Newsletter: Rising Singer-Songwriter Rol3ert Releases New single “Nerd”

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

19-year-old Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert (pronounced “Robert”) is quickly emerging as a breakout artist in Japan’s music scene. His presence across Asia has been steadily growing since the release of his debut single “meaning” in January, followed by “HOPE” in April. Both tracks have landed on user-generated playlists across major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

Newsletter: povo Launches 'povo2.0 Japan SIM' eSIM for International Visitors—Get Connected in 3 Minutes at Lawson Stores Nationwide

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

KDDI has announced that starting July 1, 2025, “povo2.0 Japan SIM” cards, which allow foreign travelers to purchase data, will be available at approximately 14,600 Lawson locations (note 1) across Japan, a major convenience store chain in Japan. Travelers can choose from four plans based on their needs: 3 GB (7 Days), 10 GB (30 Days), 25 GB (30 Days), and Unlimited Data (7 Days) (note 2). They can be purchased at the register with cash and utilize the eSIM card embedded in the customer’s device, so they can register online and connect to the internet in as little as three minutes (note 3).

Povo uses au’s network to provide a stable connection over a large area of Japan. They aim to make travel in Japan as comfortable and fulfilling as possible for foreign travelers by making it easy to connect to a fast and reliable wireless network.

■Start of service

July 1, 2025

■How to use a “povo2.0 Japan SIM”

Customers can bring a “povo2.0 Japan SIM” to the register and tell the cashier which plan they wish to purchase. After payment (cash only), the user can access the dedicated website by scanning the QR code on the reverse side, enter the PIN code found on the SIM card, and add data.

■List of “povo2.0 Japan SIM” plans

Plan name: Price

Additional 3 GB of Data (7 Days): ¥2,200

Additional 10 GB of Data (30 Days): ¥3,280

Additional 25 GB of Data (30 Days): ¥4,580

Unlimited Data (7 Days): ¥4,500

*Plans subject to change

For details, please visit: https://povo.jp/japan-sim/gift-card/

(note 1) Excludes locations that do not carry gift cards.

(note 2) Network speed may be limited during network congestion.

(note 3) Time until the user begins using the service as calculated by KDDI. This may differ based on the customer’s situation.

[END OF PRESS RELEASE]

Newsletter: Osaka eSIM launches new data add-ons for long-term foreign visitors to enhance connectivity while staying in Osaka

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. President and CEO: Hiromichi Matsuda) have announced the addition of new options for “Osaka eSIM” starting June 25, 2025, and will launch new data add-ons for long-term visitors, including 30 GB (30 Days) and 15 GB (15 Days) options.

Newsletter: NANO-MUGEN FES. 2025: BECK and ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION To Headline Japan’s Iconic Music Festival in Jakarta

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

NANO-MUGEN FES. 2025 Illustration by Yusuke Nakamura

The iconic rock festival from Japan is coming to Jakarta for the very first time. NANO-MUGEN FES., set to take place on May 24–25, 2025 at Ecopark Ancol - Jakarta, reveals its second wave of lineup. Known for its unique mix of legendary acts and new voices from Japan’s vibrant rock scene, the festival is set to bring fans from across the region. 

Newsletter: A Decade of Magic: Globe rewards fans with ultimate Star Wars Celebration

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Globe1: Student winners and Globe Multi-Product Owner (customers with both Globe Mobile and Globe At Home accounts) winners enjoying the Star Wars Celebration in Japan as part of Globe’s 10-year collaboration with Disney.

Over the past decade, Globe and Disney have shared a commitment to bringing world-class entertainment to audiences all over the Philippines. Since 2015, Globe has brought Disney stories right to the heart of Filipino audiences both in their own living rooms and also while they’re on-the-go.

Newsletter: Glico Group Shares Its Unique Value to Contribute to the Future of Food and Health at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. sponsors two pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and will host various events during the exhibition period. The Glico Group upholds its Purpose of contributing to people’s “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life,” continuously creating value in “Great Taste and Good Health.” Glico supports Expo 2025, under the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

Newsletter: XG Set to Drop New Single “MILLION PLACES” During Tour Finale at Tokyo Dome on May 14th

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Hip-hop/R&B girl group XG turned up the heat at Osaka-Jo Hall on March 15th and 16th as part of their world tour, XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The FIRST HOWL'! At the March 15th show, members MAYA and COCONA captivated the audience with a stirring performance of “SHOW YOU CAN”, a track produced by Czaer and JAKOPS, originally featured on the 2023 Korean compilation Street Woman Fighter 2 (SWF2) Crew Songs – marking its tour debut to an electrified Osaka crowd.

Newsletter: VRITIMES Inc. Appointed as Global Ambassador for the Innovation Conference "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025"

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

We are pleased to announce that VRITIMES.Inc (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Ferry Bayu, hereinafter referred to as "our company"), has been appointed as an ambassador for the Global Innovation Conference "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025", which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from May 8 (Thursday) to May 10 (Saturday), 2025.

Newsletter: Surprise Digital Release - Number_i's "No.I (Deluxe)" Featuring the Unreleased Track "HIRAKEGOMA"

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

🎧 LISTEN TO HIRAKEGOMA

🎞️✮⋆˙ WATCH HIRAKEGOMA OFFICIAL VISUALIZER

Japanese boy group Number_i, composed of Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, continues to captivate fans worldwide with the surprise release of their deluxe album, "No.I (Deluxe)", now available on streaming platforms. This special edition of their debut album, released as a gesture of gratitude to their fans, features all 13 original tracks plus the newly unveiled song "HIRAKEGOMA."

The Magic of "HIRAKEGOMA"

Newsletter: The Itchyworms return to Japan for another leg of ‘Akin Ka Na Lang’ tour

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Award-winning Filipino band The Itchyworms are set to return to Japan for another run of their critically acclaimed Akin Ka Na Lang… Japan! Tour in early 2025. 

Newsletter: HipHop/R&B-inspired girl group XG will make their Coachella debut in 2025 as the only Japanese act in the lineup!

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

One of the biggest music festivals in the U.S., the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2025, has announced its lineup, and girl group XG is set to make their debut at the event.

Newsletter: Japanese Boy Band Number_i Drops Highly Anticipated First Full Album “No. I” with Lead Track “ICE”

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Rising J-pop sensation Number_i has released their much-awaited debut album No. I, featuring the cool and transcendent contemporary R&B single “ICE.” The 14-track album is a testament to the group’s artistic evolution, with each track offering a fresh take on the J-pop genre. The lead track “ICE” showcases a perfect blend of cool beats and the refreshing sensation of taking a sauna, brought to life through modern R&B elements.

Newsletter: XG Unveils fifth single “WOKE UP”

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

HIP HOP / R&B girl group XG held their first world tour, "XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The first HOWL’", captivating audiences at Osaka-Jo Hall with back-to-back sold out shows on May 18th and 19th. The performances showcased cover songs that are unique to the Japan shows, reimagined versions of their tracks, and songs from their "XG TAPE" rap content series alongside their "XG VOX" vocal content series, crafting an impressive 22-song setlist.

Newsletter: Japanese alt-rock band Hitsujibungaku to perform in Manila for the first time in July 2024!

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

UPDATE: EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ALREADY SOLD OUT AS OF MAY 1!

It’s official: Japanese alternative rock trio Hitsujibungaku will be staging their first headline show in Manila this July 6, 2024 (Saturday) at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Newsletter: XG Highly anticipated debut mini album NEW DNA topped the Billboard JAPAN Hot Albums Chart

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Global girl group XG reached a significant milestone with their debut mini album, NEW DNA, which claimed the top position on the Billboard JAPAN Hot Albums chart. This remarkable achievement further solidifies their ever-growing popularity. Additionally, “NEW DANCE”, one of the standout tracks from the mini album, remained on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 chart for an impressive six consecutive weeks.

Newsletter: The Itchyworms to embark on a 3-city tour in Japan this month!

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

The Itchyworms have recently announced their three-city tour in Japan this October 2023!

Newsletter: Japan’s Tokimeki Records finds new city pop muse in Filipina singer-songwriter syd hartha

10/12/2021 11:02:23 PM

Author's Note: It's a collaboration between tow neighboring countries in Asia as Japanese music project Tokimeki Records brought Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha for the boogie-infused cover of The Cardigans' hit track 'Carnival'

Read more on how this company, notoriously known for its pop classic, has managed to bring the young Filipina hitmaker aboard, as well as the story behind this reimaging track.

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Music Lane Fest Okinawa, Trans Asia Music Meeting is rescheduled to February

01/16/2021 02:50:38 PM

What should have been the inaugural big music events for Japan this year has been moved to a later month. The Music Lane Festival Okinawa 2021 and Trans Asia Music Meeting 2021 would not take place on 15-16 January. 

She's Only Sixteen, syd hartha, and KRNA make Japan debut via Music Lane Festival Okinawa

12/23/2020 12:36:19 AM

Poster by MC Galang

Three of our popular music acts are slated to perform this January in Japan.

COVID-19 Update: A dishwashing liquid makes an effective disinfectant? Here's what studies by METI and NITE found!

07/17/2020 12:48:39 AM

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has recently commissioned the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) to look into other options for disinfecting homes and workplaces. Part of this objective is to mitigate global alcohol shortage, as well as to cope with the sudden surge in demands of alcohol disinfectant at medical facilities as well as home and workplace environments.