Season 3 Episodes
1. Hirose Kohmi
This episode features "Winter Queen" Hirose Kohmi, a songstress who has released hit singles such as "My God blessed Romance," "Where's my snow melting love," "DEAR...again" and "promise." Now, she is in the spotlight for cover songs on her YouTube channel. She accompanies these innovative covers with commentary backed by her musical knowledge and fans rave how they have helped them rediscover the allure of music. In the program, she chats with the 2 hosts while playing the piano, demonstrates the appeal of modern pop hits like King Gnu's "Hakujitsu" and opens up about her thoughts on music and approach to cover songs. She also performs "Pretender" by Official HIGE DANdism, the cover with the most views on her YouTube channel, and "All we need is love" alongside Mayumura Chiaki, who she has performed with in the past. Expect an episode packed with smiles!
2. Sexy Zone
Members are Sato Shori, Nakajima Kento, Kikuchi Fuma, Marius Yo, and Matsushima So. In November 2011, the group made a debut with the single "Sexy Zone" and debuted at No.1 on the Oricon weekly ranking, which is the most popular music chart in Japan. Since then, all 19 singles and 8 albums (including the best album) have achieved No.1 on the Oricon weekly ranking. In November 2021, the group will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the debut.
3. Love Live! Series
Liella! is a school idol group that appears in “Love Live! Superstar!!,” the latest installment in the multi-media “Love Live!” series. On 7 April 2021, they released their debut single “Hajimari wa Kimi no Sora” along with an animated music video. Nijigasaki High School Idol Club is a school idol group from the multi-media “Love Live!”series. They are featured in the “Love Live! School Idol Festival ALL STARS” game app, which is currently in distribution. They appeared in a TV anime series in 2020, and will have their 3rd concert on 8 and 9 May 2021. Aqours is a school idol group from the multi-media “Love Live! Sunshine!!” series. In 2018, they had their own two-day concert at Tokyo Dome. At the end of the same year, they appeared in the 69th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. In 2019, the “Love Live! Sunshine!!” series had its first Asia tour. They will hold their first outdoor concert in their hometown Shizuoka to celebrate their 5th anniversary in May this year.
4. Sakurazaka46
Sakurazaka46 is an idol group produced by Akimoto Yasushi. It was formed as the second group in the Sakamichi Series in August 2015 after screening 22,509 audition applicants. The group debuted as Keyakizaka46 with their first single “Silent Majority” on 6 April 2016. In July 2020, it was announced that they would go on hiatus and be renamed. In October the same year, they restarted their activities. They received recognition for their skills and buzz factor, and performed in the 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
5. MORISAKI WIN and WGB (WagakkiBand)
Born and raised in Myanmar, MORISAKI WIN came to Japan when he was in the 4th grade of elementary school, was scouted when he was in the 2nd grade of junior high school, and started his entertainment career. In 2008, he joined a dance vocal unit and became the main vocalist. While playing various roles as an actor, he was selected as a main cast member in Steven Spielberg's film “Ready Player 1”, making his Hollywood debut. WagakkiBand made their debut in April 2014 with the album Vocalo Zanmai. Their second album Yasou Emaki was released in 2015. It debuted at No. 1 in the Oricon Weekly Ranking and won the Planning Prize at the 57th Japan Record Awards. The band has held dynamic performances both in Japan and abroad, performing at the prestigious Nippon Budokan in less than two years since their debut. They have done a solo tour in North America and are continuing to expand worldwide. In 2018, their 5th album Otonoe won the Album Prize at the 60th Japan Record Awards.
6. Aoi Shouta, Uesaka Sumire
WagakkiBand made their debut in April 2014 with the album Vocalo Zanmai. Their second album Yasou Emaki was released in 2015. It debuted at No. 1 in the Oricon Weekly Ranking and won the Planning Prize at the 57th Japan Record Awards. The band has held dynamic performances both in Japan and abroad, performing at the prestigious Nippon Budokan in less than two years since their debut. They have done a solo tour in North America and are continuing to expand worldwide. In 2018, their 5th album Otonoe won the Album Prize at the 60th Japan Record Awards. Uesaka Sumire debuted as a voice actress in January 2012. She made her debut as an artist with “nanatsunoumiyorikiminoumi,” the theme song for the 2013 TV animation Namiuchigiwa No Muromi San. Sumire is a unique voice actress well-versed in various fields such as Russia, Showa era songs, metal rock, tanks, lolita, and professional wrestling. She released her latest single “EASY LOVE” in April 2021.
7. The Best Songs from the First Half of 2021
Ms. OOJA was born in Mie Prefecture and serves as the Tourism Ambassador for Mie Prefecture and Yokkaichi City. She has also gained a reputation for cover songs, releasing three cover albums with curated love songs. “Mayonaka no Door -Stay With Me-” was recorded in the album Nagashi no OOJA-Vintage Song Covers, which covers classics from the Showa era (1926-1989). It became a revival hit and reached 1.8 million views in Ms. OOJA’s YouTube channel. Her silky voice is said to have a 1/f fluctuation, which is believed to have a soothing effect on people. Strength and dignity are the underling concepts behind her music and performances, and she works under the motto “this voice will inspire a new you.” Awesome City Club is a three-unit group formed in 2013.The group has two vocals and their music is an eclectic mix of pop, rock, soul, R&B, and dance music that showcases the members’ versatile roots.
8. CRAZY KEN BAND, CHANMINA
This episode features 2 artists known for creating tracks that are going viral around the world. Their difference in age, aesthetic and musical style highlight how diverse J-POP is today. CRAZY KEN BAND celebrated their 40th anniversary this fall with their first cover album, featuring some of Japan's most treasured city pop songs. At the show, they perform a cover of "DOWN TOWN" by the legendary Yamashita Tatsuro-led band SUGAR BABE. The program also showcases their signature song, "Tiger and Dragon," and delves into Yokoyama's thoughts on the appeal of city pop. CHANMINA is a noteworthy artist with a huge Gen Z fan base both in Japan and abroad. The 22-year-old singer has been making waves with her signature track "Never Grow Up," a chart-topping single with over 200 million views on YouTube and 150 million hashtag views on TikTok. On the show, she'll be performing her springtime hit "Bijin" for the first time on TV.
9. L'Arc~en~Ciel
This episode features L'Arc-en-Ciel, a legendary rock band celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. They perform their latest songs and look back at the last 3 decades. L'Arc-en-Ciel has been a driving force in the Japanese rock scene for 30 years. They have toured all around the world, sold more than 40 million CDs, and attracted a whopping 4.3 million people to their concerts. After their thundering indie debut in 1991, the band dominated the first 2 spots on the singles chart twice, and even dished out 2 new albums at the same time. In 1999, the band's outdoor live tour in Tokyo drew around 250,000 people over 2 days, and in 2004, they started performing overseas. In 2012, they became the first Asian rock band to perform solo at New York's prestigious Madison Square Garden.
10. Violet Evergarden Special: TRUE, Chihara.Minori
This episode features music from the popular animation Violet Evergarden, welcoming singers TRUE and Chihara Minori. Violet Evergarden is an animated film that has been screened in many countries around the world. Packed with innocence and inspiring messages, this heartwarming revolves around Violet, a girl who becomes a ghostwriter after fighting in a war. On the show, we delve into what makes this tranquil film so appealing by exploring its plot and music. The theme and ending songs for Violet Evergarden were written and sung by TRUE and Chihara Minori. They will be on the show to talk about what makes the film so appealing and their thoughts on the soundtrack. Enjoy all the songs connected with Violet Evergarden, including theme song "Sincerely" and ending song "Michishirube" from the TV series, along with "Amy" from the 2019 film "Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll." In addition, they will also perform "WILL" and "Mirai no Hito e" from the 2020 film.