Sumire Uesaka Goes All Out on Songs of Tokyo!

We are excited to announce that our favourite anime-voice-actress-tank-and-assault-rifle-enthusiast Sumire Uesaka will be appearing on NHK WORLD's Japanese music show SONGS OF TOKYO! She'll be joined by another of Japan's top names from the world of anime songs: Shouta Aoi.

Sumire Uesaka will perform two of her biggest international hits on the program; POP TEAM EPIC, theme to the iconic series of the same name; and EASY LOVE, her latest single and theme to current anime hit DON'T TOY WITH ME, MISS NAGATORO.

The episode will be broadcast at the following times (based on JST):

NHK WORLD-JAPAN: 21 June 2021– 0:10, 5:10, 12:30, 18:30

NHK General TV: 26 June 2021 – 23:10

It will also be available to watch on demand for a limited time.

Sumire Uesaka comments, "I'll be performing 'EASY LOVE' and 'POP TEAM EPIC'. 'EASY LOVE' is a candid love song, while 'POP TEAM EPIC' is tinged with surrealism and emotion. That's the vibe. Watch SONGS OF TOKYO!"


Sumire Uesaka©NHK/ NHK WORLD

Sumire Uesaka

©NHK/ NHK WORLD

About Songs of Tokyo: Episode 23

SONGS OF TOKYO brings you the latest in the Japanese music scene. Episode 23 features Sumire Uesaka and Shouta Aoi, two artists from the uniquely Japanese genre of voice actor-artists. The pair have been in the international spotlight in 2021 and it will be their first time performing on a music program together!

Sumire Uesaka debuted as a voice actress in 2011 and an artist in 2013. She has voiced and sang the theme song for the animation DON'T TOY WITH ME, MISS NAGATORO, which is making a big splash abroad. The theme song has also been a big hit throughout North and South America. A big part of her appeal with fans is her 'otaku' personality. She has been praised by experts for her extensive knowledge on topics like Russia, tanks, and Lolita fashion.

Voice actor Shouta Aoi made his debut as a voice actor in 2011 and has since appeared in over 200 animations. Earning acclaim for versatile performances, he has even voiced female characters. In 2013, he began his career as an artist and got his break thanks to his distinct high-toned vocals. Known as a beauty fanatic, Aoi has charmed fans with his ever-changing appearance – he dons different costumes and makeup looks for each piece. He has established his name as the 'visual prince' of the voice-acting world.

This episode takes a closer look at Sumire Uesaka and Shouta Aoi, and their 'otaku spirit' and fans abroad share how it's a big part of their appeal. This 'otaku spirit' has become a universal language and serves as a bridge to the world. In the talk session, hosts Shingo Murakami and Chiaki Horan ask them questions like "How did you turn into an otaku?" and "How much of an otaku are you?". The pair also perform their latest hit songs. Don't miss the opportunity to get to know these big voice actor-artists on SONGS OF TOKYO!

Yuki Kajiura to Compose Music for Fena: Pirate Princess Coming Out in October 2021!

Fena: Pirate Princess is an 18th century tale of pirates, princesses, and samurai produced by Production I.G, one of Japan’s foremost animation studios, and directed by Kazuto Nakazawa, who is known for his film B: The Beginning. Set in an alternate history, the story depicts the journey and growth of the heroine Fena, a victim of the cruel wiles of fate. Today, the first key visual and promotional video were released.

The music will be provided by Yuki Kajiura, who has worked on the soundtracks of numerous anime including Tsubasa Chronicles and Sword Art Online and who produced “Homura”, the award-winning theme song of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train.

Comment from Yuki Kajiura:

“I am truly honored to have been given the opportunity to create the music for Fena: Pirate Princess, a romantic tale of treasure hunting on the ocean. I had a lot of fun composing music that would be suitable for an ocean adventure. The characters are unique, and the scenery as they travel is absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait to watch their full adventure from beginning to end. I hope that my music will be worthy of this anime, and that everyone who watches it will enjoy the soundtrack!”


Fena: Pirate Princess©Kazuto Nakazawa / Production I.G

Fena: Pirate Princess

©Kazuto Nakazawa / Production I.G

The main cast and staff were also revealed. The details are as follows:

 Cast

Fena Houtman: Asami Seto

Yukimaru: Ryōta Suzuki
Karin: Aoi Yūki

Shitan: Takahiro Sakurai

Enju: Gen Satō

Kaede: Ryōta Ōsaka

Makaba: Shintarō Tanaka

Salman: Manabu Muraji

Otto: Hiroaki Hirata

Staff

Original Concept: Kazuto Nakazawa x Production I.G

Director: Kazuto Nakazawa

Script: Asako Kuboyama

Music: Yuki Kajiura

Music Production: FlyingDog

Animation Production: Production I.G

Taiko Super Kicks Ride the Waves With Their Latest Single!

Four-member rock band Taiko Super Kicks released a brand new album, (Nami), across all digital music streaming platforms. This sudden release was the latest work by the band since their album Fragment back in February of 2018 and is their first album with TETRA RECORDS. Nami contains a total of nine songs with lyrics spun by vocalist-guitarist Akisato Ito's "personal experience" on a finely crafted sound. Takuro Okada was in charge of mixing and producing the album, Ryo Shibuya of the band Klan Aileen served as recording engineer, and Kevin Ratterman mastered the album. The album jacket artwork was designed by graphic designer Toru Kase. Along with this announcement, a new artist photo of Tyco taken by photographer Ichiko Uemoto was also released.

Be sure to check out Nami on all streaming platforms here!


“Nami” Digital Jacket Cover

“Nami” Digital Jacket Cover

Taiko Super Kicks「Nami」

01. 椅子の椅子

02. リフト

03. えんえい

04. コーンクリーム

05. 合間

06. 火遊び

07. 青梅

08. たましい

09. ラッキーG

Kana Nishino Commemorates Streaming Releases With Koisuru Kimochi!

In commemoration of of superstar and retiree Kana Nishino, her music is being released to all digital streaming platforms. Originally many of Nishino’s songs—which include full albums, coupling songs, and more—were unavailable, but now they are available on all digital streaming platforms. More than 106 unreleased songs have been added in addition to the best albums that were already available; this amounts to a total of 181 songs streamable. Fans and listeners just discovering Nishino will be able to enjoy the full works of her music on all platforms. Also, the music video for “Koisuru Kimochi” from Kana NIshino’s fifth album with LOVE was released on YouTube to commemorate this occasion. You can check it out below!

RIRI Releases the Fortune in New Releases!

Vocalist RIRI released the English version of her digital single “WHEEL of FORTUNE ~Unmei no wa~”, which is just titled “Wheel of Fortune”, on May 26. Its Japanese version was released last month on April 7. “Wheel of Fortune” was written by RIRI and UTA and represents, as its title says, “a turning point, achieving great success, taking a chance, and incoming happiness”. This is a track that helps uplift listeners by stating that you can achieve happiness even in tough times as they bring opportunities to succeed. You are in charge of your destiny and can take chances to bring you the happiness you are looking for. “Wheel of Fortune” is currently available on iTunes and Apple Music. Check out the official video below!