- HEY-SMITH
- New Release
HEY-SMITH Release Split EP “Unity” with Less Than Jake and Unveil Music Video for New Track “Voodoo Go To Zoo”
Japanese ska-punk powerhouse HEY-SMITH released their split EP "Unity" with legendary American ska-punk band Less Than Jake on June 24. The six-track release features three songs from each band, including HEY-SMITH’s first new material in approximately two years. "Unity" marks a cross-border collaboration between two leading forces in the ska-punk scene, bringing together Japan’s HEY-SMITH and the United States’ Less Than Jake. Alongside the release, HEY-SMITH also unveiled the music video for their new song "Voodoo Go To Zoo." Inspired by the band's first-ever Australian tour in 2024, the track captures the excitement and unique experiences of life on the road. The video showcases the members dressed in eccentric costumes that match the song’s edgy atmosphere, delivering a fast-paced and humorous visual experience packed with energy and entertainment. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, HEY-SMITH will kick off their nationwide "HEY-SMITH 20th ANNIVERSARY ALL OVER JAPAN TOUR" across all 47 prefectures of Japan starting in July. Looking ahead, the band is also set to hold their first solo show in nearly five years, "HEY-SMITH 20th Anniversary ONE MAN SHOW," at Osaka-jō Hall in April 2027. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from HEY-SMITH as they continue their anniversary celebrations. (more…)
- For International Customers
- Press
Pony Canyon Launches OTONOBA TOKYO, a New Label Connecting Global Artists with Japan and Asia
Pony Canyon has launched OTONOBA TOKYO, a new label and distribution service designed to support international artists expanding into the Japanese and Asian markets. More than a traditional music distribution service, OTONOBA TOKYO aims to connect international artists with listeners in Japan and across Asia through cultural engagement and storytelling. Based on the concept of “a place where music and culture from around the world come together,” the label will introduce global artists to Asian audiences from Tokyo. As the first artist to join the project, Los Angeles-based alternative pop artist DeathbyRomy will begin her activities in Japan with the release of her new single “Manic Dream” on June 5. As the first artist to join the project, Los Angeles-based alternative pop artist DeathbyRomy will begin her activities in Japan with the release of her new single “Manic Dream” on June 5. Known for her cinematic sound, dark romanticism, and genre-defying style, DeathbyRomy has been building an international presence through performances and collaborations around the world. She appeared as a support act on selected dates of BABYMETAL’s 2024 European tour and is also scheduled to join Limp Bizkit as a support act on their European tour in the summer of...
- SiM
- New Release
- Press
SiM wrote a brand-new song, “FREEZE ME UP,” as the opening theme for the anime BLACK TORCH, which will begin airing on July 4.
SiM wrote a brand-new song, "FREEZE ME UP," as the opening theme for the anime BLACK TORCH, which will begin airing on July 4. Alongside the theme song announcement, a new promotional video for the anime has also been released. The video features the main characters and includes the first preview of "FREEZE ME UP." Fans can get an early look at the anime's intense action scenes and hear a portion of the opening theme ahead of the series premiere in July. "FREEZE ME UP" will also be included on SiM's highly anticipated new album, HOOMAN AFTER ALL, set for release on September 2. Following the recent reveals of "FiVE TiMES DEAD (by my wallet)," "BLiNDEYES feat. Yukina from HANABIE.," and now "FREEZE ME UP," anticipation continues to build for the band's first original album in three years. SiM has also announced the HOOMAN AFTER ALL WORLD TOUR, which will kick off in September. Be sure to check the band's official website and social media channels for the latest news and updates. MAH (SiM) Comment "Manga is a universe. There are as many galaxies as there are readers. This song is my best attempt to express the BLACK TORCH galaxy...
- For International Customers
- New Release
All four original soundtracks from the first season of the anime “FAIRY TAIL” are set to be released on vinyl, with all titles available simultaneously! Comments have also been released!
In 2026, FAIRY TAIL will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original manga series. To mark this special milestone, the original soundtracks from the first FAIRY TAIL anime series (2009–2013), composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, will be released on vinyl on September 30. The release comes in response to strong requests from fans around the world. All four soundtrack titles will feature cover artwork originally drawn by FAIRY TAIL creator Hiro Mashima for the CD releases. Each title will also be available as a colored vinyl edition. (more…)
- Band-Maid
- For International Customers
- New Release
BAND-MAID has revealed the original store bonus designs for their new single “ENERGETIC,” releasing on June 24.
BAND-MAID has revealed the original store bonus designs for their new single “ENERGETIC,” releasing on June 24. The bonus lineup includes many special items featuring the artwork and logo design of “ENERGETIC.” The first press edition will also include a special campaign flyer for a chance to win signed items from the members. All bonuses are available only while supplies last, so early reservation is recommended. In addition, new individual artist photos of each member have also been released. Fans can now get a closer look at the new outfits that became a hot topic after the band photo revealed on “Maid Day” on May 10. Check out the BAND-MAID official website BIOGRAPHY page for the new artist photos. Also, ahead of the release, a live performance video of “Toi et moi” from the limited edition Blu-ray/DVD has been uploaded to BAND-MAID’s official YouTube channel. The Blu-ray/DVD includes footage from the final show at Zepp Haneda during the “BAND-MAID ZEPP TOUR 2024,” known by fans as a legendary night. BAND-MAID is currently on their “BAND-MAID WORLD TOUR 2026.” After starting in Hong Kong on March 20 and selling out shows across Japan, the band will begin the Europe tour this...
- Ako
- New Release
Ako Releases Her 2nd Album “lovely moments”!
Ako’s 2nd album “lovely moments” has officially been released. The album features a total of 12 tracks, including 3 anime tie-in songs and 7 previously unreleased tracks, showcasing a wide variety of sounds and styles. Created around the concept of “Y2K,” this is an album you won’t want to miss. To celebrate the release, a special large-scale panel exhibition is currently being held at Tower Records Shibuya. Fans who purchase the album will also have a chance to win a signed panel through a special lottery campaign, so be sure to visit during the campaign period. In addition, the music video for the album track “Earl Gray” has also been released. Featuring unique characters and dance scenes from Ako, the MV is packed with highlights and is definitely worth watching. Earl Gray: MUSIC VIDEO [embed]https://youtu.be/ZkQoi5T4-Lo?si=Zuio24aoRMNPR2-m[/embed] Ako's 2nd album, “lovely moments,” is now on sale Click here to purchase the CD https://pony-canyon.lnk.to/ako_lovelymoments_CD Streaming links https://lnk.to/AKO_lovely_moments
- Band-Maid
- Live/Event
- New Release
BAND-MAID surprise-announced the release of their new single “ENERGETIC” on “Maid Day”! The tracklist and jacket artwork have also been unveiled, along with a refreshed new artist photo!
Globally acclaimed all-female rock band BAND-MAID has announced the release of their new single “ENERGETIC” on June 24, alongside the unveiling of the tracklist and jacket artwork. On May 10, celebrated as “Maid Day,” the band held an Okyuji (concert) at Zepp Haneda in Tokyo as part of the “BAND-MAID WORLD TOUR 2026,” where they surprise-announced the upcoming release following the show. The single marks BAND-MAID’s first release of 2026 and their first physical single in four and a half years since “Sense” in 2021. The jacket artwork features the delicate illustration style that has recently become symbolic of BAND-MAID’s visual identity, filled with motifs reminiscent of a dice. Every detail seems to hint at a deeper message from the band, further building anticipation for the release and future announcements. In conjunction with the announcement, the band also revealed new artist photos. Dressed in brand-new outfits and standing in soft light, BAND-MAID’s latest visuals convey their unwavering determination to keep moving forward as they approach their 14th year together. Fans are already eager to see when this new look will debut during future Okyuji performances. The ongoing “BAND-MAID WORLD TOUR 2026” kicked off in Hong Kong on March 20 and...
- HEY-SMITH
- New Release
HEY-SMITH announce the release of their split EP “Unity” with American ska-punk band Less Than Jake!
HEY-SMITH have announced the release of their split EP “Unity” with legendary American ska-punk band Less Than Jake on June 24. Marking their first new release in approximately two years, this EP will feature a total of six tracks, with three songs from each band. The project brings together HEY-SMITH, one of the leading forces in Japan’s ska-punk scene, and Less Than Jake in a cross-border collaboration between two standout acts in the genre. Less Than Jake Less Than Jake is an American ska-punk band formed in 1992 that has remained a driving force in the scene for more than 30 years. “Unity” serves as a split EP bringing together these two influential bands. The newly unveiled cover artwork was specially illustrated by DRAGON76, a globally active graphic artist based in New York. Additionally, HEY-SMITH will celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2026. Starting in July, the band will embark on their nationwide 47-prefecture tour, “HEY-SMITH 20th ANNIVERSARY ALL OVER JAPAN TOUR.” They are also set to hold their first solo show in approximately five years, “HEY-SMITH 20th Anniversary ONE MAN SHOW,” at Osaka-jō Hall in April 2027. Be sure to keep an eye on their upcoming activities and future...
