It’s already been about 4 months since I graduated from high school, and now it’s time for me to move on, and begin serving the military…
Alright, let me explain this first: In Germany, when men turn 18, they have to make a choice, serve the military, or do community service. Before that, you’re going to a special facility where doctors will examine your physical abilities, etc. to see if you’re able to serve the military. If they find you unable to serve, then you don’t have to do anything at all, and can just enter a university. If they find you able to serve, you will have to make a choice.
My choice was: serve the military. Of course, community service is less stressful and all, but really, I want to see how much I can take, so I want to challenge myself by going to the military. I’m only there for 9 months, anyway. The first 3 months are going to involve basic training such as shooting with a rifle, scouting, camouflage, etc. Note that I’m not the first person to ever do that, so I’m going to be fine.
Be aware that I’m only at home on weekends, and therefore won’t be able to update this site regularly.
Apparently, new Tak Matsumoto Signature Models are going to be available over at Gibson’s Custom division in autumn this year.
I’ve already taken a look around, and those new models seem to cost around 500,000 Yen(~$4545/~€3333). If anybody can afford one, don’t hesitate to take live pictures of it, or even send a sample of playing the guitar!
A PV for “Itsuka Mata Koko De” has been made available on the B’z 20th Anniversary Special Website. It’s not really a PV, though. It’s more of a compilation of live scenes taken from various concerts (Typhoon No. 15, BUZZ, LIVE RIPPER, to name a few), but it also includes a short scene of the Pleasure 2008 tour, which is just the fireworks at the end of the concert. Guess we’ll all have to wait for that live DVD to come out.
Also, at the end of the video, there are Tak’s and Koshi’s messages attached, expressing their personal feelings for their birthday — and for their fans. The translation will be up on offthelock tomorrow(September 22nd). For now, you’ll gonna have to make do with the PV itself:
B’z The Best “ULTRA Treasure” has been finally released today, and with it, the sample of “Itsuka Mata Koko De” has been added to the website. If you would like to check it out, click right here:
One more important note: “Itsuka Mata Koko De” is going to be the theme song of a new Japanese drama called “Shouni Kyuumei” (“Infant lifesaving”). It is scheduled to start on October 16th at 9 PM(japanese time) on TV Asahi. More information here: http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/kyumei/
New messages from Tak and Koshi have been posted on the Official B’z Website. Of course we have them translated here for you. Thanks go to Mameshibaken who helped me out a bit.
Matsumoto Takahiro’s message:
“ULTRA Treasure”
The second part of the rerecorded series!!
The new song“Glory Days” in addition to “BLOWIN’”.
Also, please enjoy the live video in Zepp Tokyo!!!
And please listen to the other new song “Itsuka Mata Koko De” as well!!!
Tak
Inaba Koshi’s message:
The good old songs, of course,
the new recording of BLOWIN’ and the new song “Glory Days”, etc.
present a great variety .
It is a little different from ULTRA Pleasure and also covers the traces of our past 20 years.
Please enjoy it!!
First of all, I forgot to mention that the japanese TV channel NHK is going to air a 20th anniversary B’z special on October 6th. It is going to be 48 minutes long and won’t include any commercials. It’s probably going to be something similar to the 15th anniversary special that aired on TV, which included a thorough interview with B’z and a secret live performance.
Furthermore, B’z Official LIVE-GYM page has been updated to feature the first impressions on the Pleasure 2008 tour! Be sure to check them out here: http://bz-livegym.com/report/index.html
Also, as B’z The Best “ULTRA Treasure” is about to be released, people have a chance to receive special goods when they buy a copy of B’z The Best “ULTRA Treasure” in stores listed on the 20th anniversary special website. These goods include a “Treasure Can”, a set of pair rock glasses, an “ULTRA BOX”, a clear file, a key holder or a set of stickers. More information here: http://www.bz20th.com/shop/
And, what’s more, is the fact, that B’z PARTY members seem to get a copy of a new official B’z PARTY bootleg called B’z Official Bootleg Hidden Treasure～Typhoon No.20～. A bunch of people discussed this in a community’s thread on mixi. It looks like a few people got the bootleg delivered a little early, since it was originally scheduled to ship to B’z PARTY members around September 20th. And, guys, it’s going to be a DVD. If I get my hands on more information, I’ll let you know!
Apparently, Glory Days is also broadcasted by radio stations, and someone was so kind to upload it to YouTube. Thanks also go to Mameshibaken, who linked me to it.
First concert of the Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS- tour is over. Set list below.
!!! SPOILER ALERT !!!
If you plan on going to any of the concerts, you should be aware that this might spoil the fun you’re gonna have at the concert. If you don’t care, please read on.
Today, the B’z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS- tour has begun. As of this moment, the first hour of the concert has already passed in the Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium (according to wallpaper). 4 of my friends are there… Ooh, I’m so jealous!
Asahi Shimbun Publications is planning to release a 400 page photobook to celebrate B’z 20th anniversary. This 400 page book contains photos from a variety of occasions, demonstrating the past 20 years of B’z. You will see a lot of familiar as well as unfamiliar photos. It includes 326 pictures taken by photographer Sachiko Kume. The book will be in B5 format and will go on sale on September 19th at a suggested retail price of 4900 Yen(~$44/~30€).
