<![CDATA[A-to-J Connections

<![CDATA[A-to-J Connections - Music]]>Tue, 27 May 2025 21:34:34 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Rico Sasaki Announces Release of New Single: “Majestic Catastrophe"]]>Mon, 19 May 2025 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/rico-sasaki-announces-release-of-new-single-majestic-catastrophe

Singer and voice actress Rico Sasaki recently announced that she will release her new single, titled “Majestic Catastrophe”, on August 27, 2025. All the latest details on this release can be found below!

“Majestic Catastrophe” also serves as the opening theme for the TV anime Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Starts with the Civilization of Ruin, which is set to premiere July 2025. Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra is a nation-building fantasy series that follows Takuto Ira, a legendary player who once topped the user rankings in Eternal Nations, a nation-management simulation game set in a fantasy world. While hospitalized, he loses consciousness and wakes up in Idragia, a world that feels just like the game. Thus begins a tale of fantasy and empire-building.

“Majestic Catastrophe” builds on Sasaki’s signature rock sound while venturing into new territory with a symphonic metal style that reflects the anime’s world. The powerful, dramatic track is matched by Sasaki’s commanding vocals. The single will include three songs: the title track, and two additional tracks. One of the tracks will also feature lyrics written by Sasaki herself. Covers and more will be released at a later date.

Comment from Rico Sasaki
"I’ll be performing “Majestic Catastrophe,” the opening theme for the TV anime Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Starts with the Civilization of Ruin! It’s a dark and beautiful song that brings a sense of catharsis. I sang powerfully to reflect its pressing intensity, and delicately, as if searching for hope in the darkness. The heavy chorus, along with lyrics and a melody that evoke an ominous atmosphere, all work together to draw listeners into the depths of a dark musical world. “Majestic Catastrophe” stirs emotions deep within—get ready to be hooked by its irresistible darkness."

Rico Sasaki - "Majestic Catastrophe"
Release Date: August 27, 2025

Artist Edition
Product No.: LACM-24740 (CD + BD)
Price: ¥3,300 (tax incl.)

Anime Edition
Product No.: LACM-24741 (CD only)
Price: ¥3,300 (tax incl.)

Tracklist
CD
1.Majestic Catastrophe
Lyrics: Erica Masaki
Composition/Arrangement: Ash Inoue (Dream Monster)
And two other original songs

Blu-ray
1. Majestic Catastrophe Music Video
2. Making of the Music Video
3. Original Movie

Rico Sasaki Profile
Born November 10
Akita Prefecture

Rico Sasaki loved music and singing from a young age and grew up surrounded by various musical influences. In her fifth year of elementary school, she won the leading role in the musical Annie from among 9,000 applicants. This led to an awakening in singing and acting, and she enrolled in a high school with a specialized music program, where she majored in vocal music. Despite her petite stature, her voice resonates with a soulful quality that surprises many.

She is also currently active as a voice actress. Some of her main roles include Misumi Uika/Doloris in BanG Dream! Ave Mujica, Mewi in Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!, Daia Nijinosaki in Kiratto Pri Chan, Ayako Yamada in Kageki Shojo!!, and Chisa Sasuga in World Dai Star.

Website: https://sasakirico.com/
X: https://twitter.com/sasakirico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasakirico_official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sasakirico

]]><![CDATA[Angelina 1/3 (Gacharic Spin) Sings Theme Song for BANDAI’s LINK TRAVELERS: "Transcendence"]]>Wed, 07 May 2025 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/angelina-13-gacharic-spin-sings-theme-song-for-bandais-link-travelers-transcendence

BANDAI recently launched “LINK TRAVELERS”, built around two main distribution channels: “SIDE:C (CANDY = Shokugan)” and “SIDE:G (GASHAPON = Capsule Toys)”. Angelina 1/3 of Gacharic Spin, also often referred to as “Reiwa era’s Radio Star”, also performs the theme song for the first promotional video, which you can learn more about below!

Following the major success of the original capsule toy figure series “Gashapon Quest”, LINK TRAVELERS, first revealed in November 2024, is a new project that expands into both the Shokugan and Gashapon markets. The series drew strong anticipation from the moment online pre-orders began, and is officially set to release in May 2025. With highly detailed figures and customizable parts, the new line offers users the freedom to play and create based on their own preferences, while its rich backstory and well-developed world setting will add further depth to the imaginative experience.

The first promotional video, which fully captures the essence of the world, was released on April 28. The promotional video features the song “Transcendence,” which was produced and composed by Eijun Suganami of the rock band THE BLACK HORN, with vocals by Angelina 1/3 of Gacharic Spin. The powerful drumming of Hana of Gacharic Spin, with her intense twin bass performance, also adds to the track.

Comment from Angelina 1/3 (Gacharic Spin):
“I had the honor of singing as one of the voices in the world of LINK TRAVELERS, standing alongside characters who fight through despair in search of light and strength. It means so much to me to be part of this powerful project, especially with the incredible Eijun-san, whose work I deeply admire. The songs Eijun-san writes always give me the strength to move forward and take me to new places. I hope this song can be a source of strength for everyone out there fighting for their own freedom, just like the characters in LINK TRAVELERS.”

Comment from Eijun (THE BACK HORN):
“When creating this song, I focused on capturing the thrilling sense of adventure and the cool, stylish universe of LINK TRAVELERS. I wanted the track to feel powerful and liberating, almost like breaking free from the everyday and reaching out toward freedom. Angie’s rock vocals are truly one of a kind, and they brought the song to life with incredible energy. She’s an amazing vocalist and also has a deep understanding of the world behind the lyrics. Thanks to her, the song turned out incredibly energetic, and I’m really happy with how it came together.”

Comment from K. Sawa (Bandai):
“From the opening to the powerful chorus, this song does a fantastic job of fully expressing the world of the first installment of LINK TRAVELERS. There’s a line in PV1 that says, “A fateful encounter that sets the gears of destiny in motion will suddenly arrive one day,” and I truly feel that meeting Eijun-san and Angelina 1/3, who created such a beautiful song to accompany the characters embarking on their journeys into the future, was exactly that kind of encounter. I hope you’ll listen to the full version and enjoy it!”

“Transcendence” Streaming Links:
https://lnk.to/LZC-3079

Angelina 1/3 (Gacharic Spin)
Born in Tokyo in 2001. While performing as a mic performer for the six-member all-girl band Gacharic Spin, she is also active as a radio personality. Currently, she appears on TOKYO FM / JFN’s “SCHOOL OF LOCK!” (Monday–Friday, 22:00–23:55) and TBS Radio’s “Angie Radio ~Yume wa Kuchi ni Daseba Kanau!~” (every Sunday, 12:00–12:55).

X: https://x.com/Angelina__gs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gacharicspin.angie/
Gacharic Spin Official Website: https://www.gacharicspin.com/

Eijun Suganami (THE BACK HORN/eijun)
The guitarist and primary composer of the rock band THE BACK HORN. In recent years, he has also been active in writing and producing music for other artists. He continues to release music under his solo project name “eijun”.

X: https://x.com/TBHSuganami
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eijun_suganami_thebackhorn
THE BACK HORN: https://www.thebackhorn.com/

©BANDAI

LINK TRAVELERS:
https://www.bandai.co.jp/candy/linktravelers/

Bandai Candy Official X Account “Otona no Shokugan Club”:
https://x.com/otona_shokugan

]]><![CDATA[Maaya Sakamoto’s 30th Anniversary Website & Best Song Campaign Launched]]>Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:44:49 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/maaya-sakamotos-30th-anniversary-website-best-song-campaign-launched

Today isn't just any other day, as today marks the 30th anniversary of Maaya Sakamoto’s artist debut! The multi-talented singer, voice actress, actress, songwriter, and essayist released her debut single “Yakusoku wa Iranai” on April 24, 1996. New photos and a special website have been released in celebration of the event.

The new 30th Anniversary website can be found below, and there are other links you'll want to check out if you're a fan.

Maaya Sakamoto’s 30th Anniversary Website:
https://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/maaya/30th/

There is also a special anniversary campaign to vote for “Maaya’s Best Song”. This campaign invites fans from across the world to vote for their all-time favorite song from her discography, and you can take part of it via the link below.

“Maaya’s Best Song” Voting Page:
https://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/maaya/30th/fan-voting/

In addition, official social media accounts for Maaya Sakamoto have been created to commemorate the event. Fans will want to follow the official Maaya Sakamoto accounts for the latest news and updates on the artist!

X: https://x.com/maayas_official
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maayasakamoto_official
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maayasakamoto_official
Tags: #maaya_30th

Maaya Sakamoto Profile:
Born in Tokyo, she began her career as a child actress at the age of eight. She made her CD debut in 1996 with the single “Yakusoku wa Iranai.” Following her 2011 album You Can’t Catch Me, which topped the Oricon chart, she began actively collaborating with a wide range of other artists and musicians. Since her 2013 album Singer-Songwriter, she has also been composing music for other artists.

In 2019, she released her 30th single “Uchuu no Kioku” (produced by Ringo Sheena) and her 10th original album Kyou Dake no Ongaku. In 2020, she released her 25th anniversary album Single Collection+ Achikochi and the digital single “Yakudo,” which topped the Oricon chart.

In July 2021, her radio program “Vitamin M,” which she had been hosting for 20 years, reached its 1,000th broadcast and entered its 21st year. In May 2022, she released the double tie-up single “Sumire / Kotoba ni Dekinai,” with music written and arranged by Shigeru Kishida.

To date, she has released 35 singles and 11 full albums. As a lyricist, in addition to writing her own original songs, she has also written many songs for other artists, including Kinki Kids’ “Hikari no Kehai,” Mamoru Miyano’s “Toumei,” and Walküre’s “Kaze wa Yokoku Naku Fuku,” and has published her own lyrics book Shishu (Kadokawa).

She won the 38th Kazuo Kikuta Theater Award for her performance as Jerusha in the musical Daddy-Long-Legs. Her latest essay collection Manpukuron - Asu ni Kaburitsuke (Kadokawa) has also garnered attention.

In addition to her singing career, she is active as a voice actress, actress, lyricist, essayist, and radio personality. Her fresh and vibrant voice is loved by fans not only in Japan but also around the world. In 2025, she will celebrate her 30th anniversary as a performer and is set to contribute the opening theme song for the TV anime Aru Majo ga Shinu Made.

Website: http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/maaya/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maayasakamotoCh/

]]><![CDATA[DONGROSSO, feauring MONDO GROSSO & DONGURIZU, Release First Album: "ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM"]]>Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/dongrosso-feauring-mondo-grosso-dongurizu-release-first-album-anti-social-soundsystem

DONGROSSO, the new dance music unit from Japanese artists Shinichi Osawa (MONDO GROSSO) and DONGURIZU, recently released their first album, titled "ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM". Details on this new release, as well as links to get it for yourself, can be found below.

"ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM" collects DONGROSSO tunes such as the old-school hip-hop track "SUKIYAKI", the nostalgic "BOUROU", the playful "CHAS" that repeats its title word over and over, Valentine’s party song "MY HARDCORE VALENTINE" and the Japan-flavored wabi-sabi techno track "NIPPON". It also features self-covers of "B.S.M.F" and "RAVE (Hungry Driver)", which were originally released as MONDO GROSSO songs with guest vocals from DONGURIZU before DONGROSSO was officially formed.

The new album is chock full of DONGROSSO’s signature contrarian, ironic dance music – including the addictive tunes "DRUG", "BREAK A HABIT", and "UYFB", home-party-perfect hit "BOTTO NIGHT" and the group’s most emotional song to date, "MTHRFCKR".

The current release of the album is digital only, with May 21 being the day where the album will be released physically as a limited-edition CD, with a carboard package individually stamped with DONGROSSO’s logo by the members themselves. The CD release will also include exclusive bonus tracks.

"ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM" Download & Streaming Links:
https://asab.lnk.to/anti

"ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM" Physical Release Pre-orders:
https://asab.lnk.to/dongrosso_CD

DONGROSSO - "ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM"
Digital Release: April 23, 2025
Physical Release: May 21, 2025

Tracklist
1. JAPLISH
2. NIPPON
3. MY HARDCORE VALENTINE
4. ANTI SOCIAL INTERLUDE
5. SUKIYAKI
6. BREAK A HABIT
7. UYFB
8. DRUG
9. BOTTO NIGHT
10. BOUROU
11. HUNGRY DRIVER with RHYME
12. CHAS with RHYME
13. BSMF
14. MTHRFCKR
15. MTHRFCKR (Halfplugged) *CD bonus track

DONGROSSO Profile:
DONGROSSO is comprised of DONGURIZU, a duo of childhood friends who keep rolling like acorns in search of the music they want to create, and MONDO GROSSO, the solo project of legendary DJ/producer Shinichi Osawa, who exists on the cutting edge of new music. These unique musicians have joined forces to make the world dance with their anarchic electronic music.

https://www.instagram.com/dongrosso_jp/

SHINICHI OSAWA Profile:
Japanese electronic artist Shinichi Osawa stands as one of the most influential producers in Japanese music history, while also always moving forward with new musical developments. As a member of MONDO GROSSO, Osawa made waves in the 1990s with smooth tracks that resonated with the dance scene, and his collaboration with vocalist bird on the hit "LIFE" in 2000 further solidified his impact.

Osawa's curiosity has led him to a broad exploration of electronic styles, evidenced by his original tracks, remixes, and a successful DJ career. His contributions to the rhythm game ‘Lumines’ have introduced his sound to wider audiences. He has also contributed music to anime series including Banana Fish.

In recent years, Osawa revived the MONDO GROSSO name, unveiling new facets of his artistry. His 2017 melancholic house-pop track ‘Labyrinth’, featuring the talents of actress Hikari Mitsushima, highlighted his collaborative spirit. Further diversifying his portfolio, Osawa formed the duo RHYME SO, melding electronic music with rap and bloghouse elements.

In 2023, Osawa released "FCKNJP" under the Dirtybird label, acclaimed for its “tech funk” identity. Not resting on his laurels, he is set to unveil a fresh electronic album in 2024 under his birth name, showcasing the latest evolution of his sound.

MONDO GROSSO Profile:
MONDO GROSSO were formed as a band in Kyoto in 1991, with Shinichi Osawa as the leader and bassist. They released their major-label debut album in 1993 and toured Europe as a world-standard acid-jazz band. The band broke up in 1996, and MONDO GROSSO became Osawa’s solo project, featuring vocals from various guest artists on each song. Since then, he has released hit albums while seeking the innovative music of that era, such as "MG4" including the song "LIFE feat. Bird", and "NEXT WAVE" including "Everything Needs Love feat. BoA". He suspended activities under the name MONDO GROSSO in 2003.

In 2017, Osawa released the first MONDO GROSSO album in 14 years, "Reborn Again and Always Starting New". The music video for "Labyrinth" featuring Hikari Mitsushima has been played more than 40 million times on YouTube.

In 2021, "MONDO GROSSO OFFICIAL BEST" was released, tracing the 30-year journey since their formation. The latest album "BIG WORLD" made waves with its dynamic collaborations featuring renowned artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto and Hikari Mitsushima, especially on the track "IN THIS WORLD".

www.mondogrosso.com

DONGURIZU Profile:
DONGURIZU are a duo consisting of rapper Mori and producer Chomo. As lovers of house and techno, they create dance music with the goal of getting the crowd pumping. They always make music with the dancefloor in mind, and are attracting attention from music fans all over the world.

]]><![CDATA[Atarayo Releases New Ending Theme for Assassination Classroom Rebroadcast: "moon ship"]]>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/atarayo-releases-new-ending-theme-for-assassination-classroom-rebroadcast-moon-ship

Atarayo recently released their latest single, titled "moon ship", and it's also set to be the new ending theme song for the rebroadcast of the hit anime series Assassination Classroom. Details of this release, and links to check it out for yourself, can be found below.

Unlike Atarayo’s previous medium-tempo ballads tinged with an air of sadness, "moon ship" begins with a powerful bass intro that is joined by drums and guitar, combining to echo the cool kinetic energy of the Assassination Classroom anime series. It’s a sound that seems to reflect a new beginning for Atarayo as they celebrate the fifth anniversary of their formation.

Vocalist Hitomi wrote the song, explaining, “Even if you know something is out of reach, you can’t help but reach out anyway. Just the act of connecting with the object of your desire can hugely impact your personal growth. I want to have the strength to look squarely at my past self, who walked everywhere with my head down, and accept me. This song is all about those feelings.”

Atarayo are preparing for their first solo concert in Korea, titled Hyundai Card Curated 98 Atarayo Live In Seoul, scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025 at UNDERSTAGE in Seoul. Atarayo are steadily gaining popularity in Asia following last year’s Atarayo 1st Asia Tour 2024, so this will be one to watch. Ticket information can be found below.

Following the release of "moon ship", Atarayo’s first new song of 2025, their song "I still love you" will be released on Wednesday, April 23, and features on the soundtrack to the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Thursday night drama series Parallel fufu: Shinda “Boku to Tsuma” no Shinjitsu.

"moon ship" Download & Streaming Links:
https://atarayo.lnk.to/moonship

©Yusei Matsui／ SHUEISHA, ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Committee2025

About Atarayo
“A band that feeds on sadness”

The band name Atarayo means “sorrowful night” in Japanese, meaning “a night so beautiful it’s a shame to see the dawn”. The band began posting music on YouTube in November 2020, and last year they sold out all six shows (including added dates) of their first Asian tour, simply titled Atarayo 1st Asia Tour 2024, proving their growing popularity overseas.

Website: https://atarayo-jp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atarayo_band/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atarayo_hitomi_0124
X: https://x.com/atarayo_band
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrtbLQsox2EYtF0iVclZjA

]]><![CDATA[TOMONARI SORA Releases New Opening Theme Song for Rebroadcast of Assassination Classroom: "CAUTION"]]>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/tomonari-sora-releases-new-opening-theme-song-for-rebroadcast-of-assassination-classroom-caution

Japanese musician TOMONARI SORA, known in Japan as the “Reiwa Era pop killer”, released a new song today, and you can check out all the details regarding it below!

The new song is titled "CAUTION", and it will be used as the new opening theme for the rebroadcast of the anime series Assassination Classroom, which will begin airing in Japan on Fuji TV from 01:45 JST on Friday, April 11.

SORA wrote the music and lyrics, as well as arranging and mixing the song and even creating the cover artwork. With an aggressive sound filled with speed and excitement, "CAUTION" depicts the fleeting moments between childhood and adulthood, likening it to the cautionary yellow light on a set of traffic lights, and expresses the frustration and the wonder of everyday life that so quickly rushes by. As you’d expect from SORA, this new song is packed with metaphor-filled wordplay and an addictive sense of rhythm.

SORA commented, Assassination Classroom was actually my favorite Jump manga series when I was in elementary and middle school, so I was thrilled when I heard about this project. As a graduate of Class 3-E and a huge fan of Koro sensei, I am delighted to be able to contribute music for this anime series that is beloved all over the world!” A music video for "CAUTION" was also released today. It was produced by video creator Tsumugi, who made the lyric videos for SORA’s previous tracks "ACTOR" and "Bergamot".

The anime series Assassination Classroom is based on a hit manga that was originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2012 to 2016. The manga has sold over 27 million copies and continues to captivate fans today. The anime adaptation was first broadcast on Fuji TV and other channels in Japan in January 2015, and reaches its 10th anniversary in 2025. To celebrate, a project titled "Anime Assassination Classroom 10th Anniversary Time" has been launched, consisting of three main parts, which will be announced over time. The first of these is a yearlong rebroadcast of all 47 episodes of the anime series in Japan, starting in April 2025 on Fuji TV and other channels.

Comment from TOMONARI SORA
“TOMONARI SORA here. I’m in charge of the new opening theme song for the anime series ‘Assassination Classroom’. ‘Assassination Classroom’ was actually my favorite Jump manga series when I was in elementary and middle school, so I was thrilled when I heard about this project. As a graduate of Class 3-E and a huge fan of Koro Sensei, I am delighted to be able to contribute music for this anime series that is beloved all over the world!”

"CAUTION" Download & Streaming Links:
https://tomonarisora.lnk.to/Caution

TOMONARI SORA Profile
Known in Japan as the “Reiwa Era pop killer”, TOMONARI SORA is a new-generation singer-songwriter born in 2002. He struck the J-pop scene out of nowhere like a comet, with one song after another becoming viral hits.

SORA’s catchy melodies, humorous sense of wordplay filled with mystery and poison, and use of Japanese imagery have created a buzz, while his January 2024 song "Demons Banquet" crushed Japan’s charts for the first half of 2024. His May 2024 follow-up release "Niramekko" also became a viral hit.

As a child, SORA longed to create his very own land. Realizing that music allowed him to build a world of his own, where he could find respite from the difficulties of life, he began teaching himself to compose music while in fourth grade of elementary school.

Writing the lyrics and music for his songs as well as creating arrangements and even illustrations and music videos, SORA is a truly multitalented artist.

Website: https://avex.jp/tomonarisora/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tomonarisora
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomonariSora
X: https://twitter.com/TomonariSora
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomonarisora/

]]><![CDATA[Shugo Nakamura Releases MV for Latest Single: “Illuminate”]]>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:15:36 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/shugo-nakamura-releases-mv-for-latest-single-illuminate

Voice actor and singer-songwriter Shugo Nakamura recently released his latest song, titled “Illuminate”, on streaming and digital services. An MV for the song also joined this release, and you can check out both below!

Written and composed by Nakamura himself, “Illuminate” serves as the opening theme for the TV anime The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl. This marks the first time that Nakamura performs an anime opening theme. The song features a brass sound that perfectly captures the feeling of springtime romance, paired with heartfelt and straightforward lyrics that are distinctly his own.

The music video, Nakamura’s first drama-style production featuring a cast, was filmed at an amusement park, creating a vibrant and spring-like atmosphere filled with dazzling visuals. Highlights include scenes shot against a beautifully illuminated carousel and twinkling night lights, offering a fresh new side of Nakamura not seen in his previous music videos. The physical release is set for April 23 and will be available in both a Limited Edition and a Standard Edition. The Limited Edition includes a Blu-ray featuring the “Illuminate” music video along with behind-the-scenes footage.

The "Illuminate" MV can be found below.

"Illuminate" Streaming Links:
https://lnk.to/LZC-3044

Shugo Nakamura - “Illuminate”
Release Date: April 23, 2025

Standard Edition Tracks
1. Illuminate
Lyrics/Composition: Shugo Nakamura / Jun Murayama
2. Chiguhagu
Lyrics/Composition: Shugo Nakamura / Jun Murayama
3. Marie
Lyrics/Composition: Shugo Nakamura / Jun Murayama

Blu-ray *Limited Edition only
1. Illuminate -Music Video-
2. Illuminate -Making of Music Video-

Official Links:
Website: https://shugo-nakamura.com
X: https://twitter.com/ShugoAbc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakamura_shugo_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nakamura_shugo_official

]]><![CDATA[GENERATIONS Release New Digital Single Featuring Sound Production by Shintaro Yasuda: "Two Steps Back"]]>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:13:18 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/generations-release-new-digital-single-featuring-sound-production-by-shintaro-yasuda-two-steps-back

Japanese boy band GENERATIONS recently released their latest single, titled "Two Steps Back". Details on this release, and links to check it out for yourself, can be found below.

Releasing on April 7, this is the third installment in the PRODUCE 6IX COLORS project in which each of the six members of GENERATIONS will produce a new song for six consecutive months from February 2025. The new track was produced by GENERATIONS leader Alan Shirahama, with sound production courtesy of Shintaro Yasuda. Yasuda is a Grammy-nominated Asian-American producer, songwriter, DJ and musician based in Los Angeles, California, whose credits include Ariana Grande’s "Off the Table" and "Dream" from BLACKPINK member LISA’s album "Alter Ego".

The song’s repeating hook and rhythmic beats symbolically express the tactics of love and the sense of distance between two partners, balancing a sense of sorrow with a hot global sound. The lyric video was animated by illustrator Nui, who lends a cool retro feel reminiscent of the 1990s. The lyric video, and download and streaming links, can be found below.

"Two Steps Back" Download & Streaming Links:
https://generations.lnk.to/twostepsback

About GENERATIONS
GENERATIONS made their debut in November 2012 with the single ‘BRAVE IT OUT’. The group held world tours in 2015 and 2017, as well as domestic arena tours in 2016 and 2017. Their 2017 world tour was followed the next year by their first domestic dome tour. In 2019, they held their first nationwide five-dome tour, titled GENERATIONS LIVE TOUR 2019 "Shonen Chronicle", which drew 460,000 fans. They ended that year with their first of three consecutive appearances on NHK’s revered New Year’s TV show Kohaku Uta Gassen.

In April 2024, GENERATIONS were appointed as Taiso Nippon Support Ambassadors, and their May 2024 song "Endless Journey" was selected as the official Taiso Nippon “support song” for the Japanese gymnastics team at the Paris Olympics starting in July, and for all gymnasts in Japan.

At their GENERATIONS LIVE TOUR 2024 ‘GENERATIONS 2.0’ BONUS STAGE COUNTDOWN PARTY year end concerts held on December 30 and 31, the group announced plans for six special new projects. The most highlighted is the PRODUCE 6IX COLORS project, where songs produced by each of the group’s six members will be released as digital singles over six consecutive months, along with an arena tour of Japan in the fall.

Further Information
Website: https://m.tribe-m.jp/artist/index/37
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GENERATIONS.official
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generations_official/
X: https://x.com/generationsfext
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ldhgenerations
Weibo: https://www.weibo.com/GENERATIONSofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@generations_official_

]]>