BE:FIRST Unveil Music Video for New Single ‘Masterplan’ – a Fusion of Hip-Hop with a Distinctive ‘Made in Japan’ Flair!

Seven-member dance and vocal ensemble, BE:FIRST, announced the release of their latest single, 'Masterplan' across all digital music streaming platforms

The electrifying track 'Masterplan' saw its initial performance during BE:FIRST's inaugural Tokyo Dome concert, titled BE:FIRST LIVE in DOME 2024 ‘Mainstream – Masterplan’. Serving as a sequel to their earlier hits 'Boom Boom Back' and 'Mainstream', the single features compelling Eastern rhythms crafted by producer Ryosuke "Dr.R" Sakai, the creator behind previous challenging numbers for BE:FIRST, such as 'Gifted.', 'BF is...', and 'Mainstream'.

This hip-hop anthem maintains the group's unique musical trajectory, showcasing their impressive artistry and solidifying their signature sound.

 The music video encapsulates the idea that BE:FIRST's astronomical rise since their debut has been anything but coincidental, but instead part of a well-orchestrated "masterplan". Paying homage to the group's past works, the video references the success of their track 'Mainstream', which topped 116 different charts, and the significant achievement of their Tokyo Dome concert.

The result is a thoughtfully curated visual narrative, marking each milestone as a preconceived chapter in BE:FIRST's journey.

The video's concluding image of a massive cherry blossom tree aptly embodies the song's spirit and the quintessential "Made in Japan" aesthetic characteristic of BE:FIRST. A grand cherry tree piercing through concrete symbolizes the band's resilience, with seven sturdy branches representing each member, all adorned with flourishing cherry blossoms. It's a visual masterpiece that merges hip-hop with a distinctive Japanese essence, declaring an impassioned musical statement to offer the world.

Be sure to check out the ‘Masterplan’ on all streaming platforms here, along with the dance performance video for the track below!

 ‘Masterplan’

Lyrics by SKY-HI

Music by Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai, Daisuke Nakamura, and SKY-HI

Produced by SKY-HI, Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai

Choreography by SOTA (BE:FIRST) and ReiNa

Total production by SKY-HI (BMSG)

Concert Review: STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION

Photo credits by JUS Management

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As the lights dimmed and the anticipation in the air reached its peak, the stage came alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and pulsating beats. The venue at Kawaii Kon was buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly awaited the start of STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION concert. As a fervent enthusiast of his work, I couldn't have been more thrilled to be part of this electrifying event. STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION is a sound-making project by R.O.N., who is mostly known for his songwriting/composition/arrangement for many anime sound tracks.

From the moment the first track ‘#02’ began to reverberate through the speakers, it was evident that this concert would be a feast for both the ears and the eyes for new-comers and fans alike. The seamless fusion of high energy compositions and anime visuals created an immersive experience that transported the audience into a world of vibrant energy and felt like they were part of the series itself. The track list, consisting of fifteen carefully curated songs, was a testament to the diverse range of musical styles throughout various genre. Each track brought its own unique flavor to the mix, keeping the energy levels soaring throughout the night.

One of the standout moments for me of the concert was the performance of “SPARKLES”, a track that focused a lot more R.O.N’s vocals in a ballad like composition. I had found myself completely lost in the music, swept away by its emotional intensity of his vocal range. Another highlight was the inclusion of a cover of ‘Guilty Night, Guilty Kiss!’ from the popular Love Live! Series, which R.O.N worked on as the main composer and arrangement for the sub group Guilty Kiss. I was blown was by the way it was covered and absolutely love every minute of it.

Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the concert was the atmosphere of pure joy and camaraderie that permeated the venue. As strangers danced side by side, united by their shared love of music and anime, there was a sense of community that transcended language and cultural barriers. It was a testament to the universal power of music to bring people together and create moments of genuine connection.

As the concert drew to a close with a euphoric finale, R.O.N brought on one more surprise guest, Brittney Karbowski, the voice actress of Rimuru of the series That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime to introduce his last song  ‘PEACEKEEPER’. The opening theme song for the upcoming Third Season.   

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION concert was a dazzling spectacle that exceeded all expectations. From the eclectic tracklist to the stunning visuals and R.O.N out of this world’s vocals, every aspect of the event was meticulously crafted to delight the senses and ignite the imagination. But beyond the technical prowess and R.O.N brilliance, it was the sense of unity and shared passion that made this concert truly unforgettable. If given the chance, I would gladly relive this experience again and again, as it was a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring magic of anime.

Boyband Da-iCE release new song ‘I wonder’ on April 17, along with YouTube Premiere of performance video!

‘I wonder’ Digital Jacket Cover

Popular boyband Da-iCE released their latest song ‘I wonder’ on Wednesday, April 17.

The lyrics to this new song were written by members Taiki Kudo and Sota Hanamura, with Hanamura also composing. The song incorporates the vibe of a drama series, focusing on the dual themes of “love” and “finding yourself” and comparing them to colors, from vivid ones to black and white, and all the layered combinations in between.

The performance video for ‘I wonder’ was also released as a YouTube Premiere. The choreography was devised by Hanamura in collaboration with Sungo (avex ROYALBRATS). The video’s simple and stylish composition shows the members of Da-iCE dancing gracefully in a space with no decoration except for the lighting, allowing you to truly focus on the group’s incredible dance performance.

Be sure to check out ‘I wonder’ on all streaming platforms here, along with the music video for the track below!

Kumi Koda releases 19th full-length album ‘UNICORN’! Best singles tour starts soon, ahead of Koda’s 25th anniversary!

UNICORN CD-only cover

Superstar Kumi Koda released her 19th full-length album ‘UNICORN’ on April 17, celebrating the 23rd anniversary of her debut. The album’s lead song ‘Silence’ was recently used as the theme song for the movie ‘Gold Boy’. The album also features original songs such as the TOKYO AUTO SALON 2024 tie-up song ‘Vroom’, covers of songs that have influenced Koda, and a solo version of ‘Trust · Last’, the theme song from Kamen Rider Geats, making for a varied selection of tracks.

Furthermore, from April 20, Koda will embark on a live tour of Japan titled KODA KUMI LIVE TOUR 2024 ~BEST SINGLE KNIGHT~, which kicks off ahead of her upcoming 25th anniversary.

This unmissable series of concerts will be packed to bursting with performances of Kumi Koda’s countless hit singles. Be sure to pre-load UNICORN here, and be sure to purchase the album here!

ASH DA HERO to Release “Beast Mode / Octave,” Insert Songs for Blue Lock -Episode Nagi-!

The five-member rock band ASH DA HERO, who belong to the MoooD Records label within Bandai Namco Music Live, have announced that their double A-side single “Beast Mode / Octave'' will be released on May 29, 2024.

“Beast Mode” and “Octave” were written specifically for Blue Lock -Episode Nagi-, and both songs are used for important scenes within the movie.

“Beast Mode” is centered around the concept of “awakening.” It is an “egotistical” song filled with respect and love for Blue Lock, uniquely crafted by ASH DA HERO, who were also responsible for the theme songs of the Blue Lock anime series. It serves as the anthem for the “awakening” of Team Z, led by Isagi, and we highly encourage you to watch this pivotal moment in the theater.

“Octave,” on the other hand, is a song specifically written for Nagi, the protagonist of the movie. The lyrics accurately capture his initial feeling on encountering Reo and Isagi during a period of boredom and apathy in his daily life, as well as how his emotions gradually change as he fights for survival within Blue Lock. While it may seem like a straightforward rock song when paired with scenes from the movie, it carries an emotional undertone that evokes tears.

Both songs were available for early streaming on various distribution platforms from April 19, coinciding with the theatrical release of Blue Lock -Episode Nagi-. We hope you will listen to them many times after watching the movie.

Furthermore, a music video for “Beast Mode” was  released on the same day. In this video, the protagonist desperately runs from “something,” while ASH DA HERO delivers an intense performance amidst intertwined cables and lighting that disconcertingly pulses like a beating heart. As the song progresses, the dynamic between the protagonist and the unidentified entity gradually changes. ASH DA HERO’s performance is pivotal to conveying the theme of “awakening” depicted in the song. Please observe the fate of these intertwined characters through the intense cut-ins featured in the video.

Last year, ASH DA HERO experienced rapid growth through a series of collaborations and nationwide tours, and there is no doubt that they will continue to evolve and “awaken” further in 2024. Don’t miss a single moment of their journey!

Be sure to check out “Octave” and “Beast Mode” on all digital streaming platforms, with the music video for “Beast Mode” below!