Leo Ieiri’s 4th Album “We” Hits Retail Shelves Today!

LeoIeiriPetsBy James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

The 4th full-length album of J-pop artist Leo Ieiri, “We,” hits retail shelves in Japan today and it has the song “Brand New Tomorrow” — the Japanese theme to Illumination Entertainment’s upcomng animated movie The Secret Life of Pets. The movie will open August 11th in Japan.

The film is about a terrier named Max who enjoys his freedom while his owner is away from home. But this dog’s life is turned upside down when said owner takes in Duke, a stray mutt who manages to stir up Max’s cozy lifestyle.

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Band Ja Naimon! Releases “Kimemaster” MV as Part of Pony Canyon Debut

BandJaNaimonCDJ-pop group Band Ja Naimon! (バンドじゃないもん!) released the music video attached to their upcoming single “Kimemaster! (キメマスター!)”. The all-female idol group was transferred from Warner Music Japan to Pony Canyon in January, 2016. “Kimemaster! / Kimochi Dake Sanka Shimasu (キメマスター! / 気持ちだけ参加します。)” will be available for purchase May 18th and is the 2nd major label debut for the group formed in 2012.

“Kimemaster” is directed by Daisuke Kondon with animation by Yuka Ota and Akane Okamoto of pH Studio Inc.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wMee4bYUYI&w=560&h=315%5D

Band Ja Naimon! will be performing May 17 and 18th at the Akasaka Blitz (赤坂BLITZ) in Minato, Tokyo as part of the Band Ja Naimon! nationwide Tour 2016 ~Teppen Mezasouze! Mushashugyo-hen~. Doors open at 6:15 pm (18:15) with show at 7 pm (19:00).

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Babymetal Battles Evil Spirits in New Music Video ‘Karate’

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

Babymetal2Japanese metal/J-pop fusion group Babymetal have released the second track in video form from their upcoming album ‘Metal Resistance’. ‘Karate’ sees the teenage trio in a martial arts showdown to the death against three skull-masked adversaries. In order to defeat their foes the girls have to first fight the spirits of deceased warriors that are called up to protect their mistresses. In a battle that can only be compared to a Dragon Ball Z episode, Babymetal almost tastes defeat from the encounter. It is only after picking themselves up off the ground they call upon the power of the Fox god. With a new force flowing through them each girl uses a unique power to dispatch their enemies,

“Karate” has a very heavy and dark feel and it’s reinforced with grinding guitar riffs that will have you banging your head along to the music. The release of ‘Metal Resistance’ will be followed by a World tour to kick off at the Tokyo Dome on what Babymetal has called “Fox Day” (April 1st). April 2nd will see the group perform at the SSE Arena, Wembley in London, England followed by a New York concert at the PlayStation Theater on May 4th.

‘Metal Resistance’ can be purchased in advance at Babymetal’s Official Merchandise Store.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvD3CHA48pA&w=560&h=315%5D
 
Babymetal was formed in 2010 and includes members Suzuka Nakamoto (Su-metal), Yui Mizuno (Yuimetal), and Moa Kikuchi (Moametal). Babymetal and it’s band are managed by Amuse, Inc.

Mitsuyo “Mie” Nemoto Announces Live Shows with Ponta Box

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

PontaBoxIf you know Mitsuyo Nemoto then you know she is one half of late 70’s J-pop group Pink Lady (the other half being Keiko “Kei” Masuda). They were the biggest selling female music group in Japan and quite possibly the world. Pink Lady had nine consecutive million-selling hits and at their peak they performed a Tokyo stadium concert in front of a crowd of over 100,000 people. Their record of over 11 million in single sales would not be broken until 2007 by Morning Musume. It took Morning Musume 10 years to accomplish what took Pink Lady only five.

Since her Pink Lady days (and their subsequent reunions), Mie has enjoyed a successful solo career. Seven albums were released since 1981 and she’s performed with heavy metal band Animetal.

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