King & Prince Tops Charts with “Ichiban”

On June 29, King & Prince released their fourth album, “Made in.” They announced the album in April during a MC segment at the first of their Tokyo Dome dates. The title “Made in” has several different meanings, those being “‘Made in’ JAPAN”, “‘Made in’ Johnny’s”, and “‘Made in’ King & Prince.” The concept of the album is “What you can do now to make yourself happy.”

Playing off of the “‘Made in’ JAPAN” theme, the album art for “Made in” features the group standing in front, in between, and behind a noren, the traditional Japanese curtain hung in doorways. King & Prince are in effect welcoming listeners in. This play on tradition also ties into the “‘Made in’ Johnny’s” theme, with the group essentially inheriting the tradition of Johnny & Associates.

“Made in” contain 16 songs (17 in the regular edition), including the singles “Koifuru Tsukiyo ni Kimi Omou”, “Lovin’you”, and “Odoru You ni Jinsei wo.” It will also include a ballad written and composed by the group, “Dream in.”

Ahead of the album’s release the group has released the music video for its promo single, “ichiban.” The song was written and composed by KREVA, with choreography by RIEHATA. Again playing on the “‘Made in’ JAPAN” theme, the song blends traditional Japanese sounds with hip hop. The music video also includes traditional Japanese motifs.

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