J-Melody..
Minna-san, konnichiwa. Hey, it was Children's Day a few days ago ^^
For those who like Japanese music or would like to start but don't know any Japanese language or where to start, I would like to recommend a show called J-Melo. It's hosted by the lovely melody. Every week she introduces some Japanese songs new and old and also touches a bit on Japanese culture. It's entirely in English (except for the songs, of course :P)! Actually the show has been around since 2005 but I've only started watching it fairly recently. It's shown on NHK World, or if you're not lucky enough to get that you can get your weekly dosage at jpopsuki or d-addicts, I suppose. Here's an episode from last month for sampling purposes.
Part1
Part2
Part3
I love the show but my only gripe (or two) is the PVs aren't full screen (they're shown around an annoyingly HUGE black border.. why?!) and she speaks almost too slowly sometimes that it reminds me of a "Lets Learn Japanese!" program instead. But then, her soothing voice can be hypnotic, so please be careful xP
In case you're wondering, melody. speaks perfect English because she was born and raised in Hawaii. She was blessed with a truly unique voice. If I ever had to describe it, I would say.. umm.. it's crystal clear and has a certain unmistakable pureness to it. She has released a number of fabulous songs but for me when I think of melody., I would think of Dreamin' Away (for being the first time I ever heard of her), Miss You (a wonderfully catchy collaboration with m-flo and Ryuhei), and also this..
(She sang the opening song of Dragonzakura called "Realize" and watching it always just makes me feel happy :))
Her latest album, Lei Aloha, is mellower than what she has been doing recently but it is quite pleasant. Have a listen..
For those who like Japanese music or would like to start but don't know any Japanese language or where to start, I would like to recommend a show called J-Melo. It's hosted by the lovely melody. Every week she introduces some Japanese songs new and old and also touches a bit on Japanese culture. It's entirely in English (except for the songs, of course :P)! Actually the show has been around since 2005 but I've only started watching it fairly recently. It's shown on NHK World, or if you're not lucky enough to get that you can get your weekly dosage at jpopsuki or d-addicts, I suppose. Here's an episode from last month for sampling purposes.
Part1
Part2
Part3
I love the show but my only gripe (or two) is the PVs aren't full screen (they're shown around an annoyingly HUGE black border.. why?!) and she speaks almost too slowly sometimes that it reminds me of a "Lets Learn Japanese!" program instead. But then, her soothing voice can be hypnotic, so please be careful xP
In case you're wondering, melody. speaks perfect English because she was born and raised in Hawaii. She was blessed with a truly unique voice. If I ever had to describe it, I would say.. umm.. it's crystal clear and has a certain unmistakable pureness to it. She has released a number of fabulous songs but for me when I think of melody., I would think of Dreamin' Away (for being the first time I ever heard of her), Miss You (a wonderfully catchy collaboration with m-flo and Ryuhei), and also this..
Click to view(She sang the opening song of Dragonzakura called "Realize" and watching it always just makes me feel happy :))
Her latest album, Lei Aloha, is mellower than what she has been doing recently but it is quite pleasant. Have a listen..