With the long awaited Avril Lavigne performance at Tokyo Dome on Sept. 16th, with 35,000 in attendance, Avril told the audience that with the performance being her first at the Tokyo Dome, why not have a party.

That is when she brought out the duo PUFFY (aka Puffy AmiYumi in the U.S.) and Otsuka Ai.  Otsuka performer her song “CHU-LIP” while PUFFY performed their latest song “All Because of You” (the group’s first CD single all in English that was released in Japan) which was written by Avril Lavigne.

All Because Of You [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]

PUFFY

Both PUFFY and Otsuka did a combined five songs.  Also, joining Avril Lavigne on stage was her husband SUM 41’s Deryck Whibley.

more

Image courtesy of Sankei Sports

Youtube.com videos are courtesy of youtube and are not on J!-ENT servers

“Otsuka Ai returns with her 17th CD Single, six months after the release of ‘POCKET’ for an upbeat, fun and bubbly CD single featuring music that Otsuka is known for.”

ARTIST: Otsuka Ai

CD SINGLE: Rocket Sneaker / One x Time

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #:  AVCD-31411/B

DURATION: 21:14

RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. ロケットスニーカー
2. One x Time
3. 空とくじら
4. ロケットスニーカー (Instrumental)
5. One x Time (Instrumental)

DVD:  Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 5:42 minutes

1. ロケットスニーカー (Music Clip)

It didn’t seem that long since I reviewed the last CD single “POCKET” from Otsuka Ai but I realize that it’s been six months since there was a CD single release from the bubbly music artist.

But the artist is back with her 17th CD single, a double A-sided single and a coupling song showcasing various styles from Otsuka.

The first track “Rocket Sneaker” is a fun, upbeat track that is piano driven and not as cutesy as last Spring’s “CHU-LIP” but manages to be a fun, track overall with the band contributing the chorus.  Another collaboration with Ikoman and a track used as an ending theme for KTV’s “Sanma no Manma” and the CM song for MTI’s “Music.jp”.

The second track “One x Time” almost takes a SOFFet approach by featuring a song driven by acoustic guitar, piano and a string arrangement.    An upbeat track was used as a commercial for Ponds “Pore White” product.

The third track “Sora to kujira” is a song that starts off with just Otsuka and an acoustic guitar in its first verse and then incorporates electric guitar and percussion.  A track I enjoyed for its subtleness and the Otsuka Ai “Tokyo Friends” style that I enjoy.  Serious and not sugary sweet.

The final two tracks are the instrumental tracks for the first two songs.

As for the DVD, the music video for “Rocket Sneaker” features many still video clips of Otsuka Ai with her in various still positions (holding a globe, holding an umbrella, standing or bending over in various positions) but then when the chorus kicks in, all Otsuka Ai stills start singing the chorus together.

It’s quite interesitng because I don’t think I seen a music video done in this manner before but a well-directed video by Sawamura Atsushi.  And there is no making of the video, like previous Otsuka Ai music video clips on the DVD but there is a list of credits that come after the music video clip.

As for the CD booklet insert, the insert features pictures of Otsuka Ai and the lyrics and productions credits.

All in all, I would imagine that fans will enjoy Otsuka Ai’s latest CD single.  You get three different style of songs and for those who like the cutesy “CHU-LIP” or even “Frienger”, they will probably enjoy “Sneaker”.  And those who enjoy the “Tokyo Friends” style of “Yumekui”, will like “Sora to Kujira”.

But all in all, the CD single doesn’t break any new ground but is pretty much consistent with her releases that fans enjoy with her music.

For me, I find myself more into her serious style of vocals and really enjoyed her last CD single “Pocket” a lot and still listen to the “Tokyo Friends” soundtrack and her single collection “Ai am best” quite frequently.

But I found “Rocket Sneaker” to be a fun track but not something I would find myself listening to a lot.  If anything, I found “One x Time” and “Sora to Kujira” more of my cup of tea and so, I’m glad that you get quite a few songs on this CD single.

But overall, as an Otsuka Ai listener and fan, I enjoyed the CD single.

Check out more of our reviews at J!-ENT’s World Groove

Buy this CD Single:

Rocket Sneaker / One x Time [CD+DVD]

Ai Otsuka

ARTIST: Otsuka Ai

CD SINGLE: Pocket

LABEL: Avex Trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-31322/B

DURATION: 22.6 minutes

RELEASED on November 7, 2007

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Pocket
2. Ticket
3. LIFE - LOVE CIRCLE
4. Pocket (Instrumental)
5. Ticket (Instrumental)

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 6 minutes

1. Pocket [Music Clip]

Otsuka Ai returns with her 17th CD single “Pocket” and another ballad since last fall’s “Renai Shashin” (AVCD-31065, Rel. Oct. 25, 2006). The ballad and the coupling songs continue the collaboration with Ai and guitarist and instrument programmer, Ikoman.

One thing that I enjoy about Otsuka Ai’s music is that she often goes through the motion of impulsive songwriting to something that can be often hyperdetailed.

Similar to Sakurai Kazutoshi (Mr. Children), many times I try to look at her lyrics and see what she is communicating lyrically and of course musically.

With “Pocket”, the song is about holding the hand of the person you love, inside a pocket and simply adoring the person you love and wanting to be with them forever.

The song features a beautiful string arrangement balanced beautifully with the band, starting of gently and slow building when the lyrics tell the person that she wants to start this new life as a couple and will always be with that person.

Simply another beautiful ballad by Otsuka.

The coupling song “Ticket” is a faster tempo song that utilizes the strings as it beautifully plays in the background subtlety and manages to be an enjoyable, fun song and in a way, I would not be surprised if the song is used for a CM for a train or airline company. The lyrics is mainly about traveling with a person you love and gaining new experiences, may they be happy or sad.

The third song “LIFE ~ LOVE CIRCLE” is an all English song sung by Otsuka. The song is a rock-based song featuring simple English lyrics about making a circle with your hands and enjoying life. I know that since 2006, there was a time when Otsuka Ai was available to bring to the US to perform for an event (Note: If the event could afford her) and I wouldn’t be suprised if Otsuka does perform in the US or Europe sometime soon and possibly this would be her English song to sing to her English speaking fans. The song does have two Japanese words which is Maru Ai (used to describe Otsuka’s symbol with the kanji for Ai inside a circle) that is sung at the end of a verse and quite a bit at the end of the song. Nevertheless, an easy song that her English fans can sing at concert if she ever performs it.

The remaining two tracks are the instrumental tracks for the first two songs.

As for the accompanying DVD, I really love the winter setting with Otsuka in a red outfit, gray sky and snow around her. Then when she sings, a closeup of Otsuka Ai and the guy showcasing the red string around their fingers (based on a myth that a red string bonded between two people is a red string of fate that the two are destined to be soul mates).

The red string is shown quite a bit throughout the video with flashes of the string and strands going all over the place. Otsuka walks around the snow trying to follow the string and see where it takes her. Similar to her “Daisuki Da Yo” music video, Otsuka Ai showcases her crying. At the end of the video, Otsuka is shown in a train, sleeping and her head on a guys shoulder and then a close up of her clasping the hands of the man that she’s with.

After the music video ends, a message is displayed and showcasing photos of Otsuka and the guy and then the credits rolls.

As for the CD insert, the booklet features lyrics for the three songs and photos of Otsuka Ai.

I’m biased towards Otsuka Ai’s music, so of course I’m going to tell you that I enjoy this song. But as a ballad and what the words convey, it’s a beautiful, touching slow song that many people in love can understand. Understanding the longing to be with someone, to be a couple and to hold their hand. As for the music video, just furthering the concept of finding that someone…who has your red string of fate around their finger, wrist, etc.

So, all in all, I found the song to be beautifully sung and beautifully written and I enjoyed the overall arrangement.

Overall as the CD single, the second song was fun and average at best and the English song to me was just the “fun” Ai song thrown in for fun and possibly something geared for her to sing to her English speaking fans in the future.

But overall, a beautiful CD single that Otsuka Ai fans will truly embrace and be warmed by with its touching lyrics and musical arrangement.

ARTIST: Otsuka Ai

DVD: JAM PUNCH Tour 2005 - at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on 1st of June 2005

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #: AVBD-91342

DURATION: 127 minutes

DVD INFO: 4:3, Region 2

Released on July 27, 2005

TRACK LISTING:

1. -Opening-
2. Mousou Chop
3. pretty voice
4. kataomoi dial
5. Momo no Hanabira
6. Friends -Sabakan ver.-
7. Member introduction (Band introduction)
8. Kuroge Wagyu Joshio Tanyaki 680 Yen
9. Himawari
10. amaenbo
11. Kingyo Hanabi
12. Cherish
13. Daisuki da yo.
14. Superman
15. GIRLY
16. Ponpon
17. Happy Days
18. Sakuranbo
19. SMILY (Encore)
20. Biidama (Encore)
21. Sakuranbo (Encore)
22. Happy Days (Encore)
23. Always Together (Encore)

I know, I’m nearly three years late with this review. But as I have been enjoying the DVD releases for Otsuka Ai this past year, similar to my Amuro Namie DVD reviews, with Otsuka Ai, I am going backwards and in this case, now reviewing Otsuka’s first concert DVD “JAM PUNCH Tour 2005 - at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on 1st of June 2005″.

There are two releases of this in Japan, a normal version (which I am reviewing) and a limited edition version which includes off-shot video clips (behind-the-scenes) and also DVD easter eggs.

Because Otsuka’s older DVD’s are now budget DVD’s ($25 might be a bit of a stretch for some to call it a “budget” DVD), getting past concerts on DVD’s for a cheaper price is a good thing.

For each Japanese music DVD that I have seen and watched, there are many that bore me (I’m sure being there is a completely different experience) and the type of concerts that make me feel excited even though I’m not there and even though the concert took place years earlier.

Otsuka Ai concerts have been very enjoyable and her first concert DVD is no exception. Without rehashing of what has been reviewed on this DVD, I’ll just briefly give my thoughts on this DVD.

The DVD for her first concert is actually very enjoyable. I was not expecting anything remarkable for her stage setup and wasn’t sure if we would see different costumes during performances but the concert did surpass my expectations.

The first concert features Otsuka on a good sized stage with her band with a big video screen in the center. Very good stage lighting and the mood that is acquired during such songs such as “Momo no Hanabira” where the whole stage is dark blue with an amber light shining on Otsuka who is wearing a beautiful gray dress.

Another beautiful setting was during her performance of “Daisuki da yo.” and a night sky with stars all above the stage was a beautiful touch to the performance of the popular ballad.

The video screen plays a big part in the concert as songs such as “Friends” from her drama “Tokyo Friends” shows clips from the drama series, showing various video clips during each performance and a cool way to introduce her band members.

Speaking of the band members, similar to how Hamasaki Ayumi brings her band members to the forefront of her concerts and showcasing the musical family of their tour. Otsuka does the same with her band as well. And thus, the excitement on stage is shown through the band members instrument playing and movements. For me, I like the acknowledgment to her band and Otsuka’s interaction with band members.

As mentioned, different costume changes. From the beginning, she sports a black hood with cape and a mask. Sporting a beautiful gray gown and then later in a white gown and then later on in the concert, sporting blue jeans and a t-shirt.

As for Otsuka Ai, she’s not a dancer, so what you expect to see from Hamasaki, Koda or Amuro, not with her. No major choreography but showcasing her enthusiasm by smiling, singing and interacting with her fans. For songs such as “Himawari” and “amaenbo”, Otsuka plays the piano and sings.

As for the audience, they were definitely into it. You saw people of all ages at the concert and many singing and really getting into it. If there is one thing that I have seen with a lot of Otsuka Ai concerts is that she does interact with them and everyone in the audience is excited.

So, overall a very enjoyable concert from what you see on stage and also in the audience with everyone all into it.

And for those wondering if she cries in the end, yes, on the final song she does. What Japanese concert with a female artist or group would be complete without “the cry” right?

Now, as for the video editing, I can tell you right now that you really get good cuts, good camera placement from within the stage, behind the stage focusing on the band and the audience, close up front to the audience, behind the audience to the stage. There are many cameras everywhere, capturing the excitement and the transitions from one camera to the other is not dizzying and done very well.

As for the DVD insert, you get a two fold insert that features photos from the concert inside and the outside is track info. and credits which feature band names, stage names, etc. Also, an insert promotional of her CD single “Planetarium” that was being announced at that time.

I may be a bit biased to the music of Otsuka Ai but I’ve seen a lot of concert DVD’s in the past year or two featuring artists I enjoy but something was off that I just didn’t like the experience. I will tell you right now that this concert DVD is not one of them.

Otsuka Ai’s “JAM PUNCH Tour 2005 - at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on 1st of June 2005″ is actually a very fun, entertaining concert that even though it’s her first, it’s still done very well and definitely worth to fit in your collection if you are a fan of her music.

Check it out!

Celebrating her 24th birthday and her 3rd year as a music artist, a DVD of Otsuka Ai’s special concert at Hibiya Yagai Ongaku-Do from last September was released on New Year’s Day.

In three years, Otsuka has had 13 of her last 14 CD singles debut on the Oricon top 5 music charts and has become one of the shining female vocalists on the Avex label.

Otsuka fourth concert DVD “LOVE IS BORN”, is a 110 minute DVD featuring an energetic performance by the Osaka-born artist but this time at an outdoor venue. .

With “LOVE IS BORN” being my first Otsuka Ai concert DVD that I’ve reviewed, I would have to say that I’m quite impressed by Otsuka’s live performance.

I’ve watched many Japanese music artists do live concerts outdoors but for this concert, the ambience was just perfect.

At nighttime, nestled in Hibia Park with the rees and vegitation, buildings in the background and you can even hear the crickets chirping.

It was definitely a perfect and beautiful setting for a concert until the rain came (fortunately) at the end of the concert.

But even during the rain, the wet singer and audience didn’t seem phased.

With each song that she performed, Otsuka was energetc and it was great to see the camera footage on the musicians of her band and the audience.

Rarely do you see much focus on the band members for a solo artist but you can tell that they really feed off Otsuka’s onstage energy and it shows.

From the moment she starts her concert off with her hit single “Yumekui”, to the moment where she sings “Birthday Song” and interacts with the crowd to sing with her to the moment where bugs are flying towards the stage and a scared

Otsuka Ai stood cowering while her band members try to get the huge bugs away from her stage area. Also, the artist showing off her piano talent while singing “planeterium” to the final song before the encore as she and the fans get into the excitment of the song “Sakuranbo”.

Even when the concert is completed, the singer continues to talk and interact with her fans.

This is truly an artist that cares about her fans and I really found the interaction with the fans very enjoyable.

The camerawork on the DVD is very well-done with cameras everywhere on stage to cover Otsuka and her band even a camera at the audience.

With the use of many camera angles, It would have been nice to be able to select a concert angle to watch the concert.

The video quality of the concert was very good and stage lighting was well done. Well-balanced shots from all camera angles and nothing dizzying.

As for the DVD’s features, well, there are no special features but a menu chapter for 5.1 and 2.0 audio and song selection.

With 5.1, the audio is indeed crisp and with the crickets chirping, it definiitely gives you a different audio sense compared to most concert DVD’s.

If you bought the first pressing of this DVD, you were able to obtain a 40-page photo booklet. Otherwise, you can buy it now (w/o the book) at a cheap price at under $28 (US) which is great for fans who import and were used to paying $60-$100 for a concert LD or VHS back then.

Since Otsuka Ai’s debut, I have seen this artist mature and diversify her talents from music to acting (Tokyo Friends) and with each single coming one after the other making it on the Oricon top 5, she still remains grounded and keeps it real.

All in all, this is a great concert that I feel Otsuka Ai fans will truly embrace.It’s full of energy, great music and very well-done camera work that fans will definitely enjoy..

It’s a bit of a barebones DVD but on its own and for its price, still worth checking out.

A — DENNIS A. AMITH
Read more

A tale about four women searching for their dreams in Tokyo. The story of four women through hapiness and pain, welcome to “Tokyo Friends”.

Originally released as five episode OAV drama series on DVD (three volumes), the series sets up for a major film release for “Tokyo Friends” which came out in Japan in the Summer of 2006.

The main storyline revolves around the character Iwatsuki Rei (played by singer Otsuka Ai).

Rei moves from the country to Tokyo and gets a job at a pub called “Yume no Kura”.

Through the pub is where Rei meets Abiko Maki (Kobayashi Mao) who is Rei’s co-worker. A woman who has a talent for painting and is urged by her teacher to pursue her dreams in art.

At the pub, we meet an OL named Fujiki Ryoko (Yoko Maki) who seems to be drunk all the time and seems to be with a different man. As it is her dream to find a financially sufficient husband.

And last, there is Hayama Hirono (played by Matsumoto Rio) who is an actress who came to Tokyo to be close to her senpai. And ends up working at the pub. Hayama’s dream is to star in her own play.

And through the pub, the main character Rei witnesses a fight between members of the rock band Survival Company.

By trying to help stop the fight, Rei ends up getting a bloody nose and from that point, she and the band’s guitarist, Ryuuji develop a relationship.

With the band needing a new vocalist, the band takes in Rei as their new vocalist.

So, throughout the series, we watch as Rei and the band Survival Company evolve, as they experience many ups and downs.

As for the four women, aside from knowing their dreams, we also see the trouble they have with the men in their lives and of course, their friendship.

In order to get people who never watched the five episode OAV drama, and get them up to speed before the release of the film, a special “Navigation Edition” was released.

Included in this edition are four chapter tracks. The first is the navigation of Tokyo Friends, the second is a 90 minute digest version of drama episodes 1-5. The third is the making of “Tokyo Friends The Movie” and the fourth is the trailer for the film.

Of course, with the original episodes being 70-minutes long, with 25 minutes dedicated per episode, you don’t get too see too much into the women’s relationships with the men in their lives.

But the condensed stories are cutwell enough that you understand what is going on.

All in all, I found the navigation edition to be a great resource and primer to the film.

Having never watched the drama series, watching the digest version really kept me up-to-speed of what is going on in the series. So, the navigation edition accomplishes what it is supposed to be used for and now I want to watch “Tokyo Friends - The Movie”.

If you want to learn about the series before watching the film, definitely check out the navigation edition.

A — DENNIS A. AMITH

Read more