Today, Japanese singer-songwriter, composer, and record producer YOSHIKI donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund through YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA, a non-profit public interest company managed by the artist himself.

The COVID-19 Relief Fund was created by The Recording Academy® and MusiCares© to help support struggling music artists who are having to postpone and cancel tours in response to the pandemic outbreak. YOSHIKI is a board member of The Recording Academy®, which is known for presenting the Grammy Awards.

YOSHIKI said: “In a time when we are being told to conduct self-control and restraint, I’m still called out by people on whether it’s best to put shows on holdーfor the benefit of fans included. The financial damage of that is of course substantial. Many different industriesーnot just the entertainment industryーare on the verge of danger, as are people of varying positions [across society]. As someone in the world of music, I would hope there would be some way of offering help to those involved in the music industry around the world, Japan included, during this difficult time, and so I have donated to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The danger of COVID-19 is a global problem, not just Japan. I pray from the bottom of my heart that this will all be over much quicker by everyone cooperating to conduct self-restraint and wait this out to lessen the spread of the virus, and that the entertainment industry can once again return to its thriving self.”

　
Steve Boom, Chairman of the Board at MusiCares, also expressed his deep gratitude to the donations which go towards relieving the burden of musicians and those involved in music. He said that everyone’s cooperation will ensure that the necessary funds and resources are there for people to continue their careers.

YOSHIKI continues to post information related to the coronavirus via his social media pages. On March 11, he interviewed Shinya Yamanaka, the director of the Center for iPS Cell Research and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The interview can be seen below and has English subtitles.

will.i.am posted a video on his official YouTube channel for a song entitled #SING4LIFE which features himself, U2’s Bono, and Jennifer Hudson on vocals and YOSHIKI on piano.

Bono wrote the song after being inspired by the people of Italy who, despite being isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were singing from their rooftops and balconies.

As soon as Bono wrote the song he uploaded his solo version to his Instagram page. He subsequently collaborated with will.i.am who got his longtime friend YOSHIKI on board, and Jennifer Hudson joined thereafter.

YOSHIKI answered the call to arms and wrote the score immediately, recording the piano just two hours later.

will.i.am described the song’s intention on Instagram: “When you see empty streets…The empty streets shouldn’t make you feel depressed or afraid…When you see empty streets during these times, try to feel love…The empty streets is a sign that humanity is doing the right thing.”

He continues: “There are a lot of people feeling anxiety and worry and stress…So we #SING4LIFE to lift up their spirits ..We #SING4LIFE to bring them some type of JOY during these times.”

 

この投稿をInstagramで見る

 

When you see empty streets…The empty streets shouldn’t make you feel depressed or afraid…When you see empty streets during these times, try to feel love…The empty streets is a sign that humanity is doing the right thing…We are like a school of fish or a flock of birds moving in the right direction together…and that direction is to stop the virus from spreading…So we #STAYHOME…And because the world has taken a Pause and things being cancelled, there are a lot of people that are out of work…There are a lot of people feeling anxiety and worry and stress…So we #SING4LIFE to lift up their spirits ..We #SING4LIFE to bring them some type of JOY during these times…thank you #BONO @U2 for kicking this off and writing a beautiful song…thank you @iamjhud and @yoshikiofficial for lending your talents and massive hearts… and thank you @weareparisi and @johnnygoldstein for helping produce this from your Phones and laptops from around the world…this entire song was produced from laptops while in isolation…the video was made from our Phones…thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses…thank you to all the people working at the supermarkets and pharmacy’s during this time…#SING4LIFE…

i.am/will(@iamwill)がシェアした投稿 – 2020年 3月月24日午後12時56分PDT

He also thanked his collaborators: “thank you #BONO @U2 for kicking this off and writing a beautiful song…thank you @iamjhud and @yoshikiofficial for lending your talents and massive hearts.”

 

この投稿をInstagramで見る

 

”I know you are trying hard to restrain yourself to fight against this virus. I believe that your effort… everyone’s effort, will affect the entire human race. We will overcome, we can do this together. I’m praying for your health and safety.” 皆さんも大変な思いをして、このウィルスの終息に向け、自粛をされていると思います。”一人一人の努力が人類全体を救う”と思います。一緒に頑張ろう。みんなの健康と安全を祈っています。 REPOST: @iamwill @U2 @iamjhud @yoshikiofficial #bono #u2 #iamwill #blackeyedpeas #jenniferhudson #yoshiki #xjapan #StayHome #SpreadLOVE #新型コロナウイルス #coronavirus #COVID19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz-DoaHi3zo

Yoshiki(@yoshikiofficial)がシェアした投稿 – 2020年 3月月24日午後9時21分PDT

YOSHIKI added his own comment on Instagram: “I know you are trying hard to restrain yourself to fight against this virus. I believe that your effort… everyone’s effort, will affect the entire human race. We will overcome, we can do this together. I’m praying for your health and safety.”

YOSHIKI decided to stay in Los Angeles instead of returning home to Japan due to the coronavirus outbreak. He has continued to offer his support through his social media pages to fans around the world.

Asahi Soft Drinks released a new television commercial in Japan on Tuesday for its Wonda X-BITTER black coffee drink which features Japanese singer-songwriter and musician Yoshiki.

The commercial is centred around making a fresh start, which is where Yoshiki’s own arrangement of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star comes into play. We see him abducted in a UFO in comical style and then perform his own transcendent cover of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in a forest.

As he sits in the evening forest, Yoshiki takes a sip of Wonda X-BITTER, after which a blue light shines down on him, signifying the turning of a new leaf. A boy looks at him in wonder as he begins to perform the song, and then agape as Yoshiki is beamed up by the UFO.

Yoshiki expressed his desire to add his own arrangement to the song on the day the video was shot and wrote the music score there and then. He went to practice the song alone in the studio after writing it, and in almost no time at all, returned for the main shoot. The staff couldn’t hide their astonishment at Yoshiki’s musical talent.

YOSHIKI Interview

Q: Please tell us which scene most left an impression on you, or a particular scene that you want people to look out for.
Yoshiki: Definitely the last scene when I fly up into the sky. I found that scene really amusing where I’m taken by the UFO together with the piano. The piano playing starts off super simple, but the performance quickly escalates into something complex. Be sure to check that out.

Q: Did you have to do any prep for this commercial shoot?
Yoshiki: I researched “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” I wondered, how can I make this song that everyone knows interesting? I also studied Mozart’s arrangement.

Q: What’s a time when you have to concentrate during your everyday life?
Yoshiki: It’s got to be when I’m writing music. It’s the kind of work where you make something from nothing, so you need some serious concentration skills. When I’m composing, I mostly don’t use any instruments. I work by writing music notes down on a blank sheet, so there are times when I go to concentrate for an hour, or two hours, and before I know it half the day has already gone.”

This year’s Universal Cool Japan finally opened at Universal Studios Japan on Tuesday, where it is set to run until June 28, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world. Four internationally beloved franchises take the spotlight for 2020: Attack on Titan, Monster Hunter World, Detective Conan, and Lupin III.

A host of lucky guests were able to experience the attractions before anyone else. Today, we hear their review and comments of the all-new rides, attractions, live shows and restaurants centred around the four big contenders which serve to fully immerse fans in their incredible worlds.

Attack on Titan’s first XR ride

The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. For this year’s Universal Cool Japan, the internationally-acclaimed series welcomes its first ever XR ride, as well as its own “Survey Corps Diner.”

Guests wear VR goggles that transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now’s your chance. The Attack on Titan XR Ride offers a thrill like no otherーone so tense you’ll be left wondering whether you will survive.

■Guest Comment

“It was so much fun! The visuals are breathtaking and connect superbly to the ride’s movements. I was completely immersed in the visuals; it really felt like I was riding a wagon. Eren and the Survey Corps members were so cool, and even the horses looked realistic. It was amazing!” (Woman, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese

The themed restaurant, “Attack on Titan Survey Corps Diner,” is so realistic to a quality you wouldn’t believe, with the Survey Corps members’ weapons and personal belongings left casually around the place. Guests can feel immersed as they listen to the conversations between the characters will chowing down on their meal, take a photo with life-sized versions of Levi and Hange, and more.

Detective Conan World’s two new attractions with Shuichi Akai have fans screaming

At Detective Conan World, fans can expect to see the appearance of the hugely popular character Shuichi Akai who is set to star in the upcoming animated film Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet (releasing April 17, 2020). Four rides and attractions can be enjoyed at Detective Conan World, including the manga series’ first-ever story-packed roller coaster named Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride.

Guests can also look forward to joining Conan solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape ~The Scarlet Bullet~, an escape game featuring an original story and a live performance by a real cast. Participants will make use of AR technology and solve the cases within the time limit to escape. Expect appearances from familiar faces too like Rachel Moore, Richard Moore, and others.

In Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride, you’ll be placed in the passenger seat with Akai on the wheel who will use some extreme driving techniques to shake off the criminal. Look forward to plenty of thrills in this immersive experience.

■Guest Comment

“Not only do you solve cases, there’s also a gaming aspect to the challenges which require the use of the AR terminal. It’s also a team game where you work with others, so I enjoyed it with everyone else. A lot of characters make an appearance too, it was so cool.” (Female, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese

There’s also the Detective Conan Mystery Challenge in which guests take a hands-on approach to solve various incidents around the theme park. Harley Hartwell, Kazuha Toyama, and Tomoya’s love rival Momiji Ooka are also present in this game with in the form of a real-life cast.

Fans can also tuck into some mystery-themed food at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant which combines food and live entertainment. Fans reacted overwhelmingly to the appearance of Masumi Seraーthe sister of Akai. There’s also appearances from Amuro Tooru and Serena Sebastian too.

Lupin the Third: The Live

Witness a live cast playing the roles of the popular Lupin III, Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Fujiko Mine, and Koichi Zenigataーthe latter of which is trying to chase down Lupin. It features live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. The reaction to this live show has been overwhelming as guests feel like they are running through Delancey Street in New York with Lupin in this interactive story.

■Guest Comment

“I was amazed to have been able to see such an amazing show right in front of me. Lupin and the gang came from above, below, left, and right. There were too many good moments. I didn’t have enough eyes! <laughs>” (Female, 20/Hyogo Prefecture)

Last year’s Lupin III restaurant, Ristorante Amore, has received an upgrade for 2020. Experience being served by Lupin himself, with his gentle approach and know-how when it comes to getting with the ladies, and Goemon Ishikawa XIII, who is aloof and has terrible romance skills. They are serving up authentic Italian cuisine.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK

The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World, in an experience so immersive you’ll forget about the real world.

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee

© CRAP All rights reserved.

©Monkey Punch / ＴＭＳ・ＮＴＶ

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

書・SISYU

TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. has revealed a new line of Attack on Titan with illustrations by WIT STUDIO that will drop on the website on December 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (JST).

T-Shirt: Eren

T-Shirt: Levi

Fans have gotten three seasons so far, and fall 2020 will see the arrival of the final season of the internationally-acclaimed anime series Attack on Titan. To celebrate, fans can get their hands on a variety t-shirt and sachoche bag featuring fan-favourite Levi, as well as a line-up of t-shirts and hoodies decorated with members of the Survey Corps and the Titans.

Hoodie (Front)

Hoodie (Back)

Made with 100% cotton, fans can dress nice and comfy while showing off their favourite series.

Sacoche Bag: Levi

These products will be sold at Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO as well as via the Tokyo Otaku Mode online shop. They will also roll out at select anime merchandise stores.

The apparel is also scheduled to roll out on the global Tokyo Otaku Mode Shop for fans outside Japan too, so be sure to keep up to date via their website and social media below.

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha/ “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

It has been announced that Universal Cool Japan 2020 will take place from January 21 to June 28 next year. This year marks the 6th run of UCJ which began in 2015, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world, and enjoys immense popularity every year.

Universal Cool Japan 2020 will see four big titles in Japanese entertainment come together. Expect all-new attractions for all-new experiences.

*The Monster Hunter World: Iceborne x USJ attractions will be announced at a later date

Attack on Titan XR Ride

The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. For the first time ever, the series is getting its own XR Ride in which guests will don VR goggles that will transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests will ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now’s your chance.

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

Detective Conan World

Join Conan in the all-improved and revamped Detective Conan World and help him solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape; ride the new story-filled roller coaster Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride which features full voice acting and an immersive plot; run around the park and solve various incidents hands-on with Detective Conan Mystery Challenge; and dine at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant.

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

*Full details on the restaurant will be announced at a later date

Lupin the Third: The Live

Lupin the Third made its first appearance at UCJ 2019 and was very well-received. This live show features street live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. Join Lupin and the characters in the exciting world of the franchise.

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne x Universal Studios Japan

The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World which has shipped 2.8 million copies worldwide.

Running: Spring 2020 (subject to change)

Image Credit: Universal Studios Japan

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)
Despicable Me, Minion Made and all related marks and characters are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Nintendo properties are trademarks and copyrights of Nintendo. © 2019 Nintendo.
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee

© CRAP All rights reserved.

©Monkey Punch / ＴＭＳ・ＮＴＶ

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

書・SISYU

TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Having previously had a picture with Queen Elizabeth II, Japanese musician YOSHIKI is making more and more of an impression on the British royal family. In a recent photograph he posted on Instagram, he is seen with Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. The photo was taken at a music-related charity event supported by Prince Charles to which YOSHIKI was invited as a guest. 

YOSHIKI and Prince Charles had a conversation that day. The fact that YOSHIKI wrote and performed the 10-year commemoration song for the Emperor of Japan was mentioned and Prince Charles supposedly reacted positively, stating that he would love to have YOSHIKI perform at Buckingham Palace.

YOSHIKI is making an impression on people all over the world so do not take your eyes off him for a second. 

As part of the ongoing Attack on Titan Exhibition FINAL event that is taking place at MORI Arts Center Gallery until September 8, a new addition has been added to the event that will take place from August 6 to September 8.

Titled “Sky Deck ~The Colossal Titan’s Invasion~,” the event will take place on the open-top roof of Roppongi Hills MORI Tower that will make use of the surrounding environment and utilise AR technology to project the Colossal Titan before your very eyes, up 270 meters high.

What happens when the Colossal Titan himself appears before you in real life? This virtual experience will give you a peek into the cruel and terrifying world of Attack on Titan.

UNIQLO’s graphic t-shirt brand UT are celebrating the 60th anniversary of manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump with a new t-shirt collection via their sub brand MANGA UT. The t-shirts will go on sale from August 12.

The collection covers six anime series serialised in the popular magazine including Hajime no Ippo, Fairy Tail, The Seven Deadly Sins, Attack on Titan, Negima! Magister Negi Magi, and Shōta no Sushi. Each t-shirt pays homage to its respective series, featuring iconic scenes that have stayed with fans, sound effects, and original designs that capture their worlds.

Hajime no Ippo

Hajime no Ippo is a boxing manga written and illustrated by George Morikawa. It follows Ippo Makunouchi, a shy high school student who suffers at the hands of bullies. He begins a career in boxing in search of the answer to the question “What is strength?” and battles his rivals and those around him to grow as an individual. The t-shirt design captures the lively energy seen in the characters and is surrounded by eye-catching SFX.

©George Morikawa/Kodansha

Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail is a fantasy adventure manga written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima. It follows the dragon slaying wizard Natsu and his tale of growth as part of the Fairy Tail guild. One of the t-shirts features four characters from the guild and the other is a large illustration of Acnologia, the main characters’ strongest enemy.

©Hiro Mashima/Kodansha

The Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins is a fantasy battle adventure series written and illustrated by Nakaba Suzuki. It follows the titular characters each of whom represent the seven deadly sins. There are several t-shirt designs including one featuring Meliodas looking up to the sky and another of him and his comrades out on a peaceful trip. There is even a hand drawn illustration of Hawk, a talking pig and Meliodas’s pet, which was illustrated by Suzuki himself and UT’s editors.

©Nakaba Suzuki/Kodansha

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is an dark fantasy adventure series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. The story is set in a world where humanity lives within giant walls which help protect them from towering man-eating Titans. The terrifying t-shirt design features one of the Titans that live inside the walls.

©Hajime Isayama/Kodansha

Negima! Magister Negi Magi

Negima! Magister Negi Magi is an fantasy adventure and harem series written and illustrated by Ken Akamatsu. It follows the story of Negi, a wizard who becomes an English teacher at Mahora Academy, where he helps his class of students overcome their problems. He is also in search of his father who is known as a hero in the world of wizardry. There are two t-shirts, one featuring the main heroine Asuna Kagurazaka, and another of some of the other students in the class.

©Ken Akamatsu/Kodansha

Shōta no Sushi

Shōta no Sushi is a food manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Terasawa which follows the story of Sekiguchi Shota who works as an apprentice and aims to become a sushi chef. There are two t-shirt designs, one which features the manga’s logo and a slice of sushi and the other with the logo and a whole sushi platter.

©Daisuke Terasawa/Kodansha

Show your support for your favourite Weekly Shonen Jump series by picking up one of these awesome t-shirts!

If you’ve ever wanted to feel what it’s like to get up high off the ground like a Survey Corps member, you’ll want to hit up the amusement park Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest this summer as it has announced a collaboration between its athletic course Muscle Monster and Attack on Titan. The event, entitled Attack on Colosseum: Muscle Monster will take place between July 20 and August 30.

The collaboration is taking place as part of the Attack on Titan Exhibition FINAL event which is currently being held at the MORI Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi until September 8. Fans of series can look forward to taking photos together with each character in the series at the Muscle Monster climbing attraction―which will be decorated in all things Shingeki―as well as get their hands on original merchandise, tuck into themed food and more.

Muscle Survey Corps! ~Join Forces and Exterminate the Titans~
A photo system will be in place as you ascend the Muscle Monster climbing course which will take your photos which can be printed out in original photos and feature members of the Survey Corps like Eren and Levi as well as the various Titans. There will also be life-sized character boards you can take photos with and more.

Location: Muscle Monster entrance
Price: 1 Physical Photo – ¥1,000 / 1 Digital Photo (1 Type) – ¥1,000 / Physical Photo + Digital Photo (5 Types) – ¥2,000

Original Merchandise
No fan of the series is going to want to miss out on the batch of exclusive merchandise being sold with illustrations unique to the event.

Location: Pleasure Station at the amusement park entrance (*Limited supplies available)

Original Pin Badge (5 Designs): ¥380 Each (Tax Included)

Pin one of these exclusive character badges to your bag to represent your Survey Corps team. The designs are chosen randomly.

Original Acrylic Key Ring (4 Designs): ¥490 Each (Tax Included)

Original A4 Folder: ¥380 (Tax Included)

Colossal Titan Attack from the distant Mountains at the top of Muscle Monster
Warn your fellow Survey Corps members of a Colossal Titan attack using AR technology by holding up your smartphone up to the distant mountains at the top of Muscle Monster. You can get a panoramic view of Lake Sagami and Mount Takao from the climbing course’s apex.

Attack on Gourmet – Collaborative menu with free gift

Eren’s Colossal Titan Extermination Hamburger: ¥1,800 (Tax Included) *Hamburger and side food is 2x the normal amount!

Levi’s Clean Cut Meat Curry: ¥1,900 (Tax Included)

Devote Your Heart! Erwin’s Power Drink: ¥850 (Tax Included)

Eat lots of food and get one of the special novelty items below!

Ordering from the food menu will get you this original lunch mat.

Getting a dessert will get you one of these four coasters.

There are lots of other things planned for the event too. So gear up, Survey Corps, and head on over to Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest!

On June 30, NHK General TV finished broadcasting season 3 of popular anime Attack on Titan. Following the end of the broadcast, a 15-second trailer was released where we hear Mikasa pleading for Eren to come back. The short video also advertised the release of “The Final Season” which will be broadcasted in the autumn of 2020.

15-second trailer video

Fans are eagerly waiting to snatch up more information to fuel their excitement for the new season. 

©Hajime Isayama, Kodansha Ltd.／Attack on Titan Production Committee

It has been announced that Attack on Titan Exhibition FINAL will be on exhibit at Hirakata Park in Osaka from September 21 to December 1.

It was announced earlier this month that the exhibition is also to take place at the MORI Arts Center Gallery on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills MORI Tower from July 5 to September 8. The exhibition serves to plunge fans into the world of Attack on Titan in a number of different ways, from art displays to diorama reconstructions of the world and more.

Advance tickets for the Hirakata Park event will be released on July 1.