Luna's Ongaku Go for October 2023!

As the leaves fall and Halloween has come, a brand new Ongaku Go has arrived. 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“Ruby Eyes” by tommy heavenly6

With Halloween upon us, the month of October has been filled with thrills and chills. “Ruby Eyes” fit perfectly in my Halloween playlist with its fun lyrics and opening just screams scary movie opening music. tommy heavenly6 knows how to get into the spirit of Halloween and imbue it in her music; from the composition that consists of punk and pop rock style mixed with spooky sounds. “Ruby Eyes” talks about vampires and creatures that go bump in the night - what most people think of on Halloween and puts it into a memorable musical number that you can ‘scare-a-oke’ too all October long.

Check out “Ruby Eyes” here and the music video below!

“F*ck You 2 My Ex” by MAY’S

MAY’S just released their newest album Unlocking at the end of September and it did not disappoint. It was difficult to choose a favorite song, however, seeing that “F*ck You 2 My Ex” was put on this album made me so happy. I loved this song on its initial release three years ago and never thought it’d get put on an album. Hearing it again solidified my love for this track with its straightforward and relatable lyrics, upbeat composition, and Maiko’s vocals. Despite the name, it’s a song that gives you power from within.

Check out “F*ck You 2 My Ex” by MAY’S here and the music video below.

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“Spin Big” by BONNIE PINK

BONNIE PINK released her first studio album in 11 years, titled Infinity, and it’s been a treat to listen too. She starts it off right with uplifting track ‘Spin Big’. This song brings so much positivity in the lyrics with a feel good composition to match its endearing lyrics. The lyrics alone deliver a powerful message that hit your heart strings in a good way. BONNIE PINK utilizes both English and Japanese languages, switching between both flawlessly while still delivering a clear message. BONNIE PINK is an artist who knows her craft well and with tracks like ‘Spin Big’ you hear exactly that.

Check out ‘Spin Big’ here and the music video below!

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“Swimming Pool” by Schuwa Schuwa

‘Swimming Pool’ caught my ear due to its unique composition and Teruko’s vocals. I love the electro pop sound this track brings, not to mention Schuwa Schuwa’s new mini album michikake has unique sounds in general. But Swimming Pool’s heavier beats in certain areas of the song bring out Teruko’s vocals. Kohei and Teruko make a great unit as you can hear many unique sounds in “Swimming Pool” that makes it an ear catching listen plus the lyrics also have a good message to it. “Swimming Pool” has the feel of a good end of summer track as it gives off a feeling of summer ending.

Check out “Swimming Pool” here and the music video below.

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“Mirror Mirror” by Lisa Yamaguchi

Lisa Yamaguchi is back with a new digital single, “Mirror Mirror” and it is full of the R&B flavor that I adore. Lisa’s vocals are as smooth as ever laying her sultry vocals on this track with a catchy chorus and deep lyrics. The composition gives off that late 90s vibe that I love hearing, add Lisa’s sweet vocals on as the cherry on top and you have a silky smooth creation of a song. “Mirror Mirror” brings you back to the days of when R&B was all over the place and leaves you wanting more.

Check out “Mirror Mirror” here and the music video below!

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‘Initial D’ successor anime ‘MF GHOST: Full-length ending theme song and music video out now!

“Stereo Sunset” jacket cover

MF GHOST, the new anime series that is a successor to classic street racing series Initial D, began broadcasting on Sunday, October 1. Now, the full-length version of ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’, the ending theme to this long-awaited anime sung by Himika Akaneya from voice actor/idol hybrid unit i☆Ris, is finally available for download and streaming platforms.

The ending theme song is performed by Himika Akaneya, who is also a member of i☆Ris. In addition to her work as a voice actor, Akaneya is also active as an actor in movies and on stage, but this will be her debut performance as a solo artist. Akaneya’s song ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’ is based on city pop, a genre that is hugely popular both in Japan and overseas, and Akaneya was selected for her transparent singing voice that matches the vibe of the song, as well as her unique presence and awesome singing ability.

The track was produced by Japanese masked production duo AmPm, whose music is beloved by fans all over the world – indeed, 80% of their listeners are based outside of Japan. The track combines AmPm’s delicate production skills and comfortable beats with nostalgic lyrics by ARAKI, who regularly writes music for idols, artists and voice actors, to deliver a unique spin on the city pop sound. Akaneya’s gentle singing voice at times veers on spoken word, and the result is a medium-tempo song that is warm and comforting.

The music video for the track was also released today on YouTube.

The ending theme provides a contrast to the opening theme, Yu Serizawa’s ‘JUNGLE FIRE feat. MOTSU’, as well as the thrilling high-speed and tension of the street-race battles of the anime itself. It is a calming, chill track to help listeners cool down and process the excitement of the show, and the smooth textures of the costumes and pale blue visual tones of the music video echo this vibe perfectly. The music video also includes evocative footage of scenery from the Kamakura and Shonan area where MF GHOST is set, with seaside scenes that express the soothing sound of waves and gentle, refreshing breeze that matches Akaneya’s clear singing voice. If the opening theme is all about motion, the ending song is perfect stillness.

Himika Akaneya commented on ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’, saying, “The lyrics to this song reference imagery related to driving, such as the ‘stereo’ and ‘a neon heart reflected in the windows’, while the word ‘sunset’ melds perfectly into the song’s relaxing melody, putting the listener right there in the scene. I think you will be able to immerse yourself in the lingering afterglow at the end of each episode of the anime. This will be my first time to sing solo, and while I do feel a little nervous, I’m very happy to be involved with the music for MF GHOST, which is a series loved by many fans. I hope that as each episode ends, this song’s casual melody and poetic flow will touch your heart – even just a little. Please check it out.”

AmPm, who produced and arranged the music, and ARAKI, who wrote the lyrics, also commented.

AmPm said, “We are delighted to have worked on the ending theme song for MF GHOST. As the title of the song suggests, we created this song by imagining a sunset drive. We aimed to leave listeners with a sense of speed, allowing you to feel the shifting landscape in the afterglow of the day. We hope you will listen to Himika Akaneya’s singing voice and immerse yourself in the afterglow of each episode!” 

ARAKI commented, “Back in the day, cafes and ramen shops would have rows of Initial D manga books that had been read until they were worn out. All these years later, it's an honor to be a part of this new story. I tried to find words that had a stylish retro sound and convey a sense of purity. I hope it will make you feel, ‘Oh yeah! Now THAT’s an anime ending song!” 

Ken's Ongaku Go for October 2023!

With the spooky month of October passing us by, it’s time for this months 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“Slow Down” by THE CHARM PARK

With the release of the THE CHARM PARK II album coming up in November, THE CHARM PARK released a small snippet with the track “Slow Down”. While I’ll admit that I haven’t been the closest follower of the artist as of late, if his tracks are just half as good as this one I’ll be falling in love with him all over again. Hitting that slow but emotional style that he has been known for, the track really brings that thought of slowing down and taking it all in. Becoming a father and trying to enjoy the small little moments that I have was something that I’ll miss and it has been awhile since a song hit me this way. I know that a majority of the songs that will be released on this album might not capture me like “Slow Down”, I’m happy to have encountered this experience.

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

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“Nichijo” by OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM

One of the things I had missed over the this past year was OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM, and “Nichijo” was such a nice surprise. While it might not be the most bombastic return for the group, it really shows that their style is just so unique and can’t be replicated. The lyrics as well of just portraying everyday life and feelings is just so relatable and is one of not an instant addition to my top 5 for the year already. While I’m sure that there will not be much more from the band throughout the year, I’m happy to have been able to hear this release.

Check out the music video for “Nichijo” below along with the track here!

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“Sol” by Daichi Yamamoto

Another artist that had a very quiet year on my heavy rotation, Yamamoto rap is just absolutely amazing and it was something that I regrettably didn’t take advantage of listening to throughout the year. He really shows off that he is a master of this craft by just spitting rhyme after rhyme. Uniquely, he also raps in a much higher note then he usually does which makes it much more approachable then usual. While I can’t wait to hear Yamamoto’s next album, Sol will have to quench my thirst for now.

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

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“Always” by Nishino Kana

Being In Japan during the fall, it always made me think about this release and was something that was always in rotation. Nishino’s lyrics particularly in this track always just hits me in a certain way that brings a tear to my eye. While l miss not being able to hear new tracks by her, I look forward to the day which she makes her return to the music industry.

Be sure to check out the music video for “Always” below, along with the song here!

“Petals” by Marcy

Now this is the first song that really made me fall in love with Marcy, who ended up becoming my Music Corner for this month as well. As I had said during that write up, they hit that sweet spot of lyrical composition. While not their best song in their discography, “Petals” was my introduction to the band and I hope that listeners will have their first introduction to them through this track as well.

Check out the music video “Petals” below, along with the track here!

Music Corner Week 141: Marcy

Marcy is a three-member rock band from Fukuoka, that formed in 2018. They were originally named astela and consisted as a four-member band until 2019 when they became Mary. Marcy tugs on the heart strings of their listeners specially with tracks that remind us of those living memories of heartbreak that can never be erased. They have generated a cult following from the Gen Z female listeners, however, the band harkens on that path of introducing the masses to their new style of love songs.

Main vocalist Ukyo Yoshi showcases their style amazingly with thoughtful and provoking lyrics that brings a tear to listeners. Paired with the smooth composition that both bassist Takumi Fujii and lead guitarist Shuji, the boys hit it out of park. While not the most upbeat style that some listeners think of when they hear Japanese rock, Marcy hits that sweet spot for that perfect mix of lyrical composition. Songs like “Forget-me-not”, “Our future”, and “Love Song”, show off just a small fraction on how they are hitting their stride in terms of emotional lyrics and love songs.

Currently Marcy has released 16 digital singles starting from 2020 all the way to their latest hit, “Love Song”. They have also released one studio album titled Memory that was released in June of 2022. Be sure to check out Marcy’s official website, X, and Instagram along with the music video for their track “Love Song” below!

Ado Japan Tour 2023 “Mars” Now Available for Streaming Worldwide on Beyond LIVE

The global streaming platform Beyond LIVE has announced that the live concert of superstar,  Ado, held at Nippon Budokan on August 2023, is now available for worldwide audiences to stream for the first time.

Ado has gained widespread recognition internationally, for her contributions to the world-famous anime film ONE PIECE FILM RED. Within the film, she is credited with singing a total of seven songs including the theme song “New Genesis”. Additionally, she has also lent her talents to the popular anime series SPY X FAMILY singing the opening theme for Season 2, titled “Kura Kura”.

“New Genesis”, a song written by renowned producer Yasutaka Nakata (known for his work with Capsule, Perfume, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu), was released in June 2022 and achieved a significant milestone. It became the first-ever Japanese song to reach the #1 position on Apple Music’s Top 100: Global Chart in August 2022.

Ado’s breathtaking full-length concert, recorded live during her 2023 summer concert hall and arena tour “Mars”, has now been made available for global streaming (excluding Japan and South Korea) for a limited time on Beyond LIVE. The event showcases a total of 23 songs, including several of her sensational chart-topping hits.

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Subtitles for the performance will be available in multiple languages including English, Korean, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Indonesian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese, Tagalog, and French. This is to ensure that fans from all around the world can fully enjoy the show. The esteemed streaming platform Beyond LIVE, renowned for their success in global distribution, is confident to bring Ado’s performance to her fans across the globe.

In 2023, Ado collaborated with the K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM on their single “UNFORGIVEN (feat. Nile Rodgers, Ado) –Japanese Ver.-”. The song immediately attracted global attention. Ado then further continued her meteoric rise with the release of the hit single “Show”. Amidst the massive success of “Show”, Ado's new song released in September 2023, "Kura Kura", an opening theme song for the popular anime series SPY X FAMILY, has also become a viral sensation. With 15 of her songs each amassing over 100 million streams, Ado has solidified her position as one of the most internationally recognized Japanese talents.

Fans from around the world have eagerly anticipated the streaming of Ado's live performance from the "Mars" tour. With this performance, Ado continues her extraordinary global expansion.

Ado Japan Tour 2023 "Mars”

VOD Sales Period: October 31, 2023 (Tuesday) 18:00 (JST) - January 31, 2024 (Wednesday) 18:00 (JST)

Viewing available for 7 days after purchase. Viewing period ends: January 31, 2024 (Wednesday) 20:00 (JST)

Distribution Area: Worldwide except Japan and South Korea

Subtitle Languages: English, Korean, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Indonesian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese, Tagalog, French

Ticket Price: US$20 (plus $3 handling fee)