Songs of Tokyo

This episode features idol group Sakurazaka46. The group made a big splash in NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen last year, appearing on the stage just 3 weeks after releasing their first single since being renamed. The group made their debut in 2016 as Keyakizaka46 and set themselves apart from the conventional "cutesy" idol groups with their assertive dance style, strong personalities and rebellious lyrics. 8 consecutive chart-topping hits made them into a cultural phenomenon. Then in 2020, the group decided to close that chapter of their lives and restart with a new name - Sakurazaka46. Since then, they have continued to evolve and broaden their forms of expression. The group is garnering international attention, and fans from around the world join the show to share their stories about how seeing Sakurazaka46 overcome obstacles and mature has empowered them. Hosts Murakami Shingo and Horan Chiaki delve into the personalities of the "Sakura 8" (Koike Minami, Kobayashi Yui, Sugai Yuka, Watanabe Risa, Tamura Hono, Fujiyoshi Karin, Morita Hikaru, Yamasaki Ten). The group also performs 3 of their latest singles, each with a different member taking the center position - this is unconventional for an idol group. Viewers will be able to enjoy uniquely different performances from each of the centers, Morita Hikaru, Fujiyoshi Karin and Yamasaki Ten. Tune in to see for yourself how Sakurazaka46 has evolved 5 years since their formation.

This episode features 2 artists to watch out for in 2021: MORISAKI WIN and WagakkiBand. They'll be performing their new hit songs for an international audience for the first time. MORISAKI WIN was born in Myanmar and jumped into the spotlight when he was cast for a major role in a Steven Spielberg movie. He won the Newcomer of the Year award in the 2020 Japan Academy Film Prize for his role in "Honeybees and Distant Thunder." He also played a leading role in "The Real Thing," which was screened in the Cannes Film Festival. After rising to stardom as an actor, he made his major debut as a singer last year and soared to the top of streaming charts. His first album is slated to come out soon. WagakkiBand made a splash this April with the theme song for a prime-time Japanese TV drama, which they released under the pseudonym "WGB." Their theme song for an upcoming animation turned out to be the fastest single to reach a million views. The band's distinct sound comes from their use of traditional Japanese instruments. Now, 8 years after their debut, their style has become more refined and is continuing to evolve. The program welcomes fans from around the world who passionately talk about the appeal of the 2 musicians from their own unique perspectives. Hosts Murakami Shingo and Horan Chiaki delve into their personalities in the talk session. MORISAKI WIN also shares his thoughts about the current turmoil in Myanmar and sings a piece dedicated to his country and WagakkiBand will be performing their drama and anime theme songs, all for the first time on TV. Don't miss it!

This episode features Aoi Shouta and Uesaka Sumire, 2 artists from the uniquely Japanese genre of voice actor-artists. The pair have been in the international spotlight in 2021 and it will be their first time performing on a music program together! Voice actor Aoi Shouta made his debut as a voice actor in 2011 and has since appeared in over 200 animations. Earning acclaim for versatile performances, he has even voiced female characters

This episode focuses on 2 of the best songs that emerged in the first half of 2021: "Wasurena" by Awesome City Club and "Mayonaka no Door - stay with me" by Matsubara Miki. The program explores the reasons why these 2 songs are making waves in Japan and around the world. Awesome City Club got their big break with "Wasurena." The song was released in February and it was streamed over 100 million times in just 3 months, making Awesome City Club the band to watch out for this year. The song was originally inspired by the movie "I Fell in Love Like a Flower Bouquet" starring Suda Masaki and Arimura Kasumi, and rose to fame for its heartrending lyrics. "Mayonaka no Door - stay with me" was originally released in 1979 by the late Matsubara Miki when she was 19. The song has been a city pop classic for over 40 years and now it is making a comeback. City pop is a genre that developed in Japan from the late 1970s to the 1980s. It features urban sounds with Western beats and melodies with a Japanese touch. Hip-hop and R&B took over the mainstream over the years and fans only rediscovered city pop on the internet in recent times. "Mayonaka no Door - stay with me" got newfound fame on the international stage and is now being reintroduced to Japan. Ms.OOJA's cover of the song is featured on the program. Hosts Murakami Shingo and Horan Chiaki talk with the members of Awesome City Club and an international YouTuber who released a cover of "Mayonaka no Door - stay with me" to find out what these 2 tracks have in common. Fans from overseas share how the songs evoke nostalgia, even though they don't understand the lyrics and how they can feel Tokyo's bubble era energy. Don't miss the chance to get a taste of Tokyo through these 2 hits!

This episode features 2 artists known for creating tracks that are going viral around the world. Their difference in age, aesthetic and musical style highlight how diverse J-POP is today.

This episode features L'Arc-en-Ciel, a legendary rock band celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. They perform their latest songs and look back at the last 3 decades.

This episode features music from the popular animation Violet Evergarden, welcoming singers TRUE and Chihara Minori. Expect heartwarming and inspiring performances.