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Japanese Pop Outfit Momoiro Clover Z Reveals Music Video for 'Mononofu Nippon' feat. Tomoyasu Hotei

IDOL MEANS WARRIOR!

MUSIC VIDEO FOR BELOVED JAPANESE POP GROUP MOMOIRO CLOVER Z'S LATEST SINGLE “MONONOFU NIPPON” FEAT. TOMOYASU HOTEI, A FIGHT SONG FOR JAPAN, IS NOW AVAILABLE


Momoclo Madly Fights and Dances at the Burning Dystopian Shibuya Scramble Crossing


TOKYO, JAPAN – 17 August 2023 – Celebrating their 15th anniversary as a group this year, beloved Japanese pop outfit Momoiro Clover Z today unveiled the music video for their latest single “MONONOFU NIPPON” feat. Tomoyasu Hotei. Released earlier this month, on 4 August, the single is a rallying cry for Japan, boasting the theme of “bringing Momoclo-style entertainment, proudly made in Japan, to the world!”

Taking place in the year 20X5 during the second Warring States Period in Japan, or Nippon, the narrative of the music video follows a quartet of skilled female warriors proficient in the art of “Bu” – martial arts. They come face-to-face with a band of wild warriors who are trying to attack a mother and her daughter in the forest. Following their training, the four warriors, now in possession of the legendary psyllium god armour, journey towards the burning Shibuya Scramble Crossing in a dystopian setting. Accompanied by their companions, the group of four, alongside a contingent of evil men, partake in a massive conflict within Shibuya during the night. Their battle cries echo through the surroundings, as they employ dance and song to boldly challenge the world.

The choreography for the dance was crafted by Power Puff Boys, a male dance group celebrated for their work on numerous well-known Japanese tracks, such as SEKAI NO OWARI's “Habit” and ano's “Chu, Tayousei.” Additionally, the music video prominently showcases a flag adorned with this song's featured artist Tomoyasu Hotei's distinctive GUITARHYTHM motifs. The video is replete with captivating moments, including a striking sequence where the four characters engage in intense combat and an electrifying display of dynamic dance moves, synchronized with the song.

MONONOFU NIPPON” is supported by a group of highly experienced professionals from various fields. The single was written and composed by Ken'ichi Maeyamada, also known as Hyadain, a music producer who has generated a string of chart-toppers for Momoclo, including “Ikuze! Kaito Shojo” and “Nippon Egao Hyakkei.” The song's arrangement comes courtesy of Yuki Tsujimura and Naoki Itai, emerging artists renowned for their ventures into innovative and unconventional sonic approaches.

Adding to the ensemble is internationally acclaimed guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei, contributing his instrumental prowess as a featured artist. This marks his first collaboration with the group in 11 years, following “Saraba, Itoshiki Kanashimitachi Yo” in 2012. The enchanting tones of the traditional Japanese instrument the shamisen are played by Yutaka Koyama, a prominent figure in the world of shamisen performances. Drummer Mike Marrington and bassist Hikaru Yamamoto from Downtown Momoclo Band (DMB) also make noteworthy percussive contributions.

The cover artwork of “MONONOFU NIPPON” displays the symbolic kabuto (helmets) and menpo (facial armour) reminiscent of Japanese warriors, in the representative colors of each member set against a smoky black background. The kabuto and menpo were made as sculptures for this single. As they stand solemnly, their presence exudes an air of solemnity, as if poised for imminent engagement on the battlefield.

As Momoiro Clover Z marks its 15th anniversary, they have released anniversary tracks “Ichigo Ichie” and “Hikarimichi”, as well as “Re:volution,” the 2023 theme for accomplished professional baseball pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. Additionally, a nationwide 15th-anniversary tour has been happening since July. Their celebratory releases include Blu-ray and DVD for “Momoiro Christmas 2022 LOVE” Live (2 August) and “Yoyogi Mugendai Kinenbi Momoiro Clover Z 15th Anniversary” Live (4 October), and a live audio album from “Yoyogi Mugendai Kinenbi Momoiro Clover Z 15th Anniversary” Live Day 2 (25 August).

To watch the music video for “MOMONOFU NIPPON” feat. Tomoyasu Hotei, please visit https://youtu.be/JEAG5CULYtw. To check the latest information on Momoiro Clover Z's release, please visit the official website (www.momoclo.net) or Twitter (https://Twitter.com/mcz517_official).

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