website for “Gintama“, the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Hideaki Sorachi’s long-running gag manga of the same name set in an alternative universe where aliens have conquered feudal-era Japan, has begun uploading behind-the-scenes clips from filming to promote its upcoming release.
The first video shows how the three members of Yorozuya—Gintoki Sakata (Shun Oguri), Shinpachi Shimura (Masaki Suda), and Kagura (Kanna Hashimoto)— getting along and having fun on the Kyoto set.
Following his 44th birthday on July 4, musician GACKT exposed his sculpted chest as thanks for the positive birthday messages from fans via Instagram.
“I turned to be 44 today. I got a lot of wonderful messages. Thanks everyone!” GACKT shared bilingually, hashtagging that he was going to the “Hell’s Tequila Festival“.
Fans hooted, fans hollered, and fans got the vapors from this photo, praising GACKT for showing off this beautiful, seemingly ageless upper body in an age-conscious bathroom selfie.
