Shine

Shine is the sixth studio album by Japanese rock band Luna Sea, released on July 23, 1998. It was the band's first since switching record labels to Universal and their second consecutive number one studio album, following 1996's Style. With over 1 million copies sold, it is also their best-selling and was certified Million by the RIAJ. Shine was named "Rock Album of the Year" at the 13th Japan Gold Disc Awards. Overview To promote Shine Luna Sea went on the Shining Brightly tour, which ended with two sold out shows at the Tokyo Dome on December 23 and 24, 1998. The band then performed their first overseas shows in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai in January 1999. This move garnered press attention and criticism with questions on whether or not it would be successful, as the band's international fanbase was unknown; even one day before the shows, the number of tickets sold was unknown. The Shanghai concert was particularly notable as their music was not licensed for release in mainland China. Some tracks feature additional performers aside from the band; "I for You" features Sugizo's mother playing cello, and "Another" has Mai Yamane performing background vocals. A different version of "Breathe", which includes the addition of strings, was used for the Japanese edition of the soundtrack to the Disney movie Mulan. "Storm" was used as the April 1998 theme song for NHK's music television show Pop Jam, while "I for You" was used as the theme song for the Japanese TV drama , which also aired overseas in Asia. "Shine" was used in a Toyota commercial, and "Unlikelihood" in a Kirin beverage commercial that starred Ryuichi.