Japonesque (album)

Last updated
Japonesque
Koda Kumi Japonesque.jpg
CD+2DVD cover
Studio album by
Kumi Koda
ReleasedJanuary 25, 2012
Recorded2011
Genre J-pop
Length71:00
Label
Producer
Kumi Koda chronology
Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 3
(2011)		Japonesque
(2012)		 Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 4
(2012)
Singles from Japonesque
  1. "4 Times"
    Released: August 17, 2011
  2. "Ai wo Tomenaide"
    Released: September 21, 2011
  3. "Love Me Back"
    Released: November 29, 2011

Japonesque (capitalized as JAPONESQUE) is the tenth studio album by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda. It was released on January 25, 2012 by Rhythm Zone. It was also released just a little under a year after her 2011 album, Dejavu . Japonesque marks Koda's tenth consecutive studio album to be produced by Japanese producer and manager Max Matsuura, amongst many other producers, while she contributes to the album as the lead vocalist, background vocalist, and songwriter to majority of the songs. Recorded in Japanese with minor phrases in English language, Japonesque is a Japanese pop album with numerous musical elements such as dance music, R&B, electronica, and rock music.

Contents

Japonesque was recorded in Japan and the United States, making it Koda's third studio album recorded in the latter country; Additional production and mastering was handled in the United States.

Upon the album's release, it was met with positive reviews from music critics. Critics commended the album's production and praised the mixture of musical genres alongside Koda's vocals. However, the length of the material, Koda's songwriting, and the amount of musical genres were questioned by music critics. Commercially, Japonesque was pretty successful. It became Koda's sixth studio album to reach the top spot on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 100,000 units. The album charted on Korea's Gaon Album Chart and Taiwan's G-Music Albums Chart.

Three singles were released from Japonesque, including one extended play and six promotional. The three singles; 4 Times , "Ai o Tomenaide", and "Love Me Back", performed moderately on Japan's Oricon Singles Chart whilst the latter two received certifications by RIAJ. The album tracks "Boom Boom Boys", "Brave", "Escalate", "No Man's Land", "Slow", and "So Nice" served as the album's promotional tracks with accompanying music videos. Koda promoted the album on her 2012 Japonesque concert tour.

Background and recording

In August 2011, it was confirmed by Kumi Koda and her record label Rhythm Zone that she would release a then-upcoming studio album titled Japonesque. [1] Koda asked long-term collaborator, Japanese producer and Rhythm Zone founder Max Matsuura, to produce the album; this marked Koda's tenth consecutive studio album to be produced by Matsuura. [2] [3] Rhythm Zone and its parent label, Avex Trax, enlisted several Western producers such as Toby Gad, Tommy Clint, and Matthew Tisher to collaborate on the album. [3] Koda began recording the album at Avex Studios in Japan around the second quarter of 2011 with Junichi Shinohara, Makoto Yamadoi, Masahiro Kawata, Takeshi Takizawa, and Takuro Iwamoto. [3] To record the track "V.I.P." with American rapper and producer T-Pain, Koda traveled to Los Angeles, California to record her vocals at Strawberrybee Studios and Charlice Studios. She recorded parts of the album track "Slow" in Los Angeles and in Hamburg, Germany, whilst guest vocalist and American rapper Omarion recorded his vocals at Blue Palm Digital Studios in Los Angeles. [3] This marks Koda's third studio album to have parts recorded in North America; she previous recorded material there with her studio albums Kingdom (2008) and Trick (2009). [4] [5]

"Japan has amazing music that only Japanese are capable of making. I want to show the world how amazing Japanese music is!".

—Koda discussing the theme and background of Japonesque. [6]

The material from Japonesque was produced and recorded under a year, one of Koda's quickest spanning projects to date. [3] Koda, Rhythm Zone, and Avex Trax enlisted previous composers and arrangers for the album, such as Bardur Haberg, Mr. Blistah, Gad, Erik Lidbom, amongst others; these composers and arrangers started working with Koda back on Kingdom and further albums onwards. [4] Koda was interviewed in the February 2012 issue of Japan's magazine ViVi , and stated that her main inspiration behind Japonesque was the dominance of Korean music over Japanese music. Koda stated that whilst touring in Vietnam, Singapore, and Taiwan, Korean pop music became hugely recognized within the Asian and Western territories whilst Japanese music was not; she felt that Japonesque "was driven to make an album that would get played abroad and allow people outside of Japan to enjoy J-pop." [6] She concluded in the interview that "Japan has amazing music that only Japanese are capable of making. I want to show the world how amazing Japanese music is!". [6] [7]

Composition

Japonesque is a Japanese pop album with numerous musical elements such as dance music, R&B, electronica, and rock music. [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] David Cirone from J-Generation.com stated that Japonesque "is a powerhouse 19-track release from Koda Kumi that affirms her place in modern J-Pop royalty." [8] A staff member from Rolling Stone Japan noted the prominent musical elements of rock music and R&B. [12]

Majority of the lyrics from Japonesque were written by Koda, including the Japanese and English tracks. [3] On Japonesque, there are a total of six English, seven bilingual, and seven Japanese language tracks. [3] [upper-alpha 1] The two interlude tracks: "Introduction" and "Interlude" to Japonesque are composed with electronic synths, and utilizes musical elements of oriental Japanese music. [9] R&B and further oriental elements have been noted by music critics in the album tracks; "So Nice", featuring Japanese rapper and producer Mr. Blistah, "V.I.P.", featuring American rapper and producer T-Pain, "Slow", featuring American rapper and actor Omarion, and the "Stargate–esque" "Everyday". [9]

Album tracks "Lay Down", "Love Me Back", "In the Air", "Escalate", "Ko-So-Ko-So" and "Love Technique" emphasizes electronic dance music, whilst "Everyday", "Poppin' Love Cocktails", and "Boom Boom Boys" utilize a "faux pop" and "rock" persona. [8] [9] "You Are Not Alone" is an acoustic re-arrangement, which the original composition featured as a b-side track on Koda's single "Ai Wo Tomenaide", whilst the album's closer "All For You" is a demo version of an unreleased studio recording. [3] [9] "No Man's Land" is a rock song that utilizes elements of heavy metal music. [10] The original arrangement of "No Man's Land" was different to the current version; according to Koda, the original arrangement omitted the rapping verses and didn't include heavy rock instrumentation or synthesizers. [13] Zero from JpopJRock.com commented that "No Man's Land" was the only song on the album that didn't suffer from a "sparse" arrangement. [10]

Release and packaging

The photo shoot from Japonesque was heavily inspired by traditional Geisha culture and kimono clothing. Kimono lady at Gion, Kyoto.jpg
The photo shoot from Japonesque was heavily inspired by traditional Geisha culture and kimono clothing.

Japonesque was released in six different formats on January 25, 2012 by Rhythm Zone. [3] Japonesque is Koda's final studio album after giving birth to her son in July 2012. [14] The stand-alone CD features the nineteen tracks in a jewel case, with first press editions including an obi and a bonus poster. [3] The CD and DVD format features the nineteen tracks, and a bonus DVD with the music videos to each track from the album; this excludes the introduction and interlude tracks from Japonesque. First press editions including an obi and a bonus poster. [15] Three limited edition box sets were released; the first limited edition format features the nineteen tracks, and a bonus DVD including the same music videos. The box set also includes a second DVD that includes Koda's top twenty live performances chosen by her, and all of Koda's album commercials. The box set includes a large obi, a large booklet and a small lyric booklet housed in a digipak format. [16] The second limited edition format features the nineteen tracks on the stand-alone CD. The box set also includes a large B4-size photo album from the Japonesque photoshoot, alongside a 2012 diary and a clear file of the album cover on the front. [17] The third limited edition format is a jewelcase edition of the first limited edition box set, with features the nineteen tracks, and a bonus DVD including the same music videos. The box set also includes a second DVD that includes Koda's top twenty live performances chosen by her, and all of Koda's album commercials. [18] The sixth and final format is the worldwide digital release. [19]

All six cover sleeves for Japonesque were photographed by photographer and designer Kazuyoshi Shimomura. [3] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] The standalone CD has a close-up of Koda looking down to the camera, holding a cigarette holder. [3] The CD and DVD format has a long shot of Koda sitting on a chair with different flowers sitting on the head piece. [15] The three limited edition box set cover sleeves are similar images with different poses; the first box set has Koda standing in front of a wall with Japanese design; Koda is holding a traditional Oil-paper umbrella and is dressed in a pink kimono. [16] The second box set artwork has Koda facing towards the camera, similar to the previous box set. [17] The only change in the third box set artwork is that Koda is seen without holding the umbrella. [18] The digital release uses the first limited edition box set artwork. [19] The booklet and photo shoot were designed by Japanese designer Jun Hirota, and the design was based on traditional Japanese culture and the emphasizing of geisha art. [3] [13] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] The photo album that came with the second limited edition box set features a 28-page spread, featuring different images from the Japonesque photo shoot. [17]

Promotion

Singles

4 Times was released as the album's lead single and only extended play (EP) release on August 17, 2011. [21] [22] [23] The EP consists of four album tracks; "Poppin' Love Cocktail", "In the Air", "V.I.P.", and "Ko-So-Ko-So". The songs received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the EP's composition and commercial appeal. [9] [24] It also achieved moderate success in her native Japan, peaking at number six on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart, whilst "Poppin' Love Cocktail" peaked at six on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart. [25] [26] "Poppin' Love Cocktail" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ ) for digital shipments of 100,000 units. [27] The accompanying music videos for all four singles were shot by Ryuji Seki and Hiroaki Higashi in Japan. [28] [29] [30] [31]

"Ai o Tomenaide" was released as the album's second single and first singular single release on September 21, 2011. [32] [33] [34] The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the single's pop ballad melody and Koda's vocal abilities. [9] [35] It also achieved moderate success in her native Japan, peaking at number six on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart, whilst it peaked at seven on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart. [36] [37] "Ai o Tomenaide" was certified platinum by RIAJ for digital shipments of 250,000 units. [27] The accompanying music videos for the single was directed by Seki; it features Koda in a room full of lights, with scenes of her holding onto a man. [38]

"Love Me Back" was released as the album's third and final single, and second singular single release on November 30, 2011. [39] [40] [41] The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the single's dance composition, production, and commercial appeal. [9] [42] It also achieved moderate success in her native Japan, peaking at number six on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart, whilst it peaked at nine on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart. [43] [44] "Love Me Back" was certified gold by RIAJ for digital shipments of 100,000 units. [27] The accompanying music videos for the single was directed by Higashi; it features Koda driving with two female companions as police officers. [15]

Other songs

Prior to the album's release, the album tracks; "Boom Boom Boys", "Brave", "Escalate", "No Man's Land", "Slow", and "So Nice" served as the album's promotional tracks with accompanying music videos. [45] [46] [47] [48] Because it was released digitally, "No Man's Land" was ineligible to chart on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart due to their policy of restricting digital sales and releases, and failed to chart on any competent Billboard Japan or the RIAJ Digital Track Chart singles chart. [upper-alpha 2] The video for "Boom Boom Boys" was directed by Seki; it features Koda recovering from a hangover, and shows her going clubbing in a dark grungy setting. [51] The video for "Brave" was directed by Higashi; it features Koda in a room full of clocks, singing and leaning on a small coffee table. [52] The video for "Escalate" was directed by Seki; it features Koda playing chess with a male opponent, and features scenes of her as one of the pieces on the chessboard. [53] The video for "No Man's Land" was directed by Seki; it features Koda in an empty wasteland and abandoned city, surrounded by black skies and dust devils. [54] The video for "Slow" was directed by Higashi; it features Koda and Omarion in front of a fountain that is centred in the middle of a futuristic city. [55] The video for "So Nice" was directed by Seki; it features Koda in a Japanese house, wearing a kimono in front of computer generated imagery flowers and trees. This video does not feature Mr. Blistah. [55]

Live performances

Koda went on her 2013 Japonesque Tour. She announced the concert after finishing her Premium Night Concert tour. [56] Koda performed a small performance in order to promote her single "Love Me Back". [57] All the album tracks were performed on the concert tour. An album of the concert tour was released on April 20, 2011 in two formats; a triple DVD bundle, and a double Blu-ray release. [58] [59] The DVD reached number one on the Oricon DVD Chart, with over 21,000 units sold in its first week. [60] [61] The DVD stayed in the charts for two weeks, and sold over 23,000 units in that region. [61] The Blu-ray reached number three on the Oricon Blu-ray Daily Chart, with over 3,800 units sold in its first week. [60] [62] However, it failed to reach a weekly position on the Oricon Weekly Blu-ray chart. [62] The live CD was released in Japan through iTunes Store on March 20, 2013. [63] To promote the material from Japonesque, tracks were remixed and produced for Koda's remix series Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 4 and Beach Mix (2012). [64] [65] [66]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Hot Express(positive) [11]
J-Generation(positive) [8]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]

Japonesque received positive reviews from most music critics. David Cirone from J-Generation.com was positive in his review, stating "Full of confidence and maturity, Koda Kumi still hasn't lost her playful side and unabashed sexiness." Cirone highlighted "Escalate", "Love Me Back", and "No Man's Land" as the album's best tracks and commended the overall composition and commercial appeal. [8] Another positive review came from Tetsuo Hiraga from Hot Express, complimenting Koda's involvement and innovation of the Japanese theme. He commended Koda's "emotional" song writing, and listed Japonesque as one of his most "personally recommended" albums of 2012. [11] A staff member from Rolling Stone Japan highlighted the R&B and rock music, but criticized the lack of personal depth. [12]

Commercial performance

Japonesque debuted at number one on the Japanese Daily Oricon Albums Chart, staying there for an entire week except for Saturday. [67] This resulted in the album debuting atop the Japanese Weekly Oricon Albums Chart, with an estimate 93,000 sold units in its first week of sales. [60] [upper-alpha 3] This became the highest selling album by a female artist for first week sales of 2012, but also became Koda's first album to sell less than 100,000 units in its first week of sales; her previous album Dejavu was her last with 132,000 units in its first week. [68] [69] Japonesque became Koda's sixth studio album to debut atop the Oricon Albums Chart for both Daily and Weekly rankings. [67] It slipped to number four the following week, shifting over 24,000 units in that region. [70] It fell out the top ten in its third week, placed at number 11 and shifted over 11,000 units in that region. [71] In total, Japonesque spent two weeks in the top ten, nine weeks in the top 100, and over 17 weeks in the top 300 chart. [67]

Japonesque entered the Billboard Top Albums Sales Chart at the top spot, her fourth studio album to do so. [72] It slipped to number five in its second charting week, and stayed in the top ten for two weeks. [73] [74] It lasted 9 weeks in the top 100 chart, with a final charting position at 67. [75] Japonesque also reached number 16 on the Taiwanese Albums Chart, and number 3 on the Taiwanese East Asian Albums Chart. [76] [77] [upper-alpha 4] [upper-alpha 5]

Japonesque was certified gold in April 2010 by the RIAJ for shipments of 100,000 units. [78] This is Koda's first studio album not to shift over 250,000 units in Japan, and her first album not to achieve a platinum certification; her most recent entry was Dejavu. [79] At the end of 2012, Japonesque sold over 151,343 units in Japan; this ranked the ninth best selling album by a female artist, just behind entries from Adele, Ayaka, JuJu, Superfly, Che'Nelle, Kana Nishino, and Namie Amuro. [80]

Alternate versions

"Slow" feat. Omarion

  1. "Slow" feat. Omarion
  2. "Slow" feat. Omarion (Prog5 vs. Future House United remix): found on Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 4 (2012)

"No Man's Land"

  1. "No Man's Land"
  2. "No Man's Land" (4 Skips D'n'B remix): found on Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 5 (2013)

"Boom Boom Boys"

  1. "Boom Boom Boys"
  2. "Boom Boom Boys" (Heavens Wire D'n'B remix): found on Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 6 (2014)

"Escalate"

  1. "Escalate"
  2. "Escalate" (Vesterbak's Fly-Me-To-Tokyo remix): found on Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 6 (2014)

Track listing

CD
No.TitleLyricsProducersLength
1."Introduction (Japonesque)"Maria MarcusMarcus1:28
2."So Nice" (featuring Mr. Blistah) Kumi Koda Bárður Háberg 2:44
3."Boom Boom Boys"
Gad3:28
4."V.I.P." (featuring T-Pain)
Gad3:24
5."Slow" (featuring Omarion)KodaTommy Clint3:50
6."Brave"Koda
  • Daisuke Kahara
  • Shinjiroh Inoue
  • Udai Shika
5:08
7."Everyday"
Hiro4:03
8."In the Air"KodaErik Lidbom4:09
9."You Are Not Alone" (Acoustic Version)KodaA Beatard4:41
10."Interlude (Japonesque)"  Martin Svensson 1:17
11."Escalate"
  • Koda
  • Aria
Dee. C3:13
12."Love Me Back"Koda Matthew Tishler 2:57
13."No Man's Land"
  • Koda Kumi
  • Mr. Blistah
  • Pete Kirtley
  • Jorge Mhondera
  • Samiya Berrabah
 Max Matsuura 4:27
14."Ai wo Tomenaide" (愛を止めないで)Koda
  • Naohisa Taniguchi
  • Hitoshi Munakata
5:28
15."KO-SO-KO-SO"
Koool Kojak3:19
16."Lay Down"
  • Koda
  • Tishler
  • Adam Royce
  • Kat Lucas
  • Beatard
  • Tishler
3:42
17."Love Technique"KodaGenie3:04
18."Poppin' Love Cocktail" (featuring Teeda)
  • Koda
  • Teeda
5:07
19."All For You"KodaYunk5:23
Total length:71:00
DVD 1
No.TitleDirector(s)Length
1."Poppin' Love Cocktail" (video clip)Hiroaki Hitashi 
2."Boom Boom Boys" (video clip)Ryuji Seki 
3."No Man's Land" (video clip)Seki 
4."V.I.P." (feat. T-PAIN) (Album Version) (video clip)Higashi 
5."KO-SO-KO-SO" (video clip)Higashi 
6."Lay Down" (video clip)Yu-Ya Hara 
7."Escalate" (video clip)Seki 
8."Love Me Back" (Album Version) (video clip)Higashi 
9."So Nice" (video clip)Higashi 
10."Slow" (featuring Omarion) (video clip)Higashi 
11."In the Air" (video clip)Seki 
12."Everyday" (video clip)Higashi 
13."Love Technique" (video clip)Seki 
14."You Are Not Alone" (Acoustic Version) (video clip)Kunihiko Okazaki 
15."Ai o Tomenaide" (video clip)Seki 
16."Brave" (video clip)Hara 
17."All for You" (video clip)Hara5:36
DVD 2
No.TitleDirector(s)Length
1."Kumi Koda Best Live Ranking Top 20" (video clip)Michiro Kato 
2."TV Commercial Albums Spots" (video clip)Ryuji Seki 

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ) [82] Gold151,343 [83]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ According to the lyric sheet provided by Avex Trax, Avex Taiwan, and Rhythm Zone, there are five English ("Introduction (Japonesque)", "Boom Boom Boys", "V.I.P.", "Escalate", "Lay Down" and "Poppin' Love Cocktails"), eight bilingual ("So Nice", "Slow", "You Are Not Alone", "Love Me Back", "No Man's Land", "Ko-So-Ko-So", and "Love Technique"), and seven Japanese language tracks (the remaining album tracks). [3]
  2. ↑ The Oricon system in Japan restricts digital sales and formats to chart on their respective Oricon Singles Chart, Oricon Albums Chart, Oricon DVD chart, etc. This was then brought to attention, and the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) and North America's Billboard magazine conducted the RIAJ Digital Track Chart (now defunct) and Japan Hot 100. [49] [50]
  3. ↑ Sales provided by Oricon database and are rounded to the nearest thousand copies.
  4. ↑ The G-Music chart was established in July 2005 and only archives the top 20 releases.
  5. ↑ Week references for G-Music: Japonesque 2012 week 6.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koda Kumi</span> Japanese singer

Kumiko Kōda, known professionally as Koda Kumi, is a Japanese singer from Kyoto, known for her urban and R&B songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taboo (Koda Kumi song)</span> 2008 single by Kumi Koda

"Taboo" is a song by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda, taken from her seventh studio album Trick (2009). It was written by Koda, and co-written and produced by Hiro. "Taboo" is a dance-pop song that lyrically discusses several taboo subjects including sex and homosexuality. It contains numerous elements including electropop and hip-hop, and employs use of vocoder. It was released as the second single from the album on October 8, 2008 by Rhythm Zone.

<i>3 Splash</i> 2009 EP by Kumi Koda

3 Splash is an EP by Japanese recording artist and songwriter Kumi Koda. It was released on 8 July 2009, by Kumi's record label, Rhythm Zone. Her fourth extended play consists of three recordings; "Lick Me", "Ecstasy" and "Hashire!", with three additional interludes. It was released in two different formats: stand-alone CD, and a CD+DVD bundle - the latter bundle was re-released with a pink-transparent CD holder. The three artworks for the EP depicts Kumi posing with the title of the work superimposed over her. The CD+DVD bundle artwork features her holding a basketball, this artwork was also used for the digital release of the EP.

<i>Best: Third Universe</i> 2010 compilation album by Kumi Koda

Best: Third Universe is the third greatest hits album by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda. It was released as a double album with her eighth studio album Universe on February 3, 2010 by Rhythm Zone. The greatest hits album includes singles between May 2006 "Koi no Tsubomi" and her December 2008 single "Stay with Me", with a bonus disc with newly recorded material. As a double album, it was released in four different formats; a two album bundle, a two album and DVD bundle, a two album first pressing bundle, and a two album digital release. A fifth format was released, but only featured the compilation.

<i>Gossip Candy</i> 2010 single by Kumi Koda

Gossip Candy is an extended play by Japanese recording artist and songwriter Kumi Koda. It was released on July 7, 2010, by Koda's record label, Rhythm Zone. Koda's fifth extended play, Gossip Candy consists of five recordings; Lollipop, Inside Fishbowl, Outside Fishbowl, For You, and a cover of Got to Be Real, originally performed by Cheryl Lynn. It was released in three different formats: Digital EP, CD and CD+DVD. The CD only version was re-released as the "Dream Music Park" edition with a bonus baseball cap. The Dream Music Park concert was later released on the CD+2DVD edition of Dejavu.

<i>Dejavu</i> (Koda Kumi album) 2011 studio album by Koda Kumi

Dejavu is the ninth studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Koda Kumi. It was released on March 2, 2011, one month after her single "Pop Diva". Just like her previous albums, beginning with Best ~first things~ (2005), Dejavu topped the Oricon charts at No. 1 and remained on the charts for twenty-four weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pop Diva</span> 2011 single by Kumi Koda

"Pop Diva" is a song recorded by Japanese musician Kumi Koda, taken as the fourth and final single from her ninth studio album Dejavu (2011). It premiered on February 2, 2011 by Rhythm Zone and Avex Music Creative Inc. in two physical formats and for digital consumption. The song was written, composed, arranged and produced by musical artist Lil' Showy, making it one of few tracks from Dejavu to not be written by Koda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4 Times</span> 2011 single by Koda Kumi

"4 Times" is the 50th single by pop/R&B singer Koda Kumi. It was released on August 17, 2011 and debuted at No. 6, remaining on the Oricon charts for nine consecutive weeks. In commemoration of it being the fiftieth single since her debut, the single contained four a-sides, making it her first since 4 Hot Wave (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Go to the Top (song)</span> 2012 single by Kumi Koda

"Go to the Top" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda for her eleventh studio album, Bon Voyage (2012). It premiered on October 24, 2012 as the lead single from the album. The song was written by Kumi, while production was handled by Clarabell. It was used as the opening theme song for the Âge–developed anime series Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse. Musically, the track was described as an electronic dance song with elements of 8-bit music, dance-pop, and dubstep.

<i>Color the Cover</i> 2013 studio album by Koda Kumi

Color the Cover is the second cover album by Japanese singer-songwriter Koda Kumi, following her 2010 cover album Eternity ~Love & Songs~. It came in at No. 3 on Oricon and remained on the charts for nine weeks.

<i>Bon Voyage</i> (Koda Kumi album) 2014 studio album by Kumi Koda

Bon Voyage is the eleventh studio album by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda. It was released on February 26, 2014, by Rhythm Zone. Bon Voyage is Koda's first album since her 2012 Japonesque, and her longest album in production since her 2008 studio album Kingdom. The album's production was handled by several music producers, such as Joseph Lawrence, Toby Gad, T-Sk, Mats Lie Skare, Figge Bosstrom, Tommy Henriksen, Badur Haberg, and Clarabell. It also features guest appearances from Sean Paul and OVDS. Five different formats were released to promote the album: a standalone CD, a CD and DVD bundle, a CD and Blu-ray bundle, a fan package featuring a live DVD, and a digital release in Japan.

<i>Summer of Love</i> (album) 2015 greatest hits album by Kumi Koda

Summer of Love is the sixth greatest hits album by Japanese singer-songwriter Kumi Koda, released on July 22, 2015 through Rhythm Zone. It follows her five previous greatest hits albums, Best: First Things (2005), Best: Second Session (2006), Best: Bounce & Lovers (2007), Out Works & Collaboration Best (2009), and Best: Third Universe/Universe (2010). The compilation was released in many different formats including a one-disc standard edition, and a two-disc CD and DVD package. The album includes three new tracks; "Ex Tape", the album's lead promotional single, "Hurricane", and "No One Else but You".

<i>Universe</i> (Koda Kumi album) 2010 studio album by Kumi Koda

Universe is the eighth studio album by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda. It was released as a double album with her third greatest its album Best: Third Universe on February 3, 2010, by Rhythm Zone. Beginning in early 2009 after completing two mini-concert tours, the album's production was handled by several music producers, such as Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Figge, Tim Larsson, Tommy Henriksen, U-Key Zone, Thomas Gustafsson, and H-Wonder. It also features a guest appearance from Koda's sister and Japanese recording artist Misono. Koda contributed towards the album as the executive producer and songwriter. Universe is primarily a J-pop album with numerous elements of dance-pop, rock, R&B, electropop, and pop ballads.

"No Man's Land" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda, taken from her tenth studio album, Japonesque (2012). It was written by Koda, Mr. Blistah, Pete Kirtley, Jorge Mhondera, Samiya Berrabah, with production being done by long-time collaborator Max Matsuura. The song premiered on January 18, 2012 as the album's fifth promotional digital single, which was served through online retailers Dwanga, Mora, Mu-Mo, music.jp and Recochoku. It was re-released as a promotional radio airplay single on January 25, the same release date as Japonesque. The single artwork uses the CD and double DVD cover of Japonesque, which was used exclusively through Recochoku stores.

<i>Winter of Love</i> 2016 compilation album by Kumi Koda

Winter of Love is Japanese singer Kumi Koda's seventh compilation album, released under Rhythm Zone. It was issued in CD, CD+DVD/Blu-ray and CD+Fan Club DVD editions. The album features some of Kumi's top selling ballads, as well as two new songs. The track On And On was used as primary promotional song. The music video for On And On was the first music video strictly made for mobile phones. Kumi premiered the music video during a live broadcast on her official LINE account on 19 January 2016. It was released worldwide the following day. The full video kept the cellphone aesthetic, but was rendered to fit full screen.

<i>W Face: Inside/Outside</i> Album by Kumi Koda

W Face is a two-part studio album released by Japanese singer Koda Kumi. Each record is titled Inside and Outside, and Rhythm Zone released both albums on various formats on March 8, 2017. Work on W Face began after Koda completed her promotional tour for her album Walk of My Life in early 2016. Inside was produced by Japanese producers and composers, whereas Outside was crafted by a variety of producers and collaborators from outside Japan, including Dsign Music, Andrew Goldstein, Lola Blanc, and Lindy Robbins, among others.

<i>And</i> (Koda Kumi album) 2018 studio album by Koda Kumi

And is the fourteenth studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Koda Kumi, and the first of two planned albums released for 2018. The album was released on February 28, 2018, nearly one year after her previous studio album W Face.

<i>Re(cord)</i> 2019 studio album by Koda Kumi

Re(cord) (stylized as re(CORD)) is the sixteenth studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Koda Kumi. It was released on November 13, 2019, which coincided with Kumi's 37th birthday. It was released in four editions: CD only, CD+DVD, CD+Blu-ray and a CD+3DVD fan club edition.

<i>Live Tour 2019 Re(live): Black Cherry</i> 2020 video by Koda Kumi

Koda Kumi Live Tour 2019 re(Live) -Black Cherry- is a live concert video released by Japanese singer-songwriter Koda Kumi on March 11, 2020. It was released the same day as her live DVD Koda Kumi Live Tour 2019 re(Live) -Japonesque-, since both concerts were performed alongside each other during her 2019 touring. The DVD charted at No. 10 on the Oricon weekly charts, while the Blu-ray charted at No. 15.

<i>Live Tour 2019 Re(live): Japonesque</i> 2020 video by Koda Kumi

Koda Kumi Live Tour 2019 re(Live) -Japonesque- is a live concert video released by Japanese singer-songwriter Koda Kumi on March 11, 2020. It was released the same day as her live DVD Koda Kumi Live Tour 2019 re(Live) -Black Cherry-, since both concerts were performed alongside each other during her 2019 touring. The DVD charted at No. 11 on the Oricon weekly charts, while the Blu-ray charted at No. 16.

References

  1. ↑ Claire (August 8, 2011). "New Album from Kumi Koda". Jame World. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Max Matsuura Discography". Discogs.com . Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Koda, Kumi (2012). Japonesque (Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Avex Trax, Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59081.
  4. 1 2 Koda, Kumi (2008). Kingdom (Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-45831.
  5. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2009). Trick (Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-46171.
  6. 1 2 3 ViVi Staff (February 11, 2012). "Kumi Koda Opens Up about marriage and Japonesque with ViVi Magazine". ViVi Magazine; published through JPopAsia.com. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Interview with Kumi Koda", ViVi Magazine (in Japanese) (February Issue): 18, February 2012
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Cirone, David (January 27, 2012). "Kumi Koda – Japonesque (Review)". J-Generation. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 CD Journal Staff (January 25, 2012). "Kumi Koda / Japonesque[CD + DVD]". CD Journal. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 JpopJRock Staff (February 4, 2012). "Japon-Askew". JpopJRock.com. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  11. 1 2 3 Hiraga, Tetsuo (January 25, 2012). "Kumi Koda – Japonesque". Hot Express. Archived from the original on May 29, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Rolling Stone Japan Staff (January 25, 2012). "Kumi Koda – Japonesque". Rolling Stone Japan. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  13. 1 2 Hiraga, Tetsuo Staff (January 26, 2012). "Kumi Koda's Japonesque wins first place on Oricon Albums Chart; exclusive song commentary meeting". Hot Express; published by Billboard Japan. Archived from the original on April 27, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  14. ↑ "【オリコン】倖田來未、結婚後初アルバム首位 首位連続年数は歴代3位タイに". Oricon. January 31, 2012. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 Koda, Kumi (2012). Japonesque (CD and DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59080/B.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Koda, Kumi (2012). Japonesque (CD and Double DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59079/B~C.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 Koda, Kumi (2012). Japonesque (CD and DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZZD-59078.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Koda, Kumi (2012). Japonesque (CD and Double DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59079.
  19. 1 2 3 4 "Japonesque – Album – By Kumi Koda". iTunes Store (Japan). January 25, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  20. ↑ CD Journal Staff (January 18, 2012). ""百花繚乱"魅惑のセクシー花魁に扮した倖田來未の豪華きせかえキット！". CD Journal. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  21. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). 4 Times (CD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-46917.
  22. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). 4 Times (CD and DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-46916/B.
  23. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). 4 Times (Limited CD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-46918.
  24. ↑ Hiraga, Tetsuo (April 17, 2011). "Kumi Koda – 4 Times" (in Japanese). Hot Express. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Oricon Singles Weekly Chart – chart week August 29, 2011". Oricon (in Japanese). August 29, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Japan Billboard Hot 100 2011/08/29". Billboard (in Japanese). August 29, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  27. 1 2 3 レコード協会調べ 1月度有料音楽配信認定 [Record Association Investigation: January Digital Music Download Certifications] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. February 28, 2014. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  28. ↑ "倖田來未 V.I.P." Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  29. ↑ "倖田來未 Poppin' love cocktail feat.TEEDA". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  30. ↑ "倖田來未 KO-SO-KO-SO". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  31. ↑ "倖田來未 IN THE AIR". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  32. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). Ai o Tomenaide (CD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-46954.
  33. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). Ai o Tomenaide (CD and DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-46952/B.
  34. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). Ai o Tomenaide (Limited CD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-46953.
  35. ↑ Hiraga, Tetsuo (September 21, 2011). "Kumi Koda – Ai o Tomenaide" (in Japanese). Hot Express. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  36. ↑ "Oricon Singles Weekly Chart – chart week October 3, 2011". Oricon (in Japanese). October 3, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Japan Billboard Hot 100 2011/10/03". Billboard (in Japanese). October 3, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  38. ↑ "倖田來未 愛を止めないで". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  39. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). Love Me Back (CD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59027.
  40. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). Love Me Back (CD and DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59026/B.
  41. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2011). Love Me Back (Limited CD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59028.
  42. ↑ Hiraga, Tetsuo (November 30, 2011). "Kumi Koda – Love Me Back" (in Japanese). Hot Express. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Oricon Singles Weekly Chart – chart week December 12, 2011". Oricon (in Japanese). December 12, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  44. ↑ "Japan Billboard Hot 100 2011/12/12". Billboard (in Japanese). December 12, 2011. Archived from the original on October 9, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  45. ↑ 配信スケジュール [Download schedule] (in Japanese). Rhythm Zone. 2013. Archived from the original on May 19, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  46. ↑ "倖田來未、50thシングルはバラエティ豊かな夏の4曲" [Kumi Koda's 50th single is a summer four song single, full of variety]. Natalie (in Japanese). June 23, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  47. ↑ Mora Staff (January 25, 2012). "Kumi Koda – No Man's Land; Japonesque album". Mora.jp. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  48. ↑ Tokyo Hive Staff (December 7, 2011). "Koda Kumi to release new album Japonesque in February". Tokyo Hive. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  49. ↑ "Billboard Japan Home Page". Billboard Japan. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  50. ↑ "RIAJ Digital Track Chart". Recording Industry Association of Japan . Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  51. ↑ "倖田來未 Boom Boom Boys". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  52. ↑ "倖田來未 Everyday". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  53. ↑ "倖田來未 ESCALATE". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  54. ↑ "倖田來未 No Man's Land". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  55. 1 2 "倖田來未 So Nice feat.Mr.Blistah". Space Shower. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  56. ↑ Hiraga, Tetsuo (May 1, 2011). "倖田來未 30歳迎える秋にプレミアムライブ開催" (in Japanese). Hot Express. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  57. ↑ Hiraga, Tetsuo (October 26, 2011). "倖田來未 話題ドラマOPの初回盤購入者限定ミニライブ開催" (in Japanese). Hot Express. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  58. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2013). Koda Kumi Live Tour 2013: Japonesque (Triple DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Avex Trax, Rhythm Zone. RZBD-59496~7/B.
  59. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2013). Koda Kumi Live Tour 2013: Japonesque (Double Blu-Ray; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Avex Trax, Rhythm Zone. RZXD-59493/B.
  60. 1 2 3 "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree']. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved May 21, 2014.
  61. 1 2 倖田來未のリリース一覧 [A Look at Kumi Koda's Releases]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  62. 1 2 倖田來未のリリース一覧 [A Look at Kumi Koda's Releases]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  63. ↑ "KODA KUMI LIVE TOUR 2013 ~JAPONESQUE~" (in Japanese). iTunes. Archived from the original on October 28, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2014.
  64. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2012). Koda Kumi's Driving Hits 4 (Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Avex Trax, Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59066.
  65. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2012). Beach Mix (Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Avex Trax, Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59119.
  66. ↑ Koda, Kumi (2012). Beach Mix (CD and DVD; Liner notes). Kumi Koda. Japan: Avex Trax, Rhythm Zone. RZCD-59118/B.
  67. 1 2 3 4 5 倖田來未のリリース一覧 [A Look at Kumi Koda's Releases]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  68. ↑ "Oricon Albums Weekly Chart – chart week February 6, 2012". Oricon (in Japanese). February 6, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  69. ↑ "Oricon Albums Weekly Chart – chart week March 14, 2011". Oricon (in Japanese). March 14, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  70. ↑ "Oricon Albums Weekly Chart – chart week February 13, 2012". Oricon (in Japanese). February 13, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  71. ↑ "Oricon Albums Weekly Chart – chart week February 20, 2012". Oricon (in Japanese). February 20, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  72. 1 2 "Japan Billboard Top Albums Sales Chart – Week February 6, 2012". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). February 6, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  73. ↑ "Japan Billboard Top Albums Sales Chart – Week February 13, 2012". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). February 13, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  74. ↑ "Japan Billboard Top Albums Sales Chart – Week February 20, 2012". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). February 20, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  75. ↑ "Japan Billboard Top Albums Sales Chart – Week March 26, 2012". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  76. 1 2 "G-Music Combo Chart" (in Chinese). G-Music. Archived from the original on February 11, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  77. ↑ "G-Music J-Pop Chart" (in Chinese). G-Music. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  78. ↑ ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2012年1月 [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (January 2012)] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. February 10, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  79. ↑ ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2011年3月 [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (March 2011)] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. April 10, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  80. 1 2 Tokyo Hive Staff (December 20, 2012). "Oricon Yearly Album Ranking for 2012 is out!". Tokyohive.com. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  81. ↑ "g-music jpop chart". Archived from the original on 2017-01-28.
  82. ↑ "Japanese album certifications – 倖田來未 – Japonesque" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan . Retrieved February 1, 2021.Select 2012年1月 on the drop-down menu
  83. ↑ "年間ランキング特集 「ミリオン8作！AKB48とMr.Childrenか2012年育楽シーンを牽引」". Archived from the original on January 25, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.