<![CDATA[A-to-J Connections

<![CDATA[A-to-J Connections - Music]]>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:58:24 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Japanese Musician TOMONARI SORA Releases Stylish New Song: "Bergamot"]]>Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:39:52 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/japanese-musician-tomonari-sora-releases-stylish-new-song-bergamot

Japanese musician TOMONARI SORA, known in Japan as the “Reiwa Era Pop Killer”, recently released a new song, titled "Bergamot". Details on this release, and links to check it out for yourself, can be found below!

As the latest song from SORA, "Bergamot" follows his previous viral hits including "Demons Banquet" and "Niramekko". This stylish pop tune boasts an unforgettable earworm melody, clever wordplay, a stylish sound and an arrangement filled with unexpected aural twists that will keep you listening to the very end.

The song’s lyrics, composition, arrangement, audio mix and jacket artwork were all created by SORA himself. A lyric video for "Bergamot" was also released today. It was produced by video creator Tsumugi, who made the video for SORA’s previous track "ACTOR".

Comment from TOMONARI SORA
“A glamorous yet lonely eastern city. Amid the neon lights and commotion, days spent alternating between work and leisure. Passing someone at an intersection, a scent on the wind evokes a certain memory. Tonight is Saturday. Your favorite bergamot eau de toilette spray lingers on your wrist.”

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

TOMONARI SORA Profile
Known in Japan as the “Reiwa Era pop killer” and born in 2002, TOMONARI SORA is a new-generation singer-songwriter. Since he first suddenly crashed onto the J-pop scene like a comet, he has released one viral hit song after another.

SORA’s catchy melodies, his humorous wordplay filled with mystery and acerbic wit, and his knack for embracing traditional Japanese motifs have set the music world alight, and his January 2024 song "Demons Banquet" dominated the music charts for the first half of that year. The follow-up "Niramekko" released in May 2024 also became a viral hit.

As a child, SORA longed to create a country of his own; realizing that he could use music to build his own world, a place of respite from the difficulties of life, he began teaching himself to compose music while in fourth grade of elementary school.

SORA is a multitalented artist who not only writes lyrics, composes music and arranges songs, but also works on his own illustrations and music videos as well.

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[Japanese Boy Band Snow Man Break Records with Release of Greatest Hits Album: "THE BEST 2020 - 2025"]]>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 22:48:45 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/japanese-boy-band-snow-man-break-records-with-release-of-greatest-hits-album-the-best-2020-2025

Snow Man, a nine-member boy band whose members include leader Hikaru Iwamoto, Tatsuya Fukazawa, Raul, Shota Watanabe, Koji Mukai, Ryohei Abe, Ren Meguro, Ryota Miyadate and Daisuke Sakuma, recently released their first ever greatest hits album: "THE BEST 2020 - 2025". This album marked the fifth anniversary of their debut, and it proved to be quite the memorable release. Details on the album, and links to check out some of their MVs, can be found below!

Besides being their first greatest hits album, "THE BEST 2020 - 2025" also is notable for the records it set. It sold over 1.1 million copies on its first day on sale, topping the Oricon Daily Album Ranking chart for January 21, 2025. Its first-week sales hit 1,395,000 copies, setting a new record for the highest first-week sales of Japan’s Reiwa Era (which began in 2019), according to the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking dated February 3, 2025, and based on the sales period of January 20 thru January 26, 2025. All five of Snow Man’s albums to date have sold over a million copies each, making it the first time in the history of the Oricon rankings that an artist has had their first five consecutive albums sell over a million copies, as well as setting the record for beating a million on the first day on sale.

"THE BEST 2020 - 2025" contains 61 songs, including brand new tracks, and 30 music videos including their videos to date and two new ones. It also includes a ton of freshly shot footage, such as all 35 dance practice and performance videos the group have released on YouTube and nine music videos for solo songs by each member of the group, making it a packed and comprehensive set that will allow fans to experience Snow Man as they are today.

Album highlights Include:

"D.D."
Snow Man’s debut song "D.D." has become their calling card, characterized by its edgy digital sound. Don’t miss the hard, stylish dance moves and acrobatics in the video.

MV: https://youtu.be/rSD7jb4Xjq8

"EMPIRE"
"EMPIRE" is a song from Snow Man to the world. This cool track boldly samples Mozart’s renowned "Symphony No. 25 in G minor", making it instantly recognizable to just about anyone. Combining the timeless grandeur of classical music with a modern dance beat makes this a unique and unmissable tune. The music video was shot entirely in Barcelona, which lends the video an unmistakable atmosphere, featuring a powerful performance from a total of 54 dancers.

MV: https://youtu.be/C9Ykam2hUs0

"SBY"
"SBY" was the theme song for the motion picture Trillion Game, which starred Snow Man member Ren Meguro; this quiet mid-tempo ballad is like a morning glow that evokes new beginnings. The lyrics express gratitude and a determination to continue moving forward together, with the message: “I didn’t come this far by myself alone; it’s because you were there”.

MV: https://youtu.be/pSp2AAGB27M

"Stories" & "Granduer"
No Snow Man collection would be complete without their two opening songs for the anime series Black Clover. "Stories" is a fast-paced rock-tinged track that sings of a conviction to forge your own path even when strong winds blow against you. And "Grandeur" is an up-tempo dance tune with a slightly more mature, sexy vibe.

"Stories" MV: https://youtu.be/M6m5JEfQ-U0
"Grandeur" MV: https://youtu.be/7RyewjSWnFo

"One"
"One" was the ending theme song for the anime series Blue Lock VS. U-20 JAPAN, and was Snow Man’s first song to be released on streaming platforms. The song begins quietly, creating the image of dawn spreading across a magnificent landscape, while its lyrics echo the themes of the anime show by singing of a strong will to pursue your dreams.

Download & Streaming Links: https://mentrecording.lnk.to/one

With each song, you can see a different side of Snow Man. The songs above are just a handful of the 61 tracks contained on "THE BEST 2020 - 2025". Take a careful listen to them all, and find your own favorite.

"THE BEST 2020 - 2025" Purchase Link: https://SnowMan.lnk.to/THEBEST_overseas

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.

]]><![CDATA[Aiobahn Releases First Single Under Aiobahn +81 Alias: "Tententengokujigokugoku (feat. Nakahira & Pmarusama)"]]>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:04 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/aiobahn-releases-first-single-under-aiobahn-81-alias-tententengokujigokugoku-feat-nakahira-pmarusama

Aiobahn, a unique producer and DJ with roots in electronic dance music who is a luminary in Japan’s subculture scene, has released his first official single under his Aiobahn +81 alias. You can check everything about the single, "Tententengokujigokugoku (feat. Nakahira & Pmarusama)", below.

Aiobahn +81 is the handle name used by Aiobahn to release music and art made by a completely separate personality. Under this name, the producer experiments with otaku culture, from online music to anime songs and videogame music, releasing the hit songs "INTERNET YAMERO" and "Itadaki Babel (Aiobahn +81 Remix)" to over 57 million plays on YouTube.

This exciting first single features Nanahira, who started singing in 2008 and has built a huge fan base in the Japanese and global subculture scenes through her “utaite” cover songs and other work, and Pmarusama., a multitalented entertainer whose hit song "S’il Vous President" blew up on YouTube and TikTok, and who has over 3 million subscribers and over 3.1 billion video views on YouTube.

The song’s title is a play on the Japanese words for heaven and hell. It is reminiscent of the good old days of the music scene on Japan’s Nico Nico Douga video platform, and in true Aiobahn fashion the song’s unpredictable twists and turns keep it fresh and thrilling to the very end. The lyrics are by Yoshimi Yuno from IOSYS, while the song’s sound is rave-tinged dance-pop with a 1990s flavor, and lines sung by the two guest singers’ crash together like an angel and demon colliding on the dancefloor, making for a chaotic experience.

Alongside the release of the new single, a music video also premiered on YouTube today, featuring illustrations and animation by odyk and motion graphics by Nihe – the same team behind Aiobahn's hit song "Shiawaseni nannte naranaide feat. nanawoakari". Don’t miss this wild angel and demon dance.

Since the single was first announced, the unpredictable combination of Aiobahn, Nanahira and Pmarusama. set tongues wagging online; and now that the song is out, the hype is only just beginning. Expect to see Aiobahn make further leaps as he blurs the boundaries between genres and cultures under his new moniker Aiobahn +81.

"Tententengokujigokugoku (feat. Nakahira & Pmarusama)" Download & Streaming Links:
https://avex.lnk.to/tententengokujigokugoku

Aiobahn +81 Profile
Aiobahn, a unique producer and DJ with roots in electronic dance music who is a luminary in Japan’s subculture scene, launches his new alias Aiobahn +81 in 2025. Under this handle, he experiments with otaku culture, from online music to anime songs and videogame music, to release music and art made by a completely separate personality. His first official single under this new moniker is ‘Tententengoku Jigokugoku (feat. Nanahira & Pmaru-sama.)’, released February 5, 2025.

X (Twitter): https://x.com/aiobahn81

Nanahira Profile
Nanahira has been releasing vocal covers of anime songs and Vocaloid songs on video sites since 2008. While she is best known for “denpa”-style songs and high-energy singing, she is also able to change her vocal tone and nuances to sing a wide range of styles. More recently, she has expanded her repertoire to include character voice acting and providing vocal samples for audio libraries. Brandishing her own take on the kawaii movement, Nanahira has gained popularity both in Japan and overseas through her own Confetto group, self-produced music, songs for various music videogames, and live performances.

Pmarusama. Profile
Pmarusama. is a multitalented entertainer whose activity is focused on YouTube and TikTok. Her hit song "S’il Vous President" has been played over 100 million times. Her massively watchable short animations and short videos are also extremely popular, and she currently boasts over 3 million subscribers and over 3.1 billion video views on YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pmarusama
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@p_ma_ru
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/p_ma_ru

]]><![CDATA[Japanese Pop Group GENIC Release Fourth Album: "if"]]>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:31:47 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/japanese-pop-group-genic-release-fourth-album-if

GENIC, a seven-member dance and vocal pop group from Japan with a mixed male and female lineup, recently released their fourth album "if" on Wednesday, February 5. Details on this release, and the latest on GENIC themselves, can be found below!

As the title suggests, the album embarks on a journey through a “what if” world through GENIC’s music, and is an entertaining collection of accessible “pop & cool” music that has become the group’s trademark. The album contains 14 songs, two of which were used as theme songs for TV drama series and two more from commercials starring the members of GENIC themselves, along with an additional three hours of video content. Their music videos continue the “what if” theme, with the lyrics and visuals of "FUN! FUN! FUN!" exploring a colorful miracle island, and "IT’S SHOWTIME" showing a version of GENIC if they had been a 1990s J-pop group instead of starting in the modern era – truly a series of fun parallel worlds to enjoy.

The members of GENIC have been expanding their horizons through acting, writing, modeling and more. In 2024, Atsuki Mashiko appeared as Haku in the London production of the stage play adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Wth a performance scheduled at the iconic Nippon Budokan on November 5, 2025, the group will take further leaps into the world of entertainment, bringing the “pop & cool” style that only this boy-girl pop group can offer.

The MV for "FUN! FUN! FUN!" can be viewed below!

"if" Download & Streaming Links:
https://genic.lnk.to/if_dlstr

GENIC Profile
GENIC are a seven-member dance and vocal group from Japan with a mixed lineup of male and female members, who were selected from a development program hosted by avex titled a-genic PROJECT, aimed at discovering artists to inherit the legendary label’s DNA.

Their third album ‘N_G’ reached No.1 on the Oricon Daily Albums Chart in Japan when it was released in March 2024. The group have drawn over 50,000 fans to their live shows since their debut, and began their largest ever nationwide tour of Japan in September 2024, titled GENIC LIVE TOUR 2024 -if-. They will release their fourth album ‘if’ on February 5, 2025, and will also perform at the Nippon Budokan for the first time on November 5.

The seven members of GENIC – Atsuki Mashiko, Joe Nishizawa, Kakeru Amemiya, Maiki Nishimoto, Maria Kaneya, Ryuki Koike and Yurari Ui – are active in a wide range of disciplines beyond music, including acting, writing and modeling. Mashiko starred in the live-action TV adaptation of ‘My Personal Weatherman’ and played the role of Haku in the London production of the stage play adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away’. Koike, meanwhile, has written songs for other artists and composed and arranged ‘Zettai Idol Yamenaide’ by =LOVE. With an accessible approach to performance that is fun to behold, GENIC are blowing up globally, with a fan base not only in Japan but also overseas.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vpKcfxN3KfVmbyddl9sYT
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/jp/artist/genic/1486374706

Website: https://avex.jp/genic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genic_staff/
X: https://x.com/genic_staff
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@genic_official

]]><![CDATA[BE:FIRST Release New Double A-Side Single, "Spacecraft/Sailing", Ahead of First Ever World Tour]]>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:21:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/befirst-release-new-double-a-side-single-spacecraftsailing-ahead-of-first-ever-world-tour

BE:FIRST, a seven-member Japanese boy band who are currently preparing to embark on their first ever world tour, recently released a new double A-side single in the form of "Spacecraft / Sailing". Details on this release, and the upcoming world tour, can be found below!

"Spacecraft" is a new song that was written specially for the group’s first ever four-dome tour of Japan, titled BE:FIRST DOME TOUR 2024-2025 “2:BE”. The song was cowritten by producer SAS (INIMI), who got to fulfil a long-held wish to work with BE:FIRST for the first time, and the group’s indispensable longtime songwriting partners LOAR (INIMI) and SKY-HI. Continuing the momentum of BE:FIRST’s work, this is an aggressive dance tune that represents the group’s true essence, featuring a spacey, abstract track full of bizarre, unpredictable twists that will “turn the world upside down” and a unique, polished vocal presence.

A music video for the song has also been released on YouTube. In the video, which has the theme of a “time paradox”, the members of BE:FIRST transcend time and space with a spectacular dance performance boasting crunchy choreography devised by group member SOTA.

The other title song, "Sailing", was written as the ending theme song for the TV anime series ONE PIECE LOG: FISH-MAN ISLAND SAGA, with lyrics written by diehard ONE PIECE stans SOTA, SHUNTO and RYUHEI from BE:FIRST. The song combines a funky, danceable track with a melodic yet powerful main melody, and lyrics that reflect the ONE PIECE story of joining forces with friends to overcome all obstacles and take on new challenges. The delicate yet powerful singing voices of the seven group members create the kind of positive vibes that BE:FIRST are all about, with the slogan, “Let’s turn any storm into a tailwind” making for an inspiring song that will fill your heart with courage.

The song’s music video paints BE:FIRST as joyful musical pirates, and is filled with respectful homages to ONE PIECE. A lyric video featuring footage from the anime is also out now.

The MVs for both "Spacecraft" and "Sailing" can be found below!

"Spacecraft / Sailing" Download & Streaming Links:
https://BEFIRST.lnk.to/Spacecraft_Sailing_global

As mentioned earlier, BE:FIRST also previously announced their first ever world tour, playfully titled "BE:FIRST World Tour 2025 -Who is BE:FIRST?-"

The tour kicks off in Los Angeles on April 22, 2025, and will visit 15 cities in nine countries and regions in Asia, Europe and North America, including New York, London and Paris. Some performances will also offer VIP packages and special extras for fans who want to go all-in for the full experience.

BE:FIRST World Tour 2025 -Who is BE:FIRST?- Website:
https://befirst.tokyo/tour/worldtour2025/

Tour Schedule
2025/04/22 (Tues) Los Angeles: The Novo
2025/04/23 (Weds) San Francisco: The Regency Ballroom
2025/05/15 (Thurs) Taipei: Zepp New Taipei
2025/05/24 (Sat) Bangkok: Samyan Mitrtown Hall
2025/06/01 (Sun) London: O2 Forum Kentish Town
2025/06/03 (Tues) Paris: Bataclan
2025/06/04 (Weds) Amsterdam: Melkweg
2025/06/06 (Fri) Frankfurt: Batschkapp
2025/06/08 (Sun) New York: Webster Hall
2025/06/10 (Tues) Philadelphia: Keswick Theatre
2025/06/12 (Thurs) Washington DC: The Howard Theatre
2025/06/14 (Sat) Chicago: Copernicus Center
2025/06/17 (Tues) Honolulu: Hawaii Theatre
2025/06/28 (Sat) Hong Kong: venue tba
2025/07/05 (Sat) Singapore: Capitol Theatre

General Pre-sale:
North America: befirsttour25.com
Europe/UK: https://www.livenation.co.uk/be-first-tickets-adp1561075
Asia: https://www.livenation.asia/be-first-tickets-adp1561075

BE:FIRST Profile
BE:FIRST are a seven-member boyband from Japan featuring members SOTA, SHUNTO, MANATO, RYUHEI, JUNON, RYOKI and LEO, signed to the BMSG agency and label run by musician SKY-HI. Each member has an incredible talent for singing, dance and rap, along with a musical sensitivity that is evident in their songwriting, composition, choreography and electric personalities. Under the name BE:FIRST, the seven members have topped the charts in Japan since even before their official debut. They began their first ever four-dome concert tour of Japan in December 2024, titled BE:FIRST DOME TOUR 2024-2025 “2:BE”, with nine performances in four cities nationwide. Their new song ‘Spacecraft’ was first unveiled during the tour, and was made available online on Monday, February 3, ahead of its CD release on Wednesday, February 5.

BE:FIRST Music Links:
https://BEFIRST.lnk.to/Playlist

BE:FIRST MV Playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbnrvWONK6FdEWKeXArhrUMu53Xb7ruxl

BE:FIRST Links
Website: https://befirst.tokyo/
X (Japan): https://twitter.com/BEFIRSTofficial
X (Global): https://twitter.com/BEFIRST_global
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/befirst__official/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BEFIRSTofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@befirst_official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BEFIRSTOfficial/
LINE: https://page.line.me/befirst

]]><![CDATA[Maaya Sakamoto’s New Single “Drops” Chosen As OP Theme for Aru Majo ga Shinu Made]]>Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:16:58 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/maaya-sakamotos-new-single-drops-chosen-as-op-theme-for-aru-majo-ga-shinu-made

Maaya Sakamoto’s recently released her latest song, titled “Drops”, and it has been chosen as the opening theme of the TV anime Aru Majo ga Shinu Made, which will premiere on April 1. A preview of the song is available in the first main promotional video for the series, and you can check it out below.

Aru Majo ga Shinu Made is a heartwarming fantasy about Meg, a 17-year-old apprentice witch, who is told by her long-lived teacher, Faust, that a terrible curse has left her with only one year to live. In order to break the curse, Meg sets out to bring happiness to those around her and collect the joyful tears shed by 1,000 people within a year.

The lyrics for “Drops” were written by Yuho Iwasato, who has collaborated with Maaya Sakamoto on many songs. The music was composed by Naoto Kiyota, an up-and-coming composer making his debut collaboration with Sakamoto, and the arrangement was handled by Shin Kono, who has been arranging Sakamoto’s music for many years. This combination of familiarity and fresh talent makes for an exciting team.

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.

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

]]><![CDATA[Japanese Boy Band XY Release New Song: "Crazy Love (XIV Version)"]]>Fri, 31 Jan 2025 03:57:01 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/japanese-boy-band-xy-release-new-song-crazy-love-xiv-version

The new 14-member incarnation of Japanese boy band XY recently shadow-dropped their latest single, titled "Crazy Love (XIV Version)", on January 27. The release was announced on January 26 during the final performance of the group’s first Tokyo/Nagoya/Osaka tour. Details on this release, as well as links to check it out for yourself, can be found below.

The original version of "Crazy Love" was the group’s debut song, touching the hearts of countless fans and leaving an indelible impression. Now, with the addition to the group of J-pop star Yuya Tegoshi, the song has evolved into a new 14-member rendition. Tegoshi’s rich voice overlaps with JAY’s more delicate vocal style, adding further depth and dynamism to the song and giving it an even grander sense of scale. "Crazy Love (XIV Version)", whose passionate melody expresses the contradictions and beauty of love, retains the brilliance of the original version. But it also breathes new life into the song by combining the vibe created between the group’s producer/rock star YOSHIKI and the 14 members of XY.

At the same concert where they announced the single's release, the group also announced that they will release their first album in June, marking the second anniversary of their debut. While details of the album have not yet been revealed, fans are abuzz at what will surely be a culmination of XY’s work so far.

How will the 14 members of XY express this epic, recklessly beautiful story of love? Check out the surprise release "Crazy Love (XIV Version)", and look out for the inspirational new story that will surely weave through their first ever full-length studio album when it drops around their second anniversary.

"Crazy Love (XIV Version)" Streaming Links:
https://xytokyo.lnk.to/CrazyLoveXIVver

XY Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xy___official/
X: https://twitter.com/xy___official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@XY___official/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xy___official
Fan Club: https://x-y.love
Website: https://x-y.tokyo/

YOSHIKI Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial/
X: https://x.com/yoshikiofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yoshikiofficial
Website: https://jp.yoshiki.net/

]]><![CDATA[Mysterious Japanese Singer-Songwriter necchi Releases New Single: "Abyss"]]>Thu, 30 Jan 2025 02:30:48 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/mysterious-japanese-singer-songwriter-necchi-releases-new-single-abyss

Japanese music artist necchi, who has been making waves in the scene with both his music and aesthetics, recently dropped his latest release, “Abyss”. Details on this release, and links for you to check it out for yourself, can be found below!

"Abyss" marks necchi’s first collaboration with a featured female artist, Such, resulting in an alternative and pop-infused dance tune. Such is known for her vocal collaborations, such as electronic artist PSYQUI’s “Hysteric Night Girl”, which has over 38 million views on YouTube, and loud rock band Paledusk’s song “BBB”.

necchi is a versatile Japanese artist with roots in video game music, handling every aspect of his musical work from lyrics and composition to arrangement, mixing, and mastering. As an emerging singer songwriter from Japan’s “net music scene,” pioneered by artists such as Kenshi Yonezu, necchi blends unconventional sounds with deeply emotional and pop-infused melodies resonating with listeners.

"Abyss" Download & Streaming Links:
https://lnk.to/necchi_AbyssW

necchi
In 2020, necchi released his debut song “Cynthia", which has attracted over 810,000 views, and he continues to get attention for his enigmatic persona and undeniable talent. necchi released tracks like “Nemesia”, “Alice”, and “Keloid”, and his songs are routinely covered by VTubers and internet-based artists, while also being included in a variety of Apple Music and Spotify playlists. Recently, necchi has gained attention for composing music for other artists and arranging trending songs like Issey’s “MoeChakkaFire” which is highly acclaimed both in Japan and internationally.

A significant influence on his sound design is the music from the iconic Japanese game series “Touhou Project”. The game’s soundtrack, revered for its intricate melodies and immersive sounds, left a profound mark on necchi’s unique approach to music.

Music Links:
https://www.tunecore.co.jp/artists/necchi

Artist Profile: necchi
An up-and-coming singer-songwriter who handles everything from lyrics, composition, arrangement, and mixing independently. Inspired by video game music as necchi’s musical roots, necchi crafts genre-defying and transformative tracks. Necchi’s debut song “Cynthia,” released in 2020, has surpassed 810,000 views despite it was a very first release. This enigmatic singer songwriter has quickly gained attention both domestically and internationally among music enthusiasts.

X: https://twitter.com/necchl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_necchi/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvRIAJkKB815soR4DpkOig

]]><![CDATA[Singer-Songwriter AKASAKI Teams Up with Indonesian Artist "heiakim" to Release "Bunny Girl - heiakim Remix"]]>Fri, 24 Jan 2025 03:56:55 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/singer-songwriter-akasaki-teams-up-with-indonesian-artist-heiakim-to-release-bunny-girl-heiakim-remix

Japanese high school student singer-songwriter AKASAKI recently teamed up with Indonesia's hugely popular artist "heiakim" to release their latest song, "Bunny Girl - heiakim Remix". Details on this release, as well as links as to where you can listen to it, can be found below!

"Bunny Girl" by Japanese high school student singer-songwriter AKASAKI, released last October, has been a viral hit in Asian countries as well, surpassing 100 million plays in Japan, reaching No. 1 on the Spotify Weekly Chart, and making it into the Top 10 of the Spotify Viral 50 in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as reaching No. 1 in Korea.

Recently, AKASAKI has teamed up for the first time with charismatic Indonesian artist "heiakim," who has a particularly large fanbase for the Bunny Girl Remix project. Four songs have already been released for the Bunny Girl Remix project by popular Japanese artists TeddyLoid, wotaku, lilbesh ramko, and maeshima soshi & datega, but this is the first collaboration with an overseas artist. A Fixed Playlist compiling all the tracks from the Bunny Girl Remix will also be released on January 29th, and the contributions of each artist's sound have brought out the new charm of Bunny Girl.

Even before the release, heiakim had received many requests from fans to arrange "Bunny Girl", and to coincide with the digital release of "Bunny Girl - heiakim Remix", he posted a video on his social media, which has been generating a lot of buzz. That video can be found below.

Download & Streaming Links:
https://lnk.to/bgr_heiakim

AKASAKI Profile
AKASAKI is an 18-year-old high school student singer-songwriter. On April 24, 2024, he released "Hikikomori" and made his full-fledged debut as an artist.

He was selected as one of the Monthly Artists for October by TikTok x Spotify's "Buzz Tracker," and his new song "Bunny Girl" has been an unprecedented hit, reaching the highest ranking in Spotify's Top 50 and YouTube Music Video, as well as the highest ranking of 4th place on Billboard and Oricon streaming.

In 2025, he was selected as one of the most notable new artists in the industry, having been selected as one of RADAR: Early Noise 2025, Buzz Rhythm's "Top 10 Artists Destined to Break Out in 2025," and EIGHT-JAM's "My Best 10 of 2024."

On March 31, 2025, before graduating from high school, he will hold her first solo concert at Shibuya WWW. After graduating from high school, he hopes to get his parents' approval to let him pursue a career in music by creating a streaming hit with his original song.

AKASAKI Social Media
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/akasaki_0727
TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@akasaki_0727
YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/@AKASAKI_0727
X：https://x.com/akasaki_0727

]]><![CDATA[A New Mekakushe Song Has Been Released Featuring Mamuang]]>Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/music/a-new-mekakushe-song-has-been-released-featuring-mamuang

It was recently announced that singer-songwriter Mekakushe teamed up with popular character Mamuang for her new song, “Kimi wa Shunokeru” (You’re My Snorkel). This song released just last week, and you can check out all the details below!

The catchy, electro dance piece touches on the heart-wrenching feeling of not being able to breathe when a loved one isn’t around. This sentimental song was produced by Kaho Nakamura, Chelmico, Haruno, Harmoe, and Daoko, with Tomggg overseeing the whole collaboration.

The music video and CD jacket were also unveiled on the same day. These were designed by illustrator Wisut Ponnimit, who has worked with other top musical artists like Quruli, Haruoni Hosomo, Gen Hoshino, Ikuko Harada, and the poet Shuntaro Tanikawa. In the video, his star character, Mamuang, takes a deep dive to participate in an underwater singing competition, where she’s judged by a panel of marine life. The catchy tune is underscored by a sort of melancholy, which is beautifully portrayed in the animation. The whole piece showcases the best of Mekakushe and other hugely talented creators, so we hope that tons of people check it out! The music video for "Kimi wa Shunokeru” can be found below.

Mekakushe will also be performing with 2.5D artist Yuka Nagase, on Friday, February 7. Their joint concert, “Sekai ga Utsukushii Kara Dayo,” will be held at SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE, in Tokyo. Their unique worldview will be brought to life through a full band, making this one performance you won’t want to miss!

Download & Streaming Links:
https://linkco.re/Gy0ux5rd

Mekakushe’s Comment

The hurt that comes with longing for someone is its own solemn sort of happiness.

From that fateful day onward, it feels like you’ve been set adrift at sea. The fragments of your shattered heart glisten on the water’s surface, and there’s the fear of slipping under the waves, to much darker depths. But, if you were with someone special, then even the bottom of the ocean could feel like heaven.

I’m not sure if that’s something to be happy or sad about, so it turned into a song.

Wisut Ponnimut, who designed the music video for “Kimi ha Shunokeru” is also the creator of “Happy Mamuang,” which has always been a protective charm for my heart. Those pictures and words have soothed me so many times. Just having my beloved Mamuang appear in the video is like a dream come true. When I saw the anime, I was so overcome with emotion, that I couldn’t get any words out. I won’t forget this, not even when I’m old and gray. Mamuang’s spirit lives inside my song.

Wisut Ponnimut’s Comment

Lively songs like this make you want to get up and move, so I did my best to match the animation to the rhythm, to make it feel like it was dancing. Hearing Mekakushe’s cute voice made me wonder what it would be like if Mamuang ended up in a much less adorable world.

Even when your surroundings are harsh, having someone to share them with—even for a moment—can make it all better. She has one line in the song that goes “stay just a little bit longer by my side,” and I could really feel that strong sense of gratitude at having met someone special. So, I worked that into the anime’s story, as well.

Life is so much bigger than anyone can imagine.
It’s a song that feels like taking a deep breath after breaking through the waves.

Tomggg’s Comment

When I first heard Mekakushe’s demo track, with her gorgeous song and simple piano, I couldn’t wait to figure out the best way to arrange the piece. It’s got a fascinating mix of warmth with a bit of a chill to it.

I hope that you’ll go with the ebb and flow of this song, letting it pull you along—whether you dive into it, or float along the surface.

Wisut Ponnimit’s Profile
Debuted as a manga artist in Bangkok, in 1998.
Awarded the Encouragement Prize in the Manga Division of the 2009 Japan Media Arts Festival.

Best known for his work on the “Mamuang” series, previous music credits include the promotional video for Quruli’s “Amber Colored City, The Morning of The Shanghai Crab.”

Tomggg’s Profile
A prolific arranger who has collaborated on projects with all kinds of artists within Japan and abroad, such as Kaho Nakamura, Chelmico, Haruno, Harmoe, Daoko, Shelheil, and Ena Mori, to name a few. His reach has since gotten even wider with the release of “Nante ne” in a recent commercial for Pokari Sweat.

Mekakushe’s Profile
Handling lyrics, composition, vocals, and piano performance by herself, the next-generation singer-songwriter Mekakushe enjoys immense popularity among artists and creators. Starting classical piano at the age of three, she gradually gravitated towards pop music. Her independently produced songs were featured in a Kao Laurier commercial, and she was one of the top artists on the Spotify official playlist “Kirakira Pop Japan” with a total of 3 million plays. She is a promising emerging artist with anticipated future success. With electronica as the foundation in her recordings, her musical style continues to expand, featuring classical solos and band sets in live performances.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@_mekakushe_
X: https://twitter.com/_mekakushe_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mekakushe_
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_mekakushe_
Website: https://www.mekakushe.com

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