BACK-ON and FLOW release new collab! ‘TV size’ short version of ‘KAMEN RIDER GOTCHARD’ opening theme song ‘CHEMY×STORY’ out now!

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CHEMY×STORY Jacket Cover

Performed by rock band BACK-ON, ‘CHEMY×STORY’ is the opening theme song to KAMEN RIDER GOTCHAR’. At a press conference held back in August, BACK-ON stated in a video message that they plan to evolve the song through collaboration with other artists, echoing the fusion seen in KAMEN RIDER GOTCHARD. And now, in 2024, they have followed up on that promise with the release of a new collaboration version of the theme song!

 For this new version, BACK-ON have joined forces with fellow rock band FLOW, teaming up under the name BACK-ON × FLOW! And from Sunday, January 7, when the first new episode of KAMEN RIDER GOTCHARD of 2024 was broadcast, the theme song has been updated to the two bands’ new version of ‘CHEMY×STORY’! The “TV size” short version of the song is also out now on download and streaming services, following its release on January 7.

Look out for this new version of ‘CHEMY×STORY’ arranged by FLOW on your favorite music service or during the TV show’s opening here!

▼ Comment from BACK-ON

“We can finally announce this! The story in Gotchard is filled with twists and turns, and this seemed like the perfect timing to add a surprise twist to the opening theme song as well. We thought of this band as soon as this project first came along, and we wanted to go further than all the Rider collaborations of the past, so we crashed through the boundaries to bring this track to life!

“I personally have admired FLOW since I was a teenager, and I had always wanted to have the opportunity to perform together with such a great band on a Rider collaboration... Through this song, which has great chemistry with Gotchard, we want to convey each Sunday morning that dreams can come true if you keep pursuing them!

“We hope you enjoy the new ‘CHEMY×STORY’!”

▼ Comment from FLOW

“This collaboration was made possible when we were approached by the two members of BACK-ON. As fans since childhood, it was a pleasure to work on a song for our hero Kamen Rider. This is a song that could only have been made together with BACK-ON, so we hope you enjoy this unique chemical reaction, just like the fusion in Kamen Rider Gotchard.

“Let’s all join together to enjoy Kamen Rider Gotchard!”

FEMM’s last Surprise Gift: LuLa's first solo song ‘Butterfly to the Moon’!

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FEMM, who disbanded at the end of 2023, has just reached their 10th year anniversary in October.

Just this year alone, they have performed at various major festivals in Europe, US, and in the Middle East. And finally performed their last solo concert in London, followed by their last collab event in Tokyo on Christmas eve, which was a joint event with Tokyo’s largest LGBTQ+ organization “fancyHIM,” which titled “HIMM &FEMM.”

FEMM member RiRi just dropped her solo MV "Living in the Spotlight" included in their latest EP "CHERRY," and now LuLa has revealed hers as well. Her first solo song "Butterfly to the Moon" MV was prepared as a final surprise gift from FEMM to their agents (fans.)

In this song, she sings about her honest feelings about the past and hope for the future, and in the MV she expresses her raw self which you can view below, along with the streaming link here!

Message from LuLa

“Over the years, I am grateful that I could sing so many songs, and sometimes I had an opportunity to cowrite lyrics with RiRi. But for my first solo song, I really dug deep and wrote true feelings of my own. In this song, I wanted to thank my agents, and express my expectations and fear for the future. I tried to make the MV as raw as possible to showcase my real feelings. I hope our agents like this surprise present from me. I wish for your happiness.”

Ongaku to You 2023 Songs, Artist and New Artist of the Year!

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2023 was a very interesting year for the Japanese music industry and we at Ongaku to You would like to praise the songs and artists that helped us traverse this amazing year. Each member broke down the year in three categories; Song of the Year, New Artist We Discovered in 2023, and lastly our Artist of the Year. We hope that 2024 will bring many surprises to the Japanese music industry like we received in 2023!

Luna’s Song of the Year

“Karappo” by AYANE

As soon as Ken introduced me to “Karappo”, AYANE immediately came on my radar. "Karappo" easily became a leading track in the rotation on my playlist with its easy to follow lyrics, mid tempo R&B composition, and AYANE's sweet smooth vocals. AYANE has a voice has a reminiscence of Nishino Kana except a little more sultry vocal wise. "Karappo" stuck with me throughout the year despite releasing in February 2023, not just in my daily playlists but it is a track that I go out of my way to listen to when I want a chill R&B track with soothing vocals that flow off the tongue.

Luna’s New Artist of the Year

Sincere

Sincere completely caught me off guard with her track "Water" and her "Just Living EP", which both dropped in Spring 2023. She immediately captivated me with her resounding lyrics, her smooth vocals, and unique compositions. Sincere has had a phenomenal year with all her new releases from Digital Single to EPs and has kept up a good momentum of new tracks.

Luna’s 2023 Artist of the Year

CREAM

With the release of CREAM's new album Chapters, I created a new 'CREAMIX' playlist that has been played so many times this year I can’t even count but Apple Replay obviously recognized them as my most played artist. Their new album 'Chapters' brought some fresh vibes with the hits, 'Game Over', 'Fridays', and 'Ready4Summer' being my favorites of this year. I have also been going back listening to my usual CREAM favorites that help me get through rough days. CREAM's music holds a special place in my heart and always makes me feel good. From Minami's smooth vocals to Staxx-T's fluid rap, I can never get enough CREAM and this year was no exception.

Gray’s Song of the Year

“Soul Galaxy” by BRADIO

For me the reason why "Soul Galaxy" is my pick for my number one song of the year is not only because I love how bombastic and energetic this track is but also for the fact that it reignited my love and passion for BRADIO. Due to their newest release, it has made me realize that BRADIO has become one of my favorite all time bands. I love how this track comes together with it great composition which pulls the listener in, leaving them wanting more by the end. BRADIO shows they are still at the top of their game and "Soul Galaxy" is just one example of that.

Gray’s New Artist of the Year

Kenya Fujita

Mask In Love has captivated me since I first heard it and its hard to believe that Fujita is still in his teens. I am looking forward to how amazing he is going to be once he refines his sound a bit more as he begins to establish himself as an artist. To me, it’s clear that Fujita is just getting started in the industry and I'm excited to watch as he grows as an artist.

Gray’s 2023 Artist of the Year

BRADIO

The release of DANCE HALL MAGIC reignited my fire and passion for this amazing group. In my eyes, I have not seen any other group that does what BRADIO brings to the Japanese music industry. DANCE HALL MAGIC quickly became my album of the year despite its release later in the year and not to mention the many other albums that I have also loved this year. DANCE HALL MAGIC brought new fresh sounds from BRADIO which pushed all the other artists out, which is one of the many reasons why BRADIO is my artist for 2023. I am looking forward to what BRADIO will bring to the industry in the many years to come.

Ken’s Song of the Year

“See You Again” by SIRUP

With the 2023 that I went through, there was only one song that can sum up this past year and that has to be 'See You Again' by SIRUP. Fresh off his Blue Blur EP that was released earlier in the year, upon first listen it was an instant add. To be honest it was difficult not to talk about this track in multiple Ongaku Go's as it would be in my rotation quite often. The simplistic composition really highlights SIRUP's vocals is one if the major keys that made me fell in love with this track. Not only the composition but the lyrics had resonated with me throughout the year plus the short but sweet length of the song that made me want to hit repeat on multiple occasions. It was given that 'See You Again' was going to be my Number 1 song of 2023.

Ken’s New Artist of the Year

MISAMO

Now I know this would be a shocker for some people after my prior comments toward the genre in the past, however, if there is anything I learned in 2023 is that never say never. I will have to say that with just one release, the Japanese sub group of the TWICE, MISAMO is my newest artist of the year for 2023. Through their music and LE SSERAFIM, whom I would of loved to put on here as well but as we were introduced to them via the Kohaku last year, it put them out of the running. Both of these groups, had put me in my place and taught me to enjoy the genre overall. It wasn't until their song ‘Do Not Touch Me’ that had had finally understood why people had fell in love with them. While I do hope that other releases will come from the group in 2024, I can safelty say that without MISAMO I would not have changed my mind.

Ken’s 2023 Artist of the Year

Kirinji

If there was one artist that checked off every box that defined what I love about Japanese music it would have to be Kirinji. What Takaki Horigome has done in this past year since the reinvention of what Kirinji was, is nothing more than sensational. It only took a handful of songs to put Kirinji into my artist of the year. Either it the track that I talked about that made my top 5, 'Nestling' or on my runner up song "Summer Ghost', Horigome just gets what makes music just so darn interesting. While a lot of bands try to replicate the genre and feel of music, Horigome makes sounds natural, like it is second nature to him. I hope that Horigome never stops evolving his style and just brings it to the next level in 2024 and beyond.

Maaya Sakamoto’s Long-Awaited New Single, “Dakishimete,” the ED Theme for The Fire Hunter Season 2, to be Released on Digital Platforms on January 15, 2024!

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‘Dakishimete’ Jacket Cover

Maaya Sakamoto has announced the digital release of a new single, titled “Dakishimete” (meaning “hug” or “embrace”). This song has been chosen as the ending theme for the second season of the WOWOW original anime The Fire Hunter, which will be available for streaming from January 14, with the first episode offered for free. This marks Sakamoto’s second collaboration with The Fire Hunter, following her previous ending theme, “Mada Tooku ni Iru.”

The lyrics and composition for “Dakishimete” were handled by Senri Oe, a renowned singer-songwriter of the 80s and 90s who is currently active as a jazz pianist based in New York. Still highly respected by many artists today, this collaboration marks her first encounter with Maaya Sakamoto. “Dakishimete” is a gentle ballad that beautifully complements the intense narrative of the anime, creating a resonant musical piece that lingers with the soothing vocals of Maaya Sakamoto.

Additionally, a second promotional video featuring the song has been unveiled, along with new artist and jacket photos.

The Fire Hunter is a fantasy novel by Rieko Hinata. Set in a world where humanity has lost fire after an apocalyptic Last War, the story depicts the lives of the 11-year-old girl Touko and the 15-year-old boy Koushi as they face numerous challenges and struggle to survive. As in the first season, the director is Junji Nishimura, known for works such as SAMURAI DEEPER KYO and Kyo Kara Maoh!, while the composition and script are handled by Mamoru Oshii, known for works like GHOST IN THE SHELL and The Sky Crawlers. Additionally, Maaya Sakamoto plays a crucial role in the series as the character Akira.

Comment from Maaya Sakamoto:

The ending theme of the first season, “Mada Tooku ni Iru,” was a powerful song to encourage the characters. However, this song is completely different, featuring a gentle melody.

As they confront formidable enemies on their journey, this music wraps them in a warm blanket, assuring them that everything will be okay and that the future will surely be a good one.

In the real world, many children are currently living in fear, unable to sleep due to the flames of conflict. This song was created with the desire to tightly embrace those lives and encourage them to hold onto hope no matter the situation. Senri Oe has graciously composed this gentle composition.

LIL LEAGUE Takes the SoftBank Winter Cup with their Latest Single!

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‘FeiLong’ Jacket Cover

Up-and-coming dance/vocal/rap group LIL LEAGUE have released their new single ‘FeiLong’, the official theme tune of the SoftBank Winter Cup 2023 national high school basketball tournament.

FeiLong is the name of a mythical flying dragon from Chinese legend, and LIL LEAGUE’s new single is an up-tempo song that cheers on the young basketball athletes, likening their determination to reach the top with a dragon that soars ever-higher into the sky. Tokyo-based trackmaker KENTZ, who has produced numerous gold and platinum-selling hits, has created a hard-sounding track with its roots in 2000s hip-hop and breakbeat.

LIL LEAGUE performed ‘FeiLong’ during their first solo concert-hall tour of Japan this year, titled LIL LEAGUE LIVE TOUR 2023 “LIL GATEWAY”. The group’s powerful performance of the song on stage left fans hungry for its release, which has finally come.

As LIL LEAGUE prepare for the release of their first album ‘TRICKSTER’ in February 2024, be sure to check out this energetic single that will conclude the group’s debut year!

Be sure to check out ‘FeiLong’ across all streaming platforms here!

❏ LIL LEAGUE MEMBERS

Sena Iwaki (19)

Tatsuhiro Nakamura (19) 

Kodai Yamada (18)

Matora Okao (15)

Haima Momoda (15) 

Sora Nanba (14)