The vibrant world of Japanese music continues to flourish as several artists prepare for high-profile performances and significant releases this December. From emotional live concerts to exciting DVD launches, the stage is set for a remarkable conclusion to the year.
Enka star 氷川きよし recently celebrated the end of his series of concerts at Tokyo's International Forum Hall A. During the show, he reflected on the pressure he felt before his debut performance there back in 2001. He humorously recalled, "I was so nervous leading up to my first concert here, I even had a high fever!" Yet, after 22 years of enchanting audiences, he lightened the mood by joking about the concert's finality, teasing fans with the possibility of future performances. "Will I be back next year? Who knows! Maybe I’ll end up pulling a 'last concert scam' on you!" His commitment to the theme of perseverance was symbolically represented by his outfit, which featured large lotus blossoms—each flower's beauty rising from muddy waters akin to overcoming life's adversities.
Diving deep, he began the performance with his award-winning song "一剣" (Ikken) and showcased his latest single "甲州路" (Kōshūji) among other diverse tracks, reaffirming the excellence of his vocal abilities.
On another front, the band Mrs. GREEN APPLE is gearing up for the release of their latest film, "The White Lounge㏌CINEMA," on December 27 on Blu-ray and DVD. The film features their unique musical theater, and the official trailer recently dropped on their YouTube channel, teasing fans with snippets from 16 different songs. The film's soundtrack will also be available on Apple Music, remixed for Dolby Atmos, enhancing the auditory experience beyond what was previously possible only in cinemas.
Leading up to the DVD's release, Mrs. GREEN APPLE has been making waves across major television events. They are scheduled to appear live on several programs, including the much-anticipated Mステ SUPER LIVE 2024 and the famous NHK紅白歌合戦, which highlights the biggest stars of the year.
Adding to the excitement, during the band's 10th anniversary celebrations next summer, they plan to hold their largest concert yet—a two-day event at Yamashita Pier, expected to draw 100,000 fans. This milestone will mark their decade-long contribution to the Japanese music scene.
The group's upcoming projects also include launching their best album titled "10" on July 8, 2025, which is paired with various collaborations across commercial venues and special exhibitions celebrating their decade of music.
Shifting gears, Da-iCE released live footage of their performance of "I wonder" from their 10th Anniversary Live House Tour. This song, significant for its catchy melody and emotional depth, serves as the theme for the drama series "くるり~誰が私と恋をした？~" (Kururi - Who Fell in Love with Me?). The track has become popular, amassing over 100 million streams and earning the group accolades at the Japan Record Awards.
Da-iCE is also set to make their debut at the prestigious NHK紅白歌合戦, which is viewed by millions and is often considered one of the highest honors for Japanese performers.
Another highlight this season is the enduring resilience of necessary veteran artists like 山川豊 (Yamakawa Yutaka), who has penned numerous hits during his impressive career. He recently appeared on television, reminiscing about his early success and sharing heartfelt performances of his classic songs. Despite health challenges, his determination to continue singing resonates deeply, inspiring all who have followed his work.
With these vibrant artists paving the way, it’s evident the Japanese music scene is alive with passion, talent, and unyielding dedication. Whether through historic concerts, innovative releases, or heartfelt reflections on music, every note reverberates with the dreams and aspirations of performers and fans alike exemplifying the cultural fabric of Japan.
