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Special Visuals Revealed to Celebrate the Release of Hikaru Utada's 'Gold -Mata Au Hi Made- (Taku's Twice Upon a Time Remix)'

Don't miss the special DJ event to be streamed live on Instagram, commemorating the launch of a remix of the artist's latest single

TOKYO, JAPAN – 25 August 2023 – Since its debut, Hikaru Utada's single “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” has mesmerized global audiences, securing the lead on charts for both Japanese and international digital music services, and with media appearances in Japan. Today, the artist released a remix of the track, produced by DJ and producer ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo), who formerly collaborated with Utada for “DISTANCE (m-flo Remix).” The new remix, “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made- (Taku's Twice Upon a Time Remix),” features highly-danceable tunes which is a fresh take on the original version.

In alignment with the release, a distinctive visualizer for “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made- (Taku's Twice Upon a Time Remix)” has been unveiled on YouTube. The visualizer incorporates sunglasses, a signature emblem of ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo), as a thematic element that mirrors the “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” music video, offering fans an additional opportunity to indulge in the song.

Watch the visualizer here: https://youtu.be/qmcRaZbcKik

Moreover, today, 25 August, a Hikaru Utada Only mix DJ live performed by DJs ☆Taku Takahashi, DJ YANATAKE, and MARMELO will be held to mark the remix release, from 10pm Japan time. This DJ event has been held as a series since last year, and this time is a must-watch! The live streaming will be broadcasted on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hikki_staff).

Release Information

“Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” (Theme song for Japanese film “KINGDOM: The Flame of Destiny”)
https://erj.lnk.to/UtadaGold

“Gold -Mata Au Hi Made- (Taku's Twice Upon a Time Remix)”
https://erj.lnk.to/zUr9CD


About ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo, block.fm)

DJ, Music Producer, Founder of block.fm

Taku Takahashi launched his career in 1998 as the DJ/Producer of the J-pop music group “m-flo”. The group quickly rose to prominence, and over the last decade have sold over 2 million copies of their 30 singles and 10 albums. Taku Takahashi is also well known for his solo work as a producer/ songwriter, remixing music for prominent artists such as Calvin Harris, The Ting Tings, Passion Pit,Morgan Page, and Hikaru Utada, spanning various genres from all over the globe. Winning the “Beatport Music Awards 2011 Top Tracks” with his “Incoming... TAKU Remix”, he has proven himself as an elite player in the Japanese dance music scene. Taku Takahashi also served as supervisor to the soundtracks for the hit Japanese anime “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” as well as making waves in the music industry for his work with the drama/movie ‘'Nobunaga Concerto'’. In 2011, Taku Takahashi embarked on his most ambitious venture yet, establishing Japan's first and only Dance Music Radio Station “block.fm”. Currently boasting upwards of 40 programs including exclusive mixes from world-famous international DJs, block.fm is gaining strong attention as it's fan base rapidly continues to grow. Praised for his prominent role in the Japanese dance music industry, Taku Takahashi was voted the number 1 DJ for three years straight, by Japan's most well- known dance music publication “iLOUD” for their annual “DJ 50/50” top DJ list.

http://twitter.com/takudj
https://instagram.com/takudj
http://block.fm
https://m-flo.com


About MARMELO

Starting her career in 2016 mainly specialized in Nu Disco and Indie Dance, MARMELO has been actively performing at various renowned music festivals and club events – in 2022, she performed at Ringo Music Festival, Greenroom Festival, and MIND TRAVEL, expanding her influence beyond Tokyo. With a deep insight in US hip hop and city pop, MARMELO's style revolves around groove, complemented by her extensive music repertoire. Notably, MARMELO also serves as a support DJ for ASOBOiSM.

https://iflyer.tv/artist/53467/about
https://twitter.com/marmelolo
https://www.instagram.com/mar_me_lo


About DJ YANATAKE

DJ YANATAKE, a multi-talented figure based in Japan, wears several hats including that of a DJ, director, and music writer. His significant contributions as Chief Buyer at the record store “CISCO” sparked the vinyl record boom in Shibuya Udagawacho, and has played such a crucial role in Japan's hip-hop scene. Notably, YANATAKE directs the popular hip-hop show “INSIDE OUT” on the internet radio station block.fm, while also serving as the head of programming for the hip-hop radio station WREP. At the forefront of Japan's MC battle boom, YANATAKE took center stage as the main DJ for the iconic “Sengoku MCBATTLE” and “Gaisen MCBATTLE” events, leading to his performance at the Nippon Budokan and Saitama Super Arena. YANATAKE is a support DJ for LANA, an emerging artist who has been garnering attention from across Japan.

https://twitter.com/yanatake
https://www.instagram.com/yanatake


About Hikaru Utada

Japanese singer-songwriter and producer Hikaru Utada stands as one of the most influential artists in the J-pop and global music scene. Since debuting on 9 December 1998, Utada achieved many remarkable milestones in their career. Their first single “Automatic/time will tell” sold over two million copies, propelling them to become one of Japan's top artists at the age of 15. Just months later, their debut full-length First Love shattered domestic CD sales figures, holding the record for best-selling album ever in the country today. Their 2001 album, Distance, further established their status as the 21st century's first Japanese superstar, breaking numerous records in the process.

Utada's creations boast a unique blend of pop, R&B, rock, and electronic music elements topped with a sense of innovation and timelessness. Beyond their mesmerising sound, Utada's songwriting is a hallmark of their career, crafting deeply introspective and emotionally charged lyrics that resonate with their audience on a profound level. Utada's ethereal vocals effortlessly convey vulnerability, strength, and rawness. Actively involved in music production, they maintain creative control over their artistic vision, including directing the whole recording process.

Throughout their career, Utada has received a plethora of awards and accolades, including multiple Japan Gold Disc Awards, Japan Record Awards, and recognition as the Best Asian Artist at the MTV Asia Awards.

Recently, Utada's artistry reached new heights with the release of eighth album BAD MODE, which garnered high praise both domestically and internationally. Multiple music outlets included it on their “best of 2022” lists, including prominent American outlet Pitchfork. In 2022, Utada made their festival debut at the globally recognized Coachella Festival in California, joining celebrated label 88rising as part of their exhilarating showcase. Additionally, Netflix debuted the series First Love, inspired by Utada's eponymous single, in late 2022. It achieved tremendous success in Japan and across Asia, even prompting their older songs to chart on streaming rankings.

With their exceptional talent, innovative sound, introspective lyrics, and emotional vocal registry, Utada continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of contemporary music, inspiring generations of global audiences. Their artistry remains a shining example of the power of art to push boundaries, break fresh ground and reach new milestones.


About “KINGDOM: The Flame of Destiny”

Plot:

War orphan Shin embarks on a journey with the young king, Eisei, to unify China. Suddenly, a large enemy force led by Zhao starts to invade Qin. To solve this national crisis, Eisei assigns the great general Ohki to lead the battle as commander-in-chief. Shin is given the name Hishintai for his squad and a reckless special mission from Ohki. While Ohki's return to the battlefield leaves a mystery, the story reveals Eisei's formerly unknown past. Shin's destiny begins to move toward the dream he shared with his lost friend - to become a great general.


Release date: 28 July, 2023

Director: Shinsuke Sato
Writers: Tsutomu Kuroiwa & Yasuhisa Hara
Music: Yutaka Yamada
Cast:

Kento Yamazaki, Ryo Yoshizawa, Kanna Hashimoto, Nana Seino, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Amane Okayama, Takahiro Miura, Anne, Yuki Yamada, Masahiro Takashima, Jun Kaname, Masaya Kato, Mitsuomi Takahashi, Yusuke Hirayama, Ainosuke Kataoka, Koji Yamamoto, Masami Nagasawa, Hiroshi Tamaki, Koichi Sato, Takao Osawa

Based on: “KINGDOM” by Yasuhisa Hara (Serialized in Weekly Young Jump by SHUEISHA)

Credits: ©Yasuhisa Hara/SHUEISHA ©2023 “KINGDOM” Film Partners

Official website: http://kingdom-the-movie.jp
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/kingdomthemovie
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_movie

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