Tomato n’ Pine – Tabidachi Transfer (World Groove CD Single Review)
June 16, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

If you are a J-Pop fan that loves female groups and music more on the electro-pop side but not too bold or in your face club beats, then definitely give Tomato n’ Pine a try!
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GROUP: Tomato n’ Pine
CD SINGLE: Tabidachi Transfer
LABEL: Sony Music Records Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-7561
DURATION: 36:25
RELEASE DATE: March 9, 2011
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- 旅立ちトランスファー
- 10月のインディアン
- Life is so beautiful!
- キャプテンは君だ! dancefloor will never die remix
- 旅立ちトランスファー -Instrumental-
- 10月のインディアン -Instrumental-
- Life is so beautiful! -Instrumental-
- キャプテンは君だ! dancefloor will never die remix -Instrumental-
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Fun, vibrant, J-Pop from the all-female pop trio Tomapai!
On April 2009, the female pop trio Tomato n’ Pine (Tomapai) made their debut.
The pop trio consists of YUI, HINA and WADA and the group released their indie single “Captain wa kimi da!” (You are the Captain) in 2010 and by 2011, the trio released their first major single release “Tabidachi Transfer” on the Sony Music Japan music label and is produced by agehasprings.
The single kicks off with “Tabidachi Transfer” (Departure Transfer). The group have a pretty solid harmony while singing this pop song courtesy of Shunsuke Tsuri of agehasprings. It’s a pretty upbeat, enjoyable track and it may be similar to a lot of Japanese female pop group songs especially compared to music of capsule which is electronic pop driven but unlike avex female groups which are going for a club trance setting, this one is not so bold in its arrangement but straight up J-Pop!
The second track “10月のインディアン” (Indians in October) continues with the style that they did with “Tabidachi Transfer” courtesy of Yoichiro Nomura of agehasprings. The song has a very similar style to the first in terms of vocals and music but with its differences, the track is fun and poppy!
The third track “Life is so beautiful” features a more bass driven track and actually showcases the higher notes of the girl’s vocals a bit more. It’s a pretty upbeat track and is courtesy of Hayato Tanaka of agehasprings.
“キャプテンは君だ! dancefloor will never die remix” (I’m yours Captain! dancefloor will never die remix) is a more upbeat track that tends to utilize a bit more auto-tune or vocoding for the vocals, electronically tweeted but a more upbeat dance track courtesy of Kazuto Okawa of agehasprings. Another fun track but not sure if others will dig the vocal tweek.
The final four tracks feature the instrumental versions of the four vocal tracks.
CD insert features lyrics and production credits.
Overall, I was expecting the typical banality of J-Pop girl group music and it’s a common thing to have a similar style as there are a plethora of girl groups in Japan. While others have had years of proving themselves as long lasting female pop groups, Tomapai is just beginning and for the most part, I really enjoyed this single.
It doesn’t venture into Avex-like girl group music with the trance or even urban R&B, Sony obviously was careful of not just signing another female group but to make sure that the music is different. For the most part, the vocals are pure and vocals were smooth, it will be interesting to see how this translates into live performances but for the most part, agehasprings did a good job with the music on this single.
It’s too early for me to give an overall opinion on this group but for this first release, I do see the potential and look forward in hearing their future releases. So, if you are a J-Pop fan that loves female groups and music more on the electro-pop side but not too bold or in your face club beats, then definitely give Tomato n’ Pine a try!

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YUI – It’s My Life/Your Heaven (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
May 11, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

I just love this 19th single from YUI. Featuring an upbeat and also a passionate title tracks, you’re also treated by a wonderful acoustic version of “Rain”. Overall, a wonderful single from YUI!
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ARTIST: YUI
CD SINGLE: It’s My Life/You’re Heaven
LABEL: Sony Music Records Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-7529
DURATION: 13:46
RELEASE DATE: January 26, 2011
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- It’s My Life
- You’re Heaven
- Rain ~YUI Acoustic Version~
- It’s My Life ~Instrumental~
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When it comes to the music of YUI, you come to expect nothing but great music from the young music artist.
YUI returns with a new single to kick off 2011 with her 19th CD Single “It’s My Life/Your Heaven”.
The first track “It’s My Life” features an upbeat track that showcases YUI’s acoustic guitar playing but also features a good amount of brass. Produced by HISASHI KONDO, “It’s My Life” has a vibrant style because of the addition of teh brass. But it’s an upbeat single that is another fun, catchy track from YUI.
But it’s the second title track that won me over with this single. “Your Heaven” featuring keeps things simple with the acoustic guitar and piano and a single that best captures YUI’s style of music. The song starts off a bit slow but transitions to a more upbeat, passionate and catchy track as it progresses. Just a wonderful song from YUI.
And like all YUI CD singles, the third track features the acoustic version of the previous single released. In this case, an acoustic version of her 18th single “Rain”. And the acoustic version is just as wonderful as the original. And it also gives the listener time to focus on YUI’s vocals. Just a beautiful Christmas ballad!
The single ends with the instrumental version of “It’s My Life”.
As for the insert, you get the lyrics and production credits for both “It’s My Life” and “Your Heaven”.
Overall, YUI’s 19th CD single “It’s My Life/Your Heaven” features three enjoyable tracks. While I do enjoy the lively, upbeat “It’s My Life”, “Your Heaven” was the song that I kept playing over along with the acoustic version of “Rain”. Just a wonderful single and if you are a YUI fan, you won’t be disappointed by this single at all.
Definitely recommended!

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UVERworld – Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
May 7, 2011 by Level J · Leave a Comment

While not the high-powered release that I was hoping for, UVERworld’s “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” will no doubt attract their fans and also fans of “Mobile Suit Gundam 00″.
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BAND: UVERworld
CD SINGLE: Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi
LABEL: GRS! Records, Sony Music Records Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-6895
DURATION: 13:47
RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2008
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- 儚くも永久のカナシ (Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi/Love that is Fleeting is Everlasting)
- 体温 (Taion/Temperature)
- ハルジオン (Harujion/Philadelphia Daisy)
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After listening to the UVERworld’s new CD single, I am hoping that they have more high energy songs on their next studio album to be released on June 1st.
UVERworld is a Japanese Rock band who has had lots of success and is considered to be one of Japans most influential rock bands to date. If you are into anime you have probably heard one of their songs on “Mobile Suit Gundam 00″, “D Gray-man”, “Bleach” and “Death Note”, just to name a few.
UVERworld’s sound takes risk and switches things up to keep your ears on their toes. I especially like UVERworld’s more high energy songs.
The new CD single “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” has three tracks to give you a taste of what’s to come. The title track is signature Uverworld and can be heard in the opening to “Mobile Suit Gundam 00″.
TAKUYA’s vocals along with the guitar and drums keeps the energy building but never peaking and Nobuto’s bass lines keep you in the groove. That made me want more.
The following track”Taion” (Temperature), is a mellow track. Both vocals and instruments keep things low key. But enjoyable none the less.
And the third track on this single “Harujion” (Philadelphia Daisy) gives us the old switch up starting out mellow then literally blowing up into a frenzied whip of bass, drums and guitar, before mellowing out quickly.
UVERworld’s “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” comes with a double page insert featuring the lyrics for the three tracks and production credits. Included is a flyer promoting the UVERworld website, Sony Music Sound and a miniature Gundam 00 Setsuna F. Seiei card.
UVERworld’s “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” CD single is not the high powered release I had hope to hear.
Listening to this CD single only made me yearn for the new album in hopes that UVERworld will deliver more high energy songs in their upcoming release.

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Shikao Suga – Yakusoku (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
April 9, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

A diverse single from Shikao Suga plus two live tracks from his Nov. 2010 concert in the UK. An enjoyable, catchy single worth checking out!
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ARTIST: Shikao Suga
CD SINGLE: Yakusoku
LABEL: Ariola Japan Inc.
CATALOG #: AUCL-58
DURATION: 18:33
RELEASE DATE: February 23, 2011
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- 約束
- 宇宙 [Live]
- 19才 [Live]
- ~FAN-KEY-TRAIN リクエスト・トラック~
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In Japan, Shikao Suga is one of the most famous Japanese musicians, singer and songwriters. Famous for penning hits such as SMAP’s “Yozora no Mukou”, Chisato Moritaka’s “Tanopo no Tane”, KAT-TUN’s “Real Face” and Arashi’s “Azora Pedal”, he also has a string of hits which include “Hachigatsu no Serenade” (from the anime series “Honey and Clover”), “Nobody Knows” (xxxHolic) and many more.
His 28th single, his first for 2011 features a new track titled “Yakusoku” (secret) and also features two live performances from London when he was there in 2010 for his second concert performance in the UK ala Japan-UK circuit 2010 and also features a fourth request track and as always, showcasing his flair for disco, Motown, psychedelia, house and brassy funk.
The single begins with “Yakusoku”, an upbeat synth pop track and overall a catchy track from Shikao.In fact, the single features Sukao on acoustic guitar and bass.
But possibly the two tracks that a lot of international fans, especially those in the UK probably will be interested is the two live tracks of “Space” (宇宙 [Live]) and “19-years-old” (19才 [Live]) and these were recorded from his UK one-night concert back in Nov. 2010. With “Space”, the track is a more mellow, acoustic guitar track, while “19-years-old” (Shikao’s 19th single) is a more funky track.
The final track on the single is “~FAN-KEY-TRAIN Request Track~”, a song dedicated to his fans and members of his fanclub, “The Fan-Key-Train”. The song is an all vocal and piano track with vocals by Shikao.
The CD insert is a double fold insert with lyrics to “Yakusoku” and production credits.
Overall, “Yakusoku” is a single that showcases Shikao Suga’s musical style and how diverse of an artist he is. While I’m sure there are some fans who wish some other live tracks were included on this CD single release, it’s a pretty enjoyable single. If you are a fan of Shikao Suga, definitely give “Yakusoku” a chance!

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Hiiragi – Unnei no Haru no Kaze (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
April 9, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The duo of Hiiragi are back with their fifth CD single for 2011 titled “Unnei no Haru no Kaze”. Overall, it’s a pretty solid single with three delightful tracks featuring cool vocals and music. Recommended for those who want a touch of Japanese modern folk style and J-Pop.
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GROUP: Hiiragi
CD SINGLE: Unnei no Haru no Kaze
LABEL: Sony Music Japan, Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-7567
DURATION: 16:19
RELEASE DATE: March 16, 2011
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- 運命の春ノ風
- サニー
- 押しボタン <一発録れたて編>
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Hiiragi is a Japanese folk duo from Hokkaidou featuring Chiaki (vocals and guitar) and Erika (chorus and guitar).
Back in 2000, Erika, Chiaki and Chiaki’s sister Manami (a former member of the group who played harp and harmonica) were good friends in high school and the three would form a group and perform near Sapporo’s Hokkaido Bank headquarters on the street. The group would win a Roland Band Paradise audience award in 2001 and would do their first live. In 2003, Manami left the group and in 2003, the duo would perform in Tokyo and would continue to do street performances.
Hiiragi would eventually receive a record deal with Sony Music Records and release their first single “Mizu” and in 2010, the duo would release a total of four singles and an album.
In March 2011, the duo released their fifth single “Unnei no Haru no Kaze” (Spring Winds of Fate). The title track features a good poppish upbeat track and both Erika and Chiaki compliment each other’s vocals with Chiaki singing with a more lower tone and Erika with a higher tone for the chorus. But the overall track is upbeat.
The coupling track “Sunny” features a mellow acoustic guitar track which transitions to a more rock sound towards the final half of the song. A pretty awesome coupling song and another solid track on this single.
The final track is titled “Push Button” and features the duo laughing and having fun while playing their acoustic guitar and then performing the song and then giggling right after the song is done. It’s actually a song that showcases the duo solely on vocals and them playing acoustic guitar.
As for the CD insert, you have a tri-fold with the lyrics and production credits.
Overall, I really enjoy the music of “Hiiragi”. It’s not Japanese folk in a traditional sense but more of a modern J-Pop touch. Their music is quite pleasant to listen to and both members are able to compliment each other during their vocals and they can definitely play the guitar. I definitely look forward to hearing more of Hiiragi.

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tacica – Metro (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
January 8, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

A one-track, low-priced rock-driven single from the three member rock band featuring a single released with different CD covers to coordinate with the Tokyo metro system.
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ARTIST: tacica
CD SINGLE: Metro
LABEL: SME Records
CATALOG #: SECL-772 A
DURATION: 4:46
RELEASE DATE: April 8, 2009
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- Metro
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tacica (pronounced as Tashika) is a three member rock band from Hokkaidou and are signed on SME Records.
tacica consists of Shoichi Igari (Vocals/Guitar), Yuta Konishi (bass) and Toshihiko Sakai (drums) and the band debuted back in 2005 and released their first mini album “Human Orchestra” in Feb. 2007. Earlier last year, the band has had a major health scare as drummer Toshihiko Sakai suffered a major health problem and the band suspended activities. In September 2010, Sakai was released from the hospital.
“Metro” is the second single from the band and to tie in with the various metro lines in Tokyo, the single had covers in different colors. Eight of them limited, while the orange is the regular release of the single.
The single only has one track and thus the reason why the price of this single is around 500 yen. The single is a rock driven track from the three member band where bass, guitar and percussion do stand out. You do get the addition of strings through the chorus but where tacica’s strength is, its in their lyrics. Fans have loved the band as they considered their lyrics as poetic.
The single is my first introduction to the band and for the most part, it was a solid but short single. Look forward to hearing more from tacica in the near future.
CD Single comes with lyrics and tacica concert information.

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Kyoko (杏子) – Justess (a J!-ENT World Groove Music Review)
November 24, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The former BARBEE BOYS vocalist, Kyoko, has returned with her tenth solo album featuring a variety of music with different styles and collaborations. Overall, it’s a solid mini-album from Kyoko and if you enjoy her solo work, “Justess” is an album worth listening too!
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ARTIST: Kyoko (杏子)
ALBUM: Justess
LABEL: Ariola Japan, Inc.
CATALOG #: AUC-51
DURATION: 35:25
RELEASE DATE: November 17, 2010
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- Wandering Boots
- www. ~World Wide Wisteria~
- 冬の花火
- 青猫
- 最後に愛を それはアナタに ~a swan song~
- Gibier
- ガールズトーク スイーツ ランジェリー
- ちいさな旅
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Kyoko is a Japanese vocalist who is best known for her being a member of the popular ’80s Japanese band BARBEE BOYS. Known for her low, husky voice, she has been singing solo but is also a member of the group FUKUMIMI with Sukao Suga and Masayoshi Yamazaki.
Since 1991, Kyoko has released 19 CD Singles and in 2010, she released her tenth album “JUSTESS”.
Kyoko’s music can’t be put in any genre one listen to her music, especially with “JUSTESS”, you will hear her singing rock and then another would be pop. But there is one thing that is consistent and that is her well-known husky voice.
In “Wandering Boots”, you get a rock track produced by SHAKALABBITS infused with traditional Japanese music shamisen. In this track, while Kyoko sings the lower tone of the music, you have SHAKKALABBITS vocalist UKI singing the higher vocals. It’s a pretty good song and both Kyoko and UKI’s voice compliment each other.
The second track “www. ~World Wide Wisteria~” features a collaboration with avex artist and former m-flo member LISA. LISA lends her voice as background but the fact that the two are collaborating with each other is pretty cool as Kyoko sings a dance club upbeat pop track.
The third track “Fuyu no Hanabi” (Winter Fireworks) is classic Kyoko. A rock ballad of sexual yearning and with Kyoko giving us that sensual, husky voice, the track turns out quite well.
The fourth track which translates to “Blue Cat” is a slower musical track with a hint of traditional Japan and cool beats. An OK mellow track!
The fifth track which translates to “Love at last for you dear ~A swan song~” is a piano-driven slow ballad, while the sixth track “Gibier” features a a contemporary upbeat rock track and another solid track on the album.
The seventh track “Girls Talk Sweet Lingerie” is a pretty cool track featuring a collaboration with Takki of GO!GO!7188. And Takki’s percussion definitely highlights this track, especially the awesome guitar playing by Aya Tamaki. While, the final track which translates to “Little Trip” has a hint of a country Irish melody.
The CD insert features lyrics and production credits for the album. A mini flyer for Augusta Records is also included with this album. Also, a special 2011 calendar featuring sexy photos of Kyoko are included but the calendar only goes up to June 2011.
Overall, “Justess” is another cool release from Kyoko. Featuring tracks with various styles of music but yet showcasing her well-known husky voice, fans of her solo work can definitely feel proud of her latest release as each track definitely keeps the album quite upbeat and enjoyable.

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Tatsuya Ishii feat. Peabo Bryson – Walking (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
September 30, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

2010 has been a strong collaborative year for Tatsuya Ishii and his latest collaboration features an East meets West track with popular vocalist Peabo Bryson. A beautiful single that fans of both men will definitely enjoy!
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ARTIST: Tatsuya Ishii feat. Peabo Bryson
CD SINGLE: Walking
LABEL: Sony Music Records Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-7377
DURATION: 31:58
RELEASE DATE: September 22, 2010
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- WALKING
- ARIGATO
- MY FATHER
- WALKING -Instrumental-
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In Japan, Tatsuya Ishii is known for his multiple talents as a singer, songwriter, artist and industrial designer. But he’s also well-known as the vocalist of defunct band KOME KOME CLUB.
Since the breakup of the band, Ishii has focused on his solo career and unlike most artists, he doesn’t stay with one genre. He is constantly re-inventing himself and trying something new.
In 2010, Tatsuya Ishii began a project of collaborations featuring a simple cover with a round circle in different colors. He began in May with K, in July with ANRI and now his third collaboration featuring American vocalist Peabo Bryson (best known for his songs “Beauty and the Beast” (with Celine Dion) and “A Whole New World” (with Regina Belle).
For “Walking”, the 10 minute track is a beautiful orchestral-driven track featuring Tatsuya Ishii singing the entire song in Japanese, followed by Peabo Bryson singing the complete song in English and then the two singing the song together. The strings really bring out the beauty and positiveness of the track. Included is also an instrumental of the song.
The second track “ARIGATO” features a collaboration with musicians ZAN and is an upbeat pop track.
The third track “MY FATHER” features a piano-driven ballad by Tatsuya Ishii. A respectful, kind song written for Ishii’s father.
The CD single comes with the lyrics for the three tracks and previous single information of Tatsuya Ishii’s 2010 singles.
Overall, “Walking” is a beautiful, unexpected and very good collaboration between Ishii and Bryson. Both men are wonderful vocalists and it was an interesting duet as you get both full tracks in Japanese and English before the actual duet. But it’s a solid single that fans of men will enjoy. As for the other tracks, while “ARIGATO” is a fun, upbeat pop song, “MY FATHER” is a wonderful dedication via a song to Ishii’s father.
A solid single that Ishii fans will definitely enjoy!

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Kana Nishino – If (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
September 28, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Kana Nishino’s 12th single “If” features three different collaborations, but each collaboration is well-produced, well-sung and for the most part, keeping things consistent with Kana Nishino’s quality releases. Another recommended pop single from Japan’s young singer/songwriter!
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ARTIST: Kana Nishino
CD SINGLE: If
LABEL: SME Records
CATALOG #: SECL-891
DURATION: 13:01
RELEASE DATE: August 4, 2010
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- If
- I’ll be there
- Beautiful
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Fantastic! That is my first impression after listening to Kana Nishino’s 12th CD single “If”. Featuring three tracks that can each be a primary single track, that’s how well-produced and how good these tracks are! In fact, the single reached #1 on the RIAJ Digital Track Chart Top 100.
Like previous CD singles, Kana Nishino writes the lyrics to all tracks featured in “If” and also collaborates with different producers for each track.
The single kicks off with a mellow medium tempo ballad titled “if” which is used as the theme song for the animated film “Naruto Shippuden 4: The Lost Tower” and also for the commercial campaign for Recochoku. A catchy track with a pretty solid chorus and I just like how the song transitions to the upbeat chorus. Catchy, addictive and pretty awesome arrangement from Giorgio Cancemi.
The second track “I’ll Be There” is another mid-tempo track with awesome vocals from Nishino and cool beats and also a catchy chorus. A very cool pop song from Jonathan Rotem, Lolene Everett and Nasri Atweh. Another solid track on the single!
The third track is a surprise as it’s very catchy, upbeat pop song. I really dig the track and it’s also a track that features a lot of English lyrics which Kana does a great job pronouncing and singing. Awesome track produced by HIRO for Digz, inc.
The CD booklet features photos of Kana Nishino and lyrics to the three vocal tracks and production credits. Also, an insert promoting her website and an insert for the “Naruto Shippuden 4: The Lost Tower”.
Overall, “If” is another awesome CD single for Kana Nishino and lately, each single have been consistent in quality production, awesome vocals and a diverse. This single once again shows us how this young pop star is definitely one of the shining talents in the Japanese music scene! If you are a fan of Kana, “If” is highly recommended!

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moumoon – Let’s dance in the moonlight (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
September 15, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

A children’s single release featuring a collaboration with the lifestyle good store MONO COMME CA and Japanese pop duo moumoon. This is not the usual moumoon style of music offering as this single is primarily for the children but overall an upbeat, fun track with a positive message.
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GROUP: moumoon
CD SINGLE: Let’s dance in the moonlight
LABEL: avex infinity
CATALOG #: AQCD-50537/B
DURATION: 13:17
RELEASE DATE: May 26, 2010
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- Let’s dance in the moonlight
- うさぎ (Usagi)
- Let’s dance in the moonlight – English Version
- Let’s dance in the moonlight – Instrumental
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- Let’s dance in the moonlight
- Let’s dance in the mooonlight -English ver.-
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YUKA and KOUSUKE MASAKI aka moumoon are back with a CD single titled “Let’s dance in the moonlight”.
But this single is not through their usual label avex trax but through the Avex sub-label Avex Infinity and the single is focused towards the children and is a joint compilation single between the store MONO COMME CA (a lifestyle goods shop which many international shoppers will find at Narita airport and other locations) and the Japanese pop duo, moumoon. So, for those who are looking at this song on YouTube or hearing it for the first time and are shocked by the content, it is important to note that this is not part of the usual moumoon offering via Avex Trax but a side project created for Avex Infinity.
“Let’s dance in the moonlight” and “Usagi” are tracks not written by YUKA of moumoon but by Toshio-chan and the English version by Toshi-chan and Richard Broadhead.
The song revolves around a little rabbit named “15″ (or “Ichigo”) who doesn’t want the moon to be sad, so he is joined with Mr. Monkey, Mr. Fox, Mr. Raccoon and Mr. Frog and despite their differences, they are living together in this world and are friends. And the hope is that children can be the same way as Ichigo and his friends and everyone can get along and dance in the moonlight.
“Let’s dance in the moonlight” is a song that starts off with KOUSUKE MASAKI on piano and transitions to an upbeat track. It’s obviously a fun, light children’s track and the first track is in Japanese but by the third track (the English version of the song), it is evident by the lyrics of how this single is for the children as it is about Ichigo wanting his friends to be happy together and to stop fighting. The fourth track is an instrumental version of the song.
As for the second track “Usagi”, it’s a :28 second track with only four lines and is a short folk song (lyrics and original music is unknown).


As for the DVD of “Let’s dance in the moonlight”, you get the music video which a viewer can select the Japanese or English version and optional English subtitles.
The music video shows Ichigo who is sad because the moon is sad that his friends are all fighting. But Ichigo manages to get everyone together, despite having their own differences and being friends and dancing under the moonlight. The characters and environments is provided in CG and is directed by play set products and production by simo:gumi.
As for the CD insert, you get the Japanese and English lyrics to “Let’s dance in the moonlight” and included is an insert promoting moumoon’s mini album “Sunshine Girl”.
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For a children’s song, “Let’s dance in the moonlight” has a positive message and for it to be sung by moumoon in Japanese and English is pretty cool, but for those expecting one of moumoon’s more beautiful arranged songs, this is not one of them. This single is for the children and the content (music and the DVD) is pretty much geared for children and it is what it is. It’s an OK, average single.
But for those who are moumoon fans, if you have to own all there releases, then I can see the importance of this single to have in your collection.
Overall, moumoon’s “Let’s dance in the moonlight” is a safe, upbeat children’s single release.

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