At the AnimeJapan 2023 expo the ‘NBCUniversal Entertainment’ booth highlighted 13 titles in total in a diverse array of colorful exhibits, with ‘Rokudo’s Bad Girls’, ‘The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy’, ‘The Great Cleric’, ‘Tengoku-Daimakyo’, ‘Girlfriend, Girlfriend’ and ‘The Duke of Death and His Maid’ being showcased onstage on the 25th and ‘Kawagoe Boys Sing’, ‘Opus.COLORs’, ‘The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess’, ‘Golden Kamuy’ and ‘Whispering You a Love Song’ taking to the stage on the 26th.
Moreover, at the NBCUniversal Entertainment booth at AnimeJapan 2023, the new animated logo for NBCUniversal Anime & Music was announced. The logo was produced by Production I.G who have lent their talents to a number of popular series, such as ‘Ghost in the Shell’, the ‘PSYCHO-PASS’ series and the ‘Tengoku Daimakyo’ series, to name but a few.
The logo features an image of the earth as part of the Universal globe, a symbol of the company. In 24 seconds, rocks come together and form the earth, water emerges, life is born and the factors that give rise to civilization are depicted. The logo is at once full of energy and life but also an impressively polished pop logo. We are sure that you will be seeing it pop-up in a number of works moving forward, so make sure to look out for it.
[STAFF]
- Original Animation: Tetsuya Masuda
- Color Design: Izumi Hirose
- Finish: Yuko Fujita
- Photography: Yumiko Nakata
- Editing: Taeko Hamauzu
- Animation Production: Production I.G
URL：https://youtu.be/Wm6OOKqnqRU
– Report on the Special Stage Showcases-
■Day 1 Saturday, March 25th
The Special Stage Showcase for ‘Rokudo’s Bad Girls’
With the televised anime series finally kicking off in April, the cast shared what they think viewers should pay particular attention to when watching the series. Gen Sato stated that ‘It has passionate friendships! It has battles! It has tears! Rokudo possesses an ‘extremely powerful grit!’. Mr. Sato put his heart and soul into his portrayal of Rokudo, garnering praise from women for his passionate performance.
The Special Stage Showcase for ‘The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy’
Present on stage for this event were Marina Inoue, Yui Ishikawa, and Aya Suzaki, with comedian ‘Doichu’ acting as MC. The showcase introduced the world of the anime and its characters.
In addition, the four people onstage introduced the highlights of the series. The first point raised was the ‘profound world view’ adopted in the anime which was introduced in tandem with art and illustrations. Hiroyuki Morita, who has previously worked as director for Studio Ghibli (and who also acts as director for this series) beautifully managed to depict a world that blends fantasy and Sci-Fi.
While it has yet to be announced when it will be broadcast, please look forward to it.
The NBCUniversal Special Stage Showcase for ‘The Great Cleric’
This showcase featured Reiji Kawashima who lends his voice to main character Luciel, and Tomoaki Maeno, who voices Grulga.
During the event, videos were shown that featured Akio Otsuka who plays Brod and Showataro Morikubo, who it was first revealed would appear in the show as an additional character playing the teacher, Mr. Koun, driving the audience wild.
In addition, the two guests onstage read out comments from Nasuo☆, who sings the opening theme ‘Bagu-chan’, and Yuki Nakashima, who sings ‘A New Day’, the song that plays over the end credits.
‘The Great Cleric’, a TV anime that tells the story of the growth of Luciel, is scheduled to air on TBS and BS11 starting in June.
The NBCUniversal Special Stage Showcase for ‘Tengoku Daimakyo’
This showcase featured Sayaka Senbongi (who plays Kiruko), Misato Fukuen (Mimihime), Shunsuke Takeuchi (Shiro) and Tomoyo Kurosawa (Kuku).
Each cast member highlighted their own personal highlights from the series in a segment called ‘The Walk of the Tengoku Daimakyo’, informed by their unique perspectives. Ms. Fukuen emphasized the unique characteristics of the work saying ‘The story! The mysteries of this world! It boils down to this’. Mr. Takeuchu emphasized a very specific peronal highlight, saying, ‘Mimihime’s ears are so cute’. Ms. Kurosawa raised the ‘depth of the characters of the academy team’, who live in the Takahara Academy which is surrounded by a wall and labelled ‘paradise. Ms. Senpongi stated “I am focused on the action scenes and the interactions between Marco and Kiruko” who live on the Makyo side, in the ruined ruined Japan. She added that the action scenes were of particularly high quality, exceeding her expectations.
The TV anime Tengoku Daimakyo’ is being broadcast on Tokyo MX and other channels every Saturday at 22:00. “Disney+” has secured exclusive worldwide distribution rights for its streaming service.
The Special Stage Showcase of ‘Girlfriend, Girlfriend’
The first season of ‘Girlfriend, Girlfriend’ was broadcast in July 2021. It was announced that season 2 will finally commence its long-awaited run in October 2023.
The news that season 2 would commence its broadcast in October was greeted by a rapturous round of applause from attendees. This time production duties were handled by SynergySP. Beginning in season 2 Shino has a more expanded role. Rie Takahahsi who plays her, stated that she is ‘looking forward to seeing how the story develops’.
Other characters who join the cast from season 2 were also introduced. When the character design for Rika Hoshizaki’s younger sister Risa was revealed and it was announced that Aoi Koga would play her, Junya Enoki let it slip that he wonders if she might also fall for Naoya. When the the female cast heard this, they cried out ‘Do something about us first!’.
The Special Stage Showcase of ‘The Duke of Death and His Maid’
The TV anime ‘The Duke of Death and His Maid’ began its run in July 2021, with season 2 scheduled to begin in July of 2023.
At this event, the new characters that will appear in season 2 were announced, along with the voice cast who will play them. The head of the ‘Gemini’ circus troupe, who is treated as strange for his laid-back personality but trusted by other members of the troupe is portrayed by Masaaki Mizunaka, with Reina Ueda playing the role of Amelia, a witch who specializes in breaking curses.
In addition, the opening theme ‘Kimi to Review’ will be carried over from season 1 and continue to be sung as a duet between Bocchan and Alice. Ayumi Mano stated that, “It’s a really cute song and you won’t be able to stop yourself from humming along”. “Hoshikuzu Requiem” (Stardust Requiem) has been decided upon as the ending theme.
This season features a deeper exploration into the characters that emerges gradually in tandem with a slow reveal of secrets of the curse, so please look forward to it hitting your screen!
■Day 2, Sunday March 26th
The Special Stage Showcase for ‘Kawagoe Boys Sing’
The event featured the first showing of a teaser music video, with the cast taking to the stage dressed in the uniforms of their characters, just as the expectations of the audience piqued. There were 10 guests in total, making for a lively and extravagant stage show.
The cast were also seeing the teaser music video for the first time on the day, with Subaru Kimura taking to his feet and highlighting points of interest in the video that would surely attract the attention of any viewer, stating, “The song that was just shown off earlier was really interesting, right?” By the way, the background music accompanying the NBCUniversal logo that was shown before the video began was sung by a chorus of the characters of the anime emphasizing that this work was one that is centered around “song”.
The Special Stage Showcase for ‘Opus.COLORs’
An announcement was made of plans for merchandise involving collaborations between Illumination’s ‘Minions’, the artful teenage anime ‘Opus.COLORs’, the teenage musical anime ‘Star-myu’, the voice actor ‘Natsuki Hanae’ and the music artist ‘Urashimasakatasen’.
Following on from this, a new music video from the anime was unveiled for the first time. It raised the question of ‘What is the meaning of the perception art found in this work?’ The atmosphere was conveyed in the subtle finish of the video, with cast members adding “This video will raise expectations even higher!” The production of this art part was headed up by OTOIRO, with creators from companies in a wide variety of fields such as DECO*27 assisting.
‘Opus.COLORs’, a TV anime imbued with art that tells the human story of a group of teenagers, premiers at midnight on Thursday, April 6th.
The Special Stage Showcase for ‘The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess’
This event showcased the TV anime ‘The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess’ which will commence broadcasting in October 2023.
Speaking about the anime, Manaka Iwami explained ‘It’s really fun! It mixes the comedic and the serious, so it’s like getting your fill of salt and sugar at the same time.” Miyuri Shimabukuro said that “there is a gap between how the characters look and their true character and it’s the same for the anime itself”. In addition, Fairouz Ai told the story of how she read an old version of the script in her studio audition, rather than the latest one. However, it was the kind of pleasant working environment where her colleagues involved in producing the series would simply find such events funny and warmly laugh them off.
The Special Stage Showcase for the TV Anime ‘Golden Kamuy’ – Right Before the 4th Season
Chikahiro Kobayashi (who plays Saichi Sugimoto), Haruka Shiraishi (Asirpa), Kentaro Ito (Yoshitake Shiraishi), Kenyu Horiuchi (Sergent Kituka), Masaaki Mizunaka (Ariko Rikimatsu) and Tomokazu Seki (Botaro Kaizoku) graced the stage for this showcase.
Round 2 of the collaboration between ‘Golden Kamuy’ and Sanrio characters was announced at the event. Visuals showing a collaboration between 25 different characters were also shown off.
The fourth season of the TV anime ‘Golden Kamuy’ is being broadcast every Monday at 11pm on Tokyo MX and other stations. It is also available to stream now on demand exclusively on Prime Video.
The Special Stage Showcase for ‘Whispering You a Love Song’
The TV anime ‘Whispering You a Love Song’ is scheduled to begin its run in January 2024, so the cast selected famous scenes from the first volume of the manga to convey the charm of the series.
The vocals for the band members that appear in ‘Whispering You a Love Song’ are actually performed by real artists, so fans were greeted to a surprise guest appearance by Kana Sasakura who takes on the vocals of Yori Asanaga, and Sui Mizukami, who performs the vocals of Izumi Shiho. Both guests were nervous but Ms. Sasakura wowed attendees with a performance of the theme song from SSGIRLS, ‘Humming Love’ (Lyrics: Shoko Fujibayashi/Music: Tako Yamaguchi/Editing: Katsuhiko Kurosu) and Ms. Mizukami performed ‘Meritocracy’ (Lyrics and Music: Sho Watanabe/Editing: Takuya Watanabe) the theme song from Lorelai. Both performers make their screen debut in ‘Whispering You a Love Song’ and they hope to imbue the series with energy through music.
| The special website for the ‘NBCUniversal Entertainment’ presence at AnimeJapan 2023 |
#AnimeJapan2023 #YoriAsanaga #KanaSasakura #kcrushnews #WhisperingYouaLoveSong #GoldenKamuy #TheVexationsOfAShutInVampirePrincess #TVAnime #OPUSCOLORS #kcrushmedia #kcrushamericamagazine #KimiToReview #TheDukeoftheDeadandhisMaid #SSGIRLS #NBCUniversalEntertainment #RokudosBadGirls #TheDemonSwordMasterofExcaliburAcademy #TheGreatCleric #TengokuDaimakyo #GirlfriendGirlfriend #Anime #KowagoBoys
Japanese DJ/producer Yamato releases his latest track ‘Fujiyama feat. ELIONE’ on Friday, April 14. As a former technical developer on Pioneer’s series of CDJ decks, Yamato has perfected incredible, unique DJ techniques – making him a distinctive player in the domestic and international club scene.
The single ‘Fujiyama’ is named after Japan’s majestic Mount Fuji, a metaphor meaning to “aim for the highest heights”.
The track is based on Yamato’s trademark traditional Japanese sound, fusing Japanese folk instruments such as shamisen and shakuhachi with a powerful dancefloor drop, over which rapper ELIONE skillfully spits lyrics with a motivational message to inspire those who are aiming for the top.
The music was produced by Yamato, while the rap lyrics were written by ELIONE, a rising star in Japan’s hip-hop scene. ‘Fujiyama feat. ELIONE’ has been selected as the theme song for ‘Nihontouitsu Kanto-Hen’, the latest series of the hit TV show ‘Nihontouitsu’ that first began in August 2013.
With Yamato representing the dance world and ELIONE the rap scene, ‘Fujiyama feat. ELIONE’ is an unmissable collaboration between two diverse artists.
About Yamato
Just two years after his debut as a DJ, Yamato won the ‘burn WORLD DJ CONTEST 2013 JAPAN’ sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company. Following that, Yamato’s performance at a global competition held in Ibiza impressed Avicii so much that the superstar DJ invited Yamato to perform together at a festival in Budapest, Hungary – the first ever such appearance by a Japanese artist.
Yamato was formerly a developer on Pioneer’s series of CDJ decks, and his intimate understanding of DJ equipment has allowed him to develop incredible techniques that are all his own. His inimitable DJ skills have earned him praise from music fans around the world, attracting audiences at clubs and major music festivals in Japan and overseas.
Yamato’s series of performance videos on YouTube have racked up some 30 million views, with fans around the world including Afrojack, Laidback Luke and Lil Jon. He is also active as an artist, with the release of his first EP ‘Essentials EP’ in 2022.
Further information
YOUTUBE | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
About ELIONE
ELIONE is a rapper/producer born in 1987 in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
He has steadily built up his career since debuting in 2015, amassing a growing audience thanks to his impressive rhyme skills and authentic, fresh handmade beats.
Over the course of his first four albums, ELIONE gained attention not only for his music but also for his innovative approach to self-production, his successful crowdfunding, releasing via Manhattan Records and his embrace of grass-roots promotion.
In 2017, he appeared on the TV Asahi show ‘Freestyle Dungeon’, setting the airwaves alight with a performance that went beyond the definition of a mere live show or freestyle battle.
As a producer, lyricist and composer with a high level of musicality, ELIONE continues to create music for a wide variety of major and independent artists – including SALU, CHICO CARLITO, Hypnosis Mic, Chanmina and My First Story, as well as GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE, LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE and more.
In recent years, ELIONE has also collaborated with guests on his own tracks, including working with JP THE WAVY on his track ‘Ashita’ and with G-k.i.d on ‘Hustler’s Lullaby’, as well as releasing the four-song EP ‘AC2’ with his cohort SALU under the name SALU&ELIONE, and a single produced by BACHLOGIC – with release after release shaking up the music scene.
Released on March 1, 2023, and produced by Japan’s BACHLOGIC, ELIONE’s fifth album ‘So Far So Good’ was a culmination of his career to date, while also setting a new frontier for the future.
Don’t miss this unique representative of Japan’s rap scene as he forges an incredible career.
Further information
#Yamoto #Japanrap #kcrushnews #rapmusic #ELIONE #rapartist #Japanese #JRap #kcrushamerica #Fujiyama #newsingle #Nihontouitsu #kcrushamerica #YamatoElioneCollab #rapscene
Japanese trackmaker Tomggg has earned acclaim both in Japan and abroad for his highly original sound. Last year, Tomggg’s track ‘License of Love’ – cowritten with Japanese indie-pop artist kiki vivi lily – was used in a commercial by Apple. This was followed by the release of ‘Wetlands of grey and blue’, an EP featuring five songs that were originally written for the popular videogame ‘Deemo II’.
Tomggg has collaborated with a variety of artists from around the world, releasing ‘Turn The Lights On’ with Indonesian indie-pop artist Vira Talisa, and ‘it’s okay!!’ with Hong Kong electronic musician Merry Lamb Lamb, attracting attention from audiences in Japan and overseas.
Tomggg’s latest release ‘Ichigo Miruku’ is a collaboration with ena mori, a pop icon from the Philippines. Taking the No.1 spot in NME’s Best Asian Albums of 2022 list, ena mori has received high praise from music fans around the world, with catchy melodies and lyrics in a mix of English and Japanese that draw on her Japanese ancestry. The lively and fun lyrics to ‘Ichigo Miruku’ uniquely depict a girl lost in the streets of Tokyo, resulting in a colorful pop song that is perfectly synchronized with Tomggg’s precise and unique beats.
The cover artwork was illustrated by Mami Ikeda, with a rich and impactful pop style that matches the music, adding an additional layer of color.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Tomggg & ena mori
Ichigo Miruku
2024.4.14 Release
subscription https://lnkfi.re/tgem_icgmlk_230414
YouTube https://youtu.be/SizaXdXVr-Q
▷Tomggg Twitter https://twitter.com/Tomggg
▷Tomggg Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tomggg/
▷ena mori:
https://www.instagram.com/enamorimusic/
https://twitter.com/enamorimusic
https://www.youtube.com/@enamori7050
#Miruku #enamorimusic #Tomggg #Ichigo Miruku #Filipino #Japanesetrackmaker #Jpop #kcrushnews #newalbum #enamoriandTomgggcollaboration #kcrushamerica #popmusic #newsong #indi-pop #enanori
The 49 Days K-drama tells the story of a bride-to-be whose world is crushed upon going into a coma after a car accident. A generous grim reaper gives her a chance for a second life only if three people shed a tear for her. Reality hits this beauty as the real identity of those around her is brought to the surface.
Shin Ji Hyun (Nam Gyu Ri)
Shin Ji Hyun is lucky to have it all in life when a car accident puts her in a coma fighting for her life. Possessing the body of the girl who caused her accident is her only way out. The strive to get those she considered family and friends to shed tears for her leaves viewers in emotional mayhem.
Song Yi Kyung (Lee Yo Won)
Life is a gamble that Song Yi Kyung has lost, especially after her boyfriend’s death, and is on a quest to make an end to it. One of her suicidal acts leaves Ji Hyun in a coma. Her body becomes Ji Hyun’s home which leads to ensuing captivating scenes as both souls try to inhabit one body but are conflicted by overlapping pursuits.
Scheduler / Song Yi Su (Jung Il Woo)
Just like humans, life as a grim reaper has its good days and bad days. On a fateful good day, Song Yi Su, the scheduler, grants Ju Hyun the opportunity of redeeming her life on a condition. This good deed pays off as Yi Su reunites with his human girlfriend whose body is possessed by Ji Hyun.
Han Kang (Jo Hyun Jae)
This supposedly rude and cold Ji Hyun’s high school friend turns out to be Ji Hyun’s pillar in her pursuit to redeem her life. Han Kang’s true identity is unearthed in his quest to help Ji Hyun repossess her life.
Kang Min Ho (Bae Soo Bin)
Upon Ji Hyun’s comatose condition, this presumably perfect fiancée shows his true nature. From cheating on his fiancée to swindling her family to satisfy his materialistic urge, Kang Min Ho’s maliciousness leads him into a pit of regrets.
Shin In Jung (Seo Ji Hye)
Shin In Jung is a wolf in sheep’s clothing with the narrative of being happy for her best friend Ji Hyun. After Ji Hyun falls into a coma, In Jung’s true character comes to life in her bid to steal Ji Hyun’s life which she has coveted for the longest time.
My Thoughts
The impeccable writing blends with the deep feelings oozed by each of the characters to explode into a wholesome drama. 49 Days is a storyline that hits home for most people as it touches on relationships. Ji Hyun’s journey engulfs the viewer into a roller coaster of emotions and opens up a discussion on the value and composition of relationships. 49 Days is an emotional-wrecking and engaging drama worth watching.
—-Karen Mwenda
#49Days #49DaysKDrama #kcrusharticle #kdrama #koreanactors #kfashion #kdramaost #kcrush #kcrushmindmap #kcrushkdramamindmap #mindmap #SeoJiHye #BaeSooBin #kcrushamerica #JoHyunJae #JungIlJoo #LeeYoWon #NamGyuRi #kdramareview #koreandrama
BTS’ J-Hope will become the second BTS member to enlist in the military.
While his official enlistment date hasn’t been announced, it is expected that he will enter army basic training April 18.
Earlier in the week, while in a Weverse livestream with V and Jungkook, J-Hope appeared sported his short hair, fueling the expectation that his enlistment will be in the coming week.
During the livestream, J-Hope said, “Everyone, I’m not going tomorrow. I’ll come to see you this week through live streaming. My ARMYs, don’t have a hard time. Love you, ARMYs.”
While April 18 is the date circulating for his enlistment, BIG HIT Entertainment said, “Please understand that it is difficult to confirm J-Hope’s enlistment date and location.”
BIG HIT did release a statement previously that read, “We thank all the fans for your continued support for BTS and would like to update you on J-Hope’s upcoming enlistment into the military. J-Hope will fulfill his required time with the military by enlisting in the army. Please note that there will be no official event on the day of his entry. The entrance ceremony is a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only. To prevent any issues that might occur from crowding, fans are advised to refrain from visiting the site. Instead, we ask you to keep your heartwarming words of support and farewell in your hearts.”
[Weverse Notice] Start of @BTS_twt j-hope’s military service noticehttps://t.co/4llizCuvbc pic.twitter.com/pVq6bgWiOt
— BTS Charts & Translations (@charts_k) April 1, 2023
Meanwhile, J-Hope released his solo album Jack in the Box in 2022. In March, he and J.Cole dropped the single “On the Street.”
J-Hope has stated he plans one more Weverse livestream before reporting to his designated recruitment training center for five weeks of basic training, so stay tuned!
—-Olivia Murray
#BTS #JHopeEnlistment #BTSJHope #kpop #Weverse #livestream #kcrushnews #BIGHITEntertainment #KoreanMilitaryEnlistment #KPopIdolEnlistment #BTSV #JackInTheBox #OnTheStreetwithJCole #korea #kcrushamerica #kcrushmedia #JHopeMilitaryEnlistment #BTSmembersInMilitary #kpopdance #BTSARMY #ARMYBTS #BTSKPopGroup #JHOPE
There is sad news to report as 26-year-old South Korean actress Jung Chae-yul has been found dead in her apartment. Her body was discovered April 11, 2023.
Management S Team, Jung’s agency, confirmed the Zombie Detective actress’ passing in a statement.
“Today, we are relaying sorrowful and heartbreaking news. Actress Jung Chae-yul left our side on April 11, 2023. In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family who must have been in greater sadness than anyone else, the funeral will be held quietly in private. Please wish for Jung Chae-yul, who had always been earnest in her pursuit of acting, to rest in peace in a warm place. We earnestly request that you refrain from writing speculative articles or spreading rumors,” the statement said.
Prior to acting, Jung was a model who appeared on the 2016 TV show Devil’s Runway. In 2018, Jung made her acting debut in Deep, but her breakthrough role was in 2020’s Zombie Detective. She also held a supporting role in 2022’s I Have Not Done My Best Yet. She was slated to have a role in the K-Drama Wedding Impossible that was expected to start filming soon, but production has been canceled following Jung’s passing while the production company assesses the situation and their next steps.
On April 7, 2023, Jung uploaded a captionless Instagram post, her last, where she’s wearing headphones and enjoying some drinks. Fans have been leaving tributes to the rising star in comments.
View this post on Instagram
We send our condolences to Jung Chae-yul’s family and friends during this sad time.
—-Olivia Murray
#JungChaeYul #kcrushnews #ZombieDetectiveActress #JungChaeYulfounddead #JungChaeYulpassesaway #Management5Team #JungChaeYulagency #kcrushmedia #condolences #sadannouncement #actress #koreanactress #kcrushamerica #kdramaDEEP #DevilsRunwayModel #JungChaeYulModel #mentalhealth #koreanupcomingactress #kdramaIHaveNotDoneMyBestYet #oursympathies #letstalk
CALI MELLOWは、フローとリズムのあるラップスキルを熟知したアーティストです。この自由奔放なアーティストが発信するコンテンツ満載の作品は、日本のエンターテイメント業界内外で波を起こしています。才能あふれるCALI MELLOWをより深く知るために、KCrush America Magazineは1対1で対談を行いました。
Spitting in flow and rhythm is a skill that CALI MELLOW well understands. This free-spirited artist is making waves in and beyond the Japanese entertainment industry through his op-point content-filled pieces that he delivers. KCrush America Magazine had a one-on-one conversation with the talented CALI MELLOW to get to know him better.
CALI MELLOWをどのように表現しますか？
How would you describe CALI MELLOW?
自分も含めて不安を感じていたり、ネガティブな感情になっている人を救えるような音楽を作りたい
I want to make music that can help people who are feeling anxious or negative, including myself.
音楽のキャリアを追求する上で、最も影響を受けた人物は誰ですか？
Who was your biggest influence in pursuing a career in music?
Juice Wrld, KOHH
CALI MELLOWの音楽ジャンルについて教えてください。
What would be the best description of your music genre?
HipHopにHyper Popを混ぜたり、HipHopにHouse混ぜたり、HipHopを元に自分しかできないジャンルを作っていきたい。
I want to mix HipHop with Hyper Pop, mix HipHop with House, and create genres based on HipHop that only I can do.
あなたは特徴的なスタイルをお持ちで、特に編み込みヘアが印象的です。また、とても率直に意見を表明し、保守的な人々には下品に見えるかもしれない問題にも触れています。その外見や発言に対して反発を受けたことはありますか？
You have a unique style, especially the striking braids. You are also quite outspoken and openly touch on issues that might seem rather vulgar to the conservatives. Did you ever face backlash for your choice of look or for speaking your mind?
親には最初はびっくりされたけど慣れて来れば徐々に受け入れてくれたし、自分が知らない事や見たことないものに対して最初から拒否反応を起こすのはおかしいと思う。そもそもファッションは自己満足だから反発を受ける事自体間違ってる。
My parents were surprised at first, but once they got used to it, they gradually came to accept it too. I think it is strange to immediately reject things you’ve never seen before, or don’t understand. Afterall, fashion is a form of self-gratification, so it is wrong to receive backlash.
「Heiki」のフロー、ビート、リリックの芸術性は桁外れでした。この曲の意図するメッセージは何だったのでしょうか？
The flow, beats, and lyrical artistry in the “Heiki” track were off the charts. What was the song’s intended message?
自分は今は裕福でもないし、hiphopで成功出来たわけではないけれど、自分が音楽を辞めるかどうか悩んでいた時に比べたら、周りには友達がいて、色んな人が認めてくれてって段々と変わってきたから平気だぜって意味の曲です。でも正直毎日辛いんで自分に言い聞かせてる意味での平気でもあります。
I am not wealthy, nor have I been successful in HipHop. But compared to when I was considering whether or not to quit music, I have friends and many people have accepted me, so things have gradually changed. So it’s a song about it being OK – “Heiki”. But to be honest, every day is hard, so it’s also OK in the sense that I’m telling myself that.
「Emotional Support II」は、多くの熱狂的な支持を受けています。この作品の背景にはどのようなストーリーがあるのでしょうか？
The Emotional Support II EP has been received with much enthusiasm. What is the story behind this play?
最初はアルバムを作ろうとしてたんですけど曲数とか時期的にepになってしまってepだったらepの名前は1stから続いてEmotional Support ⅱにしようって事になりました。
At first, I was going to make an album, but due to the number of songs and the timing of it all, I ended up making an EP. And since it was an EP, we decided to name it “Emotional Support II”, continuing from the 1st.
将来、コラボレーションしてみたいアーティストは誰ですか？
Which artist would you wish to collaborate with in the future?
Juice Wrld, Lil TJay
あなたの座右の銘・好きな言葉は何ですか？
What is your favorite quote or saying?
カッケー奴らはカッケー奴らとカッケー事してダッセーものでもカッケー物に見せる
Cool guys do cool things with cool guys, and make even dorky things look like cool things.
ライブパフォーマンスを行ってきた経験から、ステージ上でのライブとスタジオの裏側にはどのような違いがあるのでしょうか？
Having engaged in live performances, how would you compare being live on stage and behind the studio scenes?
違いはあんまりないです。でも本番の方がお客さんいて楽しいです。
There isn’t much of a difference. But it’s more fun having an audience at the live performance.
あなたの創造性を刺激するものは何ですか？
What stirs your sense of creativity?
友達と遊んだりした時とか、いいことあった時とか、逆に悪いことあった時とかの全ての思い出とか経験が創造性の源です。
Playing with friends, good times, bad times–every memory and experience can become a source of creativity.
海外のファンに、あなたの好きな食べ物を紹介するとしたら？
How would you introduce your favorite food(s) to your international fans?
いくら、鰻重
Salmon roe, Eel on rice
リラックスできる時間があれば、ゲームやスポーツを楽しんでいますか?
If you have time for relaxation, do you have a video game or sport you enjoy?
ゲームはあんましないけど、スポーツはサッカーたまにする。
I don’t play games much, but I do play soccer occasionally.
CALI MELLOWブランドの将来について教えてください。
What is the future for CALI MELLOW as a brand?
映像、音楽、ファッションを全てクルー内で完結できるクリエイティブクルーを作りたい。
I want to create a “creative crew” that can complete videos, music, and fashion all within the crew.
—-Karen Mwenda
#CALIMELLOW #kcrushinterview #CaliMellowfavoritefoods #Salmonroe #Eelonrice #LilTJ #kcrush #JPOP #JuiceWrld #HipHop #HyperPop #HipHopandHouseMix #Heiki #EmotionalSupport #EmotionalSupportII #EPEmotionSupportIICaliMellow #CaliMelloJapanesesinger #kcrushmedia #kcrushamerica #JapaneseInterview #JapaneseHipHop
LISTEN HERE!
OPENING THEME FROM THE NEW SEASON OF THE HIT ANIME SERIES
DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA -SWORDSMITH VILLAGE ARC-
THE PAIR ALSO COLLABORATE FOR SERIES ENDING THEME
‘KOI KOGARE’ WRITTEN BY YUKI KAJIURA OUT APRIL 17TH
MAN WITH A MISSION WOLVES ON PARADE TOUR
HITS UK & EUROPE IN JUNE 2023
MAN WITH A MISSION and milet have collaborated on the brand new single ‘Kizuna No Kiseki’ out now via Milan Records/Sony Music. The song is of the opener of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba –Swordsmith Village Arc- and is a powerful pop laced rock track sung in their native tongue. MAN WITH A MISSION and milet have also collaborated on ‘Koi Kogare’, which closes the new series on April 17th.
Regarding ‘Kizuna No Kiseki’, MAN WITH A MISSION guitarist, vocalist and rapper Jean-Ken Johnny says, “We are honored to be part of the opening track for this extraordinary work Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -Swordsmith Village Arc-, with the diva of the times, milet. We hope you will enjoy our song with the miraculous story of how the characters’ lives cross, spin, and create bonds together.”
Featured collaborator and singer milet adds, “I am so delighted and excited to sing for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -Swordsmith Village Arc-. I hope to support this work that is loved around the world with ‘Kizuna No Kiseki’ with the invincible artist, MAN WITH A MISSION. A story of deep, yet fragile bond and love… With all my heart, I would like to cherish and sing the song.”
MAN WITH A MISSION & milet ‘Kizuna No Kiseki’ Teaser 1
The ending theme song is joined by Yuki Kajiura who has been creating the ending theme songs for the anime “Demon Slayer” series. While milet sings with MAN WITH A MISSION playing the sound, the band and Yuki Kajiura made the final touches of the song.
MAN WITH A MISSION will bring their new song to audiences across the globe when the band sets out on a world tour through North America, the UK and Europe through May/June 2023. The WOLVES ON PARADE tour kicks off in the US in May and hit will UK and Europe for a string of June dates.
A full list of tour dates and ticketing information can be found HERE.
MAN WITH A MISSION HEADLINE TOUR DATES
NORTH AMERICA
May
14th – San Francisco, August Hall
15th – Los Angeles, The Regent Theater
18th – Dallas, Cambridge Room at HOB Dallas
19th – Houston, Bronze Peacock at HOB Houston
21st – Chicago, House of Blues
25th – Toronto, The Axis Club
26th – New York, Irving Plaza
28th – Boston, Brighton Music Hall
UK
June
16th – London, O2 Academy Islington
18th – Manchester, Rebellion
21st – Glasgow, The Garage
EUROPEAN
June
11th – Hradec Kralove, Rock For People
13th – Amsterdam, Melkweg
14th – Paris, La Cigale
25th – Berlin, Astra Kulturhaus
27th – Munich, Backstage
30th – Viverio, Resurrection Festival
MAN WITH A MISSION
Official Website http://www.mwamjapan.info/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mwamjapan
Staff Twitter: https://twitter.com/mwaminfo029
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWAMjapan/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mwamofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mwamofficial/
milet
Official Website https://www.milet.jp/
Twitter：https://twitter.com/milet_music
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/milet_music/
TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@milet_official/
FURTHER INFORMATION
MAN WITH A MISSION
MAN WITH A MISSION are one of the most successful rock bands in Asia today. The half man, half wolf collective consist of Tokyo Tanaka (vocals), Jean-Ken Johnny (guitar, vocals, rap), Kamikaze Boy (bass), DJ Santa Monica (DJ), Spear Rib (drums). They regularly sell out arenas across their homeland and have also completed sold-out headline tours of the UK, Europe and US. MAN WITH A MISSION have been a part of major cultural moments in Japan and beyond. Their songs have sound tracked numerous films, TV shows, video games, sporting events and TV commercials.
MILET
Debuted from a major label on March 6th, 2019. Her debut single, ‘inside you’ produced by Toru (ONE OK ROCK) achieved #1 on 11 music streaming sites. On June 3rd, 2020, her 1st album eyes was released and it debuted #1 in the Oricon weekly album chart and Oricon weekly digital album chart. She performed at the Closing Ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in August 2021. At the end of 2022, she was selected to appear in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red-White Song Festival) for 3 consecutive years.
#KizunaNoKiseki #ManWithAMission #RockBand #Asianrockband #MILET #DemonSlayer #RedWhiteSongFestival #kcrushnews #kcrushamerica #TokyoTanakavocals #JeanKenJohnny guitarvocals,rap #KamikazeBoybass #DJSantaMonicaDJ #SpearRibdrums #newmusic #newsong #animeseries #ManOnAMissionWolvesOnParadeTour #KOIKOGAREWRITTENBYYUKIKAJIURA
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coachella, 88rising & THEBLACKLABEL
WATCH THE “PANIC” VIDEO HERE
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE AT COACHELLA APRIL 16th
April 7, 2023 (Los Angeles, CA) – LØREN is giving fans another stunning visual with the music video for “Panic.” The track is featured on his debut EP, Put Up a Fight, which released March 24 to acclaim from Billboard, Variety, Associated Press, StyleCaster, and more. Watch the “Panic” music video HERE. Along with the video release, LØREN has announced that he will be performing a set at Coachella on Sunday, April 16.
“Panic” is the second music video released off the EP, following the perfectly gloomy video for “Folks.” “Panic” is self-composed and written by LØREN, and he played all instruments for the track. The video shows LØREN performing on stage, shouting the lyrics to the song as he plays guitar, cut between shots of him inside a car. On his inspiration for the video, LØREN explains, “This is a very personal song for me and I’m excited to put the video out. My friends also took part in the shooting which makes it all that more special to me.”
To celebrate the release of his debut EP with 88rising, LØREN will be heading to California later this month to perform on Sunday, April 16th at Coachella, which is on the heels of SXSW where LØREN was named one of the “20 Best Acts We Saw at SXSW 2023” by Paste Magazine. He is also set to play at 88rising’s Head in the Clouds festival, which will take place May 20-21 in New York City.
The Korean alt-rocker currently serves as the face of Saint Laurent and has graced the covers of Vogue Hong Kong, DAZED Korea, i-D, and Female Magazine as their first male cover star. LØREN has garnered a significant following internationally due to his work as a songwriter (and video costar) for BLACKPINK, along with acclaim from a series of singles released in 2021 which amassed over 14 million views in a year and grew his Instagram following to over 1.2 million.
KEEP UP WITH LØREN
INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TIKTOK | WEBSITE
#LOREN #TheBlackLabel #Coachella2023 #PanicVideo #20BestActsWeSawatSXSW2023 #kcrushnews #kcrushamerica #88risingHeadInTheCloudsfestival #allrocker #SaintLaurent #PutUpAFightEP #KoreanRocker #rockstar #kcrushmedia
After intense legal battles with Blockberry Creative (BBC), Chuu has found a new home with the startup agency ATRP!
ATRP is a new agency started by CEO Kim Jin Mi. Kim was formerly the general director at WM Entertainment, the company behind B1A4 and Oh My Girl.
“We are very happy to welcome Chuu as our agency’s first artist,” an ATRP representative said. “We will give full support so that Chuu, who has unlimited potential, can fully display her talent as an artist and continue her activities enjoyably and happily. Please show lots of support and interest for Chuu who is taking a new leap.”
𝙸’𝚖 𝙲𝚑𝚞𝚞. 𝙰 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚛.#welcomeCHUU #CHUU #츄 pic.twitter.com/CRs9cJ5Vc1
— CHUU (@chuu_atrp) April 7, 2023
Chuu originally debuted with LOONA in 2017. While in LOONA and even during her suit for contract nullification, Chuu’s been active as a singer, variety show personality, and has been a dominant force in CVs and pictorials. After BBC expelled Chuu from LOONA for “violent language and misuse of power,” the company tried to bar her and other LOONA members from the entertainment industry.
In 2022, it was rumored that Chuu was signing with BY4M Studio, another new entertainment industry. However, BY4M Studio owns over 75 percent of ATRP.
Good luck to Chuu on her new beginnings!
—-Olivia Murray
#Chuu #LOONAChuu #kcrushnews #contractnulification #Chuusignswithnewagency #ATRPAgency #BY4MStudio #kcrushamerica #KimJinMi #KimJinMiATROAgencyCEO #kpop #kpopidol #kpopsinger #congratulationstoChuu #newagency #LOONA
Actor and singer Lee Seung Gi is now a married man!
On February 7, Lee Seung Gi married actress Lee Da-in an intimate-but-lavish affair at Seoul’s The Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas.
The wedding boasted several big names in attendance including Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Soo Geun, and Son Ji Chang. Lee Juk had the opportunity to sing the congratulatory song.
Lee Seung Gi announced his marriage back in February following months of turmoil between him and his former company, Hook Entertainment. While the marriage news should have been a happy occasion, the news was greeted icily by Netizens who do not accept his partner or her family.
Lee Da-in is the daughter of actress Kyeon Mi-ri and sister to actress Lee Yoo-bi. Lee Da-in has been under scrutiny because of a controversy involving her mother and stepfather. Kyeon Mi-ri’s husband, Lee Da-in’s stepfather, was convicted of stock manipulation and embezzlement back in 2018 but was later acquitted. Kyeon Mi-ri was initially accused of partaking in the scheme. An investigation found that she was not involved, though the public seems to have not accepted this ruling and are now afraid Lee Seung Gi may be wrapped up in controversy by marrying into the family.
While Netizens and the public may, overall, disapprove of the marriage, Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da-in appeared happy in love at their ceremony. Congratulations to the pair and may their union be smooth sailing!
—-Olivia Murray
#LeeSeungGi #LeeDain #kcrush #kcrushnews #LeeSeungGimarriage #LeeDainmarraigetoLeeSeungGi #Korea #LeeDainkoreanactress #koreacelebritymarriage #YooJaesuk #LeeSooGeun #SonJiChang #LeeJuk #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushannouncement #SeoulsTheGrandIntercontinentalSeoulParnas.
Daesung’s finally landed a new agency after leaving YG Entertainment in December 2022.
On April 3, Daesung, as well as his manager who’s worked with him for 10 years, signed an exclusive contract with R&D Company.
R&D Company confirmed the news, stating, “Through D-LABLE, a dedicated team for Daesung, we promise to provide generous support in order to show off his talents in various fields including music.”
R&D Company’s expected to not only handle Daesung’s music endeavors, but any potential acting, musical, and television and radio broadcasts as well.
Even though Daesung left YG Entertainment, he did not leave BIGBANG.
In addition to being active in BIGBANG, Daesung also released solo tracks in South Korea and Japan, with most of his solo work focused more on the Japanese market than the Korean market.
R&D Music is home to Navi, Kisum, and Chun Myung Hoon among others.
Good luck to Daesung on his new start!
—-Olivia Murray
#Daesung #BIGBANGDaesung #YGEntertainment #RnDCompany #Daesungnewlabel #soloJapanesemarket #kcrushnews #Navi #Kisum #kcrushmedia #ChungMyungHoon #congratulations #kcrushamericamagazine #DLABLE
Actor and singer Ji Chang Wook’s found a new home!
On April 7, the Backstreet Rookie and The Sound of Magic star signed with Spring Company, a new agency formed by his former manager.
Ji departed his former agency, Glorious Entertainment, earlier this year.
We’re delighted to work with Ji Chang Wook, an actor receiving a lot of love from the public because of his trustworthy acting talent and ability to take on any genre,” a Spring Company representative said. “As he’s an actor who’s influential in our country and abroad, we’ll do our best to support Ji Chang Wook, so he can display his talents in a wide variety of fields.”
In addition to Backstreet Rookie and The Sound of Magic, Ji’s known for his roles in the dramas Smile Again, Warrior Baek Dong-Soo, and Empress Ki and the web drama Lovestruck in the City. He is active in South Korea and Japan but has leant his voice to the Korean dub of the Japanese anime film Your Name. He is set to star in 2023’s The Worst of Evil, which will steam on Disney+.
Congratulations to Ji on his fresh start!
—-Olivia Murray
#JiChangWook #kcrushnews #actorandsingerJiChangWook #TheBackstreetRookie #TheSoundofMagic #SpringCompany #GloriousEntertainment #koreansinger #kpop #SmileAGain #WarriorBaekDongSoo #EmpressKi #LoestruckInTheCityJiChangWook #JapaneseAnimeYourName #TheWorstofEvil #Disney #kcrushmedia #kcrushamericamagazine
Taking the bull by its horns is a model that QM (큐엠) is known to live by. The rapper is making such a statement not only for his musical skills but the guts to address issues that other artists shy away from. QM’s vocal and honest storytelling has given him more footing, especially with the new issues in the societal fabric. Join KCrush America Magazine as we engage in a candid conversation with QM and get to know him more.
What would be the best description for QM as an artist?
I write lyrics that are closest to everyday life. I am not like other rappers who talk about money, relationships, and success. I deal with issues that other rappers don’t talk about such as loans or the situation that young people are in.
You are pretty famous for the ‘한국힙합‘ (Korean Hip-Hop) mixtape with SIMS. How did the project come about?
I didn’t realize this mixtape was so famous, I guess you mean it’s listened to internationally? It came about because Sims asked me to take a break from MIB and make a mixtape with him rapping. Sims and I have been friends for over 15 years, since we were 19 years old.
You have released various singles and albums whose tracks you have composed and produced. How did you pick up the skills?
People around me helped me a lot, and YouTube as well. In the beginning, of course, everything was new and it was hard to get started. Nonetheless, I kept striving and got to meet people like me. Don’t be afraid to start, keep on going, and you’ll shine alongside people with the same values as you.
The ‘WAS’ album was your first full-length album whose tracks ooze an analogous ambiance. What message/messages does the album revolve around?
It revolves around Korea’s rising military issue, high school seniors’ entrance exam issue, and the problems of young people in their late 20s. In Korea, many young people die every year due to the military issue. The media doesn’t cover this matter. I saw such an accident with my own eyes and addressed it in a song. Moreover, many students are suffering from excessive entrance examination competition. So I made a song to comfort them.
How would you describe your style of music?
Music that talks about what others are not addressing. Music that resonates with others. And music with the best lyrics.
Which artist inspired you the most to undertake your genre of music?
My favorite musician is Eminem and he has been of much influence on me. and the stories I tell are always inspired by books. Korean poets like Moon Tae Joon and authors like Ki Hyung Do and Lee Young-do among others have also been a source of inspiration. Oh! Kendrick Lamar has also been my latest source of inspiration as well and I guess that any rapper would.
What sparks your creativity?
It’s about the people that I love. When I interact with them, I can’t help but tell stories about them.
You have done various impressive collaborations with artists like KittiB and Roydo. Who is your dream artist/band for collaboration in the future?
I would like to work with J-Clef. I had a chance to work with him once but it fell through, which was a huge bummer. I’m waiting for the next opportunity to arise.
You have done numerous successful shows for your lyrical masterpieces. How would you compare being on stage and working on songs behind the scenes?
I think that being on stage is more lively because you can see people’s immediate reactions. While working from home, one has to anticipate people’s reactions. Lately, I’ve been trying to enjoy the stage more. Corona is over and I enjoy interacting with people.
Despite your recent debut, you already have a legion of fans supporting you on various social media platforms. What is your secret behind the massive fanbase?
I think it’s because they relate to my lyrics so much. I get encouraged the most when people post comments saying that I’m narrating their story. I love my fans!
How easy was it for you to debut and build a brand?
It hasn’t been easy at all. It’s still a work in progress. What I can certainly say is that although it’s my own brand I can’t do anything by myself. It’s something that I can only do with the help of many people.
Your latest ‘Gold’ EP album is a pool of fresh hits including “Can’t Be Me”. What inspired the album and is there a particular theme running through this album?
The album revolves around the question, “What would it be like if Show Me the Money had a joint stage without microphone selection?”. My senior, The Quiett (더 콰이엇), made the offer first which I readily accepted it. It was made in a little over a month, and I had fun working on it.
What is your songwriting process like?
I come up with a theme and pick a beat. Afterward, I listen to that beat a couple of times to build up what I’m going to write about. Sometimes it’s written in one sitting. But most of my songs have generally been written in this way.
Where do you see QM as a brand in the next 5 years?
In five years, I’ll head one of the best hip-hop labels in Korea. I think I will be doing tours overseas. Now that I’m in my mid-30s, I’m more interested in fostering the upcoming generation. Nazca records. I look forward to your interest and support.
What would you like to relay to your fans?
I love you! I promise to remain the same, but even if I change, I’ll persuade you through music. I’m eternally grateful.
—- Karen Mwande
#QM #KHipHop #kcrushinterview #MIB #NazcaRecords #TheQuiett #GoldEP #CantBeMe #rapper #songwriter #JClef #koreanhiphop #MoonTaeJoonpoet #KiHyungDoAuthor #LeeYoungdoAuthor #SIMSmixtap #kcrushamerica #QMWASAlbum #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushmedia #QMKoreanstoryteller #takethebullbyitshorns
K-dramas have become a global phenomenon harmonizing individuals from around the world for the common cause of bingeing on Korean literal works. Globalization and advances in technology have further spread the wave thus solidifying K-drama’s footing in the global entertainment industry. Most Korean dramas have their parental guidance age set at 15 years. Nonetheless, with the 20th century generation used to using technology from an early age, the need for parental guidance at the age of 15 has been outdated. Unlike most dramas that have a specific age of viewers, k-dramas have surpassed the limits and have viewers of diverse ages, from about 12 years and above, addicted to them. Given that k-dramas are of different genres, including historical to sci-fi dramas, they tend to serve the desires of people of different ages. In addition to the diverse genres, below are some of the reasons why fans of different ages enjoy watching K-dramas.
1. Plots
K-dramas are renowned for their creative and captivating storylines that keep the viewers hooked. The suspense and twisted plots with unexpected turns keep viewers hinged to their seats while instigating all sorts of feelings and emotions. Compared to western movies, k-dramas have mastered the art of keeping viewers at bay by delaying PDA scenes, which are also used scarcely through the last episodes of the dramas. For instance, kissing scenes in Korean dramas are highly treasured and invested in. When used, often during the last episodes, the PDA scenes are used spread sparingly and in nerve-wracking slow motions thus birthing intense emotions in viewers. Despite the complex storytelling, k-dramas are easy to binge-watch owing to the infused relatable emotions making them the right pick for individuals of different ages.
2. Actors
With Korea being a perfectionist culture, Korean actors and actresses have taken this lifestyle a notch higher through exceptional performances. The actors become one with the characters from the deep character development and ooze out every expected ounce of emotion to its core. The viewers are taken through emotional havoc that brings addiction to the dramas. In addition to their exceptional talents, Korean actors and actresses are the exact definition of elite beauty. Amidst the existing extreme beauty standards in Korea, Korean actors and actresses, who are marketed as the face of Korea, are a beauty to behold which turns viewers into fans. The fresh pairing of actors and actresses with every drama further makes k-dramas more intriguing. Moreover, with the drama characters being of different ages and backgrounds, k-dramas become relatable to individuals of different facets.
3. Outfits
Korea is amongst the world’s points of reference on matters of fashion as their styles change with the seasons. Korean dramas have become the fashion hub where individuals get outfit inspirations, whether for spring, summer, autumn, or winter. Korean fashion is known for matching and making outfit ideas from designs that would rather be termed out of date. Korean dramas have turned colors, especially aesthetic colors, into a unisex affair, which has gladly been accepted and cultivated into the global societal fabric. Moreover, since k-dramas have characters of all ages, these dramas are deemed to attract individuals of diverse ages through fashionable outfits. Many k-dramas’ fashion ideas have made all ages say “Wow!”
4. Culture
Korean culture is a footprint that’s spread all over k-dramas and has become a charm that enchants viewers to keep wanting more. Korean culture is best represented by the mouth-watering food scenes. From traditional to western foods, their manner of presentation and the satisfying looks and sounds made by actors upon eating leaves viewers craving and drooling for a bite. The respect culture and humaneness presented throughout the scenes demonstrate values and norms that we crave in a society. In other words, k-dramas teleport viewers into a world of perfection lifting off their real world’s weight of worries even just for a while. The different cultures presented in k-dramas are relatable to individuals of different ages thus making k-dramas famous among these age groups.
5. OSTs
The enchanting OSTs, are another thing to look for in k-dramas. These legendary musical pieces with magical beats and lyrics perfectly blend with the plot’s theme further intensifying the drama’s emotional sense. These soundtracks form the soul of k-dramas through their intentional lyrics that reveal the components of the narrative. The different OSTs set an intention and ambiance in different scenes thus aiding narration as well. The soundtracks are enchanting to individuals of all races and ages and given the addictive beats and clean lyrics of k-dramas, people have no choice but to get hooked.
6. Cinematography and locations
State-of-the-art cinematography is an aspect that has enhanced the visual effect of Korean movies. K-dramas go beyond the 180-degree rule and change shooting angles for greater impact. Camera movement and positioning significantly impact the meaning, tone, and mood, action of each shot. K-drama’s cinematography standards are off the charts as the camera movements, including wide shots and close-ups, give a three-dimensional relationship between objects and characters in each scene. Their mastery of camera angles also results in visuals with perfect lighting that are appetizing to the eyes. In addition to cinematography, k-dramas have the best scene-setting views. The chosen k-drama locations complement and set the story’s psychological mood in each scene. For instance, historical scenes are set in settings that ooze out historical richness and vibes which births the stage for an ancient reminiscence and ambiance. As such, the luring and captivating visuals become a contributing factor for increased demand for k-dramas, including those advanced in age.
We suggest you select a k-drama and take your time to understand each of the points above and notice how true they are and begin to really discover why many different age groups find k-dramas so fun and exciting to watch and keep watching to the very end.
—-Karen Mwande
#WhatAgesWatchKDramas #kcrush #kcrusharticle #koreanactors #Whykdrama #koreanculture #kcrushamerica #cinematography #koreanlocationsinkdramas #kdramafashion #kdramaplots #agesthatwatchkdramas #kdramaOSTs #koreanactresses #kdramaagegroups #watchkdramas #kdramamusic #kdramascenes #kdramalove
Lipnine is a hip-hop artist who made his debut in 2020 with “탓해” (feat. Pullik). He has since released two EP albums, “Sketch: Footprint” (2020) and “Medley” (2021), as well as three single albums, “Gotta Be Love” (2021), “아무것도” (feat. 찬현) (2022), and his most recent release, “왜 넌 나를” (feat. 한요한) (2023).
Please introduce yourself to KCrush readers.
Hello, I am LIPNINE, a musician from INHOUSE Music Group. Nice to meet you, KCrush readers!
While K-pop is hugely popular all over the world, K-hiphop is still largely unknown. Please introduce the charm of Korean hip-hop.
In my opinion, the charm of Korean hip-hop lies in its diversity. Each artist has their own unique style and color, and as Korean hip-hop continues to establish itself as a genre, it is becoming more and more interesting and enjoyable for both creators and listeners alike.
Who is the musician that has influenced you the most? Name a fellow musician who gives you the most strength when working on music right now?
I think I have been influenced a lot by many musicians, such as Big Bang, Sik-K, DPR LIVE, Beenzino, Travis Scott, and Amine, to the extent that they are the roots of my music. Although I have gone through many difficult times while making music, I am able to continue having fun and creating new works thanks to my producer team Melange’s Kobee and Holy M, who have been with me since the beginning and are still with me in INHOUSE. I am also currently receiving a lot of help from producers like The Trinity, Han Yo Han, and Pullik, and I am always sincerely grateful to them.
I think hip hop musicians need a lot of talent. It takes a lot of work, from making a beat, writing a verse, producing a song, memorizing them, giving a presentation, and making it feel alive with fashion and dance. Please tell us which part you are most confident in and which part is the most difficult?
First of all, I think my strength in music lies in creating elements that can be enjoyed by everyone without exception. I grew up listening to such music, and I think it’s something that comes naturally to me. Additionally, I’ve always been interested in fashion since I was young, and I still love it, so being able to style myself in a way that suits me is a strong point when it comes to expressing myself.
As for the most difficult part, lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how to express my thoughts in my music in a way that’s not too obvious or cliché, even if it’s about the same topics as other artists. I always try to find a fresh approach that will make it feel new and exciting to listeners.
When did you decide to become a hip hop musician? At what age did you start practicing rap? How did you practice rap at that time?
I have loved listening to music since I was very young, and I couldn’t go anywhere without my mp3 player. I enjoyed listening to music that much, and during the summer vacation of my first year of high school, I made the decision to pursue this as my career without any big hesitation. I booked a small studio in my neighborhood even though I knew almost nothing, and I’ve come this far by practicing and singing along and making my own songs.
In the Korean hip-hop scene, where do you usually network to find someone to request featuring or work together?
In my case, I usually communicated and worked through Instagram for the featuring. There are also cases where I communicated through acquaintances, as you know, the scene is quite small.
Please tell us about your plans for the next album. When will it be and what kind of concept will it be?
The next album is almost finished and if everything goes according to plan, it will be released in mid-April. Since this is my first EP album after signing with the company, I am putting a lot of effort into its production. The concept is another series of my album ‘SKETCH’, and I have tried to honestly express the emotions I actually felt as much as possible. I don’t know if the album will be released when the interview is published, but please enjoy it a lot.
Among the old K-pop and K-hiphop songs you listened to as a child, is there a song you would like to recommend to global fans?
There are too many songs I want to recommend, but the ones I still listen to occasionally are the entire ALIVE album by Big Bang, the entire FL1P album by Sik-K, “IAOT” & “Her” by DPR Live, and “24:26” by Beenzino. These are the ones that come to mind right now.
What do you usually do when you’re not working on music? What makes you relieve stress and regain energy?
Recently, this has been a concern for me. I don’t really have any hobbies other than music, so I’m trying to find ways to relieve stress. I’m thinking of finding healthier ways to cope with stress.
Is your day rather routine? Or do you rather spend time freestyle without a plan?
When I don’t have a schedule, I don’t have any plans. I relieve stress by doing things like suddenly going shopping or visiting other artists’ studios.
Are you a light-eater or a big-eater? What food do you eat most often and want to recommend to fans?
I used to not eat much, but my mouth gets sore before music video shoots so I’m trying to control it now… The food I eat most often and like the most is hamburgers, especially McDonald’s burgers.
What color can be seen the most in your closet? Where do you like to do shopping?
I have a lot of neutral-colored clothes, mostly black. I used to buy a lot of clothes online, but lately I prefer trying them on in person, so I often go to a curated shop called “samplas” in Mapo.
What is the hippest place in Korea that you would like to introduce to global fans?
Honestly I don’t usually go out much, so I don’t know which are the hippest spots, but I think the hippest spots in Korea are usually found in areas like Yeonnam-dong and Hongdae in Mapo or Apgujeong in Gangnam, which I often visit when I do go out.
What does hip-hop and music mean to you in your life? Is there a message you would like to convey to readers around the world about dreams?
Music itself means to me the coolest way of expressing my thoughts, goals, and presenting myself as an individual. As for dreams, I always have big ones, but my immediate goal is for this album to do well so that I can meet fans offline more often.
Lastly, please say some words to KCrush fans around the world who love Korean culture.
I feel that the love for Korean culture is growing all over the world these days, and as a musician myself, I feel so amazed and grateful for it. I will come back with better music. Nice meeting you all, KCrush readers 🙂
—-Jiyoung Lee
#LIPNINE #kcrushinterview #Yeonnamdong #HongdaeinMapo #ApqujeonginGangnam #INHOUSEMUSICGROUP #HipHop #koreanmusic #kcrush #LIPNINEsinger #LIPNINEMEDLEYEP #SKETCHEP #kcrushamericamagazine #DPRLive #Beenzino #koreanhiphop #interview #kcrushnews #SamplasnMapo #MelangesKobeeandHolyM #producerteamforLipnine #AlivealbumBigBang #TheTrinity #HanYoHan #Pullik #LIPNINEInterviewwithkcrush
In 2021, the Japanese vocal group WITHDOM released a cover of the track “Gunjo” by YOASOBI, the most popular Japanese artist outside of Japan. The track has garnered praise online and was reported on by media throughout the world for its chilled-out vibes and unique arrangement, boasting a superb R&B finish owing to the quality of the vocal work.
They continue to release music that can be described as unique Japanese R&B, achieving a wide pool of listeners at home and abroad through services like Apple Music & Spotify, as well as being selected for official playlists on these services.
The group will release their 5th full album ‘5:8’ (Five to Eight) on digital services on March 22nd, with tickets for their big-city Japanese album tour commencing in Kyoto and continuing to Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka and Fukuoka already sold out, a testament to their popularity.
In addition, on March 24th, the R&B track ‘Universe’ found on ‘5:8’ was selected for the one-month long ‘J-Pop Power Play’ segment on the FM radio station DJFM in Surabaya, Indonesia. It follows their other tracks ‘Tetris’, ‘RIDE ON TIME (Cover)’ and ‘Trippin’ on you’ to become the fourth consecutive track by the group to be selected for the slot.
The love song ‘Universe’ focuses on profound love, with member ROY being involved in both writing the lyrics and music, evoking themes through the use of words related to space, such as black holes and planets. All the while, Chill Trap’s comforting beats, modulations, smooth flow and melody evoke a sense of floating and grandeur, with everything coming together to create a truly superb example Japanese R&B that has been playlisted by YouTube Music in its official Japanese R&B playlist, among other honors.
There are numerous genres represented across the tracks on ‘5:8’ with danceable R&B tracks such as ‘Hey Girl’, ‘Vampire’ and ‘ICE CREAM (English version)’ in addition to the aforementioned ‘Universe’, ‘Tertis’ and ‘Trippin’ on You’, as well as the ballads ‘Blue’ and ‘Goodbye’, which have been added to a wealth of playlists.
The tracks ‘Blue’ and ‘Goodbye’ follow the story of one man. In ‘Blue’ the group sing about the story of a man experiencing the loss of love, while ‘Goodbye’ revists the mindset of the same man two years later when he is trying to rebound from the break-up, offering a novel approach the composition of two songs.
The music of WITHDOM is produced by the president of their production company RoB.inc, TATSUYA, who perfectly blends western tastes with current sub-critical sounds while producing music for both domestic and international artists such as Ryu Siwon, Seo In-guk and CODE-V. Lyrics emerge from group leader SMOOTH who works together with everyone in the group to make the music.
WITHDOM’s music is genre-less, ranging from R&B, Rock and chilled out tracks to the type of epic ballad that epitomizes the J-Pop genre. This 4-person group has attracted high levels of praise for their vocal and chorus work which combines three vocalists and a rapper who assists in the chorus, with their the song ‘Goodbye’ from their album ‘5:8’ coming first on a popular Japanese music program on TV.
Moreover, they were requested to create ‘We Are’, the theme song for the first train wrapping of the Osaka Monorail Company, the ‘EXPO TRAIN 2025 Osaka Monorail-GO’ which features an original design for the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo. The train commenced operations in November 2022. ‘We are’ was produced by TATSUYA, with group leader SMOOTH taking the lead on writing the lyrics. The official music video for the theme song was recently posted on the official YouTube channel of the Osaka Monorail Company.
One highlight of the videos are the scenes where all of the RoB.inc suite of artists; G.U.M, WITHDOM, AGE and U.for join in the singing of ‘We are’ at sites like the area around Bampakukinenkoen Station, the J-League Stadium and Osaka Airport.
In addition, because ‘We are’ has the theme of ‘bringing the world together through song and spreading the smiles of the future through song’ people from countries around the world, such as America, India, Korea, Saudi Arabi, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Peru and Poland participate in the chorus.
WITHDOM are also active in a number of campaigns both domestically and overseas, including being chosen by Kyoto City for appointment as “Global Supporters of Kyoto Tourism (working to share the message of sustainable tourism in Kyoto to international audiences as part of the ‘Mind our Tourism’ initiative)”. Make sure to keep a close eye on them to see what they are up to next.
WITHDOM on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Pfi9Ji3hoWZRuY69MZP8N
WITHDOM on Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/withdom/1268201452
Music Video for the ‘EXPO TRAIN 2025 Osaka Monorail-GO’ Theme Song ’We are’
‘Mind Our Tourism’
https://www.moral.kyokanko.or.jp/en
#WITHDOM #Japanesevocalgroup #kcrushnews #kcrushmedia #WITHDOMnewmusic #RoBinc #TATSUYA #JPop #RnB #rythmandblues #ExpoTrainmusicvideo #IndonesianFMRadioStationsPowerPlaySlot #kcrushamericamagazine #Rock
“FEMM’s” signature song “Fxxk Boyz Get Money” went viral as a strong girls anthem
among American teens. Word quickly spread to Europe, South America, and Asia, and was picked up by “FEMM’s” Agents (FEMM’s fans) including some worldwide influencers. This is how “FEMM” opened up a new decade.
“FEMM” is well-versed in Internet culture, and quickly focused on the “Revival” trend, which is a huge wave right now all over the world.
Their cover album “80’s – 90’s J-POP REVIVAL” was created in the genre of Japanese City Pop, which is also a huge trend right now. This album clearly amused lots of J-pop fans.
FEMM’s signature song:
Fxxk Boyz Get Money（2013 / Music Video）
Samishii Nettaigyo (2017 / Music Video)
With such a background, they have performed live in countries and regions all over the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Indonesia, Switzerland, Spain, China, Taiwan, Denmark, Germany, France, Poland, Malaysia, etc.
Yesterday, their music label “FEMM’s Agency Syndicate” announced that their activities would conclude at the end of 2023.
At the end of 2021〜2022, “FEMM” released two albums in a roll, “Tokyo Girls Anthem” and “Tokyo Ex Machina”, which was in future-retro style, that has a nostalgic feel observing present from the future.
In these albums they have collaborated with numbers of worldwide top creators and finally embarked on their first European tour, to Germany, France and the UK.
Falling For A Lullaby (2022 / Music Video)
Looking back, there were songs that might have been foreshadowing their farewell…
Crystal Ball (2022 / Music Video)
Tic Toc (2020 / Music Video)
Their single “We Got Each Other” which featured Y2K culture early in it’s trend, ranked in the major US radio charts for 12 weeks in a row… which is unusual for any Japanese artist…
We Got Each Other (2022 / Music Video)
These two mannequins and two girls who consist “FEMM” always have shown us the future in their cyber punk universe.
In order to get just one step closer to their tremendous ideal, “FEMM” has declared 2023 to be their “Last Femm-Isation,” using all their remaining time to bring their dreams into reality.
Below, you can find FEMM’s Agency Syndicate’s official announcement that reveals “FEMM’s” idel and their real purpose.
From 2013
RiRi and LuLa have proceed their music career as “FEMM”
As of 2023, they have completed their role and decided to return to their original belonging -in the future-
FEMM’s Agency Syndicate（2013 / Debut Teaser Movie）
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all “Agents”
Until today, you have always supported FEMM
Please let us take this opportunity to reveal the “truth” of FEMM
What FEMM really stands for is “Far East “Military” Mannequin”
These intelligent dolls were forced to perform proxy wars for humans in their era
RiRi and LuLa were transferred to the present age to change this scenario
When they arrived, their shape (body) of a doll was not accompanied
Only their “memories” reached two human girls, across time and space
These girls sincerely accepted their motives
Fully understood their experience, and accepted their wish to install RiRi and LuLa’s memory data (A.I. = artificial intelligence) in their hearts
This is how these girls and mannequins began to work together as one
It was an action to change the miserable future not only for dolls, but also for humankind
It was a movement to prevent new discrimination and conflicts
To achieve this, the method chosen by the four was “Music” which transcends borders and eras
All of you “Agents” have supported
“FAR EAST “MENTION = Give a warning” MANNEQUIN,” who was a combination of “Heart of a doll that borrows a human form” and “Form of a human pretending to be a doll”
Even though you half-way knew that they were neither a doll nor a human, you have always sent big, big love and watched over FEMM, which was no different from the love you give to a human being
That was the wish and goal for RiRi and LuLa
They have notified their other selfs -Two girls who have grown into women- that their role was completed and they were to return to the future
These two women accepted
There’s not much time left, but FEMM would like to spend time with you as themselves
(We will inform you again about their activity plan for their last year “Last Femm-Isation”)
And after everything is over…in the distant future
Someday, unknowingly you may meet RiRi and LuLa in their real form (as dolls)
Definitely, they will appear again somewhere in the world
Where did they come from?
We will keep that private until the end
Thank you, ’Agents’ for sending so much love to the small existence of “FEMM”, which was only two in the world. Please continue to pour unchanging love to those “other than yourself” around you
May the world be a peaceful place for all beings
And let the peace last forever
FEMM’s Agency Syndicate
Release information
3rd Album「Tokyo Ex Machina」
DL & Streaming: https://avex.lnk.to/TokyoExMachina
DL & Streaming (EU & UK): https://jpurecords.com/products/femm-tokyo-ex-machina
2nd Album「Tokyo Girls Anthem」
DL & Streaming: https://avex.lnk.to/TokyoGirlsAnthem
DL & Streaming (EU & UK): https://jpurecords.com/products/femm-tokyo-girls-anthem
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2THLXBn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femm____/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FEMM____
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSJ14XWfX/
Official website: https://femms.jp/
#FEMM #JapaneseGirlGroup #TokyoGirlsAnthem #kcrushnews #TokyoExMachina #JPop #Mannequin #MannequinDuoFEMMWillDisband2023 #FxxkBoyzGetMoney #FEMMAgents #JapaneseCityPop #Tokyo #kcrushmedia #kcrush2014 #kcrushamericamagazine #LastFEMMIsation #RiRiLula #FEMMRiRi #FEMMLula
Oscar-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, 71, died March 28, 2023.
The eclectic Japanese composer known for the scores for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and The Last Emperor passed away following a long battle with cancer. His passing was announced April 2.
In addition to “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”—which he worked on with David Bowie— and the Golden Globe, Grammy, and Oscar-winning “The Last Emperor,” Sakamoto also worked on the score for The Revenant.
While Sakamoto’s best known for his compositions, he was also part of the electronic group Yellow Magic Orchestra, which he helped form in 1978. The Yellow Magic Orchestra is one of the groups instrumental in the emergence of the House and Techno music genres and even had influence on Hip-Hop. The highly influential band even appeared on Soul Train.
Also known as the “The Grandfather of Electric Pop,” Sakamoto was also a prominent activist and was often outspoken against nuclear power. In 2012, he organized the “No Nukes” concert. He also rallied against a Japanese law the prohibited dancing after midnight in Japanese clubs, bars, and public venues, a law which was repealed.
Sakamoto’s life was one full of enrichment. He was the son of an editor for Japanese novelists as Kenzaburo Oe and Yukio Mishima. When he was six-years old, Sakamoto started playing piano. As he grew, one of his influences was composer Claude Debussy as well as Stockhausen, Ligeti, Xenakis, and Boulez. He was also known for playing jazz and Okinawan folk music.
From the 1980s to the 2000s, Sakamoto was a frequent collaborator with several international artists including Iggy Pop, Youssou N’Dour, and Thomas Dolby.
Sakamoto had a private funeral with close family in attendance.
“We would like to share one of Sakamoto’s favorite quotes: ‘Ars longa, vita brevis.’ Art is long, life is short,” a statement announcing Sakamoto’s death said.
We send our condolences to his friends and family.
—-Olivia Murray
#RyuichiSakamoto #RyuichiSakamotodiesatage71 #kcrushnews #Japanesecomposer #pianoplayer #Sakamoto #YellowMagicOrchestra #technomusicgenres #kcrushmeda #kcrushamerica #Okinawan #ikinawanfolkmusic #TheGrandfatherOfElectricPop #JapanesePop #MerryChristmasMrLawrencescore #TheLastEmporerscore #TheRevenantscore #musicscore #RyuichSakamotomusicscore