Renowned violinist Taro Hakase collaborates with Namie Amuro on album

Singer Namie Amuro, 36, is collaborating with world famous violinist Taro Hakase, 46, for the first time on her new Album, “Ballada,” which goes on sale on June 4.

The album is a compilation of her best ballads. Her popular song "Can You Celebrate?" from 1997 has been reworked by Hakase with the new title ”CAN YOU CELEBRATE? -feat.葉加瀬太郎.”

"I am thrilled to work with Mr Hakase in the rebirth of 'Can You Celebrate?'" Amuro said in a statement. “I am so happy to be able to create an album that all of my fans will enjoy, consisting of only their favorite songs.”

Hakase said he was honored to work with one of Japan's most famous female singers.

The project that has been in the works for over three years. In February and March, a special site asked Amuro’s fans to choose from 38 ballads and vote for their favorites, Sports Nippon reported. Amuro’s hits, “Can You Celebrate?” and “Love Story” were among the top songs fans voted for. Overall, 15 songs along with a bonus track, “Contrail,” will be featured on the album.

A DVD and Blu-ray disk will be included with the album. The disks will feature 17 music videos, including “Sweet 19 Blues,” “Can You Celebrate,” and for the first time on disk, “Four Seasons” and “HimAWArl.”

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