AKASAKI drops '美人局' music video

AKASAKI put out the music video for “美人局,” also billed in English as “Honey Trap,” as the rollout for the singer-songwriter’s Indies first album moved into its next stage this week. The official AKASAKI site lists the video under its music-video section and says the 22nd single “美人局” was released on May 20. A separate news post on the site says pre-orders for the album “last YOUNG” began on May 19, ahead of its July 15 release. OTOTOY reported on May 20 that “美人局” is the first advance single from “last YOUNG” and that the music video was scheduled for release at 20:00 on May 20. The same report said the album compiles 30 songs made during AKASAKI’s teenage years, including 20 previously released tracks and 10 new songs. ### When did the song and video actually arrive? May 20 is the key release date on official and music-industry postings. (akasaki.red) AKASAKI’s official site says the 22nd single “美人局” was released that day, while OTOTOY said the track began digital distribution at 00:00 and the music video was due at 20:00. The video is now displayed on the official site’s front page under the title “美人局 / Honey Trap（Music Video）.” (ototoy.jp) May 19 is the date attached to the album announcement and reservation launch. The official site says “last YOUNG” was announced for release on July 15 and that reservations started the same day. That lines up with retail coverage from HMV&BOOKS, which published album details on May 19. ### What is “美人局” attached to in the album campaign? “美人局” is positioned as the first pre-release single from “last YOUNG.” OTOTOY said the track is the first advance single drawn from the album’s 10 new songs. (akasaki.red) HMV’s listing also places “美人局” at the top of Disc 1, indicating it is part of the final 30-song track list rather than a stand-alone release outside the album. July 15 is the album’s stated release date across the official site, OTOTOY and HMV. The official site labels “last YOUNG” as an album release for that date, and both OTOTOY and HMV repeat the same schedule in their coverage and retail information. ### How big is the album, and what does AKASAKI say it represents? Thirty songs is the headline number in the album package. OTOTOY said AKASAKI’s Indies first album contains all 30 songs made during the artist’s teens, while HMV describes it as a two-CD release including signature songs such as “Bunny Girl” and “夏実,” plus 10 new tracks. (ototoy.jp) AKASAKI said in comments published by OTOTOY that the project is meant to capture “AKASAKIの10代のすべて,” or all of AKASAKI’s teenage years. (akasaki.red) OTOTOY also described the artist as having started making music at 17, scored a breakout hit with “Bunny Girl” at 18, and completed an Asia tour at 19. ### What formats and prices are attached to “last YOUNG”? HMV lists two main physical configurations for “last YOUNG.” The standard 2CD edition is priced at 3,500 yen including tax, while the limited edition with 2CD, Blu-ray and additional goods is priced at 8,500 yen including tax. (ototoy.jp) HMV says both are scheduled for release on July 15 and carry a first-come, first-served B2 promotional poster bonus. The limited edition includes a Blu-ray of the “KONNICHIWA” Asia tour final at KT Zepp Yokohama, plus an original scarf, a tape-shaped keyholder and a hand-drawn signed letter, according to HMV. Both editions also include serial codes for a premium live drawing, with details to be announced later. ### What comes next in the rollout? July 15 is the next fixed milestone for the campaign, when “last YOUNG” is due to be released. (hmv.co.jp) July 23 is the next named live date tied directly to the album branding: AKASAKI’s official site and ticketing pages list “AKASAKI LIVE 2026 ‘last YOUNG’ -10代最後の単独公演-” at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo. Ticketing information published by Kyodo Tokyo shows general reserved seats at 7,500 yen and student tickets at 6,000 yen. (akasaki.red)