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
Akina with new box set release

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."

Akina performs on FNS Kayousai 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.

Dinner Show 2004
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
Utahime Complete Box Empress

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)



Akina discusses her new single

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.



Akina Live

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!



Akina performs during A-1 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

  1. Slow Motion
  2. Shojo A
  3. Second Love

    Talk

  4. 1/2 no Shinwa
  5. Twilight Akina Live
  6. Kinku
  7. Kita Wing
  8. Southern Wind
  9. Jukkai (1984)

    Talk

  10. Kazarijanainoyo Namidawa
  11. Meu Amor é

    Bandmember Introduction (percussion)

  12. SAND BEIGE
  13. SOLITUDE

    Bandmember Introduction (guitar)

  14. DESIRE
  15. Gypsy Queen
  16. Fin
  17. TANGO NOIR
  18. BLONDE

    Talk

  19. Nanpasen
  20. AL-MAUJ

    Bandmember Introductions (bass, drums)

  21. TATTOO
  22. I MISSED "THE SHOCK"

    Bandmember Introduction (band leader/keyboards)

  23. LIAR

    Costume Change; Talk

  24. Encore: Akai Hana

    Costume Change; Talk

  25. Encore: Hajimete Deatta Hi no Youni *
  26. Encore: Kazarijanainoyo Namidawa
* Akina's first live performance of the new single.



New Single

Thursday, July 1, 2004
Hajimete Deatta Hi no Youni

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).



Thank You For...

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
Akai Hana

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
Akina recording 'Akai Hana'

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
Bourbon

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.

Glico 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).


CJ's Akina Nakamori Page - http://geocities.datacellar.net/akina_fan.geo/
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