<![CDATA[A-to-J Connections - Music]]>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:58:57 -0700Weebly<![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

Picture
©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
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<![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/

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<![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

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<![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_
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<![CDATA[Snow Man’s Best of Album, "THE BEST 2020-2025", Arrives On Download & Streaming Services]]>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 03:59:23 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/snow-mans-best-of-album-the-best-2020-2025-arrives-on-download-streaming-services
Originally released to coincide with the fifth anniversary of their debut, Japanese boy band Snow Man have now made their best-of album, titled "THE BEST 2020 - 2025", available digitally on download and streaming services. Details on this release, as well as links to check it out digitally, can be found below.
"THE BEST 2020 - 2025" is Snow Man’s first greatest hits album, originally released on CD on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. It is the first album in the history of Japan’s Oricon Daily Album Ranking (dated January 21, 2025) to sell 1 million copies on its first day, and the first album in Snow Man’s history to exceed 1.5 million copies in cumulative sales.

The digital release features a total of 61 songs, including ‘SBY’, the theme song for the currently showing movie Trillion Game that stars Snow Man member Ren Meguro, as well as the first solo songs by each of the nine group members, all 11 singles the group have released in the five years since their debut, the lead and sub-lead songs from their four albums, and even a selection of songs picked by the group’s members and their fans.

To celebrate the digital release of the album, Snow Man are holding a special download campaign on iTunes, where fans who download just one song from the album will receive an original wallpaper. Check out the group’s official website for more details.

Download Campaign:
https://mentrecording.jp/snowman/news/detail.php?id=1124012

Download & Streaming Links:
https://SnowMan.lnk.to/thebest

Snow Man - "THE BEST 2020 - 2025"
Digital Release Date: April 7, 2025

Tracklist
1 D.D.
2 KISSIN’ MY LIPS
3 Stories
4 Grandeur
5 HELLO HELLO
6 Secret Touch
7 Brother Beat
8 Orange kiss
9 Tapestry
10 W
11 Dangerholic
12 LOVE TRIGGER
13 We’ll go together
14 BREAKOUT
15 Kimi wa Bokuno mono (You Are Mine)
16 EVOLUTION
17 Owaranai Memories
18 Snow Man’s Life
19 JUICY
20 Boku to Kimi to
21 Happy Birthday
22 AIKOTOBA
23 slow...
24 Nine Snow Flash
25 EMPIRE
26 One
27 KANPAI Year!!
28 SBY
29 Dear,
30 A PIECE OF CAKE
31 Midnight Trendy
32 Sugar
33 Kimi no Kareshi ni Naritai.
34 Boku no Kanojo ni Natte yo.
35 Boku ni Taisetsu ni Sarete ne.
36 Start Line
37 Julietta
38 Kura Kura
39 Hip bounce!!
40 Super Sexy
41 -YUÁN-
42 Crazy F-R-E-S-H Beat
43 Fantanamore
44 Namida no Umi wo Koeteyuke
45 EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING
46 Party! Party! Party!
47 Ichibanboshi
48 Tic Tac Toe
49 POWEEEEER
50 Boku to Iu Na no Drama
51 Cry out
52 DA BOMB
53 7% / Hikaru Iwamoto
54 iro iro / Tatsuya Fukazawa
55 Induction / Raul
56 Oto no Naru Hou e / Shota Watanabe
57 Finder / Koji Mukai
58 Isso, Kirai ni Naretara. / Ryohei Abe
59 Asa no Jikan / Ren Meguro
60 I · Datte Tomaranai / Ryota Miyadate
61 Mamoritai, sono Egao / Daisuke Sakuma

Snow Man Profile
Snow Man are a nine-piece Japanese boyband featuring leader Hikaru Iwamoto, Tatsuya Fukazawa, Raul, Shota Watanabe, Koji Mukai, Ryohei Abe, Ren Meguro, Ryota Miyadate and Daisuke Sakuma. They made their debut on January 22, 2020 with the release of "D.D." / "Imitation Rain". They have won the Artist of the Year trophy at the Japan Gold Disc Award for three years running. In spring 2025, they will hold their first stadium concert, titled Snow Man 1st Stadium Live ~Snow World~. The group have a passionate global fan base, and in addition to their work as a group, Snow Man member Raul has appeared as a model at Paris Fashion Week, while Mukai is set to star in the original Japanese-Thai coproduction feature film (LOVE SONG) directed by Weerachit Thongjila. Meguro, meanwhile, has made history as the first Japanese person to be appointed as a global advertising campaign model for Fendi’s 2025 Spring/Summer menswear collection.

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<![CDATA[DONGROSSO, feauring MONDO GROSSO & DONGURIZU, Release New Dance Track: "NIPPON"]]>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:43:03 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/dongrosso-feauring-mondo-grosso-dongurizu-release-new-dance-track-nippon
DONGROSSO, the unit consisting of Japanese musicians Shinichi Osawa (MONDO GROSSO) and DONGURIZU, recently released the advance single, titled "NIPPON", from their upcoming first album "ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM". Details on the album release, and links to check it out for yourself, can be found below.

As the title suggests, the lyrics for "NIPPON" playfully reference the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, with a low-key rap set over a a minimalist techno track. A vertical music video has also been released, which uses fully AI-generated visuals to show bizarre scenes of Japan as it is often seen by the rest of the world. The cover artwork and tracklist for the group’s aforementioned first album, "ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM", has also been revealed.

"Nippon" Download & Streaming Links:
https://asab.lnk.to/nippon

DONGROSSO - "ANTI SOCIAL SOUNDSYSTEM"
Digital Release: April 23, 2025
https://asab.lnk.to/dongrosso_album_pre

Physical Release: May 21, 2025
https://asab.lnk.to/dongrosso_CD

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.

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<![CDATA[Japanese Artist SANTA to Release First Anime Tie-in Song: "Sou"]]>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/japanese-artist-santa-to-release-first-anime-tie-in-song-sou
SANTA, a Japanese artist with a huge following across Asia, recently announced the upcoming release of his first ever anime song, titled "Sou", which is set to drop on April 6. Details on this song, as well as links to check it out for yourself, can be found below.
"Sou" is the opening theme song for Mashin Genesis Wataru, the latest instalment in the classic Wataru anime series that began in 1988 with Mashin Hero Wataru and is beloved by fans across all generations. The story follows the adventures of fourth-grade elementary school student Wataru Hoshibe as he overcomes challenge after challenge with his friends, bringing smiles to fans around the globe. The new series has been brought up to date with themes and settings for today’s always-online world, making it perfect viewing for adults and kids alike.

"Sou" is a song bursting with positive energy, created especially to fit within the world of the anime. The song’s fast-paced rock sound and passionate melody show a new side of SANTA.

SANTA appeared on China’s mega-hit audition show CHUANG in 2021 and debuted as a member of the multicultural boy band INTO1, before becoming a solo artist with a career that spans multiple Asian countries. His first ever festival appearance in Japan is scheduled for June this year. Don’t miss this rising star as he leaves his mark on the music scene.

Comment from SANTA
“It is an honor to get to perform an opening theme as my first ever solo anime song! The ‘Wataru’ anime series has a long and storied history, and I myself am a huge fan of Japanese anime – so I would be thrilled if anime fans from around the world and of all generations could enjoy it together.

“The new series’ modern theme of taking your adventures to the world as a streamer is similar to my own mission. ‘Sou’ is a song about Wataru’s strength as he maintains endless optimism while searching for answers in an era when it’s so hard to know what resonates with others or what is right. I only hope I can be like Wataru, and channel power to as many people as possible.”


"Sou" Download & Streaming Links:
https://avex.lnk.to/SANTA_sou

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<![CDATA[Aya Hirano Announces First New Solo Single In 11 Years: "evolutions"]]>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/aya-hirano-announces-first-new-solo-single-in-11-years-evolutions
Aya Hirano recently announced that she will release a new single, titled “evolutions”, on May 10, 2025. Details on this release can be found below.
"evolutions" will be released under the Lantis label, the same label that launched her solo career in 2006. The song’s production is handled by Heart Company, led by Shigeru Saito, who supported Hirano’s career as the music producer of hits like The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Lucky Star. With the return of her original production team, Hirano’s music is set to enter a new phase.

“evolutions” marks Hirano’s first solo single in 11 years. It is a powerful and energetic track that captures Hirano’s current style, reflecting the diverse vocal genres she has explored throughout her career. The song’s arrangement and composition are by John Kanda (Ajiwai), with lyrics written by Hirano herself. Additionally, on March 8, 2026, Hirano will celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut solo single, “Breakthrough”, under the Lantis label. As the countdown to this milestone begins, be sure to watch for the next chapter in Hirano’s music journey with Lantis.

Product Information
Digital Single “evolutions”

Release Date: May 10, 2025
Lyrics: Aya Hirano
Composition & Arrangement: John Kanda (Ajiwai)
Music Production: Heart Company Ltd.

Aya Hirano Profile:
Born in Aichi Prefecture, Aya Hirano began her career as a child actress, appearing in TV dramas and commercials starting in 1998. She made her voice acting debut in 2003. In March 2006, she debuted as a solo artist with the release of her first single, “Breakthrough,” under the Lantis label.

From 2011 onward, she focused primarily on stage performances, and in 2024, she fully resumed her music career with the RE:BOOT live tour. In May 2025, she will digitally release her first new single in 11 years, titled “evolutions,” under the Lantis label. This track will be featured in her upcoming live tour, which will begin in April and visit eight cities.

Website: https://ayahirano.jp/
Fanclub “Team AYA”: https://a-hirano.com/
X: https://x.com/Hysteric_Barbie
Staff X: https://x.com/AyaHiranoStaff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_ya.hirano/

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