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Crunchyroll Hosts LiSA, One Piece Concerts at Comic-Con in San Diego
J-pop star LiSA on July 26, One Piece with San Diego Philharmonic Orchestra on July 27
― Crunchyroll announced on Wednesday that Japanese pop star LiSA will perform in its "Crunchyroll Concert Series" at Comic-Con International in San Diego on July 26. In addition, Toei Animation and Crunchyroll will also bring the "One Piece 25th Anniversary: Symphonic Voyage," performed by the San Diego Philharmoni...
Rock Band Fujifabric Suspends Activities in February 2025
Keyboardist Daisuke Kanazawa decides to leave band
― Japanese rock band Fujifabric announced on their official website on July 3 that the band will suspend their activities in February 2025, after keyboardist Daisuke Kanazawa (center in image right) informed other members that he wants to leave the band. The announcement was made in the midst of the band's 20th anniversary this year. The band stated ...
Sounds of the Sea: One Piece Musical Symphony Premiere
Being in a stage hall filled with people cheering at the top of their lungs over iconic tracks being performed live by the anime’s composer himself Kohei Tanaka was nothing short of a magical experience.
― The One Piece anime has gone on for so many years at this point. There are so many elements of the anime's production that have stirred emotion in fans worldwide, myself included. The One Piece Sy...
Sekai Project Reveals 10th Anniversary Projects for Nekopara, Cabbage Soft's Amairo Chocolate 3 Game for Release This Year
Also: company to release vinyl soundtrack for Nie no Hakoniwa
― Sekai Project announced at its Anime Expo panel on Thursday that it is launching projects to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Nekopara series. The Nekopara franchise has sold 6 million units across the entire franchise, including games, manga, and anime. Sekai Project will launch a crowdfunding campaign to manufacture a new set of ...
Rainbow Rock Band Vocalist Ronnie Romero Guest Stars in Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc Anime's Soundtrack
The official website for the upcoming Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Hen (Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc, or literally, Kinnikuman Perfect Chо̄jin/Superhuman Origin Arc) anime revealed on Tuesday that vocalist Ronnie Romero (Rainbow and Michael Schenker Group rock bands, Beyblade Burst theme song Spanish-dub performance) is making a guest appearance in the Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc OST Introductio...
Megan Thee Stallion's New Song 'Otaku Hot Girl' is Full of Anime References
Anime is now and always has been firmly embedded in the rap world
― American Black culture has influenced music from jazz, rock, and Motown to rap. The culture around them also found its way into the music, and one of the largest mediums to leave an impact on world culture is anime and manga. While there have been references to the medium in songs by black artists, rapper Megan Thee Stallion brings i...
Monogatari Off & Monster Season Anime Gets New Short Stories About Yoasobi Theme Song
"Nadeko Past," "Shinobu Future" available to read on Monogatari website
― Monogatari author NisiOisin released two new short stories "Nadeko Past" and "Shinobu Future" on the official Monogatari website on Sunday. The stories are the basis of the MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season anime's theme song "Undead" by YOASOBI. YOASOBI released the song digitally on Monday. MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONS...
Burnout Syndromes Band Goes on 1st U.S. Tour in August, September
Band travels to 10 locations from August 15 to September 3
― The Burnout Syndromes band announced on Thursday that it will go on its first United States tour in August and September. The band will make 10 stops in the tour, including: August 15 - Atlanta, GA at Masquerade
August 16-18 - Miami, FL at Spirit of Japan Festival
August 20 - New York, NY at Le Poisson Rouge
August 22 - Boston, MA at The A...
Singer Kana Nishino Returns from 5-Year Hiatus
Soul Eater series, Naruto Shippūden: The Lost Tower film theme song artist went on hiatus, announced marriage in 2019
― Japanese singer Kana Nishino announced on her official X/Twitter account that she will resume her music activities, after a five-year hiatus, on Tuesday. Along with the announcement, Nishino revealed that she will release a new single titled "EYES ON YOU" on July 5 and an EP titled ...
Anime Expo Hosts Utano☆Princesama All Star Stage -Music Universe- 3DCG Concert
Concert takes place on July 4 at The Novo
― Frontier Works announced on Monday the company is hosting the Utano☆Princesama All Star Stage -Music Universe- 3DCG concert at Anime Expo on July 4 at The Novo. The concert will feature the ST☆RISH, QUARTET NIGHT, and HE★VENS groups from the Utano☆Princesama franchise. There will be no English subtitles. A similar concert ran in Japan earlier this year at M...
LiSA's 'LiVE is SMiLE ALWAYS - LANDER -' Concert Gets Theatrical Screenings in N. America in August
Concert tour took place in Japan from September-December 2023
― Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures announced on Monday that they are screening the LiSA's "LiVE is SMiLE ALWAYS -LANDER -" concert in theaters in North America on August 17,18, and 21. LiSA concert tour, which featured her sixth original album LANDER, took place throughout Japan from September-December 2023. The theatrical screening presents ...
Evangelion Theme 'Cruel Angel's Thesis' Might Be Tops Globally, but Not in the U.S.
You only get one guess what came in at #1 in the United States.
― Time and again, the incomparable "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" theme song from Hideaki Anno's classic Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series has topped the anisong rankings in Japan and around the world. It's so popular that Japanese karaoke goers are sick of hearing it over and over again. In 2015, composer Neko Oikawa disclosed that she earned...
Millennium Parade Announces World Tour for November-December 2024
Tour begins on November 2 in Mexico
― Millennium Parade, the creative team led by King Gnu member Daiki Tsuneta, announced on Monday that they are going on a world tour titled "Who and How Tour 2024." The tour begins on November 2 in Mexico. Tour dates include: Mexico City, Mexico: Lunario del Auditorio Nacional - November 2 Los Angeles, CA: Fonda Theater - November 4 New York, NY: Irvina Plaza - Nov...
AFA Creators Super Fest Hosts Idol, Voice Actress Sally Amaki
Event takes place in Singapore on July 27-28
― Singaporean events organizer Sozo Pte. Ltd. announced on Tuesday that its AFA Creators Super Fest event in Singapore will host idol and voice actress Sally Amaki as a guest. Amaki is a member of the 22/7 idol group, which debuted and announced an anime project in 2017. The group began releasing animated music videos in 2017, and their first character vid...
Yukari Tamura Delays 3 Concerts Due to Pneumonia, Vocal Cord Inflammation
Tamura ordered by doctor to rest her voice for 10 days
― Earlier this week, the official website of singer and voice actress Yukari Tamura confirmed the postponement of three scheduled concerts on her "Yukari Tamura LOVE♡LIVE 2024 *Honey bunny*" tour, due to pneumonia and acute vocal cord inflammation. In the announcement on Sunday, Tamura's staff explained that Tamura complained of throat problems a...
What is your favorite anime theme song?
Part two: We've tallied the most nominated anime theme songs from part one, and now it's time for you to vote for your favorites.
Yuki Kajiura Performs in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur in November
Concerts will be composer's 1st performance in both cities
― The official website for Yuki Kajiura's FictionJunction musical project revealed on Monday that she will hold a concert for the first time in Bangkok, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this November. She will also perform in Shanghai and Guangzhou in China in the same month. Kajiura is a veteran anime and game composer, known for her comp...
Anime NYC Hosts Hip Hop Duo Creepy Nuts
Mashle, Call of the Night song performers hold 1st U.S. concert on August 23
― The staff for the Anime NYC event announced on Friday that it will host hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts for their first U.S. concert at this year's event. The group will perform on August 23 at 6:30 p.m. A purchased concert ticket is required in addition to a convention badge. There are several tiers of tickets, including general ...
Studios MAPPA, Contrail Collaborate on Pokémon Music Video
Nulbarich & Sunny (feat. UMI) perform song 'Lucky' based on Pokémon Center theme
― Need a pick-me-up? The official Japanese YouTube channel for the Pokémon franchise posted a new music video on Friday. The video features the song "Lucky" by Nulbarich and Sunny (feat. UMI), based on the game series' iconic Pokémon Center theme. Anime studios MAPPA and Contrail collaborated on the music video. The musi...
ONE PIECE Music Symphony 25th Anniversary Concert will Premiere soon in the US…
Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of One Piece with this special orchestra concert!
― Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of One Piece with this special orchestra concert! The most memorable moments of the beloved TV series will be projected on a giant screen to the sound of a 50-musician orchestra! In only a few weeks, the ONE PIECE Music Symphony 25 th Anniversary Tour will premiere in the US on...
Kiratto Pri☆Chan Spawns Virtual Musical for 5th Anniversary
Kiratto Pri☆Chan characters come together for special performance
― Although the first idol anime series was arguably 1983's Magical Angel Creamy Mami, it wasn't until the 2010s when the genre really took off with series and franchises like Love Live!, Pretty Rhythm, and Tsukiuta., among many others. With modern idol anime comes a lot of multi-media projects. One of those projects was the recent Kira...
Demon Slayer Anime Gets Live Concert Tour in NY/CA in September
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba In Concert" opens in Brooklyn on September 21, San Francisco on September 28
― The music of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is coming to the U.S. in a concert tour! Aniplex of America, GEA Live, RoadCo Entertainment, and Crunchyroll announced on Tuesday that they are producing a live concert for the Demon Slayer anime. "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba In Concert" will pr...
Rock Band Hitsujibungaku Goes on Asian Tour in July
Band travels to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Hong Kong
― The official website for the rock band Hitsujibungaku announced on April 21 that it will hold a concert tour in Asia that will travel to Singapore on July 3, Kuala Lumpur on July 4, Manila on July 6, and Hong Kong on July 8. The band is known for performing The Heike Story anime's opening theme song "Hikaru Toki," The House of the Lost on t...
Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc Anime Reveals New Ending Song by HYDExMY FIRST STORY
'Eikyū -Tokoshie-' debuts in episode 2 on Sunday
― The staff for the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc television anime confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday that HYDE×MY FIRST STORY is performing the new ending theme song "Eikyū -Tokoshie-" (Eternity -Eternity-), which premieres in the second episode on Sunday. Yuki Kajiura wrote the music and lyrics for the song, and also a...
What's Your Favorite Anime Song? (Part 1)
Just a few days left to nominate your favorite theme songs!
Pop Star Crystal Kay on Singing Anime Songs and Growing Up Mixed-Race in Japan
Crystal Kay previously sang themes for 2004's Fullmetal Alchemist and Nodame Cantabile
― Recently, Anime News Network was able to sit down with singer-songwriter Crystal Kay and talk about not only her involvement with anime over the years but also what it was like to grow up in Japan as the child of a Korean-Japanese mother and an African-American father. Anime fans likely know of Crystal Kay throug...
Survive Said the Prophet's 'Make / Break Yourself' N. America Tour Hits 7 Cities in July (Updated)
Band performs in New York, Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Diego from July 3-15
―
Rock ensemble Survive Said the Prophet announced its "Make / Break Yourself" North American tour dates on Monday. Tickets for the tour are currently on sale. The tour dates and venues are: July 3 – NY, New York, Le Poisson Rouge
July 5– ON, Toronto, Lee's Palace
July 7– IL, Chicago, Reggies
July 1...
Ghibli's Composer Joe Hisaishi Warns Against Unauthorized Use of His Music
Hisaishi's company Wonder City Inc. requests those without permission cease arranging his scores
― Among all anime music composers, only a few have left a mark on the anime industry. One of those composers is Joe Hisaishi, the composer for many of the songs featured in Studio Ghibli movies such as Spirited Away, Nausicaa, My Neighbor Totoro. His memorable scores have shaped music heard in anime. Howe...
MAPPA Animates Music Video for Eve, PEOPLE 1's Deu
"Like the Flatwoods Monster" began streaming on Friday
― The stage is set for a collaboration between MAPPA, Eve, and Deu of PEOPLE 1! Studio MAPPA has animated the music video for "Like the Flatwoods Monster" ("Flatwoods Monster Mitai ni"), a new song by Eve (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, My Hero Academia) and vocalist/bass guitarist Deu of PEOPLE 1 (Chainsaw Man, Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Ches...
MAN WITH A MISSION Announces 'Kizuna no Kiseki' N. American Tour
U.S. presale begins on April 30, Mexico presale begins on May 1
― Japanese band rock band MAN WITH A MISSION announced on Monday the North American tour "Kizuna no Kiseki," which sees the group performing at six different cities in the United States and Mexico. The tour begins on June 25. Crunchyroll presale tickets for the U.S. begin on Tuesday, and presale tickets for Mexico begin on May 1. General...
What's Your Favorite Anime Song? (Part 1)
Eager to see which anime song steals the spotlight? Nominate your favorite anime songs.
Japanese Music Sales Revenue Increases by 10% in 2023
Combined revenue sales total 337.2 billion yen
― The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) released its Statistics and Trends: RIAJ Year Book" report for the Japanese music industry for 2023 on March 29 and an English version of the report this month. Audio Sales According to the report, the combined revenue acquired through sales of music software in Japan increased by 10% in 2023 compared ...
Otakon to Host FLOW as Part of Rock Band's World Tour
FLOW to perform in 5 continents for anime song concert tour
― The staff of the Otakon convention announced on Friday that rock band FLOW will perform at this year's event on August 2. The concert will be part of FLOW's first five-continent tour "FLOW World Tour: Anime Shibari 2024-2025." The concert, as well as the entire tour, will feature only songs that FLOW have performed for anime. The tour's vi...
Japanese TV Special Ranks Top Anime Songs, as Chosen by Foreign Fans
What are non-Japanese anime fans' top choices?
― Fans have been debating the greatest anime songs as long as anime has been around. Japanese TV regularly raises the topic for domestic fans, but every so often, Japan also presents the international perspective. On April 21, TV Asahi hosted a nearly three-hour special ranking favorite anime songs by non-Japanese and non-domestic anime fans. In a March ...
YOASOBI Musical Duo Adds New York City, Boston Stops to U.S. Summer Tour
Summer shows begin with Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL from August 1-4
― Yoasobi announced on Twitter on Monday that the J-pop group will add New York City and Boston stops to their U.S. tour. The tour dates and locations include:
Radio City Music Hall at New York City — August 6
MGM Musical Hall at Fenway at Boston, MA — August 8 Crunchyroll pre-sale tickets begin on April 25, while general public sale...
Dempagumi.inc Idol Group to Disband in Early 2025
Group to hold last tour from October 8 to early next year
― The official website for the idol group Dempagumi.inc announced on Saturday that the group will disband in early 2025 after 16 years together. The announcement noted that the group members and their crew had one discussion after another about the group's future and their individual futures, before making this decision. The group will hold a ...
Rock Band the GazettE's Bassist Reita Dies
Band performed theme song for Black Butler II
― The official website for Japanese rock band the GazettE announced on Tuesday that their bassist Reita died on Monday. There will be a memorial service for close relatives. The GazettE (formerly known as Gazette) formed in 2002 with vocalist Ruki, bassist Reita, and lead guitarist Uruha. Uruha and Ruki are current members alongside guitarist Aoi and drum...
Aniplus Asia Screens Bocchi the Rock! 'Fixed Star' 2023 Concert in Singapore
Concert screens in Singapore on May 11
― Aniplus Asia announced on Friday that it will screen the "Fixed Star" concert for the Bocchi the Rock! franchise in theaters in Singapore on May 11. The franchise held the concert at Zepp Haneda in Tokyo in May 2023. The Blu-ray Disc and DVD for the concert's live recording shipped in Japan in November 2023, and the concert album released on January 18 earlier...
AFA Indonesia Hosts Ayaka Ōhashi, Kobo Kanaeru, Liyuu, NANO, Shuka Saitō, More
Sangatsu no Phantasia, ClariS, ASCA, Who-ya Extended also perform in May convention
― Anime Festival Asia announced last Friday its lineup of musical guests for the upcoming AFA Indonesia convention. #AFAID24 Don't miss two amazing nights of concerts!🎟️All Concert Ticket tiers are on sale now via https://t.co/183YqScTV6📢 Stay tuned for more!Anime Festival Asia Indonesia 2024📅3-5 May📍Jakarta Conventio...
Arashi Idol Group Members Establish New Company
Members want to 'be more independent than ever before'
― All five members of the male idol group Arashi announced on Wednesday that they have established a new company. The announcement is available in both English and Japanese on the Starto Entertainment talent agency's official website, which also opened on Wednesday. The announcement does not specify the relationship between the Arashi members' ne...
AFA Indonesia Hosts Singer Sayuri as Musical Guest
AFA Indonesia takes place on May 3-5
― The official Twitter account for the Anime Festival Asia convention announced on Wednesday that singer Sayuri will attend the upcoming AFA Indonesia convention as a musical guest. #AFAID24 Joining us at I LOVE ANISONG is Sayuri (@taltalasuka)!🎟️All Concert Ticket tiers are on sale now via https://t.co/183YqScTV6📢 Stay tuned for more!Anime Festival Asia Indonesia...
Sexy Zone Idol Group Changes Name to timelesz
Kento Nakajima left group on Sunday
― The three remaining members of the formerly Johnny & Associates (now Smile-Up and Starto Entertainment) group Sexy Zone announced on Monday that they have changed their group name to timelesz. The group specified in a livestream on Monday that the name change was not an April Fools' joke. The group also announced they are recruiting a new member. The name of the ...
One Piece Music Symphony 25th Anniversary World Tour announced!
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of "One Piece" with a live orchestrated performance of its beloved music.
― Celebrate the 25th anniversary of One Piece with an orchestrated array of the famous anime's classic music! Relive One Piece's greatest moments as a live orchestra plays in perfect sync with the exciting action and heartfelt moments on-screen. It's a magical way to commemorate the long life of ...
Interview: JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa Talks About Composing Songs for Junji Ito and Banished From the Hero's Party
Daijirō Nakagawa talks about his band, their evolution, and what it's like to compose anime theme songs.
― If you've seen either of the Junji Ito anthology anime or either season of Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, you've heard the music of JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa. Recently, Anime News Network sat down with him to talk about his band, their evolutio...
Karasu wa Aruji o Erabanai Anime Unveils Ending Song Artist
Akiko Shikata performs "Tokoshie" ending theme for April 6 anime
― The official website for the television anime of Chisato Abe's Karasu wa Aruji o Erabanai (The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master) novel, the second novel of her Yatagarasu novel series, revealed the anime's ending theme song "Tokoshie" (Eternity) by Akiko Shikata on Sunday. According to Shikata, she wrote the song specifically for the ...
Spice & Wolf: merchant meets the wise wolf Anime Reveals Theme Song Artists
Hana Hope performs "Tabi no Yukue" opening, ClariS performs "Andante" ending
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the new Ōkami to Kōshinryō: merchant meets the wise wolf (Spice & Wolf: merchant meets the wise wolf) television anime based on author Isuna Hasekura's Spice & Wolf light novel series revealed the artists behind the opening and ending theme songs on Sunday. Hana Hope performs t...
YOASOBI Musical Duo Holds Concerts in L.A. on April 18, San Francisco on April 21
Duo to also perform at Crunchyroll Anime Awards on March 2, Coachella on April 12 & 19
― Crunchyroll announced on Wednesday that it will host music duo YOASOBI as musical guests for its Crunchyroll Anime Awards on March 2. The duo will also have concerts at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles on April 18, and The Warfield in San Francisco on April 21. The duo will also perform at the Coa...
Mina Okabe Contributes 'Every Second' Song as A Condition Called Love Anime's Ending Theme
April anime to use song's Japanese version
―
The official website for the television anime of Megumi Morino's A Condition Called Love (Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai) manga announced on Wednesday that Mina Okabe's single "Every Second" (Japanese version) will be the anime's ending theme song. The Danish-Japanese artist released the original "Every Second" song on her debut album in 2021, and the song's...
Yoasobi, Hatsune Miku, Atarashii Gakkō! to Perform at Coachella
Hatsune Miku finally gets to perform at Coachella after the 2020 festival was canceled
― The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival announced its full lineup of performers on January 17, and three Japanese artists will perform this year in one of the world's most anticipated music festivals. Pop duo YOASOBI is slated to perform on April 12 and 19, renowned vocaloid icon Hatsune Miku will perform on...
Oshi no Ko's Ai Voice Actress Rie Takahashi Covers Yoasobi's 'Idol' Song
Music video of Takahashi's "Idol" cover premiered on February 2, now has 6.5 million views
― Just when you think the opening theme song of the first season of the Oshi no Ko anime "Idol" by YOASOBI could not get any better than it already has, Ai's voice actress Rie Takahashi did a cover of the hit song, and its music video premiered on YouTube on February 2. The video now has 6.5 million views as of...
Survive Said the Prophet Announces U.S. Tour Dates in April (Updated)
Band performs in Seattle, Portland, Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Diego from April 2-9
― Update: The April tour has been rescheduled to July. ANN's original article is below. Rock ensemble Survive Said the Prophet announced the tour dates for its “MAKE / BREAK YOURSELF The West Coast Tour” on Friday. Tickets for the tour are currently on sale. The tour marks the first American tour for the band. The ban...
AAA Members Nissy, SKY-HI Perform BLUELOCK -Episode Nagi- Film's Theme Song
Takahiro Nishijima, MItsuhiro Hidaka contribute song for April 19 film
― The official website for the anime film of Kōta Sannomiya's BLUELOCK -Episode Nagi- spinoff of Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yūsuke Nomura's Blue Lock soccer manga announced on Sunday that artists Nissy and SKY-HI are performing the film's theme song "Stormy." The song's single will debuton April 17. Takahiro Nishijima is a member of t...
Takayuki Kondō, Daisuke Ono to Stop Performing as TRD Duo on June 26
Duo formed in 2021 as a musical unit
― TRD — Takayuki Kondō and Daisuke Ono's "technologic vocal unit" — announced in a new YouTube video on Friday that the duo will end their activities after the release of their album What's Going On?. The album will ship on June 26. The duo expressed their gratitude to their fans for their support through the years. The album will contain 10 tracks and a special e...
King Gnu Band Hold Asian Concert Tour in April
Band travel to Taiwan, Singapore, China, S. Korea
― Japanese rock band King Gnu announced on Thursday that they will have a concert tour in Asia in April. The band will hold concerts at the Taipei Music Center in Taiwan on April 6 to 7, The Star Theatre in Singapore on April 10, the Jing'an Sports Center in Shanghai, and the Olympic Hall in Seoul. The band first formed as Mrs.Vinci in 2013, later cha...
RADWIMPS Goes on Tour in Asia in May
Tour travels to Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, S. Korea
― Rock band RADWIMPS announced on Friday that they will go on tour in two locations in Japan and then six countries in Asia in April to May. The tour, labeled "The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace," will first travel to Yoyogi National Stadium 1st Gymnasium in Tokyo on April 6 and 7, then Pia Arena MM in Yokohama on Ap...
Nintendo to Stream Legend of Zelda Orchestra Concert on February 9
Nintendo's Japanese YouTube channel to also stream Splatoon 3 concert
― It's dangerous to go alone, so listen to some orchestral music as you go! Nintendo announced on Wednesday that it will stream the full pre-recorded performance for "The Legend of Zelda Orchestra Concert" on YouTube on February 9 at 8:00 a.m. EST. Although it is not a pre-recorded performance, it isn't clear how long the video wil...
Nami Tamaki Performs Gundam Seed Opening in The First Take Video Before New Film's Release
Bring in Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom celebrations with a single take of its opening theme
― Over 20 years ago, the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise entered a new phase with Mobile Suit Gundam Seed. It was a new take on an old series and resonated with the youth of the time. Then, fans were hit with the 25th episode and its J-pop opening theme song, “Believe” by Nami Tamaki, complete with a whole new ...
Waccha PriMagi Studio Arcade Game to End Service
Renewal of Waccha PriMagi game launched in November 2022
― The official Twitter account for Waccha PriMagi Studio, the renewal of the Waccha PriMagi arcade game, announced on Friday that the game will be gradually ending service after the update of the second Pretty All-Star part on February 1. Previously released item collections will be re-released starting on February 8. Friday's announcement did...
Rock Band CHAI Break Up
Band performed theme songs for Oshiete Hokusai!, Kedama no Gonjiro anime
― Rock band CHAI announced on Thursday that they are breaking up following their upcoming tour in Japan. The band stated that this is so that the members can continue their "journey of self-love" and fulfill their "own personal visions." Members Mana, Kana, Yuuki and Yuna formed the band in 2012. CHAI are known for their term "n...
Hiroshi Kitadani Performs 1st One Piece Opening in The First Take Video
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of a legendary anime song with a single take YouTube video
― Twenty-five years ago the Japanese airwaves were graced with arguably one of the best anime series ever made: One Piece. However, it wasn't just the story that captivated audiences on a fateful Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. The opening theme song "We Are!" by Hiroshi Kitadani played an integral role in solidify...
Yoshiki Gives Heartfelt Performance at Hollywood Unveiling Ceremony
Rock star and X Japan member is the first Japanese artist in almost 100 years to add handprints to Chinese Theatre.
―
Famed rock star, Yoshiki, revealed the permanent location of his imprints in front of Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theatre. As the first Japanese artist to be honored by the theater since the start of the tradition in 1927, he shared how grateful he is to be a part of this prestigious mom...
GLAY Reveals Key Visual by One Piece's Eiichiro Oda for 30th Anniversary Expo
For their 30th anniversary, Japanese band Glay got surprise artwork from legendary manga author
― Formed in 1988, the Japanese band Glay saw moderate success on the independent circuit. However, it wasn't until 1994 when they signed with Extasy Records and began to see massive success. Now celebrating their 30th anniversary of their, what the Japanese music industry calls, major debut, Glay is using ...
Yoasobi's 'Idol' Song Dominates Billboard Japan 2023 Charts
Take a guess how many year-ender charts the song topped
― It looks like the number "1" is synonymous to YOASOBI and their song "Idol" — the opening theme song of Oshi no Ko anime — in 2023. After topping the Music category of Yahoo! Japan Search Awards 2023, the song "Idol" also topped five song charts of Billboard Japan in 2023. We repeat, that's five song charts, topped by one song, in one year. Th...
Wagakki Band to Go on Indefinite Hiatus at End of 2024
8 members decide to focus on individual careers before reuniting later
― The official website for the musical group Wagakki Band announced on Sunday that the band will go into an indefinite hiatus on December 31, 2024, with all eight of its members focusing on their individual careers and activities. The members of the band had been holding discussions regarding the band's future since around fall 20...
New Japan Philharmonic to Perform Music from Golden Kamuy Anime
Relive anime through orchestral rendition of soundtrack on March 30-31 in Tokyo
― As the Golden Kamuy manga has ended in April 2022 and the anime's fifth season is in production, fans will need to find other methods to get their fix for the series. Luckily, fans of the anime's music will get an early fix with the Golden Kamuy Orchestra Concert 2024. Announced last Sunday, the Golden Kamuy Orchestra C...
It's Double Victory for Oshi no Ko Anime in Yahoo! Japan Search Awards 2023
Oshi no Ko tops Anime category, its opening song "Idol" by YOASOBI tops Music category
― The Oshi no Ko anime closes 2023 with a double victory, as it tops the Anime category, and its opening song "Idol" by YOASOBI tops the Music category of the Yahoo! Japan Search Awards 2023. Hayao Miyazaki's latest film The Boy and the Heron tops this year's Film category, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kin...
Anime Boston 2024 Hosts Band Queen Bee
Band have performed theme songs for Oshi no Ko, Undead Unluck, more
― The staff of Anime Boston announced on Friday that the 2024 event will host Japanese band Queen Bee. The band formed in 2009, and have performed theme songs for Dororo (TV 2019), Oshi no Ko, Raven of the Inner Palace, Tokyo Ghoul:re, Undead Unluck, and Chainsaw Man. The group have also performed theme songs for the Sadako live-acti...
Spotify Reveals Top Streamed Anime Songs for 2023
Spotify reveals how many anime songs people listened to online this year
― With 2023 coming to an end, many companies are releasing their top lists. Spotify is among them with its lists for top played artists, albums, and songs. Did any anime songs break into the top 10? Well, it depends on the region. Spotify Japan @SpotifyJp revealed the top streamed artists and songs over 2023 as part of their #Sp...
Kyoto Animation Works on Hagureboshi no Uta Picture Book, Music Project With Evan Call
Taichi Ishidate directs project with illustrations by Shiori Yamazaki, story by Ayano Sato
― The folks who do beautiful work at Kyoto Animation are planning a humble new project: a picture book titled Hagureboshi no Uta (The Song of the Wandering Star), with accompanying soundtrack CD by Evan Call, who last collaborated with the studio in the Romantic classical music-inspired soundtrack of Violet Eve...
Living as a Real Life “Hannah Montana” – An Interview with Virtual Singer KAF
KAF is one of the most popular virtual singers in Japan. Ahead of her upcoming concerts next month, we talked about what it's like to live with a secret identity.
― KAF is one of the most popular virtual singers in Japan. Several of her songs have become Top 40 downloaded hits (along with two of her albums breaking the Oricon Digital Top 10) and she's even sold out the Nippon Budokan (the Japanese eq...
Innai Keisatsu Live-Action TV Series Reveals SennaRin to Perform Opening Theme Song
Eve performs ending theme song 'pray'
― The staff of the live-action television series adaptation of Tsutomu Sakai and Ichi Hayashi's Innai Keisatsu: Asclepius no Hebi manga announced on Monday SennaRin will perform the opening theme song "NOD." Hiroyuki Sawano will compose and arrange the song. Sawano will also compose the ending theme song "pray" by eve. The single for "NOD" will release on Januar...
Singer ReoNa Performs in Taiwan, Hong Kong in January
ReoNA performs in Taiwan on Janaury 27, in Hong Kong on January 28
― The official website for singer ReoNa announced on Monday that the singer will perform at the Clapper Studio in Taiwan on January 27, and at Music Zone＠E-MAX in Hong Kong on January 28. ReoNa previously performed the ending theme song for the Happy Sugar Life anime, and also performed several insert songs for the Sword Art Online Al...
Rock Band KANA-BOON Halts Activities for Rest of Year; Takahiro Koizumi, Hayato Koga Leave Group
Announcement follows tabloid report last week about drummer Takahiro Koizumi
― Rock band KANA-BOON announced on Monday that the band will halt their activities for the rest of the year. The announcement also stated that drummer Takahiro Koizumi and guitarist Hayato Koga will leave the group, after the agency terminated their contracts. The band are canceling all their appearances and performances for...
Singer Ado Announces 'Wish' World Tour Dates for U.S., Europe
Tour includes 8 different cities including Paris, New York, Los Angeles
― Crunchyroll announced on Thursday it is bringing Ado's "Wish" tour to eight different cities in the United States and Europe in March and April. Tour stops include:Mar 9 - Brussels, Belgium - ING Arena
Mar 11 - Paris, France - Zénith Paris - La Villette
Mar 13 - London, England - Troxy
Mar 16 - Dusseldorf, Germany - Mitsubishi ...
Pop Duo See-Saw Return to Gundam SEED for Freedom Film's Ending Song
Chiaki Ishikawa, Yuki Kajiura's 1st new song in about 2 decades
― The members of the pop duo See-Saw are contributing "Sarigiwa no Romantics" (Romantics Upon Parting), their first new song in about two decades, as the ending theme song for the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom film. See-Saw, composed of vocalist Chiaki Ishikawa and keyboardist/composer Yuki Kajiura, had previously performed ending them...
Singer Ado Holds Concert Tour in Asia in February
Tour travels to Bangkok, Taipei, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Jakarta
― The official website of singer Ado announced on Friday that she will hold a concert tour in Bangkok, Taipei, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Jakarta in February. Ado's tour will also continue to America and Europe in March and April. The concert tour will go to Thunder Dome in Bangkok on February 2, then Taipei Music Cente...
Singer Vicke Blanka Goes on 1st N. American Tour
Tour goes to 10 locations from January 31-February 20
― Avex Entertainment announced on Friday that singer and songwriter Vicke Blanka (Vickeblanka, real name Junya Yamaike) is going on his first North American Tour titled "Vicke Blanka North American Tour 2024." Tickets are now on sale. Vicke Blanka will perform on the following 10 dates: January 31: Vancouver - Vogue Theater
February 2: Denver - Go...
Eve Singer Holds Concerts in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Taipei in May, June
Singer performs in Singapore on May 22, in Kuala Lumpur on May 26, in Taipei on June 5
― Singaporean events company Sozo Pte. Ltd. announced on November 26 that singer Eve will hold concerts in Seoul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Taipei, and Yokohama in May to June 2024. The Seoul concert will take place on May 12, followed by the Singapore concert on May 22, the Kuala Lumpur concert on May 24, ...
The Boy and the Heron Film Gets Animated Music Video
English-subtitled video features Kenshi Yonezu's theme song "Chikyūgi," set to footage of film
― The official YouTube channel for singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu began streaming a music video for Hayao Miyazaki's latest feature film The Boy and the Heron (Kimi-tachi wa Dō Ikiru ka, or literally How Do You Live?), featuring Yonezu's "Chikyūgi" (Spinning Globe) theme song for the. The video includes an...
NHK Posts Human Rights Guidelines for Kōhaku Song Contest
Another "first" for this year's program
― The streak of odd firsts for NHK's 74th Kōhaku Uta Gassen ("Red and White Song Contest") — Japan's most-watched music television program — continues, as the program posted "guidelines for respecting human rights for performers" on its website for the first time. On November 13, NHK revealed the lineup of artists for this year's program, and the list did not i...
YOASOBI Musical Duo Holds Concerts in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta in January
Duo to perform in Singapore on January 11, in Kuala Lumpur on January 14, in Jakarta on January 116
― Singaporean events company Sozo Pte. Ltd. announced on Tuesday that music duo YOASOBI will perform concerts in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta in January. The Singapore concert will take place at the Resorts World Ballroom on January 11. The Kuala Lumpur concert will take place at Zepp Kuala Lum...
Sanrio's Ikemen Knights Sing Their Hearts Out
Sanrio's project includes original songs, music videos, voice dramas
― The pretty boys of Sanrio's Fragaria Memories project want to capture your heart with their singing voices in a new music video. The mascot-inspired boys of the Red Bouquet faction are kicking off the multimedia project with their new song and music video titled "Ever Red," which debuted at the Anime Girls Festival 2023 earlier th...
Attack on Titan Theme Song Artist SiM Announces N. American Tour
Ticket presales for Playdead World Tour Season 1 begin on Wednesday
― Crunchyroll announced on Tuesday the Japanese Alternative rock band SiM (Silence iz Mine) will embark on a North American Tour in in 2024 from April 19-May 24. The band will play 24 shows across the United States and Canada in their Playdead World Tour Season 1, with groups Fame on Fire and Within Destruction. The band will perfor...
Kōhaku Song Contest Reveals 2023 Lineup With No Former Johnny's Artists for the 1st Time in 44 Years
Ado, singing voice of Uta from One Piece Film Red, debuts on the program as herself
― NHK revealed the lineup for the 74th Kōhaku Uta Gassen ("Red and White Song Contest"), Japan's most-watched music television program, on Monday. This year's show goes for a different first, as no former Johnny's (now Smile Up) artists will perform on the show. A first in 44 years since 1979. NHK previously stated in...
2PM's Chansung, AK-69, 2AM's Changmin Perform Re:Monster Anime's Opening Song
"Into the Fire" theme for anime based on Kogitsune Kanekiru's light novels
― The staff for the television anime of Kogitsune Kanekiru's Re:Monster light novel series announced on Saturday that Korean group 2PM member Chansung and Japanese hiphop artist AK-69 (featuring 2AM group member Changmin) are performing the opening theme song for the anime titled "Into the Fire." The staff describe the theme a...
Kenshi Yonezu's Hit Song 'Kick Back' Achieves Historic RIAA Gold Certification
Another feat added to Yonezu and J-pop's list of historic firsts
― Artist Kenshi Yonezu just made a first in Japanese music history after the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded him a Gold certification for his song "KICK BACK," the opening theme song of last October's Chainsaw Man anime. This is the first time that a song written and performed in Japanese has received a Gold cer...
Cö shu Nie, Hiroyuki Sawano, SennaRin, Survive Said The Prophet Perform at Anime NYC on November 17
"Crunchyroll Night of Live Music" concert takes place on November 18 at New York City's Javits Center.
― Crunchyroll announced last week that it will host the "Center Stage With Crunchyroll Live Music Artists" panel on November 17 and the "Crunchyroll Night of Live Music" concert on November 18 at Anime NYC. The following artists will perform at the one-night concert on the River Pavilion – Crunchyro...
Lain Title Song Gets New Video, New Fans, and a Reformed Band
The British band Bôa has reformed thanks to the huge popularity of its single "Duvet"
― For many older anime fans, the song "Duvet" — with lyrics including I am falling, I am fading, I have lost it all — will always be the title song for the 1998 series Serial Experiments Lain, and incomplete without a jeering voice at the start saying "Present day! Present time! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" However, the mournful,...
Sailor Moon's Naoko Takeuchi Illustrates Single Cover Art for Blackpink's Jennie
Jennie launched "You & Me" single on October 6
― Sailor Moon and Blackpink: Name a more iconic duo. No, really. Sailor Moon creator Naoko Takeuchi has collaborated with K-pop group Blackpink member Jennie, providing the cover art for her latest single "You & Me," which debuted earlier this month on October 6. The artwork portrays Jennie, in Takeuchi's iconic style, in front of a moon. The moon's pres...
Johnny's West Idol Group Changes Name to 'WEST.'
Johnny's Jr. stable also changes name to "Jr."
― Idol group Johnny's WEST announced on Wednesday that they have changed their name to "WEST." (with a period), removing the "Johnny's" from their name in the aftermath of the sexual abuse scandal surrounding the group's Smile Up (formerly Johnny & Associates) talent agency. The agency's stable of young trainee idol groups known as Johnny's Jr. is now si...
AFA Singapore Reveals Guests Shigure Ui, Ai Kayano, Yumi Uchiyama, Sōma Saitō, Amane Shindo, More
Yuka Nishio, Hina Aoki, MAPPA staff Manabu Ohtsuka, Yuichiro Hayashi, Mari Okada also attend
― Anime Festival Asia announced on Tuesday that it will host voice actors Ai Kayano, Yumi Uchiyama, Sōma Saitō, Amane Shindo, Yuka Nishio, and Hina Aoki, members from animation studio MAPPA (including Manabu Otsuka, Yuichiro Hayashi, and Mari Okada), and VTuber Shigure Ui. The event will also host premiere sc...
Burnout Syndromes Performs in Singapore on Friday
Band performed theme songs for Haikyu!!, Dr. Stone, Those Snow White Notes
― Japanese rock band Burnout Syndromes will perform at the Gateway Theatre in Singapore this Friday. The band announced the tour in August. Burnout Syndromes performed the opening themes for three seasons of the Haikyu!! anime, and the ending theme song "Hana Ichi Monme" for the fourth season of Gintama. It also performed the ...
New Starmyu Musical Series Announced for 2024
Documentary commemorating previous stage shows now streaming on YouTube
― The Starmyu musical staff announced on Twitter on Tuesday that the stage shows will be relaunched in a new series in 2024. There will be a live event on October 16 that will feature new cast announcements. To commemorate the previous series of shows, the staff released a documentary video with the cast members looking back on t...
Dropkick on My Devil! TV Anime Spinoff Reveals Theme Song Artists
Aina Suzuki, Leola feat. EXILE NESMITH perform theme songs
― The official website for the Dropkick on My Devil! franchise revealed the theme song artists for Jashin-chan Dropkick: Seikimatsu-hen (Dropkick on My Devil! Apocalypse Arc), the new spinoff anime for the franchise, on Tuesday. Aina Suzuki, the voice of the titular Jashin-chan, performs the opening theme song "Apocalypse Day," while Leola pe...
EXCLUSIVE: Listen to Castlevania: Nocturne Song 'My Sister'
Composers Trevor Morris and composer Trey Toy worked on the soundtrack, available digitally on October 6
― ANN has an exclusive premiere of the song "My Sister" from the Netflix original series Castlevania: Nocturne by composers Trevor Morris and Trey Toy. The dark, brooding song is part of the larger soundtrack from the series, available from Lakeshore Records on Friday. Lakeshore Records will relea...
Singer yama Goes on Solo Asian Tour in November-December
Singer to perform in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan
― Singer yama announced last Thursday that she will have her first solo Asia tour from November to December later this year. Her venues and dates for the tour include: November 28: Zepp Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
November 29: Capitol Theatre (Singapore)
December 1: The Podium (Manila, Philippines)
December 3: The Port...
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