Village Man's Store Returns with 'Chunk of Red'

Village Man's Store has announced their 5th mini album "Chunk of Red" will drop on April 1st. The rock band, known for their energetic live performances and indie sensibilities, continues to build momentum in Japan's alternative music scene.

Monaki's Success Creates Unexpected Problems

Meanwhile, Junretsu's younger brother group Monaki faced a different kind of challenge - their popularity proved too much to handle. The group was forced to cancel their March 29th release event at Ieon Town Moriya in Ibaraki for their debut single "Honma ya de☆Nande ya nen☆Shiran kedo" (Really Though☆Why Though☆I Don't Know Though). The cancellation came due to safety concerns over the overwhelming fan response.

Monaki, positioned as the sibling act to the popular middle-aged idol group Junretsu, has clearly struck a chord with fans even before their official debut.

Other News

Legendary singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima will be featured in a special NHK program "NHK MUSIC SPECIAL Miyuki Nakajima All-Time Request" airing March 21st on NHK General. True to form, Nakajima noted that viewers won't see her speaking on camera, maintaining her famously private persona.

Music producer and composer Kenta Matsukuma announced he will take a temporary break from work to undergo reconstructive surgery on his right anterior cruciate ligament. The producer, known for his work across various J-Pop acts, expects to return after his recovery period.