Japanese Music - Recommendations/Discussion

[Keps]

I've been obsessed with Akiko Yano for a while. I decided to buy the Love Life (the US version) album off iTunes, without really knowing anything about her. The album turned out to be incredible (to my ears, anyway!)
Akiko is in her 50's now and has released a lot of albums. ( Last studio album was Akiko in 2008, and I'm impressed that after such a long career and many albums, she can make a record this good.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ_IyMl5GQw

[Takoyama]

Sugar Soul feat. Kenji "Garden"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfYQSZ-TEMU

This track is still awesome after so many years.

[Aya_Man_1988]

Does anyone perhaps know where I can download (or listen to) the following song?

Massugu no Uta by Kaientai

It is the theme song for 3 nen B gumi Kinpachi Sensei 6. I have been looking for this song for quite some time now, but was unable to find it. YouTube does not have it, as far as I know...

Arigato!
_________________

When Ueto Aya smiles, you can't do anything but smile as well...

[EstherM]

Below a short interview with DJ Krush - one of the few globally recognised Japanese DJs. He´ll be stopping over in my city in spring. So looking forward to a sweaty dance night!

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20100219r1.html

[runpup]

The Pillows to play two shows in California...

http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-5975
_________________

The Cutest Girl in the World!

[gaijinmark]

Found this site dealing with Japanese music: http://www.myspace.com/syncmusicjapan

[hitomi #1]

gaijinmark wrote:

Found this site dealing with Japanese music: http://www.myspace.com/syncmusicjapan

Looks good, nice section on GO!GO!7188, one of my faves from Japan, quite a variety to check out.
_________________

[gaijinmark]

Cute video from Kiwi and the Papaya Mangoes:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTPXxo2LfgU

[gaijinmark]

Southern All Stars' Keisuke Kuwata diagnosed with cancer
Wed, July 28, 2010 (8:22am EDT)
Management agency Amuse revealed on Wednesday that Southern All Stars vocalist Keisuke Kuwata was recently diagnosed with early-stage esophageal cancer. The discovery has set back the schedule of his upcoming album release and tour, as he will be undergoing medical treatment.

Because the cancer was caught early, Kuwata is expected to return to work healthy in a few months after he undergoes surgery and other treatment. As a result, his next album will have its October 20 release date postponed, and his national tour from October 28 to December 31 has been completely canceled. However, his next single, "Hontou wa Kowai Ai to Romance," will still be released on August 25 as planned.

[gaijinmark]

I don't think I ever heard he say one way or the other, but I always thought of cori as a Pink Lady fan. If so, then this is good news:

Pink Lady returns!
Wed, September 1, 2010 (10:03am EDT)
The famous idol duo Pink Lady is back in action. On Wednesday, they held a press conference to officially announce their comeback, which includes a newly recorded best album.

Consisting of Mitsuyo Nemoto ("Mie") and Keiko Masuda ("Kei"), the duo was active from 1976 to 1981. Their debut single was the hit "Pepper Keibu," and it was followed by several other very popular songs, including "Carmen '77," "Nagisa no Sindbad," and "UFO." They even made their United States debut with a concert in Las Vegas in 1979. After their breakup in 1981, they had a few limited-time reunions, but this time they have declared that their return is more permanent.

Reporters asked whether they were concerned about the dominance of AKB48 as an idol group now, but Kei pointed out that she and Mie are old enough to be mothers of AKB48's members. She said that they don't think of AKB48 as rivals, but she laughingly admitted they would probably be excited if there were a "Pink Lady vs. AKB48" event on a television show.

Pink Lady will release new vocal versions of "Pepper Keibu" and "S.O.S," available digitally on September 29. On December 1, they will release a 2-disc, 26-song "new vocal best album," though the title has not yet been decided. They also plan to hold a premium live concert on March 31, 2011, which will be the 30th anniversary of their breakup. Those who purchase the album will have a chance to obtain tickets to the event.

The duo also revealed that on September 3, they are publishing a photobook of pictures collected from the height of their career, titled "Heibon Premium We are Pink Lady."

[bmwracer]

^ Where's Jeff?

[gaijinmark]

bmwracer wrote:

^ Where's Jeff?

I don't think we'll be seeing Jeff. I ran across this interesting bit of information:

The series ranked #35 on TV Guide's 50 Worst TV Shows of All Time list

[niknik]

Don't know if anyone has heard of her or her music, but she did a song for the drama Real Clothes. If you like jazz, might be worth a look...

Reminiscing from Real Clothes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUUZxweMC8g&feature=related

Emi Meyer

Short Bio:

Singer-songwriter based in the United States. Born in Kyoto during a Japanese mother and American father and moved to Seattle in the United States before the age of one. Learn jazz piano played with a friend and the reason you studied classical piano from a young age. Writing songs at age 18, LA began his career as a singer in Tokyo. Shiatoru Kobe Jazz Vocalist competition winner in 2007. Then,Jazztronik,Shing02repeatedly worked with many famous artists, such has attracted a large audience in the singing voice and presence. (Kirin, "Straight Asian afternoon tea <sugar-free>" CM jam and hear a voice but Awohata 55) debut album was released last year, "Curious Creatures" CD on the iTunes Store and many of the top shopping chart JAZZ acquisition. JAZZ the iTunes Store was selected as Best New Artist of the Year category. TheYael Naimand toured with in Japan, FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL has also appeared in several large festivals and so on.

More...
http://emimeyer.jp/biography/

Japanese song.
Teien
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZGkiCz-mKo&feature=related

English song.
Room Blue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E99P2PgzyQ&feature=related

[hitomi #1]

bmwracer wrote:

^ Where's Jeff?

You have a 1 out of 3 chance in finding him.

Hate to admit it, but I do have the DVD boxset of their TV show, it should actually rank higher than the 35th worst show of all time.

_________________

[hitomi #1]

From yesterday's NY Post, first time I've ever seen a band from Japan with any kind of promotion or article, don't think he'll ever be as big as Bono over here.


_________________

[gaijinmark]

25th Japan Gold Disc Award: Arashi earns Artist of the Year
Wed, January 5, 2011
The 25th Japan Gold Disc Awards were presented on Wednesday in Tokyo. As the awards are based on actual sales, boy band Arashi was naturally named Artist of the Year, for the second year in a row. Although they received an unprecedented 10 awards last year, this time they managed to win a total of 6.

Arashi sold approximately 1.46 million albums and 3.46 million singles in 2010. However, idol group AKB48 still had the top selling single of the year.

Artist of the Year:
Arashi

New Artist of the Year:
SNSD

The Best 5 New Artists:
WEAVER
Kie Kitano
KG
SNSD
miwa

The Best Enka/Kayokyoku Artist:
Fuyumi Sakamoto

Album of the Year:
"Boku no Miteiru Fuukei" - Arashi

The Best 5 Albums:
"Boku no Miteiru Fuukei" - Arashi
"FANTASY" - EXILE
"BEST SELECTION 2010" - TVXQ
"to LOVE" - Kana Nishino
"FUNKY MONKEY BABYS BEST" - FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

Classic Album of the Year:
"My Favorite Chopin" - Nobuyuki Tsujii

Jazz Album of the Year:
"Larry Carlton & Tak Matsumoto LIVE 2010 TAKE YOUR PICK at BLUE NOTE TOKYO" - Larry Carlton & Tak Matsumoto

Instrumental Album of the Year:
"image 10 emotional & relaxing" - Various Artists

Soundtrack Album of the Year:
"Karigurashi no Arrietty" Soundtrack - Cecile Corbel

Animation Album of the Year:
"One Piece Memorial Best" - Various Artists

Traditional Japanese Music Album of the Year:
"46th Columbia Zenkoku Ginei Concours: Kadaigin 'Ume'" - Nippon Columbia Ginei Ongakukai

Concept Album of the Year:
"VOCALIST 4" - Hideaki Tokunaga
"Request" - JUJU

Single of the Year:
"Beginner" - AKB48

The Best 5 Singles:
"Troublemaker" - Arashi
"Monster" - Arashi
"Beginner" - AKB48
"Heavy Rotation" - AKB48
"Ponytail to Chou-chou" - AKB48

Song of the Year by Download:
"Aitakute Aitakute" - Kana Nishino

The Best 5 Songs by Download:
"Motto Tsuyoku" - EXILE
"Ring a Ding Dong" - Kaela Kimura
"Aitakute Aitakute" - Kana Nishino
"if" - Kana Nishino
"Best Friend" - Kana Nishino

The Best Music Videos:
"ARASHI Anniversary Tour 5x10" - Arashi
"EXH SPECIAL EXILE ATSUSHI PREMIUM LIVE SOLO" - EXILE ATSUSHI
"TOHOSHINKI VIDEO CLIP COLLECTION -THE ONE-" - TVXQ

Special Award:
"Toilet no Kamisama" - Kana Uemura
"VOCALIST" series - Hideaki Tokunaga

[hitomi #1]

...and here's the top 50 singles and albums saleswise for the year. How many do you have?

1. “Beginner” – AKB48 : (954,283)
2. “Heavy Rotation” – AKB48 (713,275)
3. “Troublemaker” - Arashi : (698,542)
4. “Monster” – Arashi : (696,022)
5. “Ponytail to Shushu” – AKB48 : (659,959)
6. “Hatenai Sora” – Arashi : (656,343)
7. “L&oslash;ve Rainbow” – Arashi : (620,057)
8. “Chance no Junban” – AKB48 : (596,769)
9. “Dear Snow” – Arashi : (591,207)
10. “To be free” – Arashi : (516,142)
_

11. “Love yourself~Kimi ga Kirai na Kimi ga Suki~” – KAT-TUN : (439,736)
12. “Sakura no Shiori” – AKB48 : (390,957)
13. “This is Love” – SMAP : (350,322)
14. “Mata Kimi ni Koi Shiteru/Asia no Kaizoku” – Sakamoto Fuyumi : (311,215)
15. “LIFE~Me no mae no Mukou e~” – Kanjani 8 : (305,478)
16. “BREAK OUT!” – Tohoshinki : (289,412)
17. “Going!” – KAT-TUN : (282,901)
18. “Wonderful World!!” – Kanjani 8 : (275,891)
19. “Hatsukoi” – Fukuyama Masaharu : (269,765)
20. “CHANGE UR WORLD” – KAT-TUN : (254,150)
_

21. “Hitomi no Screen” – Hey!Say! JUMP : (250,206)
22. “Hotaru/Shonen” - Fukuyama Masaharu : (239,768)
23. “I Wish For You” – EXILE : (236,456)
24. “Shamisen Tabigarasu” – Hikawa Kiyoshi : (236,218)
25. “Sakura Girl” – NEWS : (232,752)
26. “Toki wo Tomete” – Tohoshinki : (228,448)
27. “Motto Tsuyoku” – EXILE : (228,189)
28. “XIAH (Intoxication)” – XIAH junsu : (225,638)
29. “One in a million” – Yamashita Tomohisa : (204,561)
30. “Yukai Tsu-kai Kaibutsu-kun” – Kaibutsu-kun (Kaibutsu Taro) : (196,258)
_

31. “Family~Hitotsu ni naru koto~” – KinKi Kids : (179,927)
32. “Fighting Man” – NEWS : (173,206)
33. “Arigatou” – Ikimonogakari : (165,507)
34. “Onara Hazukashikunaiyo/Pirameki Taiso” – Hannya, Fruits Punch : (164,203)
35. “Nijiiro no Bayon” – Hikawa Kiyoshi : (160,683)
36. “HAPPY” – BUMP OF CHICKEN : (157,324)
37. “Maho no Ryouri ~Kimi kara Kimi e~” – BUMP OF CHICKEN : (152,501)
38. “My Soul, Your Beats!/Brave Song” – Lia, Tada Aoi : (147,479)
39. “GO!GO! MANIAC” – Houkago Tea Time : (147,355)
40. “Hontou wa Kowai Ai to Romance” – Kuwata Keisuke : (145,354)

41. “1!2!3!4! Yoroshiku!” – SKE48 : (144,973)
42. “Ryusei” – Kobukuro : (144,874)
43. “GIFT~Midori~(Yuki wo Kudasai/One day in winter/Snow White)” (Limited Edition) – Kanjani 8 : (136,508)
44. “GIFT~Shiro~(Fuyukoi/Kimi no Uta wo Utau)” (Limited Edition) – Kanjani 8 : (136,003)
45. “Okay” – Inaba Koshi : (134,381)
46. “GIFT~Aka~(I wish/Minus 100 do no Koi)” (Limited Edition) – Kanjani 8 : (133,978)
47. “NO, Thank You!” - Houkago Tea Time : (133,922)
48. “Kokoro no Hane” – Team Dragon from AKB48 : (130,957)
49. “Gee” – Shoujo Jidai : (130,145)
50. “Listen!!” – Houkago tea Time : (130,137)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALBUMS

1. “Boku no Miteiru Fukei” – Arashi : (1,053,064)
2. “Ikimonobakari~members’ BEST selection~” – Ikimonogakari : (906,756)
3. “to LOVE” – Nishino Kana : (645,417)
4. “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS BEST” – FUNKY MONKEY BABYS : (613,603)
5. “SENSE” – Mr.Children : (597,212)
6. “PAST<FUTURE” – Amuro Namie : (574,525)
7. “BEST SELECTION 2010″ – Tohoshinki : (569,530)
8. “Hajimari no Uta” – Ikimonogakari : (560,931)
9. “THE BEST BANG!!” – Fukuyama Masaharu : (544,260)
10. “5years” – Kimura Kaela : (469,028)
_

11. “FANTSY” - EXILE : (466,701)
12. “Kamikyoku-tachi” – AKB48 : (441,328)
13. “Request” – JUJU : (423,230)
14. “THE FAME MONSTER” – LADY GAGA : (406,502)
15. “VOCALIST 4″ – Tokunaga Hideaki : (398,302)
16. “Aisubeki Mirai e” – EXILE : (394,191)
17. “ALL COVERS BEST” – Kobukuro : (386,706)
18. “BEST~third universe~ & 8th AL ‘UNIVERSE’ “ – Koda Kumi : (371,590)
19. “All the BEST! 1999-2009″ – Arashi : (342,743)
20. “Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION Vol.2″ - Utada Hikaru : (334,348)
_

21. “Rock’n'Roll Circus” – Hamasaki Ayumi : (318,454)
22. “HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN” – YUI : (307,564)
23. “Wildflower & Cover Songs: Complete Best ‘TRACK3′ “ – Superfly : (299,654)
24. “Ano…Konnan Dekimashita kedo.” – Yusuke : (285,592)
25. “We are SMAP!” – SMAP : (267,946)
26. “HEAVEN” – Kato Miliyah : (266,102)
27. “8UPPERS” – Kanjani 8 : (265,439)
28. “ONE PIECE MEMORIAL BEST” – Various Artists : (248,899)
29. “Love Songs~Mata Kimi ni Koi shiteru~” – Sakamoto Fuyumi : (214,365)
30. “Recital” – Hilcrhyme : (210,013)
_

31. “BABY” – aiko : (207,702)
32. “GOOD TIMES” – RIP SLYME : (191,229)
33. “JUMP NO.1″ – Hey!Say! JUMP : (187,621)
34. “LIVE” – NEWS : (185,204)
35. “NO MORE PAIN” - KAT-TUN : (182,563)
36. “Houkago Tea Time II” – Houkago Tea Time : (182,468)
37. “Imamade no A-men, B-men desuto!?” – GReeeeN : (181,889)
38. “Hadou” – Inaba Koshi : (177,984)
39. “TIME FLIES…1994-2009″ : oasis (177,120)
40. “Sports” – Tokyo Jihen : (176,780)
_

41. “THE REMIX” - LADY GAGA : (175,253)
42. “The…” – JUNSU/JEJUNG/YUCHUN : (174,980)
43. “Every Best Single~COMPLETE~” – Every Little Thing : (173,351)
44. “STAR” – Nakashima Mika : (168,230)
45. “Girl’s Talk” – KARA : (166,185)
46. “Ureshikutte Dakiauyo” – YUKI : (166,146)
47. “What’s flumpool!?” – flumpool : (159,324)
48. “BPM” – Domoto Koichi : (158,600)
49. “Togemaru” – Spitz : (152,647)
50. “A Thousand Suns” – Linkin Park : (149,569)

TOP 5 TOTAL ARTIST SALES

1. Arashi – ￥17.163 billion/￥17,163,000,000 (approximately $204,321,424)

2. Tohoshinki - ￥9.431 billion/￥9,431,000,000 (approximately $112,273,808)

3. AKB48 – ￥7.092 billion/￥7,092,000,000 (approximately $84,408,472)

4. EXILE – ￥6.015 billion/￥6,015,000,000 (approximately $71,590,096)

5. Ikimonogakari – ￥5.618 billion/￥5,618,000,000 (approximately $66,865,032)
_________________

[gaijinmark]

^ Other than Ikimonogakari and Yui, there aren't too many artists on that list that I even like. I don't know if that's more a commentary on my musical tastes or Japan's.

[EstherM]

^ still better than me I like nothing

But I discovered a series of bands and artists I like, I guess I am more Fuji Rock than Kōhaku: Doping Panda and andymori.

[shin2]

While I was perusing Youtube for Ry Cooder videos, I came across this: Shoukichi Kina and his band Champloose performing Haisai Ojisan, backed by Cooder and the Chieftans in a concert in Japan back in 1994. Listening to this will get you to stand up and jump about indiscriminately.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q9dQALbI6k


Here's another version of Haisai Ojisan, performed by the Okinawan troupe Hanayakara at the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu. Hopefully the little kid didn't suffer too much of a hangover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ23-f9vgRQ&feature=related