J-Pop Update
Over the last few days, Hikaru Utada, has re-released music videos that have been updated to 4K. The videos so far are “Movin’ On Without You”, “Wait & See” on Thursday, and Prisoner of Love today on Saturday, then there will be “Addicted to You” on Sunday at 6 am. The Japanese pop star will be releasing a new album on April 10, 2024 titled the Science Fiction Greatest Hits Album that will consist of new mixes of old songs along with some new songs. She will also be going on tour in 2024 with Japanese cities announced along with stops in Hong Kong and Taipei. Her most recent new music video was for the single Naniirodemonai Hana. The English title is “A Flower of No Color”. The music video was released a month ago that shows Hikaru Utada in a snowy winter landscape.
Fujii Kaze has also released a new music video. “Michi Teyu” (Overflowing) was released on Thursday and is about an elderly man as he spends time in a seniors home and the legacy left behind. He also released a music video three months ago titled “Hana”
Yojiro Noda released a new music video, titled “Gesture of the Waves” that is part of the soundtrack for the Japanese movie The Parades. It is about a mother searching for her missing son only to realize that she has died and is now confined to the realm of restless spirits.
Sekai No Owari has released a new album called Nautilus. Their most recent music video shows brothers as they grow up.
Saucy Dog also released a new music video titled この長い旅の中で with the English title “A Long Journey”
A Lit Update
Sophie Wan has a new book out called Women of Good Fortune. It was released on March 5th and is set at a high society wedding in Shanghai. A bride and her two friends as they face a decision that can change their lives and friendship.
Melissa de la Cruz released a new book called The Encanto’s Daughter. It is YA fantasy based on Filipino mythology that has romance and magic.
Lisa Ko will have a new book released on March 19th. Memory Piece is about friendship, art and ambition that focuses on three friends in the 1980s as they navigate the world and wonders what the future could hold in the 2040s.