Japanese rock band L’Arc-en-Ciel recently launched one of the nicest MySpace pages I’ve seen in awhile, just before they kicked off their current world tour. Although the international leg of the tour is over, you can still catch them at the Tokyo Dome May 31, June 1, and 3, and at Osaka’s Kyocera Dome June 7, and 8.
Archive for the ‘japanese music’ Category
L'Arc-en-Ciel launches official MySpace page
Saturday, May 31st, 2008Asian pop stars helping big business sell more
Thursday, February 28th, 2008Asian companies seemingly know what’s good for them: rent-a-pop star for a day, pay them loads of money, and then sit back and watch business go through the roof. From BoA selling beer, to Ayumi Hamasaki (among others) pushing Tower Records, I’m on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what ads these companies dream-up next..
Alicia Keys unleashes 'As I Am' on Asia
Thursday, January 31st, 2008On November 30th, Alicia Keys gave a brief but spirited performance in Tokyo, mesmerizing those assembled with her heartfelt rendition of the hit song “No One”. The album has been doing extremely well across Asia, and Alicia has stated several times of how pleased she’s been with the albums success, but even more by it’s apparent Universal appeal.
X-Japan reunion announcement turns to chaos
Friday, November 30th, 2007Chaos would be an understatement at Odaiba Mall (Tokyo) recently, as it was the surprise location for a reunion video shoot for quite possibly the greatest band in Japanese history..X-Japan. Many would have accepted their beloved bands fate long ago, but not THIS band’s fans. Want to see how fast 3 shows at the Tokyo Dome sell out? Just wait and see..
Ochi Yosuke says to media: "I will repeat.."
Wednesday, October 31st, 2007Arriving home to Japan to much more press than the last time around, Ochi Yosuke is asking the media to believe he’ll win the next World Air Guitar Championship 3 times straight. Even with his unorthodox playing style, he still manages to mesmerize the Finnish judges quite handily. And seeing that he puts about as much passion into the contest as his own comedy career, who should doubt him?
Japan's Yoshiki, the hot chocolate savior
Wednesday, August 15th, 2007X-Japan’s Yoshiki, made an interesting new blog post recently, in which he talked about a particular night right before his L.A. JRock extravaganza. Apparently, he was driving past the venue a few evenings before the show, and noticed a bunch of people camped outside. Intrigued by the sight, he phoned one of his personal assistants to find out what all the fuss was about. He was gently reminded that it was non other than HIS show that they were all awaiting for! After learning that some had been there for several days, he returned minutes later, shocking everyone with coffee and hot chocolates to help ease their wait..
Asian music is alive and kicking in…Asia
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007There’s a new study just out by Asian market research company Synovate, showing a surprising trend among music listeners across the region. According to the report, Asian music was the overwhelmingly preferred genre..and by a long shot. This came from a poll spanning several Asian countries, including China, Taiwan, and Korea among others. This is great news for Asian record companies, and confirms what has long been considered the obvious. Asian music is growing in popularity, not only internationally, but within the individual Asian populations as well.
Japanese singer Ayaka in studio with top secret producer
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007Even though she’s quite new to the Japanese music scene, pop singer Ayaka is turning more than a few heads, after the incredible selling success of her debut album “First Message.” The album sold 300,000 copies the first week, and 1 million shortly thereafter, earning her a “Best New Artist” nod at the “2006 Japan Record Awards.” She’s currently rumored to be working with a top secret Asian producer, all in hopes of creating just the right single to capitalize on her incredible new-found popularity.
D'Erlanger surprises fans, plays live again after 17 years
Thursday, June 28th, 2007This month, my hat goes off to a special group of fans, fans willing to wait an astonishing 17 years to see their favorite band play live again. I’m speaking of those dedicated to the Japanese group D’Erlanger. Many were willing to fly any distance, paying any price to see the group, and their hopes finally became reality after an announcement came that D’Erlanger would perform live again in late April. Playing before 3 thousand of their most dedicated in central Tokyo, many were ecstatic, many were in tears, their long wait was over, but one question remained. When will their beloved band ever play again?
Hello Kitty producing cute Ayumi Hamasaki figurine
Tuesday, June 5th, 2007Hello Kitty announced that they will be offering a Ayumi Hamasaki figurine to their already extensive lineup of unique designs. Luckily, Ayumi couldn’t be happier, commenting in the press that she’s adored the brand since childhood, and is quite excited by the honor. The figurine will be a cute caricature of Ayumi holding a white cat, and will cost fans the equivalent of $5 to purchase. So far, it’s mainly on sale during her current Asian tour, but is expected for a wider release sometime in the next several weeks.