Koshi Inaba News

After a 4 year hiatus, Koshi has today announced that his new solo album 「Singing Bird」will be released on May 21st, 2014. The album is not, as we feared, going to be a digital-only release, coming in a regular CD and a limited CD+DVD edition. It includes the previously released digital singles「Nensho」and「Nakinagara」as well as the tie-up song 「oh my love」, which is featured in Olympus’ latest line of commercials. The overall album consists of 12 tracks which portrait a very distinct world that Koshi has created for his listeners.

The limited edition comes with a DVD which contains the music videos to 「Nensho」, 「Nakinagara」, 「oh my love」 and 「Stay Free」.

[UPDATE 4/21]: Cover & track order revealed!

NEW ALBUM「Singing Bird」

01. Jimmy no Asa
02. oh my love (featured in Olympus’ commercials)
03. Cross Creek
04. Golden Road
05. Nakinagara
06. Stay Free
07. Bicycle Girl
08. Kodoku no Susume
09. Tomo Yo
10. photograph
11. Route 53
12. Nensho

Release: 2014/05/21
Price(CD): 3,024 Yen (tax included)
Price(CD+DVD): 3,780 Yen (tax included)

Koshi Inaba News

Hot on the heels of last month’s digital debut from Koshi Inaba comes the soulful ballad “Nakinagara” (泣きながら)! The follow-up to “Nensho” is likewise a digital exclusive single available on all major Japanese digital platforms for 250 yen. A full music video was also uploaded to the B’z YouTube channel here.

Along with the release, the support members for Koshi Inaba LIVE 2014 ~en-ball~, coming up in June of this year, have been announced. Keyboardist Kousuke Ooshima, who previously toured with B’z during LIVE-GYM ’98 “SURVIVE” as Takanobu Masuda’s short-term replacement for 1998, will be joining Koshi for the year’s solo dates. Corey McCormick will again be providing bass as he did in 2010’s ~enII~ tour, while drums will be provided by SATOKO from the Japanese rock band “FUZZY CONTROL“. Guitar will be handled jointly by Duran (Made in Asia, undervar) and JUON (FUZZY CONTROL).

Further information on Koshi’s remaining solo releases for the year are forthcoming, along with a full translation and transcription of the new song’s lyrics as well as a subtitled edition of the music video. Stay tuned!

Koshi Inaba News

More solo news! Koshi Inaba’s new song 「oh my love」 will be featured in the new line of Olympus commercials. The commercial starring Japanese soccer player Keisuke Honda will advertise Olympus’ new mirrorless camera OM-D E-M10. The commercial is set to be on air Japan-wide from March 7th. More details on “oh my love” as well as the forthcoming new album will be revealed at a later date.

Update: The commercial is now live on YouTube! Check it out below.

Koshi Inaba News

Now that B’z have wrapped up their massive 25th anniversary year and recently released its epic home video to tap things off, the team are taking a break for a few months to concentrate on solo efforts before they reconvene for B’z activities.

Today, Koshi has launched a brand new solo website and with it comes some exciting news. Unexpectedly, Koshi is not only launching his own website today but is also releasing a BRAND NEW DIGITAL SINGLE, available right now on a variety of Japanese music outlets! The song is entitled “Nensho” (We will post information on purchasing it for yourself shortly, should you wish to obtain it for your collection.)

Along with the new single comes news of Koshi’s plans for 2014. While more releases are expected, it has also been officially announced that Koshi Inaba LIVE 2014 ~en-ball~ will take place over ten dates beginning June 5 and ending June 20. Interestingly, every show will take place at just one venue, the Shinagawa Stellar Ball in Tokyo. Further live dates may be forthcoming; we’ll keep you posted as to any further announcements.

Additionally, those that wish to sample Koshi’s past solo work are now in luck, as all of his music videos are now available in full on the official B’z YouTube channel. Check out the full playlist right here!

The official website promises monthly updates as Koshi prepares his solo material for the year. Listen to the new song below and check out the official website where you can also hear the song at: http://www.en-zine.jp/

Koshi Inaba News

Remember Rima Fujita? I introduced her a few posts ago. She drew an artistic portrait of Tak Matsumoto which was a present for Tak Matsumoto because he won the Grammy. Well, she has recently updated her blog about an art exhibition. And apparently Koshi Inaba happened to be in LA and attended her art exhibition. He also bought one of her pieces!

She writes on her blog:

[…] my long-time friend, Koshi Inaba who is one of the top rock stars in Japan happened to be in LA, and went to my exhibition… and purchased a piece of the snow leopard babies. Not only he is one of the biggest collectors of my work he’s been a strong supporter of my work and a dear friend.[…]

Check out her blog post here: http://rimafujita.blogspot.com/2011/05/koshi-came-to-my-exhibition-in-bevelry.html

Koshi Inaba News

The heart-warming en II tour is out on DVD now.
When I watch this, I am reminded of the great days with my wonderful friends…
Please enjoy it while drinking tea.
Inaba Koshi