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The first episode of 2022 takes a deep dive into the world of Japanese music. Thanks to the Internet, J-POP now has an ever-growing fanbase. So, which artists have they been eyeing recently? This episode of SONGS OF TOKYO surveys fans from all over the world to find out who they are looking forward to listening to in 2022. Expect plenty of surprising answers and new info! Take a comprehensive look at J-POP straight from the frontlines on SONGS OF TOKYO! Who are the fan favorites for this year? What kind of music are international J-POP fans looking forward to in 2022? To find out, we interviewed fans from all over the world via the Internet, and also invited some who are currently living in Japan to our studio. Seven of them are people who moved to Japan because they love J-POP so much! Hosts Murakami Shingo and Horan Chiaki are moved by their passion as they share their favorite artists and some unexpected knowledge. Learn more about these ardent fans on the episode!
This episode features singer-songwriter milet. Singer-songwriter milet made a splash in the international scene when she sang "Hymne a l'amour" in both Japanese and French in the closing ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Now, with the 2022 Beijing Olympics underway, her song "Fly High" has been selected as NHK's winter sports theme song. This winter, milet's voice has been taking Japan by storm. milet's unique and enchanting voice has captured the hearts of international fans. She first came into the global spotlight when her song "inside you," sung with only an acoustic guitar in the background, was posted on the popular music site THE FIRST TAKE, the comments section was packed with praise. The songstress treats her fans to a special performance on the show. She sang acoustic versions of 2 songs from the popular anime "Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Battlefront: Babylonia" the theme song "Prover" and the special theme song "Tell me."
In this episode, Anisongs take center stage. Anime is an internationally-beloved facet of Japanese pop culture, and Anisong musicians have been making a splash abroad. Join us in the frontlines of anime music! What kind of music will make a splash in 2022? To find out, we ask international fans online and in the studio about their favorite Anisongs. Their keen ears and unrivaled enthusiasm take hosts Murakami Shingo and Horan Chiaki by surprise. Tune into find out who the fans are rooting for! Appearing as guest artist is the legendary group FLOW. They are beloved around the world for "GO!!!," the theme song for the anime "NARUTO". The members talk about how passionate international Anisong fans are and thrill the visitors in the studio as they perform their signature song. They also unveil their new song "GOLD" for the first time on TV!
As we jump into our fourth year of regular broadcast, we invite CHAI, the four-piece band that has been making a splash on American media this spring. Dressed in fun pink costumes, CHAI is a four-piece band that has risen to stardom with innovative sounds and the theme of NEO kawaii. They were accompanied by Mitski as the opening act in their North American tour this year, with a whopping 29 shows in 42 days. The tour ended with a bang, leaving fans in the US with a lasting impression. The members of CHAI open up about their tour and a variety of other topics, like the current role of girl bands and the music industry in the pandemic. Tune in to SONGS OF TOKYO to find out what makes CHAI so appealing. It turns out that CHAI's trailer was stolen during their tour! What did they do to deal with this crisis? CHAI performed in front of international fans in the studio. These passionate fans share their thoughts on CHAI and the appeal of the NEO kawaii genre.
This episode welcomes Thai superstar STAMP, who will help us rediscover the appeal of J-POP as seen from mainland Asia. Inspired by his love for Japan, STAMP has been collaborating with Japanese artists in recent years. Last year, he collaborated with Awesome City Club on the single "move on feat. Awesome City Club." This J-POP infused track will be unveiled to the world for the first time on stage. On the show, STAMP also shares his fascination for city pop with members of Awesome City Club, and talks about his love for J-POP and how it's perceived in Thailand. On stage, he covers a single by Aimer, a singer-songwriter who has recently been on his radar. STAMP is a singer-songwriter from Bangkok. He's one of Thailand's biggest musicians. A regular headliner at Thai music festivals, he's known for his heartwarming city pop sound and gentle, passionate voice. STAMP is a big fan of Japanese music and has collaborated with Japanese artists such as SKY-HI.
Japan is a powerhouse for girl groups. This episode casts a spotlight on 2 very different groups that are creating a buzz around the world: ATARASHII GAKKO! and NEMOPHILA. Find out what makes them appeal to international fans and delve into their novel styles of expression. ATARASHII GAKKO! is a four-unit dance and vocal unit formed in 2015. Last year, they made their worldwide debut on 88rising, a platform that promotes Asian culture to the world. They represented Japan at a festival in LA and quickly gained a large fan base after electrifying an audience of 25,000 people. NEMOPHILA is a five-piece heavy metal band formed in 2019. They are known for their intense bass metal sound, fierce death growls and incredible guitar skills. Fans are enthralled with how their sound contrasts with their feminine look. Described as "a gentle and cute band that belts out sounds heavier than hell," their one-of-a-kind presence has become the talk of the town.
This episode features 2 divas: Hajime Chitose, a musician with deep roots in the folk songs of Amami Oshima Island, and Nagaya Haruko, the vocalist of Ryokuoushoku Shakai - a band that carries on the DNA of J-POP. Enjoy the full appeal of these 2 contrasting but extremely talented artists. Hajime Chitose is a singer from Amami Oshima Island. She made her debut in 2002 with the song "wadatsumi no ki," which jumped to the top of the charts. This year marks her 20th anniversary since her debut. This year also marks the 10th anniversary since the formation of Ryokuoushoku Shakai. The band's members are 3 classmates who went to high school in the heart of Nagoya, and one of their childhood friends. With the brilliant vocals of Nagaya Haruko and a sound that mixes the DNA of various J-POP genres with urban sensibilities, the band has been on the road to popularity. Their 2020 single "Mela!" became a mega-hit with 150 million streams.
This episode features Japanese pop icon Hikaru Utada. Their album BAD MODE was released this January, and in April, they made a splash with their performance on the main stage of Coachella Festival. At the studio, they will be talking to the MCs about their latest album, the festival, their life in London and much more! We received questions from Hikaru Utada fans from around the world. They will be answering about everything from their creative process to their daily life. Don't miss it!
This episode features Travis Japan, a group that recently made their worldwide debut with a major record label. The members of Travis Japan have been training in Los Angeles since March. They participated in the World of Dance Championships, coming out in 4th place in the team category. They also made a splash on the TV show "America's Got Talent." On the program, the members of Travis Japan open up about their time in the United States and showcase their brilliant dance moves with three songs, including their debut single "JUST DANCE!" They also receive valuable advice from their fellow idol, MC Murakami Shingo. Don't miss it!
