Banner image: ki.o.ku.
It’s the last Weekender of May and it seems like Idol Summer is off to a slow start this year. Usually, by now, the summer MV season has been officially kicked off (typically by a bikini-clad Niji no Conquistador) and we have begun the annual hunt for the Song of the Summer. Instead, it was left up to freshman unit ki.o.ku to get the ball rolling with their MV featuring a pensive trip to the beach with their bedroom furniture (see below). We appreciate them picking up the slack for their seniors.
Summer tour season will also be kicking off soon. In the latest news on that front, Zenbu Kimi no Sei Da. have announced a couple of shows in Australia as they continue their quest to perform in every corner of the globe.
Isiliel dropped a new EP to kick off her Moonbow Legion world tour, which launches today in Tokyo.
PIGGS released this MV for “Get lost genius.” Good thing that’s not directed at me!
RAY, the best unit in chika idol, give us a Live MV of their best single of the year.
INUWASI released the second MV in their burgeoning career as major label artists.
kinopo. released their 5th album in five years. It’s been five years? I still think of them as this fresh new unit from Kyoto.
With a name like “Accelerando,” I thought that the new single from Ringwanderung would be, like, 240 beats for minute. It’s not, but it’s still a nice song.
YURAPICO, who visits both Australia and the US next month, released a one shot MV for “Last Live Nara Yokatta”
Nightmare-based virtual idols, Ikigusare give us a dance MV from literal hell.
pinponpanpon served up this hyperpop ode to conveyor belt sushi.
Ema Yumei of Kaishin no Ichigeki released a lovely new solo song.
As mention in the intro, rookie unit ki.o.ku kicks off the summer MV season with an ambient, piano-driven trip to the beach.
Hot on their tails, Mirror,Mirror also headed down to the beach but left their bedroom furniture at home.
Goth lolita unit DIAVEL have yet to break out their summer outfits.
I am really enjoying the second EP from HATENO.
I’m also loving the new single from Astrail, especially the B-side.
Osaka-based rock unit LΩPARA shared a PV from their latest one-man.
Oshiloss Corner
CHIHIRO will graduate from AdFicTioN on August 28th.
Little Mystery is going on medical hiatus from Koutei Camera Girl Vier.
Your Advisory Board will end activities after their July 3rd show. They will then hold auditions and “make a fresh start” with a one-man live on September 8th.
Vissare will be ending it’s current system with their anniversary live on June 30th. They are then “planning to renew the organization and re-start in a new form.” Members Kyururu Maji and Karen Gai will be withdrawing from the group. Eto Akatsuki and Riona Shinjo will continue on as a part of the new system.
Oshifound Corner
Legendary vaporwave unit Especia is reuniting for one night in September.
While we’re on the topic of Especia, ex. member Mia Nascimento just became a mom.
AiNA THE END (ex. BiSH) is just killing it and it’s great to see.
