Jin Akanishi Left Johnny Entertainment

Former KAT-TUN member and then solo artist Akanishi Jin has just announced on facebook that he has left his agency Johnny's & Associates. He posted the following message in both Japanese and English: 

" 私赤西仁はこの度、2014年2月28日契約期間満了に伴い、ジャニーズ事務所と契約を更新しない旨を合意致しました。

今まで様々なことを経験させていただき、支えて下さった事務所関係者の皆様、ファンの皆様に心より感謝しております。
子供のころからの夢である海外での活動も、今まで以上に取り組みたく、今回の合意に至りました。
これからも、ファンの皆様とよりたくさんの思い出を作って行くべく頑張って行きたいと思います。今後とも変わらぬ応援宜しくお願い致します。

I Jin Akanishi have come to an agreement with Johnny & Associates, Inc. not to continue our contract that expired on 02/28/2014.
I have the utmost gratitude for everyone I have worked with and the experiences I've had.
To my Fans and everyone who has supported me thus far, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
We have agreed to this decision so that I may follow my dream of putting as much energy into my
global career as I have here in Japan.
I will do everything I can to make new memories with all my supporters, I'm looking forward to sharing my dream with all of you!

sincerely
Jin Akanishi
2014/03/02"

Akanishi has always had a strong interest in developing his career abroad. After leaving KAT-TUN in
2006, he left to study English in Los Angeles. However, soon after, he caused trouble by reporting his
marriage to actress Kuroki Meisa, after it actually happened, to his agency.

Since then, his viewpoints have been diverging from that of the agency's. As of now, Akanishi's page.on Johnny's net as well as official fan site Johnny's web have not been updated to reflect this change.

Angela Aki Takes Off Her Glasses for Best of the Best Album

Angela Aki is getting ready to release her first best-of album "TAPESTRY OF SONGS -THE BEST OF ANGELA AKI " on March 5.

It's been revealed that the limited edition version of the album will feature the singer without her signature glasses.

The limited edition will come with a transparent sleeve that has glasses drawn on it. When you take off the sleeve, you can see Angela without the glasses. Aside the jacket cover, there will be two other pictures of Angela without glasses in the limited edition package. The regular edition will also include one of these pictures.

Angela will go on an indefinite hiatus after her Nippon Budokan concert on August 4. " The best-of album is a compilation of what I've released so far and it also serves as the starting point toward my new dreams. I took of my glasses to reset, to return to my origins," she explained.

Cr: Tokyohive

SCANDAL for The Mortal Instruments

SCANDAL's new song "Rainy" has been chosen as the image song for the Japanese version of movie 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones' that's scheduled to premiere in theaters nationwide on April 19. 'The Mortal Instruments' is an action-adventure film starring Lily Collins. It's based on a best-selling novel that's sold over 22 million copies worldwide. This will be SCANDAL's first time providing an image song for a Western film. RINA (Dr, Vo), who was in charge of the lyrics and composition, commented, " While receiving inspiration from the movie's story line, I wrote the song while imagining it pushing the backs.of people who have gone through many troubles and are trying to move onto the next stage. "

February New Release CD Singles

• 96NEKO - WHICH
• AAA - Love
• AKB48 - Mae Shika Mukanee
• Alice Nine - SHINING
• ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION - Feedback File 2
• Ayame Goriki - Anata no 100 no Kiraina Tokoro
• BABYMETAL - BABYMETAL
• Berryz Kobo - Special Best Vol.2
• BIGMAMA - Sweet Dreams
• ChouCho - Ano Sora ni Kaeru Mirai de
• DIV - BUTTERFLY DREAMER
• DIV - you
• Dorothy Little Happy - STARTING OVER
• E-girls - Diamond Only
• FLOW - Ai Ai Ai ni Utarete Bye Bye Bye
• Giraffe Pot - Hydro human
• Guild - Flowers ~Super Best of Love~
• HILCRHYME - FIVE ZERO ONE
• IKUO - R.E.D. ZONE
• KANA-BOON - Kesshousei
• Kana Hanazawa - 25
• Kanako Ito - RASTER
• Kensho Ono - FANTASTIC TUNE
• Konomi Suzuki - 17 SEVENTEEN
• Kumi Koda - Bon Voyage
• Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - Yume no Hajimarinrin
• Lead - Sakura
• Mai Kotone - Dancin'☆High School
• Mami Kawada - Break a spell
• Megumi Nakajima - Thank You
• ORESKABAND - BEST (2003-2013)
• Prism☆Box - Happy Star Restaurant
• Rihwa - Harukaze
• Rina Sumioka - Kotoba ni Shitainda
• Sato Satomi - Mirai Night
• sphere - Eternal Tours
• Station♪ - Ichikoro Motion♪
• StylipS - NOVA Revolution
• SukimaSwitch - 10th Anniversary Arena Tour 2013 "POPMAN'S WORLD"
• T-Pistonz+KMC - Supanova! / BIGBANG!
• The Sketchbook - Super New Generation Anisong BEST!! 2000's Edition ~The Sketch Rock~
• TRUE - UNISONIA
• VELVET EDEN - Double Twelve
• ViViD - THE PENDULUM
• Yufu Terashima - Yuflight

Detective Conan - Interactive Stage Play

It has been announced by the Shogakukan and Kinokuniya Southern Theater that there would be a stage play adaptation of Aoyama Gosho's Detective Conan (Case Closed) manga.

The first round of the play "Mystery Stage Detective Conan: Satsui no Kaien Bell" (The Curtain-Rising Bell of Murderous Intent) would be starred by live-action Sailor Moon's Tsukino Usagi, Sawai
Miyuu, Aoyama Masashi, Fujita Ray, Nemoto Masakazu, Maybe, Hamamoto Yutaka, and Ayata Toshiki with Conan's voice actress, Takayama Minami and Ran's Yamazaki Wakana . In line with that, Mori Hayashi (Space Dandy) would be in-charge of writing the scripts.

The play is said to be interactive because it will involve the audience in a mystery murder case. At the same time, they must solve the mystery with the help of Conan's wit. The play will run from June 4 to June 15 at the Kinokuniya Southern Theater in Tokyo's Shibuya ward.

Karina's Dating Rumor

On February 19th, it was reported that model/actress Karina (29) is in a relationship with a Taiwanese man living in Hawaii.

According to sources, Karina met the man at a language school on the island of Oahu that she has been attending during her leisure time since last year. Their encounter led to a serious relationship.

In a Sankei Sports interview, Karina's agency commented, "Since she is an adult, we leave private matters up to her. " As for rumored marriage reports, they stated, "We haven't received any marriage reports. "

Cr : Tokyohive

Fukuyama Masaharu Release Album after 4 years and 9 months

Fukuyama Masaharu has announced that he will be releasing a new album titled "HUMAN " on April 2nd, 2014. Fukuyama released his last album "Zankyou " back in June of 2009, making this his first original album release in about 4 years and 9 months. His 11th album will be a 2-disc set. DISC 1 will consist of 9 songs including the CM songs for Asahi Super Dry, while DISC 2 will consist of 9 songs including all singles he's released since 2011 to 2013, as well as a self cover of KOH＋'s "Koi no Maryoku". The jacket cover features a cross sectional x-ray of Fukuhara's brain.

The album will be available for purchase in 3 different versions: Limited Edition with MUSIC CLIP
COLLECTION DVD, Limited Edition with Goods, and Regular Edition. The DVD will contain PVs of his singles from 2011 to 2013, and of his brand new song " HUMAN". As for the Limited Edition with Goods, it will come with a scarf towel.

[HUMAN]

DISC 1:
・HUMAN
・Akatsuki
Total of 9 songs

DISC 2:
・Kazoku no Narou yo
・fighting pose
・Ikiteru Ikiteku
・Around the world
・Beautiful life
・GAME
・Tanjoubi ni wa Masshiro na Yuri wo
・Get the groove
・Koi no Maryoku (Self-cover)

Limited Edition with MUSIC CLIP COLLECTION DVD:
・HUMAN
・Kazokuni Narou yo
・fighting pose
・Ikiteru Ikiteku
・Beautiful life
・GAME
・Tanjoubi ni wa Masshiro na Yuri wo
・Get the groove

Cr : Natalie

Sekai no Owari - New Single and DVD Release

It's been revealed that SEKAI NO OWARI will simultaneously release their new single "Honoo to Mori no Carnival" and live DVD "Honoo to Mori no Carnival in 2013 " on April 9.

The single's title track is a pop tune that was composed with the keyword "TOKYO FANTASY". It will come in 3 different types: Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, and Regular Edition. The Limited Edition A DVD will contain the PV for "Honoo to Mori no Carnival", while the Limited
Edition B DVD will contain the recording documentary for the song.

The live DVD will feature the one-man live 'Honoo to Mori no Carnival' which was held on member Fukase 's (Vo) birthday, October 13. It will include a total of 18 tracks.

[Honoo to Mori no Carnival in2013 ]
01. Love the warz
02. Nijiiro no Sensou
03. Seibutsugakuteki Gensoukyoku
04. Fantasy
05. Hakuchou no Yume
06. Tenshi to Akuma
07. Kachoufuugetsu
08. Death Disco
09. broken bone
10. Fukai Mori
11. Nemuri Hime
12. Maboroshi no Inochi
13. Earth Child
14. yume
15. RPG

＜Encore＞
16. Starlight Parade
17. Fight Music
18. Instant Radio

Cr : Tokyohive

Oguri Shun New Drama

It was revealed that actor Oguri Shun will be starring in new drama " BORDER", which will be his first starring drama on TV Asahi.

"BORDER" is newly written by the Naoki Prize winning novelist/ scriptwriter Kaneshiro Kazuki ("GO", "SP Keishichou Keibi-bu Keigo-ka Dai 4-gakari"), and reportedly, Kaneshiro wrote the story with Oguri in mind. In the drama, Oguri will play a detective named "Ishikawa Ango" who has a special ability to be able to communicate with the dead.

Detective Ishikawa was shot in the head during a case, but he was miraculously resuscitated. When he came back to life, he was gifted with a special ability to communicate.with dead people. Using the ability, Ishikawa elicits the testimonies from the killed victims, and tries to solve difficult cases.

Other main cast members include Aoki Munetaka (as Ishikawa's rival detective "Tachibana Yuma"), Haru (as a special medical examiner "Higa Mika"), and Endo Kenichi (as Ishikawa's boss "Ichikura Takuji"). Furuta Arata, Takito Kenichi , Nomaguchi Toru , and Hamano Kenta will also appear in the drama. "BORDER" will begin airing in April on TV Asahi (every Thursday at 9:00 pm).

Cr : Tokyohive

Alice Nine - SHINING Release

Just like last year marathon single release, now Alice Nine do the same trick. After releasing new single calle 「Exist」and 「海鮮前夜」and a music card contain of 「Merry Christmas to You」which will not include on SUPERNOVA album, now Alice Nine will be releasing a new single on February 26th, 2014 called 「SHINING」.

DETAILS:

 

First Press Limited Edition A [CD+DVD] ￥1890

[CD]
1.)「SHINING」
2.) from KURAYAMI
3.) 「SHINING」Inst.
4.) from KURAYAMI Inst.

[DVD]
1.) 「SHINING」MUSIC VIDEO/ MAKING

Buy the preorder from CD Japan and you'll get External Bonus, though there isn't detail information whether it's a poster or something else.

Regular Edition Type A [CD ONLY] ￥1260

[CD ONLY]
1.) 「SHINING」
2.) from KURAYAMI
3.) TSUBASA. -Reprise-
4.) SHINING Inst.
5.) from KURAYAMI Inst.

Regular Edition Type B [CD ONLY] ￥1260

1.) 「SHINING」
2.) from KURAYAMI
3.) jellyfish -Reprise-
4.) SHINING Inst.
5.) from KURAYAMI Inst.

RADWIMPS will Participate on the next Japan Music Festival on June

For the very first time, popular
rock band RADWIMPS will be
performing in Singapore as part of their RADWIMPS GRAND PRIX 2014 tour, on June 7, 2014.

RADWIMPS will be performing at TAB for the Singapore stop of their tour. The tour started on February 5 at Takasaki club FLEEZ in Japan. They are scheduled to
hold a total of 44 shows at 33 venues, which includes their first overseas live performances in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

RADWIMPS was first formed in
2001, whose 5 original members were friend since middle school. Their activities centred around Yokohama, while attending school. In 2002, they were awarded the
grand prize at the Yokohama High School Music Festival, with the song “Moshi mo”, which was subsequently released as their debut single in May 2003. Their first album was also released in the same year in July through the
independent label, Newtraxx.
The members then went on hiatus to focus on studies after a further guest appearance at the Yokohama High School Music Festival.

In March 2004, members Kei Aso, Yusuke Saiki and Akio Shibafumi decided not to resume band activities. RADWIMPS resumed activities with new members Satoshi Yamaguchi and Yusuke Takeda, who were acquaintances of the original members when they met at the Yokohama High
School Music Festival. In between 2 tours, the band recorded and released their second album in March 2005.

In November the same year, they made their major debut under Toshiba EMI with “Nijugoko-me no Senshokutai”, charting in the top 50. Their major breakthrough came with the release of their 3rd
album, which charted at 13th place on the Oricon charts. They achieved 2 number one singles with the release of “Order Made” and “Dada” in 2008 and 2011. Their 5th album was also certified
Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. Their 7th album, “X to O to Tsumi to” was released in December 2013, and also in Singapore on February 14, 2014. The band will be on tour in 2014.

RADWIMPS LIVE TOUR 2014 in
SINGAPORE
The Singapore concert will take
place in TAB, #02-29, 442 Orchard Road, Orchard Hotel,
238879, Singapore on June 7, 2014. Doors open at 18:30 and
the show will begin at 19:00.

Tickets will be available at $78
from MiTicket+ (https://
www.miticketplus.com/) from
March 1, 2014.

This is an all-standing concert. The concert is also part of the Japan Music Festival, a SOZO project.

For more info please visit
http://www.radwimps.jp and
http://radwimps.japanmusicfestival.as

Alice Nine - Supernova Release

The long waited album is finally come to the surface!! Alice Nine's 6th Full-Length album 'SUPERNOVA' will be released on
19th March, 2014 and ready to buy from cdjapan (though there isn't external bonus for Limited Edition T ^ T).

It will be available in two editions:

Limited Edition [CD+DVD]
￥3,800

[CD]
1. SHINING
2. ＋－
3. SEVEN
4. Moebius
5. Daybreak
6. Shooting Star
7. Exist
8. 1 Minute Kidding
9. KID
10. SHADOWPLAY（Supernova
Edition）
11. Kaisen Zenya
12. Prelude -resolution-

[DVD]
SEVEN PV (It will be released in 7
versions)
1. SEVEN PV (Main PV)
2. SEVEN PV (Multi-Angle version)
3. SHOU version
4. HIROTO version
5. TORA version
6. SAGA version
7. NAO version

Oh My God! The CD contain of 9 new songs!! And the DVD is multi angle one!! Really really worthed to buy!

Regular Edition [CD only]
￥3,000

[CD]
1. SHINING
2. ＋－
3. SEVEN
4. Moebius
5. Daybreak
6. shooting star
7. Exist
8. 1 Minute Kidding
9. KID
10. SHADOWPLAY（Supernova
Edition）
11. Kaisen Zenya
12. Prelude -resolution-

Androp New Release

Good news for androp lovers, on February 20th, 2014, androp just released their new PV 「One」 on their official youtube channel
(andropmusic) .

The song will be included in their upcoming 3rd full album “Period” that will be released on March 5 2014.

Don't forget to check, like, and share the video!

One important news, it has been announced that androp will hold their one man live at Yoyogi National Stadium Yoyogi 1st
Gymnasium, on March 23rd, 2014!

More details about this event :
http://www.androp.jp/
news/001038.asp

CR: Kojacon

Tribute to YUI and L'Arc~en~Ciel: Hello! Steady Go!

Good news for YUI and L’Arc~en~Ciel fans in Indonesia,
particularly in Jakarta. Soon in March, 2014, a tribute event will be hold to celebrate L’Arc~en~Ciel’s comeback for also their concert in Kokuritsu Dome on 21-22 March and the happy festive for YUI’s birthday celebration on 26th March.

This tribute will also celebrate the
grand launching of Tawa Tawa
Entertainment as one of promoter
and event organizer in Indonesia
whose founders are also Japanese
music lovers to begin with. As
promoter and event organizer, they want to give more to the fans from the tribute, “from community, by community, and for community”.

Event : Tribute To YUI dan
L’Arc~en~Ciel ~ Hello ! Steady GO !~
Date : 22 March 2014 HTM : Rp
50.000 Location : Basement Cafe –
Arion Swiss Belhotel,Kemang.

For everyone who love them, please enjoy the tribute! Hang out with people who share same interest is pretty cool!

For more info please visit :
https://www.facebook.com/events/
606364846102999/Tawatawa -
Entertainment

CR: Kojacon

Bump of Chicken 1st Album [2]

Still on the same day [2013.07.03], BoC released another best album (2005 - 2010). For me, I'm kinda confused which one will I buy, but for everyone who love them more than me, if you'rr their true fans (and if you have money) it's good to be able to buy them all.

My favourite songs from this album are
● Karma, it's a good song made by Motoo-san. The instrumental and arrange version also include in his solo album for The Tale of Abyss. You must try to listen to that album! That's saikou!
● Supernova is kinda boring song since the melody is just round and around. But I love the lyric. It's so deep and teach me that I must say thanks to God for everthing He gave me, whether it's big or small. Because happiness is simple. You can breath the fresh air for free, it's a happiness. Thanks God for give me chance to live my own life!
● 涙のふつさと, when the first time I read the title, I imagine that this is a mellow sad song. But I was wrong! It's a fresh and full joy, I think. So, when I miss my hometown, it's not a bad feeling anymore!
● 花の名, as usual Motoo has his own creativity to write the lyric. I love all of his works! It's a mellow song that can make me smile!
● R.I.P
● 魔法の料理, make me sad everytime I watch the PV. This song make me realize how precious family is.

Ah, too much of my favourite songs! This is..., I just can say that...
THIS IS THE REAL BEST ALBUM!! Enjoy listening, all!

1. プラネタリウム
2. カルマ 【ナムコ プレイステーション
2 用ソフト「テイルズ オブ ジ アビス」テーマソング】
3. Supernova
4. ギルド
5. 涙のふるさと 【LOTTE airs [エアーズ] CM タイアップ楽曲】
6. 花の名 【映画「ALWAYS 続・三丁目の夕日」主題歌】
7. メーデー
8. R.I.P.
9. Merry Christmas
10. HAPPY
11. 魔法の料理 ~君から君へ~ 【NHK みんなのうた(2010年 4-5月のうた)】
12. モーターサイクル
13. 宇宙飛行士への手紙

Bump of Chicken 1st Best Album

Finally BoC released their first best album (1999 - 2004) ! For everyone who didn't know them, maybe this album is the best step to start. The album which is released on July 3rd, 2013 is ¥2,800(tax in) I think they'll release another best album later!

My favourite song is Snow Smile! Relaxing, nostalgic, especially when I listen while watching the PV. Hiro-kun was so cute there! Though his cuteness hide behind his shyness, lol.

Here the tracklist:

1. ガラスのブルース
2. くだらない唄
3. ランプ
4. K
5. ダイヤモンド
6. 天体観測
7. ハルジオン
8. Stage of the ground
9. スノースマイル
10. ロストマン
11. sailing day 【全国東映系ロード
ショー「ワンピース ザ・ムービー デッ
ドエンドの冒険」主題歌】
12. アルエ
13. オンリー ロンリー グローリー
14. 車輪の唄

Bump of Chicken 7th Album

It's been awhile since the last time I heard news from Bump of Chicken. Finally they release their 7th album called 「RAY」which will release on March 12nd, 2014. As usual, there are 2 types of CD: Limited Edition and Regular Edition.

● Limited Edition
【初回限定盤（CD＋DVD）】
TFCC-86456　¥3,714＋税

● Regular Edition
【（CD）】TFCC-86457　¥2,913
＋税

Here the tracklist:

1. WILL
2. 虹を待つ人
3. Ray
4. サザンクロス
5. ラストワン
6. Morning Glow
7. ゼロ
8. トーチ
9. Smile
10. Firefly
11. White Note
12. 友達の唄
13. （Please）Forgive
14. グッドラック

＜DVD収録内容＞
【Music Video】
1. 虹を待つ人
2. ゼロ
3. Smile
4. Firefly
5. 友達の唄
6. グッドラック

【2013.8.9 Live at QVC Marine
Field】
1. Stage of the ground
2. firefly
3. 虹を待つ人
4. プラネタリウム
5. 花の名
6. ダイヤモンド
7. メーデー
8. Ｋ
9. 天体観測

Kamiki Ryunosuke - TV Asahi New Special Drama 2014

Date: From 9.00 p.m., 22 February 2014
 

Cast: Nakai Kiichi, Higuchi Kanako, Kuroki Meisa, Yoshiyuki Kazuko, Yanagiba Toshiro, Hashizume Isao, Kishimoto Kayoko, Baisho Mitsuko, Watanabe Dai, Kamiki Ryunosuke
 

Scriptwriter: Yamada Taichi (Quilt no Ie, Toomawari no Ame,Arifureta Kiseki)

Synopsis: Saigo Ryusuke (Nakai Kiichi), who was born and raised in  coastal town in Tohoku, becomes the manager of the branch office of a local credit union. He builds a modest house on a small hill overlooking the sea and lives happily with his beautiful wife Asako (Higuchi Kanako), mother Nami (Yoshiyuki Kazuko) and daughter Chiaki (Kuroki Meisa) who works at the city hall. On one of Ryusuke’s days off work, the Saigos head to the house of Chiaki’s boyfriend Hamaguchi Shuichi (Watanabe Dai) for the first meeting between both sets of parents. The Hamaguchi have been fishermen for generations. There is Shuichi’s taciturn father Katsumi (Yanagiba Toshiro), mother Masayo (Kishimoto Kayoko), grandfather Kichiya (Hashizume Isao), grandmother Iku (Baisho Mitsuko) and younger brother Mitsuhiko (Kamiki Ryunosuke). Chiaki, who dreams of being active in national politics someday in the future, has given this condition in her marriage to Shuichi. Ryusuke and his wife have mixed feelings about their daughter’s marriage to a fisherman’s family, but it is also the same with the Hamaguchis. However, Chiaki and Shuichi are firm in their decision to marry and both families consent to their children’s marriage. At a dinner party, Ryusuke and Katsumi both realise that they are junior high school classmates.
 

However, five days later on 11 March 2011, an earthquake and tsunami strikes eastern Japan and the destinies of the two families are drastically changed. The tsunami claims the lives of Masayo, Iku and Shuichi. The Hamaguchis also lose both house and boat. On the other hand, the Saigos escape harm because their house is on high ground. Chiaki is swamped with work to the extent that she has no interlude to feel sad over the loss of her fiance. Wanting to be of help to the Hamaguchis, Ryusuke and Asako make an offer to them to stay in their house. However, on the night of the visit of Katsumi, Kichiya and Mitsuhiko to the Saigos, havoc ensues …

Acid Black Cherry Release Maxi Single

Acid Black Cherry also keeps us pretty busy with the release of singles - or at least he did so last year.
 

Though finally he has announced a new single for the new year as well! It will be released on March 11th!

There is no further information but I'll try to search the detail soon!

flumpool - 5th Anniversary [Interview]

After had an event in Indonesia, on the next morning [2014.02.16] flumpool flied to Singapore to do fans meeting and acoustic mini concert.

Back to their past days, Ryuta Yamamamura (Vocal), Kazuki Sakai (Guitar), and Genki Amakawa (Bass) were performing as an acoustic band and later, Seiji Ogura (Drums) joined to form flumpool in Januari, 2007. In 2008, their first single (online downloading only) “Hana ni nare” was taken for AU “LISMO!” TV commercial which was vastly broadcasted and there were a million of downloads for just the first 10 days. Their second online downloading single “Over the rain~ Hikari no hanshi~” became the theme song of the TBS drama “Bloody Monday” and also got high ranking in the music chart. Since then they have packed schedules and they now are in their way to conquer Asia.

This is the interview between Kojacon and flumpool. Enjoy reading!

Kojacon (K) : Last night, after your performance in Jakarta, what is the most special memory you had during the live in Jakarta?

Ryuta : I remembered we spoke in Bahasa Indonesia. It is a challenge for us. We try our best to speak Indonesian. We memorized it over and over…

K : Did you try our Indonesian cuisine?

All : Yes! They’re so delicious!!! Enak*! (*Delicious in Indonesian)

Ryuta : Enak! Mantap*! (The best in Indonesian) I ate Rendang. It’s a seasoned beef. What else…hm…

Kazuki : I ate a lot.

Ryuta : Es campur, Sate Ayam… Nasi Goreng.

Genki : Everything was delicious!

K : Did you try durian?

Genki : Impossible! I can’t stand the smell. If I put it in the refrigerator, then my refrigerator will all smell like durian.

Ryuta : There are many people like durian, right? Do you like durian?

K : I eat it, it’s delicious but the smell is strong though.

Ryuta : Like natto?

K : Yes, yes…

Seiji : I never eat durian because I think I won’t like the smell.

Kazuki : Well, well… I ate it. I can eat it although the smell is strong. The taste is ok for me.

K : Ok then, soon you will release your first best album. Can you tell us the charming point of the album?

Genki : Hmmm, the charming point of the album. Well, I really love the song titled ‘Taisetsuna mono kimi igai ni miataranakute” in this album. I can’t find any reasonable answer of why I like this song, it’s just that… I love this song.

Kazuki : I think the charming point of the album is the fact that I composed the songs in this album haha…

Ryuta : Hm…SO MANY!!!! You know, this album will insert the songs before our debut time. When we’re still indie band, we also produced songs and we will insert some of the songs inside this best album. The album’s charming point is that the fans can listen to the old and recent flumpool. I think fans will know more about our music after listening to this album.

Seiji : I love all of the songs in this best album, but the charming point of this album for me is still “Hana ni nare” because this is the song that brought us to major debut. I want more fans to listen to this song because this song has a deep meaning to life. I want this album to give strength to the listeners.

K : After years together in a band, what makes you feel that you’re glad to be in flumpool now?

Ryuta : For me, flumpool who can sing both rock and ballad is really cool. We are also happy that our music can be accepted in different countries outside Japan. We played in Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia. We are happy to sing various genres for our fans. All in all, the flexibility.that we have in flumpool’s music is what makes us glad to be in flumpool.

K : You’ve been together for so long, do you notice any specific changes from the other members?

Genki : Actually since we’re together for so long, I hardly notice any changes. I feel nothing’s changed in us.

Kazuki : Ah!! Ryuta!! He is changed! Actually, we originally came from Osaka, but since we moved to Tokyo, this guy, Ryuta, he has lost his Kansai-ben* (kansai dialect). He now no longer uses Kansai-ben.

Ryuta : NANDE YANEN!! (Trying using kansai-ben but with a strange dialect).

Kazuki : See! See!! That’s a fake dialect! He can’t use the Kansai-ben anymore!

All : (laugh)

K: The last question is about your national tour this year, can you tell us about your preparation so far?

Ryuta : Preparation…more or less the preparation will be similar to our 5th Anniversary at Budokan DVD.

Kazuki : This new DVD will consist the digest of our special two days live in Budokan. Approximately if you’re talking about the preparation, it will be pretty much like the documentary in the DVD released in Taiwan and Singapore soon in 18 February.

Ryuta : Yes, for our next national tour, fans will be able to know about how we prepare the tour from this DVD. Personally, I recommend the listeners to pay more attention to “Hana ni Nare” and “Tsuyoku Hakanaku” that will be in our best album song list. These songs, teach people to stand up and get stronger. We hope many people will listen to our music, or our fans to buy the best album and also the DVD then recommend other people to listen to our music too. I hope our fans still support our music when we’re looking forward to our next 5 years ahead. Time really flies fast. Suddenly we’re talking ahead about our 10th year hahaha… When fans listen to our best album, and watched our 5th anniversary at Budokan DVD, they will know our journey as flumpool and that’s what we have prepared so far for the national tour.

Cr: Kojacon