The J-Pop Thread

YouTube Japan are streaming a series of live concerts and "original music programs" from April 27th to May 6th.
smdh at all the Golden Bomber, intrigued by the idea of Hyadain playing live though.

April 27th – Golden Bomber / SEKAI NO OWARI
April 28th – Golden Bomber / AKB48
April 29th – Golden Bomber / Kyrary Pamyu Pamyu / AAA
April 30th – Golden Bomber / BOOM BOOM SATELLITES
May 1st – Golden Bomber / NIGHTMARE
May 2nd – Golden Bomber / SEKAI NO OWARI
May 3rd – Golden Bomber / Shounan no Kaze / Koda Kumi / Yakushimaru Etsuko
May 4th – Golden Bomber / livetune / flumpool
May 5th – Golden Bomber / Hyadain / Hamasaki Ayumi / VERBAL
May 6th – Golden Bomber / Denki Groove

oh there's this with clickable links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddmYVqScv6g

in the comments they say "Please be aware that all of these events are not necessarily live streamed, but can be archived concerts from before or music curator show showcasing each artists' favorite music." hmmmmmmm

Managed to get Perfume tickets this time around.

Oh yeah! This is possibly going to be the weirdest gig I've ever been to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhbq65WcH3o

I've been spamming the repeat button on this subtly catchy new SCANDAL single http://jpopsuki.tv/video/SCANDAL---Awanai-Tsumori-no%2C-Genki-de-ne/3f8e64544cc78af7457067c8f33bf005

Simple enough pop rock with a touch of elegance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQfI7UHtp8k

i have no idea what's going on here but it's strangely catchy
Sumire - Nanatsu no Umi Yori Kimi no Umi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TKRRs9tjuI

xpost Perfume make it all look so effortless

First thought on hearing that song is it's gotta be an anime theme song, and, yup.

I really like that Tokio Girls Style song! It sounds a like Nine Muses - Dolls, actually, but then Dolls sounds like a Jpop song, so XD.

New Pamyu Pamyu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcIOg_m-bp4&feature=youtu.be

Very retro, very sweet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw9HnBvdgHQ

Love that.

^^^yup

tokyo girls' style track also sounding great to me. could use a rippin guitar solo but I'm still very into it.

"magic of love" seems fine but not super exciting? video looks like a target ad; wouldn't be surprised if it actually were one! but I really like the short sonic the hedgehog instrumental bits - those are pretty awesome. could see this growing on me more.

liking that kyary track. kind of a mess but maybe that's part of the charm? love the pre-chorus part with drum programming that would fit in nicely on a speed limit 140 bpm comp. and looool at the dubstep part, obviously.

Some funny metalhead comments as a result of this

http://i.minus.com/j1yrNsWl2pabh.jpg

ahaha! they were playing to an audience of kids at a zoo the other day as well.
would be perfect if they were backed by MCZ cover band Metal Clone X.

One of my fave rnb singer songwriter flops JASMINE returns with another nice single, High Flying http://www.yinyuetai.com/video/663500

Did a mix with japanese artists, Shibuya-kei, disco, j-pop, jrock... Hope you like it
- http://www.mixcloud.com/tomaspinheiro/japanidades/

Loving the mix, good work!

Yep, a good listen.

and here's the other new one from the "magic of love" single:
http://lovetheperfume.tumblr.com/post/50917216856/handy-man-perfume

wow, I love this. and can anyone ID the sample running through it?

Interview with Perfume from the London Japanese Embassy's site.

Interview with Japanese pop sensation Perfume

Perfume is an electro-pop girl group from Hiroshima that formed in 2000, consisting of three members; Ayaka Nishiwaki (Aa-chan), Yuka Kashino (Kashiyuka) and Ayano Omoto (Nocchi) who have had continuing success in the Japanese charts since their breakthrough hit “Polyrhythm” in 2007. Particularly notable for their futuristic, robotic, doll-like style and well-choreographed dance moves, Perfume seek to take their infectious energy overseas on their first tour to Europe in July this year (only their second time to tour outside of Japan). We spoke to the trio as they prepared to travel to Europe and meet their British fans for the first time.

You recently performed outside Japan for the first time on your “Perfume WORLD TOUR 1st” around Asia. On this tour you will play in three different European countries. What are your expectations for your concert in the UK?
[Aa-chan] I still can’t believe that there are people in the UK that know about and like us and fans that are so passionate! I want to be able to give something back to those people by showing them a great time and I’m hoping for the same response!

[Kashiyuka] We may receive a different reaction from the one on our Asia tour, so rather than just dancing along with us, I’d like to get people to enjoy and get into the music. Also I’m interested to see if anyone will come dressed up in cosplay!

[Nocchi] What kinds of people listen to Perfume? What types of people will like us? I’m looking forward to meet the fans that are waiting for us.

Perfume: Aa-chan, Nocchi, Kashiyuka (L to R)

Have you been to the UK before? What are your impressions of the country?

[Aa-chan] I went to London last year. The buildings were very beautiful and wherever I went I was moved at how picturesque it was. Usually I don’t take a lot of pictures but I took so many in London – that was really impressive for me! Everything is colourful and bright, the sky seems so high! I felt free and was moved by the arts around the city.

[Kashiyuka] I’ve never been – so I’m really happy to be able to go on this tour!

[Nocchi] I’ve never been before. My impression is that it’s mix of a very homely and warm place, but also stylish.

Do you like any British music? Has your music been influenced by any British artists or styles?

[Nocchi] I listen to lots of different artists, but I especially like the Arctic Monkeys.

[Kashiyuka] I like Delphic, The xx, Adele, Autokratz, James Blake, Four tet, Klaxons, Kyte, Matthew Herbert, Muse, New Order, Radiohead, Sbtrkt, Simian Mobile Disco, Squarepusher, Stubborn Heart, The Ting Tings, Under world. Our music is produced by Yasutaka Nakata (Capsule) so I can’t answer if he has taken any influence from British music.

Have you had a chance to use English during your career so far? Are there any English words that you particularly like?

[Aa-chan] I used English a little bit on our previous tour of Asia but because of the difference in accents I found it hard to understand what was being said sometimes. Last time in London I ordered French fries and nuggets by myself in McDonalds. I’m not very confident speaking English so usually speak quietly, but that time I said my order loudly and was understood - so during our concert I’ll try to speak clearly without being embarrassed - nice to meet you!

[Nocchi] “I’m Kashiyuka. I’m Aa-chan. I’m Nocchi. Together we are Perfume!” I’ve really enjoyed doing this kind of basic greeting in English. Even though I feel a bit shy when I do.

[Kashiyuka] Our track “Spending all my time” is completely in English so I struggled really hard with the pronunciation. When I’m singing along to the melody, my accent becomes more Japanese – like katakana-speak, so I’m wondering what people outside Japan will think when they hear it. Also, it’s not a particular word, but I’m interested to know which genre people will classify us in as artists.

Have you made any changes to your concert to particularly appeal to the British fans?

[Kashiyuka] We’re planning to choose different songs from our first Perfume World Tour in Asia. We’d like to choose ones that we think our European fans would enjoy. We’d also like to include new art and techniques in the production of our show.

[Nocchi] For most people I think it will be their first time to see Perfume so I’d like to give a concert that makes them say “ah, so this is Perfume!”

Do you have any free time during your visit to the UK? Is there anything you would like to do or see while you are in the country?

[Kashiyuka] Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like we will get much free time in the UK. I wish I had time to go sightseeing and shopping. I’d like to go to the Library and Museum of Freemasonry and to Notting Hill.

[Aa-chan] Last time I came to London I thought that the London buses were a very convenient mode of transport. They are cute and stylish too! I’d like to have a chance for the three of us to travel on them together. I’d also like to visit some markets and buy lots of cheese to take home.

[Nocchi] Aa-chan told me that bread and pastries are delicious so I’d really like to try some as I love bakery goods. Definitely!

Even though this is your first concert in the UK, tickets sold out in minutes and you were upgraded to a larger venue which again sold out very quickly. This shows just how many British already people know about Perfume and are looking forward to seeing you here. What do you think it is about Perfume that the British fans like so much?

[Aa-chan] It’s a miracle! I can’t believe it! It really, really is an honour. I am so happy! Amazing… I mean, is it really true that people know about Perfume? I still find it hard to believe. If people really are looking forward to seeing us then I absolutely want to give them an exciting evening! I want to reproduce the same atmosphere as our concerts in Japan. I really think that Perfume’s appeal is in our live shows so I’d really like to give an exciting performance for many people.

[Nocchi] I am so happy! I can’t believe it! My heart starts pounding when I think about meeting the fans. Rather I’d like to ask you that question though - what do British fans really think of us? Tell us!

[Kashiyuka] I think it’s our combination of music and dance (choreography). Also, maybe our black hair?!

There are many British people wanted to see you but weren’t able to get tickets for your concert in London this time. With this great response already, do you consider the UK to be a potential location for future concerts and music releases?

[Aa-chan] If that’s what people are thinking then we definitely want to release our music in the UK. If we get a lot of requests then we will come to perform. It all depends upon everyone in London! We are waiting for your loud cheers!

[Kashiyuka] I still can’t believe our tickets are actually sold out! I’m really surprised! But if there are at least that many people that want to see Perfume I’d like to try and play at an even bigger venue and release new songs.

Since Perfume’s debut you have achieved your dream of playing at many large venues around Japan and have also started to perform overseas. What are your future plans for Perfume in Japan and around the world?

[Nocchi] I’d like everyone to have more fun and would like to do something that will get people excited!

[Kashiyuka] I want to create music in which non-Japanese people can hear the good aspects of music from our country but at the same time our Japanese fans can hear our impressions of travelling the world. Although I’m not speaking from a position of great experience, I would like to make music that crosses all country borders, and just perform music that all people can enjoy.

[Aa-chan] I think that British people have great taste but I would like more of them to know about our great music from Japan. Personally, we are fans of our composer, so we really want people to understand just what is good about his music. We also want to continue to reach for our dreams. As a whole team we want to enjoy our life! We hope that British people will continue to check our progress!

Some hardcore namedropping there from Kashiyuka

Either she is amazing or she's just choosing randomly from a list of things that are in/from England.

Oh she's talked about many of those before.

Mind you, I've always meant to check out the Museum of Freemasonry.

new Perfume album called Level 3 coming this year
they also uploaded most of their music videos to their youtube account http://www.youtube.com/user/Perfume/videos
Polyrhythm still sounds amazing, shocker!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbiSxunJatM

And they performed at Cannes Lions where they won some award for their PR campaign with 3d models and fan interaction etc- and the performance surely stands as one of their most stunning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI0x5vA7fLo

haaaa posted that to the dedicated Perfume thread earlier, its a banging version for sure
there's also a longer version w daft commentary explaining the project http://youtu.be/IeeBoxq6eSw

Ah, didn't know that was in use anymore. There was a great thread when JPN was released on the temporary ilx forum, brought a lot more discussion around them than ever before and after here so it was a shame it wasn't moved over.

New single from the incomparable Tempura Kidz http://youtu.be/9qj9GzAxXY8

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performing in San Francisco's Union Square on July 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
http://www.j-pop.com/2013/kyary-pamyu-pamyu/

Just picked up the two Rip Slyme comps "Good Times" and "Bad Times" The first one is just another collection of their singles, all of which are awesome, though I've heard 'em all fifty times before. But I've been looping "Bad Times" a lot, it's a comp of their non-album B-sides plus a few of their weirder album tracks, and it's really solid and surprisingly adventurous! I had heard a lot of these tracks in low quality (thanks Slsk!) so it's nice to have them all together like this.

Watching the Perfume in Cannes video, it suddenly clicked for me where I recognized their dancing style from - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure! And yup, Yuka Kashino (and Kyary?) are fans: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/jojos-pose-%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A7%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A7%E7%AB%8B%E3%81%A1

This idol group has a #6 hit on the Oricon this week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjVT-jsiPnw

So, anyone else coming to Perfume in Shepherds Bush tomorrow? We should be having some drinks nearby beforehand if anyone fancies joining us.

didn't know that the BiS noise collaboration song was a cover of a Jun Togawa song, the original is p great

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQkG-5M0qd8?t=1m8s

That's one of my all-time favourite Togawa songs. Not *entirely* convinced by the cover, though the conceit is certainly in keeping.

Also, zappi, it's not too late to jump on a train and come to Perfume with us. ^__^

lol i wish :_; hope you and mr craig have fun

Keen keen keen for tonight!

Posted about BiS/Biskaidan on Burning Ambulance today. I like their other video, where they're ska-punk skinheads.

I dig some BiS songs, this one fer instance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHwPVTtYum0

but their 'anti-idol' thing feels way more contrived than the idol culture they're lampooning to me. blood, nudity, noise... 'edgy' but not nearly as weird or unique as, say, momoiro clover z. and if you're covering togawa, well she's nothing if not the real deal...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-uxpylXf5fQ

So I had fun at Perfume. Sound wasn't great, and they seemed to blow their visual budget in the first couple of songs but vibes were good and both the group and the crowd were very much into it. They did the projection-dress thing from Cannes for the first song and it was amazing. Particularly enjoyed watching the crazy dancing fan at the front of the left-hand balcony. I'm not a big fan of audience participation but who couldn't fall for "Fish! Woo! Chips! Woo! Fish and Chips! WOO!".

Worried the crazy dancing fan at the front of the left-hand balcony was one of us.

Haha, it could have been one of us. But, I think it is more likely it could have been the guy with millions of perfume badges on a hat, a face mask and a Michael Jackson glove with a teddy bear attached.

That wasn't you?!?!

In my DREAMS!

Haha, it could have been one of us. But, I think it is more likely it could have been the guy with millions of perfume badges on a hat, a face mask and a Michael Jackson glove with a teddy bear attached.

Yep. Were you guys also up there?

Aye! I was just behind that guy for the last half of the concert, emil.y and C were a few people back next to the balcony. I usually prefer to be down the front for gigs, but found having a view and space to dance great.

Jealous of seeing the projection dresses live. Would go to see them every week if I had the chance.

AKB48's new surprise 'center's 'tude creating some hope for the future of idols... useless if the next girl is kicked out for it of course.

In the July 2 episode of Dancing Sanma Palace, Rino Sashihara looked back at the scandal which was scooped by Weekly Bunshun.

"If that didn't happen, this (placing 1st) wouldn't have happened. I'm grateful to that weekly tabloid, Weekly Bunshun."

Then Sanma asked: "What kind of guy do you like?"

Sashihara: "A person who can keep a secret."

So, I just discovered that Pefume Complete Best contains a track called ‘Wonder 2’, as does MBV. Coincidence?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62CaiWk0Cpw

this whole album is such an eargasm but the songs that combine traditional japanese instruments and scales are the stand-out tracks for me.