It has been announced that Japanese folk rock duo Yuzu’s new song Maboroshi will be used as the main theme song for NHK’s new drama series Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju which is set to air from October 12.
The drama series is a live action adaptation of the manga series of the same name written and illustrated by Haruko Kumota. It follows the story of a man who is released from prison and becomes the apprentice of a rakugo performer. The manga sparked an interest amongst young Japanese people in rakugo, a traditional form of Japanese entertainment in which a sole performer tells a long comical story.
The drama adaptation is written by Daisuke Habara and directed by Yuki Tanada. It features a cast of famous actors and actresses including Masaki Okada.
Maboroshi which was written and composed by the band’s own Yujin Kitagawa after he read the manga. It’s described as a series and mysterious ballad that turns away from the pop, foward-facing sound we’re used to hearing in the band’s hit pop songs and instead expresses them in a new light.
Yuzu have had numerous tie-ups with other series in the past. This is the first main theme song they have provided for a drama series in 5 years since Ume Nochi Hareru Ya which was used in the NHK show Gochisosan (2013).
Yujin Kitagawa’s Comments
When we had the conversation about doing the main theme song for the drama it was the first time I had read the manga. I started reading at nighttime and was sucked into the world of the story. Before I knew it I had read all the volumes and it was morning.
All of the characters are surrounded by ‘life and death,’ ‘love and hatred,’ ‘beauty and cruelty.’ It turns the light themes of rakugo on their heads. I was thrilled by the violence that unfolds in the story. All the characters are really unique, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how the cast will perform their parts.
The first thing I thought when we set out to record ‘Maboroshi’ was to let go of the forward-facing pop sound that we have come to express in our songs and aim to express ourselves in a new way. We sought the beauty that lies in t he darkness of Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju’s story.
After trial and error, the theme ‘Maboroshi’ [“Illusion”] came up. So we encouraged this keyword with the story and made a melancholic and mysterious song, something which we’ve never done before. We’re also exploring even more the possibility of song which is at the core of Yuzu.
We’re thankful for the bottom of our hearts to have come in contact with this story which has opened new doors for us.
■Information
Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
Broadcast Date: October 12, 2018
Channel: NHK General TV (Every Friday from 10:00)
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Japanese folk rock duo Yuzu held that 2018 arena tour entitled “BIG YELL II ~Great Voyage” at Yokohama Arena on August 4, 5 and 7. They performed their new song Muscat―which was released on August 1―for the very first time in front of fans at the shows.
Mustcat is an upbeat song that serves as the new theme song for the popular ongoing anime series Crayon Shin-chan. In the anime’s opening video, a mascot character called Yuzu Man, created by Yuzu’s own Yujin Kitagawa, makes an appearance.
Yuzu Man and Shin-chan both appearaced as special guests at the band’s Yokohama Arena performance which the crowd reacted excitedly to. Together with the Yuzu members, the mascots performed their iconic dance created by popular Japanese choreographer Lucky Ikeda. The anime also appeared on the stage screens and the crowd joined in with the dance.
This tour began in April with the Yokohama Arena shows being additional dates. 12,000 fans attended each show which saw changes made from the main tour. Further additional dates have also been announced: they will play at Marine Messe Fukuoka on August 14 and 15 before heading to Osaka-jo Hall on October 21 and 22. They will perform to an estimated 35,000 people.
Fans are looking forward to seeing what kind of performances they have in store for the next set of dates.
■Information
New Single – “Muscat”Released: August 1, 2018
Regular Edition (CD-Only) – ¥800 (+Tax) [SNCC-89939]
Concert Edition (CD+Original Yuzu Man & Shin-chan Towel) – ¥926 (+Tax) [SNCP-89940]
*The concert edition is sold only at the venues on the ongoing tour.
“Muscat” Special Page: http://yuzu-official.com/pages/muscat
Yuzu Official Website: http://yuzu-official.com
RELATED ENTRIES
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Kyoto-based makeup brand Yojiya will release its popular Yuzu series of goods on October 3, 2022. The company is well-known for its aburatorigami, or facial oil blotting paper. Customers will be able to grab items containing yuzu and featuring autumn packaging, from hand cream to aroma oil. The scent of yuzu can be relaxing, easing anxiety and tension. In addition, special events and campaigns will be held at Yojiya stores for shoppers to enjoy this fall.
Yuzu Aburatorigami (Facial Oil Blotting Paper)
Yuzu Hand Cream
Yuzu Aroma Oil
Yuzu Bath Salts
Yuzu Aroma Set
The Yuzu Aburatorigami and Hand Cream, which were both extremely popular last year, will feature new packaging in 2022. The blotting paper is made of natural yuzu peel, while the hand cream contains natural yuzu peel oil.
After returning home from work or being out running errands, customers are invited to relax with the citrus scent of yuzu. New products perfect for home use are available this year, including bath salts and yuzu oil perfect for adding to your diffuser.
Many readers from overseas may have never enjoyed yuzu. The next time you’re in Japan, seek out this tasty and fragrant fruit!
Information
Yuzu Series – Yojiya
Release Date: October 3, 2022
Official Site: https://www.yojiya.co.jp
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Produced by art project production group WATOWA GALLERY, the YUZU x Shibuya Pixel Art YUZUTOWN Special Exhibition will be open at elephant STUDIO in Shibuya starting September 15! The theme of this year’s event is ‘bringing courage to Shibuya during the Coronavirus pandemic.’
SHIBUYA PIXEL ART, one of the world’s biggest pixel art contests and festivals, has been held in Shibuya each year since 2017. The area was called ‘Bit Valley’ in the late 1990s.
The YUZUTOWN Special Exhibition will commemorate the release of popular J-pop duo YUZU’s 15th album, YUZUTOWN. A total of 24 artists will be exhibiting and selling their pixel art creations, including Kazuko Shibuya, who has provided works for some of Japan’s most famous fantasy RPGs such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Shigetaka Kurita, immortalized in the MoMA as the creator of ‘emoji,’, and eBoy, who provided the album cover for YUZUTOWN, will also be in attendance.
Information
YUZU × Shibuya Pixel Art “YUZUTOWN Special Exhibition”
Running: September 15 – September 30, 2021
Hours: 10:00-19:00
Location: elephant STUDIO (1&2F, 2-7-4 Shibuya, Tokyo)
Admission: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) *Reservations required.
Buy Tickets: https://artsticker.app/events/765 *Reservations now open.
Official Site: https://pixel-art.jp/reboot
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Häagen-Dazs Japan will release their mini cup Yuzu orange Blancmange ice cream countrywide on 23rd July. This will be available for a limited period only.
This cooling ice cream is made with milky blancmange. You will be hit by the sudden sourness of the yuzu orange which accents the flavour perfectly. Blancmange is a chilled French dessert which is perfect for the summer. It is made by boiling milk and adding milk, sugar, whipping cream, vanilla and gelatin. This is then cooled to solidify.
This ice cream is made using rich-flavoured milk and the juice of Japanese yuzu oranges. This is then combined with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Yuzu oil is also added to the ice cream so that you immediately taste the deeply-flavoured and aromatic yuzu orange with your first mouthful. The refreshing fruitiness will instantly spread all over your mouth, simultaneously harmonising with the milky flavour.
Even the sauce for the ice cream is made using the skin of Japanese yuzu oranges so that ice cream-lovers can fully enjoy the true flavour of yuzu oranges. The rich milky flavour is accented with the refreshing sourness of the yuzu orange.
This summer, treat yourself to a mild and milky yet fruity and flavourful ice cream.
Information
Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Yuzu Blanc Manger (limited time ice cream)
Release: July 23, 2019
Price: ￥319 (RRP)
Available at: Supermarkets, convenience stores and department stores countrywide.
Special Edition Website: https://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/yuzu_blancmanger/
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More and more announcements have been rolling out about Japanese artists set to perform overseas in the latter half of 2019. Let’s take a look and see if one of them is coming to a city near you in Part 4.
・Aimyon
Singer-songwriter is set to take her enthralling set to Shanghai with a headline show. The music video for her hit song Marigold, taken from her album Shunkanteki Sixth Sense which released in February, was shot on the streets of Shanghai. Currently knee-deep in her Japan tour to promote her new album, this will mark Aimyon’s second time performing overseas following up from a successful show in Taiwan. Her popularity is steadily surging across the globe, be sure to check out her music available on Spotify as well as her many music videos.
Related Article: Aimyon Releases Music Video Teaser & CD Cover For New Song ‘Manatsu no Yoru no Nioi ga Suru’
▶︎AIMYON 2019 LIVE in SHANGHAI
Date: July 13, 2019
Venue: 世博中心—紅庁, Shanghai 2019
Japan Enquiries: http://www.accessbright.com/aimyon/
AIMYON Official Website: http://www.aimyong.net/
・OKAMOTO’S
Celebrating 10 years since their debut, OKAMOTO’S are currently touring Japan nationwide in promotion of their new album BOY. The four-piece rock band performed what they called their “first and last” Nippon Budokan show on June 27 but are following that straight up with two concerts in Beijing and Shanghai. OKAMOTO’S are veterans when it comes to having performed overseas. They are the younger Japanese male act to play SXSW in Texas, US when they performed back in 2010. They also embarked on a 7-city US tour and have toured Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and other countries. Don’t miss out!
Related Article: OKAMOTO’S New ‘Dancing Boy’ Music Video Features Lots Of Guest Artists
▶︎OKAMOTO’S “BOY” CHINA TOUR 2019
2019/7/19 @ Beijing MAO Live House, Beijing
2019/7/21 @ Shanghai MAO Live House, ShangaiTickets: https://www.showstart.com/event/list?type=1&tag=22685
OKAMOTO’S Official Website: https://www.okamotos.net
【お知らせ】
MY FIRST STORY初の中国・上海でのワンマンライブが決定🇨🇳！
MY FIRST STORY TOUR 2019 IN SHANGHAI
7/27(土) 19:30開演予定
中国・上海市静安体育センター公演詳細は後日発表！#myfirststory#マイファス pic.twitter.com/BqEzLdAgj9
— MY FIRST STORY (@MyFirstStory_of) 2019年6月6日
・MY FIRST STORY
Since debuting in 2012, Japanese rock band MY FIRST STORY have performed at some of Japan’s biggest music festivals and have also collaborated with foreign musicians. Their lyrics are fluent English which have racked them up some real attention outside Japan. This will mark their first headline show in mainland China.
▶︎MY FIRST STORY TOUR 2019 IN SHANGHAI
2019/7/27 @ Jing’an Sports Center, Shanghai
MY FIRST STORY Official Website: http://www.myfirststory.net
・Yuzu
Yuzu’s popularity trickles down all generations having performed the song Muscat for the anime series Crayon Shin-chan. The duo have their eyes set on two days at Legacy MAX in Taipei on September 28 and 29. The musicians performed at the 30th Golden Melody Awards, which is nicknamed the “Taiwanese Grammy Awards,” on June 29 and hail as the only Japanese artists to do so.
Related Article: Yuzu Joined By Crayon Shin-chan On Stage to Sing New Song ‘Muscat’
▶︎YUZU ASIA LIVE 2019 YUZUNOMI
2019/9/28 @ Legacy MAX, Taipei
2019/9/29 @ Legacy MAX, Taipei
Tickets: https://ticket.ibon.com.tw/Web/ActivityInfo/Details/36025
YUZU Official Website: http://yuzu-official.com
・MAN WITH A MISSION
MAN WITH A MISSION recently announced their US headline tour. They joined Jimmy Eat World and Stone Sour on tour back in fall 2017, but which is their first North American solo tour in five years. Full details can be found over on their official website.
Related Article: MAN WITH A MISSION To Embark on First North American Solo Tour in 5 Years
▶︎MAN WITH A MISSION presents Chasing the Horizon World Tour 2018/2019 -North American Tour-
2019/9/6 @ Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
2019/9/8 @ The Regent Theater, Los Angeles
2019/9/10 @ Canton Hall, Dallas
2019/9/16 @ Gramercy Theatre, New York
MAN WITH A MISSION Official Website: https://www.mwamjapan.info/
・BABYMETAL
BABYMETAL will released their new album METAL GALAXY this year on October 11 and follow it up with their GALAXY WORLD TOUR where they will hit up Europe, US and Russia. BABYMETAL’s unmatched force continues to be felt across the globe.
Related Article: BABYMETAL Announce New Album ‘METAL GALAXY’ & World Tour
▶︎BABYMETAL GALAXY WORLD TOUR
*For full dates, please check the band’s official website below.
BABYMETAL Official Website: http://www.babymetal.com
《TOUR》
＼💫SKY-HI × SALU TOUR決定！／
🎙Say Goodbye to the System
9/4：東京 Zepp DiverCity
9/24：大阪 なんばHatch
9/25：名古屋 名古屋ダイアモンドホール
9/29：韓国/ソウル
10/1：香港
10/4：台湾/台北
✅詳細はSKY-HI公式HPへ
【https://t.co/AOcUrXeEGL】#SKY_HI #SALU #TOUR pic.twitter.com/E5h8Svngff— SKY-HI情報 (@skyhi_hidaka12) 2019年7月1日
・SKY-HI
SKY-HI will release his second collaborative album with SALU entitled Say Hello to My Minions 2 on September 4 which will be promoted with the “Say Goodbye to the System” Asia tour. SKY-HI has performed in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London, Shanghai, Taiwan and Hong Kong in the past. Be sure to keep up to date with his tour schedule via his official website.
▶︎Say Goodbye to the System -ASIA TOUR-
2019/9/29 @ Seoul (Venue TBA)
2019/10/1 @ Hong Kong (Venue TBA)
2019/10/4 @ Taipei (Venue TBA)
SKY-HI Official Website: https://avex.jp/skyhi/
If you love Japanese music and an artist you like is heading to a city near you, be sure to show them love and support by getting your hands on a ticket!
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Japanese folk rock duo Yuzu held that 2018 arena tour entitled “BIG YELL II ~Great Voyage” at Yokohama Arena on August 4, 5 and 7. They performed their new song Muscat―which was released on August 1―for the very first time in front of fans at the shows.
Mustcat is an upbeat song that serves as the new theme song for the popular ongoing anime series Crayon Shin-chan. In the anime’s opening video, a mascot character called Yuzu Man, created by Yuzu’s own Yujin Kitagawa, makes an appearance.
Yuzu Man and Shin-chan both appearaced as special guests at the band’s Yokohama Arena performance which the crowd reacted excitedly to. Together with the Yuzu members, the mascots performed their iconic dance created by popular Japanese choreographer Lucky Ikeda. The anime also appeared on the stage screens and the crowd joined in with the dance.
This tour began in April with the Yokohama Arena shows being additional dates. 12,000 fans attended each show which saw changes made from the main tour. Further additional dates have also been announced: they will play at Marine Messe Fukuoka on August 14 and 15 before heading to Osaka-jo Hall on October 21 and 22. They will perform to an estimated 35,000 people.
Fans are looking forward to seeing what kind of performances they have in store for the next set of dates.
■Information
New Single – “Muscat”Released: August 1, 2018
Regular Edition (CD-Only) – ¥800 (+Tax) [SNCC-89939]
Concert Edition (CD+Original Yuzu Man & Shin-chan Towel) – ¥926 (+Tax) [SNCP-89940]
*The concert edition is sold only at the venues on the ongoing tour.
“Muscat” Special Page: http://yuzu-official.com/pages/muscat
Yuzu Official Website: http://yuzu-official.com
