「アングララカルチャー「概論版」- ￥1000
1. アングララカルチャー (Angura Culture)
2. academism
3. メトロムジカ「奇奏する鍵盤」(Metro Majika “Kisou suru Genban”)

Their second release, 「アングララカルチャー処方箋」 (Angura Culture Shohousen) will now be released on June 5th, and come with seven tracks, and like the previous single, come with one of five trading cards.

「アングララカルチャー処方箋」- ￥2500
1. ひきこもりこうしんきよく-intro- (Hikikomori Koushinkyoku -intro-)
2. 処方箋。(Shohousen.)
3. マーキュロと規則的なSysRq(処方箋ver.) (Mercurochrome to Kisokuteki na SysRq [Shohousen ver.])
4. アングララカルチャー(処方箋ver.) (Angura Culture [Shohousen ver.])
5. 6㍉
6. 鬱棘(処方箋ver.) (Utsutoge [Shohousen ver.])
7. せんちめんたる常用(処方箋ver.) (Sentimental Jouyou [Shohousen ver.])

You can purchase both at the above links through CDJapan; first press on both is already sold out! Also, check out a two minute preview of their latest song.

Source: OHP

「Bee Myself Bee Yourself ～自分らしく君らしく生まれたストーリー始まってんだ～」Limited Edition – ￥1680
1. Bee Myself Bee Yourself ～自分らしく君らしく生まれたストーリー始まってんだ～
2. テケスタ光線～アンチエイジングver～ (Tekesuta Kousen -Anti Aging Version-)
3. Bee Myself Bee Yourself ～自分らしく君らしく生まれたストーリー始まってんだ～ -Instrumental-
4. テケスタ光線～アンチエイジングver～ -Instrumental-
DVD
Bee Myself Bee Yourself ～自分らしく君らしく生まれたストーリー始まってんだ～ -Music Video
爆笑!? (Bakushou) SMA LEAGUE Cafe1-GP 2013

「Bee Myself Bee Yourself ～自分らしく君らしく生まれたストーリー始まってんだ～」Regular Edition – ￥1200
1. Bee Myself Bee Yourself ～自分らしく君らしく生まれたストーリー始まってんだ～
2. テケスタ光線～アンチエイジングver～ (Tekesuta Kousen -Anti Aging Version-)
3. Bee Myself Bee Yourself ～自分らしく君らしく生まれたストーリー始まってんだ～ -Instrumental-
4. テケスタ光線～アンチエイジングver～ -Instrumental-

Secondly, we finally have dates for their currently ongoing tour, “NYAPPY GO ROUND キミノマチ (Kimi no Machi).” Seven lives have already taken place, but don’t worry, there’s still a ton left! All lives will cost ￥3910 to attend, save for the tour final, which will cost ￥6500.

10th Anniversary year LIVE CAFE “48″ Prefecture TOUR 「NYAPPY GO AROUND キミノマチ (Kimi no Machi)」

04.21　Shibuya AX
04.27　Saitama HEAVEN’S ROCK Kumagaya
04.28　Takasaki club FLEEZ
04.29　Tochigi HEAVEN’S ROCK Utsunomiya
05.03　Yokohama BAYSIS
05.04　Kashiwa PALOOZA
05.05　Mito Lighthouse
05.24　Koriyama CLUB #9
05.05　Akita Club SWINDLE
05.26　Morioka CLUB CHANGE WAVE
06.09　Okinawa Sakurazaka Central
06.21　Yamagata Music Showa Session
06.22　Aomori Quarter
06.25　Sapporo cube garden
06.27　Niigata Live Hall GOLDEN PIGS RED STAGE
06.28　Nagano CLUB JUNKBOX
06.29　Kofu KAZOO HALL
07.05　Kanazawa AZ
07.06　Toyama SOUL POWER
07.07　Fukui CHOP
07.12　Matsue canova
07.13　Yonago laughs
07.15　Shunan LIVE rise
07.17　Hiroshima Cave-Be
07.18　Okayama IMAGE
07.20　Takamatsu DIME
07.21　Tokushima club GRINDHOUSE
07.23　Kouchi X-pt.
07.24　Matsuyama Salon Kitty
07.26　Yokkaichi CLUB CHAOS
07.27　Gifu CLUB-G
07.28　Hamamatsu Madowaku
08.03　Saga GEILS
08.04　Nagasaki DRUM Be-7
08.06　Kagoshima SR HALL
08.08　Miyazaki SR BOX
08.10　Ooita DRUM Be-0
08.11　Kumamoto Be-9 V2
08.14　Nagoya E.L.L
08.16　Nara Neverland
08.17　Shiga U-STONE
08.18　Wakayama GATE
08.24　Kyoto MUSE
08.25　Mito VARIT
08.31　Sendai darwin
09.06　Osaka BIG-CAT
09.15　Fukuoka DRUM Be-1
TOUR FINAL 「ニャッピー県」(Nyappy Prefecture)
01.04　Nippon Budokan

Once more about their next two singles is released, we’ll let you know! For now, check out this short preview of their latest music video!

Source: OHP

We’ve been rather quiet about ALSDEAD as of late, but that hasn’t stopped the band from making several good announcements within the last week!

At their sponsored live event on May 12th, ALSDEAD announced they will be releasing a new single this summer, as well as having a One Man at Ikebukuro Edge on August 23rd.
There is currently no new information about the upcoming single despite its planned release during the Summer of 2013, but a little more information has been released on their upcoming One Man!

8/23 @ Ikebukuro EDGE
ALSDEAD ONE MAN
-Beautiful Tripper-
Start: 18:30/19:00
Ticket: ¥3000/¥3500

The date of the start of ticket sales has yet to be released, so check back with us often for updates on both the One Man and the new single.

In addition, ALSDEAD announced a very special Collector’s Item that they began selling at their Sponsored event! The item is a collaboration with Pureblack Gothic Labo and is the pinkie ring worn by Maki with his most recent costume.

The ring is available on Gothic Labo’s webshop or available at ALSDEAD lives, though if you want one be quick as they are stocked in very limited quantities!

So, what do you think about the upcoming release? Excited? Drop us your opinion in the comments below!

Source: Ameba, OHP, PBGL OHP

When VAMPS makes news, they really make news. We have three big announcements for you readers today.

First, VAMPS has been chosen as one of the performers in this year’s MTV Video Music Awards Japan! They’ll be rocking along with acts like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Momoiro CloverZ, and TLC! It will be broadcast on June 23rd at 20:00 (JST).

If you are currently in Japan and have an address here, you can apply to win a free ticket to the performance on June 22nd here! It takes place at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall. The application period ends on May 31st at 17:00. 250 winners will be notified by e-mail and tickets will be send to their address.

Second, VAMPS has announced another “BEAST PARTY” for 2013! This time, it’s called “BEAST ON THE BEACH.” It takes place on August 10th and 11th at Yamanashi Prefecture’s Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara. The show opens at 16:00 and starts at 17:30, but the area is open from 9:00-21:00.

Regular standing tickets are 6660yen (7160yen same day). But, if you are a VAMPADDICT or HYDE Room member, you have the option to purchase a special standing ticket. For 8500yen, you also get a soft drink bar ticket and an official BEAST PARTY towel. Pre-order for VAMPADDICTs is from May 23-28th. HYDE Room’s pre-sale starts on May 29th and ends on June 3rd. The Pia Pre-reserve is from June 10-16th. Finally, regular sales begin on June 29th.

More information on details like a tour bus & overnight package will come soon.

We’ve come to our last newsflash from VAMPS!

On July 3rd, VAMPS will be releasing a double A-side single called “AHEAD/REPLAY.” It comes in three versions: Type A (1600yen) contains the “AHEAD” Official MV, while Type B (also 1600yen) includes the MV for “REPLAY.” The Regular Version is 1200yen. You can place an order for any copy at CDJapan.

“AHEAD” has been chosen as the theme song for Sony Mobile Communication’s new Xperia Smartphone! Check out the CM below before (or after) you pre-order your copy. HYDE the man appears himself (in glasses, too!):

Source: OHP, VAMPS Official Facebook

「梅雨盤２」- ￥500
1. 冷たい雨 (Tsumetai Ame)
2.  シニカルメモリー (Cynical Memory)

They also have three lives currently planned for the month of June.

06.13　Takadanobaba Area // AREA 16th Anniversary “NO613-ZE”
With: Sick2, Elektel Shiki, Gagagaga, FULL EFFECT, LakuGaki
Cost: ￥3000 (￥3500 day of)
06.21　Ikebukuro EDGE // ViSULOG PRESENTS「HYSTERIC CIRCUS vol.6」
With: PLUNKLOCK, L&DS, Revolv, 「xxx」is D￡AD, Zelktage
Cost: ￥3000 (￥3500 day of)
06.27　Shibuya STAR LOUNGE // CЯOWN×CГOWN presents『reflection of desire ＧＯＬＤ ~Shibuya Zettai Yuuhei Kuiki~ vol.18
With: Airish, Alaids, Euphoria, SPELLBOX, Black Klaxon, llll-Ligro-
Cost: ￥3500 (￥4000 day of)

Source: OHP

Thanks to a tip from Lenore, it’s been brought to our attention that on May 25th, Yuki of rice fame and shi-no from Gram∞Maria will be meeting fans in Poland! The two are off to vacation in Europe, and while they’re there, they’ll be hosting a karaoke and meet in Warsaw. The venue is pub Boom Boom Boom and the event is set to begin at 8 pm. There’s no entry fee, so it sounds like a wonderful opportunity for fans in the area to meet a couple of talented guys from the VK scene!

To stay updated and for more information, you can see the event page on Facebook (Polish), or view the English page of the organizer’s website.

Source: Lenore, Ukiyo-e

Today, members of X JAPAN attended the grand opening of Madame Tussauds in Tokyo. Madame Tussauds is a famous doll-making company that specializes in making life-size figures of celebrities.

All members (PATA, HEATH, Yoshiki, Toshi, and SUGIZO) are pictured above with their life-size figures.

At this rare and long-awaited press conference, the members discussed their activities and plans for the future. In addition to their solo activities, each member has been working on material for X JAPAN.

When asked specifically about upcoming activities, Yoshiki was quoted as saying, “It will probably happen sometime next year, but we’re planning our second full-scale world tour. We’ve been having a lot of meetings about it.”

The members were then asked which countries they most wanted to visit. Vocalist Toshi answered, “I want to try going to Indonesia.” SUGIZO’s response was, “I want to visit Islamic countries.” “I want to go where we went before. I also want to go someplace cold and someplace hot, haha,” bassist HEATH said. PATA, on the other hand, only left us with, “I’ll leave it up to someone else!”

After the opening ceremony, a short question-and-answer session took place. Yoshiki said, “We really want to participate in festivals in addition to our world tour, but our shows are really tough on us both mentally and physically.”

He also explained, while laughing, “Since we toured last time without even an album, we were thinking of bringing like business cards along with us. We’ve really wanted to release an album since the band got back together, haha. We should have released an album before releasing our dolls!”

So, there you have it, X fans! It looks like 2014 will have a lot in store for you!

Source: Natalie.mu

Pre-registration for the convention has been going on since the beginning of the year, and various packages are available. For a four day pass, it’ll cost you $65, and a two day ticket will run $55. One-day and exhibit hall only passes will become available on June first. Also on that date, the prices for tickets will increase, so pre-register now! An additional ticket may be required to attend the concert, so we’ll keep you updated if anything changes.

After not having a major rock guest last year, this will certainly make up for it! Are any of our readers planning on attending the convention? Before you let us know, check out Kaya’s comment video for the convention!

As a final note, we are still under the definite impression that CELL will be in attendance at the convention, though not confirmed by the convention staff as of yet. But the band are making sure that fans are aware that they will be attending, even printing it out on their most recent flyers! In any case, this will be their first overseas appearance together. Are you looking forward to seeing them as well?

Source: Anime Expo Website

Osaka visual band Aqua Drop has recently announced the departure of their bassist, Toki. It isn’t often that we hear the actual reasons for band members taking off, and when we do they aren’t always good. However, it sounds like Toki is going to be moving to Tokyo, either to look for work or start a new career. He plans to continue in the music industry as well, so it’s all good news!

The official statements from the band’s OHP are below, translated by yours truly.

Announcing Toki’s departure

It’s a sudden announcement, but it has been decided that Aqua Drop’s bassist, Toki, will leave the band after the May 29th Shinsaibashi OSAKA RUIDO live.

There is only a little time left for activity with all of the current members, but we would be truly grateful for your support of kai, Haiji, Koumei, kou,and Toki as the five-member Aqua Drop.

AS Aqua Drop will continue activity without stopping from here on as well, please give us your support.

And it’s selfish, but please be sure to come to the last show with all five members on May 29th at Shinsaibashi OSAKA RUIDO and see Toki off.

Please give us your best.

Aqua Drop, All members

A message from Toki

Everyone, this is Aqua Drop’s bassist, Toki
At this time it has been decided that I’ll leave the band after the May 29th live
The reason is because I’m going to Tokyo for work
It was September last year when I became a member of Aqua Drop, and
It’s exactly because I was able to meet the other memebers kai, Haiji, Koumei, and kou
That I was able to find myself
I want to become a lecturer!! This idea has become even stronger
I want to turn myself into the kind of passionate musician the other members are
That sort of feeling has grown strong
Everyone, thank you for supporting Toki of Aqua Drop
Please be sure to come to my last live on May 29th

Source: vkdb, OHP

On May 12th, CROW MUSIC made an exciting announcement on their website.

BIOSPHIA has joined the company as one of their bands!

Fans should still use BIOSPHIA’s OHP to contact them, but those interested in inviting them to shows will be asked to use CROW MUSIC’s contact information.

They’ll be working on new music from now on; in the mean time, they’ll be performing at a few upcoming shows over the next couple of months.

May 24th “2nd Anniversary Oneman Tour” @ Nagoya ell.SIZE
Ticket: 3000yen (3500yen same day)

June 9th “NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST PRESENTS ‘ART OF AGGRESSION’” @ Urawa NARCISS
With: NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST / トーマNOCTURNAL BLOODLUST / トーマス / BIOSPHIA / BLACK LINE / Catfist / Galeyd (Thomas) / BLACK LINE / etc.
Ticket: 3000yen (3500yen same day)

June 14th @ Niigata CLUB RIVERST
With: NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST / トーマス / BLACK LINE / Catfist / etc.
Ticket: 3000yen (3500yen same day)

June 15th @ Sendai HooK
With: NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST / トーマス / BLACK LINE / Catfist / Galeyd
Ticket: 3000yen (3500 same day)

June 22nd @ Shinsaibashi CLUB DROP
With: NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST / Avidit. / EAT YOU ALIVE / トーマス / BLACK LINE
Ticket: 3000yen (3500 same day)

June 23rd @ Imaike 3STAR
With: NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST / Avidit. / トーマス / BLACK LINE / Galeyd
Ticket: 3000yen (3500yen same day)

June 30th @ Hanamatsu FORCE
With: NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST / Avidit. / EAT YOU ALIVE / トーマス / BLACK LINE
Ticket: 3000yen (3500yen same day)

July 15th “Ains presents 「闇狩リ-ヤミガリ-2013」 (Yamigari 2013)” @ Ikebukuro BlackHole
With: グリーヴァ (Grieva) / DEZERT / Special Session Band
Ticket: 3000yen (3500yen same day)

BIOSPHIA is also having a continuous 3-man event in OSAKA RUIDO at the end of July and August.

BIOSPHIA presents
“Spread oF infeCtious DiseasES”

July 30th with グリーヴァ／ALSDEAD／縁_心 (Enishi_shin)
August 7th with 我羇道 (GAKIDO) ／(6/1～)告知解禁バンド (band announced on 6/1) ／Re:ACT
August 15th with 鳴セッション (Naru session) ／暦セッション (Reki session) ／夕紀セッション (Yuki session)
August 23rd with GALEYD／RevleZ／SoniqRush.

Ticket: 3000yen (3500yen same day)

Let’s keep supporting them through this big change!

Source: vkdb, OHP

「ブギウギ」Limited Type A – ￥1575
1. ブギウギ (Boogie Woogie)
2. ベーコンレタスチーズバーガー (Bacon Lettuce Cheeseburger)
3. 少年[B]チェンジ(不良品種Edit) (Shounen [B] Change (Furyouhinshu Edit)

「ブギウギ」Limited Type B – ￥1575
1. ブギウギ (Boogie Woogie)
2. ベーコンレタスチーズバーガー (Bacon Lettuce Cheeseburger)
3. MIKADUKI (不良品種Edit) (Furyouhinshu Edit)

Secondly, they’ll beholding a short three-stop solo tour, each venue hosting two days. Tickets will cost ￥3500 (￥4000) day of to attend, save for the tour final, which will cost ￥3800 (￥4300). Presale through BadEggBox will begin on June 28th through July 8th,  and general sale starts on August 31st.

Hana Shounen Baddies Fall 2013 Tour “Boys dance BoogieWoogie”
09.28　HOLIDAY NEXT Nagoya
09.29　HOLIDAY NEXT Nagoya
10.19　Osaka FANJ Twice
10.20　Osaka FANJ Twice
TOUR FINAL 「たのしくはじけてなおかつせつなくやさしいライブ」(Tanoshiku wa Jikete na Okatsusetsu naku Yasashii Live)
11.03　Shibuya WWW

Source: OHP

「モノクローム(黒)」- ￥3150
1. セカイノオワルヲト (Sekai no Owaruwoto)
2. 風穴 (Kazaana)
3. ワスレナグサ (Wasurenagusa)
4. モノクローム (Monochrome)
5. 太陽光線 (Taiyou Kousen)
6. 微熱 (Binetsu)
7. LoV
8. 風見鶏 (Kazamidori)
DVD:
“LoV” Music Video

Did any of you see them perform at Otafest? Are you planning on attending Anime North this weekend? Let us know how it went!

Source: OHP

Having just celebrated their fourth anniversary earlier this month, THE GALLO is alive and kicking, making more and more magazine appearances and gaining more traction as they move ahead at full speed. There’s a lot for their fans to look forward to this summer and fall!

First, the band will be holding their biggest self-sponsored one-man live this year on June 8th — “Shin ・ Kokkei Sensen Fukoku” — to celebrate vocalist Jojo’s birthday. Tickets are on sale for the live, which will take place at Ikebukuro EDGE. There are three bonuses for attendees!

• A free distribution DVD just for attending
• The one-and-only chance to purchase the limited release, “Maou -kyousou-”, for ￥1000
• A chance to take a picture with the band (attendees must provide their own camera)

 
Members of the band have hinted at new costumes to come soon — though it may be ambitious to expect them at the June show — as well as an announcement to be made at the live. A limited birthday stamp rally will launch at THE GALLO’s June 8th live as well; fans will be given a stamp card with which they can collect a prize this autumn if they manage to attend birthday lives for Jojo, guitarist Wajou, and drummer Kaede and receive stamps for their patronage. The prize has not yet been announced.

Perhaps even bigger news than such an exciting live comes from a recent issue of V-splash, the first place in which THE GALLO officially announced that they will be releasing their first full-length album in the autumn! There are no further details, but June may bring more information regarding this release as well.

Though known for not being particularly active in summer months, the band has a couple of upcoming event lives in Tokyo.

June 22nd (Sat) @ Shibuya REX
Lin 3rd ANNIVERSARY & Indefinite Hiatus Sponsored Event “Obscure Ideal ~Judgement of fortune~”

July 9th (Tue) @ Ikebukuro EDGE
rivabook presents [NEW Innovator]

July 19th (Fri) @ Ikebukuro EDGE
ViSULOG PRESENTS “HYSTERIC CIRCUS vol. 7″

September 7th (Sat) – details to come
Kaede’s birthday live

September 14th (Sat) – details to come
Wajou’s birthday live

 
Source: OHP, Jojo’s blog

About a week ago, Serial⇔NUMBER’s own Yui casually announced on his blog that support bassist Ryou has officially joined the band!
 

Ryou
Bass
Birthday: 10/28
Blood Type: O

Officially four members strong, putting out three months of consecutive releases this summer. Each release is a double A-side single, meaning that each single will have two title tracks. The first, released on May 10th, is called 「琉海道夢／DENKI GIRL」 (“Ryuukaidoumu / DENKI GIRL”), costs ￥1,260, contains a DVD — and is limited to 100 serialized copies. Unfortunately, the CD is limited to live sales.

There isn’t much information about the upcoming singles, but at least the dates have been decided –
June 21 @ Ikebukuro BlackHole
July 24 @ Ikebukuro EDGE

Though we can only assume that each single will be limited to lives, it appears that copies won’t be limited to one day, but available until they sell out. With that in mind, there are several upcoming chances to see Serial⇔NUMBER this spring and summer, with more sure to come!

May 23rd (Thu) @ Ikebukuro EDGE
rivabook presents [NEW Innovator]

May 28th (Tue) @ Ikebukuro BlackHole
KR.planing presents [KR Planning vol.2]

June 1st (Sat) @ Nagoya HOLIDAY NEXT
SCAPEGOAT presents NEW SINGLE “COUNT D[a]WN” RELEASE Countrywide TOUR [9]

June 2nd (Sun) @ Ash OSAKA
SCAPEGOAT presents NEW SINGLE “COUNT D[a]WN” RELEASE Countrywide TOUR [9]

June 4th (Tue) @ Hakata DRUM Be-1
SCAPEGOAT presents NEW SINGLE “COUNT D[a]WN” RELEASE Countrywide TOUR [9]

June 10th (Mon) @ Shinyokohama NEW SIDE BEACH
SCAPEGOAT presents NEW SINGLE “COUNT D[a]WN” RELEASE Countrywide TOUR [9]

June 21st (Fri) @ Ikebukuro BlackHole
Serial⇔NUMBER presents Three-Month Consecutive Double A-side Single Release Number 2 Commemorative Sponsored Live

July 24th (Wed) @ Ikebukuro EDGE
Serial⇔NUMBER presents memorial day [8]

Source: vkdb, Yui’s blog, OHP

Along with that release, on May 29th, they’ll also be dropping a live DVD! You can purchase “vistlip oneman live FBA 2013/2/1 Tokyo International Forum Hall A” in two versions, a Limited Edition including live footage as well as a tour digest for ￥7140, and a Regular Edition containing just the footage from the live, for ￥4935. Both can be ordered on CDJapan. Some first press editions are still available!

They’ve also announced a new oneman tour for the summer! “[sequence of chronograph]” will take place through the latter half of July, and all lives will cost ￥4500 (￥5000 day of) to attend. Tickets are currently on sale.

vistlip oneman live tour [sequence of chronograph]
07.17　Sendai darwin
07.19　Sapporo PENNY LANE 24
07.24　Nagoya DIAMOND HALL
07.25　Nanba Hatch
07.28　Fukuoka Drum LOGOS
07.31　Shibuya Public Hall

We’ll keep you updated on the album as more becomes available!

Source: OHP

An important message to all Glam Grammar fans as well as all staff

Thank you for always supporting Glam Grammar.
We have an important message for everyone.

At this time we are announcing that after the June 22, 2013 live, guitarist Ray will leave the band due to his situation at home.
We would like to express our gratitude and regret to all of the fans and staff who have cheered us on since our formation.

Along with this, we have decided that the present four members — Ayumu, Shuuta, Ritsu, and marsa — will carry out scheduled activities after June 22nd without stopping.

The members and staff will do their very best so please give us your unwavering support.

–The following is a comment from Ray———————–

As has been announced, I will leave Glam Grammar after June 22nd for my situation at home.

I’m really sorry.

I’ve become unable to focus on band activities from here on like I did before now.
However, since my feelings of love towards guitar and music won’t change, I would like to continue with music at my own pace.

I will take a different road than the others, but since I’ll be supporting Glam Grammar from here on, and since I think I’ll go to the lives sometimes, if you happen to see me at a venue please say hi!

In order to to have no regrets as Glam Grammar’s Ray during the remaining time until June 22nd, I’ll give it my all, so let’s meet again with smiling faces!

The time is short, but the time I’ve passed with the members, staff, personnel, and supporting fans is a life treasure to me.

Thank you, really!

Source: OHP, vkdb
Translation: Ku

An urgent announcement was just made on DIR EN GREY’s Official Facebook.

It seems that vocalist Kyo has been diagnosed with tonsilitis and is currently being hospitalized in Tokyo. Their next show is on May 24th, but, depending on Kyo’s physical condition, the band may not be able to carry out the performance as scheduled.

Message from the Official Facebook page:

“Following a medical examination after feeling sick and experiencing high fever, Kyo (Voice) has been diagnosed with tonsillitis.

Despite Kyo being adamant about carrying out the ”TOUR2013 TABULA RASA -揚羽ノ羽ノ夢ハ蛹-” (Ageha no hana no yume wa chou) show scheduled on 24.05.2013 at Shibuya Public Hall, a special LIVE show for those who purchased the limited order only MINI ALBUM “THE UNRAVELING”, he has been hospitalized for further treatment and rest.

At this time, the show is scheduled to take place as planned, however, under unavoidable circumstances we will make an announcement over our official website.

We apologize for all inconveniences and worry we have caused all fans and affiliates and thank you for your continuous encouragement and support.

sun-krad Co., Ltd.
Saturday 18 May, 2013″

Let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery!

Source: Official Facebook

GACKT doesn’t seem to be catching a break lately; in addition to his tax investigation last year, new and more serious allegations have been risen against him.

A few days ago, his OHP made an announcement regarding the falsehood of the accusations made against him as written in FLASH, a Japanese gossip magazine. He has been accused of sexually assaulting and raping a nightclub hostess sometime in late 2011. The details have been translated into English by many Asian pop culture sites already.

As well as GACKT’s staff denying the accusations, the man himself left comments on LINE for his fans:

Message 1

2013/05/15
Is everyone doing well?

It’s been a while since I’ve written a comment for LINE.
I’m just about to leave my hotel near the venue.
From here, there’s the live in Omiya.

With that,
The fact that I’m writing on LINE after such a long time
Is in regards to the article published in FLASH yesterday.

Do you know FLASH?
Well, it’s photo-gossip magazine;

They reported that

“I assaulted, confined, and raped a cabaret club girl several years ago”.

What a ridiculous idea…
I was shocked enough to drop my jaw completely and rage,
‘How do you have the nerve to be able to create a story that goes that far!’
The content is like an erotic novel.

Well, it’s that they’re attacking my tour
Clearly, this is often the sales department’s aim, but…
There is no profanity as great as this.

If they make me their topic,
I know they’ll stretch the number of copies they sell.
Now, the number of copies that weekly publications are selling is dropping and I understand that they’re desperate,
But isn’t this a downward spiral?

In order to sell they list out exaggerated lies.
People will stop believing them.
And, to stretch the number of copies, they list out more and more atrocious things.
They’ll gradually stop selling and cease publication

———————–

Message 2

It doesn’t look good…

So essentially,
If it’s true that I assaulted, confined, and raped [that girl] several years ago,
Wouldn’t the police moved in and immediately arrested me?

Furthermore, this woman who’s calling out that she’s the victim…
Well, she suddenly listed these lies and demanded 10,000,000 yen if she retracts her story.
Isn’t that called “extortion” or “blackmail” in this age?
There is a limit, even to unreasonableness.

When I replied through my lawyer,
“I will not pay you for that kind of completely baseless thing!!!”
Without any further contact at all,
When she made it public it was a weekly magazine… what the hell is this?

Moreover it’s written in the article that she’s only asking for an apology,
But wait a minute, in the beginning you were demanding money.

Well,
Since there’s something like LINE,
I’ll say it in a loud, clear voice,
So everyone in the world, lend your ears and please listen clo~sely.

“I’m not having so much trouble with women
That I would have to tie up that detestable woman
And forcibly satisfy my desire!!!!!”

Do I look like that kind of scumbag?

If so…

I’ll refine my manliness a little more.
Ahahahaha.

——————————–

Message 3

What’s with all this uproar?

This time I’ve decided to counterattack with three excellent lawyers.
I’m annoyed this time, as you’d expect.
If I’m going to be treated like a brute for my patience…
It’s really annoying.

I’ve written the detailed truth in my blog so please read it.
I’ve also exhibited to the public part of my lawyers’ reply letter.
All this is just too ridiculous…

http://gackt.com/gacktblog/

Well then, I’m off to do my live risking my life again today.
Right?
Adios!!!

GACKT

Source: GACKT’s Official LINE, OHP
Translation: Ku, vii-vii

(Note: If you have any comments, please make sure to keep it civil!)

Nama Mail is an internet service that has been gaining some considerable ground in the visual kei world lately. Created by entertainment company Index, it sounds as though the service has actually been around for a little while catering to Japanese idol fans, but added visual kei artists to the lineup on April 19th. The site offers its service for 27 bands, meaning more than 100 bandmen.

So what is it?

Nikkansports reported, the day after the visual kei branch opened:

A fee-based membership service where mail is delivered in real-time from the very cell phones of the artists themselves. (Monthly fee of 315 yen per bandman.) With the artists’ own desired timing, “Nama Mail,” with attached photos, or “Nama Voice,” with attached audio messages will be delivered to registered fans. Since fans can reply to the messages they receive in real-time, they can convey their own feelings directly to the artists.

Participating visual kei artists are:
HERO, Avidit, Kiryu, Royz, FEST VAINQUEUR, KISAKI, DuelJewel, Black Gene For the Next Scene, A, CELL, MEJIBRAY, Griever, Carat, THE RHEDORIC, Gakido, Hana Shonen Baddies, the Sherry, LOST ASH, Panorama Kyokou Xenon, BIOSPHIA, cocklobin, Misaruka, AMARANYX, JokArt au Legal, Lycaon, One Star, and Tokyo Quartet.

That’s quite a list! Some of the artists included in the service have filmed short ads, like Lycaon’s below, that have been uploaded to the site’s official YouTube channel.

Unfortunately, even after checking out the service’s (brief) FAQ, we can’t seem to find any information as to whether it’s possible for fans outside of Japan to sign up for the service. If any readers have tried signing up, or want to sign up, let us know if you’ve been successful!

In any case, what do you think? Would you sign up for this? Is the price reasonable? We’re curious to hear your opinions.

Translation: Ku
Source: Nama Mail Website, Nikkansports

A Message from MeLt

Thank you for always supporting MeLt.
As announced at out live show on the 30th of April, we will be disbanding after our live show in Ash OSAKA on the 5th of July. Yuki suggested we disband. We have gone on this far but it is with great difficulty we have made this decision.
Below are comments from each of the members.

Reiya

I am very sorry that it had to come to this to all our friends, staff and everyone who has supported us.
I really am sorry to our fans who have been with us since we started three years ago. I’m sorry we didn’t keep our promise to not break up. But if everyone stays with us we will do our best until the end. We learned how to have fun at lives from you. You gave my voice power in the lyrics and that is what will keep our band going. Together we were discouraged and encouraged, we laughed and cried. I have met amazing fans and that’s a treasure to me.
Before we break up it’s important we play in big venues. It’s important to me. MeLt’s disbandment is disappointing, lonely and sad as well as a lot of other feelings. I am disappointed, lonely and sad too.
But the biggest flowers don’t blossom until the end. I want us to leave behind something new. Let’s walk together until the end.

Yuki

The word “disbandment” doesn’t fit exactly because the intense feeling we each have for MeLt and our fans won’t change. But for us to grow, we have to go our separate ways.
Thank you for always supporting us!
From when we first started until now our bonds will never be broken!

Sora

I know nothing about visual kei. I have almost no band experience either. It was aspiration and curiosity that drew us four together.
We didn’t know our right from our left but with the help of our fans we were brought to adulthood. With all the cooperation from our staff and everyone else, the advice and encouragement we continued to receive, it really was the best fun.
Being in MeLt really was fun. Thank you so much for all your support. Thanks for being with us until the very end.
Sora.

Their last live, “MeLdriveR” will take place on July fifth at Ash OSAKA. Tickets will cost ￥3000 (￥3500 day of) and tickets went on sale on the 12th. DixdriveR will also be performing.

Source: Reiya’s blog, vkdb
Translation: Elena