And I have to say, Yugiri looks far too comfortable in such get-up ;) But loving it! Perhaps this will be the look that accompanies them to Anime North? You are coming right?
Details HERE!
And don't forget your pre-orders!
Monday 31 March 2014
SAMMYdress: Massive Easter Sale, Up To 60% OFF!
I love sale season, don't you? Check out our newest retail affiliate SAMMYdress and their sister site RoseWholesale.com and find some great new spring items for your wardrobe!!
The Weekly Quickie: ViViD, TSUKASA, D=OUT, The Black Swan
Ever wondered how to get the attention of your favorite band member? ViViD drummer, Ko-ki, has all the answers. He has decided to use his blog to give the fans insight into the inner workings of bandman life. He's calling the project バンドマンのためになる話 (Useful Bandman Talk). The information, however, doesn't come free. The price: RETWEETS! The more retweets his blog posts get, the more in detail he will go, so make sure you follow him on twitter and hit that button!
Thursday 27 March 2014
FLOW Favorite Song Poll Starts!
Fans of FLOW can now vote for their favorite songs to be played at the band's upcoming concert in August.
On the special site set up for the poll, fans will be able to choose three of their favorite FLOW songs from the old mixture rock songs to the newest anime songs.
<Voting site> https://fofa.jp/amuse/a.p/342/
<Special site> http://www.flow.mu/cam/FTC2014/
Via: Facebook
Toronto Japanese Film Festival at the JCCC
The Toronto Japanese Film Festival is pleased to announce our 2014 line-up.
Samurai chefs, yazuka killers, anime witches, apology consultants, skeptical kamikaze and treacherous courtesans. We've got them all! Check out the website for details.
via: Facebook
Wednesday 26 March 2014
PV Analysis: Magistina Saga - 'Shadow Game'
Formed in 2008 as Guild in Japan's Kansai region, Magistina Saga adopted their current moniker in 2010. Signing with Starwave Records in mid-2012 the band has released 3 mini-albums altogether, most recently 'Two-facedness of a Tale' in August of 2013. With vocals by Iori, guitar by Urugi and bass by Kyo (support drums by Takuro) the band's rock sound incorporates themes of magic and fairy tale. These themes are perhaps best personified in the MV for 'Shadow Game', adapting a classic story familiar to young and old alike.
YesStyle: 20% Off Spring Dresses!
Spring is coming and it's time for you to update your wardrobe! YesStyle has an extensive collection of Spring Dresses. This is the perfect time to visit YesStyle.com to fill up your wardrobe with the blossoms and fashion of Spring.
To double the happiness, we are offering coupon: FREESTANDARD. By using this coupon code, you will be able to enjoy FREE Standard shipping with NO minimum purchase. Please kindly refer to http://goo.gl/p1czme for terms & conditions.
Tuesday 25 March 2014
Preview: REIGN's Second Of 5 Chapter Releases "究明" (Kyumei - Discovery)
I just can't help myself, I have to share it! This teaser gives us yet another completely different sound from this brand new band. Though personally I think this clip sounds a little too much like this song.....I'm excited for it non the less. It goes without saying I'll be picking it up, and you can too with the help of the fabulous admins over at the REIGN Fan Page. Just shoot them a message! Out 2014.04.16
Monday 24 March 2014
CDJapan: Clearance Sale Ends On Mar 27, SHM-CD/SACD Extra Points Offer & More!
Over 800 items are up to 94% off! You have until March 27th to take advantage of these fantastic deals -
Go get 'em!
---------------------
New Offers & Features
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Popular DVD & Blu-ray box sets of music, anime, movie/TV series, and more are now available at discount prices for a very limited quantity and a limited period of time.
Purchase over 5,000yen of eligible SHM releases to earn up to 1200 extra points for a limited period of time!
To commemorate the release of "Congratulations!! TAKARAZUKA 100th Anniversary Disc," we offer "Takarazuka 100th Anniversary Clear Folder (A5)" to customers who purchase at least one of the eligible CDs!
Get a BIGBANG original sticker with a purchase of the eligible items.
"You Who Came From the Stars": Pre-Order At YesAsia
"You Who Came from the Stars" DVD is only available on 3 online sites and YesAsia is proud to be one of them! They are delighted to announce that the First Limited Edition (Korean Version) with English Subtitles DVD is finally out and available for preorder! Get it HERE!
The Weekly Quickie: Sophia-sama, Sukekiyo, Yousei Teikoku, Naniwa VKei Rengougun
As you may already know, ex-Bloodstain Child vocalist Sophia-sama's new project, Season of Ghosts, has just completed recording on their debut album, Human Paradox. This album will feature a collaboration with Mejibray guitarist, MiA. This isn't the first time the two have traded talents. Sophia-sama lent her voice to the Mejibray track, Die Kusse, released February of last year. There's no release date as of yet, but trust me, we'll be keeping our eyes open for this one
Speaking of cool collaborations, guitarist Takaha of pop-metal group Yousei Teikoku will be remixing a song on super-band Sukekiyo's debut album, Immortalis. Sukekiyo consists of Dir en grey's Kyo, 9GOATS BLACKOUT's Uta, Kannivalism's Yuchi and Rentrer en Soi's Takumi and Mika, which pretty much makes them my favorite project ever. Pre-order it here!
Sunday 23 March 2014
ZEAL LINK Global Twitter Account
Zeal Link, a Japanese music company specializing in visual kei that works promoting and producing lives, bands, releases etc, has launched a new twitter account to reach out to fans on a global scale. Posting in English, this twitter account seeks to connect fans to their favorite bands. And there's the hint of more to come if it's successful. So what are you waiting for? Share and follow! Let's get more JRock around the world!
Saturday 22 March 2014
Korean Fashion at YesStyle!
Korean Fashion is sizzling hot right now, and we have brand new pages just dedicated to Korean Fashion! We have an extended range of Women's Korean Fashion and Men's Korean Fashion.
To double the happiness, we are offering coupon: FREESTANDARD. By using this coupon code, you will be able to enjoy FREE Standard shipping with NO minimum purchase. Please kindly refer to http://goo.gl/p1czme for terms & conditions.
Wednesday 19 March 2014
『Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno / The Legend Ends』 Teaser Trailer
It's UP!!! The second of 3 live action releases centered around the much loved tale of Himura Kenshin is slated for this summer and today they have released the first teaser video! Warner Brothers is reaching out to the global fan base by providing a multitude of subtitles for your convenience. Check their YouTube channel for subtitles available in other languages. I've posted the English one here:
For all official updates, be sure to watch the official website! I can't wait!!
Tuesday 18 March 2014
PV Analysis: Mejibray - 'Raven'
Mejibray is a visual kei group formed in June 2011, comprised of Tsuzuku - vocals, MiA - guitar, Koichi - bass and Meto on drums. Initially brought together as support for a solo endeavor by Tsuzuku, they instead formed as Mejibray. As individual members, the group brings much experience from previous bands to their sound here. The band has released 10 singles to date, the latest as of this writing is Raven, just released March 19. The track reflects an act clearly in their element, and the PV presents a dizzying array of images to process.
Monday 17 March 2014
Check Out Leox's Newest Song!
My friend Leox just posted a demo version of his newest song "Meow Means I Love U". Check it out on his official Facebook page below!!
Anime North Weekend Passes SOLD OUT!
Wow, that was fast. Latest update from Anime North reveals Weekend passes are SOLD OUT!! But, fret not, day passes are still available. Don't wait too long though. Get them HERE!
The Weekly Quickie: Ganglion, Lin -end of corruption world-, Liplich
Bad news for all-girl metal band, Ganglion. Bassist, Yui, will be leaving the band after their live at Shibuya REX on 4/5. Citing Yui's ongoing poor health, she believes it would be difficult for her to continue and, after much discussion with her bandmates, has decided to step down. The band plans to continue activities after her departure. They are currently searching for a replacement. You can find comments from the band and individual members on their OHP.
Live Report: Yoshiki at SXSW Festival March 14, 2014
For those of you who have never experienced South by Southwest, it is, for lack of better words, fucking insane. Streets packed with people, air filled with smoke and a myriad of odors from food trucks sporting everything from pizza to kimchee. Doormen like carnival callers shout into the street as music filtered down to just its bass beats pours from the open door behind them.
Insane.
Sunday 16 March 2014
Shibuya Crossing Episode 17 With DaizyStripper, Rose Noire And Others!
Did you miss it?? If you didn't happen to catch the live broadcast this past Monday, fear not! The show is now available online for your convenience HERE! Happy listening!
FanCam: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - March 7, 2014 - Sound Academy, Toronto
We took some fan footage at the KPP concert last weekend during her show at Toronto Sound Academy. As this is a FanCam the sound quality is not ideal, but you can feel the energy regardless. Enjoy!
Crestillion - New Look!
Our friends at Crestillion have updated their look! And with a new look always follows new music. Looking forward to what's coming up. If you missed our feature on them, you can check it HERE! We'll keep you updated.
Anime North Update
There are only 400 weekend admissions left for Anime North 2014!! This year we are joined by DaizyStripper and Rose Noire, you don't want to miss them! Also joining us are local bands Hoshi Furu and Sol Ardour. Get you passes now via the Anime North official website HERE!
Friday 14 March 2014
2014's New Sailor Moon Crystal Anime's 1st Image, Story Intro Posted Online
Okay, I have to post this! I am so excited to see the new series. So many great memories of this show. Check the full story at Anime News Network!
Thursday 13 March 2014
Live Report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu at Sound Academy, Toronto - March 7, 2014
I was a casual fan of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu before seeing her recent stop on the Nanda Collection 2014 world tour at Toronto's Sound Academy on March 7. That all changed after seeing her live. I lined up for the show 3 hours early in a crowd that seemed to be made up of cosplayers in looks from KPP's various videos as well as more casual fans. I was dressed for the weather in tie, jacket and hoodie and my patience saw me packed in 2nd row pressed along the rail. Next to me was an array of children and parents, giving the experience a true all-ages feel.
Shibuya Crossing To Feature DaizyStripper, Rose Noire And Others!
Montreal based CJLO music program "Shibuya Crossing" will be featuring DaizyStripper, Rose Noire and others this Friday!
Taking a look at the upcoming events in our area, host Saturn De Los Angeles will present a taste of what's to come, as well as your day-by-day digest of events within the world of J-Rock and Visual Kei in the past week. You can view the full details of tomorrows episode HERE.
WAYS TO LISTEN
- You can catch the live edition on CJLO 1690 AM in Montreal at 9am (UTC - 5).
- You can also listen online anywhere in the world at tinyurl.com/listentocjlo or at CJLO.com at the following times and locations:
Vancouver: Friday at 6am (UTC - 7) / London: Friday at 1pm (UTC) / Amsterdam: Friday at 2pm (UTC) / Jakarta: Friday at 8pm (UTC + 7) / Manila: Friday at 9pm (UTC + 8) / Tokyo: Friday at 10pm (UTC + 10) / Sydney: Saturday at Midnight (UTC + 11).
- The podcast edition of the show goes online at the following Saturday at noon (UTC - 5)
Wednesday 12 March 2014
Next Music From Tokyo Vol. 6 Line Up Announced!
It's has been decided! This spring joining us at NMFT Vol.6 will be: きのこ帝国 (Kinoko Teikoku), Happy!Mari,
宇宙コンビニ (Uchu Conbini), and jizue!
Steve knows how to pick his bands, and you can bet this will be a fantastic concert! Click on the bands links above to get to know them all a little better. I will see you all there ;)
Advance tickets ($10) for NMFT vol 6 are available now online via ticketweb.ca.
Vancouver May 21 (will be up soon!)
Band Feature: The Mootekkis
The Mootekkis, an east-meets-west Tokyo-based 5-piece rock’n’roll band, were formed midway through 2008 and were featured on the front cover of Japanzine after winning the magazine’s nation-wide battle of the bands. They went on to get airplay on InterFM 76.1 one of Tokyo's biggest radio stations and due to their no-holds-barred, beer-fuelled rock'n'roll they have also been targeted by local drum'n'bass DJ's for remixes.
In August 2012 they embarked on a 10 day tour of New York where they played Manhattan hot spots Bowery Electric and Piano’s as well as New Haven’s Elm Bar and a handful of basement and loft parties in Brooklyn. Earlier in the year they took the stage at Metropolis Magazine's "Saiko" event alongside internationally traveled Japanese bands - Tokyo Pinsalocks and Moja – and there’s no sign of them slowing down.
Brooklyn’s Ishmael Osekre, organizer of the festival Aputumpu and front man of Osekre and the Lucky Bastards, had this to say after seeing the The Mootekkis at a Bushwick loft party: “This was pure rock’n’roll in a way that most people around here haven’t seen for a long time…it was just amazing.”
What’s next for these five brothers from different mothers? What isn’t next?
Meet the members and read the interview after the break!
Tuesday 11 March 2014
Band Feature: The Mootekkis Teaser!
Oh yeah, you know you wannnnn'it! Our next band feature is ready to go and it'll be hitting you up in style tomorrow. The Mootekkis may sound familiar if you checked out our recent review of their debut album "Heckling The Dawn". If not, go read it after checking out their teaser comment video above. Then come back tomorrow for the full band feature with interview - look forward to it!
Monday 10 March 2014
J-rock North Promotions Inc. Presents: DaizyStripper At Anime North 2014
They're back!!! After joining us back in 2012 with the promise to return, DaizyStripper has just announced their return to Canada! This time they will be performing at Anime North, Canada's premier fan-run anime convention in association with J-rock North Promotions and Beyond Max Inc.
If you are not familiar with them, check out their bio below. But I guarantee you, whether you know them or not, you won't want to miss their show. Get your pass now! Concert is FREE for all convention attendees!
Anime North 2014
Date: May 23rd - 25th, 2014
Website: www.animenorth.com
Concert Date: Saturday May 24th, 2014
Location: Toronto Congress Centre - Hall C
Doors open 6:30 PM | Concert Starts 7:00 PM | Second act 8:30 PM
Sunday 9 March 2014
Review: REIGN "疑惑"【Giwaku - Suspicion】
They're back! After the devastating news to myself and fellow agents last spring, Ikuma and Kaji announced their formation of a new band, REIGN. Let's just say I was beyond eager to hear what the new sound would be like. Their first single was released 2014.01.31 after a slight delay. Though live-limited in it's release, the admins of the REIGN Fanpage were kind enough to take orders and make sure the fans around the world were able to get their hands on a copy.
Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition In A Modern World
"Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World" at the Japanese American National Museum from March 8 - September 14, 2014. Explore the artistry of traditional Japanese tattoos in this groundbreaking photographic exhibition by Kip Fulbeck and Takahiro Kitamura.
"Perseverance" features the work of seven internationally acclaimed tattoo artists, Horitaka, Horitomo, Chris Horishiki Brand, Miyazo, Shige, Junii, and Yokohama Horiken, along with tattoo works by selected others.
Japanese American National Museum.
00 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Check janm.org/visit for hours and admission fees.
Saturday 8 March 2014
PV Analysis: llll-ligro - "Higanbana"
llll-Ligro is a visual kei band formed in Tokyo in 2010, most recently comprised of Hinata (vocal), Kazari (guitar), Anki (guitar), Hiro (drums) and Nao (support bass). Their band concept of ‘gloomy salvation through emptiness’ on the ‘mayhem of emotions’ seems to have marked their relatively short career, as 2011 saw member changes following a demo single release as anki and Nao joined the group. Kazari was added as second guitar in early 2012, however the end of 2013 saw more members leave. Anki quit due to 'severe opposing views', following his post of a controversial YouTube video, and Hiro’s decision to quit was apparently led by an increased focus on promotion over music. This has led the band to hiatus. However a month prior to these departures they released their 5th single ‘Higanbana’, accompanied by a visceral PV.
*NEW* Rose Noire [Alice] MV FULL
Brand new MV "Alice" from Rose Noire!
Don't forget that YOU have the chance to see Rose Noire LIVE this May in Canada! They will be attending both Otafest in Calgary and Anime North in Toronto. We will see you there!
Press Release: FLOW, Announced As Music Guest Of Honor For AnimeFest 2014!
AnimeFest 2014 will be taking place from August 15th~18th in Dallas, TX and FLOW’s live performance is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 16th !
AnimeFest 2014
August 15-18, 2014
Sheraton Dallas Hotel
More information @ www.AnimeFest.org
[FLOW]
Originally formed in 1993 by TAKE and his older brother/vocalist KOHSHI, the band was named FLOW in '98 and evolved into its current line-up in 2000, after bassist GOT'S, another vocalist KEIGO and drummer IWASAKI joined the siblings.
In 2003, FLOW made their major debut with the single "Blaster" and followed up with "Go!!!", which was used as the opening theme song for the hit TV anime series, “Naruto”.
FLOW then released "DAYS", which became the opening theme song to the popular TV anime series “Eureka Seven: Psalm of Planets”. These were just the first of many hits to come and many of their other songs are featured in “Naruto Shippuden”, “Code Geass”, “Eureka Seven AO”, and “Samurai Flamenco”.
In 2013, FLOW celebrated their 10th anniversary.
That same year, they arranged and performed the theme song for the anime theatrical movie, “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods”.
FLOW Official Site:
http://www.flow.mu
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/FLOWofficial.music
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FLOW_official
VEVO:
http://www.youtube.com/user/FLOWofficialVEVO
Thursday 6 March 2014
J-rock North Promotions Inc. Presents: Rose Noire At Anime North 2014
Fear not more eastern than Alberta Canadians! Rose Noire has just been announced as a musical guest for Anime North 2014. If you were worried about making your way to Otafest, worry not. You now have a second location to choose from. Gothic/J-rock/Classical Visual Kei duo Rose Noire will be performing this May at Anime North 2014. Please check out their comment video below!
Rose Noire was formed by members Louie (Vocalist) and Jill (Violin) when they were the students of the Tokyo National University of Fine arts and Music. They won the ZOOM at SONY-ZOOM DEMO tape competition in 2007.
Their music is free from predefined genres and concepts. Composed of their own world, in their own image, of their own existence and music. Classical with a touch of variety like Rock, R&B,Club music, HipHop, Industrial, Electronica and so on.
Presented by: J-rock North Promotions in association with Darkest Labyrinth.
Anime North 2014
Date: May 23rd - 25th, 2014
Location: Toronto Congress Centre - Hall C
Website: www.animenorth.com
Concert Date: Saturday May 24th, 2014
Location: Toronto Congress Centre - Hall C
Doors open 6:30 PM | Concert Starts 7:00 PM | Second act 8:30 PM
Band Feature: Jungles!!! from Red Bacteria Vacuum
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| Ikumi - Yagoromaru - 325 - Jasmine |
Jungles!! from Red Bacteria Vacuum is an all-girl Japanese punk band from Osaka formed in 1998 currently consisting of IKUM!, 325, Yagoromaru and Jasmine. The band relocated to Tokyo in 2000. Their first EP Roller Coaster was released in January 2006.
They have gone through numerous member changes, notably with the major problem of filling in for the departing Akeming, their original drummer who left the band when pregnant with her first child. Katsu was later found to be the new drummer, but left early 2009. By April of 2009, Jasmine became the their permanent drummer, appearing in their new album and touring with them for Japan Girls Nite. Most recently Yagoroumaru has joined on as the band's bassist. The band has also re-presented themselves as 'Jungles!!!' changing their name from the former 'Red Bacteria Vaccum' in response to the new member line-up.
The band performed in the US numerous times throughout the years, usually as part of BENTEN Label’s Japan Nite, an annual tour promoting Japanese indie bands in America. As part of their 2009 American tour, they played at the opening of New People, a building dedicated to Japanese culture in San Francisco. The group released their album, “Dolly Dolly, Make an Epoch” in October 2009. The band toured in the US once again in March 2010, appearing at SXSW as well as participating in the Japan Nite tour once again. Now as Jungles!!! they return to Japan Nite 2014.
Wednesday 5 March 2014
Etude House Is On Sale! 10% Off All Products
Etude House is on Sale!
Etude House is on sale! 10% off all Etude House products with a Buy 1 get 1 Free sample on the side! This is the perfect time to visit YesStyle.com for all things Etude House!
As an icing on the cake, we are offering: ETUDE5. By using this coupon code, you will be able to get an extra $5 off your entire YesStyle purchase. Please kindly refer to below or http://goo.gl/9k0Rfs for terms & conditions.
Hoshi Furu & Sol Ardour Announced For Anime North 2014
Hi J-rock Fans!
Finally the first 2 of 4 band announcements for Anime North 2014.
Hoshi Furu (from Toronto) & Sol Ardour (from New York City) will be performing at Anime North. Big thank you to Hoshi Furu for this!!
Date: Friday May 23rd, 2014
Location: Toronto Congress Centre - Hall C
Doors open 7:00 PM (6:50pm) | Concert Starts 7:00 PM | Second act 8:00 PM
See www.animenorth.com for ticketing info.
I hope you have all purchased your ticket to the convention!
More Anime North announcements coming soon!
Band Feature: Jungles!!! Teaser
Our next feature focus is Jungles!!! They will be touring through your neighborhood as part of the SXSW Japan Nite tour this month. Check out the teaser and watch for their full band feature up tomorrow!
Review: BABYMETAL 'BABYMETAL'
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| BABYMETAL: Left, Yuimetal (Yui Mizuno). Center, Su-Metal (Suzuka Nakamoto). Right, Moametal (Moa Kikuchi) |
BABYMETAL DROP SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM
By James C. Stewart
“Recently the world was ruled by the big power Idols with their overwhelming magic.
Including the media, the politics, the economy, all were controlled by the Idols. The music other than the Idol songs was seen as harmful, and the metal was not an exception. The metallers, who were robbed of their soul, prayed for the restoration of the metal. Before long, the prayers reached the Fox God (Kitsune-sama), who is in charge of the metal. The Fox God named three girls, SU-METAL, YUIMETAL and MOAMETAL, BABYMETAL meaning ‘the birth of the new metal’, and, as the dark heroines of the Idol scene, has sent them down to this world. Everyone, soon comes the opening of the Metal Resistance!”
—From the overture to BABYMETAL Legend ‘I’ (6 October 2012, Shibuya O-East. Translations by Du-Enki.)
Tuesday 4 March 2014
Anime North 2014 - Less Than 5,000 Passes To Go!
"We have sold 2/3 of all available weekend/group admissions for Anime North 2014. With less than 5000 admissions left, now is the time to purchase yours to come for the full weekend.
Time, as well, is running short on the early bird and group rates: after March 14, you must pay full price for your admission. Pre-registration by mail must also be post-marked by March 15.
Via: Anime North Compass
Monday 3 March 2014
Japan Preview Show With 10 Wild Bands From Japan!
The 10 wildest acts from Japan!
~Japan Preview day show 2014~
Thursday March 13th 13 ~ 19:00pm
at : The The Grackle
ddress: 1700 E 6th St Austin, TX 78702
*Free show / all age
13:00~13:25 Mayu Wakisaka
13:35~ 14:00 romi
14:10~14:35 Starmarie
14:45~15:10 THE STARBEMS
15:20~15:45 HAPPY
15:55~16:20 Sentimental City Romance
16:30~16:55 Mothercoat
17:05~17:30 Zarigani$
17:40~18:05 Jungles
18:15~ 18:40 Vampillia
- Presented by AFHC & Japan Nite-
ONE OK ROCK In Toronto!
After being disappointed that I would miss ONE OK ROCK as they came through the US, I can now rejoice! ONE OK ROCK will be hitting up Toronto this May 14th. Full details below:
The Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON M4X 1K2
Wed, May 14, 2014 08:00 PM
Presale begins: Fri, 03/07/14 at 12:00 PM
Golden Voice Early Pre-Sale: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/one-ok-rock-toronto-ontario-05-14-2014/event/10004C54A0906A1E?brand=goldenvoice
General Public: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/one-ok-rock-toronto-ontario-05-14-2014/event/10004C54A0906A1E
See you there!
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