Japanese promotion for Cars 2 is revving up as the film gets its Japanese release and Perfume are front and center with spots at the premiere and various television work in its anticipation. The girls were focal points at a traditionally theme premiere and are also a part of the further promotions by hosting their own series of 15 second spots discussing the film in addition to being the first thing seen when visiting the Japanese site.
The promotions have seen a renewed interest in the nearly four-year-old song “Polyrhythm” as well, with the girls performing it on various music programs in recent weeks. Also on television, Perfume appeared on the popular variety show Himitsu no Arashi-chan!, hosted by popular boy band Arashi in an episode where Perfume spent the day with Jun Matsumoto and Masaki Aiba picking strawberries, getting frozen in a mountain simulator, being scared witless in a haunted house, enjoying ice cream and carousels, and having a peaceful dinner interrupted by a dancing bowl of ramen (who was quite adept to “Chocolate Disco” and “A-Ra-Shi”).
The adventure was a great example of what makes Perfume such an appealing group, and why being a Perfume fan doesn’t stop at being a fan of their music. Even if you aren’t able to fully understand the content, the girls’ charm and wit make it very easy to enjoy. It’s a good time to be a Perfume fan; the girls are highly visible and making various appearances around television. Hopefully with the high visibility can lead to some positive news regarding their music soon.
On the heels of “Laser Beam” and “Kasuka na Kaori,” Perfume will be the feature of a third Kirin ad to promote their Chu-hi line beginning July 13th in Japan. The ad will feature a brand new song “Glitter.” Kirin will use “Glitter” to promote their limited edition Golden Pineapple flavor in their Hyoketsu Sparkling line.
A 15 sec clip is available courtesy of perfumblr. The song has no official release information set at this point, but stay tuned for information regarding its release. In the meantime, you can share your thoughts on the song, ad, and new outfit set here.
A popular radio program from last November featuring an eye opening and heartwarming message that resonated with Japanese fans is now available in English. Following the Tokyodome performance last November, Perfume appeared on a radio program in which they wrote down their feelings coming out of the event on a blackboard and then discussed what impact that simple phrase had on them after hearing an outpouring of support.
Nocchi wrote “愛” or “love” to signify the amount of love she felt on stage from everyone around her; not just all 50,000 fans in attendance, but also A-chan and Kashiyuka, which helped ease her possible nervous feelings. A-chan wrote “夢は叶う” or “dreams come true.” She discussed how Tokyodome was like a dream; a selfish dream, but almost a necessary one to show that even leaders have to have goals to strive for when they’re at their very peak.
The touching sentiments of the two girls were wonderful, but the real passion came from Kashiyuka’s heartfelt “もっともっと” (more and more). Struggling to speak through her tears, Kashiyuka expressed frustration for the heartfelt and positive feelings she had heard on the radio that day from Perfume fans. She became so emotiotional for the outpouring of support because she herself didn’t feel like she performed to her level during the Tokyodome performance.
While few fans would take umbrage with her performance at Tokyodome, it was an expression that was eye opening. To hear her say she wanted to apologize to everyone for her performance can be a bit confusing, but her words on the surface aren’t as important as the meaning behind it. While the words express disappointment and sadness, the meaning of such words is so much more hopeful and uplifting.
It’s not hard to watch any given Perfume performance and notice the precision and professionalism for which Kashiyuka displays. She almost always seems to be the most focused of the three in any given song, and it makes the most sense she would in turn be the most scrutinizing of her performance. To hear that she was burdening herself with the feeling of undeserving praise, however, may be a bit frustrating to fans, but all the while, there’s a level of respect that grows in the will to get better.
Even though the message is now eight months old, it is still a valuable and important message; a key set of words anyone can use and one that shows just how fortunate Perfume fans are, to support a group that feels so fortunate and passionate about where they are. A message of disappointment is important and welcomed when it’s delivered in the sense Kashiyuka portrayed. It’s not about the disappointment, but rather, the feelings and intentions following the disappointment. For Kashiyuka, that is to work and get better. For Perfume fans, it’s a message of hope to meet disappointment head on by working to overcome that frustration, even if there is nothing to be disappointed in.
Feel free to share your feelings on the forums or in the comment box. Because as Kashiyuka, alongside A-chan and Nocchi, work at improving themselves at their job, it becomes every Perfume fan’s job to improve as well in order to show an appropriate level of support.
