All I want to know is... where are her magazine shoots for the album? Please don't tell me ViVi was the only one

+1

I wouldn't be surprised if sales in general continue to take a HUGE decline...and I actually hope they do. In the US, you can buy popular artists new albums on release date online and in stores for, what, $9.99? They're raping the public and they deserve to go bankrupt. lol

Are the scans of the album already out?

People don't want Kuu to change, or not be herself to get better sales. I think we're catching the wrong end of the stick, here. People are just suggesting that Kuu should shake things up, change things/experiment with her career that she would choose to want to, like Namie. Namie changed herself because she wanted a change, and it worked, not because she had to. If Kuu is happy as she is, than of course she doesn't need to change, but Kuu has always stated that she continually wishes to grow as an artist, by trying new things, and there's nothing wrong with people suggesting what they think she should try next. People are just saying in their opinion what they would like to see Koda change, as constructive fans. As a fan they have a right to that opinion, and to worry about Kuu falling into the 'Ai Otsuka' region, nobody wants that. XD The only complaining people are doing is that JAPONESQUE is not selling as much as it deserves, I don't see any other complaining in terms of Kuu, just what people personally would like to see her do next. Ex. re-styling herself, in a way that she wanted to, or just release an r'n'b album or rock album, things like that.

Like people have suggested, she can try a load of things to shake it up, and she would put her sexy style on it, because that style is unique to her, it's what she does. It just depends on what she chooses to blend that style with. :)
Like for me, I'd love to see Kuu do an album where each song had a theme and influence from a different country, as she filmed the PV's on thise countries, like in her 12 singles collection she did a cover representing a different country on each one, that would be awesome! :D

Such as, Arabia/India would kinda be like Candy/So Nice, I imagine a british song would be like pop rock or just pop, lol. America, strong r'n'b song, Japan, nice ballad, etc.

And I don't think it would hurt for her to try some more stuff of what's in fashion at the moment, considering she represents a young fan base. But of course, only if she wanted to try that, people are just suggesting, no one would want Kuu to feel that she has to do something that she didn't want to, that would be horrible, and she never would. :) She may not want to dress up as a doll, which is fine.

I seem to have found a habit of writing in big essays, sorry about that. :/

I was wondering, does anybody have any of Kuu's albums in Itunes .m4a lossless format? Or just anything you have will do? ^_^

From her official website:
avex always making money from Kuu omg o_o there's even a Live CD! Probably we'll get three best of while until November if things keep on going like this

oh wait, is the live cd a FC only release or did I get it wrong?

Lol.. i dont think soooo.... :thud

^lol yeah, obviously it's not.

oh, okay. thanks.

Does anyone have HQ version of this cover (with text not just pic alone)?
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/340/pilrzcd59079.jpg

I suspected Avex would eventually start releasing live CDs for Kuu. They did dub her the "Queen of Live" after all, so it makes sense that they'd use that element of her persona to sell more than concert tickets and DVDs.

If the Dejavu live CD sells well enough, they'll probably put out more for her previous tours since she's not able to release much of anything else at the moment. :P

^This is just so low. Like we already have live rips of all her lives. I wonder how low avex can go, I wish they just spend more money on al promotion.

and what only 11 tracks on Driving Hit's 4? and no V.I.P., KO-SO-KO-SO remixes. what the... at least Love Me Back is there. it better be as good as Driving Hit's 3. it took me some time to fell in love with it, but now it's my fav.

~thnx 4 the news

If only it wasn't just a fanclub release. I'd certainly buy it. :(

I think it's just a preliminar setlist for DH4?
If not, I will be very upset in not seeing ESCALATE or So Nice and even No Man's Land.. xD

DH2 it's pure love ♥♥♥ my favorite
DH3 was too much... calm, maybe (?) xD

Dont see why a live cd is not good. Its not like we're getting it in lieu of anything else, its just extra.

Besides, Dejavu tour has such a wonderful ballad section, and her vocals were gorgeous throughout the whole thing, I'll definitely be listening to it and having it in my playlist.

a remix for juicy? OMG finally something for juicy!!

My fav song is hot stuff... Im excited for that! also teaser... Hopefully this stays the same...

But... Im not a fan of remixes... So we shall see :)

I hope thats not the official track listing.. it seems kinda weak!

...

^ahahah.

Yes, I love Kumi's remix albums. Probably second only to Ayu's. So I'm really looking forward to this! I wouldn't be surprised if some other best album happened in the summer too :laugh

@Alucard from Hellsing: here it is~

I don't mind a HQ mp3 version of the epic Dejavu Tour tbh. :luv2

THAT COVER IS SO GORGEOUS!!
and damn..i havent received my copy while my friend did...garh

I neither got my copy, hopefull tomorrow....

#1 7,947　倖田來未

Total Japonesque - 40,768 + 18,934 + 10,015 + 7,567 + 7,407 + 7,947 = 92,638

Final numbers should be around 95-98k

^at least she's at #1. which is good.

Arigato Gozaimasu! :)

Boom Boom Boys (translation)


Don't blame me for the occasional weird English, blame Kumi >.>

Last few days are really consistent. Hope this keeps up..

andBBB..LOL what is "drunker hacker"?!

^ Lol when searched for it on Google, the first results (and the only ones actually) are from Kumi's BBB :laugh

This part sounds like a *****y conversation between two girls. Like, frenemies.

I think it's "we are drunker, hacker", and cool lyric... I really like it! Thanks for the translation, tenshi.

I may get my copies tomorrow , it's my lucky day !

Haha love the lyrics for BBB. :)

new message :

2/6付オリコン週間アルバムランキングで初登場首位を獲得
アルバム首位連続年数でソロ歴代３位の快挙！
倖田來未にとってオリジナルアルバムの首位は、5枚目の『Black Cherry』（2006年12月発売）から6作連続。
ベスト盤を含めたアルバム首位は2作ぶりで通算8作目となった。
また、今作で倖田來未のアルバム首位連続年数は、初ベスト『BEST～first things～』（2005年9月発売）が首位となった2005年から8年連続となり、ソロアーティストで は、松田聖子（1981-1988）・中森明菜（1982-1989）・渡辺美里（1986-1993）に並ぶ歴代3位に（1位：松任谷由実18年連続／1981-1998）、2位：浜崎あゆみ13年連続／1999-2011）。2000年以降にデビューのアーティスト（グループを含む）としては、BoA（25）の7年連 続（2002-2008）を上回る最多連続記録となった。


＜倖田來未コメント＞
年明けからお休みを頂き、ファンの皆様に会えない日々が続いていますが、そんな中、倖田來未として記念すべ き10枚目のアルバム「JAPONESQUE」が1位を頂けた事をファンの皆様、関係各位の皆様に本当に感 謝しています。
改めて日本という国の素晴らしさ、そして、大切さを学び、今回のアルバムのテーマを「日本百花繚乱」とさせ て頂きました。
「JAPONESQUE」は日本を想い、ファンの皆様を想って作ったアルバムです。
このアルバムをたくさんの方に聴いていただいていることを本当に嬉しく思います。また皆様の前でパフォーマ ンスできる事、歌を届ける事を楽しみにしております。

倖田來未



http://rhythmzone.net/koda/news/120131.html

http://rhythmzone.net/koda/news/120131.html !!

i don't understand ! please someone to translate !! D: !!

^ It's about JAPONESQUE getting #1 weekly on Oricon. She thanks the fans.

Hurray for #1 spot, although sales are bad, lol. Just a slow week, I guess.

I see Akina Namori and Ayu's name on that text [and BoA of course lol], are they comparing Kumi with those singers because of #1 albums?

It said that JAPONESQUE made Ku has 6 No. 1 studio albums (Black Cherry, Kingdom, Trick, Universe, Dejavu and Japonesque) and 8 consecutive years of No. 1 albums(Best First Thing-Japonesque) (2005-2012) that made her be the third solo artist that has the most consecutive years of all time (No. 1 Yumi Matsutoya 18 consecutive years [1981-1998]/ No.2 Ayumi Hamasaki 13 consecutive years [1999-2011])
She's also the No.1 artist who has the most consecutive years of artist who debut since 2000 (Including group) with 8 consecutive years and BoA is no. 2 with 7 consecutive years.

I'm not sure you'll understand me lol, I'm kind of confusing to use a words

she's so positive even with those low sales. In that message she said something like "I'm pleased to know so much people is listening to Japonesque!" Well, 100.000 people are so much people to be honest.

YAY I got my copy today! Finally finally finally! I haven't heard it yet, sooo hard to resist download the leaks but I made it. Now it's gonna be JAPONESQUE for the rest of the week!~ :D :D :D :D :D

I'm very happy JAPONESQUE got #1. It really deserved it if you ask me.

It sounds like she's saying 'drunk girl, hot girl', and that would even make more sense...have booklet scans surfaced yet so we can see the official lyrics?

Booklet scans have been posted on baidu and Kumi is indeed saying "We are drunker hacker" XDD
Booklet scans (stephenchiu@baidu): http://www.mediafire.com/?t5kdehaq7o8c19c

LMAO @ Teaser remix on DH4. An atomic energy and Introduction To Kingdom 'Sunset in Ibiza' mix and avex has officially lost the plot.

Live albums only work after a DVD release if they cut tracks and make it flow. Any of us could do this when we get the Dejavu DVD.
Still holding out for BEST ~Bouncing around with one Lover~ ... imagine, Lick Me ~How not to make a baby ver.~

wow, this is amazing! Congrats, Kuu :heart

Hey guys!

I wanted to share with you guys a remix of V.I.P. that I made!

In fact I was trying to "re-do" V.I.P's album version by fixing the difference between T-Pain's volume with the volume of the rest of the song but since the "Oh Oh Oh Oh" is my favorite part of the song I tried to use a loop that I have (the same one used in the song) to do it but I started playing with Kuu's vocals and in the end, I made a remix!

The quality of her vocals are not great since there's no official instrumental for me to get the acapella. I hope you guys like it!

It kind of works. The radio rip effect on her vocals does work, just a shame you couldn't further reduce the original instrumental behind them.

Full length'd be definitely worth a listen.

EDIT

Realised whats bugged me in Boom Boom Boys PV. The more than obvious cocaine use metaphor/pastiche vs. the blanking of her middle finger. Hmmmm. And Omarion swearing twice (Once with the F word) in Slow.

yea blurring it really doesnt make since... I mean why everything else is out there :) *i so just finished watching that vid again!* maybe the blurring wouldnt have been as bad if it was a close up only shot of her finger...if they showed her too and then blurred finger maybe it wouldnt be as bad?

Maybe Omarion swearing is ok..becuase you know we are just some cursing americans...we dont know any better so AVEX said leave it in haha!!

I mean ever since Hot Stuff I've realised the F word isn't a big deal in Japan. But the BBB video quite obviously show's a metaphorical use of Coke. The drag Queen taps her temple after taking out the usb stick for heavens sake :shakehead
I mean They showed Kumi giving the finger Second Session tour ... I'm unsure if it's a wide used thing in Japan.
But that ugly blurring annoys me when the rest of the vid is what'd get it banned in most places lol.

Well I think we've talked before how american curse words are cool sometimes in Japan lol Its not like here where people get offended.

Very happy with the little accolades the album is getting, even with the sales, this must be such a happy time for her~

Spread the koda happiness :heart

American swear words are so not a big deal in Japan. When I was at Tokyo Disney Sea I was walking around and an old Nelly (anyone remember him?) came on the speakers and I remember distinctly that I was trying to listen to see if they "beeped" the word out or not. They didn't. So the f-word was loud and clear over the speakers in Disneyland, full of kids and no one batted an eyelash. I don't know if the middle finger has any significance to them, though. It might be a North American thing, it might be universal.

^ maybe the finger is worse then actually saying it? I know japan likes to censure some weird things though... lol

Yeah but ... the drug references are obvious LOL. Unless the Japanese don't tap their nose after doing a line.

How is the F reference any worse than the rest of the vid. In all fairness go Kumi. Even Gaga and Madonna haven't done anything so obvious.

Just saying this vid would be banned on Western TV irregardless of the finger.

And I love happiholics story about swearing in Disneyland lol

^ it wouldnt be banned.. Ill tell you that.
Drug references are common and hardly anything to balk at.

^
ikr

Kesha anyone....

anyway so happy she glads with the reception,and swearing is no big deal...that hit last year with ROLA had swearing,even though it made no sense XD

^^I dunno that parent's council or whatever are pretty anal. They protest everything, lol. I remember that there is a song that was played on the radio here for a while where one of the lyrics says "pimp ship". "Ship" was censored, not "pimp", lol. Kuu's no stranger to banning, she's had a vid or two banned somewhere in Asia.

^^JUICY was banned in either Thailand or China. Which is why I kind of love her. She's looked like a woman in every video and doesn't fulfill that stereotypical Japanese underage girl thing.

Ke$ha did drunk. An out and out drug reference would get this banned UK side. Or horrifically censored. The head tapping and USB would be edited out at best. And I'm not balking at it. I love me some controversy lol

So basically all this album has done for me is make me start listening to BEST ~Second Session~ a lot. I think maybe this break will do her good music-wise.

The dragged queen taps his temple before he hands the USB over to Kuu ( I assume you're taking about the scene in the toilet). He taps his right temple to show Kuu to insert the USB into her right temple, which she then does. (Unless there's something I missed?) I do think the USB is supposed to represent some kind of ecstasy or high, though.

In terms of English swaering in Japan, I think because it's not really Japanese people don't mind as much? I remember GACKT was playing snooker/pool on Japanese TV, and when he missed a pot, he shouted "F--K!". People just laughed, and I don't think it was banned from TV either. :)

That girl is jsut a mess.. lol. She needs to be banned.
(But love LOVE the music!)

I think what the tapping can be read as is like, when you rub your nose after doing certain drugs? That's what I think the OP meant.

The thing about using North Americans swear words is that, half of the Japanese don't understand what they mean. And if they do, perhaps they don't understand the severity of the word. When I lived in Japan I would exclaim "Oh my god!" a lot when surprised or something. My Japanese friend knew what the reaction meant and had heard the phrase before, but she didn't understand exactly what the words meant. She was like "what does each word mean?". Fun times explaining. Lots of grandiose gestures used.

now I understood. thank you so much. I copy and paste it to Google translate and don't understand anything =)) congratulation itooshii Kuuchan :x I asked my friend for order this album (CD+DVD ver) yesterday and it will be come next month :( congratz Kuuchan again for #1 weekly ranking

The Clearly Translation
Official site updated about JAPONESQUE getting #1:

Her 6th consecutive #1 studio album
Including BEST ~first things~ in 2005, Koda has had a #1 album for 8 consecutive years (2005-2012)

Out of ALL solo artists, she is tied third with Seiko Matsuda (1981-1988), Nakamori Akina (1982-1989), and Watanbe Misato (1986-1993) for number of consecutive years (8) with a #1 album in each. Number two is ayumi hamasaki with 13 years from 1999-2011, and number one is matsutoya yumi with 18 years from 1981-1998.

Out of artists (solo AND groups) debuting in the naughties (2000s), Kumi has now surpassed BoA's 7 consecutive years (2002-2008), which I guess gives her the record for artists post 2000 (however they didn't explicity state this).

Credit: JEWELian

About her finger in BBB I think it's just a concept for the pv ^^
and swear words I think it's not a big deal in Japan cuz I think there's a few Japanese who understand the english lines.
(I laugh at "Horny" in Poppin' Love Cocktail the most for her new songs LOL)

Thanx 4 the translation. well yeah, at least she's got #1. no use whining over bad sales.

Yeah, and I agree with Jester. I'm almost sure it was censored on purpose. 4 example take a look at the HELLSING OVA II Japanese & covers.

Yey for JAPONESQUE getting to the #1. <3 I knew she'll do that eventually. ^_^

I thought in BBB she said "were're drunken, hang up"...ohh :)

also, I thought that No Man's Land & BBB were something really new for Kuu. it was a bit different music. she did rock before but these 2 are smth really different, at least to me, and they made me very happy :)

thanks for the album scans!
after seeing the scans all I can say is that whoever said Kuu is never artistic and too simple should see this booklet, it's kinda artsy imho :) surprised about Shimoko doing it, he makes Ayu so ugly and he makes Kuu bloom. maybe he's a Kuu agent, idk :laugh

I really love the album and happy to see some new releases. :)
I wish she'd do a photobook like Tsubasa Masuwaka on being pregnant :D

1st week sales range between 94,500-95,500. Poor Kuu

Any word on when the OS press will be released?

^ 02/10.

@ahtka-chan: Cool remix, I like it!

I see I'm not the only one who doesn't like this album. And I started to feel weird because of all of those positive comments... xD

I FINALLY RECEIVED MY COPIES :heart :heart

http://ahsforum.com/forum/showpost.p...&postcount=262

JAPONESQUE is amazing. that is all you need to know.

love me some ESCALATE, Lay Down & Love Technique.

SOOO NICCEEEE

JAPONESQUE is one of her Best Albums , love it <3333

:heart those are the best songs~

I just finished this fake cover for Love Me Back using a pic from the 2012 Calendar [scanned by the amazing Gubsi, of course] (:

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/p...koutracapa.png

The pic totally looks like a Love Me Back leftover, so I decided to try how it would look as a cover... And I like it more than the actual covers now :P

^ OMG ! amazing !!!! *O*

#spam

http://imageftw.com/uploads/20120131/34.jpg

<3

ESCALATE & Lay Down = boring and some of the biggest letdowns of her career, imo. Love Technique I was obsessed with but I really don't see the longevity in it. I'm already tired of it somewhat. Still liking No Man's Land (maybe even more now). But what it comes down to is that when I'm driving, is it worth it to go into my iPod under JAPONESQUE just to listen to those two songs and then have to change the album / artist right after that? Not really.

To me, theyre more like kosokoso....

Like heavy electro songs that you arent necessarily dancing to in a club, but playing...at home...in bed...lol

I think these songs were the Kenji influence songs.

yes :heart truth.

I am loving this album so much I can't stop listening

Amazing job! :luv2

Even though it's too soon to be thinking about new materiel, I can't help but keep wondering when we'll be getting a new single and if they really do plan to release another BEST album soon. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Omg it looks so awesome! Gonna use this for my iTunes :luv2

great cover *__*

maybe a best summer! like a compilation of all her summer singles when summer occurs,LOL

anyway I think time will pass fast,her comeback live is in 8 months, still omg so excited for the future of Kumi

can't wait to see her after she gives birth and what direction she takes!

Does anybody know how far along the pregnancy she is now? I think it was 6-8 weeks in mid-December when they announced it right?

I think she's entering the 4th month of pregnancy
Baby-Kuu will probably be born on the end of June or beginning of July
I wanna see big belly Kuu...

^She's like 5'0 too lol

I love how irony no man's land is , she's a survivor with no food or water when she wears full make up , oh god i love kuu :heart :laugh

@Gustavopc:
Wow, amazing cover, great work!
Looks indeed even better than the real covers! :laugh


recochoku weekly:
Chaku Uta full:
#50 Brave (#7)
#97 Boom Boom Boys (new)

Chaku Uta:
#41 Brave (#8)
#58 Boom Boom Boys (new)
#71 Everyday (new)
#76 Love Me Back (#90)

Videoclips:
#16 Boom Boom Boys (new)
#47 Brave (#5)
#49 Love Me Back (#52)
#52 So Nice feat. Mr.Blistah (11)
#55 Lay Down (new)
#62 V.I.P. feat T-Pain (new)
#75 Everyday (new)
#96 Love Technique (new)

Movie:
#16 Boom Boom Boys (new)
#30 Brave (#4)
#31 Everyday (new)
#39 Love Me Back (#59)
#46 So Nice feat. Mr.Blistah (#11)
#64 Lay Down (new)
#66 Love Technique (new)
#69 V.I.P. feat. T-Pain (new)
#70 ESCALATE (#25)

RBT:
#18 Brave (#3)
#49 Slow feat. Omarion (#46)
#61 Ai wo tomenaide (#71)
#62 Boom Boom Boys (new)
#70 Everyday (new)
#75 Love Me Back (re-entry)
#81 No Man's Land (#69)

recochoku for today:
Chaku Uta full:
#50 Brave (#61)
#77 Love Me Back (re-entry)

Chaku Uta:
#43 Brave (#42)
#58 Love Me Back (#67)
#59 Boom Boom Boys (#68)
#88 Everyday (#84)

Videoclips:
#22 Boom Boom Boys (#38)
#31 Love Me Back (#32)
#60 So Nice feat- Mr.Blistah (re-entry)
#68 Lay Down (#98)
#70 Brave (#51)
#71 Love Technique (re-entry)
#91 Slow feat. Omarion (re-entry)
#98 V.I.P. feat- T-Pain (re-entry)

Movie:
#22 Everyday (#35)
#23 Love Me Back (re-entry)
#32 No Man's Land (re-entry)
#57 So Nice feat. Mr.Blistah (re-entry)
#59 Slow feat. Omarion (re-entry)
#64 V.I.P. feat. T-Pain (#55)
#73 Boom Boom Boys (#10)

RBT:
#18 Brave (#22)
#49 Love Me Back (#60)
#66 Slow feat. Omarion (#64)
#76 Everyday (re-entry)
#80 Ai wo tomenaide (#42)
#96 No Man's Land (re-entry)

So all album songs charted, except All for you.
Love Me Back is still there after 3 months, I'm proud!

JAPONESQUE is at #5 today on Oricon, sales are unknown.

Wow at the live album!
I'm sure her fanclub wanted something like that or they wouldn't do it FC only.
But her vocals are fantastic at Dejavu Tour, especially the big ballad part, so I do understand that!

WHAAAAAT?! She looks much taller than Ayu!

^ Heels and short/skirts on the right lenght can make those miracles :laugh That live of TAC with Fergie was kinda funny, Kumi on high heels and Fergie using a flip-flop-like shoe and still higher than Kuu

^ lol I need to try that for myself... I'm 5'2" x_x
gaga's pretty short too... I think I read she's like 5'1"????

Heels and skirts (or gaga, apparently, lack thereof) make the difference..

haha, just noticed!:laugh:laugh
I am so excited to receive my copy of JAPONESQUE! Hope it will sell well in the next weeks.

Kuu can't be shorter than Ayu! she's taller

Ayu's height is 152 cm and Kuu's height is 165cm, people :)

she's made a right choice hoho :laugh

^ ehhhh where did you get 165cm? She's like 154cm.. it was on that avex documentary in 2006

Yeah, she's 154cm.

--
Lay Down (translation)

Wow! Awesome! Until I read your comment I actually thought it was one of the FC covers or inside pics, really well done to you, it looks better than the original! I wish I could replace the original with it. :D

Do you have that live in HD? D: Or did you just find that screengrab?

165 cm!? Thats like my height!

But I know, I remember freaking out at her height cause she looked so tall, but shes sooooo tiny. She always gets dwarfed lol imo Shes more proportional than Ayu, and looks taller.

If i'm not wrong, Ayu is 156cm, and Kuu is 154 (but her heels are 12cm :laugh)

I know. Hang on to this guy, Kuu! For our ear's sake.

have somebody the lyric translation from Choi Tashi Life?

is there romaji for the Japonesque lyrics? I want to sing along accurately!!!