Anime series ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ ending theme song ‘a few sentimental’ by Kohana Lam is out now!

‘a few sentimental’ by Kohana Lam – the ending theme song from the anime series ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ – has been released on multiple streaming and download services!

‘a few sentimental’ digital Jacket cover

Kohana Lam’s ‘a few sentimental’ was produced by KERENMI, the alter-ego project of Koichi Tsutaya. The lyrics capture the essence of the original ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ manga series, known in Japan as ‘Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu’. With a warm sound that conveys the burning of adolescent hearts, the song explores the emotions we all feel when passing from childhood to adulthood, the distance we may feel from the opposite sex, and the characters’ inability to control their complex feelings.

A video showing the ending theme from ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ with the end credits removed is available now on NUMAnimation’s YouTube channel. 

The Dangers in My Heart key VISUAL

© Norio Sakurai (Akita Shoten) / Boku Yaba Production Committee

The anime series ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ is based on the hit romantic comedy manga by Norio Sakurai, serialized in ‘Manga Cross’ (Akita Shoten). It ranked in the Men’s category of the revered ‘Kono Manga ga Sugoi!’ (‘This Manga is Amazing!’) annual mook series for two years running; it also won first place in both the Web Manga category of the Next Manga Awards 2020 and the Manga We Want to See Animated ranking. The manga series has sold a cumulative 3 million copies to date, and with the release of every new edition, it enters the trending charts on social media.

In addition, a music video for ‘a few sentimental’ was also set for Premiere release on Kohana Lam’s official YouTube channel on April 17. The music video features Kohana Lam’s first ever attempt at acting, creating a drama-style video based upon the setting of the original ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ series. Be sure to check out the music video below along with the streaming links here!

Kohana Lam profile

Kohana Lam has been posting music to her official YouTube channel since September 2019. Her songs are filled with emotion that pierces the hearts of all who hear them, and her deeply expressive singing voice has won a legion of fans, sparking comments on social media such as “Her songs are so emotional that when I hear them I can’t help but cry” and “Her singing voice goes from the verge of hysteria to fading into hushed silence, and it gives me goosebumps”. Within one year of her major label debut, her YouTube channel had accrued over 400,000 subscribers. In the February 2023 edition of Nikkei Entertainment! published on January 4, she was included in the 100 New Leading Talents of 2023 special feature, cementing her position as a hot breakthrough artist for the year ahead.

BE:FIRST Releases Highly Anticipated Love Song, ‘Smile Again’ !

‘Smile again’ Digial Jacket cover

Following the recent release of their mega-viral hit, ‘Boom Boom Back’, Japanese group, BE:FIRST has just announced the release of their latest single, ‘Smile Again’. ‘Smile Again’ will be released digitally on all major streaming platforms on 26 April 2023, Wednesday. 

With sophisticated, minimal music sensibilities, seven distinct vocals stand out in ‘Smile Again’, that is filled with wistfulness and fleetingness. Encapsulating fragility, determination, hope and acceptance that accompanies a simple message in the song’s lyrics ‘You are so beautiful’ intrigues listeners to wonder about the many hidden implications and stories behind this one song. As the group’s first love song to be released, ‘Smile Again’ has a beautiful melody and danceable development which invites listeners into a world of instant gratification by BE:FIRST, and their passion for love and sorrow within its short yet meaningful 3 minutes duration. BE:FIRST dedicates strong love to their fans in this musical gem.

BE:FIRST welcomed an all-star team for their latest single. Alongside Japanese rapper, singer-songwriter, producer and CEO of management company BMSG, SKY-HI, and Keita Tachibana from the renowned dance & vocal group w-inds. JUNE from Korea joined in as the music producers for ‘Smile Again’. When it comes to choreography for the music video, credits go to all four members of influential Japanese dance and performance collective, s**t kingz. The group have choreographed dances for multiple Japanese and South Korean artists from the likes of Da-iCE, ØMI, GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, Super Junior-D&E, SHINee, NCT 127, EXO, to name a few. 

The accompanying music video for ‘Smile Again’ has been released via BE:FIRST’s Youtube channel. Set in an airport, the music video features members of BE:FIRST in a drama-like scene of unspoken stories, and relentless yearning in search for something that is close to their hearts. In addition, the group will be holding a livestream event via Youtube on 26 April 2023, 7PM (Japan time). 

Watch the music video for ‘Smile Again’ below!

With every release, BE:FIRST has always had their local and overseas fans (more known in the community as 'BESTY') in mind. The group will be sharing more activities related to the release of 'Smile Again' on their social media accounts in the upcoming weeks.

‘Smile Again’ has been selected to be ‘ANESSA Global Campaign Song’ as part of Japanese beauty conglomerate Shiseido ANESSA’s Spring Summer 2023 commercial campaign. This global campaign takes place in Japan and 8 other countries/regions in Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand where ‘Smile Again’ is available via the major streaming platforms.

The release of ‘Smile Again’ will include BE:FIRST’s viral hit, ‘Boom Boom Back’ as well as one additional unreleased single ‘Great Mistakes’. ‘Boom Boom Back’ related videos with the #BBBチャレンジ (#BBBChallenge in English) created buzz on TikTok and has surpassed over 100 million views to date with the numbers still growing. The single topped various charts in Japan, including Billboard JAPAN’s JAPAN HOT 100 and TikTok Weekly Top 20 in Japan.

Determined and unstoppable, BE:FIRST continues to surprise and excite everyone with their latest work. Be sure to check out the track on all digital stream platforms here!

Music Corner Week 128: Zainichi Funk

Zainichi Funk is a Japanese funk band that has been making waves in the music scene since their formation in 2008. Comprised of five members, the band's unique sound blends elements of funk, soul, and jazz. Originally the members of Zainichi Funk began playing together in various bands and eventually formed Zainichi Funk in 2008.

Zainichi Funk's music is characterized by its catchy rhythms, groovy basslines, and soulful vocals. The band draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, from the funk and soul of James Brown and Stevie Wonder. One of the band's most popular songs, "Zainichi Funk," is a prime example of their unique sound. The song features a driving bassline and funky horns, complemented by lead vocalist Kenta Hamano's soulful vocals. Another standout track from them is "Yume no Naka de," which features a more laid-back groove and a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. The song showcases the band's ability to blend different musical genres seamlessly, with elements of funk, jazz, and soul all coming together in a seamless whole. Whether you're a fan of funk or just looking for something new and exciting to listen to, Zainichi Funk is sure to impress.

Currently Zainichi Funk has four original albums that were released from 2010-2018, one mini-album in 2012, and several physical singles from 2010-2019, with a couple of digital singles from 2019 on. Be sure to check out their official website, Twitter and Instagram along with the music video of the track “Okanmuri” below as well.

Wez Atlas Drops Second Mini Album

Wez Atlas has released their 2nd mini album called, “This Too Shall Pass”.
The title, “This Too Shall Pass” literally means that current situations and things won’t last forever and will pass with time, and it shows how Wez has grown recently as a person. The theme of his last album, “Chicken Soup For One”, was all about “the troubled matters in daily life” and “healing through music”. This same theme has gotten much deeper and more developed.
There are many unique, highly talented creators involved in making this new album.
These creators include VivaOla, Kota Matsukawa, starRo, nonomi and uin. VivaOla is his best friend and producer. Kota Matsukawa runs the creative label w.o.u and also produces Salasa. starRo is a Grammy award nominee. nonomi is a backing DJ at Wez’s life performance. uin produced Skaai.
Please check their skilful rap music on the various tracks which are written in Japanese and English accordingly.
Wez has been very active in 2022 as he released 5 singles and joined 6 works from other artists who are from inside and outside of Japan as a featuring artist. He has gained many playlist covers on Spotify. He is going to has just joined the event SXSW 2023 and his preceding single “Damn!” was selected for the Spotify official playlist “New Music Friday” in Asian countries.
Wez is the one of a new generation of rappers who are expanding their stage worldwide.
His MV for “Life’s A Game”, which was produced by VivaOla and Kota Matsukawa, has been released so please check it out!

[ Wez Comments from Wez Atlas ]
My 2nd mini-album “This Too Shall Pass” is finally out!! This was another very personal project for me following Chicken Soup For One, and it feels like a good ending to that chapter of my life. I struggled, lamented, and overcame. I feel ready now to take on the next chapter. Life’s a game, Ima get up and play it!!!
Huge thanks to VivaOla, Kota Matsukawa, starRo, nonomi, uin, Shiota Hiroshi (Salt Field Mastering), Kazumi Watanabe, Misato Iwamoto, Daisuke Taira, Kyoko Utsue, Shogo Kikuta, and everyone else that brought this project together with me!

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“This too Shall Pass” Jacket Cover

“This Too Shall Pass” by Wez Atlas

Tracklisting

1. Life’s A Game(Prod byVivaOla/ Kota Matsukawa)

2. Damn!(Prod bystarRo)

3. Dandelion(Prod bystarRo)

4. Go Round(Prod bynonomi)

5. Cul-de-sac(Prod bynonomi)

6. It Is What It Is(Prod byVivaOla/ Kota Matsukawa)

7. Me Today(Prod byuin)

AmPm Travel Around The World In Upcoming Album!

On March 17, AmPm released ‘Sweet Escape feat. RAENE’, the sixth advance release from their upcoming album themed on global travel – this time set in Amsterdam. 

Having made their debut in 2017 with the hit single ‘Best Part of Us’, Japanese masked production unit AmPm has won fans all around the world. Back on March 17, AmPm released ‘Sweet Escape feat. RAENE’, the sixth advance release from their upcoming album themed on global travel – this time set in Amsterdam. 

The single is a collaboration with RAENE, a singer and songwriter based in London, England. Fusing an R&B base with elements of alternative pop, this acclaimed up-and-coming artist was featured in BBC Introducing’s “Top 25 Most Played Artists of 2020”.  The lyrics express RAENE’s own experience of visiting Amsterdam, a city steeped in dance music culture, while the music leans into the current drum & bass revival.

‘Sweet Escape’ brilliantly layers RAENE’s sweet and feminine yet strong vocals into a rich and unforgettable melody, creating a track that is both comforting to listen to and endlessly danceable. Be sure to check out “Sweet Escape” on all streaming platforms; the music video is available at the bottom of this article.