New School Kaidan

A third EP from artist SHE IS SUMMER satisfies your City pop cravings with “Darling Darling”. Working in a mid-tempo groove, SHE IS SUMMER (the nom de plume of MICO) keeps a vaguely disco beat and a vaguely funk rhythm track on top of gentle happy-sad melodies. “Darling Darling”, the promotional video, frames MICO in a 3:4 aspect ratio like it was coming from your old VHS machine or perhaps your older Kodak Instamatic. The laid back grooves of “Darling Darling” should make it a favorite for those of you who can’t get enough of the sound of the 80s from a Japanese perspective. “Darling Darling” is the lead track from SHE IS SUMMER’s 3rd EP “MIRACLE FOOD”, on sale now.

SHE IS SUMMER promoting “MIRACLE FOOD”

ABOUT SHE IS SUMMER

SHE IS SUMMER is the solo vocal project of MICO (みこ, 八雲ミコ, Yakumo Miko, born September 3, 1992) which she began in 2016. From Kobe, MICO began teaching herself piano at age 15. In 2012, MICO began performing as a member of Phenotas (ふぇのたす) releasing 3 mini albums and a limited single. In April 2016, MICO began focusing her efforts on a solo career under the moniker SHE IS SUMMER.
More SHE IS SUMMER coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy SHE IS SUMMER’s “MIRACLE FOOD“

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Oomori Seiko chimes in with the promotional video from the coupling track on her 9th single, “Re: Re: Love”. Although we haven’t seen the promotional for that lead track, we have seen something for “JustadICE” : you might remember the Anime version of this same song from April (or opening the TV anime Black Clover. For this version (the superior version imo), Seiko works with a backing band and a dancer who complements the singers flailing movements. The band and dancer wear ornate masks that I’m sure holds much more symbolism than I’m making it seem. I think this styling works very well for Seiko: it seems the ZOC idol project might be rubbing off into her solo career? You can find “JUSTadICE” on Oomori Seiko’s 9th single “Re: Re: Love” on sale June 12, 2019.

Oomori Seiko promoting “Zettai Kanojo”

ABOUT OOMORI SEIKO

Oomori Seiko (大森靖子) is a Japanese singer-songwriter who began her career in 2008. She is also the former lead singer, guitarist, and keyboardist for the band Omori Seiko & THE Pink Tokarev. Omori Seiko was born on September 18, 1987 in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan. Omori graduated from high school in 2006 and decided to enter Musashino Art University in Tokyo. When she was 19, Omori came across the live house Muryoku Muzenji, which showed her the way of music and allowed her to express her interests without judgement. She eventually quit university in 2007 to instead pursue a music career. She is a fan of Hello! Project and Michishige Sayumi in particular, and she has written songs for various UP-FRONT GROUP artists since 2014. Aside from her work Hello! Project, Oomori Seiko has also composed and written songs for idol groups LADYBABY, Terashima Yufu, Shiina Hikari, and Ueda Tatsuya, and others.
More OOMORI SEIKO coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Oomori Seiko’s “Re: Re: Love“

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A 5th single promotional video for Mi☆nA gets a promotional video with the self-referentially titled “Minna x 2 Mii☆nnA!!”. In the kind of cute outfits you would expect from 2D idols, Miho and Sena show us around a set that looks like it was straight out of an anime set located somewhere off of Route 66. To my eye, this is the most fully realized working from the duo, and is definitely worth your consideration if you’re into this style of idol. “Minna x 2 Mii☆nnA” even has a spell out! This latest release is catchy, cute, and should elevate Mi☆nA near the top of list of idol duos. “Minna x 2 Mii☆nnA!!”, the fifth single from Mi☆nA, is available in stores now.

ABOUT Mi☆nA

Mi☆nA is the “twinning” singing unit of Amane Miho (天音みほ) and Horysan Sena (堀越せな) under DEARSTAGE inc (ディアステージ). Both members are members of the idol unit AIKATSU ☆ STARS! Activities started from Akihabara on April 22, 2018. The duo hopes to heal by the cute singing voice of Mi☆nA and they perform city pop with a little nostalgic.
More Mi☆nA coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Mi☆nA’s “Minna x 2mii Nna!!“

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Momoiro Clover Z – The Show

Momoiro Clover Z – Lady May

Another pair of songs from Momoiro Clover Z’s 5th album gets the promotional video treatment with the release of “The Show” and “Lady May (レディ・メイ)”. The former video starts with the group recording vocals to the sweet pop song and swiftly transitions to off-shot of the “The Diamond Four” PV. The almost 60s flavored pop of “The Show” is my cup of tea with organs and trombones trading melodies by the end of the chorus (which is as far as this promotional video gets. “Lady May” probably hits closer to home with a wota widower waving his glowsticks along with a concert DVD of MCZ while his wife’s ghost worries over the state of her husband’s affairs. This pair of songs shows the growth of the group from the spastic idol offerings of their past. While their songs have always been well thought out, I’m not sure they would have played well with these arrangements. You can find both songs on “MOMOIRO CLOVER Z”, which hits the store shelves on May 17, 2019.

Momoiro Clover Z promoting “MOMOIRO CLOVER Z”

ABOUT MOMOIRO CLOVER Z

Momoiro Clover Z is a female idol group formed in 2008 as “Momoiro Clover”. The group made its major debut in 2010, and changed its name to Momoiro Clover Z after the departure of sub leader Hayashi Akari. The group belongs to the department STARDUST PLANET in Stardust Promotion and is the sister group to Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, Team Shachi, Rock A Japonica, Batten Showjo Tai, Tokimeki Sendenbu, Hachimitsu Rocket, and Sakura Ebis, etc. Momoiro Clover Z’s current lineup includes Momota Kanako (百田夏菜子), Takagi Reni (高城れに), Tamai Shiori (玉井詩織), and Sasaki Ayaka (佐々木彩夏).
More MOMOIRO CLOVER Z coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Momoiro Clover Z’s “MOMOIRO CLOVER Z“

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A fourth single promotional video for the ONEPIXCEL trio breaks through with the release of the funky “Final Call”. Strong dance rhythms and an unexpected melodic shift characterize the sound of this new single. The girls get down to business in a rainforest clearing with a look that might be described as jungle chic. I worry about mosquito bites. This time around, ONEPIXCEL feel more organic than their electronica leaning previous works. Perhaps listening to your calls for more sax, the group include … more sax. This definite funk flair goes down well, and I hope to see ONEPIXCEL making waves on the charts with this release. You can support Ami, Ayaka, and Nanami by purchasing “Final Call” when it hits stores on May 22, 2019.

ONEPIXCEL promoting “Final Call”

ABOUT ONEPIXCEL

ONEPIXCEL (also stylized OnePixcel) (ワンピクセル) is a Japanese pop vocal and dance unit under the Toho Entertainment agency and Nippon Columbia label. The group rose to fame in early 2018 when their major debut track “Lagrima” was used as the 11th ending theme song for the anime series Dragon Ball Super of the widely successful Dragon Ball franchise. ONEPIXCEL currently includes members Kanuma Ami (鹿沼亜美), Den Ayaka (傳彩夏), and former Hello! Project Kenshuusei member Tanabe Nanami (田辺奈菜美).
More ONEPIXCEL coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy ONEPIXCEL’s “Final Call“

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“ENIGMA”, the new single and promotional video from adult idol pair Ototoy Friday injects the electro-disco to a monastery, and of course it feels all sorts of kinky. Mina and Minami get into the pure white habits of nuns, but also wear the short skirts and thigh high hose of something a little less puritanical. Encircled by praying men, the girls dance a jitterbug of a dance as though they were surrounded by their wota following. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but at one point the priests pickup red glowsticks and behave more like the wota we would expect from an idol release. “ENIGMA” is a little kink factory waiting to happen. You can buy “ENIGMA” when it hits record store shelves on July 5, 2019.

Ototoy Friday promoting “Tokyo / Washan Honey”

ABOUT OTOTOY FRIDAY

Ototoy Friday (おとといフライデー) is musical unit of Kojima Minami (小島みなみ) and Sakura Mana (紗倉まな), both of whom are active in a wide range of fields. Formerly known as Otome Frappuccino (乙女フラペチーノ) is a duo made up of two members of SEXY-J. The group released its first single “Ushiro kara Mae kara (後から前から)” in 2014, but began activity in 2016 with a new emphasis on musicality. Their first single to feature original music was 2016’s “Watashi Hotondo Sky Fish / Otome no Enjou (私ほとんどスカイフィッシュ/乙女の炎上)”. Ototoy Friday changed to their current name in March 2017.
More OTOTOY FRIDAY coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Ototoy Friday’s “ENIGMA“

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MELONBATAKE A GO GO – NIGHTMARE BEFORE VAMPIRE

RUKATAMA A GO GO – RUNAWAY GIRL

Today we’re going to have a double PV looksie at some related videos, but not exactly from the same group. First up we have the mothership: Melonbatake a go go. This time around, the girls complement their masks with vampire fangs in “NIGHTMARE BEFORE VAMPIRE”. The horror-billy look is strong with this song, and I thoroughly enjoy the camp of it all while still appreciating the genre in itself. “NIGHTMARE BEFORE VAMPIRE” is good fun that packs more musical punch than one might expect from the idol camp gore fest.

Meanwhile, Rukatama is releasing under the name Rukatama a go go with the single “RUNAWAY GIRL”. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, and Rukatama’s release keeps the surf ethos and b-movie look of her group. And, in fact you will see Melonbatake a go go all over “RUNAWAY GIRL” in the literal sense. Rukatama seems to take a more serious approach to the music, and she appears less spastic than her alter ego in the group.

MELONBATAKE A GO GO

ABOUT MELONBATAKE A GO GO

MELONBATAKE A GO GO is and “IDOL from outer space”. The cute and mischievous quartet came from the melon star in a far away galaxy. MELONBATAKE A GO GO was formed in 2016 and started activities that same year. MELONBATAKE A GO GO is produced by Kinoshite Moritaka from THE MONSTER A GOGO’S. The group includes members Nakamura Soze (中村ソゼ), Rutakame Run (琉陀瓶ルン), Rukatama (ルカタマ), Sakimura Yuffie (崎村ゆふぃ).
More MELONBATAKE A GO GO coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy MELONBATAKE A GO GO’s “NIGHTMARE BEFORE VAMPIRE“

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Let’s talk about the local girls from Iwaki City! Icle Girls have been promoting their hometown for a cool 6 years or so, and here today we get the lead track from their 9th single. “Reincarnation (リインカネーション)” features a new set of girls (let’s face it, they’re all new to us) in a rolling folk arrangement. A wide angle lens captures the girls around a rather attractive location in their hometown. Green striped performance outfits get a poof to the skirts and cute matching ribbons around the waist. Icle Girls’ casual clothes also fit the cute image set forth by the folk-pop of the arrangement. “Reincarnation” is charmingly cute in its aim to spread the love of Iwaki, Fukushima. You can find Icle Girls’s 9th single “Reincarnation / TOP OF THE LOCAL” in stores on May 30, 2019.

Icle Girls

ABOUT ICLE GIRLS

Icle Girls (アイくるガールズ) is a Japanese Idol group based in Iwaki, Fukushima formed in March 2013 for the purpose of delivering smiles and energy from Fukushima and Iwaki to the whole country. . Through its activities, Icle Girls aims to convey the attractiveness of Iwaki City to the whole country and revitalize the town and the economy. In October 2014, Icle Girls was recognized as a local idol authorized by Iwaki City. Icle Girls current lineup includes members Ibuchii (いぶちぃ), Shitan (しーたん), Senchan (せんちゃん), Maayan (まあやん), and RinRin (りんりん).
More ICLE GIRLS coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Icle Girls’s “Reincarnation / TOP OF THE LOCAL“

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Former Aikatsu Stars vocalist Hoshizaki Kana gets her solo career off the ground with the release of “Song Flower”. Releasing through Dear Stage (Dempagumi.inc, Niji no Conquistador, etc.), the singer/songwriter showcases the presence of her voice and her talent as a songwriter in this studio shot promotional video. Kana lays down a few vocal tracks on the mic, rehearses a few strums on the guitar, and emotes in the most attractive studio sitting room I’ve ever seen. Kana has a cute smile and adorable cheeks that warrant a pinch, although I don’t know whether she is planning to market as an idol. In any case it’s easy to see the talent here with this first release. Here’s hoping Kana gains traction and we’ll see her all over the place before long. You can buy Hoshizaki Kana’s 1st solo release “Song Flower” in stores on May 29, 2019.

Hoshizaki Kana

ABOUT HOSHIZAKI KANA

HOSHIZAKI KANA (星咲花那) joined AIKATSU STARS! in 2015 under name “Kana” in charge of singing part of Nikaido Yuzu / Kasumi Mahiru part. In February 2018 she performed at “Aikatsu! Music Festa in Aikatsu Budokan!” held at Nippon Budokan for two days, and with that event she ended her activity in AIKATSU ☆ STARS! Kana is popular because of her relaxed and powerful singing voice. Kana commenced performing original songs as a singer-songwriter. Hoshizaki Kana is currently affiliated with Dear Stage (Dempagumi.inc, Niji no Conquistador, Chu☆Oh! Dolly, Terashima Yufu, Mi☆nA, etc.). Hoshizaki Kana’s 1st solo single “Song Flower”
More HOSHIZAKI KANA coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Hoshizaki Kana’s “Song Flower”

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New music from Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku gets a promotional video with the release of “Trendy Girl (トレンディガール)”. It seems like it’s moving day for the girls of Ebichu. The girls box things up, clean up a little bit, and get in each other’s way in this task. I detect a modicum of sadness woven throughout the piece as the girls pick up pieces of furniture and tape up the boxes of just-used accessories. Dramatic me thinks about the girls of long running idol group preparing to move out to the rest of their lives. The arrangement of “Trendy Girl” plays with quick vocal rhythms complimented with jazzy funk drums and stabbing strings. “Trendy Girl” sounds like it’s just on this side of the eclectic arrangements of groups that rhyme with “Maison Mook Pearl”. I’m all behind this more adult sound to Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku: you can’t stay in Middle School forever. “Trendy Girl”, the 13th single from Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, goes on sale June 5, 2019.

Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku promoting “Trendy Girl”

ABOUT SHIRITSU EBISU CHUUGAKU

Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku (私立恵比寿中学 Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku, literally “Ebisu Private Junior High School”) are a Japanese girl idol group. The band’s name is officially shortened to Ebichu (エビ中),[1] which can mean “in a shrimp”. The group was created by 3B Junior, the third section of the talent agency Stardust Promotion. Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku is a “little sister” group to another Stardust Promotion girl group, Momoiro Clover Z. Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku current lineup includes Mayama Rika (真山りか), Yasumoto Ayaka (安本彩花), Hoshina Mirei (星名美怜), Kashiwagi Hinata (柏木ひなた), Kobayashi Kaho (小林歌穂), and Nakayama Riko (中山莉子).
More SHIRITSU EBISU CHUUGAKU coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku’s “Trendy Girl”

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A new promotional video from Osaka☆Shunkashuto made the grade a few days ago with the release of “NO-LIMIT (Live Edition)”. The TV Anime Fairy Tale opening is sure to raise eyebrows both for anime viewers and for idol fans who have watched the group for a while. MAINA is still belting it out with the best of them, but for this track we get to hear the full complement of girls as they trade vocals with their anchor. The group get their business done wearing simple, loose-fitting white outfits that give the Osaka☆Shunkashuto a post-apocalypse look. Of course the blood stains help cement that look. It’s like the group dispatched a host of zombies just prior to taking the stage! Osaka☆Shunkashuto have a new (as yet untitled) mini album coming out soon (in July to be more precise), and all bets say “NO-LIMIT” will be featured prominently on said release.

OSAKA☆SHUNKASHUTO

ABOUT OSAKA☆SHUNKASHUTO

A group of 6 people living in Osaka, MAINA (マイナ), ANNA (アンナ), MANA (マナ), EON (エオン), YUNA (ユナ), and RUNA (ルナ) who are focusing on LIVE as a rock n girl dance and vocal unit. Since children, they went to Happy Time dance school based in Osaka, repeated strict practice, dreamed of making a major debut and applied for numerous auditions, but still failed to give up. The group first formed under the name Manyo Syaonyan (万葉シャオニャン) and were active from 2009 to 2012. In April 2012 Osaka☆Shunkashuto is formed from the thought that we want to convey the beauty of the flowers that bloom in the wonderful seasons and the four seasons with “Song” and “Dance”. In October 2015, the group signed with the Fujiyama Project Japan label. Around the same time, the girls started hosting the new variety show Katayaburi on Kawaiian TV. On October 2, 2017, the group signed with binyl records, a sub-label of avex. They released their first major single “Travelin’ Travelin'” the following day.
More OSAKA☆SHUNKASHUTO coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Osaka☆Shunkashuto’s “Title tbd“

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[Note: This promotional video is currently blocked in North America]

Tokyo Performance Doll is celebrating the 5th anniversary of their (2nd) formation with a new single filled with the freshness of summer. This short version finds the girls hitchhiking along the beach to a place called “SUPER DUPER”. It seems the girls’ tour bus didn’t get them where they needed to go. A flashback (flashforward?) scene puts the girls in a beachside cottage where the vintage cameras come out for selfies and candid shots. If we’re at the beach and the weather is turning warm, then of course we need to include a dance shot on the sand. I gotta say, “SUPER DUPER” checks off all the boxes for me: the girls look really cute, the melody is light and catchy, and the PV concept plays to the girls’ strengths. This short version doesn’t take us much past the first chorus and its vaguely Abba-esque melodies (although maybe it’s just the song title). In her stylish denim and Beastie Boys tee, Nana breaks into a rap that I wish I could hear the rest of. But, don’t worry for me: “SUPER DUPER” is on my shopping list. You can add “SUPER DUPER” to your carts when it hits stores on June 12, 2019.

Tokyo Performance Doll promoting “SUPER DUPER”

ABOUT TOKYO PERFORMANCE DOLL

Tokyo Performance Doll also known as TPD (東京パフォーマンスドール) is a J-pop idol girl group that existed from 1990 to 1996 and was revived in 2013. Inspired by Onyanko Club, it had seven main members and several other “trainees” for live performances, a formula later followed by Morning Musume, AKB48, and others. TPD was based in Tokyo, and launched sister-bands in other cities: Osaka Performance Doll in 1993 and Shanghai Performance Doll in 1996. It was announced in June 2014 that after 17 years, the group was being revived with an all new line up. Tokyo Performance Doll’s current lineup includes Takashima Nana (高嶋菜七), Jonishi Seira (上西星来), Sakurai Saki (櫻井紗季), Hamasaki Kaho (浜崎香帆), Waki Akari (脇あかり), and Tachibana Futaba (橘二葉).
More TOKYO PERFORMANCE DOLL coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Tokyo Performance Doll’s “SUPER DUPER“

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The debut album from CYNHN is in the works, and the girls are here to deliver the lead track from “Tablature (タブラチュア)”. “Largo (ラルゴ)” is a quickly paced piece with rock elements like a meandering bass line and acoustic drums highlighting the arrangement. The pop keeps itself on top with some pretty great vocal performances from the members. In their striking blue outfits, the girls get a dance shot surrounded by pictures of themselves. As an album opener, “Largo” sets the bar pretty high. I’m not the authority on CYNHN, but I’m very encouraged by what I hear with “Largo”. Pick up CYNHN’s 1st album “Tablature” when it hits stores on June 26, 2019.

CYNHN promoting “Tablature”

ABOUT CYNHN

CYNHN(スウィーニー) is a vocal group that belongs to Dear Stage . Group formation was announced at “DEARSTAGE SHOWCASE 2017” on June 25, 2017. On November 1, 2017, CYNHN made a major debut with the single “FINALegend” from the I BLUE label. CYNHN (correctly СУИНИ) means blue in Russian. CYNHN’s current lineup includes members Sakino Soto (崎乃奏音), Ayase Shiki (綾瀬志希), Ousaka Manari (桜坂真愛), Tsukumo Neru (月雲ねる), Momose Rei (百瀬怜), and Aoyagi Tooru (青柳透).
More CYNHN coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy CYNHN’s “Tablature“

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MELLOW MELLOW, the diminutive Sunmyu subunit, release a promotional video for their coupling track “Tagatameni” the other day. I know, I didn’t actually cover the single track “DEAR MY STAR”- my bad. I hope this will make up for things. The song is a cover version of the OP theme of the 1979 television anime “Cyborg 009” (titled “Dare ga tameni (誰がために)”). If I’m reading correctly, the girls choreographed this work by themselves with the guidance of KEN (ex DA PUMP). There’s a definite modern spin to the sound of “Tagatameni” with the showa melodies peeking through around the edges. You can see MELLOW MELLOW still coalescing into a unit with a new sense identity, and watching that process is exciting. “Tagatameni” is mostly a dance shot promotional video with a few solo close ups and flashy transitions to spice the mix, but for a coupling track I think it’ll do nicely. You can find “Tagatameni” on the Limited version of MELLOW MELLOW’s 3rd single “DEAR MY STAR” in stores now.

MELLOW MELLOW promoting “Dear My Star”

ABOUT MELLOW MELLOW

MELLOW MELLOW is a three member dance and vocal unit. It was formed on October 2, 2017, with the thought that “I want everyone in the whole world to feel and taste mellow melodies, mellow souls and mellow sounds.” Two members of MELLOW MELLOW (Niihara Sena (新原聖生) and Noda Mami (野田真実)) are also members of Sunmyu. MELLOW MELLOW’s lineup currently includes members SENA, MAMI, and HINA.
More MELLOW MELLOW coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy MELLOW MELLOW’s “Dear My Star“

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Toricago releases a new album and a new PV, and here is the relic of the transactions. “Wakamono no subete (若者のすべて)” starts things off with a guitar and a melody and proceeds to keep the sweet melodies on your ear with a piano undertone. The girls emerge from Valley X Valley Tokyo (a live house), climb aboard a van, and are off. Off where? Well, far away from Tokyo to a more hometown feeling local with sea walls, windmills, and just enough undeveloped land to stave off the city life. The van makes a round trip and eventually returns Toricago to their starting piont, so you could say that this departure is in service of refreshing the group for their more usual trappings. Likewise, “Wakamono no subete” isn’t the high spirited rock arrangement that we come to expect from Toricago, but it does proves that the group has a bit of versatility in their sound. “Wakamono no subete” is available on Toricago’s 3rd album “PAN” available through the digital retailers listed below.

Toricago

ABOUT TORICAGO

Toricago (鶯籠) is a Japanese idol group formed on February 28, 2018 under the offices of Uguisu Records. Toricago’s current lineup includes members PINOCO, Vampire (ʚ✞ばんぱいあ✞ɞ), Karaage (からあげ), Tenten (点点), and Tamuco (駄好乙).
More TORICAGO coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Toricago’s “PAN”

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For their 67th trip out, Morning Musume ’19 take Morito Chisaki (and us) on a virtual journey. “Seishun night (The Youthful Night, 青春Night)”. We voyeur on Chisaki as the music starts and she dons the virtual headgear that I’m sure many you also own. In the world, the rest of her group mates are waiting for her with a neon lit dance shot that looks vaguely like it was inspired by the world of TRON. Interestingly, the other girls make a bit of a fuss over their newest member and go as far as putting giving her a fashion makeover. There’s something a bit unsettlingly familiar with “Seishun Night” when you consider that the virtual idol world enjoyed by Chisaki is almost identical to the fairy tale life that many of us the idol life to be. Is that “meta”? I would be remiss as a Hello! Project fan if I didn’t point out the Tsunku fingerprints on “Seishun Night” with his characteristic rhythmic choruses and melodies. I also would be a horrible person if I didn’t mention that above all, “Seishun Night” is a fun work from the mikan opening to Chisaki’s final “Enjoy!”. Morning Musume ’19’s 67th Single “Jinsei Blues / Seishun Night” goes on sale June 12, 2019.

Morning Musume ’19 promoting “Jinsei Blues / Seishun Night”

ABOUT MORNING MUSUME

Morning Musume (モーニング娘。; Morning Girls), currently known as Morning Musume ’19 (モーニング娘。’19, read as Morning Musume One-Nine), is the lead group of Hello! Project. The group was formed in 1997 on a talent show called ASAYAN ostensibly to find a female rock vocalist for the band SHARAM Q. Although the first lineup of Morning Musume all lost the competition to Heike Michiyo, there were given a chance to debut as group by SHARAM Q member and Morning Musume future producer Tsunku if they could sell 50,000 copies of their demo single “Ai no tane” in five days (they succeeded in four days). It quickly became, and currently is, one of Japan’s top all-girl groups with a number of hit records and albums. The group is known for their ever-fluctuating line-up, with “graduations” and auditions held nearly every year. Although he had previously served as the group’s general producer until 2014, Tsunku continues to work with Morning Musume as their sound producer. Morning Musume’s current lineup includes Fukumura Mizuki (譜久村聖), Ikuta Erina (生田衣梨奈), Ishida Ayumi (石田亜佑美), Sato Masaki (佐藤優樹), Oda Sakura (小田さくら), Nonaka Miki (野中美希), Makino Maria (牧野真莉愛), Haga Akane (羽賀朱音), Kaga Kaede (加賀楓), Yokoyama Reina (横山玲奈), and Morito Chisaki (森戸知沙希, concurrent with Country Girls).
More MORNING MUSUME coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Morning Musume ’19’s “Jinsei Blues / Seishun Night“

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Limited Edition SP (CD + DVD)
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Limited Edition A (CD + DVD)
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Limited Edition B (CD + DVD)
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Regular Edition A
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Regular Edition B
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Today’s mouthful of words comes courtesy of Juice=Juice and their 12th single release “”You can live on your own.’ Is this a compliment or what? (‘Hitori de Ikirareso’ tte Sorette Ne, Hometeiruno?, 「ひとりで生きられそう」ってそれってねえ、褒めているの？)”. The emotional youth roller coaster comes courtesy of Yamazaki Aoi (山崎あおい) who infuses “HitoSore” with her feminine look at independence and its collateral damage. The lyrics are filled with anxiety and doubt lying beneath the self-sufficient exterior. Juice=Juice try on some canary outfits for the dance shot of this latest work, and take advantage of their still fresh talent infusion for some high kicks in their choreography. In their solo shots, the girls lie isolated in often messy domiciles looking clearly distressed over their life choices. I’m not sure there’s a resolution to the mess of contradictions brought out by “HitoSore”, but I sure enjoy listening and untangling the web. The 12th single from Juice=Juice “‘Hitori de Ikirareso’ tte Sorette Ne, Hometeiruno? / 25 Sai Eien Setsu” goes on sale June 5, 2019.

Juice=Juice promoting “”Hitori de Ikirareso” tte Sorette Ne, Hometeiruno? / 25 Sai Eien Setsu”

ABOUT JUICE=JUICE

Juice=Juice (pronounced as ジュースジュース) is a Japanese pop group under Hello! Project. They were originally formed on February 3, 2013 by five members from Hello Pro Kenshuusei and a member from the SATOYAMA movement unit GREEN FIELDS. Juice=Juice was nominated for the 2013 TBS Japan Record Award in the category of “Best Newcomer” and won a New Artist Award. JUICE=JUICE’s current lineup includes members Miyazaki Yuka (宮崎由加), Kanazawa Tomoko (金澤朋子), Takagi Sayuki (高木紗友希), Miyamoto Karin (宮本佳林), Uemura Akari (植村あかり), Dambara Ruru (段原瑠々), and Inaba Manaka (formerly from Country Girls) (稲場愛香).
More JUICE=JUICE coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Juice=Juice’s ““Hitori de Ikirareso” tte Sorette Ne, Hometeiruno? / 25 Sai Eien Setsu“

~theNumber244~

Type SP (CD + DVD)
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Limited A (CD + DVD)
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Limited B (CD + DVD)
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Regular A
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Regular B
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

With a refreshed lineup, Pearl Lady Club (PLC) is out to conquer the world. “Can’t Stop The Music” is a light dance number filled with cute melodies and a vaguely disco arrangement. Equal parts cute and sweet, you would think the song was cooked up in confectionary. For its promotional video, the four girls of this new PLC dance in a sound stage set to look like the sugary kitchen mentioned above. Aside from the pastel dance shots and longing looks of the members at the table, the members of PLC feed each other strawberries and macarons, exchange outfits, and hug their plushies. “Can’t Stop The Music” is a non-stop assault of idol cute that you (probably) can’t deny. “Can’t Stop The Music / Kiss Me” is available now at the retailers listed below.

PLC promoting “Can’t Stop The Music / Kiss Me”

ABOUT PLC

Pearl Lady club, or PLC, is a Japanese Idol group that debuted in 2013. PLC fashions itself as a sweet and cute party idol group. in 2018, the group refreshed itself with 3 new members and a long awaited major release. PLC’s current lineup includes members Mori Shoko (もりしょうこ), Chiba Nanaki (千葉奈々希), Kato Arisa (加藤ありさ), and Saito Aru (齊藤ある).
More PLC coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy PLC’s “Can’t Stop The Music / Kiss Me“

~theNumber244~

Single, maxi
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Pyxis, the idol pair formed by voice actresses Toyota Moe (Hibike! Euphonium) and Ito Miku (Locodol) get their fourth single off the ground with the release of “Koiseyo minna, hai!”. The OP theme of the TV anime “Nobunaga-sensei no Osanazuma” comes with a distinct groove highlighted with pops of traditional Japanese instruments peeking through the quick rhythms of the chorus. It’s unusual, and I think that’s what sets it apart. Meanwhile, Moe and Miku put on their half-and-half kimono/skirts for some traditional games and general fun about the Japanese style rooms of the temple. “Koiseyo minna, hai!” definitely paints the pair in the best light: the girls look incredibly cute in the multitude of skits that comprise the PV. If you’re not too familiar with Pyxis, then maybe now is the time to get on that train? “Koiseyo minna, hai!” goes on sale June 5, 2019 a the retailers listed below.

Pyxis promoting “Koiseyo minna, hai!

ABOUT PYXIS

Pyxis（ピクシス）is a Japanese idol unit consisting of voice actors Ito Miku (伊藤美来) and Toyota Moe (豊田萌絵) as a subunit of the StyleCube group StylipS. Both girls were chosen as second generation members of StylipS after the graduation of Ishihara Kaori and Ogura Yui in 2013. The unit was formed in May 2015, and they performed their first live concert in February 2016 titled “Pyxis Party 2016 〜Happy Valentine’s Day〜”. In May 2016, in the units’ first anniversary concert, they announced a major label debut under Teichiku Records’ new label “Rockin’ Music”.
More PYXIS coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Pyxis’s “Koiseyo minna, hai!“

Limited Edition (CD + DVD)
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Single, maxi
Amazon.jp | CDJapan | YesAsia

Pyxis Official Links
Web Site | Blog 1 2 | Twitter | YouTube | iTunes

Five months of consecutive releases begins now with Minno no Kodomo-chan’s “The Walls (壁)”. The evil guitars of the intro get ample backing from metal drums that eventual breaks down into something a bit more pop. But the journey through sound doesn’t stop there as “The Walls” keeps progressing through member Honoka’s lyrics. Meanwhile the video side of the equation starts with bloody handprints and plays through grainy images of plastic trash bags hanging ominously. What’s in the bag? They’re colored blue and pink like the members of Minna no Kodomo-chan, is that a clue? White jumpsuit wearing men take their turns beating the bags with bats until … well, you should watch that part. A more corporeal Honoka and Cinnamon make their way into fram by the end of the PV as ghostly images that eventually haunt the the foreground. “The Walls” is available now at the digital retailers listed below.

Minna no Kodomo-chan

ABOUT MINNA NO KODOMO-CHAN

Minna no Kodomo-chan (みんなのこどもちゃん) is an idol duo formed in August 2016. The concept of Minna no Kodomo-chan is of two people with “walls” that don’t allow a good relationship with other people. The cries of the hearts of children who find hard to live nowadays. Minna no Kodomo-chan’s current lineup includes members Honoka (ほのか) and Cinnamon (しなもん).
More MINNA NO KODOMO-CHAN coverage from New School Kaidan

Buy Minna no Kodomo-chan’s “The Walls”

~theNumber244~

Amazon.jp | iTunes | Recochoku | mora

Minna no Kodomo-chan Official Links
Web Site | Twitter | YouTube | iTunes

New PV Alert: SHE IS SUMMER – Darling Darling

New PV Alert: Oomori Seiko – JUSTadICE

New PV Alert: Mi☆nA – Minna x 2 Mii☆nnA!!

New PV Alert: Momoiro Clover Z – The Show / Lady May

New PV Alert: ONEPIXCEL – Final Call

New PV Alert: Ototoy Friday – ENIGMA

New PV Alert: MELONBATAKE A GO GO – NIGHTMARE BEFORE VAMPIRE/ RUKATAMA A GO GO – RUNAWAY GIRL

New PV Alert: Icle Girls – Reincarnation

New PV Alert: Hoshizaki Kana – Song Flower

New PV Alert: Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku – Trendy Girl

New PV Alert: Osaka☆Shunkashuto – NO-LIMIT

New PV Alert: Tokyo Performance Doll – SUPER DUPER

New PV Alert: CYNHN – Largo

New PV Alert: MELLOW MELLOW – Tagatameni

New PV Alert: Toricago – Wakamono no subete

New PV Alert: Morning Musume ’19 – The Youthful Night

New PV Alert: Juice=Juice –“You can live on your own.” Is this a compliment or what?

New PV Alert: PLC – Can’t Stop the Music

New PV Alert: Pyxis – Koiseyo minna, hai!

New PV Alert: Minna no Kodomo-chan – The Walls