Japanese music streaming site RecoChoku has revealed the top song and album rankings of artists for April 2021 who earn the site’s RecoChoku Award for the month. Taking the number one spot for the monthly single charts is YOASOBI with Mou Sukoshi Dake (‘Just a Little More’) which released on May 10 as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV.
RecoChoku Award Monthly Music – May 2021
Single Charts
1st Place: “Mou Sukoshi Dake” – YOASOBI (Released May 20, 2021)
2nd Place: “Kaitou” – back number
3rd Place: “Kirari” – Fujii Kaze
4th Place: “Butter” – BTS
5th Place: “Cry Baby” – Official HIGE DANdism
Album Charts
1st Place: “ZZ’s II” – Momoiro Clover Z (Releasing May 17, 2021)
2nd Place: “THE BOOK” – YOASOBI
3rd Place: “Kimi Shika Katan (Special Edition)” – Hinatazaka46
4th Place: “Butter” – BTS
5th Place: “LADYBUG” – LiSA
YOASOBI’s Mou Sukoshi Dake is inspired by the novel Meguru. by Chiharu and first hit the air on March 29 as the main theme for the weekly Japanese news show Mezamashi TV. Excited words of praise flooded social media in Japan when it played on the show. The single’s cover art was created by hmng and captures a scene of a schoolgirl bathed in light. This girl also appears in the novel, giving a peek into its story as well as the feeling of the song itself. Mou Sukoshi Dake has ranked number one two weeks in a row for RecoChoku’s weekly rankings on May 12 and 19 and has now taken the monthly spot.
YOASOBI’s success doesn’t stop there however as it was recently announced that band member ikura is receiving her voice acting role in Studio Chizu’s upcoming anime film Belle which is set for release this July.
Momoiro Clover Z’s compilation album ZZ’s II is set to release on May 17 in celebration of the group’s 13th anniversary. The tracks were re-recorded by the current four members. There are 10 songs in title including Nippon Egao Hyakkei -ZZ ver.-, Saraba Itoshiki Kanashimi-tachi yo which features arrangement and guitar work by Tomoyasu Hotei, and more.
Momoiro Clover Z have been posting videos of songs from the album on their official YouTube channel. The album came in at number one on the daily charts and that has continued in the weekly and monthly charts.
Information
RecoChoku Award Monthly Music – May 2021
Single Charts: https://recochoku.jp/ranking/single/monthly/
Album Charts: https://recochoku.jp/ranking/album/monthly/
RELATED ENTRIES
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BT21 Amusement Park Event to Open in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka
NAMJATOWN, a theme park located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will be holding a special BT21 event from May 14 until June 12, 2022! The ‘BT21 MerryLand ~Welcome to our Dreamy World!~’ event celebrates the popular LINE FRIENDS characters, and guests can enjoy lots of games and treats!
The event recreates MerryLand, an amusement park in the BT21 member’s dreams. Guests can participate in three unique mini-games inspired by amusement park attractions, along with a stamp rally and riddle-solving game! Original merchandise and menu items will also be available.Original Mini-Games
BT21 MerryLand Spinning Ferris Wheel / BT21’s Whirling Teacups ♪ / The Full Stomach Yum-yum Wagon
Mini-Game Prizes
A Prize: Relaxing Cushion (7 varieties)
B Prize: Bandana (7 varieties)
C Prize: Mini Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random)
D Prize: Character Pin (7 varieties, random)
*The design for A Prize and B Prize will differ depending on the mini-game.
(Guests can choose the design for each game.)
*For C Prize and D Prize, the design is the same for all mini-games.Venue Exclusive Project! Rally Game
Rally Game Prizes
Participation Prize: Mascot Rubber Charm (7 varieties, random)
*Prizes are the same for each Rally Game.Original Merchandise
Original Food & Drinks
Soft Drink with Acrylic Coaster / Fortune Latte (14 varieties) / Icing Cookie (7 varieties)
Those unable to attend the event can head to the Namco Parks Online Store to play some web-based mini-games offering the same prizes! Certain pieces of merchandise will also be available for purchase online.Following Tokyo, the event will head to HEP FIVE in Osaka from July 2 until July 24 and Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka from August 5 until August 28.
©Bandai Namco Amusement Inc.
Information
BT21 MerryLand
Tokyo Event
Venue: NAMJATOWN
Address: Sunshine City World Import Part Building 2F/3F (3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Running: May 14 – June 12
Osaka Event
Venue: Hugood! from NAMJATOWN
Address: HEP FIVE 9F (5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Running: July 2 – July 24, 2022
Fukuoka Event
Venue: Namco Canal City Hakata
Address: Canal City Hakata South Building B1F (1-2-74 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka)
Running: August 5 – August 28, 2022
Online Sales / Online Lottery Wheelhttps://parks2.bandainamco-am.co.jp/
Sales Period: May 16, 11:00 – June 13, 23:59
Official Site: https://event.bandainamco-am.co.jp/cx/bt21-merryland/ -
BTS Characters ‘TinyTAN’ to Appear at Cafes in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Miyagi
The popular BTS chibi characters TinyTAN will be featured at TinyTAN Cafe locations in five cities for a limited time! Nine locations will be open across Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Miyagi starting April 21, 2022.
The TinyTAN characters were designed by the seven members of BTS to embody their “second selves.”
Select Cakes: ¥990
Fruits Deco Style: Strawberry, Fruits Deco Style: Mango, Fruits Deco Style: White Grape: ¥1,760
The menu is packed with desserts, including seven different types of cakes each inspired by a member of TinyTAN.
American Sundae Style Chocolate Cookie, American Sundae Style Caramel Nuts, American Sundae Style Pistachio Honey: ¥1,870
Afternoon Style Tea: ¥3,190
The Afternoon Style Tea includes a base plate that can be customized with guest’s favorite fruits and chocolates. Two types of TinyTAN Select Cakes will also be included to share!
Ham (2 types) & Scrambled Egg Peanut Butter Sandwich: ¥1,760
Cafe Style Drink & Cake Set *Prices vary based on drink selection.
Guests can choose from colorful bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and open sandwiches, along with a selection of sweet drinks to match each meal.
Bonuses
Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random): ¥1,320
Sticky Note Roll: ¥880, Acrylic Nameplate (7 varieties): ¥990 each
Original cafe merchandise and special offers will make visiting the TinyTAN Cafe even more exciting!
© BIGHIT MUSIC. All Rights Reserved
Information
TinyTAN CAFE
Tokyo, Omotesando: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
April 21 – June 5, 2022
Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Shinjuku: BOX cafe&space Lumine EST Shinjuku
April 28 – July 3, 2022
Lumine EST Shinjuku B1F (3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Harajuku: BOX cafe&space Harajuku Alta
April 21 – June 5, 2022
Harajuku Alta 3F (1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Omotesando: BOX cafe&space Omotesando Hills
April 21 – June 26, 2022
Main Building, B3F (4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Kanagawa, Yokohama: Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
April 22 – June 19, 2022
Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama)
Aichi, Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
April 28 – June 5, 2022
LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
Osaka, Umeda: BOX cafe&space HEP FIVE
April 28 – June 5, 2022
HEP FIVE 7F (5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Osaka, Shinsaibashi: Shinsaibashi contact
April 29 – July 3, 2022
1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Miyagi, Rifu: BALLER:S
April 27 – June 26, 2022
AEON MALL Shin-Rifu South Building 2F (3-1-1 Shinnakamichi, Rifu, Miyagi)
Reservations Open
Reservation Fee: ¥660 (Includes Bonus)
TinyTAN CAFE Official Site: https://tinytan-cafe.jp/
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Official HiGE DANdism to Release Newest EP ‘Mixed Nuts’ in June
25.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Official HiGE DANdism will release the Mixed Nuts EP on June 22, 2022. The album will include a total of four songs, including Mixed Nuts, the opening theme for the current anime series SPY x FAMILY, and Anarchy, the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Hero.
The CD+Blu-ray/CD+DVD versions will include nine songs from the Official HiGE DANdism Road to One-Man Tour 2021-2022 held on June 21 at Pia Arena MM in Kanagawa, the band’s first concert in over a year. Depending on where you buy the album, you’ll receive a special bonus, so check out the album’s special site for more details.The group has also recently concluded their 2021-2022 -Editorial- Tour which began in September 2021 on April 17 in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. The tour saw a total of 48 performances and 300,000 spectators.
To celebrate the conclusion of the tour, the band will stream the Saitama Super Arena concert held in March! The stream will begin at 20:00 on May 1 and tickets are on sale now, so check the band’s official website for more details.©遠藤達哉/集英社・SPY×FAMILY製作委員会
Information
Mixed Nuts EP
Release Date: June 22, 2022
CD+Blu-ray/CD+DVD Version: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
Standard Edition (CD Only): ¥1,650 (Tax Included)Mixed Nuts Special Site: https://mixednuts.ponycanyon.co.jp
Official HiGE DANdism One-Man Tour 2021-2022 -Editorial- at Saitama Super Arena – Online Show
Date: May 1, 20:00
*Archive available until May 8, 23:59Special Site: https://event.higedan.com/feature/at20_tour2122
Official HiGE DANdism Official Site: http://higedan.com/
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Takashimaya Kyoto to Open BTS Pop-up Store for a Limited Time
BTS LICENSED PRODUCTS SHOW, an event where fans of the Korean pop group BTS can snag officially licensed products, will be held at Takashimaya Kyoto Store from March 30 to April 12, 2022.
Items at a Glance
Face Cushion (7 varieties)
Mug (7 varieties)
TinyTAN, the adorable characters created by the band members, will appear on the merchandise inspired by some of BTS’s biggest hits like Dynamite, MIC Drop, DNA, and IDOL. Fans can grab plush toys, cushions, cell phone cases, towels, keychains, acrylic stands, umbrellas, gloves, hats, and more! Those spending ¥3,300 or more (including tax) will receive an original shopping bag.
Information
BTS LICENSED PRODUCTS SHOW
Running: March 30 – April 12, 2022
Address: Takashimaya Kyoto (52 Shincho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto)Hours: 10:00-20:00
Details: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/kyoto/topics/13_1_20220208131938/?category=ladies
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Official HiGE DANdism’s ‘Mixed Nuts’ to Serve as OP Track for SPY x FAMILY Anime Series
27.March.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Official HiGE DANdism’s new song Mixed Nuts has been chosen as the opening theme song for the upcoming anime adaptation of the SPYxFAMILY manga series. Written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo, the manga has been serialized on Shonen Jump+ since 2019 and has been incredibly well-recieved, selling over 12.5 million copies. The anime series will premiere in April 2022.
Along with this announcement, the official website for the anime series has posted the full promotional video for the show. The video also previews the opening song.
The ending theme will be Kigeki by Gen Hoshino.
SPY×FAMILY Trailer
The members of Official HiGE DANdism also posted a comment about their track being chosen as the opening theme.
“It’s such an incredible series, and as fans ourselves, we’ve been so pumped for the anime adaptation. The art quality is incredible and we hope that everyone enjoys the show. If you could, be sure to listen to Mixed Nuts while you follow the story of Loid, Yor, and Anya.”
©遠藤達哉/集英社・SPY×FAMILY製作委員会
Information
SPY×FAMILY
Premiering on TV Tokyo on April 9 at 23:00
Airing in North America on CrunchyrollOfficial Site: https://spy-family.net/
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BTS TinyTAN Character Exhibition to Open in Nagoya
TinyTAN, the adorable characters created by massively popular Korean boy band BTS, are getting an exhibition in Nagoya from February 18 until March 13, 2022!
The TinyTAN Exhibition is being held in Nagoya for the second time in six months. Fans in attendance will be able to buy the popular Dynamite acrylic stand and MICDrop face cushion and keychain, which is popular at the current exhibition being held in Yokohama! Acrylic stands featuring the new ‘Sweet Time’ and ‘TinyMart’ concepts will also be on sale, and the exhibition will be adding a new photo spot!
Information
TinyTAN Licensed Product Exhibition in Nagoya (DIRECTOR JAPAN)
Location: Nagoya Kintetsu Pass’e 4F Special Event Space
Running: February 18 – March 13, 2022
Hours: 10:00-20:30
Reservations: https://select-type.com/rsv/?id=zf4tWp-4ICA&c_id=189505
*In the event that admission restrictions become needed, priority will be given to customers with reservations.
*Customers without reservations will only be admitted if there is available space. -
RecoChoku Announces Winners for Best Music of January 2022
19.February.2022 | MUSIC
Japanese music streaming site RecoChoku has announced the top song and album rankings for January 2022!
In the Single Ranking category, Aimer’s Zankyosanka was ranked #1 for the second consecutive month. The song is the opening for the newest Demon Slayer anime arc which began airing on December 5, 2021.
The ending theme for Demon Slayer, Asa ga Kuru, was released on January 10, and quickly climbed the ranks. Aimer is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut, and this is a powerful start to the year for this talented singer.As for the Album Ranking, the top spot was clear for January. Ado’s 14-song debut album ‘Kyogen’ sits in the top spot, and includes many of her smash hits. From Usseewa to Aitakute, the album also contains seven new songs which are steadily gaining popularity. Six days after the album’s release, it was ranked #1 for the month of January.
Ado’s 8th single ‘Kokoro to Iu Nano Fukakai’ also ranked 5th on the Single Ranking. Written and arranged by Mafumafu, the song is the theme for the drama series Doctor White starring Minami Hamabe. Ado will also be holding her first solo concert at Zepp DiverCity on April 4, 2022!Information
RecoChoku Monthly Music Award – January 2022
Single Ranking1st Place: Zankyosanka – Aimer (Released Digitally on December 6, 2021)
2nd Place: Asa ga Kuru – Aimer
3rd Place: Sakayume – King Gnu
4th Place: Ichizu – King Gnu
5th Place: Kokoro to Iu Nano Fukakai – Ado
https://recochoku.jp/ranking/single/monthly/
Album Ranking
1st Place: ‘Kyogen’ – Ado (Released Digitally on January 26, 2022)
2nd Place: ‘Ichi’ – Yuuri
3rd Place: ‘THE BOOK 2’ – YOASOBI
4th Place: ‘Bad Mode’ – Utada Hikaru
5th Place: ‘Kirari Remixes [Asia Edition]’ – Fujii Kaze
https://recochoku.jp/ranking/album/monthly/
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YOASOBI to Collaborate with Naoki Prize-Winning Author on New Song ‘Mister’
15.February.2022 | MUSIC
YOASOBI is known for turning novels into incredible music. The duo’s debut song Yoru ni Kakeru was released in November 2019 and immediately attracted attention, dominating the charts in both Japan and abroad. The group also performed at the 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Their first EP, ‘The Book,’ was released in January of this year, and the unique release has become popular, with many calling it a ‘reading CD,’ made with the concept of ‘turning a novel into music.’ Their songs Kaibutsu and Yasashii Suisei were both featured in the BEASTARS anime series, and in February, YOASOBI held their first solo concert at the construction site of the former Milano Theater in Shinjuku. The two topped the Billboard Japan Top Artists ranking in the first half of 2021.
Mister – YOASOBI (Teaser)
Comment from Rio Shimamoto
When I heard Mister for the first time, it gently evoked memories of people I will never see again.
I felt my novel blending vividly into the world of YOASOBI, and it was a very surreal experience. This song reminds us of the sad and nostalgic stories that are kept deep in our hearts.
Novel into Music Project
YOASOBI will be releasing a new song, Mister, on February 16, 2022. This song was created as part of a collaborative project with four Naoki Prize-winning writers: Rio Shimamoto, Mizuki Tsujimura, Miyuki Miyabe, and Eto Mori. This new initiative seeks to turn novels into music that all can enjoy, and all four authors were tasked with writing short stories about firsts in their lives to inspire YOASOBI’s work. This song was based on the novel ‘My Only Owner,’ a story about first love by Rio Shimamoto.
A teaser video for the track has also been released directed by Ijigen TOKYO.
Information
Mister – YOASOBI
Streaming Date: February 16, 2022
https://orcd.co/yoasobi_mrOfficial Site: https://www.yoasobi-music.jp/
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BT21 to Open 10th Cafe in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka
The 10th B121 Cafe, titled ~A LITTLE FESTA~, will open in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka for a limited time. The theme this time is a fancy and cute world of illusions and fans of BTS won’t want to miss it!
Bonus 1
Bonus 2
Menu
Shooky’s Beef Stew
Koya’s Cream Pasta
Chimmy’s Keema Curry
Cooky’s Protein Bowl
RJ’s Banana Split
Mang’s Cotton Candy Pancake
Tata’s Chocolate Fondue
Drinks
Balloon Soda
FESTA☆Cafe Latte / Milk Tea (Iced)
FESTA☆ Cafe Latte / Milk Tea (Hot)
Coffee Set (Iced/Hot) / Tea Set (Iced/Hot)
Original Merchandise
Pins (7 designs, random) / Acrylic Keychain (3 varieties)
Masking Tape / Letter Set with Case
Clear Sticker (7 varieties) / Clear Folder (2 varieties)
Paper Napkins / Mug (2 varieties)
Mini Towel (7 varieties) / Balloon Set
Garland / Tote Bag
The menu fea tures a variety of food and drinks based on the popular characters, which are a collaboration between LINE and the boy band BTS. There will also be a shop selling original products at the cafe, so grab them before they’re gone!
©BT21
Information
■Shibuya, Tokyo: BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109/ January 21 – March 27, 2022
SHIBUYA109 B2F (2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya)
■Shinjuku, Tokyo: BOX cafe&space Lumine EST / January 20 – March 13, 2022
Lumine EST Shinjuku B1F (3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku)
■Nagoya: kawara CAFE&KITCHEN Nagoya PARCO / January 20 – March 1, 2022
Nagoya PARCO South Building 5F (3-29-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
■Abeno, Osaka: Abeno contact / January 20 – February 13, 2022
Abeno Q’s Mall 4F (1-6-1 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka)
■Shinsaibashi, Osaka: Shinsaibashi contact / March 4 – March 27, 2022
1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
ReservationsCafe Website Now Open
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax Included) *Reservation Bonus Included
Details: https://box-cafe.jp
Official Site: https://box-cafe.jp/
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Official Hige Dandism Releases Music Video for ‘Pending Machine’
Official Hige Dandism has released the music video for Pending Machine from their new album ‘Editorial.’
The video was directed by Takuto Shimpo, who has worked on a number of the band’s music videos to date. The story begins as the members get into an elevator, and peering into a duffel bag, they discover what looks like a space suit. This video shows the funnier side of the group and is perfect for cheering viewers up on a bitterly cold winter day!
Pending Machine – Official Hige Dandism[Official Video]
Official Hige Dandism’s new song Anarchy will serve as the theme song for the upcoming film ‘The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Hero. A clip of the track can be heard during the film’s trailer, found on the official movie website.
The band is currently on its first national arena tour, titled ‘Official Hige Dandism One-Man Tour 2021-2022 -Editorial-.’
©2022「コンフィデンスマンJP」製作委員会
Information
Editorial
CD: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
CD+DVD: ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
CD+Blu-ray: ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
Buy the CD here: https://hgdn.lnk.to/EditorialThe Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Hero
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Official Site: http://confidenceman-movie.com
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Official Hige Dandism Releases Lyric Video for ‘Bedroom Talk’
03.December.2021 | MUSIC
Pop band Official Hige Dandism has released the lyric video for their track Bedroom Talk from the group’s newest album Editorial.
Bedroom Talk was written and composed by the group’s guitar player Ozasa, co-arranged by mabuna, and with guitar arrangements provided by Kyohei Aruga. This lyric video is the first full-length illustrated video for the band and was created by Nagi, an illustrator making waves for her uniquely charming depictions of women.
Bedroom Talk – Official Hige Dandism (Music Video)
Official Hige Dandism’s new song Anarchy has also been selected as the theme song for the upcoming film ‘The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Hero.’ The latest trailer is available to watch on the movie’s official website.
Information
Editorial
CD: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
CD+DVD: ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
CD+Blu-ray: ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
Special Site: https://editorial.ponycanyon.co.jp
The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Hero
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Official Site: http://confidenceman-movie.com
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Since 2019, musical duo YOASOBI has taken Japan and the rest of the world by storm. Producer and songwriter Ayase, along with singer-songwriter Ikura, base their tracks on short stories, bringing books to life. Their debut single, Yoru ni Kakeru, was released on December 19, 2019, and spent three weeks at the top of the Oricon charts. Their first EP, ‘THE BOOK,’ was released in January 2021, and now, ‘THE BOOK 2’ is less than two weeks away. The duo will also be performing in this year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen New Years’ special. In February 2021, YOASOBI held their first solo concert at the KEEP OUT THEATER in Shinjuku.
‘THE BOOK 2’ will release on December 1, and the pair’s first face-to-face one-off concert, titled Nice to Meet You, will take place at Nippon Budokan from December 4 to 5.
‘THE BOOK 2’ will be a limited edition-only release, and the CD will come in a ring binder package. The album will also be available to stream. To commemorate this new release, the group’s first album will be getting a second run starting November 30.
Information
‘THE BOOK 2’ – YOASOBI
Release Date: December 1, 2021
Preorder: https://YOASOBI.lnk.to/THE_BOOK_2
Official Site: https://www.yoasobi-music.jp/