Today is last day for online viewing of music doc FINDING HER BEAT

Finding Her Beat
Directed by Dawn Mikkelson and Keri Pickett
United States, 2022, 89 minutes

Laungauges: English, Japanese

Finding Her Beat is a very special music documentary feature film. Today, Sunday, November 27th is the last day that it will be available for audiences in the U.S. and U.S. territories to watch online as part of DOC NYC’s virtual screening experience.

Music is the driving beat of cultural and individualist expression for people of color around the globe – offering sanctuary in times of uncertainty and a sense of family/community, helping those to survive and often thrive. Finding Her Beat was made by a predominantly female/nonbinary, largely Asian-American and LGBTQ filmmaking team and cast, when marginalized gendered and people of color are severely underrepresented in film.

For thousands of years women have been locked out of Taiko drumming. Not any more, since thousands of groups now perform throughout North America and worldwide. In the dead of a Minnesota winter just before the world shut down for a global pandemic, Asian drumming divas from around the world met to perform and smash gender roles and redefine power on their own terms.

Finding Her Beat dives into the rhythms and struggles that lead to an electrifying historic performance that changes everything.

Additional dance and music artists to perform at J-POP SUMMIT 2017

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL

MUSIC AND DANCE ARTISTS AND

OTHER KINETIC LIVE PERFORMERS

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Presents Anison Singer May’n, Kendama Performers Zoomadanke,

Vogue-Inspired Dance Team TOKYO GEGEGAY, And Renowned

Studio Ghibli Singer Azumi Inoue And Daughter Yuyu

J-POP SUMMIT 2017, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, has announced additional dance and music artists set to perform at this year’s festival.

This year’s event will be highlighted by an exciting 2-day slate of live music from a wide range of top Japanese pop, anison (anime song), dance, electronica, enka (Japanese soul) and rock artists that will complement an extensive roster of immersive experiences and attractions inspired by the wonders of Japanese pop culture.

Just-added artists that are scheduled to perform include anison rock singer, May’n, world-renowned professional Kendama performers from Japan, Zoomadanke, the vogue-inspired dance performance group, TOKYO GEGEGAY, and the mother and daughter singing duo of Azumi Inoue & Yuyu; the widely renowned singer of theme songs to beloved anime films from the legendary Studio Ghibli, and her daughter Yuyu.

The newly added artists complement other live performers previously announced that include BAND-MAID, Babyraids Japan, Misaki Iwasa (Former AKB48) and YANAKIKU.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture located in San Francisco’s Marina district. Attendees will experience the festival’s theme of ARTS, EATS and INNOVATIONS; a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture featuring live music, Japanese food and travel attractions, and interactive technologies. The festival is accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and additional events highlighted by celebrity Guests of Honor. Festival details are available at www.J-POP.com.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 (Fort Mason Center-only) Tickets are available for VIP, 1-Day, 2-Day, and Kid’s Passes (ages 0-12). Adult single-day passes start at only $35.00 each; 2-day passes start at only $50.00 each. Additional ticket purchase details can be found at: http://www.J-POP.com/2017/Tickets.

About May’n

As one of the must-see Japanese female rock vocalists of a new generation, May’n has performed a wide array of music for anime. She drew initial acclaim as the singing voice of Diva of the Galaxy, Sheryl Nome, in the anime series, Macross Frontier. In 2014, she made a long-time dream come true by completing her biggest world tour ever consisting of 47 cities in Japan and multiple foreign countries, including her first-ever appearance at J-POP SUMMIT in San Francisco. More details available at: http://www.j-pop.com/guests/mayn.

About Zoomadanke

Zoomadanke is one of the most famous professional Kendama performers in Japan. The duo consists of Takeshi Kodama (Kodaman) and Hiroki Iijima (Easy). They are pioneers who blend the elements of Kendama, which is a traditional Japanese wooden toy, with dance and music to create a new style of live performance. Their stylish and acrobatic performances also have captured a growing international following. More details are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/guests/zoomadanke.

About TOKYO GEGEGAY

TOKYO GEGEGAY is an eccentric art and dance performance group led by Munetaka Maki, aka MIKEY, along with four girls: housewife BOW, yoga instructor MARIE, University student MIKU, and the Colleen Bawn of the group, YUYU. TOKYO GEGEGAY recently won the 10th Japan Dance Forum Award. This award is given to an individual or a group with a remarkable year of creative activity and who has made a major contribution to dance scene in Japan. The group also has performed in the Philippines and Thailand. By crossing cultural borders, the troupe has leveraged the power of dance and has received extremely positive coverage from fans and the media. More details available at: http://www.j-pop.com/guests/tokyo-gegegay.

About Azumi Inoue & Yuyu

Making her debut in 1983, Azumi Inoue first gained notice as the singer of the end theme for Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli anime movie, Laputa: Castle In The Sky with “Carrying You.” Performing as a singer on many early Studio Ghibli movies, she is also known for such favorites as the opening and closing themes for My Neighbor Totoro: “Stroll” and “My Neighbor Totoro;” and incidental music for Kiki’s Delivery Service: “Changing Seasons” and “Maho No Nukumori.”

Yuyu is the daughter of Azumi Inoue. In 2012 Yuyu made her debut at the age of seven on the public broadcasting channel NHK, performing the song “6 Sai No Ballad” (6 Year-Old’s Ballad) for the TV show, Minna No Uta, which has a 50-year history, was bombarded with requests for the song, making it a huge hit. In 2014, her song, “Hanbun Otona” (Half an adult), a duet performed with her mother Azumi Inoue, was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna No Uta, making it her third consecutive song to be shown on the program. She is currently a 12-year-old junior high school student. More details are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/guests/azumi-inoue-yuyu/.

Visit www.J-POP.com for additional festival information and a comprehensive listing of all the J-POP SUMMIT 2017 attractions and events.

About J-POP SUMMIT
J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events held annually in San Francisco, CA. As an open playground of discovery and diversion inspired by the wonders of Japanese pop culture, J-POP SUMMIT presents ARTS, EATS and INNOVATIONS; a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture featuring live music, Japanese food and travel attractions, and interactive technologies. With more than 20,000 attendees for two days, the festival has become an immersive landing platform for new trends from Japan.

Official website: www.j-pop.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPOPSummit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JpopSummitFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpopsummit

TOMOMI ITANO's U.S. concert debut will be at J-POP Summit Festival

2014 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL WELCOMES GUEST

OF HONOR TOMOMI ITANO FOR HER U.S. CONCERT

DEBUT DURING THE BAY AREA’S PREMIERE

JAPANESE POP CULTURE WEEKEND CELEBRATION

Former Member Of Japanese Pop Idol Super Group AKB48

Makes Her First-Ever U.S. Concert Appearance To Launch

Her First Full-Album Release And Will Perform A Special

FREE Concert Set In Union Square and Japantown

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, San Francisco’s premiere celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, is proud to present famed pop music superstar Tomomi Itano for her first-ever U.S. performance. Tomomi Itano performs in support of her brand new full-length release, “SxWxAxG,” which was released on July 2nd.

Tomomi Itano will perform at a special FREE J-POP Live at Union Square concert on the evening of Saturday, July 19th at 7:50pm in the city’s downtown Union Square stage, and is also set to perform on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20th at 11:00am.

50 VIP guests will be invited to join a special Meet & Greet with Tomomi Itano and each will be given an autographed poster. These lucky guests will be selected at random from fans that purchase VIP PASS A or B by Friday July 11th at 5pm PST (http://www.j-pop.com/2014/vip/). Those selected to join the Meet & Greet will be notified by email. Additional information about Tomomi Itano and her J-POP SUMMIT performances as well as the Meet & Greet are now available at www.j-pop.com/2014/tomomi-itano.

“POP Is Our Tradition” is the theme of this year’s J-POP SUMMIT and will be represented throughout the Festival which takes place across San Francisco’s historic Japantown during the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th.

The annual J-POP SUMMIT Festival and Union Square concert are FREE to attend (although certain activities/vendors will require a modest admission fee). J-POP SUMMIT has become one of the largest events in the United States dedicated to showcasing the many sides of Japanese pop culture and fandom. Attendance in 2013 exceeded 80,000 people. Full festival details and updates are available at: www.j-pop.com.

Special VIP Passes, providing optimum viewing for J-POP SUMMIT music concerts on both days, as well a special J-pop gift bag and opportunities to meet the celebrities will give attendees a way to maximize their Festival experience. VIP Pass information and secure online purchase is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/VIP.

“We are delighted to welcome pop superstar Tomomi Itano as an official Guest of Honor for the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT and are very honored to present her exclusive U.S. concert debut in what is sure to be a memorable weekend,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “This year’s theme, “POP Is Our Tradition,” affirms our dedication to contribute to a legacy of Japanese pop culture that has global impact, and to continue to provide a fun and compelling showcase for Japanese artists and media to reach an international audience. This year’s J-POP SUMMIT is not to be missed!”

About Tomomi Itano:
Born in Kanagawa, Japan in 1991, Tomomi Itano rocketed to fame as a founding member of the Japanese all-girl pop idol super group, AKB48. The group was founded in 2005 and pioneered the concept of a new breed of J-Pop stars with distinct personalities and kinetic live shows. In 2011, while continuing activities as a core member of AKB48, Itano released her first solo single, “Dear J,” followed six months later by her second single, “Fuini,” which topped the Japanese Oricon pop music charts. Since then, she released additional chart topping singles such as, “10nen-go no Kimi e,” “1%,” and “little.” In 2013, Itano officially graduated from AKB48 to focus on her solo career.

Additional Tomomi Itano information is available at:

Official website: TomomiItano.jp (Eng)
Official Community Site: http://teamtomo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomomiitano
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tomo_coco73

Fans can also catch Tomomi Itano’s music videos:

Dear J
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuVNanzKk9k

1%
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhrJxo-r3AM

Crush
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vICOpj1hY9c

An insightful documentary film, DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued, is also available in North America and follows the unstoppable Japanese pop idol group and gives audiences a rare glimpse into the girls’ off-stage lives and personalities and charts their massive success and phenomenal popularity. The film was released on DVD in 2011 by NEW PEOPLE Entertainment and is available (Region 1, with English subtitles) at: www.newpeopleent.com/films/documentary-of-akb48.

“KAWAii!!” themed fashion and music at 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival

Ayumi Seto

 2014 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL AND MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON

PRESENT DIVERSE NEW SIDES OF JAPANESE POP STYLE

WITH “KAWAii!!” THEMED FASHION AND MUSIC EVENTS

San Francisco’s Annual Summertime Japanese Pop Culture

Extravaganza Spotlights An Array Of Edgy Fashion Shows,

Live Music Performances And Unique Shopping Opportunities

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, San Francisco’s premiere celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, announces the return of a variety of “KAWAii!!” themed fashion shows, contests and live performances showcasing edgy new sides of Japanese pop style along with autograph and meet-and-greet opportunities with some of the J-Pop fashion world’s fastest rising stars.

Japan’s unique “Harajuku culture” has evolved into “KAWAii” culture, which focuses on ever-evolving new forms of “cute” couture and is having tremendous impact on international pop/rock music and fashion. “KAWAii” is a word often used to comment on style and fashion and has become part of the daily vernacular of the youth culture of many countries.

This year’s KAWAii!! events are supported by Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and presented as the first collaboration with the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Project, a new initiative developed by ASOBISYSTEM, a prominent entertainment company based in Harajuku, Tokyo widely known for managing pop icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, to promote a wider range of Japanese pop culture on an even bigger, more global level. Additional information on the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON initiative is available at: http://moshimoshi-nippon.jp/en.

Also returning will be the J-POP SUMMIT KAWAii!! Pop-Up Shop. A colorful Kawaii!! fashion boutique stocked with a wide selection of unique items from some of the hottest labels imported straight from Tokyo will be open inside NEW PEOPLE (MARUQ on Mezzanine Floor). NEW PEOPLE is the renowned Japanese pop culture entertainment complex located at 1746 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94115 in the heart of the city’s Japantown district. More details on are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.

“POP is Our Tradition” is the theme of the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT and the annual Festival has always showcased the strong influence of pop culture on modern fashion in Japan, which has become an epicenter of some of the world’s newest trends. The J-POP SUMMIT has become one of the largest events in the United States dedicated to showcasing the many sides of Japanese pop culture and fandom. Attendance in 2013 exceeded 80,000 people.

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Presents KAWAii!! Events & Special Programming

KAWAii!! FASHION CONTEST
Saturday, July 19th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
This year, the J-POP SUMMIT will hold a special fashion contest where contestants can show off their own Kawaii fashion style! The Festival welcome Una, Ayumi Seto, Akira and Misa Kimura as judges! The winner will receive KAWAii!! an assortment of premiums including “Aymmy in the batty girls’ products. Additional information on this event is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.

AYMMY IN THE BATTY GIRLS” FASHION SHOW
Saturday, July 19th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
Models Ayumi Seto, Misa Kimura, Una and join others from Bay Area to showcase the colorful summer collection from Seto’s brand new fashion line, “Aymmy in the batty girls.” Many of the same outfits featured in the show will be available to purchase at KAWAii!! Pop-Up Store located inside the NEW PEOPLE building (Mezzanine Level).

AKIRA LIVE PERFORMANCE
Saturday, July 19th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
J-POP SUMMIT fans can catch Akira, a popular model and singer in a special solo live set. She notably debuted as a model for "KERA,” a popular gothic fashion magazine, and quickly became one of the top models in Japan. Akira is also a pop singer and her debut single, "Aoki Tsuki Michite," is featured as the ending theme of the popular anime series, Black Butler ~ Book of Circus. Her music and striking gothic-androgynous style have captured legions of fans both in Japan and internationally and her debut album is slated to release on July 30th. For more information visit: Akira.

UNA LIVE PERFORMANCE
Saturday, July 19th, 6:30pm-8:30pm, J-POP LIVE at UNION SQUARE
Sunday, July 20th, 12:45pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
Una is a charismatic model well-known in the Harajuku scene for her unique and edgy fashion style. She launched pop music career with her first single “Juicy Juicy” last year and went on to release digital mini album, “True of Lights/Danse Danse.” Una participated in “U-EXPRESS LIVE 2014″ in Saitama and appeared with Katy Perry, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and released her newest “BOOM BOOM BOOM,” in April. She brings her danceable groove to J-POP SUMMIT for a special concert performance not to be missed! For more details, visit: UNA.

AYUMI SETO AUTOGRAPH & PHOTO SESSION
Saturday, July 19th, 3:00pm, NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Sunday, July 20th, 2:00pm, NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Ayumi Seto, a fashion model and designer of her own new brand, “Aymmy in the batty girls,” will hold a special autograph/photo session on both days of J-POP SUMMIT! Each day, the first 50 customers to purchase “Aymmy in the batty girls” products during festival will receive a pass! For more information, visit: Ayumi Seto.

KAWAii!! POP-UP SHOP AT NEW PEOPLE
Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th, 11:00am-6:00pm
NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Visit NEW PEOPLE’s retail store, located inside the MARUQ boutique the venue’s Mezzanine Floor, will offer exclusive lines of fashion apparel, designs and accessories imported strait from Tokyo! Don’t miss the new summer collections of “Aymmy in the batty girls,” a new fashion brand inspired by a unique mix of 60s and 70s Americana popular culture, punk and rock fashion designed by model Ayumi Seto.

KAWAii!! MEET-UP AREA Presented By MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON
Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th, 11:00am-6:00pm
KAWAii!! TENT, Post Street, Japantown
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON will host a special tents located on Post St. in the heart of the J-POP SUMMIT Festival action where Kawaii fans can gather and meet! Get special info about the latest Kawaii trends, check out new merchandise, and meet other fans and models! More information will be updated at: www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.

This year, the J-POP SUMMIT offers a wide variety of programming including FREE live concerts by top J-Pop and J-Rock artists on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown and also at the special “J-POP LIVE at UNION SQUARE” concert on the evening of Saturday, July 19th in San Francisco’s historic downtown commercial intersection. J-POP SUMMIT will also present a variety of special Guest of Honor appearances, sake-tasting and fine foods events at the POP GOURMET Food Festival, and first-run theatrical film premieres at NEW PEOPLE Cinema that launch the second annual Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF). Complete details on key events and major attractions are available at: http://www.j-pop.com and www.JFFSF.org.

Tokyo power trio PINKY DOODLE POODLE coming to J-POP SUMMIT Festival on July 20th

 PINKY DOODLE POODLE BRINGS A HOT DOSE OF

J-ROCK AND ROLL POWER TO 2014 J-POP SUMMIT

Female Fronted Power Trio From Tokyo Performs At Bay Area’s

Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Festival In Support Of New Record;

Catch Special Band Introduction From Good Charamel Records

Founder And Goo Goo Dolls Member Robby Takac

The 2014 J-POP Summit Festival, San Francisco’s annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, welcomes the high energy, female-fronted J-rock of Tokyo’s Pinky Doodle Poodle. The power trio, led by lead vocalist/bassist/guitarist Yuria, will perform in the heart of the Festival action on Sunday, July 20th on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown.

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival is set take place across San Francisco’s historic Japantown district on Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th. FREE live concert sets by some of Japan’s hottest pop and rock acts will take place throughout both days on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown’s Peace Plaza as well as at a special open-air live concert in city’s downtown Union Square the evening of Saturday, July 19th. Complete J-POP SUMMIT Festival details, artist info and timely updates are available at www.J-POP.com.

Pinky Doodle Poodle appears in support of their full-length debut record which was produced by Goo Goo Dolls member Robby Takac. The band will also do a meet-and-greet with fans and attendees in the NEW PEOPLE Tent located on Post St. immediately following their afternoon concert set. CD’s and additional merchandise will be available for purchase. Learn more about their J-POP SUMMIT appearance at www.j-pop.com/2014/pinky-doodle-poodle.

Robby Takac, whose band The Goo Goo Dolls is widely adored in Japan as well as the U.S., is set to appear in person to introduce Pinky Doodle Poodle on the Japantown stage on Sunday. Learn more about his Good Charamel Records at www.goodcharamel.com.

Pinky Doodle Poodle’s 10-song self-titled album was released worldwide in April on Takac’s Good Charamel Records, which specializes in releasing J-rock music artists. Pinky Doodle Poodle is also available on iTunes. The record features a memorable cover of the rock classic, “Twist and Shout.”

Pinky Doodle Poodle formed in 2008 and is led by Yuria, a successful Japanese anime singer often heard in popular video games in Japan (such as “Gravion”), as well as on solo records and with her other band Honey Bee. On guitar is George, a long haired shredder/composer who injects the band’s sound with a dose of musical power reminiscent of a marriage of the MC5 and Bad Brains that swirls under Yuria’s playful Japanese/English lyrics and melodies.

Official Band YouTube Channel: PINKY DOODLE POODLE.

TOKYO GIRLS STYLE launches fundraiser project for TV documentary of upcoming U.S. live concert debut

JAPANESE POP TEEN IDOL GROUP

TOKYO GIRLS STYLE

LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDING PROJECT

“Let’s Join Hands Together and Make Sunflowers Bloom in San Francisco”

FOR 2014 J-POP SUMMIT CONCERT

Phenomenal Teenage Pop Idol Act Launches Fundraiser To Produce

A Special TV Documentary Capturing The Group’s U.S. Live Concert

Debut With A Sea Of Sunflowers At The Annual Bay Area

Japanese Pop Culture Extravaganza In July

In conjunction with their upcoming appearance at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival and J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert appearance, the Japanese teen pop idol group – Tokyo Girls’ Style – has launched a crowd-funding project dubbed “Let’s All Join Hands to Make Sunflowers Bloom Girls’ Style in San Francisco.”

The fundraiser’s proceeds will help finance a special Tokyo Girls’ Style TV documentary, co-produced with SPACE SHOWER TV Plus, which will document the group’s monumental first-ever U.S. concert with full of Sunflowers at Union Square in San Francisco downtown, as well as present interviews and other special J-POP SUMMIT Festival appearances.

Tokyo Girls’ Style will appear as Guests of Honor for a series of live performances and special personal appearances at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, one of the nation’s largest celebrations of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film. The 5-member all-girl dance and vocal group will perform live in concert along with other top pop artists from Japan on the evening of Saturday, July 19th as part of the “J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE,” taking place in city’s downtown Union Square area, and also will perform live on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on the afternoon of Sunday, July 20th. Full J-POP SUMMIT Festival details and updates are available at: www.j-pop.com.

Replica sunflowers will be distributed to concertgoers attending the special J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE Saturday evening performance and Tokyo Girls’ Style will ask the audience to wave them in unison when they sing an English version of their hit song "Himawari to Hoshikuzu" (Sunflowers and Stardust), enveloping the entire area in a sea of sunflowers and summer color. The performance will be captured for a live music video for the documentary. Pledge “Seeds” start at only $19.00 and Tokyo Girls’ Style will personally thank contributors with a variety of premium items including exclusive behind the scenes performance and backstage photographs, DVDs of the San Francisco concert, and an array of personally autographed items and more. Fans can visit the official J-POP SUMMIT Media Sponsor – Tokyo Girls Update – at: http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/crowd/en/single.php?project_id=286 for additional information on the Tokyo Girls’ Style Sunflower crowd-funding project.

“Tokyo Girls’ Style is one of the hottest pop idol Kawaii groups in Japan and their upbeat songs and dance-driven live show will add an exciting component to the line-up of amazing pop artists we will present this year,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-POP SUMMIT Festival Committee. “Music, fashion and film are among the most popular aspects of Japanese pop culture and Tokyo Girls’ Style will exemplify all three throughout the J-POP SUMMIT Festival. We are honored to present the group’s U.S. debut and look forward to fans of all ages giving them a warm welcome on-stage for the concert, on the big-screen for their film premieres and also in-person at the special artist meet-and-greet!”

The smash hit group Tokyo Girls’ Style formed in 2010 and has become a major new force in the bustling Japanese pop music scene. Consisting of 5 teenagers - Ayano Konishi, Miyu Yamabe, Hitomi Arai, Yuri Nakae and Mei Shoji – the group, whose member’s average age was only 15 when they formed, was signed to Avex and released four debut singles within their first year. Tokyo Girls’ Style has gone on to captivate millions of avid fans across Japan with a hook-driven funk and disco sound that is infused with a glossy urban appeal. As of 2012, the group was the youngest female acts to ever headline a concert at Tokyo’s most famous Budokan live hall, has released several hit records in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and also performed live shows in Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Additional information on Tokyo Girls’ Style is available at: http://tokyogirlsstyle.jp/tokyogirlsstyle_en.

Fans can also catch their music videos on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/TokyoGirlsStyle.

Pop group TOKYO GIRL'S STYLE to make U.S. concert debut at J-POP SUMMIT Festival in San Francisco

2014 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL PRESENTS

THE SMASH HIT JAPANESE POP VOCAL

AND DANCE GROUP TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE

Top Selling Teenage Pop Idol Act Marks Its U.S. Debut With Live Concert

At Annual Bay Area Japanese Pop Culture Extravaganza In July;

Japan Film Festival Of S.F. Also Hosts Two Feature Film Premieres

Starring Tokyo Girls’ Style Members At NEW PEOPLE Cinema

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT, San Francisco’s premiere celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, will welcome the smash hit teen pop idol group – Tokyo Girls’ Style – as official Guests of Honor for a series of live performances and special personal appearances during this year’s festivities. The event marks the Tokyo Girls’ Style’s first-ever U.S. concert.

The 5-member all-girl dance and vocal group delivers an irresistible funk and disco style infused with glossy urban appeal and will perform a special J-POP SUMMIT Festival live concert along with other top pop artists from Japan on the evening of Saturday, July 19th as part of the “J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE,” taking place in city’s downtown Union Square area, and also will perform live on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on the afternoon of Sunday, July 20th.

Tokyo Girls’ Style also will do a meet and greet with VIP Pass holders both on July 19th and 20th. Additional details and event times, including information on VIP Passes, will be posted shortly at www.j-pop.com. A variety of merchandise, including t-shirts, CDs and DVDs also will be available for purchase at Kinokuniya Booth on Post St. in Japantown throughout J-POP SUMMIT.

The annual J-POP SUMMIT Festival and Union Square concert are FREE to attend (although certain activities/vendors will require a modest admission fee). J-POP SUMMIT takes place July 19th and 20th and has become one of the largest events in the United States dedicated to showcasing the many facets of Japanese pop culture, entertainment media and fandom. Attendance in 2013 exceeded 80,000 people. Full Festival details and updates are available at: www.j-pop.com.

As part of the U.S. debut of Tokyo Girls’ Style, the J-POP SUMMIT Festival and the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) are proud to present the exclusive U.S. theatrical premiere of Count Five to Dream of You, an inspiring feature film directed by Yuki Yamato, and starring all of the members of the group. Set in all-girls high school, the film captures the short-lived and unforgettable moments of adolescence. Also set to premiere is Kotodama: Spiritual Curse, a new reboot of the famous Japanese horror movie franchise, in which all of the members of Tokyo Girls’ Style play the leading roles. Both films are scheduled to screen at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema during the J-POP SUMMIT. A special live Q&A session with Tokyo Girls’ Style and audience members will take place immediately following the screenings. Tickets are $15.00 each. Tickets are on sale now at the JFFSF website at: www.JFFSF.org.

“Tokyo Girls’ Style is one of the hottest pop idol Kawaii groups in Japan and their upbeat songs and dance-driven live show will add an exciting component to the line-up of amazing pop artists we will present this year,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-POP SUMMIT Festival Committee. “Music, fashion and film are among the most popular aspects of Japanese pop culture and Tokyo Girls’ Style will exemplify all three throughout the J-POP SUMMIT Festival. We are honored to present the group’s U.S. debut and look forward to fans of all ages giving them a warm welcome on-stage for the concert, on the big-screen for their film premieres and also in-person at the special artist meet-and-greet!”

The smash hit group Tokyo Girls’ Style formed in 2010 and has become a major new force in the bustling Japanese pop music scene. Consisting of 5 teenagers - Ayano Konishi, Miyu Yamabe, Hitomi Arai, Yuri Nakae and Mei Shoji – the group, whose member’s average age was only 15, was signed to Avex, released four debut singles within their first year. Tokyo Girls’ Style has gone on to captivate millions of avid fans across Japan with a hook-driven funk and disco sound that is infused with a glossy urban appeal. As of 2012, the group was the youngest female act to ever headline a concert at Tokyo’s most famous Budokan live hall, has released several hit records in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and also performed live shows in Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Additional information on Tokyo Girls’ Style is available at: http://tokyogirlsstyle.jp/tokyogirlsstyle_en. Fans can also catch their music videos on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/TokyoGirlsStyle. Stay tuned for additional J-POP SUMMIT Guest of Honor, programming and event announcements.

About J-POP SUMMIT Festival
Launched in 2009, J-POP SUMMIT Festival is an annual street fair held in San Francisco, CA that celebrates Japanese popular culture. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, film, art, fashion, gaming, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a prominent platform to showcase the latest pop trends and creative innovations from Japan. The 5th annual J-POP SUMMIT held in July 2013 welcomed more than 80,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Japanese festivals in the United States. In addition to the original Festival held in Japantown, new attractions include the J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert in downtown San Francisco, the Bay Area’s premier dedicated Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, and sake-tasting and fine foods events at the POP GOURMET Food Festival, which have each further enriched the experience. Additional information about J-POP SUMMIT Festival is available at: J-POP.com.

"L'Arc～en～Ciel LIVE 2014 at National Stadium" satellite broadcast in 10 major U.S. cities on March 22nd

LIVE VIEWING JAPAN PRESENTS

“L'Arc～en～Ciel LIVE 2014 at National Stadium”

LIVE VIEWING SATELLITE BROADCAST IN

10 MAJOR U.S. CITIES ON MARCH 22nd, 2014

Live Viewing Japan, a famous distribution company dedicated to introducing Japanese artists of various genres globally, is very pleased to share the spectacular stage presence of world-famous Japanese rock juggernaut, L’Arc~en~Ciel, with 10 major cities all over the United States, in the form of a delayed satellite broadcast of their long-awaited “L’Arc~en~Ciel LIVE 2014 at National Stadium.”

Chosen as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, the iconic National Stadium only played host to four most influential Japanese music bands’ performances as of 2012, with L’Arc~en~Ciel included. Being the band’s second time to play at this enormous venue as well as their very first show since the last world tour, the significant “L’Arc~en~Ciel LIVE 2014 at National Stadium” sparked worldwide attention as soon as it was announced. In response to fervent requests from the U.S. audience, the second day (March 22nd, 2014) of the two-day concert will be presented in 10 theaters across the United States as a special delayed satellite broadcast.

Original post cards will be given to everyone attending the live viewing and original limited edition glow sticks for the first 50 people who arrive. Tickets are available for $20 at the following theaters and Fandango.com.

City/Theater/Time
Los Angeles, CA Century City 15 3:00 (PST)
Orange, CA Orange 30 3:00 (PST)
San Diego, CA Mission Valley 20 3:00 (PST)
San Francisco, CA Bay Street 16 3:00 (PST)
Seattle, WA Pacific Place 11 3:00 (PST)
Chicago, IL River East 21 5:00 (CST)
Houston, TX Willowbrook 24 5:00 (CST)
Baltimore, MD Columbia Mall 14 6:00 (EST)
Boston, MA Burlington 10 6:00 (EST)
New York, NY Empire 25 6:00 (EST)

Visit http://larcenciel2014lvj.com for more information.

Comprised of Hyde (vocals), Ken (guitarist), Tetsuya (bassist), and Yukihiro (drummer), L’Arc~en~Ciel achieved blockbuster commercial success with many number one singles and albums on the Oricon charts after their major debut in 1994. Featuring a wide range of sounds from hard-rock tunes to romantic ballads, the band has so far sold over 15 million albums, 16 million singles, and millions of merchandise, including DVDs.

Finding success at home, L’Arc~en~Ciel continued to expand their profile through launching activities overseas. On July 31st, 2004, L’Arc~en~Ciel made their North American debut at the anime convention, Otakon, as the first Japanese band to perform at the 1st Mariner Arena, which attracted an audience of 12,000 people. Sequentially hitting Asia and Europe from 2005 to 2008, L’Arc~en~Ciel gained increasing international fame and solidified their loyal fan base everywhere they went.

The band embarked on a stunning world tour, which covered 10 countries throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, one year after they celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2011. Their New York show took place at Madison Square Garden on March 25th, 2012, making L’Arc~en~Ciel the first Japanese artist ever to be the lead act at the legendary venue. Acclaimed for having “made a great contribution to cultural activities, and built a bridge of friendship between Hawaii and Japan” by the mayor of Honolulu, Peter Carlisle, the band has conquered the Japanese rock scene at a furious pace with their captivating music and dramatic live performances, while setting their sights worldwide to keep up with the frenzied response in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

About Live Viewing Japan:
Live Viewing Japan is a famous Japanese-based media distribution company dedicated to introducing Japanese artists of various genres around the world. More information on the company and its projects is available at: www.liveviewing.jp.

ACF 1994: Hatsune Miku Magical Mirai 2013 J-POP Concert Film to premiere in L.A. & N.Y.C.

Illustration by CHRIS © Crypton Future Media, Inc

LIVE VIEWING JAPAN ANNOUNCES SPECIAL

L.A. AND N.Y.C THEATRICAL PREMIERES OF

HATSUNE MIKU MAGICAL MIRAI 2013 J-POP CONCERT FILM

The World’s Most Popular Virtual Pop Singer Commemorates Her Birthday

With A Thrilling Live Concert From Yokohama Japan To Be Presented

In Special Theatrical Premieres In Los Angeles And New York City!!!

Live Viewing Japan, a distribution company focused on bringing Japanese entertainment media to an international audience, celebrates the 6th birthday of the world’s renowned virtual idol, Hatsune Miku, with just-announced bi-coastal theatrical premieres in Los Angeles and New York City on August 31st of the Hatsune Miku MAGICAL MIRAI 2013 Concert.

A special commemorative live concert scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 30th at the Yokohama Area in Yokohama, Japan and will presented to U.S. fans and J-Pop lovers the next day in a special delayed broadcast film premiere. Additional details and the specific L.A. and New York City theatre locations will be announced shortly.

Advance tickets are $20.00 each and go on sale soon. New details forthcoming!!

The Hatsune Miku MAGICAL MIRAI 2013 Concert is organized by TOKYO MX and Crypton Future Media, Inc. and sponsored by SEGA Corp. / Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. / Sony Music Records Inc. / Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. / Sony Music Direct (Japan) Inc. / and NicoNico.

Hatsune Miku, whose name means, “first sound of the future,” is based on an innovative singing synthesizer software character and is the most popular of the Character Vocal Series software originally created by Crypton Future Media, Inc. using Yamaha’s technology.

In Japan, Hatsune Miku is a major phenomenon that grew out of fan-created songs. She has appeared in numerous popular video games and music videos. She’s also played several enthusiastic “concerts,” where she performs on with a live band.

Miku played her very first live concert in the U.S. called, “MIKUNOPOLIS in LOS ANGELES,” at the Nokia Theatre for the 2011 Anime Expo in Los Angeles, CA. The show sold out in only 4 hours, further underscoring the growing substantial popularity she enjoys in North America. To-date, over 100,000 original songs have been written for Hatsune Miku by both fans and professional musicians and composers. The pop diva will also be team up with design house Louis Vuitton for an upcoming 3D Hatsune Miku opera, titled, The End, that will feature no human singers and is scheduled to take place at the Theatre du Chatelet Opera House in Paris on November 13th and 15th, 2013

About Live Viewing Japan:
Live Viewing Japan is a Japanese-based media distribution company focused on bringing a variety of entertainment properties to a global theatre-going audience. More information on the company and its projects is available at www.liveviewing.jp.

ACF 1983: J-POP Summit Festival adds Takara Sake USA as sponsor & announces co-presentation of Japanese human beat-box Daichi

Japanese human beat-box - Daichi 

The 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES

TAKARA SAKE USA AS FESTVAL SPONSOR AND

PRESENTS HUMAN BEAT-BOX DAICHI FOR

A SPECIAL SERIES OF LIVE PERFORMANCES

Takara Sake USA’s Popular Sparkling Cocktail “JPOP” Returns

To J-POP SUMMIT Festival Along With An Amazing

22 Year-Old Human Beat-box Star From Tokyo

The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival has announced Takara Sake USA, Inc. as a Platinum Sponsor for the 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, taking place across San Francisco’s Japantown on Saturday and Sunday, July 27th and 28th. Takara Sake USA will host a booth to promote its popular sparkling cocktail Takara Can Chu-hi “JPOP” on Saturday and Sunday, July 27th and 28th, from 11:00am to 6:00pm each day.

Takara Sake USA and the 2013 J-POP Summit will present Takara’s J-POP Ambassador, 22-year-old Japanese human beat-box – Daichi – for a special free live concert on the J-POP Summit Main Stage in Peace Plaza at 11:30am on Saturday, July 27th and 12:00pm on Sunday, July 28th .

Daichi will also perform at series of special appearances at Takara Sake’s booth. The brewer invites attendees to enjoy a refreshing Japanese-style sparkling cocktail, Takara Can Chu-hi “JPOP,” and new flavors of “Grapefruit” and “White Peach,” while catching Daichi’s beats

Daichi Takara Sake USA Booth Performance Times
Saturday, July 27th
12:45PM
2:15PM
4:30PM

Sunday, July 28th
12:45PM
4:15PM

Daichi will also perform along with Japan’s Official Ambassador of Kawaii, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, J-Pop singing sensation Kylee, and ex-Morning Musume star Reina Tanaka’s new girls band LoVendoЯ, as part of the “Make Kawaii Universal!!” free concert taking place on Sunday, July 28th from 2:00pm-4:00pm in Union Square, presented by the 2013 J-POP Summit in partnership with Union Square Live.

22-year-old Japanese human beat-box, Daichi, taught himself his amazing vocal skill beginning at the young age of 10. Without using any instruments or machines, Daichi can create more than 50 different sounds using his only voice, and moreover, can play rhythm beat and sing melody at the simultaneously Daichi is known internationally for his talents and he has opened for the likes of Boys II Men and collaborated with numerous singers, dancers, DJs and performers.

The Takara Shuzo Company has been a leading producer of sake in Japan for over 160 years. In 1982, it established an American brewery, Takara Sake USA, in Berkeley, California. SHO CHIKU BAI is Takara’s premier sake and the #1 selling sake brand in the U.S. Takara will serve wide selection of sake at J-POP Summit, including its newest product, SHO CHIKU BAI Rei, JUNMAI GINJO DRAFT, which offers a rich, floral bouquet with full taste and won a gold medal at the 2013 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirit Competition. Takara will also offer visitors samples of MIO, a sparkling sake brand that has grown to become internationally popular. Because of its mellow taste and smooth texture it has become a new alternative to champagne. More information on Takara Sake USA, available at http://www.takarasake.com.

“We’re honored to welcome festival sponsor Takara Sake USA to celebrate the 5th anniversary of J-POP Summit,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “We invite attendees to catch the phenomenal human beat-box Daichi in a series of special intimate performances live at the Takara Sake USA booth!”

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees. More information about J-POP Summit Festival is available at J-POP.com.

ACF 1938: 2013 J-POP Summit Festival will include a live concert in San Francisco's Union Square

KYARY PAMYU PAMYU

The 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL MAKES “KAWAII” UNIVERSAL

AS IT EXPANDS TO S.F.’s UNION SQUARE FOR A SPECIAL

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY KYARY PAMYU PAMYU

San Francisco’s Biggest Japanese Pop Culture Celebration Expands Beyond Japantown

For Special FREE Concert Also Featuring Harajuku Singer/Model Una, Sony Music Japan

J-Pop Star Kylee, And The Human Beat Box Phenomenon Daichi

The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, San Francisco’s annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, celebrates its 5th anniversary by announcing its expansion – to Union Square – as celebrates this year’s theme, “Make Kawaii Universal!!” with a special live concert on Sunday, July 28th from 2:00pm-4:00pm, featuring one of Japan biggest J-Pop stars – Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

Presented in partnership with Union Square Live presented by the City of San Francisco, the 2013 J-POP Summit Festival will take downtown San Francisco by storm with “cute” J-Pop as a complement to the Festival’s core location, taking place Saturday and Sunday, July 27th and 28th. A variety of live bands, fashion shows, anime and live-action film premieres, Guest of Honor appearances, vendors and a special POP GOURMET Sake Tasting event are scheduled. Additional details on J-POP Festival events and programming are available at: www.J-POP.com.

An integral part of the theme of J-POP SUMMIT 2013, “kawaii” is a universally celebrated Japanese word that means “cute” or “loveable” and has become a prominent aspect of modern Japanese popular culture and expressed prominently in fashion, music, anime, games, characters, and cosmetics. The word has also become part of daily youth vernacular and is widely used to comment on style and fashion.

“The celebration of the J-POP Summit spreads beyond Japantown this year and we are very excited to bring a special edition of the festival to Union Square, led by one of Japan’s biggest pop stars, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “By having this opportunity to present the essence of Kawaii Culture to a mainstream and demographically diverse area of the city, we hope to deliver the spirit and creativity of this unique pop culture phenomenon to even more people.”

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu personifies the style and sound of Tokyo’s fashion Mecca – Harajuku. Born in Tokyo 1993, she began as a model for several Harajuku fashion magazines when she was still in a high school and her unique looks and bizarre language and behavior caught Japan’s, and soon the world’s attention. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu released her major debut, MOSHI MOSHI HARAJUKU in August 2011 from Warner Music Japan, and the music video for its single “PONPONPON,” has been played over 50 million times on YouTube. Her first full-album, Pamyu Pamyu Revolution, was released in May 2012. In February 2013, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began a world tour and recently released her sixth single, “Invader Invader,” in May.

Una was formally a charismatic shop assistant in Harajuku and began her modeling career as a model by getting a snapshot taken by a fashion magazine in 2010. It didn't take her long to begin appearing regularly in numerous fashion magazines. With her beautiful looks, edgy style, and perfectly balanced body proportions, she represents a new type of Harajuku model capable of expressing not only kawaii style but also showcasing other cool aspects of Harajuku culture. This iconic figure of the Harajuku street scene will also debut her first musical single, "Juicy Juicy," on August 14th.

Kylee is an upbeat 19 year-old pop singer/songwriter currently signed to Sony Music Japan and has become a fast-rising multi-cultural star that is developing a major following in both the U.S. and Japan. Kylee has been featured in the U.S. on the Today Show, and her second single, "missing/IT'S YOU," released in 2010, was featured heavily in a commercial for online apparel retailer NISSEN. In 2011 she performed for an audience of more than 50,000 people at an official Major League Baseball game and has also sang for President Barack Obama.

The 22-year-old Japanese human beat-box, Daichi, began teaching himself his amazing skill beginning at the young age of 10. Without using any instruments or machines, Daichi can make more than 50 different sounds using his voice, and moreover, can play rhythm beat and sing melody at the same time. Daichi is known internationally for his talents and he has opened for the likes of Boys II Men and collaborated with numerous singers, dancers, DJs and performers.

Founded in 2005, Union Square Live brings free music, dance, circus, theater, outdoor movies and other entertainment to Union Square Park for everyone's enjoyment. Held April through October, most programs are presented on Wednesdays at 12:30pm and 6pm and on Sundays at 2pm.

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees.

More information about the J-POP Summit Festival is available at J-POP.com.

ACF 1933: Exclusive L.A. One Night Only Theatrical Premiere of PERFUME WORLD TOUR 2nd IN UK

LIVE VIEWING JAPAN ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL

L.A. J-POP CONCERT BROADCAST EVENT:

PREMIERE OF PERFUME WORLD TOUR 2nd IN UK

Popular All-Girl Japanese Pop Group Performs

From the U.K. In A Special Big Screen Event;

Catch The Exclusive One Night Only Screening!!!

Live Viewing Japan, a distribution company focused on bringing Japanese entertainment media to an international audience, will thrill J-Pop music fans with its latest announcement of the exclusive Los Angeles theatrical premiere of Perfume WORLD TOUR 2nd in UK LIVE VIEWING in L.A. – for one-night-only – at the Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE, in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, July 7th at 1:00pm. The upbeat 2½ hour delayed broadcast event will capture the popular all-girl Japanese pop group in action from an upcoming concert that will take place in London on July 5th.

Tickets are $25.00 and are available at: perfumeliveviewinginla.com. Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE is located at 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015.

Live Viewing Japan also extends a special invitation to 2013 Anime Expo attendees at the nearby Los Angeles Convention Center to catch this exclusive J-Pop concert broadcast event premiere! Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE is a short walk from the L.A. Convention Center grounds, located adjacent to the Nokia Theatre and Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

Perfume is a very popular all-girl Japanese pop group that formed in Hiroshima in 2001 and features Ayaka Nishiwaki (Aa-CHAN), Yuka Kashino (KASHIYUKA), and Ayano Omoto (NOCCHi). As of January 2012, the group has released fourteen major label singles. Perfume began with a post-Shibuya-kei pop sound but began to transition to electronic dance-pop music beginning in 2003, influenced heavily by 1980s synthpop and chiptunes and electro house. In 2005, the single “Linear Motor Girl” signaled their major debut. The following singles resulted in Perfume receiving the label “technopop of the future,” partly because of their science fiction-like themes. Their first album, Perfume: Complete Best, released in 2007, was a compilation of six popular singles and reached Number 33 in the Oricon Music Charts.

With Perfume’s success, many Japanese brands enlisted the help of the group to add a pop-driven soundtrack to various promotional campaigns. Natural ni Koishite is a tie-in with the Japanese brand, Natural Beauty Basic and Pepsi NEX also featured Perfume’s cover The Cardigans’ “Lovefool.” In 2010, Perfume received major international attention when their song “Monochrome Effect” was featured in an episode of "American Dad!" Another Perfume song, "Polyrhythm," was featured in Disney Pixar's Cars 2.

In 2012, Perfume embarked on their very first tour in Asia, visiting Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore. With all shows completely sold out and their new record, “Perfume Global Compilation LOVE THE WORLD”” being released worldwide, the group is proving their popularity goes far beyond Japan. Perfume plans a European Summer Tour for 2013.

About Live Viewing Japan:
Live Viewing Japan is a Japanese-based media distribution company focused on bringing a variety of entertainment properties to a global theatre-going audience. More information on the company and its projects is available at www.liveviewing.jp.

ACF 1726: INCLUSION to screen at Japan Society NY on December 5th

Inclusion

Directed by Ken’ichi Oguri
Japan, 2011, B.R., 104 minutes

In Japanese with English subtitles

Documentary; Narration by Masato Hagiwara

Introduction and Q&A with executive producer

and former First Lady Kayoko Hosokawa

When: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 6:30 PM

Where: Japan Society

333 East 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd avenues), NYC

Map and Visitor Information

Inclusion is the poignant record of Zuihou Taiko drumming team, an intellectually disabled professional drumming team that placed 2nd in the Tokyo International Japanese Drumming Competition.

Living in a community called “Colony Unzen” in Nagasaki prefecture, the team leads an autonomous existence in normal, residential homes, with the support and friendship of both specialists and ordinary neighbors. Although the members started drumming as a mere rehabilitation and therapy exercise, through sheer dedication, constant practice, they became a full-fledged drumming team, fulfilling their dream to compete professionally under the supervision of Ichiro Jishoya, a world-class taiko drummer. The film charts their gradual command of Jishoya’s compositions, while portraying their daily lives and showing how, after many years of struggle, they have earned the right “to live normally,” in Colony Unzen.

As the members of Zuihou Taiko, their families and loved ones, even a mother who once institutionalized her son, reveal the story of their lives to the camera, they show us a world of Inclusion.

Followed by a reception.

Tickets are $12/$9 Japan Society members, seniors & students

Buy Tickets Online or call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258, Mon. - Fri. 11 am - 6 pm, Weekends 11 am - 5 pm. 

ACF 1326: Review of NEW PEOPLE's DVD "Documentary AKB48 to be continued"

DOCUMENTARY of AKB 48 to be continued came out on DVD in the U.S. the beginning of this past December from NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. Culled from over 1000 hours of recorded video throughout 2010, it provides an interesting look inside the all-female idol group that is one of if not the biggest phenomenons in J-Pop today.

Just how big a phenomenon is AKB48? Well, here are just a few of the items that have appeared recently at Tokyograph, a news and information website dedicated to Japanese pop culture that was founded in June 2006:

- AKB48 forms band for new single “Give Me Five!” 

- AKB48 wins Japan Record Award 

- AKB48 breaks multiple records as best selling artist of 2011 

- AKB48 earns record for most million-selling singles by a female artist 

AKB48 was formed by music producer Yasushi Akimoto in 2005. The "AKB" stands for A-Ki-Ha-Bara, the Tokyo district that is a center for electronics and anime´/ pop culture.  As one of the title cards at the beginning of the documentary indicates, the group has a theater in Akihabara that is exclusive for their performances, which take place almost every day. The "48" stands for the number of official members in the group, which is divided into Teams A, K and B, with 16 members in each. In addition, there are "trainees," the number of which varies, who aspire to become members of one of the teams as vacancies occur.

The concept behind AKB48 is that they are "Idols you can always meet" and this comes across clearly in the documentary. The members, who seem to range in age from about 14 to their early 20s, are shown talking directly to the members of the audience. One of the phrases they most often employ, both onstage and in on-camera interviews, is "our dreams" and talking about striving to achieve their dreams creates a bridge of intimacy between them and their audience. Also, in recent years the group has started to hold elections to determine who will be involved in recording singles. in which fans vote for their favorites and the girl ranked Number 1 performs at the center of the group.

The documentary provides interviews with several members and those shown impressed me with a degree of maturity and articulation beyond what I would have expected from those so young. There are also shots of the girls in rehearsal and performing. We also get to see some of them doing "real life" things such as eating out at restaurants, shopping, and so forth. 

DOCUMENTARY of AKB 48 to be continued was produced by group founder Akimoto, so it's clearly an "in-house" type of production. If you come to it expecting a hard-hitting, Michael Moore kind of expose´, you'll be disappointed. This is no "warts and all" kind of film.

But it is an insightful opportunity to enter the world of these dedicated, hard-working and, yes, very talented young women. ACF Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; solidly recommended.

DOCUMENTARY of AKB 48 to be continued is available at NEW PEOPLE, Amazon and elsewhere.