Singing Cosplayer Hikari covered the vocaloid song ‘Yorunaderu Menou’, with lyrics and music by Ayase from YOASOBI.

Singing cosplayer Hikari, who has been active worldwide as a cover singer of anime songs and vocaloid songs, mainly covering J-POP, covered the vocaloid song ‘Yorunaderu Menou’. The song has lyrics and music originally created by Ayase from YOASOBI. The song has been streaming to the world through various music and video streaming sites since April. In this music video, she tried to play the role in dramatic storytelling scenes for the first time. Taiyo Kobayashi is the other actor in the music video. He is also an actor on Japanese reality TV love drama as well as being very popular as a TikToker.

In the later part of the drama, Singing Cosplayer Hikari began to cry spontaneously in a very natural way because she was so invested and committed to the storyline of the drama. The fans can see her passionate side in this music video. The cover photo of the music streaming is a shot of her crying.

Singing cosplayer Hikari has been very actively performing since the new year of 2021. She has been covering J-POP including anime songs and vocaloid songs. She has been promoting Japanese culture to the world with her performance and cosplaying.

She covered a vocaloid  song called  ‘Yume To Hazakura’, lyrics and music by Gekkoh Aoki, on 20th of April 2021. The song has ranked No.1 in 14 countries and it still is high ranking on J-POP charts in the world. Her YouTube videos have been viewed more than 2.49 million times, and the remix versions of this cover song have been released in Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam. She released the cover song ‘Muscle Please!’ from Yoshimoto Music on the 26th of January, 2022. It was a collaboration with Nakayama Kinni-kun, the bodybuilder and comedian. This song was the ending theme song of a popular TV program in Japan by the end of March. The music video and related video about the behind the scenes making of the video, as well as dance choreography video have been viewed over 2.55 million times in 3 months since its release.

The song ranked 6th (highest) on the LINE MUSIC music video weekly chart, the 3rd on USEN requested J-POP ranking charts in February 2022 and is also ranked 3rd on Indonesian radio DJFM, J-POP weekly charts (on the 2nd of April 2022). The streaming views of Apple Musix are 5 times more than her own cover song of ‘Yume To Hazakura’. This is her best hit so far as shown by the music streaming numbers.

Furthermore, she has been picked to be a regular hostess for the new radio show called “ANIME SONGS PARTY!” on Nippon Cultural Broadcasting on the 3rd of April 2022. This radio program is on air from 20:30 to 20:45(JST) every Sunday. The official channel of this program is on YouTube and it will be releasing on various YouTube channels including Manga News (France), ANIME NEWS NETWORK (North America), HYPER JAPAN (U.K.) and GwiGwi (Indonesia).

There was an announcement that she is going to join the JAPAN EXPO 2022, which is the biggest Japanese culture festival in the world. The event will take place in Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord-Villepinte, Paris France from Thursday the 14th of July to Sunday the 17th of July. They are expecting more than 250,000 audiences in 4 days.  She is performing there as a singer and also as a cosplayer. This is her second appearance in the worldwide event since HYPER JAPAN ONLINE 2021, which is the biggest Japanese culture event in the U.K. However, this will be the first ever event she will join in front of audiences.

Also on Saturday the 14th of May from 16:00 to 17:00 (JAPAN TIME), she is going to join the radio show called, MUTEKI, which is on the French radio Radio Canut (Lyon, 102.2FM) live. She is going to talk about how she feels joining the JAPAN EXPO in France and about her cover song ‘Yorunaderu Menou’. Please check this out!

Be sure to check out the music video below along with the streaming link here!

New dance music brand FUTUREmode launched by avex, with three tracks including ‘Shiny Starting Line’ by YUC’e as first releases!

Japan’s pioneering record label avex, which has created numerous dance music movements including SUPER EUROBEAT and Cyber TRANCE, launched new dance music brand FUTUREmode on Wednesday, April 20. The project’s first three tracks were released over three consecutive days.

FUTUREmode is a new kind of dance music brand that presents talented artists and producers from genres that have evolved uniquely both within the music scene and within Japan – genres with a rich pool of talented artists such as future bass, kawaii future bass and melodic dubstep.

The project launched this week with the following three releases, each of which was accompanied by a music video on FUTUREmode’s YouTube channel:

Wednesday, April 20: YUC’e – ‘Shiny Starting Line’

Thursday, April 21: you – ‘Kimochi Switch’

Friday, April 22: chamrass – ‘Urban Nostalgia’

FUTUREmode’s first track – was “Shiny Starting Line” by YUC’e, a multi-creative artist who handles everything from songwriting to vocals. YUC’e is a globally active artist: Half of her audience on Spotify are based outside of Japan, mainly in the United States. “Shiny Starting Line” is a portal to YUC’e’s world, with lyrics that express the new start we associate with spring – and, of course, the start of this exciting new brand. It is a song that combines the signature sound YUC’e has cultivated with the feeling of expectation that comes with a new beginning.

The second release is by you, an artist based in Tokyo whose motto is to create “sounds that make listeners happy”, and who has provided songs for PC and mobile games, rhythm games, idols, VTubers, pro gaming teams and more, while also hosting his own DJ events.

The track begins with a mellow lo-fi hip-hop intro that suddenly changes to light future bass at the sound of a flicking switch. This unusual fusion of contrasting genres results in a unique song that sounds like nothing else. The future bass part will make you dance without even realizing it, shaking out the stiffness in your mind and body.

The third track is the first ever release by new producer chamrass. Within urban electronic sounds, we hear the occasional click of a shutter, the twittering of birdsong. It’s an emotional and nostalgic dance track that you can listen to on an endless loop, mixing urban and sentimental vibes with a feeling of melancholy.

Be sure to check out lyric video for “Shiny Starting Line” below!

Ken's Ongaku Go for April 2022!

Following Luna, we at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

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FOREVER by SIRUP & Shin Sakiura

Honestly this was a very solid and much needed back to basic release for SIRUP. While I don’t mind his current style of smooth R&B, the vocal and rap power of SIRUP has been missed. The amazing composition that is set up from Shin Sakiura is absolutely breathtaking and I would love a standalone instrumental version of this release as well. I have no doubt that SIRUP will have a quiet 2022, but if his subsequent releases are anything like “FOREVER”, then we are all in for a treat. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “FOREVER” along with the track here!

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“See you again” by Asian Kung-fu Generation 

I was caught by surprise with the release of Planet Folks as I had missed the initial release of it, but overall a very solid album. The one track that had me going back to it’s penultimate song is “See you again” and upon first listen is classic AJIKAN which I had very much missed during their usual breaks that they take. Gotoh’s vocals as always were on point with this haunting composition that I had preferred be the final song on the album, as it gave this lasting impression on the listeners a tad more then “Be Alright”. While I don’t expect anti other releases done by Asian Kung-fu Generation this year, with tracks like “See you again” still having the same energy and flair as AJIKAN did during the peak of their career, I have no doubt in my mind they are still here to stay. 

Be sure to check out the song here!

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“Comedy” by Gen Hoshino

While not far from the more emotional style of releases that Hoshino did last year, “Comedy” is still a track that needs a listen. Its flair and Hoshinoisms that I absolutely love is on full blast and is such and enjoyable tune that I couldnt help but add this into my rotation within the first 20 secs upon first listen. While I don’t think all of Hoshino’s release will be similar (thank goodness), I can appreciate that he tries to do a release that feels right to him and not what a label says. I can’t wait to see what he is cooking up for the rest of the year. 

Check out the zany music video below with the song here!

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“No Reason” by Daichi Yamamoto & Qunimune

Yamamoto is one of those artist that keeps surprising me upon every release. As every time I try to put him in a box to label, in he just comes out with songs like “No Reason” that makes me rethink how I should label him. This is a more smooth and luxurious style of vocal range that Yamamoto puts on the forefront and I absolutely love it and the way it just melts with the composition; it is masterful work in it of itself. While I don’t know if he’ll be continuing this style as I think he feels more natural as a fast pace lyricist, I sure will be looking forward to more styles like “No Reason”.

Be sure to check out the song here!

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“Bitter!” By LUCKY TAPES

I had really missed LUCKY TAPES and “Bitter!” had really gave me that goodness that I had needed. One of the things that really pulled me into adding this into my rotation is the out of this world composition that kept on having me just get lost into its beats. While I’m not sure what 2022 has in store for LUCKY TAPES, I for one can’t wait to hear every release.

Check out lyric video below along with the song here!

Luna's Ongaku Go for April 2022!

With Spring here that means its that time of the month for April’s Ongaku Go! We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

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“Mirai yo, Watashi wo Oikakero” by moumoon

In March, moumoon released their latest single, “Mirai yo, Watashi wo Oikakero”, which immediately caught my ear with its upbeat tempo. This track is perfect for the spring season with its pitch perfect tone in not only composition but also with YUUKA’s voice filling the air with happiness. “Mirai yo, Watashi wo Oikakero” adds a sweet happy spot in your day with its catchy melody and chorus plus the uplifiting beats. This track brings a freshness to moumoon’s music, bringing in new fans as well as keeping current fans.

Check out “Mirai yo, Watashi wo Oikakero” here and the music video below!

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“Mamotte Agetai” by JUJU

With the release of JUJU’s newest album, Yuumin wo Meguru Monogatari, the track “Mamotte Agetai” attracted me immediately with its simple jazz composition, meaningful lyrics, and JUJU’s elegant voice stringing you along word for word. The composition is the perfect melody as it plays it simple with the piano, the trumpets, and sax chiming in ever so lightly in the right parts. “Mamotte Agetai” has a nice relaxing charm that takes you for a calming ride with its simplicity and wonderful sound.

Check out “Mamotte Agetai” here and the music video below!

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“Hit the Gym” by KIRA & Shimotaku

As Spring is here and Summer is almost upon us, “Hit the Gym” is the perfect track to help you get in shape for the summer. KIRA’s unique vocals, Shimotaku’s catchy beats, and the fun lyrics make for a fun tune. Near the end of the track, it brings back a 90s vibe and is reminiscence of the hit song “All I Have” by Jennifer Lopez (feat. LL Cool J) if you listen real close. “Hit the Gym” has helped me enjoy the beautiful days and give me the power to get in shape.

Check out “Hit the Gym” here and the music video below!

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“New Moon” by BananaLemon

Seeing BananaLemon release a new track and the first one without Lety was very interesting. Even though I miss Lety, “New Moon” is a phenomenal track. The vocals by each of the girls is a powerhouse in every way. “New Moon” brings the 90s R&B fire not just vocally, but the rap fits perfectly with the style this track is displaying. The composition flows continuously and matches the fire of the vocals and rap brought by these girls leaving you wanting more of this style of tune.

Check out “New Moon” here and the music video below!

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“to be free” by Koda Kumi

As Koda Kumi’s latest album heart releases in March, I’m finally getting around to listening to it as a full album. The tune, “to be free” is one that was so befitting this month and I gravitated toward it. “to be free” is a beautiful and simple melody that is easy to sway along too. While listening to “to be free”, I tend to get lost in the music and lyrics as I’m lead through this song like a story. For me, I can easily relate to this track, especially when so much is going on at once. I feel that I’m relieved from all my stress and worries whenever listening to “to be free” as it has a calming beat with a mid tempo melody.

Check out “to be free” here and the music video below!

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Music Corner Week 111: Tani Yuuki

Tani Yuuki is a singer-songwriter who began his career young when his grandfather had given him an acoustic guitar in junior high school. Tani Yuuki had formed several groups and units during his vocational school days, including the online acapella group called “WHITE BOX”. Tani Yuuki’s achieved success when he posted a clip with one word of the soon to be hit song “Myra” on TikTok followed by releasing the full video on YouTube. “Myra” was Tani Yuuki’s debut single and it immediately soared to the top of the charts. Tani Yuuki’s charming smooth vocals and acute musical abilities make for an up-and-coming artist to watch for.

Tani Yuuki’s debut song “Myra” instantly pulled me in from the first listen. His charming vocals which sound smooth as butter blend perfectly with the composition making for an automatic chart topping hit. The piano combined with the acoustic guitar add to the charm that Tani Yuuki brings in “Myra”. “W/X/Y” was a hit on the app TikTok and its easy to see how this track brings that hype. Tani Yuuki has the vocals that just capture you with his sultry voice, the lyrics to pull you in, and use of the piano stand out in the composition. In Tani Yuuki’s track “Aikotoba”, you hear the capacity of what he can do vocally. “Aikotoba” is a beautiful ballad that starts off with softer vocals then picks up for the chorus bringing a unique flavor to this ballad with how Tani Yuuki uses his vocals on the versus. In his newest single, “Jibun Jishin”, Tani Yuuki utilizes the piano right at the beginning of the track in a slow sense, then the track picks up adding the guitar. As the track progresses, so does his vocals. I love how it feels that you are being led through “Jibun Jishin” like it’s a journey.

Tani Yuuki has one album titled Memories, which was released in 2021 and nine singles with his newest one, “Jibun Jishin” being released on March 9th. Check out Tani Yuuki’s official website, Twitter, Instagram, and his latest music video for “Jibun Jishin” below!