On June 16, the girls’ vocal and dance group ATARASHII GAKKO! released OTONABLUE – From THE FIRST TAKE on streaming services.   Originally released in 2020, OTONABLUE has become incredibly popular over the past year, with its ‘neck-dance’ choreography trending on TikTok. With views on the social media site surpassing 2.5 billion, a music video was thrown together and released, pulling in over 20 million views in two months.  

 

On April 7, ATARASHII GAKKO! performed a special version of OTONABLUE on THE FIRST TAKE, commemorating their first time on the program with new choreography. Filmed in a single take, their appearance pulled in 20 million views in record time, becoming the channel’s most popular video of 2023. This special live version is now available to stream.

 

Atarashii Gakko! took to the stage on THE FIRST TAKE for the first time. The members performed their hit song Otonablue, which has become a major hit on social media for its unique choreography during the chorus.

  Since its release, Otonablue has continued to be a hot topic, with the live performance video racking up over 8 million views on YouTube and related TikTok videos pulling in over 400 million views.

 

Takuma Usa appears in the new YouTube short drama series Sarashiai, Konna Yoru wa Dare no Sei? (Exposed Love: Who’s to Blame for a Night Like This?)   The romance-focused ensemble drama touches on a wide array of difficult subjects found in today’s society, like adultery, sugar daddies, plastic surgery, friends with benefits, doxxing, betrayal, and redemption.   Takuma Usa, who portrays the host Tsukasa, appears in the third episode.  

The second half of Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 3 will debut this fall!   The first half recently aired in a one-hour special, and the new announcement was made following its conclusion. The new trailer shows Falco flying above the clouds, a throwback to Zeke's memories.   Attack on Titan The Final Season - Season 3 (Part 2) Announcement Video

  Attack on Titan The Final Season - Season 3 (Part 1) Special Anime Video｜ UNDER THE TREE - SiM

 

A special anime video of SiM’s new song UNDER THE TREE, the theme song of Season 3, Part 1, has also been uploaded to YouTube. Fans of the series won’t want to miss the shots of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin during their childhood.

 

Additionally, Attack on Titan The Final Season - Season 3, Part 1 is now available to stream on dtv, d Anime Store, GYAO!, Netflix, TELASA, Hikari TV, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, and DMM TV.

 

Season 3, Part 1 Summary Eren activates The Rumbling to destroy the world. Countless Titans begin their march, trampling down everything in their path. Those left behind prepare to take the final fight to their former friend, including Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Connie, Hanji, Annie, Reiner, and others who hope to find a way to save civilizations around the globe.

 

Chogakusei is a vocalist who has attracted attention for the huge gap between the mysterious atmosphere of his Venetian mask and his aggressive voice. After releasing a single in January, the artist released his first full album Cho on February 15, 2023. We sat down to chat with Chogakusei about his current mental state as he continues to build serious momentum, and about his upcoming first solo concert scheduled for March at the Nippon Seinen-kan Hall.

   

The Theme of the 1st Album is ‘Diversity’

 

“The word ‘diversity’ can refer to utilizing elements from different people and cultures, but for the diversity used in this album, I focused more on breaking the rules and thinking outside of the box in a more general sense.”

 

“Since this is my first major album, I felt like it was the fulfillment of a promise. At the same time, I didn’t want to be bound by that feeling. As you listen to each track, I think you’ll find each of them very colorful. So many different people participated in writing the lyrics–for example, the song Ingel was written by Yu Shinda of BURG HAMBURG BURG, and the Vocaloid producers Surii and PinocchioP also contributed. I hope everyone who listens will take note of the diverse group of creators who worked on the album.”

  Ingel - Music Video 

 

Heading Towards his First Solo Concert ‘School Admission Briefing’

 

−You have to admit, it’s a pretty unique title for a concert, isn’t it?

 

“Since this is my first live performance period, I wanted it to have the theme of a self-introduction, so ‘School Admission Briefing’ seemed to fit, given my name. It’s an unusual title, for sure. (Laugh) I hope fans who attend will feel what it’s like to be a Chogakusei (Super Student). The details of the show are still a secret, though!”

 

A Vocal Style Inspired by Fan Comments

 

–You’re popular for your deep, aggressive voice. How did your vocal style come about?

 

“Honestly, I decided on this style after reading comments from fans posted around the time I released my cover of the song Darling. That’s when I started posting on YouTube more frequently and I got a ton of feedback. Like, people would point out the parts they liked–the minute and the second. After scrolling through all of that, I decided on my current style. In a way, how I sing was completely created by the fans.”

 

−Tons of international fans have commented on your vocal style. What’s the secret of your popularity?

 

“I’d love to know myself! (Laugh) Please tell me! In my head, I know that I have this slightly rough, low voice that leads to a more masculine singing style. I also put a lot of thought into the costumes and makeup for each song, so a lot of comments tend to focus on that too. They like my style.”

 

“I want to try styles from around the world.”

 

“I’d like to try a ton of unique styles from around the world in the future, like Chinese and Arabic styles. I’m up for the challenge of representing different countries and cultures! I hope to incorporate ideas from fans around the world too, so leave them in the comments. I don’t care what language you speak, please tell me about your country and what you’d like to see!”

It has been announced that Attack on Titan The Final Season will split its third part into two halves.   The first half will begin airing on NHK General starting March 3 at 24:25. The second half will air sometime during 2023 with more details to be revealed in the future.   Prior to this, a special compilation of all 87 episodes will be aired on NHK General from February 25 to February 27. Every episode of Attack on Titan that has aired to date will be condensed into seven episodes.

A new trailer has been released ahead of the beginning of Part 3 inspired by the phrase “This is Freedom.” Fans will see Eren smiling as a child, a vast difference from the man he grows to be. The despair in the video is palpable, but there is still some hope being kept alive by the characters.   Finally, to commemorate the third part of The Final Season, fans will be able to watch episodes from the series for free on the streaming service GYAO! starting January 17.   After years of massive popularity, Attack on Titan is approaching its climax. Be sure to tune into Part 3 when it begins airing in March!

©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会