m.o.v.e related CD singles and albums

A J ! - E N T F E AT U R E A R T I C L E & I N T E R V I E W
A SPECIAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBU TE
B Y D E N N I S A . A M I T H & H I R O S H I TA G A WA
P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F A V E X E N T E R TA I N M E N T, I N C .
V E L F A R R E C O N C E R T P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T. H A S E G A WA
m . o . v. e o f f i c i a l w e b s i t e @ w w w. e l e c t r o p i c a . c o m
C l i c k h e r e t o p u r c h a s e m . o . v. e m u s i c o n i Tu n e s
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m.o.v.e - history
T
he exciting music trio from Japan known as
m.o.v.e is set to bring their unique music of rock,
rap, electronica and metal to the US this April for
Sakura-Con 2007 in Seattle, WA.
The trio consisting of lead vocalist yuri, musician and producer t-kimura and rapper motsu are
celebrating their 10th year anniversary and have released a
total of 26 CD singles, eight full length albums, seven remix
albums and two best albums in Japan.
The group is best known for the opening and closing
theme songs for popular animation and video game series
“Initial D”.
Unlike many artists featured on an anime series with typically a single song, the group has had a total of nine songs
used as theme songs for the “Initial D” series (1st STAGE
through 4th STAGE) including their music used in the Sony
PSP video game for “Initial D” and also “Silent Hill”.
Because the popularity of the series, m.o.v.e has a dedicated fanbase all over the world.
As for the members of the group, producer and musician
t-kimura is known to many J-POP fans for his music for the
group Favorite Blue (1996-2000).
t-kimura has also produced songs for notable talent
Hamasaki Ayumi, Shimatani Hitomi, V6 and TRF.
The rapper of the group, motsu is an MC for Avex’s online
music show “Channel a” and has been involved in composing and remixing music for groups like V6 and even anime
such as “Crayon Shin-Chan”.
As for lead vocalist yuri, she was spotted at an audition
for the music variety show ASAYAN, and captured the attention of t-kimura who later selected her to become the lead
vocalist of the new group he was starting up.
The group which eventually became known as m.o.v.e
gets its name from not settling into one type of music genre
and is constantly moving.
And that constant moving is not restricted to their music
as the group’s members t-kimura and motsu rarely keep the
same appearance as their hair color and hairstyle seem to
change with each CD single release (as seen on their music
videos).
With the demand for their music to be released in the US,
m.o.v.e’s music can now be purchased and downloaded on
iTunes.
The group made their debut back in October of 1997 with
their CD single “ROCK IT DOWN” (AVDT-20009) which was
the ending theme song for the variety/music show “ASAYAN”.
The CD single would feature a radio edit, a FAVORITE
BLUE DIG-ROCK mix, an English version of the song and a
TV mix (instrumental/karaoke).
While t-kimura’s music was known especially with the
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mo.v.e’s first album “electrock” from June 1998 and their second album
“worlds of the mind” released on January 2000
synth pop that was used for his group FAVORITE BLUE,
m.o.v.e would be different.
The group would feature a very cool synth pop music
(which the song in Japan was classified as digital rock)
that complimented motsu’s rapping while yuri provided the
chorus.
The trio’s second CD single would catch the attention of
music fans as the song “around the world” (AVCDT-2011,
released on Jan. 7, 2008) was used as the opening theme
for the anime series “Initial D”.
The CD single would feature two additional versions of
the song. A “in the midnight (work) mix” REMIX by Sound
Pressure Brothers and a TV mix.
The group’s third CD single “over drive” (AVDT-20018,
rel. on March 18, 1998) would feature more of yuri’s vocals,
as opposed to the last two CD singles, which mainly featured yuri singing the chorus and motu’s rapping. The CD
single will be used for the ending theme for “ASAYAN”.
m.o.v.e members
(from L-R):
t-kimura, yuri and motsu
m.o.v.e (from L-R): t-kimura, yuri and motsu. Image courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
The CD single featured an EBOMAN remix of “ROCK IT
DOWN” and a TV mix of “over drive”.
In May 1998, the trio was back with another “Initial D”
theme song (ending theme) with “Rage your dream” (AVDT2002, rel. on May 13, 1998).
The CD single would feature an EXTENDED VERSION of
“around the world” and a TV mix of “Rage your dream”.
In June, the group would release their first album “electrock” (AVCT-10015) featuring 11 tracks which include their
first four CD singles. The Asian release of the album would
feature a Video CD (VCD) containing the music videos of their
first four releases.
October 1998 would bring the group’s first VHS video
release with “ELECTRIZE” (AVVT-90003) featuring the music
videos for the first four CD singles and live performance clip
featuring the group performing at Yokohama’s Marine Stadium, off shots and interviews.
In November 1998, m.o.v.e released their 5th CD single
“BREAK IN2 THE NITE” (AVDT-20035) which became their
third CD single to be used for the “Initial D” anime.
The CD single would also feature two mixes of the song. A
t.kimura plant mix and a TV mix.
Their sixth CD single “platinum” (AVCT-30005, rel. June
30, 1999) was used for the Tokyo TV variety show “Sukiyaki
London Boots Taisaku”.
The CD single was the first to include a c/w song (titled
“flash you back”) that was not a remix of their past CD singles.
Also featured in the CD single was a D.S.P. blaster EDIT of
the “platinum” remixed by Achilles Damigos and a TV MIX.
The group released their 7th CD single “Blazin’ Beat”
(AVCT-30009, rel. Oct. 27, 1999, their 4th “Initial D” theme
song which was used for the anime series “Initial D -Second
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Stage-”.
The CD single was their largest CD single featuring a
total of 10 tracks featuring the original and remix versions of
“Blazin’ Beat” and “singin’ 4 U” (Reactor edit).
Also featuring remixes such as “a breath of yan MIX”,
DJ FLOWER ROCK “LOW LIFTING DUB”, “DJ FLOWER
ROCK MIX”, “a breath of yin MIX”, “STRAIGHT HOUSE
MIX”, and TV mixes of “Blazin’ Beat” and “singin’ 4 U”.
On January 19, 2000 the group simultaneously released
their second album “worlds of the mind” (AVCT-10065) and
the “words of the mind ~brand new journey~” CD single
(AVCT-30017).
The CD single was used as the ending theme for “ASAYAN” and featured a “fleecy clouds mix”, “meet my friend
mix”, “ALTERNATE MIX (MEET AGAIN)” and a “TV MIX”.
The album featured a total of 11 songs that included their
5th through 8th CD singles, a ten minute remix song and
an album that featured music that consisted of digital rock,
digital beat, Eurobeat and much more.
In March 2000, the first remix album for m.o.v.e was
released with “remixers play move” (AVCT-10073, rel. March
23, 2000) featuring the groups songs remixed by NAOKI ATSUMI, AQUILA, WAY OUT WEST, motsu, PETE HAMMOND
and more.
The group released their 9th CD single “sweet vibration”
(AVCT-30018, rel. July 19, 2000) featuring eight tracks of
original and remix versions of “sweet vibration” and “Can’t
Quit This!!!!”. “sweet vibration” would be featured in several
commercials and also as the ending theme for TBS “CDTV”.
The CD single would feature an “electro house mix”, “SH
FUNK MIX”, “Sigtoto 80’s Mix” and “TV MIX”.
Also featured in the CD single was a “Long Version” of
m.o.v.e: t-kimura
m.o.v.e: yuri
m.o.v.e: motsu
m.o.v.e (from L-R): motsu, t-kimura, and yuri. Image courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
“time machine” and a “The Rubber Club Dub mix” and an SH
FUNK MIX of “Can’t Quit This!!! ~KNOCK `EM OUT~” which
would be used as the ending theme for the PS2 video game
“Shin Sangoku Musou 2” (Dynasty Warriors 2).
In November 2000, the group released their second VHS
video clip “electrizm” (AVVT-90007) featuring the music video
clips from their 5th CD single “BREAK IN2 THE NITE” through
their 9th CD single “sweet vibration”..
Also, released simultaneously was their first DVD album
“overdose pop star” (AVBT-91005) featuring their first 9 CD
singles in DVD audio (96khz 24 Bit).
To kick off the New Year for 2001, the group released
their 10th CD single “Gamble Rumble” (AVCT-30034) which
featured the songs “Gamble Rumble” and the c/w song “strike
on”, both used for “Initial D Third Stage”. The CD single
marked the first time the group added a second c/w song with
“Destiny” on a CD single release.
Also featured in the CD single was a deep mix-remix by
motsu for “Gamble Rumble”.
The following month, m.o.v.e released their third album
“Operation Overload 7” which featured a total of 14 tracks
including their 9th and 10th CD singles.
With the popularity of their first remix album, a second
remix album titled “HYPER TECHNO MIX REVOLUTION I”
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(AVCT-10099, rel. on May 30, 2001) was released.
This album would feature remixes by RAVEMAN, FRAGMA, RANDOMIZER, Achilles Damigos, DJ VISAGE, D-Z and
more. Also, artwork featuring the three in manga style characters on the CD booklet.
From this point, the group would have monthly releases,
starting with their 11th CD single “SUPER SONIC DANCE”
(AVCT-30040, rel. June 13, 2001) which would be the ending
theme song for “Sukiyaki!! London Boots Taisaku”.
The CD single would feature a “t-kimura RAVE TRANCENTRAL MIX” for “RIDE ON THE WAVE” and for “stay with me...”
a t-kimura CLUB MIX” and a “TV MIX”
Just under two months since the release of their second
remix album, m.o.v.e released their third remix album “HYPER TECHNO MIX REVOLUTION II” (AVCT-10100, rel. July
2, 2001) featuring seven remix tracks by RAVEMAN, DZ, DJ
ZORRO, L.A. STYLE, ileus, LOVE MACHINE and MAXIMIZOR.
In August, m.o.v.e released their 12th CD single “FLY ME
SO HIGH” (AVCT-30044, rel. Aug. 8, 2001) which was used as
an image song for “TOYOTA PRINCESS CUP 2001” and feature the c/w song “SUNDAY FUNDAY” and would also return
back to the schedule of releases of every two months rather
than every month.
The CD single would feature a remix of “words of mind ~brandnew journey~” by Tetsuya RIMO-CON Tamura for Y&Co.ltd and
a remix of “SUPER SONIC DANCE (mushroom huntin’ mix) by
motsu.
In October, m.o.v.e would release their third remix album “HYPER TECHNO MIX REVOLUTION III ~TRANCE vs. HARD CORE
TECHNO” (AVCT-10106~7, rel. Oct. 11, 2001) featuring two
discs separated by TRANCE REMIX and the other HARD CORE
TECHNO REMIX with a total of 14 tracks overall remixed by D-Z,
tsunemoto kobayashi, 83key, J. Sasaki, FRAGMA, GENESIS D,
BAZOOKA BOYZ, BUSTARD and more.
In Dececember, m.o.v.e released their 13th CD single “come together” (AVCT-30048) which was used for the theme song for TBS
“Wonderful”. The CD single would feature coupling songs “blue
jewel” and “come together”. The CD single would feature a remix
version of the song by AIRHEADZ.
In February 2002, m.o.v.e would have two releases. The first
was their 14th CD single “Romancing Train” (AVCT-30049, rel.
Feb. 6) featuring coupling song Promised Land ~bless into the
sunshine~ and remixes by tatsumaki and ORBITRIBE. “Romancing Train” would be used as the ending theme for the anime “Final
Fantasy Unlimited”.
The trio would also release their fourth album “SYNERGY”
(AVCT-10108, rel. Feb. 27) featuring thirteen tracks which would
include their 11th through 14th CD singles.
In March, the group would release their second DVD album
“SYNERGY CLIPS” (AVBT-91011, rel. March 13, 2002) and would
include TV spots and making of PV and feature their 10th CD
single through their 14th CD single.
In June, m.o.v.e would have two simultaneous releases with
their 15th CD single “FUTURE BREEZE” (AVCT-30054, rel. June
26) featuring coupling song “Passenger Seat” and remixes by Orbitribe, Dubby Budda and t-kimura. The song would also be used as
the opening theme that month for TBS “CDTV”.
Also released was their first DVD single titled “FUTURE
BREEZE+various works” (AVBT-91012). This DVD single would
feature a different coupling and remix song that the CD release.
The DVD single featured the coupling song “Sugar Sugar Rain”,
a remix by TRAFFIX (Genki&NikK) and a making of PV, a special
titled t-kimura about SOUND, motsu about RAP and yuri about
FASHION.
In August, the fourth remix album was released titled “TropicanTrops” featuring nine tracks which each song ventured into different
types of music genres such as: “Gamble Rumble” (Puertronix Mix”,
“Blazin’ Beat” (Brazilian Beat Mix), “cafe ROZA” (Dubby Bossa mix)
and “Nu-Salsoul mix).
In November, was the release of the groups 16th CD single
“WAKE YOUR LOVE~” (AVCT-30060, rel. Nov. 20) which featured
the coupling song “T.R.A.P.” and remixes by Satoshi Hidaka (GTS)
and a Puertronix Mix.
Also, simultaneously released was their second DVD single of
the song “WAKE YOUR LOVE~” (AVBT-91013) which featured the
making of and the shooting of the song. Also, a “motsu about RAP
vol, II” and a Q&A.
In December, the group would release their first best album
titled “move super tune - BEST SELECTIONS-” (AVCT-10116, rel.
Dec. 4, 2002) which featured a total of 18 songs which featured
nearly all sixteen CD singles with the exception of their third and
fifth CD singles “over drive”, “BREAK IN2 THE NITE” and their
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8th CD single “words of the mind ~brandnew journey~”. and
included the songs “Extasy~in my dream~”, “U.S.A.” and “Silent
white?”.
The best album would feature the songs gapless (their are
chapter breaks but no two second wait), so it would play straight
run like a non-stop mix.
Also, simultaneously released with their 3rd DVD album of
“move super tune -BEST SELECTIONS-” (AVBT-91015) which
was the same as the CD release (gapless) but feature the songs
in 96khz and 24 bit (2ch STEREO) and while playing, the DVD
would show video (the CD single cover) and a track selection
menu.
In 2003, m.o.v.e would release their 17th CD single “BURNING DANCE ~and other Japanimation songs~” (AVCT-30071,
rel. June 25) featuring coupling songs “Drivin’ Through The
Night” and their 10th CD single “Gamble Rumble”. Remix version of “Drivin’ Through The Night” was done by t-kimura. The
song would be used for the anime series “Asobotto Senki Goku”.
In August 2003, m.o.v.e would make their US debut at
AnimeFEST in Dallas, Texas. Their first performance in front of
a crowd of thousands of American fans.
In September, the group would release their 18th CD single
“painless PAIN” (AVCT-30007, rel. Sept. 3) which would also
feature Soundless Rain remix by motsu and a Renaissance
Symphony with GARUDA.
Simultaneously released with the CD single was the group’s
3rd DVD single “Painless PAIN” (AVBT-91024) which would feature the music video, making of, “motsu about RAP vol. III”, yuri
CHANNEL (yuri self TV) and motsu TV (motsu self TV).
A week later, the trio would release a mini album titled
“DECADANCE” (AVCT-10134, rel. Sept. 10) featuring seven
tracks including their 18th CD single “painless PAIN”.
In 2004, the group would release their 19th CD single “Blast
My Desire” (AVCT-30081, rel. Jan 7) which would be used as
the ending theme for “Initial D Fourth Stage” and featuring the
coupling song “WORLD’S END ~rebirth” and featuring a total of
9 tracks including remixes by motsu, Daisuke Imai, MOB MASTER and more.
Released on the same day was their 4th DVD single “Blast
my Desire” (AVBT-91028) which featured the music video,
making of, “motsu about RAP Vol. IV”, and a live performance
of “WORLD’S END ~Rebirth~ “ recorded at CLUB JUNKBOX
TOKYO BAY on Nov. 15, 2003.
Released that same month was the group’s 5th full-length
album “Deep Calm” (AVCT-10140/B -CD+DVD and AVCT-10141
CD only), their first in almost two years. The album would
feature 14 songs and feature 13 new songs and their 18th CD
single “Blast My Desire”.
In April, a single collection album was released titled “REWIND ~singles collection+~ (AVCT-10142~3/B feat. 2 CD+DVD,
AVCT-10144~5 featuring 2 CD’s).
The album feature nearly every CD single up to their 17th
CD single “BURNING DANCE” and feature other songs such as
“MUGEN”, “blue jewel”, “majestic flight” and “T.R.A.P.”.
The best part of this collection was the DVD release which
featured all music videos up to their 16th CD single and featuring
the music video of “Sugar Sugar Rain”.
In May, the group would release their 20th CD single “DOGFIGHT” (AVCT-30082, rel. May 26) which would be used as
an opening theme for “Initial D Fourth Stage” and feature the
Images of m.o.v.e’s 23rd CD single “FREAK PLANET”, 24th CD single “DISCO TIME”, 25th CD single “RAIMEI ~OUT OF KONTROL~”
and their 26th CD single “ANGEL EYES”. Images courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
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coupling song “Fall iNTo DozE” and an English version of the
song.
A simultaneous release of a “DOG FIGHT” DVD single
(AVBT-91024) featuring the music video, making of and
“motsu about RAP vol. V” and also the group’s sixth remix
album titled “FAST FORWARD ~FUTURE BREAKBEATNIX~ (AVCT-10151) which would feature remixes by Heito
Toni (Co-Fusion), DJ KAORI, FORCE OF NATURE, SUBZERO of Kokuhen Production, BEROSHIMA, Masahito
Tobisawa, JOUJOKA and MARAWI ROCKS.
The group would then be animated and be featured on an
episode of “Initial D Fourth Stage”.
In August, m.o.v.e would release their 21st CD single
“GHETTO BLASTER” (AVCT-30082 CD, AVCT-30088/B
CD+DVD) featuring coupling song “VAGABOND” and a “Kindergarten mafia mix” remixed by motsu.
The DVD version would feature the making, “motsu about
Rap vol. VI” and a 5.1 Roundsounds Remix by Orbitribe.
The CD single would be used for the 2004 SWATCHFLVB World Tour, the official song for the Wakeboard World
Series J-ROUND 2004 NISSAN X-TRAIL CUP and ending
theme for MBS “FUZZ”.
In January, m.o.v.e would release their 22nd CD single
“How To See You Again/Noizy Tribe” (AVCT-30093 CD,
AVCT-30092/B CD+DVD). The song “Noizy Tribe” would be
used for the opening theme for “Initial D Fourth Stage”.
Two weeks later the group would release it’s sixth fulllength album “BOULDER” (AVCT-10152/B CD+DVD, AVCT10153 CD) which would feature thirteen tracks which would
includes their 20th through 22nd CD singles.
The DVD version of the albums would feature the animated opening and ending themes for seven of their songs used
on the anime “Initial D”. Also an interview with m.o.v.e and
“Initial D” producers “USAMI” and a music video for “Nobody
Knows ~ Noa no Hakobune” which was used as an ending
theme for “Initial D” (the first song from m.o.v.e used on the
anime series without being released as a CD single).
In the fall, m.o.v.e would release four consecutive CD
singles beginning with their 23rd CD single “FREAKY PLANET” (AVCT-30102/B CD+DVD, AVCT-30103 CD, rel. Sept.
28) which featured the coupling song “The Longest Movie”
and the DVD version would feature the music video and a
preview of their next CD single “DISCO TIME”
The group would hold a remix contest on ACIDplanet.com
(and also promoting the music software ACID PRO 5) featuring their English version of the song and the winner would
be featured on their upcoming full-length album “GRID”.
In October, the group released their 24th CD single
“DISCO TIME” (AVCT-30106/B CD+DVD, AVCT-30107 CD,
rel. Oct. 26) which would feature the coupling song “This is
my heartache” and the DVD version would feature the music
video and a preview of “RAIMEI ~OUT OF KONTROL~”.
In November, the group released its 25th CD single
“RAIMEI ~OUT OF KONTROL~ (AVCT-30112/B CD+DVD,
AVCT-30113 CD, rel. Nov. 23) featuring the coupling song
“GIRL-YOU WANNA MOVE” and the DVD version featuring
the music video for “RAIMEI ~OUT OF KONTROL~ and a
preview of their upcoming CD single “ANGEL EYES”.
Their music video for “RAIMEI ~OUT OF KONTROL~”
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The cover of m.o.v.e’s sixth full length album “BOULDER” and “GRID”
featured the group animated with motsu and t-kimura facing off
against “Initial D” main character Fujiwara Takumi with yuri riding win the passenger seat.
That same month, m.o.v.e would make their second US
performance in Vienna, Virginia at Anime USA.
In December, m.o.v.e would release their 26th CD single
“ANGEL EYES” (AVCT-30114/B CD+DVD, AVCT-30115 CD,
rel. Dec. 14) featuring coupling song “SAIL AWAY” and the DVD
version would feature the music video and a preview for their
upcoming album.
All music videos from “FREAKY PLANET” to “ANGEL EYES”
would be part of a movie titled “CROSSING TRAIL - road movie
Images of m.o.v.e’s 23rd CD+DVD single “FREAK PLANET”, 24th CD+DVD single “DISCO TIME”, 25th CD+DVD single “RAIMEI ~OUT OF KONTROL~”
and their 26th CD+DVD single “ANGEL EYES”. Images courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
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Photo: m.o.v.e performing on Chrstmas Day at VELFARRE (2006). Photo by T. Hasegawa
completed” to be featured in the DVD of
the upcoming album “GRID” and would
have an “Initial D” tie-in.
In January 2006, m.o.v.e would
make it’s only release in 2006 with their
seventh full-length album “GRID” (AVCT10156/B, rel. Jan. 25) which would
feature 15 tracks including their 23rd
through 26th CD singles and included
the winner of the ACIDplanet.com contest with the song “GROOVY PLANET
~London Stomp Mix~”.
The DVD version would feature their
short film “CROSSING TRAIL”, the making of the short film, music videos and
also adding in video footage from their
performance at Anime USA.
Also, included is an interview with
“Initial D” producer USAMI and the director in the group’s work as voice actors
for their animated music video of “RAIMEI ~OUT OF KONTROL~” and four
live performances at ANIMAX SUMMER
FES 2005 @ ODAIBA with the group
performing “DOGFIGHT”, “GHETTO
BLASTER”, “Noizy Tribe” and “Gamble
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Rumble”.
Also, included in the DVD is a preview
for “AKIRA YAMAOKA iFUTURE LIST
SPECIAL MOVIE”.
This was to promote a partnership
between t-kimura to remix a track on
Yamaoka’s (musician and producer of
Konami video game “SILENT HILL”)
debut solo album “iFUTURELIST” and
Yamaoka to remix “FREAKY PLANET
~rosy mix~” for the album “GRID”.
Also, included is a preview for the
Sony PSP “Initial D STREET STAGE”
video game.
In December, m.o.v.e took part in the
finale week for the popular disco club
VELFARRE which was closing down
with a performance on “LEGEND OF
RAVE X’MAS” which was held on Christmas Day.
For 2007, m.o.v.e participated
in “Auto Messe” events in Tokyo and
Osaka and performed with 8-Ball in
January and February.
AVEX also sponsors “Team m.o.v.e”
which the team races at the D-1 Grand
Prix USA Series races in Japan which
will take place from May through November.
m.o.v.e will also make their second
live performance in the US at SakuraCon in Seattle, Washington.
To boost their US presence, their
music is now featured on the iTunes
Music Store.
A new CD single from m.o.v.e will be
coming out this Spring and a song to be
featured in the film “Speed Master” coming out in Japan this Summer.
Also, a new best album is planned for
the fall.
There are not many groups to have
such a long longevity but m.o.v.e continues to be a group that attracts fans all
over the world with their music who will
continue to move and support the group
for many years to come.
DENNIS A. AMITH is the founder/owner of
J!-ENT and is an entertainment-writer-at-large.
For more information on m.o.v.e, visit their official
website at: www.electropica.com
J!
LIVE PERFORMANCES: COMING TO THE UNITED STATES
- ENT
Wu Ru-jun
Beijing Opera Actor and
Master of the Jinghu
Japan’s m.o.v.e known for their
music for the “Initial D” anime
series is coming to the US in
April!
T
he exciting music trio from
Japan known as m.o.v.e is set
to bring their unique music
of rock, rap, electronica and
metal to the US this April for SakuraCon 2007 in Seattle, WA.
The trio consisting of lead vocalist
yuri, musician and producer t-kimura
and rapper motsu are celebrating their
10th year anniversary and have released a total of 26 CD singles, eight full
length albums, seven remix albums and
two best albums in Japan.
The group is best known for the
opening and closing theme songs for
popular animation and video game
series “Initial D”.
Unlike many artists featured on an
anime series with typically a single
song, the group has had a total of nine
songs used as theme songs for the
“Initial D” series (1st STAGE through 4th
STAGE).
Because the popularity of the series,
m.o.v.e has a dedicated fanbase all over
the world.
As for the members of the group,
producer and musician t-kimura is
known to many J-POP fans for his music for the group Favorite Blue (19962000).
t-kimura has also produced songs for
notable talent Hamasaki Ayumi, Shimatani Hitomi, V6 and TRF.
The rapper of the group, motsu is
an MC for Avex’s online music show
“Channel a” and has been involved
in composing and remixing music for
groups like V6 and even anime such as
“Crayon Shin-Chan”.
As for lead vocalist yuri, she was
spotted at an audition for the music
variety show ASAYAN, and captured the
attention of t-kimura who later selected
her to become the lead vocalist of the
new group he was starting up.
The group which eventually became
known as m.o.v.e gets its name from not
PHOTO: Avex Tune artists m.o.v.e (from L-R): t-kimura, yuri and motsu who will be performing at Sakura-Con
2007 in Seattle, Washington. Image courtesy of Avex Entertainment Inc.
settling into one type of music genre
and is constantly moving.
With the demand for their music to
be released in the US, m.o.v.e’s music
can now be purchased and downloaded on iTunes.
Having debuted back in Oct. 1997
with their first CD single “ROCK IT
DOWN” (AVDT-20009), in April their
performance at Sakura-Con 2007 will
definitely be a special occasion as fans
will be able to celebrate their tenth year
anniversary with a special one-night
performance.
Celebrate with m.o.v.e by pre-registering for Sakura-Con 2007 by visiting
their website at www.sakuracon.org.
For more information on m.o.v.e,
please visit their official website at
www.electropica.com.
SAKURA-CON 2007
INFORMATION
DATES: April 6-8
LOCATION: Seattle, Washington
Pre-Register now and save substantially
versus at door prices. Pre-registration helps
ANCEA, a state and federal non-profit
organization, put on the best Sakura-Con
possible! For more information please visit
our website at http://www.sakuracon.org.
FULL CONVENTION MEMBERSHIP RATES
$45 until 2-28-2007 $60 at the door Children age 6-12 are half-price Children under
6 are free
ANCEA is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about popular
and traditional Asian media and culture.
— DENNIS A. AMITH
J!-ENT
worldgroove
J!-ENT
A J!-ENT MUSIC REVIEW
move
move super tune -BEST SELECTIONAvex Tune
AVAT-9200 (DVD Audio) | AVCT-10016
(CD only) | DURATION: 1:13:42
RELEASE DATE: December 4, 2002
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Gamble Rumble
LET’S ROCK!
Around The World
ROCK IT DOWN
Platinum
Rage Your Dream
Sweet Vibration
Operation Overload 7
7 DAYS OF LOVE
Extasy-in My DreamCome Together
U.S.A.
Blazin’beat
Super Sonic Dance
Strike On
FUTURE BREEZE
I WAKE YOUR LOVE!
Silent White?
A little over five years since their debut, the
group would release their first best album titled
“move super tune - BEST SELECTIONS-”
The album would feature a total of 18 songs
which 15 were released previously as CD singles
with the exception of their third and fifth CD
singles “over drive” and “BREAK IN2 THE
NITE” and their 8th CD single “words of the
mind ~brandnew journey~” but included the
songs “Extasy~in my dream~”, “U.S.A.” and
“Silent white?”.
Although the group has been classified as
“digital rock” and “digital pop”, m.o.v.e found a
way to tap into a genre bringing together rap and
pop vocals and have their own style of music.
For fans of m.o.v.e or the anime series “Initial
D”, this album features a lot of the groups early
tracks such as “around the world”, “Blazin’ Beat”
and “Gamble Rumble” but even without the
“Initial D” tie-in, tracks such as “platinum”, “sweet
vibration” are just awesome.
The best album would feature the songs in
gapless format (their are chapter breaks but no
two second wait), so it would play straight run
like a non-stop mix.
“move super tune -BEST SELECTION” was
released in CD and DVD audio format.
The track listing is the same but the DVD
audio encoded as 96KHz and 24bit 2ch STEREO format.
The DVD audio does not feature music videos
but when playing, you can select the tracks via a
menu and when played, the screen displays the
CD single or album cover.
All in all, a definitive best album that m.o.v.e
fans will definitely enjoy!
— DENN IS A. AMITH
< Straight-run with the best of move
Collecting their CD singles and a few other tracks to make this a true best collection
THE DEFINITIVE
“INITIAL D” MUSIC
COLLECTION
Various Artists
INITIAL D BEST SONG
COLLECTION 1998-2004
avex mode
AVCA-22280~1/B
RELEASE DATE: March 9, 2005
3 CD’s, 39 (14/15/10) songs total
The anime series “Initial D” has been
a series that featured music with a lot of
synth and Eurobeat (or to some “para
para” music).
In 2005, the definitive “Initial D” music
set came out with “INITIAL D BEST SONG
COLLECTION 1998-2004”.
For m.o.v.e fans, the first two CD’s on
this collection features 17 songs by the
group as well as songs from J-POP band
Every Little Thing to rock band Galla to
Eurobeat songs from DUSTY, Chilu, DAVE
RODGERS and MANUEL, a lot of good
music in this collection.
The big selling point of this collection is
for m.o.v.e fans and Eurobeat and para para fans
as the bonus third CD is a special “SUPER EUROBEAT presents THE BEST 10 from INITIAL D SUPER COMPLETE BOX 2003” album.
Featuring well-known names from Avex’s Eurobeat compilations featuring DAVE MC LOUD,
LESLIE PARRISH, MEGA NRG MAN, EDO BOYS,
DERRECK SIMONS, MAX COVERI, NIKO, DAVE
RODGERS and LOU GRANT.
For those trying to hunt down the popular para
para “Night on Fire” track (English version), this
album features that track.
An awesome collection worth purchasing!
J!-ENT
17
worldgroove
J!-ENT
A J!-ENT MUSIC REVIEW
move
REWIND “singles collection”
Avex Tune
AVCT-10142-3/B (CD+DVD) | AVCT-10014
(CD only) | DURATION: 51:01/51:51 (2 CD)
RELEASE DATE: March 24, 2004
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Gamble Rumble
SUPER SONIC DANSE
FLY ME SO HIGH
MUGEN
Blazin’ Beat
Sweet Vibration
Words Of The Mind-brandnew JourneyBlue Jewel
Romancing Train
Come Together
[CD 2]
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. ROCK IT DOWN
Around The World
Over Drive
Rage Your Dream
Platinum
Majestic Flight
BREAK IN2 THE NITE
I WAKE YOUR LOVE!
FUTURE BREEZE
BURNING DANCE
T.R.A.P.
In December 2002, m.o.v.e released their first
best collection featuring 15 previously released
songs with a few extras.
In March 2004, m.o.v.e released “REWIND
- singles collection” featuring a few of those songs
from “move super tune -BEST SELECTIONS”
and a few extras.
You will definitely find their classics like their
first CD single “ROCK IT DOWN” and popular
“Initial D” songs such as “around the world”,
“over drive” and BREAK IN2 THE NITE” and
later CD singles such as “FUTURE BREEZE”,
“WAKE YOUR LOVE!” and “BURNING
DANCE” in this collection.
But for those wondering why the need to
purchase a new collection when the last best
collection had collected so many of the cool
m.o.v.e songs. For one major reason, the DVD.
And trust me, you want to buy the CD+DVD
of “singles collection”.
With past releases of music video clips from
m.o.v.e have only been released on VHS in Japan
(and VCD in Asia), “REWIND” (CD+DVD
version) features 17 of the groups music videos
on DVD.
You get all the music videos of m.o.v.e from
their first CD single “ROCK IT DOWN” to
their 16th CD single “WAKE YOUR LOVE!”
plust an extra video of “Sugar Sugar Rain”.
So, a very cool m.o.v.e release but make sure
you go for the CD+DVD version. Definitely
worth purchasing! — DENNI S A . A M I T H
18 J!-ENT
< Singles and music clips galore!
Collecting their CD singles and their music video clips in one limited edition release
YOUR FAVORITE J-POP
SONGS GETTING THE
EUROBEAT TREATMENT
Various Artists
KAZEN PARA PARA!! presents
SUPER J-EURO BEST
avex trax
AVCD-17656
RELEASE DATE: March 30, 2005
DURATION: 1:12:36
If you are a Eurobeat fan, especially a
J-POP fan, you have heard many remixes of Avex artists in Eurobeat or Cyber
TRANCE style.
For me, I actually enjoy hearing my
favorite J-POP songs getting the remix
treatment and I’m sure many others do
as well as indicative with the release of
“KAZEN PARA PARA!! presents SUPER JEURO BEST”.
Included are Eurobeat remixes by DAVE
RODGERS, t-kimura, SCP-Music Team and
several others.
What you get are 14 remixes for artists
such as Hamasaki Ayumi, Koda Kumi, TRF,
globe, day after tomorrow, move, dream,
Arashiro Beni, Aikawa Nanase and Favorite Blue.
From remixes such as Hamasaki Ayumi’s “INSPIRE <Energy Inspire Remix>” and globe’s “DEPARTURES <The Mixmaster Remix>” to unlikely
but made possible remixes for rocker Aikawa
Nanase’s “BREAK OUT! <Eurobeat Remix>”, this
remix collection is pretty cool!
So, you get a good offering of hits from Avex
past and songs from a few years ago.
All in all, a very cool remix album that J-Euro
fans will definitely enjoy!
worldgroove
J!-ENT
A J!-ENT MUSIC REVIEW
move
BOULDER
Avex Tune
AVCT-10152 (CD+DVD) | AVCT-10153
(CD only) | DURATION: 1:02:57
RELEASE DATE: January 6, 2005
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. How To See You Again
DOGFIGHT
Breikou Night - Bring your mic
Nobody reason
Lookin’On The Sunny Side
REAL FACT
ROCK DA HOUSE
Noizy Tribe
Mission 2 Gemini
GHETTO BLASTER
selfless
Cherry blossom
Noizy Tribe (English ver)
It’s been a year since the release of move’s last
album “Deep Calm” but now the group is back
with their sixth full-length album and this time
heading into different music territory with a rock
edge fusing digital rock/pop, hip hop, R&B and
something new and fresh making this album
clearly stand out compared to previous albums.
From the first track “How to See You Again”
(their 22nd CD single) which starts off with
electric guitars and features motsu singing and
then transitions to a pop segment with yuri
singing pop style and then both combining
together for another transition. Just awesome!
The second track “DOGFIGHT” is my
favorite of all m.o.v.e songs used on “Initial D”.
From it’s synth intro to motsu’s rap with guitar’s
blaring and leading to yuri’s smooth vocals.
The third song “Breikou Night ~ Bring your
mic” is a rock and hip-hop fusion song which
is different territory for m.o.v.e musically and it
works perfectly.
The fourth track “Nobody Reason” is an R&B
inspired track used for “Initial D” and the fifth
track “Lookin’ On the Sunny Side” is straight
hip-hop style.
Then you get to songs like “ROCK DA
HOUSE” which sounds like it should be played
at an underground rave party.
The album is so well-balanced of different
styles of music that it’s great to see m.o.v.e
venture into something fresh and new.
As for the DVD, you get the opening and
ending animated themes used on the “Initial D”
anime series, an interview with move x producer
“Usami” and the music video clip for “Nobody
Reason”.
All in all, “BOULDER” is the most ambitious
album for m.o.v.e and I really respect the group
for experimenting with a different sound. It has
something for everyone and fans will definitely
enjoy it! — DENNIS A. AM I T H
< move returns with their 6th album
move is back with their sixth full-length album featuring “INITIAL D” goodness!
MORE “INITIAL D”
EUROBEAT
GOODNESS
Various Artists
SUPER EUROBEAT presents
INITIAL D ABSOLUTE ALBUM
feat. KEISUKE TAKAHASHI
avex mode
AVCA-26024
RELEASE DATE: November 29, 2006
DURATION: 1:08:51
With the popularity of the “Initial D”
Eurobeat compilations, two new releases
based on Keisuke Takahashi’s character
are planned for release.
The first is “SUPER EUROBEAT presents INITIAL D ABSOLUTE ALBUM feat.
KEISUKE TAKAHASHI” and “SUPER EUROBEAT presents INITIAL D NON-STOP
MIX from KEISUKE-selection”.
Featured are pure 13 Eurobeat tracks
from EDO BOYS, LOU GRANT, MEGA
NRG MAN, MAX COVERI, NATHALIE, ZAZA, ROBERT PATTON, DIGITAL PLANET,
DARK ANGELS, JEAN LOVE, ACE and GO 2.
Also, for those who just can’t get enough of
Keisuke Takashi going against Kouzou “God Foot”
Hoshino”, this album is definitely for you.
An added incentive for purchasing this album is
that it comes with a FD3S VS BNR34 special figure
which “Initial D” fans can put the two miniature
cars on its road to position them drifiting with
smoke and cone accessories for that added effect.
Nice addition for “Initial D” fans.
If you are a Eurobeat fan and love the “Initital
D” Eurobeat compilations, this album is for you.
J!-ENT
19
worldgroove
J!-ENT
A J!-ENT MUSIC REVIEW
m.o.v.e
GRID
Avex Tune
AVCT-10156B (CD+DVD)
(CD only) | DURATION: 1:06:41
RELEASE DATE: January 25, 2006
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. GOTHICA(SYMPHONY NO.1)
FADED
ANGEL EYES
DISCO TIME
WHITE FOX
THIS IS MY HEARTACHE
NAMIDA 3000
MISHA(SKIT)
FREAKY PLANET
GIRL(YOU WANNA MOVE)
DISINFECTED GENERATION
RAIMEI ~OUT OF KONTROL~
SAIL AWAY
FREAKY PLANET-ROSY MIXGROOVY PLANET-LONDON STOMP
MIX-
The trio known as m.o.v.e has had a huge
year in 2005 with the release of “BOULDER”, a
concert in the United States, a contest, releasing
their 23rd through 26th CD singles (“FREAKY
PLANET”, “DISCO TIME”, “RAIMEI ~OUT
OF KONTROL~” and “ANGEL EYES”) each
month from September through December 2005
which would lead to their seventh full-length
album “GRID” in January 2006.
This album does incorporate the hip-hop and
rock that they did with their last album but m.o.v.e
goes back to their roots and incorporates the digital
rock and Eurobeat style that they are known
for and still manages to fit in some refreshing,
experimentation with their music that I enjoyed
with their last album “BOULDER”.
For example, the album features interesting
songs such as “FADED” which is very Amuroesque.
Another interesting track is “MISHA (SKIT)”
which is more or less an 8-bit video game sounding
instrumental track which was interesting to hear on
this album.
Also, featured in this album is a remix by
KONAMI “SILENT HILL” musician and
producer Yamaoka Akira for his version of
“FREAKY PLANET” and also featured on the
album is a contests winner who had his remix
featured on this album.
The DVD accompanying this album is awesome
as the short film “CROSSING TRAIL” which
compiles the groups last four music videos into a
film. Also, featuring the group animated and put
into the “Initial D” world was a blast to watch.
Also included on the DVD is the making
of the short film, an interview, clip from their
performance in the US and four live performances
of m.o.v.e at Animax Summer Fes. 2005 @
Odaiba performing “DOGFIGHT”, “GHETTO
BLASTER”, “NOIZY TRIBE” and “Gamble
Rumble”. Really cool!
All in all , an awesome release as the DVD is an
incentive for m.o.v.e fans to buy this album. Check
it out! — DENNIS A. AMI T H
20 J!-ENT
< SOMETHING DIFFERENT & NEW
m.o.v.e releases their seventh full-length album with some surprises
NON-STOP EUROBEAT
“INITIAL D” STYLE
Various Artists
SUPER EUROBEAT presents
INITIAL D NON STOP MIX from
KEISUKE selection
avex mode
AVCA-26172
RELEASE DATE: January 31, 2007
DURATION: 1:14:31
In November, Avex released “SUPER
EUROBEAT presents INITIAL D ABSOLUTE ALBUM feat. KEISUKE TAKAHASHI”
featuring 13 Eurobeat tracks and coming
with a special action figure play set.
In January 2007, the latest “Initial D”
offerings feature a Non Stop Mix based
on characters Takumi and the other on
Keisuke.
This time the songs are gapless, so no
spacing, just a non-stop mix featuring Eurobeat songs by ACE, LOU GRANT, MEGA
NRG MAN, MAX COVERI, NATHALIE, ZAZA, ROBERT PATTON, DIGITAL PLANET,
DARK ANGELS, JEAN LOVE, MANUEL,
FASTWAY, NEO, GO 2 and EDO BOYS.
Essentially, it’s pretty much the same as the last
Keisuke offering but featuring six more songs and
arranged as a non-stop mix.
There is one major thing I noticed is that on
many songs, you will occasionally hear the revving of engines and tires squealing. It doesn’t
interfere with the songs but nevertheless, those
sounds are on the songs and may bother some.
So, for those wanting a great selection of Eurobeat, this album is good but the added racing
sounds may be a distraction for some.
the interview
A SPECIAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBU TE
B Y D E N N I S A . A M I T H & H I R O S H I TA G A WA
P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F A V E X E N T E R TA I N M E N T, I N C .
V E L F A R R E C O N C E R T P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T. H A S E G A WA
J!-ENT
I
PHOTO: m.o.v.e’s yuri, t-kimura and motsu performing at “LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS LIVE” at VELFARRE on Christmas day 2006. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
n the last ten years, m.o.v.e has been one
of the few groups of Japan whose music
has been able to transcend outside the
country into the CD and MP3 players of
listeners all around the world.
With the popularity of the manga, anime
and video game series “Initial D”, m.o.v.e which
consists of musician and producer t-kimura, rapper motsu and lead singer yuri has been a fan
favorite for their high energy music.
In 2003, the group performed their first US
concert in Dallas, Texas at AnimeFEST and their
second performance in Virginia for Anime USA
and the trio will make their return to the United
States in April 2007 for Sakura-Con in Seattle,
Washington for their third performance.
In June 2007, m.o.v.e has a new CD single
planned for release. As well as a special website
in August 2007 to celebrate the trio’s 10th year
anniversary.
We continue our special feature article with
our interview with m.o.v.e which took place a
week before their performance at Sakura-Con.
J!-ENT: Let’s start off with the questions
22 J!-ENT
concerning the past before m.o.v.e. The
first question is for t-kimura. Before
starting m.o.v.e, you were busy with
favorite blue. Favorite Blue was doing
pretty well but what made you want to
create m.o.v.e and was it difficult producing for both groups at the time?
t-kimura: It is not so difficult for me to do
several projects at the same time. Sometimes I feel tired physically and mentally.
But it is much hard for me to confine my
variety of music into myself. It is what to
say the reason why soon after the Favorite Blue debut, I started m.o.v.e was to
expand the width of my music expression.
m.o.v.e takes in various styles of music but
this is our concept from the beginning.
Motsu has several music histories such
as from Hip-hop to House to Rave. I also
has several music histories such as Classic,
New Wave, Gothic, Industrial. We mixed
these histories and tried to make m.o.v.e
accessible for the world.
J!-ENT: The next question is for motsu. You and t-kimura were involved as a
group known as RAVEMAN. The both
of you achieved success with the song
“PUMPIN” which was #1 on the Dance
Charts. Looking back, how would you
describe the years as being part of
RAVEMAN.
motsu: Thank you for this deep question!
(laughing) At that time Juliana Tokyo was
very popular, actually peak of its life. So
we were popular and fans were also very
hot at every Live. Dance music was not
so acceptable for everyone before, but I
could feel that dance music was becoming
closer to everyone.
J!-ENT: The next question is for yuri.
You were discovered from the variety
show ASAYAN. When you found out
you were selected to be the lead singer
of m.o.v.e, what was your reaction and
what was the first thing you did when
you found out?
yuri: My parents were the ones that motivated me to audition. So my parents were
glad and the family celebrated. But I don’t
remember it very well now.
J!-ENT: When you were a teenager, was
PHOTO: motsu inside the TEAM m.o.v.e car. Photo courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
it your dream of becoming a performer
or involved in music or did you dream of
doing some other work?
yuri: Like many young girls I wanted to be
a singer when I was younger. But I if I wasn’t
spending to much effort for my dream, I
wouldn’t be here today as a singer.
t-kimura: Since my parents were musicians, I got into music at the age of three.
When I was a kid, I used to sleep under
the piano that my mother was playing. And
I met my best friend when I was a junior
high school student. The man is Yamaoka
Akira, the producer of “Silent Hill” the
KONAMI video game. At junior high school
we were interested in making music. But I
didn’t think I would work in the music field.
Because my interest toward making something musically changed to graphic design.
In fact after graduating art school, I was
working as a designer. And wonder power
took me back to the music world. Maybe
passion towards music moved something
inside of me.
motsu: I had a dream to be a performer
but I thought that the dream never come
true. In fact it took five years after graduating high school. During the time I was
working at Ramen shop to be a cook.
J!-ENT: Let’s talk about your first CD single “ROCK IT DOWN”, what experience
do you remember of making and recording that song?
motsu: I remember that when I saw Yuri
at the studio, she looked like a “Kogyaru”.
She had dark skin and white hair. But actually that was a good first impression because I felt she was a fashionable woman.
Kimura and I were bad boys, so I thought
we were a bad trio.
t-kimura: When I handed first music to Mr.
Matsuura, the President of Avex, he told
me that you should do more just like your
music, your crazy music. Then I opened my
PC and let him listen to other music that
was sleeping in my PC. The music was
more my old self. And Mr. Matsuura said
“This is what I want!” Then we released it
as “ROCK IT DOWN”.
yuri: Because of our first recording, I was
very nervous about everything that I had
to do. So, I had to sing again and again to
feel OK.
J!-ENT: When you first performed “ROCK
IT DOWN” live in front of an audience, how
was that experience for each of you?
motsu: In those days rap music was not so
popular, but I had confidence about my rap.
So, I was singing to tell everyone that this
kind of music would get more popular from
now on.
J!-ENT: Your second CD single “around the
world” and several other CD singles was
used for the anime series “Initial D”. Did
you get a feeling that the anime would be a
big hit and people all over the world would
know about your music from that anime series?
motsu: I was reading all “Initial D” manga, so
that was sheer pleasure to me. I could imagine this song never fail to get popular.
t-kimura: Japan is a very small island country. Japan has a big music market but most of
the Japanese artists and labels are not trying
to make music for the world market actively.
J!-ENT 23
PHOTO: m.o.v.e performing at “LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS LIVE” at VELFARRE on Christmas day 2006. Photo by T. Hasegawa.
Of course, there is also a language problem. Though most of Japanese can’t speak
English, they love American music. I felt
it was a wonderful phenomenon that our
music, made in a small island like Japan,
went across the ocean and was accepted
by foreign people. The more “Initial D” is
played in foreign countries, the more we
will be invited to perform in concert. And
we could experience many more live performances overseas. I want to say thank
the creator of “Initial D” and the staff.
yuri: I knew that there are many fans of us
in the US but when I went to America and
performed, I couldn’t imagine that people
would be singing our songs in Japanese.
That surprised me.
J!-ENT: You have released a total of 26
CD singles, of all the songs that you have
released, is there a song that will be special to your heart and why?
t-kimura: That is a very hard question
for me. Because I love all our songs. But”
Come Together” was the big turning point
for me. This song was born at 911. Since
this song, I started to think of purpose
24 J!-ENT
of making songs and meaning of making
songs. Now this spirit hasn’t changed. I’m
not using words to express as a member
of m.o.v.e, but I want to do it by ensemble
and sound.
yuri: The song “come together”. We
made this song around 9.11. That was very
shocking to me. I put the pain that I felt
at that time into the song, both on lyrics
and the music. And I sang this song to
create a power for people who lost their
family, boy friend, girlfriend, and their best
friend. Also, I sang this song with my wish
that world would be peaceful and no more
painful incidents.
motsu: My favorite song is “Romancing
Train”. The melody is simple and beautiful.
not just with music but also animated? Jim
Ferguson, Kansas City, Missouri
yuri: I could do a simulated experience. In
the main knitting, I was at a play at a gallery.
Did anyone find me?
motsu: I thought that my face would be
seen like a bad guy, but I was impressed this
was a creation for the anime world. Also, I
thought that I might die. Because I am a really a big fan of “Initial D”. If I die, I can live
in the anime forever.
t-kimura: I’m happy about it, it’s cool. I’ve
never thought to be animated would make
me happy. Do you feel happy if your friend
composite drawing of you? This time the
staff of “Initial D” did it for us. Needless to
say it’s wonderful! Now one of my hobby is
making avatar.
J!-ENT: Before we continue, we selected
three questions from m.o.v.e fans. Here
are there questions.
Hi everyone! I’m a big fan of your music
and I’m a big fan of your remix albums. But
I have a question for your remixes on your
CD singles, you have interesting names for
your songs like for “GHETTO BLASTER Kindergarten Mafia Mix” and for “Time
Machine ~ The Rubber Club Dub Mix”. Just
curious how you come up with the names
For your music video “RAIMEI ~ OUT
OF KONTROL~”, the three of you were
animated in “Initial D” style. What was
it like to be part of the “Initial D” world
PHOTO: m.o.v.e performing live. Photo courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
for those remixes. Joshua Barton, Manhattan, New York
t-kimura: Jacques le cont, Madonna’s producer, made “The Rubber Club Dub Mix”.
His music is always very stylish. When I plan
a remix album, I always listen to a variety of
music with a lot of curiosity.
motsu: Remix titles were decided after all
recordings were finished. So, we were exhausted and crazy and our brains couldn’t
work well. Therefore interesting titles were
born. Sometimes we notice the titles are
too strange that I wanted to change it. But
sometimes the printing had already started, so we couldn’t change it.
Hi t-kimura, motsu and yuri! I have a simple question but I was wondering what is
your favorite food you like to eat in Japan
and when you come to the US, what kind
of experience would you like to have in
America? Stephanie Lee, Irvine, CA
motsu: I eat tofu and natto every day. I
go to a sushi-go-round restaurant and love
to eat tuna. I usually eat 24 pieces of sushi. Eight pieces out of 24 pieces are tuna.
Regarding the live performances, I want to
make hotter live than before and become
as one with our American fans.
yuri: I like sushi and I like all Japanese
food. I sometimes cook. If you come to
Japan, please try to eat many Japanese
foods. In the US, I want have a dynamic
live performance.
t-kimura: I usually like to eat Italian food.
Also, I like Japanese food, especially fish.
Japanese rice is very good. As for the second question, I hope everyone can enjoy
beyond the wall of languages. I want to
feel energy from audience. That will reflect on stage.
J!-ENT: In 2003 and 2005, you performed in the United States. How was
that experience to perform in front of
an American audience?
yuri: Compared to Japanese, American
audience were hotter. Maybe they didn’t
know some songs but I felt they were enjoying it. I wish that I could communicate
with everyone in English. At the song,
“DOG FIGHT”, everyone sung and became big chorus. That moved me.
t-kimura: Before starting the live perfor-
mance, I heard everyone shouting “m.o.v.e!
m.o.v.e! m.o.v.e!” At that time I felt I was
happy to come to the USA all the way from
Japan. That is from bottom of my heart. To
hear them scream for us eliminated any hesitation that I may have felt.
motsu: I was surprised at the Americans loud
voice, the loud cheers. Also I was moved because a lot of fans remember our lyrics. I almost started to cry
J!-ENT: Before coming to the US, were you
aware that many people in America and
outside of Japan listen to Japanese music
and have been fans of your music?
motsu: Our first performance in the USA
was in Texas (AnimeFest 2003). Everyone
there was very hot and cool and we enjoyed
a lot together. I had never imagined it so
many of us, including our own staff were very
surprised.
t-kimura: I didn’t notice the existence of our
American fans. I heard “Initial D” was popular around the world but I couldn’t imagine
our songs would become popular. Now they
can buy our songs from iTunes but in those
J!-ENT 25
PHOTO: m.o.v.e performing live. Photo courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
days they couldn’t buy our songs in the US. I
felt that passion defeats common knowledge.
yuri: I didn’t notice that there were so many
American fans into our music. So before the
live performance, I was worried. And the worry
never disappeared. But everyone enjoyed the
live performance and we became one. That was
very cool and I was surprised.
J!-ENT: What is the difference that you have
seen between the American audience and
the Japanese audience that come to see you
live?
yuri: Japanese audiences come to live performances to listen to music. And American audiences come to enjoy the atmosphere of a live
performance. We want everyone to both listen
and enjoy. And we want to enjoy together without borders.
motsu: Americans have louder cheers and Japanese are half as loud. And at our Q&A panel,
in Japan a few people ask questions but in the
America many people did that.
J!-ENT: Last Christmas, you performed at
“LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS” at VELFARRE.
How did it feel to perform at VELFARRE for
26 J!-ENT
the last time before the club was to close
down?
t-kimura: Velfarre was a very important
existence for a Japanese night club scene.
VELFARRE had a power that made it possible to move new trend music into main
stream of Japan. VELFARRE gave stimulation to horizontally egalitarian music society in Japan. The owner is my friend and
the staff are very clever. I enjoyed being
involved with the club for business and for
persona. I’m very sad about the club closing. But the reason they closed was not a
management matter, it was about the equity of the land. I hope VELFARRE will be
born in another place in the near future.
Needless to say that live performance was
so wonderful. I think this is not the end,
this is just a ceremony to create something
new.
motsu: I was deeply concerned with our
last performance at VELFARRE. But I am
happy to share emotions with a lot of our
fans. When we were done performing, I
kissed the stage like Michel Jackson did.
That is a good memory for me.
yuri: VELFARRE was the first place where
we did a live performance, also the first
place where we filmed our first music
video. But I don’t feel it really is closed.
There was unique atmosphere at the final “LEGEND OF RAVE X’MAS” performance. It was like high school student
who was waiting for their graduation
ceremony. It’s hard to express the atmosphere in words.
J!-ENT: Your sixth album “BOULDER”
was a unique album as tracks on the album had a very rock and hip-hop and
R&B edge to it. Overall it was a refreshing to have something unique and
different from previous albums, was
that your goal with “BOULDER” to try
something different.
yuri: “ROCK” ran through a river called
“m.o.v.e” and it was polished and “BOULDER” was born. That is to say, “BOULDER” is “ROCK” in m.o.v.e’s way. The
three of us have different backgrounds
in music and we put different sensitivity into rock n’ roll and “BOULDER” was
born. But that’s not our goal. My goal is
to keep making music and share them
PHOTO: m.o.v.e performing live. Photo courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
with many people and make the relationship invaluable.
t-kimura: To m.o.v.e, “goal” means death.
We are creating music like a trip that keeps
evolving and never ends. Our previous album to “BOULDER” was “DEEP CALM”.
The theme of it was death and achalasia.
We removed stifling elements from “DEEP
CALM” and that is “BOULDER”. I put sound
which has image of a robot into BOULDER.
Of course Japan has very high robot technology. Therefore it’s not for military, it’s
for health care. We have no goal. To cover
our own music is not my style. There may
be people who think Pepsi or Coke is nice
because the taste never change for a long
time. But my way of living is to fight against
the bitterness of evolution.
motsu: Actually I had conscious feeling to
do something different like “let’s have a
blast”. One more thing, a lot of rap parts
in the music for this album, so I was very
busy with rap.
J!-ENT: A question for t-kimura. In your
album “GRID”, you collaborated with
musician Yamaoka Akira who has a remix
of “FREAKY PLANET” and you remixed a
song on his album “iFUTURELIST”. How
did that collaboration come about?
t-kimura: He is my best friend. He is a very
cool creator. Worldwide, big hit video game
“SILENT HILL” and its movie shows Akira
is one of top creators in Japan. He’s such a
cool guy. Akira was trying to release a solo
album in Japan and his release date was very
close to the release date of “GRID”. So, we
tried to enjoy a collaboration together. I will
continue to make great collaborations with
him in the future too.
J!-ENT: Let’s get to know more about you
individually. Here are three questions for
each of you individually. The first question
is for t-kimura. What was the first instrument that you got hooked on as a musician and what was your first instrument?
t-kimura: I had some synthesizers before I
became professional. The model are JUNO106-C, JUNO JUPITER-8, TR-909 and TB303. After I got my No. 1 song on the Oricon
chart in Japan, I bought more than 60 synthesizers and 30 drum machines. It was like
not the studio of a musician but like a mu-
seum. About seven years ago, I used the
auction site eBay in America to get more
precious machines. As for my first music
instrument, it was a YAMAHA grand piano
at home at the age of three. I learned a lot
through the grand piano.
J!-ENT: Motsu, as a rapper, who were
your hip-hop influences growing up?
motsu: RUN DMC, Beastie Boys, KURTIS
BLOW, TINNIE PUNKS and CHIKADA HARUO.
J!-ENT: You’re a very stylish person and
wondered if you enjoy shopping and
what city do you love shopping at?
yuri: I often go shopping in Shibuya and
Ginza. And there is my favorite shop near
Tokyo Tower. I usually wear clothes that I
bought there. Also, I buy a lot when I go to
the USA not only clothes but also candle
and bath goods. I like to buy post card and
household groceries too.
J!-ENT: If we were to look in your MP3
or CD player right now, which artist or
kind of music would we see you listening
J!-ENT 26
PHOTO: TTeam m.o.v.e at D1 Grand Prix car. Photo courtesy of Avex Entertainment Inc.
to right now?
t-kimura: I am impressed by creativity
with renaissance thoughts. So, I love all
categories of music. Let’s say for popular
singers, I enjoy Madonna, Mike Shinoda
of LINKIN PARK, DEPECHE MODE, DAFT
PUNK, MOBY, MASSIVE ATTACK. Let’s
say for underground singers, I enjoy M83
and PENDULUM etc. I love Hanz Zimmer’s
film scores too.
yuri: I listen to many types of music. Recently I started listening to rock n’ roll. By
the way I listen to music mostly in the car.
J!-ENT: As m.o.v.e has been a group
which has music that constantly changes,
one thing that I have noticed with each
music video release, t-kimura especially
motsu’s hairstyle (and hair color) changes. Is that done in purpose with a correlation with your music or is that what you
tend to do quite often?
motsu: As I get tired of things easily, I often
change my hairstyle. But when I changed
my hairstyle recently to an afro, everyone
blamed it on the music I was listening to.
yuri: I change my hair style because of a
feeling and mood not for the purpose with
our music.
t-kimura: That is a result of a desire for a
makeover. (laughing) The desire is going to
met soon again because of the work with
avatar.
28 J!-ENT
J!-ENT: If you each had one word to describe “m.o.v.e”, what word would that
be and why?
yuri: Traffic light. Because we throw off
different lights to each other and we have
different roles.
t-kimura: Crazy. I don’t know why but I
feel so.
motsu: Acceleration. I don’t know why
but I can’t think of any other words.
is enough for me. (lauging)
yuri: I haven’t ridden in a race car yet. But I
rode in a race car, next to Takumi (of “Initial
D”) in our anime music video. And I am a
safe driver so I have no experience of drifting.
motsu: I have ridden on a race car that is
parked. I will never do drifting because I am
very safe driver for example, I like to turn
the turning signals even when I’m parking.
J!-ENT: Your music has been identified
with the auto and racing scene, how do
you feel about that?
motsu: Sometimes I am invited to the race
circuit and at that time I realized our songs
fit the place.
t-kimura: Our music has been identified
with the auto and racing scene in Japan,
but I think in Miami, hip-hop is relatively
strong. My wish is to enjoy the collaboration with those artists.
yuri: Originally I didn’t think about the
racing scene but the feelings of stateliness and career that our music has fit the
race world. Sometimes I see a car driving
very fast with our music loudly and think
“please drive safely”.
J!-ENT: You performed at Osaka Auto
Messe and Tokyo Auto Salon, how was
that experience to take part in these huge
auto shows.
yuri: It was a totally different atmosphere
from a live-house event. Because some
people came to an auto-show to see the
cars and others came to enjoy our live performance. I am very glad that people who
come to an auto-show to see cars do join us
and I am very glad to see that they enjoy our
performance.
t-kimura: Live space became bigger this
year. We have requests from almost all the
auto events. I can’t join everything but TOKYO AUTO-SALON is the biggest event in
Japan. We are making our brand with a conceptual plot. Now we can’t expect results
from temporary work between a company
and music. We have to have long-term vision
and plan deeply.
motsu: The importance of music is becoming bigger and bigger at this kind of event.
J!-ENT: Avex sponsors Team m.o.v.e but
curious if you ever had the opportunity to ride in a race car or experienced
“drifting”?
t-kimura: Splash mountain at Disneyland
PHOTO: m.o.v.e performing live. Photo courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
Four years ago the stage for where we performed was very small but now the stage
is very big and has an important role in the
motor show.
J!-ENT: In every interview we have done
for J!-ENT, we have a wordplay where
we ask you five words and you give us
your definition for that word. Here are
the five words:
a. LOVE:
motsu: Life itself.
t-kimura: Consideration. Not to run for
one’s benefit.
yuri: My favorite word. Giving thought to
others. Accepting each other. Growing up
together.
b. SUCCESS
yuri: It can be achieved when thoughts of
people around me and ones of me become
one.
motsu: Harvest.
t-kimura: Sacrifice. Success is built on sacrifice. I think successful people have to do
some kind of sacrifice and they can become
truly successful.
c. HAPPINESS
t-kimura: Family.
yuri: Spending time slowly under the gentle sunshine.
motsu: Sun.
d. OBSTACLE
motsu: Stimulation.
t-kimura: Old popular belief.
yuri: It appears when everything is going
well.
e. INITIAL D
yuri: It made my world bigger.
motsu: Takumi
t-kimura: Revolution. Mixture of animation
and computer graphics was a revolutionary
approach.
J!-ENT: As a group, you have made it to
your tenth year. What is the secret for the
three of you staying together for so many
years?
t-kimura: Relaxing is the best way.
yuri: We respect each other. And we never
forget the impression and emotions of our
live performances.
motsu: I’m a bit embarrassed to tell you this,
but its a gentle attitude toward music and
taking it easy.
J!-ENT: Looking back at your ten years as
a group, what memory do you treasure the
most
motsu: When we were making our first album in Los Angeles, we stayed there for two
weeks. At that time we banded together.
yuri: I can’t choose one thing. Everything
such as meeting with t-kimura, motsu, the
fans, the staff, happiness and sadness is very
important to me. And those things are what
makes up m.o.v.e.
t-kimura: The process
m.o.v.e.
of
launching
J!-ENT: What are the final words you
would like to leave with your fans?
t-kimura: We are musicians in a small island
country. I’m happy you can accept the soul
of our sound beyond different languages.
We are the same. Humans living on the
Earth.
motsu: Thank you very much for being interested in our music from a far country. I
will keep giving you more surprises than
the one that you expect.
yuri: Thanks to our fans, we will have our
tenth year anniversary this year. There are
people who wait for our music. That fact
gave us a lot of power and why we are
here. We keep moving and want to live up
to the fans expectation.
DENNIS A. AMITH is the founder/owner
of J!-ENT and is an entertainment-writer-atlarge.
HIROSHI TAGAWA is J!-ENT Chief of
Operations, Japan
For more information on m.o.v.e, visit their
official website at: www.electropica.net
WHAT IS DRIFTING?
Drifting is a high-skill level motor-sport in which drivers control a car while it
slides from side to side at high speed through a fixed course.
It is similar to Rally racing on ice barn, but is done on a tarmac and judged on
speed, angle of attack, execution and style rather than just who finishes the fastest.
Drift cars are typically compact to midsized, rear-wheel-drive sport cars. The
goal is to apply enough power to the rear wheels to break the tires’ traction and
initiate a slide while accelerating the vehicle forward, or “drift” Once a drift is
initiated, it must be maintained through the turn using nearly a full power, a tap of
braking and precise counter steering.
WHAT IS D1 GRAND PRIX?
Determination of who has the coolest driving style.
D1 Grand Prix is a sport, which is judged, based on who has the coolest and
radical drifting performance style.
Drifting is a way of driving that force the rear tires slide while controlling the
pass of forward motion. The steering wheel is turning to the same side of the
sliding direction, and drivers are to control the vehicle in extreme speed, often
exceeding 120mph, and driving conditions.
Drifting is an extremely difficult driving style that requires a high level of skill
and technique to control the car in the realm of the uncontrollable.
It’s very amusing to watch each driver’s performance as well. In addition,
unlike Rally and other motor sports, the determination of winner/loser is largely
based on driver’s skill instead of the machine advantages.
D1 Grand Prix is all about the rivalry of each driver’s drifting skill.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN D1?
Obtaining the D1 license. - “Must be a D1 license holder in order to
participate in D1GP. “
Maintain good results at D1 Drivers search events that are certified by D1
Grand Prix Officials. Or if a driver has fairly good reputation in other motorsports,
then the judges may grant a right to participate in D1 Grand Prix.
Qualifying round - 50 to 70 drivers down to 30 to 40 drivers
Only the D1 license holders are allowed to participate. D1 Grand Prix always
starts from the Qualifying round. Participation is limited to drivers who already
obtain a D1 license. However, the top 10 drivers in series ranking at that time
(series ranking of the past year for the first round) are exempt from the qualifying
round. The highest record of participating drivers in 2004 series was 97 drivers at
the qualifying round.
The drivers are judged by solo run’s performance at qualifying round. They
are given 2 or 3 judging runs. The highest point out of those 2 or 3 runs will be
used for the final judgment. The points are given based on following elements:
[Angle] , [Speed], [Lines] (closer to a given clipping points is better)
[Engine’s throttle angles] (wide open throttle is better)
[Whether the vehicle accelerates on the straightway]
According to the point earned, the top 20 drivers plus the 10 ceded drivers
proceed to the actual First round.
The qualifying round usually takes place a day before the main D1 event.
Tsuiso Tournament - 16 drivers down to 1st place driver. “The most intense
battle starts from this point.”
This Tsuiso battles will present many perfect drift performances of top drivers
going side by side, to grab the taste of victory.
The judging runs begin after competing 2 vehicles go for a practice run for
warm-up. The line is no longer drivers concern; it’s the battle against survival. It
would be a loss if a chasing driver is left behind. The chasing driver will win once
he closes in on the leading driver and takes the inner line. Nevertheless, there
is no guarantee of proceeding to the Best-16 round due to machine advantage
since the judgment is also based on the drifting angle and considering the each
machine’s potentials.
Large amount of points will be deducted when the vehicle spins out and/or
in case of under steer during performance. There are cases where the leading
driver intentionally slows down dramatically in order to force the chasing driver to
swerve straight while drifting.
30 J!-ENT
THE 411 ON DRIFTING
Source courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.
HISTORY OF DRIFTING
The Japanese towns of Rokkosan, Hakone,
Irohazaka, and various hill climbs in Nagano are
all steeped in legends of the origins of drifting.
No one can really pinpoint drifting’s actual
birthplace but the movement started in the mid
1960s.
Like many forms of professional racing today,
the modern interpretation of drifting evolved
from a form of illegal street racing held on windy
mountain roads called touge (pronounced toegeh).
Touge was practiced by extremely dedicated
enthusiasts known as rolling zoku (pronounced
zoe-koo) whose only goal was to trim precious
milliseconds off their time between two points.
Eventually, some of these rolling zoku began to
adopt driving techniques used by rally drivers,
techniques to clear a corner quickly without sacrificing too much momentum.
As touge drivers started to emulate the rally
racers techniques, they discovered that not only
did their driving performance and times improve,
the rush was much more intense.
From touge, drifting was born.
THE DRIFTING MOVEMENT EVOLVES
About the same time touge evolved into
drifting, some of the rolling zoku came off the
mountains to bring their new sport to the urban
jungles of Japan.
The urban drifters added their own flavor to
the sport with their flamboyant driving style and
outrageous vehicles.
Eventually, word of the spectacle spread
and fans began showing up to witness drifting’s
amazing drivers and machines.
But as popular as drifting had become, it was
relegated to underground status by the risks and
image associated with illegal street contests.
Eventually, the popularity of drifting propelled
the sport into the mainstream and competitors
started to organize and take their home-grown
trials to the track.
The gatherings were originally just for fun
until the cars and driving skills became so refined
that things started to get competitive.
From the initial organized trials, regional drift
contest open to the public and professionally
judged, known as ikaten (pronounced ee-kah-ten)
created by Video-OPTION, were began all major
cities of Japan.
The Drivers Search events let local drivers of
all backgrounds show off their skills and compete
with each other.
For awhile, Drivers Search events satisfied the
thirst of drifting fans and drivers but as skills and
techniques improved, and manufacturers started
producing drifting-specific components, it was
clearly time to raise the bar.
COMING SOON TO J!-ENT
GLAY