Idol had missed Tuesday concert before succumbing to unspecified disease.
Rina Matsuno, a member of the idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, passed away on Wednesday, February 8 due to an unspecified disease. She was 18.
The group’s official website had announced on Tuesday that she could not appear at a Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku concert that day due to a health issue.
Sources close to her said that she was recuperating at her home when her condition took a turn for the worse early Wednesday morning. Her parents phoned emergency medical services at around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday. An ambulance took her to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival.
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On June 26, FRUITS ZIPPER held a one-man live performance at the "Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival," marking the culmination of Nakano Sunplaza's rich history as it undergoes a fresh transformation in honor of its 50th anniversary this year.
With the opening SE playing, laser beams filled the venue, creating an atmosphere brimming with anticipation as the live performance kicked off with "Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru." Popular upbeat songs like "Kanpeki Shugide☆," "Cho Medetai Song – Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?-" and “Fure Furu Summer!" followed, captivating the audience from the beginning and keeping the excitement alive. During the MC segment, it was announced that their hit song "Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro," which garnered a staggering 800 million views on TikTok and surpassed 12 million views on the music video since its digital release last year, would be released as the group's first-ever CD single in this September. The announcement of the release consisting of a first-press limited edition, regular edition, and member edition featuring solo jacket designs for each member, heightened the excitement of the audience even further. With smiles on their faces, the group delivered an outstanding performance of all 14 songs, bringing the live show to a close. As the encore calls echoed through the venue, a sudden news program-style video began playing on the screen, and the expressions of the members reflected a sense of nervousness. Within the homage-like footage resembling the moment of the Olympic host city announcement, it was revealed that the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium had been chosen as the venue for the grand finale of their nationwide tour in this fall. Suzuka Chinzei expressed, "Having the opportunity to perform in such a large venue in our second year since debut is an amazing challenge, and we were able to make this decision because of all of you being here. We will train together as a group leading up to this day, so please stay excited!" The audience responded with warm applause to her heartfelt words. During the encore, they unveiled their new song "Pure In the World," which is sure to become a new staple that energizes their live performances. The song was produced by Tamaya2060% from Wienners. At the finale of the event, which was filled with "super celebratory" announcements for both fans and members, they performed "Cho Medetai Song -Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana-?" once again. The audience joined in with loud handclaps and responded to Luna Nakagawa's shout of "FRUITS ZIPPER Arena Live Show!" with chants of "Congratulations!" The entire venue came together as one, closing the curtain on a memorable night. FRUITS ZIPPER will kick off their first nationwide tour in September. The pre-sale of tickets for the tour finale at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium has begun and will run until July 3. Information
[Tour Information]
FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2023 -AUTUMN- TOUR FINAL
Date: October 28, 2023
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
Time: Doors 16:00/ Starts 17:30
*Please note that there will be no meet-and-greet session on the day.[Ticket Information]
-VIP Standing: ¥16,500 (Tax included) *Exclusive to FC members / Up to 2 tickets per application.
-General Arena Reserved Seat: ¥8,000 (Tax included) *Up to 4 tickets per application.
-Reserved Stand Seat: ¥5,500 (Tax included) *Up to 4 tickets per application.▼VIP Ticket Benefits
-Reserved seating in the front section.
– Commemorative merch gift.
-Original electronic ticket.[Ticket Pre-Sale Information]
KAWAII LAB. OFFICIAL FANCLUB
Application Period: 6/26 at 21:00 – 7/3 at 23:59
URL: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/Playguide
Application Period: 6/26 at 21:00 – 7/3 at 23:59
URL: https://t.pia.jp/pia/artist/artists.do?artistsCd=M4140001[Contact]
HOT STUFF PROMOTION
050-5211-6077
https://www.red-hot.ne.jp/For the latest tour information, check here:
https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/[Release Overview]
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st Single CD “Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro”
Release Date: September 13, 2023[Editions]
Limited Edition [CD]: ¥3,000 (Tax included)
Regular Edition [CD]: ¥1,200 (Tax included)
Member Edition [CD/7 versions]: ¥1,200 (Tax included)[Specifications/Tracklist]
■ Limited Edition (The Cutest Packaging)
Tracklist:
M1. Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro
M2. Pure In the World
M3. Zutto, zutto, zutto!
M4. Cho Medetai Song -Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?-
Bonus: Music Video DVD■Member Editions (Member Solo Jacket)
Tracklist:
M1. Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro
M2. Pure In the World
M3. Limited Edition Songs for Each Member Edition *
M4. Cho Medetai Song -Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?-*
Suzuka Chinzei Edition: “skyfeelan”
Luna Nakagawa Edition: “Kanpeki Shugide☆”
Amane Tsukiashi Edition: “Re→TRY & FLY”
Karen Matsumoto Edition: “Happy Chocolate”
Noel Hayase Edition: “RADIO GALAXY”
Yui Sakurai Edition: “Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru”
Mana Manaka Edition: “Furefuru Summer!”The schedule for in-store events will be announced on FRUITS ZIPPER’s official SNS channels.
■Regular Edition
Tracklist:
M1. Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro
M2. Pure In the World
M3. Cho Medetai Song -Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?-
M4. Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro (Instrumental)
M5. Pure In the World (Instrumental)
M6. Cho Medetai Song -Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?- (Instrumental) -
On May 31, the idol group IDOLATER released its 11th single, Aimai Silhouette. Unlike the group’s more mature love songs released in the past, this new track is packed with cuteness and a fresh sound.
Information
Aimai Silhouette – IDOLATER (Digital Single)
Release Date: May 31, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/aimaisilhouette
Available on all major music download and streaming sites -
The NFT project City Pop TOKYO is inspired, fittingly, by City Pop, a music genre from Japan that is immensely popular worldwide, particularly among Gen Z. Now, the project is collaborating with the incredibly popular idol group FRUITS ZIPPER! Starting at the end of April, Legendary NFTs inspired by the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will be released sequentially as part of the City Pop TOKYO NFT collection. These collaborative NFTs feature rare designs that are unique among the other characters in the City Pop TOKYO NFT collection and were drawn by Natsumi Sato, the illustrator who oversaw character design for the collection. This collaboration will commemorate the release of City Pop TOKYO's main collection, which will be available starting at the end of April. City Pop TOKYO will allow both NFT holders and non-holders to participate in new character development through a series of Twitter posts after the main NFT collection is sold. Characters will level up by earning training points when they post on Twitter, which will also be reflected in their NFT properties. The final ranking will be based on level, and a subsequent audition will be held, with winners being invited to join ASOBISYSTEM as new talents. For this collaboration, the wildly popular FRUITS ZIPPER is sure to bring some new excitement to this incredible project.
Information
<Collaboration Details>
●Seven FRUITS ZIPPER NFTs inspired by the group’s members will be added to the City Pop TOKYO collection as Legendary NFTs.
● Legendary NFTs were created by Natsumi Sato, the illustrator behind City Pop Tokyo. Each special edition release has its own unique parts.
● Unlike standard collections, Legendary NFTs will be sold via auction.Available: April 19 at 21:00 ~ April 20 at 21:00
Amount Available: 7
Price: To be determined at auctionBelow are the NFT designs. Illustrations will be sent to auction winners as NFTs.
<Special Benefits for Legendary NFT Holders>
● One NFT airdrop from City Pop TOKYO’s main NFT collection
● Easier to accumulate XP points when developing characters on Twitter
● A 3D model from the Gemie Metaverse (Design to be selected from airdrops from the main collection)
●NFT airdrops of future collections (details to be announced as soon as the collections are available)
*Legendary NFTs cannot participate in the promotional game or audition.
*The images and designs of the characters may be used by the FRUITS ZIPPER and its members during their activities.About City Pop TOKYO
City Pop TOKYO plans to release 1984 original NFTs based on City Pop, a music genre from Japan that is immensely popular worldwide, particularly among Gen Z. The project’s characters are featured in trendy outfits and makeup representing symbolic fashion styles in Japan, such as GAL, SHOWA, and REIWA. After the NFTs are sold out, they can be registered as talents with ASOBISYSTEM and entered into the METAVERSE’S GOT TALENT NFT talent audition using Twitter! Successful entries will be invited to have full-fledged virtual careers, appearing in ads and releasing music. Community members can participate in surveys and vote on songs and other releases, coming together to help develop new talent.Through this project, City Pop TOKYO will work to reaffirm the usefulness of Web 3.0 technology and NFT and further promote Japanese culture to people worldwide.
・Website: https://www.city-pop.tokyo/
・Twitter: @CityPopTokyoNFT
・Discord: https://www.city-pop.tokyo/<Participating Businesses>
Kingdom Labs
Kingdom Labs is a venture studio that aims to support and invest in projects in the gaming and toC areas within the Web 3.0 domain. The company provides consistent support to entrepreneurs building innovative business models across various industries, from planning to execution. One of the company’s key strategies is to partner with large companies that are expanding their business to Web 3.0 or that exist in a different area but hope to create Web 3.0 services. Kingdom Labs takes a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to maximize the interests of investors and partners, leverage its global team, and to grow its global portfolio and investment experience. The company also operates the world-renowned NFT collection Monkey Kingdom.Representative: CSO Maurice Ng
URL: https://www.kingdomlabs.com/UPBOND Inc.
UPBOND offers Wallet, which easily allows customers to manage their assets and connect to many Web 3.0 services. Its non-custodial wallet enables general consumers to easily engage with Web 3.0 marketplaces and allows enterprises to obtain customer information with its decentralized identity solution. UPBOND works with top-notch Japanese corporates to bring their business into this new frontier while also updating customer relationships.Representative: Director Takashi Mizuoka
Head Office: 6-31-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (8F)
URL: https://www.upbond.ioGEMIE
GEMIE is an Asian entertainment-focused metaverse platform inspired by fan culture. The company aims to help artists achieve their full potential by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their goals and allowing them to interact with fans from all over the world without limitations.
Comment: “Instead of holding a talent show by region or country, why don’t we do it in the metaverse so there won’t be any geographical locations – you will be surprised how many talented artists who are worth a shot are scattered in our everyday life!”Representative: Co-founder John Fung
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Idol group FRUITS ZIPPER will embark on its first nationwide tour, FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2023 -AUTUMN-, this September. FRUITS ZIPPER has been climbing to the top of the idol scene at a breakneck pace. Their first overseas solo performance in Taiwan was recently a huge success, and tickets for their first anniversary live shows at Toyosu PIT in Tokyo and Namba Hatch in Osaka in May sold out immediately after going on sale. The tour will begin with a concert in Osaka on September 3, followed by performances in Aichi, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and Kanagawa. Tickets for the presale lottery are now on sale for members of the KAWAII LAB fan club. FRUITS ZIPPER’s single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, released last year, has inspired over 700 million related videos on TikTok, while the music video has been viewed over 10 million times. Keep an eye on their activities in the near future!
Information
FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2023 -AUTUMN-
Date: September 3, 2023
Venue: Zepp Namba / Osaka
Time: Doors open at 16:00 / Show starts at 17:00
Contact: Kyodo Information – 0570-200-888Date: September 5, 2023
Venue: Zepp Nagoya / Aichi
Time: Doors open at 17:30 / Show starts at 18:30
Contact: Sunday Folk Promotion – 052-320-9100 (12:00~18:00)Date: September 8, 2023
Venue: Zepp Fukuoka / Fukuoka
Time: Doors open at 17:30 / Show starts at 18:30
Contact: Kyodo West Japan – 0570-09-2424 (11:00~15:00 / Closed on Sundays and Holidays)Date: September 10, 2023
Venue: BLUE LIVE HIROSHIMA / Hiroshima
Time: Doors open at 16:00 / Show starts at 17:00
Contact: YUMEBANCHI (Hiroshima) – 082-249-3571 (Weekdays 12:00~17:00)Date: September 13, 2023
Venue: PENNY LANE24 / Hokkaido
Time: Doors open at 17:30 / Show starts at 18:30
Contact: Mount Alive – 011-623-6555Date: September 16, 2023
Venue: KT Zepp Yokohama / Kanagawa
Time: Doors open at 16:00 / Show starts at 17:00
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION – 050-5211-6077 (Weekdays 12:00~18:00)[Tickets]
VIP Standing: ¥16,500 (Including Tax, excluding drinks)
miniVIP Standing: ¥7,700 (Including Tax, excluding drinks)
General Standing: ¥5,500 (Including Tax, excluding drinks)
2F Reserved Seat: ¥5,500 (Including Tax, excluding drinks)
*Available tickets for Hiroshima and Hokkaido are VIP and General Standing onlyKAWAII LAB. Fan Club Presale Tickets (Lottery)
Entry Period: April 10 at 21:00 ~ April 17 at 23:59
URL: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/
*Up to 2 tickets available per person per showNew information will be announced on the official FRUITS ZIPPER social media pages when available.
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Following the success of the idol groups IDOLATER and FRUITS ZIPPER, KAWAII LAB., a project created to introduce Japan’s growing idol culture to the world, has revealed the new group CANDY TUNE! Just as candy comes in a variety of flavors and shapes, each member of CANDY TUNE has their own unique personality and passion. Keeping KAWAII LAB’s goal of bringing Harajuku to the world at the forefront of its activities, this idol group is ready to perform its pop tunes for audiences around the globe. The group’s name was created to convey gentleness, harmony, and sweet melodies, and on March 7, the debut album from these new idols hit all major streaming services. The titular CANDY TUNE is filled with powerful pop tracks already capturing the hearts of listeners around the world. In CANDY TUNE’s first appearance in the KAWAII LAB. Report series, we interviewed the members about their upcoming debut concert, KAWAII LAB. SESSION ~CANDY TUNE~. Are they ready to take to the stage? -Your debut concert is coming up soon! How are you feeling? Share a message with the fans!
Bibian Murakawa
“Hi everyone! I’m Bibian Murakawa and my member color in CANDY TUNE is pink. The seven of us have been working together during all kinds of different lessons to become world-class idols. Everyone is so cheerful and each member has her own hobbies and special skills. It’s been a blast spending time with them every day! We want the world to know what we're like inside and out, and to love us for who we are!”
Twitter: @bibian_ct1203 Instagram: @murakawabibiann TikTok: @murakawabibiann
Mizuki Kirihara
“After so much training and so many different lessons, I’m happy to finally be able to perform on stage. We’re lucky to have such amazing songs and costumes, and I hope to express myself in authentic CANDY TUNE style. Just spending each day with the members and staff, in general, fills me with so much happiness, and I can't wait to bring that joy to the fans! I just hope everyone can be happy!☺️”
Twitter: @mizuki_ct0221 Instagram: @kirihara_mizuki TikTok: @kirihara_mizuki
Rino Fukuyama
“I feel blessed to have had all these months of lessons and prep before our debut, and I’ve really been giving my all! I want this to be the best possible debut concert and I hope we can exceed everyone’s expectations. I know I’ll be nervous before we go on stage, but this is something that will happen only once in my life, so I want to enjoy it as much as I can! I hope you enjoy listening to our music right up until you see the live performance!”
Twitter: @rino_ct1224 Instagram: @rinomaru_ TikTok: @rinomaru_
Nanako Ogawa
“Only a few days are left until our debut. I still can’t believe I’m about to become an idol! (Laugh)
Thankfully, I’ve been able to interact with fans even before our debut. I feel so happy when I see people’s words of support and hear about fans keeping track of new information coming out about CANDY TUNE each day. I hope I can cheer everyone up, even if it’s just a little bit. Through CANDY TUNE, I’ll make many dreams come true and devote myself to becoming someone's hope in this world!”
Twitter: @nachico_ct1001 Instagram: @__nchisan__ TikTok: @__nachisan__
Natsu Minami
“Not long ago, everything felt so new and I was just trying my hardest to keep up with lessons each day. But as we get closer to our debut, I feel more and more like I’ve really become an idol. I’m both nervous and excited about what I’ll see at our first concert since it will be my first time appearing as a real idol! I’m just so happy to be a member of CANDY TUNE…I’ll keep bettering myself right up until the show on 3/14!”
Twitter: @natsu_ct0317 Instagram: @nattanntan TikTok: @nattanntan
Shizuka Miyano
“Each member of CANDY TUNE is very unique, and I think that really comes through in our performances. I can't wait to show you all how much we’ve grown! So many people have supported us since before our debut, and we’ll never stop being grateful for that. Having been able to perform as idols in such a wonderful environment is a blessing. We’ll keep improving ourselves in order to give even better performances in the future, but first, we want to give our all at our debut!”
Twitter: @shizuka_ct0530 Instagram: @myn_szk_ct TikTok: @miyano_shicha.
Kotomi Tachibana
“I’m thankful to have been given so many opportunities leading up to our debut, like dance and singing lessons, speaking lessons, and so many other things that other idols might have never had a chance to do. I'm working hard every day to put those efforts to good use during our first live show! I have so many feelings about our first concert–I wonder what the view will be like! I want it to be a huge success, and while I’m a little anxious, I’m just looking forward to meeting the fans more than anything! ♡ I hope the concert makes everyone happy!” Twitter: @kotomi_ct0525 Instagram: @kotomi_5chan TikTok: @kotomi_5chan
Check out each member’s profile here: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/676709 The members of CANDY TUNE have been working hard as a team each and every day in preparation for their debut concert, focusing on the feelings they hope to convey to their new fans. The girls are sure to put on a memorable show, and there’s no doubt that their historical first performance will bring happiness to each and every person in attendance. Be sure to keep an eye on CANDY TUNE going forward!Information
CANDY TUNE – CANDY TUNE (1st Digital Album)
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CANDYTUNETwitter: https://twitter.com/candy_tune_
Instagram: https://instagram.com/candy__tune
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@CANDY_TUNE
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0PgOXf0lxzVxN2TLzMJkw
note(Live Schedule):https://note.com/candy_tuneDebut Concert
KAWAII LAB. SESSION ~CANDY TUNE~
Venue: Spotify O-EAST
Date: March 14, 2023
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30 / VIP Event Ends 22:30
Performers: IDOLATER / FRUITS ZIPPER / CANDY TUNE[Tickets]
Admission: VIP ¥5,000 / General ¥3,000 / Day-of ¥3,500
Tickets: https://w.pia.jp/t/candy-tune/ -
CANDY TUNE, the newest group from KAWAII LAB, released their first album on March 7. KAWAII LAB is continuing to introduce Japanese idol culture to fans around the world.
The seven-member group is comprised of members Rino Fukuyama, Mizuki Kirihara, Natsu Minami, Nanako Ogawa, Bibian Murakawa, Shizuka Miyano, and Kotomi Tachibana. Just like candy, which comes in tons of different flavors and shapes, the members will bring their own unique personalities and quirks to their pop tunes as they carry on KAWAII LAB’s mission of sharing Harajuku style with the world.
Two songs on the group’s first album CANDY TUNE were produced by Naoki Kubo and Suu, former members of SILENT SIREN–the sweet and playful Kiss Me Patissier and the inspiring song hanamaru. Hirotaka Hayakawa, who has produced hit songs for countless artists, also contributed. Nanairo Prologue tells the story of the seven members moving forward across a rainbow-colored bridge, andMikan na Seishun (Unfinished Youth) has a fast-paced sound sure to be a hit with new fans. The group’s artist photo and the jacket art for the album were provided by Yuko Takayama (yenter).
CANDY TUNE will hold its debut concert titled KAWAII LAB. SESSION ~CANDY TUNE~ on March 14 at Spotify O-EAST. To commemorate the special occasion, IDOLATER and FRUITS ZIPPER will also perform. The three groups will perform the FRUITS ZIPPER hit track Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro together during the event, and tickets are now on sale.
Additionally, new interviews with the members and behind-the-scenes footage have been uploaded to CANDY TUNE’s official YouTube channel.
Information
CANDY TUNE – CANDY TUNE (1st Digital Album)
Streaming: March 7, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CANDYTUNE
Available to stream on all major subscription music streaming servicesTracklist:
M1 Kiss Me Patissier
M2 hanamaru
M3 Nanairo Prologue
M4 Mikan na Seishun
M5 Kiss Me Patissier -Instrumental-
M6 hanamaru -Instrumental-
M7 Nanairo Prologue -Instrumental-
M8 Mikan na Seishun -Instrumental-[Debut Concert Details]
Event Title: KAWAII LAB. SESSION ~CANDY TUNE~
Venue: Spotify O-EAST
Date: March 14, 2023
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30 / VIP Event Ends 22:30
Performers: IDOLATER / FRUITS ZIPPER / CANDY TUNE[Tickets]
Admission: VIP ¥5,000 / General ¥3,000 / Day-of ¥3,500
Tickets: https://w.pia.jp/t/candy-tune/<Profile>
The idol group CANDY TUNE consists of seven members: Rino Fukuyama, Mizuki Kirihara, Natsu Minami, Nanako Ogawa, Bibian Murakawa, Shizuka Miyano, and Kotomi Tachibana.The group was formed by the KAWAII LAB project, started by ASOBISYSTEM to promote Japanese idol culture around the world. CANDY TUNE will make its debut in March 2023.
Just like candy, which comes in tons of different flavors and shapes, the members will bring their own unique personalities and quirks to their pop tunes as they carry on KAWAII LAB’s mission of sharing Harajuku style with the world.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/candy_tune_
Instagram: https://instagram.com/candy__tune
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@CANDY_TUNE
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0PgOXf0lxzVxN2TLzMJkw
note(Live Schedule):https://note.com/candy_tune<What is KAWAII LAB?>
KAWAII LAB is a new project by ASOBISYSTEM aiming to promote Japanese idol culture to the world. The company works to discover, train, and produce idols with the potential to be active on the world stage.
KAWAII LAB is produced by Misa Kimura, a model and TV personality. A fan of idols for many years, Kimura was formerly the leader of the idol group Musubizm.
Other KAWAII LAB. groups include IDOLATER, a culture-holic idol group consisting of finalists from ASOBISYSTEM’s first national audition in 2018, and FRUITS ZIPPER, a group transmitting NEW KAWAII from Harajuku to the world debuting in April 2022.
In March 2023, the project launched a new idol group.
KAWAII LAB. will continue to promote Japanese idol culture to the world, launching and developing new idol groups, not only in Tokyo but in other cities as well!Twitter: https://twitter.com/kawaii__lab
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
Fan Club: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/