She’s Back!

I’m very happy to announce that J-Pop singer and utasha Chitose Hajime will be releasing a new single called “Katari Tsugu Koto” on November 23, 2005. The new single will also include “Tsuki o Nusumu” from a gamesoft called “GENJI” and a cover of the Beatles’ “Happiness is a Warm Gun”. In keeping with a popular format for special CD releases, there will be a package that is coupled with a DVD (ESCL-2748/9) which will sell for ¥1800, and one with just the CD single (ESCL-2750) for ¥1223. Before the release of the single, Chitose will be participating in a concert in Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, on October 22nd. Welcome back, Chitose! [Via bounce.com]

Uta-Hime Mama

Congratulations to Chitose and the new addition to her family, a healthy baby girl! Chitose gave birth to the 2821 gm baby girl on the 20th of January at 4:59am (Japan time). On her online diary, she mentions that there’s now another special birthday that follows her own (Chitose turned 26 on January 5th). Way to go Chitose!

Kono Machi and Ichigo Chips

Yes, it’s been quiet here as we wait patiently for Chitose’s return and of course, our prayers go out to her for a complete recovery. Chitose’s birthday is coming up soon (January 5) and what better early present than having her song “Kono Machi” in the film “Ichigo no Kakera (Ichigo Chips)”. “Ichigo” is based on a manga (see image above) by Tsutomu Takahashi who also penned the popular manga Sky High (which was turned into a film starring gravure idol Yumiko Shaku).

“Kono Machi” also happened to be used for the NHK drama serial “Manten” (much of the series was shot on location in Kagoshima Prefecture) and is one of my favorite songs of hers. “Ichigo Chips”, directed by Shun Nakahara (who also happens to be from Kagoshima Prefecture), will make its theatrical run in Japanese theaters come February 2005.

Now Playing: Fuyu no Hainumikaze

Yay! I received my copy of Chitose’s latest live double CD album, “Fuyu no Hainumikaze”, in the mail a couple of days ago. I’m listening to it now (the 1st disc) and it’s awesome! The arrangements seem to be close to the originals (I’ll have to give it another listen to make sure) and the mixture of songs from her indies days to her major label ones add a nice tempo to the album. I have the initial pressing of the album which came with a special (a CD insert and not a separate) booklet which adds a couple more centimeters to the jewel case. Also included is an interview with Chitose as well as special photos taken at the concert and elsewhere. I haven’t ordered the DVD yet since there wasn’t an initial pressing made for it, but I’ll order it soon enough. ;)

Live Concert CD & DVD

Sony will be releasing Chitose’s first live DVD as well as a CD recording on August 4th. Both live recordings are from her “Fuyu Hainumikaze” tour with the DVD being of her homecoming concert in Amami. The songs will range from her indies recordings (like “Kotonoha”) up to her hit singles with Sony. The DVD is priced at ¥3,990 and the CD at ¥3675. The CD of 23 tracks will be released in a limited edition with a 40 page booklet. The DVD will also be released in a limited edition, but the only feature is a “super gel case” (woohoo).

I’ve seen a TV special on Chitose that featured live clips and she didn’t disappoint. I’m really looking forward to the DVD more than the CD but I’ll probably end up buying both. :) The CD and DVD are available for pre-order at these recommended online stores: CD Japan, Tower Japan, and Yes Asia..

Site Tweaking

I’ll be tinkering with the site this week so please bear with any weirdness you may encounter while here. Thanks!

Chitose song to be on Shinibana OST

It’s been pretty quiet here at the CH Fanblog and I apologize for the lack of updates to the site. No new material from Chitose to report yet, but a remix of her song, Seirei (from her 2001 Augusta Records album “Kotonoha”), will be featured on the soundtrack for the Japanese film “Shinibana”. The remixed song is called “Seirei∼nomado version∼” and will be released in Japan (so far as only part of the “Shinibana” soundtrack) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 for ¥1,748.