Review by Jacques

I tried to figure out how to give it a 10-star rating... But I couldn't find a way! These three concerts are simply among the best of the 2010s. The members of HKT48 are simply wonderful. These three concerts are a showcase of their best songs from that period, and the covers of AKB48 and NMB48 tracks are all exceptionally well done (some even better than the originals!). Their youth creates a genuine musical party atmosphere—these aren't just successful concerts; they capture that rare artistic magic one sometimes encounters. Here, I experienced it firsthand. Three times over. From the medley to the covers of older songs, everything is performed by artists who give their all on stage. I was particularly struck by the joy and energy on stage, and the palpable emotion. And the sheer happiness visible in the group members' eyes—eyes never lie. The group's average age in 2014 was incredibly young; some members looked to be around 12 or 13. That makes their stage performance all the more astonishing. And the audience is absolutely wild. The atmosphere is filled with joy. But there is one disappointment: how hard it is to get hold of this box set. Nothing from that era seems to be available new anymore. No concerts have been released for about eight years, and while DVDs and Blu-rays do exist, they are restricted from export. It is rare to see a production company render its artists so invisible. Yet, DVDs and Blu-rays serve as the living record of these moments. This group and this 2014 box set are truly precious. A touch of nostalgia tugs at your heartstrings after watching the three concerts. I highly recommend this box set, even 12 years after its release.

A very fine concert, though slightly disappointing. It is impossible to perform a concert with that many songs. Most of the tracks last anywhere from 1 minute 45 seconds to just over 2 minutes. I actually timed them... Fans who know and appreciate Hinatazaka46 will likely be a bit let down, just as I was. That said, the concert is still a great success; Hinatazaka46 operates at a very high level, and that holds true here as well. Ultimately, buying the limited edition (DVD or Blu-ray) wouldn't have added anything for me, and the price paid for the two-day DVD set is very reasonable. However, had I paid the actual concert ticket prices, I would have been very disappointed. But let's not be too negative: attending a Hinatazaka46 concert still leaves you with wonderful memories. And that’s what matters most. So, I’m giving it 4 stars. It’s up to you to decide.

A very fine concert, though slightly disappointing. It is impossible to perform a concert with that many songs. Most of the tracks last anywhere from 1 minute 45 seconds to just over 2 minutes. I actually timed them... Fans who know and appreciate Hinatazaka46 will likely be a bit let down, just as I was. That said, the concert is still a great success; Hinatazaka46 operates at a very high level, and that holds true here as well. Ultimately, buying the limited edition (DVD or Blu-ray) wouldn't have added anything for me, and the price paid for the two-day DVD set is very reasonable. However, had I paid the actual concert ticket prices, I would have been very disappointed. But let's not be too negative: attending a Hinatazaka46 concert still leaves you with wonderful memories. And that’s what matters most. So, I’m giving it 4 stars. It’s up to you to decide.

The band "NOT EQUAL ME" is simply dazzlingly talented during their 2.5-hour show. Each of their concerts gets better and better. Their musical styles are incredibly varied. But unfortunately, I see that it's no longer available, even though it was released very recently (March 19, 2025). This is a real shame for those who might be interested in this band in the coming years. This concert absolutely needs to be re-released. I'm baffled as to why it hasn't been already.

The title isn't an exaggeration. This concert is truly one of the best of 2025. I'm not a professional music critic. But I've seen a lot of concerts, by very different Japanese bands, plus everything available on YouTube... Candy Tune is only two years old, and this is their first published concert. It's simply fabulous. You wonder what the magic formula is for achieving such a result. Talent, a lot of hard work. Yes, of course. But there's so much more to it on stage. I knew very few songs by this band. And I was blown away by the quality of their live performance. Their style is incredibly energetic, and what's more, the musicians are with them throughout the ENTIRE concert (that's far too rare), and that brings a way of interpreting the songs quite different from what you hear on a studio CD, but much better. It's very rock 'n' roll at times, and makes you want to crank up the volume on the amplifier... There are far too many concerts where no musicians are present, or only a small contingent. But CANDY CANDY PARTY is on a whole other level. The seven young women have absolute mastery of everything: they exude an impressive "quiet strength." And absolute charm and enthusiasm. For me, it's one of the best concerts of 2025. I wonder what the next concert will be like, this one is already so fabulous. I see that the Blu-ray pressing is (almost) sold out: they absolutely must do another pressing.

The title isn't an exaggeration. This concert is truly one of the best of 2025. I'm not a professional music critic. But I've seen a lot of concerts, by very different Japanese bands, plus everything available on YouTube... Candy Tune is only two years old, and this is their first published concert. It's simply fabulous. You wonder what the magic formula is for achieving such a result. Talent, a lot of hard work. Yes, of course. But there's so much more to it on stage. I knew very few songs by this band. And I was blown away by the quality of their live performance. Their style is incredibly energetic, and what's more, the musicians are with them throughout the ENTIRE concert (that's far too rare), and that brings a way of interpreting the songs quite different from what you hear on a studio CD, but much better. It's very rock 'n' roll at times, and makes you want to crank up the volume on the amplifier... There are far too many concerts where no musicians are present, or only a small contingent. But CANDY CANDY PARTY is on a whole other level. The seven young women have absolute mastery of everything: they exude an impressive "quiet strength." And absolute charm and enthusiasm. For me, it's one of the best concerts of 2025. I wonder what the next concert will be like, this one is already so fabulous. I see that the Blu-ray pressing is (almost) sold out: they absolutely must do another pressing.

The contents of "type A" and "type B" editions are the same. Here is the tracks lists: CD: 1. Thank you, even now 2. Period 3. A single flower petal 4. Night Aquarium 5. The boy is mine 6. Spring 7. Trampoline 8. Symphony 9. Zinnia 10. When I wake up in the morning 11. Blue Spring BD: (Erika Ikuta Tour 2025 "bitter candy" at Tokyo International Forum Hall A) 1. OP 2. Well done 3. Ignore 4. MC 5. Hide and Seek 6. I'm gonna beat you!! 7. Laundry 8. MC 9. Mont Blanc 10. Cappuccino 11. MC 12. love10 13. Beat DE Tohi 14. MC 15. Tomorrow Too 16. Summer Festival with You 17. Ensemble Shangri-La 18. Twilight Magic Hour 19. MC 20. That's Why 21. MC 22. No one compares 23. MC 24. Wish ~This Wish~ 25. Wish ~This Wish~ (as indicated on the product) 26. MC 27. Period 28. MC 29. Symphony 30. Chaser

The contents of "type A" and "type B" editions are the same. Here is the tracks lists: CD: 1. Thank you, even now 2. Period 3. A single flower petal 4. Night Aquarium 5. The boy is mine 6. Spring 7. Trampoline 8. Symphony 9. Zinnia 10. When I wake up in the morning 11. Blue Spring BD: (Erika Ikuta Tour 2025 "bitter candy" at Tokyo International Forum Hall A) 1. OP 2. Well done 3. Ignore 4. MC 5. Hide and Seek 6. I'm gonna beat you!! 7. Laundry 8. MC 9. Mont Blanc 10. Cappuccino 11. MC 12. love10 13. Beat DE Tohi 14. MC 15. Tomorrow Too 16. Summer Festival with You 17. Ensemble Shangri-La 18. Twilight Magic Hour 19. MC 20. That's Why 21. MC 22. No one compares 23. MC 24. Wish ~This Wish~ 25. Wish ~This Wish~ (as indicated on the product) 26. MC 27. Period 28. MC 29. Symphony 30. Chaser

A new concept, yes: You pre-paid the item, but it is sold out before the released date. And at the relased date, there is one on Mercari at the "nice" price of 25000 yens without any taxes... Did the production company disregard the pre-orders? Perhaps I will get the one I have paid at February, 12 in the first week of April... I wonder why there are so many problems with the 10th anniversaries of so many groups... And the price: it's completely unjustified. Even with 2 blurays... Wait and see...

A wonderful band, a superb box set. The two audio CDs are simply astonishing in the quality of the songs. The songs are even very addictive. The concert is simply superb. It's very rare for a very recent band to release such a box set: some have taken five years to release one CD and two maxi CDs. I see the product has a "Backorder: Usually ships in 2-4 weeks" status: it's time to reissue it. We have to think about the years to come... These young women deserve it, as do everyone who contributed to it. It's simply sublime.

This album delivers. It is absolutely sublime. 18 songs that make us dream, so far from the noise and fury too often seen today. The period covered runs from 1977 to 1990. This wonderful album is an opportunity to discover or rediscover young singers whose records have become very difficult to find. This album is a magnificent compilation, a beautiful musical journey to a wonderful past. The studio recordings are superb. A must-have. A huge thank you to Sony Music Japan and CDJapan.

The album with 12 diamonds. This album is quite simply one of the most magnificent albums released in a good quarter of a century or more. Twelve magnificent songs that invite you on a gentle musical journey, wonderfully performed, and that take you so far from the frenzy of the world. The work in the recording studio and in post-production is absolutely exemplary. Lily's voice is simply magical. A must-have.

This is Chay's first video work. It captures the Tokyo performance of her first Christmas tour, held in December 2015. A must-see for fans, featuring Chay in seven different looks, including Santa fashion and dresses! The first limited edition comes with a luxurious photo book. Video bonus: [SPECIAL MOVIE] Documentary footage of the Tokyo performance of the Merry Christmas Tour 2015 Tracks list: 1 Twinkle Days 2 Next to Love 3 Love is Special 4 Heart Couture 5 Weekend! 6 Gradient of Smiles 7 Wishes 8 I am 9 Singin' In The Rain 10 Celebrate You 11 You tell me 12 Winter! Winter! Magic 13 Christmas Medley 14 Forever 15 Half Moon 16 DREAM SNIPER 17 Summer Darling 18 I Love You So Much 19 I Tried Falling in Love with You 20 First Feelings (Encore) 21 Nineteen (Encore)

Volume 1 of "Ano Uta" is an absolutely wonderful musical discovery. Let's say it right away: Mone Kamishiraishi is one of the greatest Japanese pop music artists. The quality of the songs, the quality of their interpretation (and the technical quality of the studio work) are at the level of the greatest singers, whether they belong to the old world or the new world of the Japanese music scene. Mone Kamishiraishi is for me the equal of the most famous singers, like Miki Matsubara, Momoko Kikuchi, Yukiko Okada, Yuki Saito, Seiko Matsuda, Meiko Nakahara, Miho Nakayama. We find a comparable sound universe, but with musical arrangements that are of course more contemporary. All in all, you have a dream moment. It's a truly exceptional album, not just an excellent album.

Volume 2 of "Ano Uta" is an other absolutely wonderful musical discovery. Let's say it right away: Mone Kamishiraishi is one of the greatest Japanese pop music artists. The quality of the songs, the quality of their interpretation (and the technical quality of the studio work) are at the level of the greatest singers, whether they belong to the old world or the new world of the Japanese music scene. Mone Kamishiraishi is for me the equal of the most famous singers, like Miki Matsubara, Momoko Kikuchi, Yukiko Okada, Yuki Saito, Seiko Matsuda, Meiko Nakahara, Miho Nakayama. "Ano Uta-1" was an exceptionnal work, but "Ano Uta-2" is even more exceptional than the previous one.

Naomi Hosokawa is a wonderful artist with a magical voice! We can't always say that these days. The melodies take you into a musical universe of an absolutely overwhelming emotional quality. How good it can be in this world of fury! The sound recordings, the musical accompaniments, and the studio work are of very high quality: no prohibitive sound level, no compression other than the strict minimum, in short, excellent work. Listen to this record, and you are off on a wonderful musical journey. And Naomi Hosokawa's voice, one of the most beautiful voices ever heard! Thanks to Warner Music Japan for republishing these magical songs. Looking back at the past sometimes holds such beautiful surprises: here we arrive at a sublime level.

I don't know the "Sukeban Deka" series but this album is simply a wonderful discovery! I have rarely heard such a level of artistic quality. Everything is excellent: the songs, the voices of the young girls (but they are absolutely sublime!), the musicians, the work in the studio, we are faced with incredible perfection. Many people could be inspired by it... To get without delay!

You will go in another musical world! There are only 2 songs in this CD with their musical versions. One might think that this is not a lot. But we do not judge a CD by the quantity of songs. In this case, we are in front of an artist of a level of vocal quality rarely reached nowadays. There is an almost magical, hypnotic aspect. As for the songs themselves, we reach a level of perfection that is truly of an emotionally overwhelming perfection. From the musical instruments chosen, there is an almost symphonic aspect... And all the more technical work done in the recording studio is also of a quality that we do not find enough nowadays. It is a very high quality work! This CD is like a powerful and magical mix of melodies that remind us of the most beautiful songs of the greatest singers of previous generations, but with very modern melodies. The restitution on CD is simply sublime: we almost have the feeling of listening to a Super Audio CD (DSD format, so high resolution!)... Finally we can say that after listening to this CD, it is difficult to come back down to Earth quickly: we are psychologically and emotionally as if in a state of weightlessness... I am waiting with great impatience for a next CD, and even more a first concert. If they are at this level of quality, it will be dazzling. A very beautiful revelation for your servant. Madame MoeMi is simply exceptional!!! As well as all the people who participated in the creation of this CD.

Do you want to go in another musical world ? There are only 2 songs in this CD with their musical versions. One might think that this is not a lot. But we do not judge a CD by the quantity of songs. In this case, we are in front of an artist of a level of vocal quality rarely reached nowadays. There is an almost magical, hypnotic aspect. As for the songs themselves, we reach a level of perfection that is truly of an emotionally overwhelming perfection. From the musical instruments chosen, there is an almost symphonic aspect... And all the more technical work done in the recording studio is also of a quality that we do not find enough nowadays. It is a very high quality work! This CD is like a powerful and magical mix of melodies that remind us of the most beautiful songs of the greatest singers of previous generations, but with very modern melodies. The restitution on CD is simply sublime: we almost have the feeling of listening to a Super Audio CD (DSD format, so high resolution!)... Finally we can say that after listening to this CD, it is difficult to come back down to Earth quickly: we are psychologically and emotionally as if in a state of weightlessness... I am waiting with great impatience for a next CD, and even more a first concert. If they are at this level of quality, it will be dazzling. A very beautiful revelation for your servant. Madame MoeMi is simply exceptional!!! As well as all the people who participated in the creation of this CD.

A chest full of musical gems. Yoshiko Tanaka has an absolutely magical voice! This box is a small treasure chest that contains 10 magnificent musical gems. The melodies, the musicians, are simply sublime. And Yoshiko Tanaka's voice... It's hard to do better! The work of the sound engineers is simply magnificent! To get without hesitation! A true reference in Japanese music. We are in another galaxy with this CD, compared to many other contemporary productions...