Midday's Japanese Amateur Artist Intro

[Xx{Midday}xX]

Originally Posted by Zythus

If you have itunes, embed the lyrics into the song itself, you can also do this using Winamp.
In my opinion, you should include the artwork because, for me, I like my ipod with coverflow XD. It also gives the songs some backgrounds in terms of feeling or depth if you see what the artist wants to imply in a song, via, a picture.

who the hell wants to listen to some punk english kid telling him asking him about permissions?
Honestly, my japanese is limited and I doubt my opinions matter to him if I said it in english. So with all respect, I think you should attempt to persuade him =P

Embedding lyrics means I have to redo all of the vocals all over again. If I scrap my first few packs, then will do. But I don't think people will want to download the same pack twice. For future packs, I guess I will embed lyrics.
As for pictures, where should I put them? I can't possibly post an IMG tag for every CD Jacket Minamotoya has or is associated with, unless if it becomes frikin 20 pages long (no one bothers to use CTRL F when browsing long pages).
I don't care if your Japanese is limited, and if he knows English, neither does he. I'm loaded with 12 artists right now. If you could even give me the slightest chance of getting in 2 hours of sleeptime in my schedule, I'd be really grateful. You know that Japan is day when US is night. I have to stay up. Artists like it when they get immediate responses. I've been up for 100 hours now. Just so you know.

ninjad. if that even counts, considering the size of my posts.

Haha, I'll have to save these favs for future references.

[chidori!]

then how about premmission from one of the volcaloids
EDIT: i ment a mp3 pack for each one
EDIT2: i dont get your funfact2 for oster project what does ran ran ruuu have to do with it

[Zythus]

With the images, are spoiler tags supported on FFR forums? If so, you can post the image in spoiler tags so that when the page loads with the images, they are minimized. If one wants to view them, they can click "Show spoilers". Its a good way to both cache the stuff and not let people miss out on the art (<3).

Alright, I'll see what I can do about Shiki. It might be a bit unfounded if I said
"Hi, I'm here on behalf of FFR to request your permission to use your CD's!"
But hey, I'll try. I recall seeing his blog and seeing that he likes getting his music used.

Edit:

Also, take a look at this style of organization:
http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/...ad.php?t=85089

See how each of the chapter links show the single post. Maybe you have more potential if you split your Artists into different posts and make an index. That way, even with images, it wouldn't be too long because its single post.

[shiro_ryuu]

The purpose of this thread is to:
1) Introduce Japanese amateur artists that you have never heard of.
2) See if any of these artists have stepfile worthy songs, so that I can get permission for you.
3) Make it easier for people who can't read Japanese to get the music from the Japanese artists they want.
4) To learn more about these artists in general.

Credits to:
Xx{Midday}xX: thread starter, translator, info browser, was updating it frikin 24/7, former pack uploader
shiro_ryuu: info browser, translator, admin, llama farmer, SHIKI fan
Zythus: info browser, SHIKI fan
_.Spitfire._: rapidshare other dl mirror uploads. Also provides thread updating motivation through AAA videos
Other FFRans who have contributed to this thread. XD
Haha how could I forget, all of the artists who make this thread satiated of course.

General Comments/Improvements/FAQs:
Adding lyrics soon. I plan to have them in Japanese, in Romaji, and in English. Question is this: Should I upload them as a separate .txt file for people to download? Or should I post all of the lyrics here?

Concerning nicovideos. These videos stay on Nico videos. You can get things like smiledownloader to pull the flv's, but it's not certain as to whether that's okay at this point. There's also the Cache option. If you use firefox (and windows for now), you can use this cache software (http://maglog.jp/221b/Article160773.html).

You basically extract the program, which will popup something about not seeing the cache folder. Click okay to search for it. However, your firefox cache is under a hidden directory, so that tree won't work with default folder view. Just select a random folder and close the program.

Now go to the program directory and edit the nicocaching.ini file. Then in firefox, put "about:cache" in the url. You should see a line like this:

C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\xxxxx.default\Cache

Copy and paste that into the [Cache] section, overwritting the random folder path you chose earlier. Now start up the program. It should show you the various flv files it found, but it can't tell you the name. Click on the one that seems most reasonable, and type something in before .FLV. Then click on the:

名前を付けて保存

button, which will save the file (default is your desktop. You can change the output folder through nicocaching.ini, or by clicking the "保存フォルダ選択" button). Then just use something like flvextract to pull the audio/video (video remains flv, audio becomes mp3).

Nicomimi only allows for audio download. I don't know if nicomimi is legal to begin with.

The Favorite Song of All Time section will start as soon as I get 3 more artists on here.

CD demos? worth putting in packs or what?

Please leave comments on this thread here. At least until this favorite songs thing gets going, I want this thread to be visible to everyone, so they can download awesome Japanese music. Spread my thread XD.

All of these songs are freely available on various download sites. There are no songs from any of these artists that are sold over the web or in CDs.

Upcoming artists:
North T
Yuuyu
SAM
Saitama Saishuu Heeki
MOSAIC.WAV
livetune
AKHT
Nekomimi Mahoutsukai
gyauza
Takajii
Hiro
a2c

Any other Japanese artists you want music from? Just ask! XD

Sites That Require Accounts
To watch stuff on nicovideo, you need an account. Therefore, I'm being nice and giving you mine. I only do this because I trust that the FFR community will not abuse my account in any manner (besides, the site is in Japanese. What could you possibly do?).

Arbitrary mail address: einm@live.com
Password: MidnightSun

The playlist is in Japanese, but if you see the mp3 titles, you can figure out which video belongs to which song. To turn off the Japanese streaming comments, click on the bird sign with the chat bubble icon on the bottom of the video. By the way, nicovideo owns youtube by a hell lot. XD
The only song you won't be able to make a title association is: Vocaloid Night Vol 2 remix Track which is Electric Angel.

To download stuff from piapro, you need an account.
PiaproID: XxMiddayxX
Password: 1919

Random Mylist videos from a variety of artists: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/5726869

403



homepage: http://403.team-7.net/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a003884
blog: http://403.team-7.net/wordpress/
mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=344206

mp3 pack download:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TR3S36SS

CD info:

There's currently one CD that I've found, "N.E.W.S.", which is available at the toranoana mail order site:

http://www.toranoana.jp/mailorder/ci...237/index.html

you'll probably need to get someone from Japan to order this for you.

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/nm2928809

Regarding Permission

Quoted from 403's site:

Q1.曲を使いたいのですが・・・
⇒A1.曲に関する注意事項を参照していただけるとわかると思いますが、簡単に説明すると、金銭が発生せず、かつ合法的な用途であることが前提ですが、アーティスト名「403」とホームページへのリンクを作品内なりページ内に張っていただければ、自由に使っていただいて結構です。

Basically, he seems to be fine with using the songs as long as you give him credit, and link to his homepage. However, I'll ask for FFR specific permission though. I'll have to see how much of his muzie songs that we could potentially use.

Profile:

I'll do a rough translation of his FAQ:

Q1. How do you read "403"?
A1. Please read it Yonmarusan (maru indicates circular in Japanese for those of you wondering). Also, half width digit (403 instead of 403) is official.

Q2. So what exactly is 403?
A2. That's a difficult question! It's the handle name of the admin, the name of the band, and the name of part of the site. The later two are often confused, so decide on one on a case by case basis.

Q3. The person making the music, the person doing track and field, the person doing break dancing and the BBS admin are all different people right?
A3. I get asked this question a lot but, all the content on the site refers to things I have done. The only exception is the person doing Kakutougi (martial arts without the use of weapons).

Q4. I'd like to exchange links..
A4. This home page is link free, and while sites linking here are fine, please note that I will not return links.

Q5. I want to send you an email..
A5.Click the "Mail to Webmaster" link at the bottom of the home page to send an email.

Q6. BBS questions and mail responses are slow
A6. Basically he gets busy like everyone else. Also, if it's anything that's covered in the INTRO, letting him know you listened to his song, or failure to note important points in the Q&A (as well as not reading the Q&A)
, will result in a non response.

Most recent song: 大好きだよ(暫定版) Daisuki dayo (temp version) (released on blog 2008-05-28)

ASK



Official Site: http://sound.jp/silver-technology/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a002035
Mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=612653

mp3 pack download:

I asked already, says it's a no go :(

CD info:

http://sound.jp/silver-technology/cd.html

I think ordering goes through him, as I don't see any doujin site with them

Videos: Don't see any :X

Regarding Permission

Already have it for the muzie page.

Profile:

Rave rave rave and some more techno :X Nothing else I see profile wise, nor can I find a mixi profile to match :s

Most recent work: Divine Sword ~神刀~

awk



Official Site: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/1353089/3018909 (no really :P)

mp3 pack download:

None Yet

CD info:

No CD's

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/1353089/3018909

Regarding Permission

I can ask if anyone wants to step. I've talked with awk before on mixi so I don't think it would ever be a problem.

Profile:

awk does some unbelievable stuff with VOCALOID. Really good attention to detail leaves the "VOCALOID voice" hard to recognize. Found out about awk from this video:

http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3428468

Most recent work: 大きな古時計 (heck I just found out :p) http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3743171

Baker+kisk

homepage: http://kisk55.web.fc2.com/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a049385
miki: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=2824559

mp3 pack download: up to May 2008
megaupload: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PPWFTAUJ
rapidshare: http://rapidshare.com/files/110040463/bakertkisk.rar

CD info:

Reflection is set for release 2008-06-29

http://www.toranoana.jp/info/dojin/080629_reflection/

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/2896283

Regarding Permission
We do not have permission yet. I will forward the email to Tass, and Tass will post confirmation here. Until then, no. The artist of any vocal is Baker, while the artist of any offvocal is Kisk.
YAMAHA has been making strange claims concerning vocaloids. It is nothing too serious yet, but just in case, all vocaloid products should have a (artist) feat. (vocaloid) as the format. If you don't know which vocaloid is which, ask me. I'll have them up on the song list soon.

Profile:
I don't know too much about them personality wise. I'll just translate whatever comes from their various sites. Baker does the lyrics while Kisk does all of the instrumentals. Therefore, it is valid to say that the artist of any instrumental is Kisk, while the artist of any vocal is Baker. On muzie, they say that they use some percussion instruments designed for broke people, and a guitar to make their songs. They're very mood-based and whimsical, and have a much slower rate of music production than OSTER. Nevertheless, their song called Sound became the OP to a hgame called To the Future You and Every Song, starring Hatsune Miku, the Vocaloid2. It is also the bg to my profile. I think his most renowned creation is celluloid, which was mentioned in one of OSTER's radios. OSTER did make a remix for this, but the mp3 can only be spliced from the radio itself. Don't forget the awesome Baker mix of OSTER's song, Dreaming Leaf. Baker tends to use Rin as much as Miku in vocal production. More info about Baker and Kisk coming soon.

Most recent work: つきうさぎ (Joint with OSTER PROJECT) http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3707903

New song releases until next pack:
Carol: http://www.nicomimi.com/play/sm3111123
Carol video: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3111123
Carol short video (1st experiment): http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm1091311
(NOTE: Carol is titled 1st experiment in the packs I believe. You can change it if you want.)

ベスパ☆くまメロ



Mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=106530
Official Site: http://kumamero.net/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bespakumamero

mp3 pack download:

No can do, but their MySpace page has some mp3s you can listen to and download.

CD info:

Currently they have one album, Romantic Waves out. AmazonJP has it, so even people not in Japan can easily get ahold of it (thought shipping might kill you :p)

http://www.amazon.co.jp/Romantic-Wav...0140456&sr=8-1
http://www.towerrecords.co.jp/sitema...DS_SORT_CD=104
http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2679355
http://sweeprecord.shop-pro.jp/?pid=6432023

You can also purchase MP3s from this site:

http://www.japanfiles.com/bespakumamero

Videos: They used to have some, can't find them anymore, none on Nico Douga

Regarding Permission

If someone wants to write a stepfile, they need to purchase the CD off one of the above stores, or get the MP3 off JapanFiles. Once that's been done, you can ask me to request permission on your behalf if you don't speak Japanese :X

Profile:

BESPA KUMAMERO was formed in March of 2001. The members Azumi (Vocals) and Monkichi (Programming/Guitar) call themselves a digital techno performance unit. Their unique group usually performs in the heart of Tokyo but has toured in France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary etc. and been featured in many interviews and articles in those countries. In February 2007 BESPA KUMAMERO toured and played 6 dates in the U.K. BESPA KUMAMERO puts on a performance not only for your ears but for your eyes as well.

Source: (http://www.japanfiles.com/bespakumamero)

Most recent work: Romantic Waves

Cranky



homepage: http://www.rave-slave.com/index.html
mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=34200

mp3 pack download:

None yet

CD info:

Didn't see anything on toranoana, but Concerto has its own site: http://concerto.shop-pro.jp/?pid=6944364
Cranky is also working on another collab "history Two"

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm222591

Regarding Permission

Permission already obtained previously.

Profile:

I found scattered around thoughts on his mixi profile page, since his homepage and MySpace (supprisingly) page didn't really have anything. I'm noticing a trend here as he likes cats and has one. He likes the online dance game Ryzme (supposed to be https://www.broad-game.com/, but that site doesn't work :( ). His works are really across the board. He's got Rave, Trance, Rock and Classical pieces on his site (http://www.rave-slave.com/layer3.html).

Most recent work: Concerto ( Co-Op with pico http://sonic-trip.com/ )

Cyber-Rainforce



Official Site: http://www.geocities.jp/cyber_rainforce/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a047790

mp3 pack download:

Official site states that redistribution is strictly prohibited

CD info:

I don't see anything about CDs on the site.

Videos: Hmm, none that I see unfortunately, either by artist or song

Regarding Permission

Haven't looked into this. If someone wants to step this I'll check in more detail.

Profile:

Mainly does Euro Beat type stuff. You can also find some "game style" mp3s, which is something you'd expect to find as BGM in an actual shooter/RPG etc. Also has some sweet articles on the site on how the music creation process goes down. I might take a crack at translating them once I get done with the OSTER project VOCALOID series.

Most recent work: under the aurora

どぶウサギ



homepage: http://www.dobuusagi.com/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a015344
mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=1003958

mp3 pack download:

None yet

CD info:

toranoana: http://www.toranoana.jp/mailorder/ci...241/index.html

Here's one of dBu's CDs. He mainly takes part in CDs of Touhou Project arrangements. If you use the search box at the top, and select 同人アイテム for the type and dBu music for the term, 4 CD's should show up with dBu's stuff.

Also recently released is a song that's part of an IOSYS remix cd:

http://www.toranoana.jp/mailorder/ar...010151353.html

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/search/%E3%8...82%B5%E3%82%AE

There's also a guy that plays dBu's songs on guitar. Enjoy those at your leisure (there's also one of someone stepping a song on StepMania :X)

Regarding Permission

In progress right now. dBu claims copyright on the 2 original works posted on the website, but claims ZUN (Touhou Project creator) owns copyright on the Touhou arrangements, so that probably won't happen :S

Profile:

Not much on dBu's profile. Best I can tell at this point is that dBu is a big fan of Touhou Project music, and that his site dBu Music is a song distribution site.

Most recent work: "Floatia", "幻想音楽祭~Phantom Concert", "夜奏幻樂団", "Mirage" all released in summer 2007 it seems

livetune Kz and Kajyuki



homepage: http://livetune.6.dtiblog.com/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a058429
mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=2878157

CD info:

Re:Packaged is available on Amazon Japan, meaning that even people in the US can get it (have fun with shipping though...):

http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B001BOBYO0/

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/tag/livetune

Regarding Permission

Permission is unknown at this point. For now it seems like all livetune's music is on a player on his site, and on NicoNico Douga (occasionally zip files of the MP3's are available).

Profile:

livetune's songs have a nice J-Pop kind of feel to them (ie. you're just waiting for Perfume to start singing out of nowhere). One of his most well known songs is "Light Song" (http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3055567). For vocals, it tends to be the Hatsune Miku, but recently Utawa Sakura started doing vocals for one of livetune's songs (She's best known for her karaoke of "Melt").

Most recent work: ピコピコしてみたよ「撲殺天使ドクロちゃん」 - http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3994337

LUV2



official page: http://ctbr.jp/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a006432

mp3 pack download:

None yet

CD info:

Rather long list of CDs:

http://ctbr.jp/content/works_c.html

あきばお～こく has the latest one, "僕は東方を「いい、見てる。」" plus a few others:

http://www.akibaoo.com/02/main/b/0/a...chWordTxt=CTBR

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/search/LUV2

Has some stepmania / beatmania videos, plus a few mentions in a couple of compilation videos

Regarding Permission

Already in FFR

Profile:

LUV2 is mainly a trance / house style song writer. Inspiration comes from hearing other music and thinking "Hey, wouldn't it be fun to make something like this?" Also understands that everyone has their likes and dislikes in music, but to at least take one listen before judging (which is awesome sounding :p).

Most recent work: 僕は東方を「いい、見てる。」 if you're talking solo, オレノ嬢　if you're talking colab

Ken ケン　aka Panther


muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a018613

mp3 pack download:
Coming soon. I don't even have them dld yet.

CD Info: none so far.

Regarding Permission:
None yet. If you want me to get permission, I'd be glad to ask. Just note that nothing's been on his BBS / Muzie page for about a year, so don't get your hopes up too high :)

Profile: Ken = Panther
He's another multi genre musician, who has done collabs with OSTER Project as Panther. Unlike OSTER however, he has received a lot of influence from foreign artists. He generally uses the piano and some DTM programs. Had a homepage, but it leads to a permission denied error, so I suppose it got taken down.

Most recent song: Abreise 3/1/07 (once a month release rate)

Minamotoya 源屋
homepage: http://minamotrance.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/minamotrance
mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=1760608

Triple Icecream (assisted webpage): http://www011.upp.so-net.ne.jp/milk/tic_main.htm

mp3 pack download:
solos + Lunatic Phaser: Got 'em. Need permission to upload here.
Minamotrance and Duo are both still sold for money, and cannot be uploaded here. Same goes for all individual mp3s not found in the solos part of the first pack.

There's MP3's of Lunatic Phaser here:

http://minamotrance.com/lp.html

Click the DL link at the bottom. They're 80kbps so :X

CD info:

Wow, what a find, both Core and Core Duo at an English site that ships in the US:

http://www.mydjsobad.com/list.php/tag/minamotrance/

Already ordered here :p

Video: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm1184521 (For the Lucky Star fans)

Profile:
Very much into doujin remixes and comiket releases. Minamotoya has participated in several doujin CDs, as listed in the associated CD albums below. Many Touhou remixes, as well as anime remixes such as AIR and CLANNAD (Kanon was apparently no sad enough lol). He takes on just about any job sent to him, and probably will give us permission for usage on FFR very soon. He has done one piece for Triple Ice Cream for instance.

Associated CD albums:
Legend of Square Meets Hardcore: http://minamotrance.com/2007/12/post_2.html Seiken Game series remixes.
Digital Generation EP: http://tano-c.net/cdinfo/tcplus0004.html A conglomeration of various net artists.
Power Raise: http://www.redalice.hmc6.net/powerraise/ A club arrange of the RPG, Romancing Saga.
Angel Rings: http://redalice.hmc6.net/angelrings/ A remix album of Visual Art/Key animes. AIR and CLANNAD mainly.

Original CD albums:
Touhou Dandandou: http://minamotrance.com/2007/12/post_1.html Touhou Fuujinroku (10) remixes.
Lunatic Phaser: http://minamotrance.com/lp.html Various Touhou remixes. Free download available.
Minamotrance: http://minamotrance.com/cd.html
Minamotrance Duo: http://minamotrance.com/cd.html Currently, both minamotrance pages are under construction.

Onoken

(sorry, his site forbids image copying, best I could do)

homepage: http://www.axsword.com
mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=101409

.sound has zip files with some demo cuts and some full versions
that intro image is HAWT

blog: http://axsword.sblo.jp/

mp3 pack download:

None yet

CD info:

As usual, toranoana takes the cake for doujin CDs :p Someone also mentioned that he sells songs on iTunes Japan. His latest WinterMix album has 2 versions, red and blue version (that's just awesome).

http://www.toranoana.jp/mailorder/ci...981/index.html

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/search/Onoken

I think some of these aren't actually Onoken, so make sure Onoken is in the title.

Regarding Permission

I can't copy and paste the Japanese conditions (flash site :S). I plan to send an email out requesting MP3 pack permissions and game usage permissions for the following songs:

felys -longmix-
Jazzy Hiphop: emy
Drum'n Core: P8107

Update: I have contacted Onoken regarding the usage of the above songs, both in game and MP3 pack, and await his response.

Profile:

This guy is a big mac user, and like using notebooks a lot. He claims that they give him the freedom to take his environment anywhere he wants to. Also, like everyone else in the world, he likes cute cats :p

Most recent work: WinterMix Vol.5

OSTER Project オスター　aka fuwafuwacinnamon ふわふわシナモン　aka STAR aka MATATABI SOUL

homepage: http://www.fuwafuwacinnamon.sakura.ne.jp/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a017591
muzie2 MATATABI SOUL: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a047787
muzie vocaloid: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a055379
piapro: http://piapro.jp/fuwafuwa_cinnamon
mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=711248

mp3 pack download: up to May 2008
megaupload: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=70OGHH2Q
megaupload MATATABI SOUL: I will put it with pack2. Otherwise, just get it from the muzie page. Only 3 songs.
rapidshare:
part 1: http://rapidshare.com/files/11007122...ject.part1.rar
part 2: http://rapidshare.com/files/11008002...ject.part2.rar
part 3: http://rapidshare.com/files/11028533...ject.part3.rar
part 4: http://rapidshare.com/files/11028651...ject.part4.rar


CD info:
Canned Cats: N/A on muzie, a few in his hand. no chance of purchase.


Update June 2008: Just looked at OSTER Project's mixi community today, and it seems as though there is plans for the release of 1,000 more CDs, depending on the results of a poll. More info to come as soon as I find it :X

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/2578149

Radio videos: For those that are frustrated with not being able to understand Japanese, a radio visual accompaniment list, up to the 3rd episode: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/3799059
It's still in Japanese, no subs, but hey, visuals. :/

Regarding Permission:


Direct Translation reads:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I want to use the song.

A. Any flash/internet game/radio (that isn't for commercial profit purposes) may use these songs as long as the link to the artist page and the artist's recognition/acknowledgement is provided. If possible, please post a URL to the page that used my song on the BBS. The songs may be edited by other people in forms of fading/looping/shortening to the point where the original isn't completely warped. The songs may be performed live or in public as long as the credits of the songs are forwarded to me.

Therefore, all songs may be used in FFR except for the ones I mentioned above. Of course, Tasselfoot already got an email confirmation for FFR before the first OSTER song went on FFR (Demon Fire?). In addition, MATATABI SOUL follows the same rule.

Direct Translation:

This is the ultimate rockband made of 4 cats.

Warning: This band is an imagination of OSTER Project.

Therefore, Any FLASH or game that wants to use our songs must follow the rules bound by OSTER Project's profile.

Profile: OSTER Project = fuwafuwacinnamon = MATATABI SOUL = STAR


I'm sure it was his idea of a joke, but it tells you the kind of person he is... XD. In addition to this, his mascot character, fuwafuwacinnamon, is a toddler's hero anime/GBA game about a white fluffy puppy saving a world full of rainbows and flowers. He also started OSTER Radio #3 with his Hatsune Miku giving a b*o*j*b to his representative mascot -_-; Also, he has an "imaginary 4 cat band", that takes up a whole separate muzie page, called MATATABI SOUL. Tells you even more that OSTER is ... weird (in a good way.).
He has played piano since 2nd grade, been a MIDI master since 7th grade, and has taken music theory lessons from 7th to 9th grade (middle school). He is currently doing soprano recorder and sopranino recorder since 10th grade. He got his Hatsune Miku vocaloid from his grandfather when he was 4 years old. He goes to a music university, currently operating a number of amateur bands.
He's generally an insider, as his Hatsune Miku states: "He's very pale." because he never goes in the sun. He's very modest from what he posts. He does not publicize his gender. Jimerax claims that he is male, so I will refer to him as male as well, but I don't necessarily believe that that is the case. His Hatsune Miku states: "He doesn't want his gender to be identified, because he doesn't want people to rate his music through gender bias." (It is after this that she claims OSTER is a hermaphrodite.) He has provided various tutorial lessons on how to make Hatsune Miku speak better. They are in Japanese, so I won't bother providing links until I translate them... or do you want them translated? I mean really, how many of you own a vocaloid... =_=. I do.
He is currently a very popular amateur artist on nicovideo. His songs were second place in the vocaloid night event (first being livetune Kz). His nicovideo replay numbers are somewhat above average. His recent release of Electric Ran Ra Ruu have received video comments calling him "broken, insane." His most recent release, Sound FTN-remix, original by Baker, is probably one of the best "Jrock converted into a piano song" ever.
He runs a radio, adds an episode or few whenever he feels like it. Translations coming soon. Some are quite funny.
He is known as OSTER Project in most sites, but he is more commonly referred to as fuwafuwacinnamon by his net friends. He is also STAR from STAR with Panther. He also is MATATABI SOUL, which is his imaginary 4 cat band. Yes, this means that all of MATATABI SOUL'S music can be used for FFR.
He has gotten influence from the following:
wac, TOMOSUKE, tatsh (you know this guy), dj.TAKA, NAOKI (you know this guy), パーキッツ, 佐々木博史, Sota Fujimori,,, 上原ひろみ, カプースチン, orange pekoe, ナチュラルハイ. Many music game artists. XD
He uses:
Symphonic Orchestra Silver Edition, Raging Guitars, SC-8850, FANTOM X8, 猫, and SONAR6 Producer Edition.

Fun fact: OSTER Project made the song Fish Hell after his New Years fish exploded in his face after taking it out from his microwave.
Fun fact2: His newest release in my pack, Electric Ran Ra Ruu, is a McDonalds spinoff of Electric Angel, idea taken from Yasuo's McDonalds spinoff of RINGxRINGxRING called RANxRANxRUUU (http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm2657080). The video is hilarious.

Most recent song: つきうさぎ w/ baker

New OSTER music until next pack:
Sound (FTN-remix): http://piapro.jp/a/content/?id=08dfj...&mode=download
Sound (FTN-remix) (off vocal.): http://www.fuwafuwacinnamon.sakura.ne.jp/sound-off.mp3
Video of Sound (FTN-remix): http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3062537
Vocaloid in Love (remaster): http://piapro.jp/a/content/?id=5l216...&mode=download
Dreaming Leaf (remaster): http://piapro.jp/a/content/?id=ossl1...&mode=download
Miracle Paint (remaster): http://piapro.jp/a/content/?id=ltdej...&mode=download

OSTER Project Radio Screenshot: (Hatsune Miku paper model on the left, mascot Cinnamon on the right)


Phantasma

homepage: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a018777


mp3 pack download:
megaupload: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IOMH2I4N
rapidshare: http://rapidshare.com/files/110053543/Phantasma.rar

CD Info: none so far.

Regarding Permission:
Over the Frail Dream is in FFR. muzie is his only page.

Profile:
He uses a synthesizer, much like the other artists on muzie. Hit and Enter style. A lot of his music has ambient, mind-filling sounds in it. He does not use a vocaloid. I listen to his songs when I'm reading books and stuff.

Most recent song: Everlasting

rakiα



Official Site: http://www.geocities.jp/rakia618/
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a013563


mp3 pack download:

None Yet

CD info:

The first 2 albums seem to be sold out. One that's on sale is Charity Album "Sensibility". Unfortunately I can't seem to find anywhere that has it for sale. However, it seems like this person enjoys free music and doesn't want much to do with selling songs.

Videos: Hmm, none that I see unfortunately, either by artist or song

Regarding Permission

Seems like a standard "link to my site if you use my songs" deal. I'll ask for people if they want to step any of these songs.

Profile:

An entire page called "Profile"! Oh joy, so here we go:

General

Handle Name: rakiα(rakia/Astral Bell)
Birthday: 198x-0x-xx
Occupation: In House Special Effects
Education: Barely graduated from the College of Music
Language: Japanese(95%) English(4%) Other(1%)

Favorites

Music(Genre):

• Classic
• House
• Pops
• Instrumental

Movies:

• Ghibli Series
• Pixar related
• Walt Disney Related

Manga:

• ONE PIECE
• BLEACH
• ハチミツとクローバー (Hachimitsu and Clover)
• フルーツバスケット (Fruits Basket [WIN])
• のだめカンタービレ (Nodame Cantabile)

Western Style Clothes:

• ARMANI
• Anne Valérie Hash
• Chloé

Misc Goods:

• Francfranc
• ロフト

Black Tea: MARIAGE FRÈRES

(Communications section removed.. kind of a personal policy)

Music Work

DTM History: Summer 2002 - Present
Work Environment: Home based music creation using a PC

• Sequencer
  • Main: Nuendo
  • Sub: Sonar, XGworks, Singer Song Writer

• Sound Sources
  • SD-90, GigaStudio(sampler), Soft Sound Sources(tons)

• Effector
  • POWERCORE FIREWIRE

• Audio Interface
  • Delta1010、Hammerfall DSP Multiface

• MIDI Interface
  • MIDISPORT4×4(2)

• MIDI Keyboard
  • UF8

• Speaker
  • DS-90A(2)

• Headphone
  • HD580、ATH-AD7

(geez!)

Most recent work: Shiner

ryu



Official Site: http://supercell.sakura.ne.jp/
Mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=3393365

mp3 pack download:

None yet

CD info:

None Yet

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/3291521

Regarding Permission

Need to ask if anyone wants to step these

Profile:

Meet the ever popular ryu. When ryu's stuff goes up, lots of people make remixes / karaoke it. The person behind "Black Rock Shooter", "Melt" and "World Is Mine", all of which made #1 VOCALOID rankings, and have stayed in the rankings for over 6 months straight. Inspiration often comes in the form of graphic images, which become the background of the videos uploaded to Nico Nico Douga.

Most recent work: Black Rock Shooter 「ブラック★ロックシューター」

Shako-Pani



Music Style: Breakbeat / Electronica / Drum & Bass
Official Site: http://www.myspace.com/shakopani (no really :p)
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a040707

mp3 pack download:

None Yet

CD info:

In a rather joking fashion, he works with Coron Records, which doesn't actually sell CD's, they simply put related MP3s together for download, adding some cover art for style.

Videos: It's on the myspace page in youtube format, and freaking cute I might add

Regarding Permission

Doesn't actually say, nor do I see it on the BBS. I can email if anyone is interested

Profile:

Works with FL Studio, and is a big fan of FL Chan, the FL Studio Mascot. Mainly deals with the bass and drums. Not much else I see besides this ;)

Most recent work: sakule_1 + 超魔王ハバネロ2012 on Muzie Page :x


Shiki
homepage: http://kobe.cool.ne.jp/linker/
Blog: http://blog.livedoor.jp/shiki2/
Mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=191468
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a010591
FFR profile: http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/profile/shiki2

mp3 pack downloads: Coming soon.

CD info:

Collab with emi and FAT called Harmonia. There's also a Miku version as well. Here's the link to both:

http://www.akibaoo.com/02/commodity_...ckURL/+02+main (emi version)
http://www.akibaoo.com/02/commodity_...ckURL/+02+main (Miku version)


Trancer Doll's @ toranoana:

http://www.toranoana.jp/mailorder/ar...010151375.html

Update: Cristears and Endless Dreamer will appear at あきばお~こく stocked soon:

http://www.akibaoo.com/02/commodity_...+02+main%3Fctc
http://www.akibaoo.com/02/commodity_...+02+main%3Fctc

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/search/SHIKI

Regarding Permission: Shiki songs are already on FFR. We are currently acquiring the methods of getting his CDs.

Profile: Shiki lives in Katsushika District, Tokyo. He was born in 7/6/1981. He has otaku qualities, and otaku related hobbies (music, manga, internet, games [favorite being Guilty Gear]). He plays the guitar and the piano. In general he seems to like Visual Kei music (Japanese rock indies style). For traditional Japanese music, his interests tend to revolve around J-Pop from Hamazaki Ayumi and MOVE. He also listens to B'z and Mr. Children. For western music, he likes HELLWEEN・GAMMA RAY and other German metal. He also likes the dance style omnibus from DanceManiaSpeed and TRANCEMATCH. If he had a choice though, he prefers the Japanese style music more.

Most Recent Work: -Trancer Doll's-

STAR with Panther
homepage: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a023226

mp3 pack download:
It's only three songs... please just get it from muzie. Or wait for OSTER pack2 or Ken pack. I'll put it in one or the other.

CD Info: none so far.

Regarding Permission:
STAR is OSTER Project. So, I need to get permission from Panther.

Profile:
STAR is OSTER Project. Panther is Ken. They have been collaborates since 3/5/2004 1:20PM Japanese Time (O.o WUT?). SC-8850, YXG-50 are their synth brands. Their motto is wit and spirit. XD

stereo-chip aka InvaderP



homepage: http://www.geocities.jp/stereo_chip/index.html
blog: http://ameblo.jp/stereo-chip

mp3 pack download:

Sent to spitfire, just waiting on the upload

CD info:

Too new an artist, no CD out yet.

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3127232

Regarding Permission

Permission, both usage and redistribution okay'ed.


Profile:

A fairly new player to the music field. Monorail Kiseki is the latest and only release as of yet, with an anticipated release sometime this month. Like a vast majority of the Japanese artists out there, he's an otaku at heart.

Most recent work: Monorail Kiseki

t+pazolite



Official Site: http://www.c-h-s.net/

mp3 pack download:

None Yet

CD info:

Oh yeah.. a ton:

http://www.c-h-s.net/disco.htm

You can also apparently download MP3s from (for a price):

http://home.dlsite.com/circle/profil...d/RG06394.html

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/search/t%2Bpazolite

Regarding Permission

Spitfire says that bluguerilla says that we have blanket permissions :p

Profile:

HARDDDDCOORREEEEEEE! Not much on him profile wise. Has done work with 鈴木ななこ (Suzuki Nanako, who has also done work with MINAMOTRANCE.. in fact I'm listening to the CD track with her in it right now :p).

Most recent work: No real dates but: Unlimited Spark! is at the top

Xi
homepage: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a037818
mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=2960684 (wow, ffr is even mentioned..)

mp3 pack download:
megaupload: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SJSC0OZ2
rapidshare: http://rapidshare.com/files/110045278/Xi.rar

CD Info: none so far.

Regarding Permission:
You all know Death Piano and Garyuutensei is on FFR already. muzie is his only page.

Profile:
He's a music loving college student. He uses SONAR 6 Studio Edition, SD-90, and SamplingCD (Softsynth). He has played piano for 14 years (hence amazing piano feats). He also has percussion experience in his current extracurricular activities.

Most recent song: Freedom Dive 3/19/07 (once every 2 months release rate)

よよP (aka yoyodyne aka Denkitribe aka Radium Software)



(no really, it was all I could find :p)

Official Site: http://d.hatena.ne.jp/KZR/ (used to be http://www.radiumsoftware.com/)
VoiceBlog (find MP3s here): http://www.voiceblog.jp/yoyodyne/

mp3 pack download:

None Yet

CD info:

Nothing so far, just the voiceblog

Videos:

Denkitribe and よよP videos (NicoNico): http://www.nicovideo.jp/tag/よよP
Denkitribe Youtube Video Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Denkitribe

Regarding Permission

It's a voice blog, and there's no entry on permissions. I'll probably have to do this by a comment entry. Let me know what song if you want to get something stepped, so I can use it as a basis for blanket permissions.

Profile:

So basically, Denkitribe = よよP　= Radium Software. From what I can tell, Denkitribe is the youtube presence, which has a bunch of videos on using mostly hardware synths for music creation. よよP is the Hatusne Miku presense.
yoyodyne is used mainly as a generic username presense, such as the video blog. Radium Software is the blog that he has up and running on tech stuff, though it seems like it's also a software development company according to Mixi. That's a lot of alter-egos :p

Does some hardware synths with KORGs and what not, and software synths with ReBirth.

Most recent work:
消えるメモリー　
http://www.voiceblog.jp/yoyodyne/593033.html MP3 + Lyrics
http://www.voiceblog.jp/yoyodyne/593069.html Karoke Version

ゆうゆP



Official Site: http://tsubu.ath.cx/~ssry/
Mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=2960376

mp3 pack download:

None Yet

CD info:

Released an album "Fairytale and Separation" at a 2006 winter comic convention. Currently available as mp3 downloads:

http://tsubu.ath.cx/~ssry/music.html

No sign of this Album anywhere (even auction sites)

Videos: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/3321893

Regarding Permission

If you step a song, please notify through the webclap system at:

http://tsubu.ath.cx/~ssry/info.html

or let me know and I'll do it for you.

Profile:

Yuuyu not only has a sense for music, but also for illustration. His site contains some really sweet illustrations. Uses FL Studio. Personally SUPER HATSUNE BEAT was where I first started to get into Hatsune Miku, and the CD with the songs is still in my car ;)

Most recent work: 「渦と階段」 (http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm3952866)


In conclusion: I hope all of you enjoy the music from this thread, and that maybe some of them will come out as good levels on FFR. I wish for everyone in the world to be able to appreciate this amazing music. America is a good place to start.

[Xx{Midday}xX]

I don't know about advanced editing...

The chapter thing is considerable. I'll see what to do about it.

Shiki has 3 potential sources of free music. His own site's bms files, his own site's mp3 files, and muzie. I have all of the music from there, but not from his CDs. If Shiki won't allow CD music to be put on here, I can upload all of his free music. 4 if you include the I.N.T. circle he participates in.

Haha, Spitfire adds rapidshare to OSTER packs. XD

Sorry for the delayed updates... sm.

[Zythus]

So you can upload his freebies?

I'm just waiting for his reply for permission and the mail ordering locations for his CDs.

[Xx{Midday}xX]

Originally Posted by Zythus

So you can upload his freebies?

I'm just waiting for his reply for permission and the mail ordering locations for his CDs.

Yes. His freebies include: own mp3+muzie+I.N.T pack, and a separate bms pack.

CD = i leave that up to you.

[Zythus]

Playing the waiting game.

I'm personally buying his CDs anyhow

[Xx{Midday}xX]

Originally Posted by shiro_ryuu

I like SHIKI and was searching around for some info and came across this thread. Thought I'd join and post what I have (I've so far liked all the other Amateur Artists that have popped up around here and want to know if any others come around). I tried looking around to see if I could find his CD's someplace, but came up fairly empty. I did find one for Double Precision (I.N.T) that he did a song for:

http://www.toranoana.jp/mailorder/ar...010117684.html

Unfortunately they don't do international orders, so you'll have to find someone in Japan if you want to get ahold of it. I'll keep looking around and see if I can get anything else out of it.

(All Japanese of course)
homepage: http://kobe.cool.ne.jp/linker/
Blog: http://blog.livedoor.jp/shiki2/
Mixi: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=191468
muzie: http://www.muzie.co.jp/cgi-bin/artist.cgi?id=a010591

Videos: Lots of videos and what not. You can use the SHIKI tag to find most:

http://www.nicovideo.jp/search/SHIKI

Regarding Permission:

No idea here. He does have an email on his profile page though if anyone wants to ask.

Profile: (rough translation from his homepage):

Name: SHIKI (写真右)
Gender: Male
City: Katsushika (葛飾区) in Tokyo
Born: 07-06-1981

Hobbies: Music, Manga, Internet, Games, Guitar, Piano. Anything that appeals to his otaku side (?). Favorite game is any of the Guilty Gear series.

Favorite Music:

In general he seems to like Visual Kei (Japanese rock indies style). For traditional Japanese music, his interests tend to revolve around J-Pop from 小室・浅倉 (name kanji is a weaker point of mine) to Hamazaki Ayumi and MOVE. He also listenes to B'z and Mr. Children.

For western music, he likes HELLWEEN・GAMMA RAY and other German metal. He also likes the dance style omnibus from DanceManiaSpeed and TRANCEMATCH. If he had a choice though, he prefers the Japanese style music more.

Most Recent Work: -Trancer Doll's-

HOLY F. You're Japanese? Haha, sorry, didn't see that ninja'd bit.

PS: White Dragon: nice name.

PSS: Spitfire, be ready for 3 more packs this week. XD

[Nullifidian]

Originally Posted by Xx{Midday}xX

Haha, Spitfire adds rapidshare to OSTER packs. XD

Lol, the file was too big to be uploaded at once D: oh well, its a mirror ;D

[shiro_ryuu]

Originally Posted by Xx{Midday}xX

HOLY F. You're Japanese? Haha, sorry, didn't see that ninja'd bit.

Nah, I've just been studying it for a long time. The actual translation might have gone cleaner, but he used somewhat bizzare Japanese in some places.

PS: White Dragon: nice name.

Well, my last name is actually White (and yes I am white). The Dragon part came from a typo I did once, where I meant to say riyuu (理由 - reason), but instead put ryuu (竜 - dragon), so I ended up with this nickname, 白竜 (shiroryuu). Unfortunately someone here took shiroryuu already so I had to stay with this

As far as CD's go, he eems to put them out in conventions (Like M3). In the event that someone does find out, I'll probably buy them in about 10 seconds give or take. I think I did see him mention somewhere about plans for online sales or something.. I'll have to look into it more. Could also see if any of my friends over in Japan know anything. For now, the MP3s I see going around will be sufficient for my 1 hour commute purposes.

Update

I found on SHIKI's main bbs:

http://otd12.jbbs.livedoor.jp/1227123/bbs_tree

Thank you! Where is your country?
I think that it is glad that people except the
Japanese are listening to my music.

About the purchase of the album.
Sales out of Japan take the order from five pieces or more.
It is scheduled to send it by EMS. Moreover, the carriage is necessary.
The order starts soon.

That he seems to take orders for CD's there, and speaks a bit of English. He states that CD orders to foreign countries require at least 5 CD's or more (plus shipping of course) and goes by international express mail (which when someone sent me a CD by that, literally got to me in 3 days...). However, payment seems to require bank transfer, which seems like a bit of a hassle. Wonder if I can have him send it to a friend in Japan and pay them by Paypal or something..

[Xx{Midday}xX]

Shiro-kun: Forward all CD info to Zythus, who is responsible for CD up permission. I have the free music packs ready, and the profile info from you (trusting you guys, not bothering to validate info.) If you have the time, please help me find Yuuyu's email address from http://tsubu.ath.cx/~ssry/music.html

Zythus: Counting on you XD

Generic Reports:
1) Hidden OSTER song found. Dick Jazz, feat Masashima Hamauzu. Verifying artist credit by pming Rebirth0, head of the Red Fraction Pack which had this song.
2) Adding Nekomimi Mahoutsukai, AKHT, and livetune (Kz/Kajyuki) to the list.
3) If I have the insanity to pull off an allnighter the day before a concert at Alice Tully Hall, then I will post song lists.
4) That is all.

EDIT: Lost like all the links I put up due to some database error. Too busy to fix until tomorrow night EST. Sorry for the inconvenience.

[Zythus]

ROFL!

Thats the reply to my message. God I <3 shiki.
Yeah, the CD is mine without hesitation when I see it.
by the way....that post is from jan 1. From my limited Japaneses, I think on his message board, he said something about ENDLESS DREAMER begin stopped selling...


Still waiting for his reply. I'm getting worried that he might have a new email...



looking at how choppy shiki's english is.... I think he might have google translated it LOL

[shiro_ryuu]

If you have the time, please help me find Yuuyu's email address from http://tsubu.ath.cx/~ssry/music.html

Hmmm, doesn't seem to have an email address there. I tried the usual community hangouts where private messaging might be possible, but didn't come up with anything.

Thats the reply to my message. God I <3 shiki.

rofl, I totally just realized that when you posted the reply. I sent him a Japanese email about sending overseas just now. Hoping he'll do Paypal, and getting costs if he does. I've sent my friends over in Japan money through Paypal when I wanted a CD or something really bad.

I don't see the post about Endless Dreamer not being sold anymore though. If you want to copy and paste the post you think it is here I can do a rough translation.

PS: I came here for the sole purpose of posting stuff about SHIKI, now here I am addicted on FFR... son of a...

[Zythus]

・2ndCD『ENDLESS DREAMER』のショップ委託販売終了しました。
今後の販売はM3、夏コミでの販売を予定しています。
通販･ショップ委託等の予定は現在ありません。

I might have read it wrong, but I think it says something about stop selling.
****, this is why night school classes never frikin work! But don't worry, I'm going to teach in Japan sooner or later so Midday shall be ninja'd =O

Shiki are <3

[shiro_ryuu]

・2ndCD『ENDLESS DREAMER』のショップ委託販売終了しました。
今後の販売はM3、夏コミでの販売を予定しています。
通販･ショップ委託等の予定は現在ありません。

Yeah, he's stopped doing mail order selling for now and is going to sell it at M3 and summer comic conventions instead. So he's selling it, just nothing you could normally get ahold of through normal foreigner means

[Knoobish]

Just to let you guys know, I'm pretty sure onoken is not an amateur artist. You can buy his albums off of the Japanese section of iTunes... if you have a Japanese iTunes account .


I can't believe I missed this thread. This is awesome, keep up the good work Midday (and others )!

[Xx{Midday}xX]

Originally Posted by Knoobish

Just to let you guys know, I'm pretty sure onoken is not an amateur artist. You can buy his albums off of the Japanese section of iTunes... if you have a Japanese iTunes account .


I can't believe I missed this thread. This is awesome, keep up the good work Midday (and others )!

Noted. Meant to change that a while ago...

My concert was successful, and upon that, I'd like to get back to work here. XD

[dean_machine]

Originally Posted by Knoobish

Just to let you guys know, I'm pretty sure onoken is not an amateur artist. You can buy his albums off of the Japanese section of iTunes... if you have a Japanese iTunes account .

Because an artist is on iTunes, that doesn't mean they're not amateur, unless if it's harder for an amateur Japanese artist to get music on iTunes, which I don't think it is. I know some amateur American bands that are on iTunes, and they're practically unheard of and would be difficult to find unless one already knows the band.

Just so you know, (saying because you have that sad smily face) there're places on the internet where you can buy Japanese iTunes cards with American money, and they tell you how to make a Japanese account for iTunes. You do have to lie and give a fake Japanese address, or a real one that isn't yours, but the other fields can be normal.

[shiro_ryuu]

Cristears and ENDLESS DREAMER CD acquisitions appear to be hopeless. I've found many run of the mill Japanese mail order sites that have the CDs listed, but none of them have it in stock. Trancer Doll's won't be until this upcoming month (being sold at M3), which afterwords it might hit the online mail order and doujin stores for Japanese purchase. Guess these MP3s will have to do