A complete video clip of Zazen Boys’ new single, “Himitsu Girl’s Top Secret”, is available for streaming on the band’s official web site. The single marks the first appearance of new drummer Matsushita Atsushi. Commentary about the song by Mukai Shuutoku is also available as an MP3 download. “Himitsu Girl’s Top Secret” has been described by Mukai as “new dance music” and features an odd set of rhythmic meters. The single goes on sale on July 13.
Former Zazen Boys/Number Girl drummer Ahito Inazawa takes his own band, Vola and the Oriental Machine, on a tour with syrup 16g. The two bands play four shows, starting on Aug. 25. On July 13, the band teams up with Mo’some Tonebender for a special event, Oriental Concour, vol. 01. Tickets for these events go on sale July 2.
Straightener will release a live DVD title Black Star Luster on Aug. 31. The DVD features the band’s one-man live show at Zepp Tokyo on June 30, 2005. The DVD also includes video clips for the songs “Discography” and “Against the Wall”.
Fuji Fabric will release a new single of an old song on Sept. 7. “Akanairo no Yuuhi” dates back to the band’s indie days, appearing on the mini-album Ala Carte, then again on the pre-debut release Ala Molto. Fuji Fabric has re-recorded the song with a new interpretation for a single release. Fuji Fabric is also scheduled to perform at the Rock in Japan Festival 2005 on Aug. 8, then at the Rising Sun Festival on Aug. 20.
Quruli will release a new single, titled “Superstar”, on Aug. 24. The single is the first new work since the release of “Birthday” six months ago. The band’s official website states audiences can expect to hear new songs during Quruli’s summer festival appearances. Quruli will also embark on a one-man live tour starting in Sept. 29. The 34-date tour begins in Kyoto and ends in Osaka on Dec. 27.
The Back Horn will release a live album titled Ubugoe Chainsaw on Aug. 24. The album was recorded during the band’s tour in support of its most recent album Headphone Children. Shows recorded include Pennylane24 in Sapporo, Club Junk Box in Sendai, Zepp Tokyo in Tokyo, Nanba Hatch in Osaka and Drum Logos in Fukuoka City. The album covers music from the Back Horn’s indie days till now, serving as a live best collection. The Back Horn performs the Rock in Japan festival on Aug. 6.
Utada Hikaru will release a new maxi single, “Exodus 04”, on June 21. The Timbaland-produced track has been remixed by the likes of Josh Harris, Peter Bailey, JJ Flores, and Kriya vs. Velez. The single is expected to include 10 versions of the song.
m-flo will release a new album on Aug. 24. Once again collaborating with a rotating roster of guest artists, the still untitled album features performances by Kahimi Karie, Sowelu and Katou Miriya. The album is also expected to include collaborations with Emyli, Yoshika, Wada Akiko, Monday Michiru and Diggy-Mo’, which were released as singles. On July 13, m-flo releases a double A-side single, “Loop in My Heart/Hey!”, featuring Wada Akiko on “Loop in My Heart” and Emyli and Yoshika on “Hey!”.
Tommy heavenly6 will release a new single titled “Ready?” on July 20. It’s been more than a year since the brilliant green singer debuted her second alter ego, and the new single continues the punk sound of her previous release. Tommy heavenly6 also contributed a track to the tribute album, Love for Nana ~Only 1 Tribute~, based on the anime Nana. The tribute album was released in March 2005.
Bonnie Pink will release a new single on Aug. 3. It’s been a year and four months since Pink released new material, and once again, she enlists producer Tore Johannsen, who worked on the 2003 single “Tonight, the Night” and the 2004 album Even So. Bonnie Pink will also perform a one-woman live show on Sept. 21 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her debut. Details for the show have yet to be announced.
Remioromen will release a live DVD titled Sangatsu Kokonoka Budokan Live on June 29. The DVD documents the trio’s March 9 live show at the Budokan Hall. A limited edition pressing includes a 20-page photo book housed in a bookcase. Remioromen scored a hit earlier in 2005 with the single “Minamikaze” and its second album, ether.