NEWS FROM 2004
Akina on Best Ten 2004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Akina will make an appearance on the Best Ten 2004 Special to air on TBS on December 30 at 9:00pm. Akina is scheduled to perform "DESIRE," and rumor has it she will be wearing a kimono.
To commemorate the Best Ten, a very popular music program in Japan from 1978 to 1989, Kadokawa has released a data book. The book provides complete ranking data and records and includes photos of the singers. Akina, immensely popular during the 1980's, ranks high in many categories and holds several records as well.
TV Appearances
Friday, December 3, 2004
On December 1, 2004, Akina was interviewed on the TBS morning program "Watch." The main topic of the discussion was the release of her new box set "Utahime Complete Box Empress."
In the evening of December 1, Akina made an appearance on the
FNS Kayousai 30th Anniversary
Special, which aired on Fuji TV. She
performed a medley of 1980's hits that included "DESIRE," "TANGO NOIR," and "Shojo A."
Akina's last appearance on the annual awards show was in 1993, when she performed "Aibu."
2004 Christmas Dinner Show Schedule
Friday, December 3, 2004
Akina will once again be performing Christmas dinner shows, although the number of dates and venues scheduled thus far is more limited than in prior years.
| Date | Venue | Ticket Pricing |
Info * |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.21.04 (Tue) | Yokohama: Prince
Hotel Dinner: 18:30; Show: 20:00 |
All seats ¥40,000 | 045-751-1111 |
| 12.22.04 (Wed) | Tokyo: Hotel New Otani Dinner: 19:00; Show: 20:30 |
All seats ¥44,000 | 03-3234-7777 |
| 12.24.04 (Fri) | Osaka: Rihga Royal Hotel Dinner: 18:30; Show: 20:00 |
All seats ¥40,000 | 06-6441-1431 |
| 01.07.05 (Fri) | Nagoya: Westin Nagoya Castle Dinner: 17:00; Show: 18:00 |
All seats ¥43,000 | ** |
| 01.10.05 (Mon) | Tokyo: Hotel New Otani Dinner: 19:00; Show: 20:30 |
All seats ¥44,000 | 03-3234-7777 |
* For information, contact the respective hotels at the listed numbers.
** Tickets available through FAITHWAY. Audience limited to 200 people.
Utahime Box Set
Monday, November 29, 2004
On December 1, 2004, Akina will release a special box set entitled "Utahime Complete Box Empress" (POCE-3035~40). The 6-disc box set includes picture discs with the original recordings of "Utahime," "Zero album ~ Utahime 2," and "Utahime 3 ~ Shuumaku," along with three other discs containing the instrumental versions of each album. The box set also includes a 32-page color booklet and is housed in a colorful, folding-book style packaging.
The box set was originally scheduled to be released on June 2, and again on August 25, however both times the release was cancelled, presumably due to production difficulties.
For more details, please refer to the Discography.
Warner DVD Re-Releases
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
Warner Music Japan is re-releasing eight Akina DVDs on November 3, 2004. The titles, all limited pressings, include:
Bitter & Sweet ~ 1985 Summer Tour |
(WPBL-90014) |
Akina East Live ~ Index XXIII |
(WPBL-90015) |
Yume 91 ~ Special Live |
(WPBL-90016) |
New Akina Etranger ~ Akina Nakamori in Europe |
(WPBL-90041) |
Hajimemashite |
(WPBL-90042) |
Cross My Palm |
(WPBL-90043) |
Live in '87 ~ A Hundred days |
(WPBL-90044) |
Live in '88 ~ Femme Fatale |
(WPBL-90045) |
TV Appearance
Thursday, August 5, 2004
Akina appeared on a TV special called "Dakara Kankoku Dorama wa Omoshiroi," which aired on NHK BS2 on July 24, 2004. Recognizing the recent rise in popularity of Korean drama series among Japanese viewers, the program presented an overview of some of the series and their respective stars.
In one segment, Akina discussed her latest single "Hajimete Deatta Hi no Youni," a cover of the Korean song "Who," originally performed by singer/actor Park Yong-Ha. "Who" is also the theme song of "All In," a Korean drama series currently airing on NHK's BS2.
Happy Birthday Akina!
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Akina will officially turn 39 on July 13, 2004. She will be celebrating her birthday at the Tokyo International Forum, where she will deliver the final performance of her A-1 Summer Concert Tour.
Best wishes to Akina for a very happy birthday and also a fabulous finale to her concert tour!
A-1 Tour 2004
Monday, July 5, 2004
The program for this years concert tour has come as something of a surprise to many fans. Taking a somewhat straightforward "no frills" approach, Akina has opted to perform the Warner hits (in sequential order of release) from her 1980's heydays.
In keeping with this very basic song list, Akina is performing all 24 hits without changing her outfit a single time. She changes only before returning for the encore. This departure, a first for Akina, is apparently proving to be something of a disappointment for certain audience members accustomed to seeing the more typical assortment of stylish outfits... People! Will you lighten up?
The program for Akina's July 3 concert in Kobe was as follows:
Opening: footage of Akina performing "Yumesaki Annainin" on Star Tanjo, 1981
- Slow Motion
- Shojo A
- Second Love
Talk
- 1/2 no Shinwa
- Twilight
- Kinku
- Kita Wing
- Southern Wind
- Jukkai (1984)
Talk
- Kazarijanainoyo Namidawa
- Meu Amor é
Bandmember Introduction (percussion)
- SAND BEIGE
- SOLITUDE
Bandmember Introduction (guitar)
- DESIRE
- Gypsy Queen
- Fin
- TANGO NOIR
- BLONDE
Talk
- Nanpasen
- AL-MAUJ
Bandmember Introductions (bass, drums)
- TATTOO
- I MISSED "THE SHOCK"
Bandmember Introduction (band leader/keyboards)
- LIAR
Costume Change; Talk
- Encore: Akai Hana
Costume Change; Talk
- Encore: Hajimete Deatta Hi no Youni *
- Encore: Kazarijanainoyo Namidawa
* Akina's first live performance of the new single.
New Single
Thursday, July 1, 2004
A new single is slated for release on July 7, 2004. "Hajimete Deatta Hi no Youni" (POCE-3601) is essentially another version of "Akai Hana," the single released on May 12. While the songs share the same melody, they feature different lyrics and musical arrangement. "Hajimete Deatta Hi no Youni" ("Like The Day We First Met") is based on the original lyrics of the song "Who," originally performed by Korean singer/actor Park Yong-Ha. The Japanese version of the lyrics are written by the famed lyricist, Goro Matsui.
As you ponder this melodic repetition, consider these interesting bits of trivia. This is the second instance where Akina has released two singles that share the same melody, yet have different lyrics and arrangement--the other pair being Meu Amor é and Akaitori Nigeta (both released in 1985). Further investigation reveals that it's the third time for one of Akina's singles to share a melody with another song released within the same year ("BLONDE" and "The Look That Kills," a track from her English-language album "Cross My Palm," also shared a melody and were both released in 1987).
Momoe Tribute Album
Thursday, May 20, 2004
On May 19, 2004, Sony Music released a tribute album to Momoe Yamaguchi.
The album, entitled "Momoe Tribute ~ Thank You For ...", contains cover versions of 11 Momoe hits by various artists. Akina's cover of "Aizen Bashi" is included. Other featured artists include Fumiya Fujii, Masaharu Fukuyama, Tsunku, Puffy, Hiromi Iwasaki, Sowelu, and Bird.
New Single
Monday, May 3, 2004
A new single titled "Akai Hana" (POCE-3060) will be released on May 12, 2004. The single is a cover of the song "Who," originally performed by Korean singer/actor Park Yong-Ha. "Who" is the theme song of the Korean TV drama series "All In" currently airing on NHK's BS2. "All In" and other Korean TV series have become quite popular among Japanese viewers.
"Akai Hana" becomes Akina's first single to cover a foreign language hit song and is also the first release under her newly formed production company and private record label "Utahime Records."
Utahime Records
Thursday, April 22, 2004
On April 21, 2004, Akina established her own production company and private record label "Utahime Records" in association with Universal Music Japan. The culmination of an idea Akina first conceived some 5 years ago, "Utahime Records" will provide her with both greater freedom to pursue personal projects as well as new production challenges.
Akina's future releases will be produced by Utahime Records and distributed by Universal Music. In fulfilling a long-term dream, Akina has taken a big step toward a new future in the music industry.
Past Hits Commemorated
Monday, March 1, 2004
Two major confectionary manufacturer's, Bourbon Corp. and Ezaki Glico Co., have recently released limited series snack items with a similar theme of commemorating past pop hit songs and singers.
In December and January, Bourbon released its "Giants of 80's Jpop" cookies featuring nine Jpop artists of the 1980's. Each limited cookie package included a leaflet and a 3-inch CD single containing two hit songs by the featured singer . Akina was one of singers in the series. "Shojo A" and "Second Love" were the two included songs.
In February and March, Glico is releasing its
"Timeslip Glico"
series of almond chocolate packets featuring twenty pop singers from the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's.
Each package includes a 3-inch CD single (with 1 song) and accompanying leaflet for the featured artist.
Akina (for "Slow Motion") was selected to be one of the 20 singers in the series. An additional novelty with
the CD singles in this series is that they resemble the original EP (vinyl 45rpm record) releases in
appearance and packaging.
2004 Summer Concert Tour Schedule
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Faithway recently announced the schedule for Akina's 2004 Summer concert tour. Eighteen dates/venues have been slated as follows:
Update: An additional concert in Kobe (July 3) has been added to the tour schedule.
| Date/ Time |
Venue | Ticket Price(s) |
Ticket Office/ Telephone/ P.O. Acct. Number |
Fees | *FC/ Open Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15 (Sat) 18:00 |
Pacifico Yokohama Kokuritsu Dai Hall | S: ¥6,500 A: ¥5,500 |
Kyodo Yokohama 045-671-9911 00200-2-32081 |
¥600 | 2/16 3/21 |
| May 19 (Wed) 18:30 |
Sendai Sun Plaza Hall | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Tohoku 022-296-8888 02270-7-31994 |
¥600 | 2/16 3/13 |
| May 23 (Sun) 17:00 |
Nagano-ken Kenmin Bunka Kaikan, Dai Hall | ¥6,300 | Super Cast 026-263-1000 00570-6-12661 |
¥500 | 2/16 3/6 |
| May 25 (Tue) 18:30 |
Yamanashi Kenmin Bunka Hall, Dai Hall | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Tokai 052-972-7466 00800-3-29871 |
¥500 | 2/27 3/12 |
| May 31 (Mon) 18:30 |
Hokkaido Kosei Nenkin Kaikan | 1F: ¥6,000 2F: ¥4,000 |
PHONE RESERVATIONS ONLY Tel. 011-221-0144 (2/13 only) |
¥430 | 2/13 3/6 |
| June 3 (Thu) 18:30 |
Niigata Kenmin Kaikan | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Hokuriku 025-245-5100 00680-9-15422 |
¥600 | 2/16 4/24 |
| June 6 (Sun) 17:00 |
Toyama Obado Hall | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Hokuriku 025-245-5100 00680-9-15422 |
¥600 | 2/16 4/24 |
| June 9 (Wed) 18:30 |
Osaka Festival Hall | ¥6,500 | Koen Jimukyoku 06-6233-8888 00910-7-21399 |
¥600 | 2/25 3/21 |
| June 11 (Fri) 18:30 |
Kobe Kokusai Kaikan Kokusai Hall | ¥6,500 | Koen Jimukyoku 06-6233-8888 00910-7-21399 |
¥600 | 2/25 3/21 |
| June 13 (Sun) 17:30 |
Kagawa-ken Kenmin Hall, Grand Hall | S: ¥6,500 A: ¥5,500 |
Duke FC Kagawa 087-822-2520 01620-6-9447 |
¥500 | 2/20 3/28 |
| June 16 (Wed) 18:30 |
Nara Hyakunen Kaikan | ¥6,500 | Koen Jimukyoku 06-6233-8888 00910-7-21399 |
¥600 | 2/25 3/21 |
| June 20 (Sun) 17:00 |
Aichi-ken Geijutsu Gekijo, Dai Hall | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Tokai 052-972-7466 00840-0-29980 |
¥500 | 2/27 3/13 |
| June 22 (Tue) 18:30 |
Hiroshima Kosei Nenkin Kaikan | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Nishi Nihon 092-714-0159 01950-3-28262 |
¥500 | 2/16 4/3 |
| June 25 (Fri) 18:30 |
Kagoshima Shimin Bunka Hall, Daiichi | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Nishi Nihon 092-714-0159 01900-1-28200 |
¥500 | 2/16 4/11 |
| June 27 (Sun) 17:00 |
Fukuoka Sun Palace | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Nishi Nihon 092-714-0159 01790-9-23794 |
¥500 | 2/16 4/11 |
| July 3 (Sat) 17:00 |
Kobe Kokusai Kaikan, Kokusai Hall | ¥6,500 | Kyodo Osaka 06-6233-8888 |
? | ? |
| July 6 (Tue) 18:30 |
Act City Hamamatsu, Dai Hall |
¥6,500 | Kyodo Tokai 052-972-7466 00840-7-30393 |
¥500 | 2/27 3/13 |
| July 13 (Tue) 18:30 |
Tokyo Kokusai Forum, Hall A |
S: ¥6,500 A: ¥5,500 |
Concert Jimukyoku 03-5772-7399 00120-5-251962 |
¥600 | 2/16 3/21 |
* The two dates in this column represent the fan club deadline and the date tickets go on sale to the general public.
Notes:
- The preceding information was taken from a Faithway flyer and, therefore, is directed primarily toward FC members. Additional information may be available later via other sources.
- The Hokkaido venue accepts telephone reservations ONLY.
- All other venues’ tickets are reserved via Japan P.O. transfer directly to the ticket sales office for the given event.
- When making payment, it is important to include
the following information in the ‘Tsushin-ran’ space on the transfer form:
- FC membership number
- Number of tickets required
- Venue name
- Concert date
- Type of seat (if more than one is available).