Hikaru Utada Features On New Song From Ringo Sheena’s Upcoming Greatest Hits Album
02.November.2019 | MUSIC
Ringo Sheena is set to release her first-ever all-time greatest hits album Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~ on November 13, 2019, to wrap up celebrations of 20 years since her debut. New details have dropped on a brand new song that will be featured on the record.
The song in question will be the first song on disc one, and it titled, Roman to Soroban LDN ver. (“London Version”). It will feature a guest appearance from Hikaru Utada.
Sheena and Utada both debuted from Toushiba EMI (now EMI Music Japan) in 1998. This collaboration will mark their first together since Nijikan Dake no Vacance, featured on Hikaru Utada’s 2016 album Fantôme.
The lyrics, composition and basic track for Roman to Soroban LDN ver. were carried out by Sheena while the wind and string instruments arrangement was done by Yoichi Murata. On piano is H ZETT M and on 5-string bass Keisuke Torigoe. The song also features music by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Utada and Sheena are close friends. The song itself was released today (November 2), along with the music video, ahead of the album.
Speaking about the new track, Ringo Sheena commented: “It was such a fun program. I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone again: to the great Yoichi Murata, everyone on instrumentals, and of course Hikaru Utada. Thank you so much.”
“Whenever I go to make new material, I always try to do something new,” she explains. “I didn’t go for sensational like I always do. Instead I paid close attention to editing the harmony, melody, pretty much everything. I wanted a song that mixed well with Hikaru’s voice, like ingredients such as water and oxygen. I would hope people catch the mellowness of the track, something which I don’t normally do.”
She continues: “I also challenged myself a little with the lyrics to this one. One day, Hikaru said to me, ‘If it’s you, Yumi [Sheena Ringo], let’s write something sweet.’ We had exchanges like that, and talking with people you know about things is the theme of Roman to Soroban. Since hearing that about half a year ago I’ve continued to go all out with it, and the result is this song. And although I sing, I’m kind of shy [about this one].”
She wraps up by explaining: “I’ve been stubborn these past twenty years about having a particular style, so I want to be more free in my writing from now on. I ask for your continued support in my endeavour.”
Hikaru Utada also commented: “This will be my third duet with Ringo. Before this we’ve done a cover of a song by The Carpenters, and another where she featured on my song, so I was very happy to be a part of her world this time around in both the song and music video. I had so much fun and laughed a lot during the music video shoot. The entire thing was a luxury for me. I’m looking forward to the release.”
Information
Ringo Sheena & Hikaru Utada – “Roman to Soroban LDN ver.”
Digital Release: November 2, 2019
iTunes: http://po.st/aoug_it Recochoku: http://po.st/tsmldn_re
Apple Music: http://po.st/aoug_am LINE MUSIC: http://po.st/tsmldn_lm
Spotify: http://po.st/tsmldn_sp
Mora (Hi-Res Audio): http://po.st/tsmldn_mo
e-onkyo (Hi-Res Audio): http://po.st/tsmldn_eo
Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~
Release Date: November 13, 2019
First Press Limited Edition (2 Discs): ¥3,300 (Before Tax) [UPCH-29348/9]
*Once all First Press Limited Edition copies sell out, 2-disc Regular Edition [UPCH-20535/6] copies will be sold
Special Website: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/newton/
RELATED ENTRIES
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Sheena Ringo’s Band Tokyo Jihen Releases 23 Live Videos On YouTube
15.April.2020 | MUSIC
Japanese rock band Tokyo Jihen reunited in January this year after 8 years with the release of their new EP News. Today, a curated selection of 23 live performances from across all of their live DVD and Blu-ray releases was posted on the official Tokyo Jihen and EMI Records YouTube channels.
Tokyo Jihen Official YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqoUKpMpv8hz64ckrRWBbUw
EMI Records Official YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcuijrCs22iiS27d4avHR6A?view_as=subscriber
Live Video Clip Line-Up
“Marunouchi Sadistic” from Chin Play Kou Play
“Ikiru” from Bon Voyage
“Oishii Kisetsu” from Bon Voyage
“Gunjō Hiyori” from Bon Voyage
“Seishun no Matataki” from Bon Voyage
“Himitsu” from Discovery
“Onna no Ko wa Dare Demo” from Discovery
“Zettaichi Tai Sōtaichi” from Discovery
“Atarashii Bunmei Kaika” from Discovery
“Dempa Tsūshin” from Ultra C
“Zettai Zetsumei” from Ultra C
“Nōdōteki Sanpunkan” from Ultra C
“Superstar” from Ultra C
“Sweet Spot” from Ultra C
“Senkō Shōjo” Ultra C
“Fukushū” from Spa & Treatment
“Kabuki~OSCA” from Spa & Treatment
“Kingyo no Hako” from Spa & Treatment
“Shōjo Robot” from Just Can’t Help It.
“Mirror Ball” from Just Can’t Help It.
“Blackout” from Just Can’t Help It.
“Dynamite” from Just Can’t Help It.
“Koi no Urikomi” from Dynamite out
Information
News
Released: April 8, 2020
First Press Limited Edition – ¥1,870 (Tax Included) [UPCH-29360]
*Once all First Press copies have been shipped, the CD will change to Regular Edition copies [UPCH-20547]
Stream/Download: https://umj.lnk.to/TJNEWS
Official Website: http://www.kronekodow.com
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Ringo Sheena Announces Music Video Collection On DVD & Blu-ray & Promotional Event
25.November.2019 | MUSIC
Ringo Sheena released her first greatest hits album Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~ on November 13, which dominated Japanese music charts at No. 1.
Now, the Japanese singer-songwriter has announced that she will release several new entries to her The Sexual Healing seriesーa collection of her music videos on DVD and Blu-ray. The Sexual Healing Parts 5-7 will feature all of her music videos produced from 2014, while The Sexual Healing Total Care Course 120min will include her entire music video catalogue (Parts 1-7). The Sexual Healing Total Orgasm Experience will include all of this plus bonus content.
To promote her album and this new DVD/Blu-ray release, Ringo Sheena will hold a talk and performance at United Cinemas Aquacity Odaiba on December 7. There will also be a 70-minute screening of her music videos edited by Yuichi Kodama who has directed many of Sheena’s music videos.
Information
Ringo Sheena – “And The Beat Goes ON ~The Sexual Healing~” Talk & Performance
Date: December 7, 2019
Time: Open 13:00 / Start 13:30
Venue: United Cinemas Aquacity Odaiba, Tokyo
Screening: Talk and performance by Ringo Sheena and director Yuichi Kodama / 70-minute screening
Tickets: ¥1,800 (Tax Included)
*1 person per registration
*Pre-schoolers not permitted entry
*All reserved seating
“The Sexual Healing Total Orgasm Experience” DVD/Blu-ray
Release Date: December 11, 2019
2 Blu-ray Discs: ¥8,800 (Tax Included) [UPXH-20089/90]
4 DVD Discs: ¥8,800 (Tax Included) [UPBH-20258/61]
*Includes The Sexual Healing Parts 1-7 and bonus disc
The Sexual Healing Parts 5-7
Release Date: December 11, 2019
1 Blu-ray Disc: ¥4,400 (Tax Included) [UPXH-20088]
2 DVD Discs: ¥4,400 (Tax Included) [UPBH-20256/7]
*Includes all music videos produced since her album Hi Izuru Tokoro (2014)
Greatest Hits Album Special Site: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/newton/
Ringo Sheena Official Website: http://smarturl.it/ringo_sp
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Ringo Sheena To Release New Roman to Soroban Tokyo Version with Hikaru Utada
22.November.2019 | MUSIC
Ringo Sheena’s greatest hits album Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~ is currently reigning high on the sales charts. Ringo Sheena will release a brand new Tokyo version of the song Roman to Soroban, which she created with Hikaru Utada, on November 25.
Still image from the Roman to Soroban Official Music Video.
In an interview with Ringo Sheena about the release of her album Sandokushi, she referred to Hikaru Utada as the sun and herself as the shade. Roman to Soroban is the second song the two friends worked on together since Utada’s release of Nijikan Dake no Vacance in which Ringo Sheena was the featuring artist. Roman to Soroban LDN ver., which goes by the English name The sun&moon in london, is the opening song of Newton no Ringo. The song features the instrumentals of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Following up on the release of the London version of Roman to Soroban, Sheena and Utada have set out to release a Tokyo version which will go by the official name Roman to Soroban TYO ver in Japanese and The sun&moon in tokyo in English.
The recording of the brand new Tokyo version will be brought to life with the cooperation of her long-time tour members Keisuke Torigoe (bass), Midorin (drums), Yukio Nagoshi (guitar), and H Zett M (keys), recreating the song in a whole new genre which rings “Tokyo sound”.
Information
Ringo Sheena and Hikaru Utada: Roman to Soroban TYO ver.
Digital Release: November 25, 2019
Download/ Stream https://umj.lnk.to/tsmtyolink
Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~
Release Date: November 13, 2019
First Press Limited Edition (2 Discs): ¥3,300 (Before Tax) [UPCH-29348/9]
*Once all First Press Limited Edition copies sell out, 2-disc Regular Edition [UPCH-20535/6] copies will be sold
*First Press Limited Edition copies include 2 bonus tracks (remixes of Marunouchi Sadistic and Jiyu-Dom), a special case, and AR content in booklet
Ringo Sheena & Hikaru Utada – “Roman to Soroban LDN ver.”
Stream/Download Now: https://smarturl.it/tsmldnlink
Ringo Sheena – “Kouzen no Himitsu”
<iTunes> http://po.st/kouzen_it <Recochoku> http://po.st/kouzen_re
<Apple Music> http://po.st/kouzen_am <LINE MUSIC> http://po.st/kouzen_lm
<Spotify> http://po.st/kouzen_sp
<mora> *Hi-res audio http://po.st/kouzen_mo <e-onkyo>*Hi-res audio http://po.st/kouzen_eo
Greatest Hits Album Special Site: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/newton/
SR Nekoyanagi Line Official Website: http://www.kronekodow.com
Ringo Sheena Official Website: http://smarturl.it/ringo_sp
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Ringo Sheena’s Greatest Hits Album Tops Japanese Charts at No. 1
20.November.2019 | MUSIC
Ringo Sheena’s greatest hits album Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~ finally dropped last Wednesday, and has made it to No. 1 on Oricon’s Weekly Album Charts and Weekly Digital Album Charts. This makes it her first release where both the CD and digital version have peaked at number one simultaneously.
It is also her third digital album to hit No. 1 since Gyakuyunyū: Kōkūkyoku hit shelves back on December 18, 2017.
Her first ever greatest hits album in her 22 year career, Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~ also made it to No. 1 for real time sales on major e-commerce websites including Amazon and Rakuten. It also shot up to No. 1 on eleven digital music charts including iTunes, Recochoku and LINE MUSIC.
Regular Edition copies include 28 tracks while First Press Limited Edition copies have 30 tracks. Both also feature two new tracks. Featured songs include a mix of singles and songs often performed live like Kabukicho no Joou, Honnou, and Nagaku Mijikai Matsur, as well as Kouzen no Himitsu, which is used as the main theme for the TV Asahi Friday night drama Jikou Keisatsu (Time Limit Investigator), and Roman to Soroban LDN ver. featuring Hikaru Utada.
The album is produced by recording engineer Uni Inoue, with updated mixes of select songs that retain their familiar sound while making them sound seamless alongside her Sheena’s more recent hits.
Information
Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~
Release Date: November 13, 2019
First Press Limited Edition (2 Discs): ¥3,300 (Before Tax) [UPCH-29348/9]
*Once all First Press Limited Edition copies sell out, 2-disc Regular Edition [UPCH-20535/6] copies will be sold
*First Press Limited Edition copies include 2 bonus tracks (remixes of Marunouchi Sadistic and Jiyu-Dom), a special case, and AR content in booklet
Digital Releases
Ringo Sheena & Hikaru Utada – “Roman to Soroban LDN ver.”
Digital Release: November 2, 2019
Download/Stream: https://smarturl.it/tsmldnlink
Ringo Sheena – “Kouzen no Himitsu”
<iTunes> http://po.st/kouzen_it <Recochoku> http://po.st/kouzen_re
<Apple Music> http://po.st/kouzen_am <LINE MUSIC> http://po.st/kouzen_lm
<Spotify> http://po.st/kouzen_sp
<mora> *Hi-res audio http://po.st/kouzen_mo <e-onkyo>*Hi-res audio http://po.st/kouzen_eo
Greatest Hits Album Special Site: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/newton/
SR Nekoyanagi Line Official Website: http://www.kronekodow.com
Ringo Sheena Official Website: http://smarturl.it/ringo_sp
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Trailer Released For Ringo Sheena’s Upcoming Greatest Hits Album
09.November.2019 | MUSIC
Ringo Sheena’s greatest hits album Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~ is finally set to hit shelves next week on November 13. This will be her first-ever greatest hits album release since her debut 22 years ago.
There’s a lot going on right now for Ringo Sheena fans. The music videos for her newest song Kouzen no Himitsu, which is used as the main theme for the TV Asahi Friday night drama Jikou Keisatsu (Time Limit Investigator), and Roman to Soroban, featuring Hikaru Utada, have already amassed over 2 million views together. But the fun doesn’t stop there, as a trailer has just dropped to tease her forthcoming greatest hits album. Check it out below.
A spot promo was also released. Check that out below too.
The official Japanese liner notes for the album were also released on the special site set up for the release. In them, Ringo talks about the conception of the new songs.
The booklet included with the album features an AR marker. When purchasing the CD at a store in Japan, a leaflet will be given explaining how to use it.
To commemorate the release of the album, fans can enter for a chance to win the prizes listed below when purchasing the CD at select stores.
- A Prize: Acrylic Paper Weight
- B Prize: T-Shirt
- C Prize: Paper Bag
- Runner-Up Prize: Bookmark
For info on which stores are participating on which days, please check the following website: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/news/191108/ (Japanese)
Information
Newton no Ringo ~Hajimete no Best Ban~
Release Date: November 13, 2019
First Press Limited Edition (2 Discs): ¥3,300 (Before Tax) [UPCH-29348/9]
*Once all First Press Limited Edition copies sell out, 2-disc Regular Edition [UPCH-20535/6] copies will be sold
*First Press Limited Edition copies include 2 bonus tracks (remixes of Marunouchi Sadistic and Jiyu-Dom), a special case, and AR content in booklet
Digital Releases
Ringo Sheena & Hikaru Utada – “Roman to Soroban LDN ver.”
Digital Release: November 2, 2019
Download/Stream: https://smarturl.it/tsmldnlink
Ringo Sheena – “Kouzen no Himitsu”
<iTunes> http://po.st/kouzen_it <Recochoku> http://po.st/kouzen_re
<Apple Music> http://po.st/kouzen_am <LINE MUSIC> http://po.st/kouzen_lm
<Spotify> http://po.st/kouzen_sp
<mora> *Hi-res audio http://po.st/kouzen_mo <e-onkyo>*Hi-res audio http://po.st/kouzen_eo
Greatest Hits Album Special Site: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/newton/
SR Nekoyanagi Line Official Website: http://www.kronekodow.com
Ringo Sheena Official Website: http://smarturl.it/ringo_sp
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Music Video for Time Limit Investigator Theme Song by Ringo Sheena Will Hold You Hostage
18.October.2019 | MUSIC
On November 13, Ringo Sheena will release her first ever all-time greatest hits album entitled: Newton no ringo Hajimete no Best Ban.
The album is full of songs ranging from her debut in 1998 to her brand new song Kouzen no himitsu, which was written for the TV Asahi October season Friday night drama Jikou Keisatsu (Time Limit Investigator). Ringo has just dropped the music video for Kouzen no himitsu and it is bound to steal your gaze.
The song perfectly reflects the feelings of main character Mikazuki, who is played by Kumiko Hiramaru. In the video, Ringo Sheena is dressed as a bittersweet cinnamon policewoman who leads the dance as the ring leader of two darkside police members. This project was created with cinnamon squad: the wind ensemble to which song arranger Youichi Murata belongs, and midnightoutlaw, who often perform at Ringo Sheena’s live performances and recording sessions. The result: an intense video that one might even think is part of the Jikou Keisatsu series.
One member of the darkside police force is AYA SATO, who left a grand impression on viewers after her striking performance as three different characters in Ringo’s previous music video Gate Of Living. The second member of the dance duo is MIKEY from Tokyo Gegegay. AYA’s thrilling choreography consists of her characteristic hand movements which will imprison your attention in no time.
The music video’s director Hiroshi Usui has been the man behind Ringo’s most iconic music videos and most of her live performance videos since her debut. Being very familiar with Ringo and the performers, Usui’s masterpiece brings out the full potential of all the performers.
A Statement by Hiroshi Usui
“You have just witnessed the almighty power of this performance supergroup. It would be a crime not to see it. You will spot something that amazes you each time you watch it. There’s no Time Limit on your investigation. Please, enjoy!
Information
Newton no ringo Hajimete no Best Ban
November 13, 2019
First Press Limited Edition: UPCH-29348/9 (2CD) ¥3,300 (+ tax)
* Once all First Press Limited Edition albums have been sold, only the Regular Edition (UPCH-20535/6 (2CDs)) will be available.
Newton no ringo Hajimete no Best Ban Special Edition Website:
https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/newton/
Kouzen no himitsu Downloading and Streaming Links:
<iTunes> http://po.st/kouzen_it <RekChok> http://po.st/kouzen_re
<Apple Music> http://po.st/kouzen_am <LINE MUSIC> http://po.st/kouzen_lm
<Spotify> http://po.st/kouzen_sp
<mora> *High Resolution http://po.st/kouzen_mo <e-onkyo>*High Resolution http://po.st/kouzen_eo
Ringo Sheena Special Edition Website: http://smarturl.it/ringo_sp
Jikou Keisatsu (Time Limit Investigator)
TV Asahi October 2019 Friday Night Drama
Broadcast: Every Friday 23:15 – 24:15 (Some regions not included)
Official Website: https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/jikou2019/
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Watch Hikaru Utada’s 2018 Laughter in the Dark Tour in High Resolution at Sony Store Branches
26.June.2019 | MUSIC
Hikaru Utada’s 2018 Laughter in the Dark Tour was released on DVD and Blu-ray today. The tour―which was her first nationwide tour in Japan in 12 years―was held to celebrate 20 years since her debut.
The DVD and Blu-ray was released in Limited Pressing Edition packaging and was also released across several streaming platforms including Netflix.
On day one of its release, the video shot up to No. 1 in downloads on the iTunes Live Video section. It has also been warmly received by foreign fans for its posting on Netflix.
Fans in Japan can also now watch it at several Sony Store branches in high resolution as part of the Sony Store Days event. At the event, fans can see the outfits that Utada actually wore on stage during the shows as well as watch Anata and Play A Love Song using Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, the latest in immersive music reproduction that brings listeners closer the artists than ever before. You must book in advance to experience this latest cutting-edge technology however.
As well as this, 13.1 channel multi-speakers will be used so that fans can enjoy the live experience together with the mix by Utada’s recording engineer Masahito Komori.
Fans can also experience Hikari and Chikai on PlayStation®VR and more. The event will begin at the Umeda branch of the Sony Store in Osaka on July 4. Full details below.
Cameraman: Teppei Kishida (岸田哲平)
Information
“Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018” Sony Store Days
Dates
Sony Store Osaka: July 4 – July 12, 2019
Sony Store Sapporo: July 20 – July 28, 2019
Sony Store Nagoya: August 3 – August 11, 2019
Sony Store Ginza: August 24 – September 1, 2019
Sony Store Tenjin Fukuoka: September 6 – September 15, 2019
Entry: Free
Full Details (Japanese): https://www.sony.jp/store/retail/event/utada-sonystoredays/
Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018
Download/Streaming Details
・Download: iTunes ¥3,500 (Tax Included) = Concert + Documentary
・Pay-Per-View: SKY! PerfecTV On Demand ¥594 (Tax Included) = Concert Only (Viewable one week after purchase)
・Streaming: Netflix = Concert Only
Download/Stream URL List: https://erj.lnk.to/6VSOYAW
Hikaru Utada Official Website: https://www.utadahikaru.jp/
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Ringo Sheena’s enlightening music video for Gate of Living from her new album Sandokushi unveiled
22.May.2019 | MUSIC
After a five year-long wait, Ringo Sheena has announced the arrival of a brand new album called Sandokushi, which will be released on 27th May. Ahead of this album release, the music video for her song Gate of Living has been completed! The video just went public today so you can catch it on her official YouTube channel as well as on other sites.
Gate of Living is the opening track on her new album Sandokushi, and perfectly kicks off the theme of the entire album. The word “Sandoku” which is part of the title of the album means “three poisons” and refers to the three poisons of Buddhism, namely: Moha (delusion, ignorance), Raga (greed, sensual attachment) and Dvesha (avershion, hatred) which are believed to be the core causes of suffering.
Gate of Living music video
The music video for Gate of Living was directed by Yuichi Kodama; who is an essential component in all of Ringo Sheena’s recent music videos. Kodama made the following statement about the video:
The night the Zen priest meets with a woman at Tokyo Tower.
The night the woman walked to Roppongi, knowing she has nowhere to go.
The night the man and woman met at Ginza.
The night the man found himself lost in a mysterious tunnel.
The happenings of the night that just happened a while ago in Tokyo have been made into a video.
This video will enlighten you.
In the video, AYA SATO represents each of the three poisons as she dances in the costumes of the three beasts. This video masterpiece is the perfect visual to bring the audio to life. Enjoy it with the album!
Information
Ringo Sheena’s album: Sandokushi
Release: Monday 27th May 2019
First-press limited edition: UPCH-29327 ¥3,600 (+ tax) / ¥3,888 (price with tax) , comes with case and hardcover book.
Standard edition: UPCH-20513 ¥3,000 (+ tax) / ¥3,240 (price with tax)
Ringo Sheena Sandokushi special edition website: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/sandokushi/
Official WEB site SR Nekoyanagi Line: http://www.kronekodow.com
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5 years later, Ringo Sheena surprises fans by releasing new song TOKYO before her new album Sandokushi!
17.May.2019 | MUSIC
After a five year-long wait, Ringo Sheena has announced the arrival of a brand new album called Sandokushi! Her new song TOKYO which is included on her new album was performed with Masaki Hayashi (piano), Keisuke Torigoe (bass) and Midorin (drums). TOKYO will be released at midnight on 17th May before the rest of the album. Those three minutes of song are a strong reflection of 2019 and “now”. As TOKYO is arriving before the album, please check it out!
Along with the news of the advanced release of TOKYO, a special website to celebrate the release of Sandokushi has been set up, displaying the official line notes that go with the CD. The line notes are based on an interview that took place straight after the album was completed and it is a precious key text to understand the album. You should check it out!
Information
TOKYO
Digital download/streaming links:iTunes: http://po.st/sandokushi_it
Rekchok: http://po.st/offline_re
High resolution streaming (simultaneous release)
mora: http://po.st/offline_moe-onkyo: http://po.st/offline_eo
Subscription-based streaming services:
Apple Music, LINE MUSIC, Spotify, Google Play Music, AWA, KKBOX + more
Apple Music: http://po.st/sandokushi_am LINE MUSIC: http://po.st/offline_lm
Spotify: http://po.st/offline_spSandokushi
Release: Monday 27th May 2019
First-press limited edition : UPCH-29327 ¥3,600 + tax / ¥3,888 (price with tax), comes with case & hard cover bookletStandard edition: UPCH-20513 ¥3,000 + tax / ¥3,240 (price with tax)
Ringo Sheena Sandokushi special edition website: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/ringo/sandokushi/
SR Nekoyanagi Honsen official website: http://www.kronekodow.com
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Hikaru Utada’s ‘Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018’ Heading to DVD & Blu-ray
18.April.2019 | MUSIC
Hikaru Utada’s Laughter in the Dark Tour took place throughout November and December last year to commemorate the singer’s 20th anniversary. It also marked her first nationwide tour in Japan in 12 years and first performance since Yokohama Arena in 2010 after which she went on indefinite hiatus due to fatigue. The tour wrapped up at Makuhari Messe on December 9, the exact same date as her debut 20 years prior.
Utada performed for 140,000 fans across the tour. The finale date included a set-list of 20 tracks which included Automatic, First Love, Hatsukoi which was released last year and more. The entire set including the encore is now heading to DVD and Blu-ray.
Both the DVD and Blu-ray will be released in several editions.
The Limited Pressing Edition comes on DVD and Blu-ray and includes the entire concert at Makuhari Messe as well as a documentary entitled Talking About Laughter in the Dark which features an interview with the tour members and staff.
It also comes packaged with a 60-page photo book containing unreleased photos taken on stage and during rehearsal, a replica backstage pass, and a DVD containing music videos for Forevermore, Anata and Hatsukoi―all songs released after Utada’s label move to Sony Music―as well as each video’s making-of footage. When purchased at select shops and online stores it also comes with an original neck strap as pictured above. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Limited Pressing Edition is a must-have for fans of Utada, whether they attended the tour and want to relive the moment or weren’t able to make it and want the full authentic experience.
And for the first time in Utada’s career, this DVD and Blu-ray will be released across multiple platforms. It will be available to download on the iTunes Store, the Japanese on-demand service SKY PerfecTV!, and on Netflix Japan’s on demand video subscription service.
「Play A Love Song」(Live Ver.)
「Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018」SPOT
Pre-orders for the Limited Pressing Edition opened today. All editions of the DVD and Blu-ray will be released on June 26, 2019.
Information
Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018
Release Date: June 26, 2019
Price: ¥10,000 (Before Tax)
Hikaru Utada Official Website: www.utadahikaru.jp
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Hikaru Utada & Skrillex’s ‘Face My Fears’ Breaks 10 Million YouTube Views
26.March.2019 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC / Uncategorized
Hikaru Utada dropped her 22nd single Face My Fears back on January 18 this year which marked her first single release in 11 years. The song is the main theme for the video game Kingdom Hearts III has gone on to break many milestones including surpassing 10 million streams worldwide in February and making it onto the Billboard Hot 100 list.
Two months onward the record continues to enjoy huge popularity around the globe. It was released on vinyl on March 6 and even resurfaced into the top 30 on Oricon’s Weekly Singles ranking on March 18.
The song’s music video, which was posted on Skrillex’s YouTube channel, has finally broken the 10 million view mark.
The milestones do not stop there however as the above-mentioned streaming number has been eclipsed, reaching over 35 million streams across the globe.
Utada’s Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018 was released on the music channel MUSIC ON! TV on March 10 which has evoked demand from fans worldwide for a DVD and Blu-ray release.
This marks her third tie-up with the Kingdom Hearts series. She performed the theme songs Simple & Clean (Hikari in Japan) for Kingdom Hearts (2002) and Sanctuary (Passion in Japan) for Kingdom Hearts II (2005).
A vinyl edition of Face My Fears will be released outside Japan on March 29.
Information
Face My Fears
Released: January 18, 2019
Price: ¥1,400 (Tax Included)
*First press copies come with the Kingdom Hearts CD cover designed by series director Tetsuya Nomura.CD Purchase: https://erj.lnk.to/Tb3UTWN
iTunes Purchase: https://erj.lnk.to/x3T5NWN
Streaming: https://erj.lnk.to/0JWh_WN#HikaruUtada #Songs: http://www.utadahikaru.jp/hikaru_utada_songs/
Kingdom Hearts III Official Website: https://kingdomhearts.com/3/gb/home/
Hikaru Utada Official Website: https://www.utadahikaru.jp
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Hikaru Utada’s ‘Face My Fears’ Breaks 10 Million Streams Worldwide
07.February.2019 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Hikaru Utada released her hit new single Face My Fears last month and within two weeks of dropping has garnered over 10 million streams across the globe on music platforms including Spotify and Apple music.
The song has also topped the No. 1 charts for dance music on iTunes in the US, Japan and elsewhere settings a record for the singer.
The official music video for the Japanese version of the song which was released on Skrillex’s official YouTube channel also gained over 4 million views in just 4 days.
The song is used as the opening theme for the new video game Kingdom Hearts III which was released worldwide on January 29. The game has sold over 5 million copies both physical and digital worldwide making it the fastest selling game in the series.
The song also recently ranked on the US Billboard Hot 100. It has stayed in the top 5 of the Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales Chart for two weeks.Information
Face My Fears
Released: January 18, 2019
Price: ¥1,400 (Tax Included)
*First press copies come with the Kingdom Hearts CD cover designed by series director Tetsuya Nomura.CD Purchase: https://erj.lnk.to/Tb3UTWN
iTunes Purchase: https://erj.lnk.to/x3T5NWN
Streaming: https://erj.lnk.to/0JWh_WNFace My Fears – Limited Pressing Vinyl Edition
Release Date: March 6, 2019Price: ¥2,315 (Tax Included)
*Comes with the Kingdom Hearts poster designed by series director Tetsuya Nomura.Purchase: erj.lnk.to/zdxOJWN
Kingdom Hearts III Official Website: https://kingdomhearts.com/3/gb/home/
Hikaru Utada Official Website: https://www.utadahikaru.jp