Update on Hotchpotch US Release,
New Album in the Works
Rightstuf.com updated their listing for Geneon's Maaya cd. They now list the title as "Maaya Sakamoto Singles Collection - Hotchpotch CD" and have added an image of the cover. Rightstuf.com usually gets info straight from anime companies, so it looks like Geneon decided to stick with the Japanese title. The US release of Hotchpotch will be almost identical to the original Japanese one. The main difference will be the English translated lyrics and notes in the cd insert booklet.

In other news, the last theme songs for Gundam SEED Destiny have been announced and neither song will be performed by Maaya. It's still possible she might have a insert song on one of the Suits character cds, but so far neither vol. 6 nor vol. 7 feature the character she voices in the show (Lunamaria Hawke).

On a much more positive note, Maaya mentioned on her official website in the June update that she is working on a new album. This info confirms a rumor that has been floating around the net for a couple months. She did not state a release timeframe for the album, but my guess is that it will be out by the end of the year.

Hotch Potch US Release Confirmed
While looking thru the June Previews catalog, I noticed a listing along the lines of "Maaya Sakamoto Hotchpotch" in the videos and music section (my memory is a bit hazy). Geneon still hasn't update their music site, but I think the Previews listing pretty much confirms my hypothesis that the "Maaya Sakamoto: Best" cd is simply a US release of her Hotch Potch singles collection. The actual title Geneon will use for the cd might may still be up in the air. They will probably end up using "Maaya Sakamoto: Best" since that's the title various on-line stores are listing. Speaking of which, I noticed the following on-line stores have the cd up for preorder:

• Rightstuf.com
• Amazon.com
• CD Universe

Maaya Sakamoto: Best = Hotch Potch?
I spotted some more info about Geneon's upcoming Maaya cd on AnimeOnDVD.com, including a release date of 7/5/05. There's not many other details, although the marketing blurb on the AOD page mentions there are 15 tracks and the cd "includes popular anime theme songs from 'Escaflowne,' 'Cardcaptor Sakura,' 'Lodoss War' TV series anime more." These two pieces of info lead me to guess that Geneon is bringing over Maaya's Hotch Potch singles collection.

US Release of Maaya Best Collection CD
As I suspected when I reported news of Maaya's scheduled appearance at Anime Expo, Geneon will be releasing a "Best of Maaya Sakamoto" cd in July according to this post on the AnimeOnDVD.com forums by Pelianth (whose Last Exile fansite is also hosted here). The AX press release stated that Maaya is a guest of honor on behalf of Geneon Entertainment, which was a big clue. I'm not sure which cd Geneon is bringing over since there's two best collections, but it would have to be either Hotch Potch or Nikopachi. Then again, it's very possible they are releasing a new compilation just for the US market. Regardless what Geneon releases, it's a win for US Maaya fans.

Gundam SEED Destiny Suit CDs,
Happy Birthday to Maaya
Someone pointed out to me a news post on Gunota Headlines that Gundam SEED Destiny Suit (character) cds are coming out starting in June (thanks Sapphire). I mention this info because there's the possibility that Maaya will be involved because she'e the seiyuu for Lunamaria Hawke. Well, I'm hoping that there's a good chance there will be a character cd for her character, especially since the likehood of Maaya performing one of the theme songs is pretty slim now. The SEED Destiny 3rd season OP and ED songs are being performed by other artists.

I thought I should also mention that Maaya turns 25 today. I usually don't bother to post on her birthday, but I feel the number 25 is somewhat significant. Let's hope that she will release plenty more cds between now and her 30th birthday.

Official Site Update and Loop Radio Clip
Victor Entertainment updated Maaya's official site with the cover art for Loop and an audio clip (Realplayer required). The cover art could be a lot better in my opinion. I'm not a fan of her new haircut, it's too short. :(

I also wasn't too impressed with the audio clip on her site, but then I heard the full version from a recording of her latest I.D. radio show. The audio clip simply isn't a good representation of the entire song in my opinion. Since I'm sure all you Maaya fanboys and girls are eager to hear Loop, I've uploaded the radio recording to this site. However, I've only posted a low quality mp3 of it in an effort to promote the cd single. I know other Maaya fansites will post a high quality version of the radio recording, but I think that's dishonest and gives people less incentive to support Maaya by buying the single.

>>Click here for the mp3<<

Maaya Voice Acting in Tsubasa
For Maaya fans that have been hoping that she would be voice acting in the show, it looks like your wish has come true. According to the latest issue of Newtype (Japan), Maaya is the seiyuu for "Tomoyo" (thanks duckroll).

Maaya Guest of Honor at Anime Expo
I just a received press release via e-mail that Maaya is going to be a Guest of Honor at Anime Expo 2005. I've posted the entire press release here.

First the AnimeFest announcement, now this. Wow. 2005 is definitely looking to be the year Maaya finally makes her US debut.

Tsubasa ED Single Details
Maaya's official site has been updated with info on her upcoming single for the ending theme song to Tsubasa (which I mentioned a few weeks ago). There's no cd catalog # listed on the official site, but I spotted one on fellow Maaya fansite Guitar Chords & Grapefruits. Here's the goods:

• Title: Loop
• Catalog #: VICL-35791
• Release Date: 5/11/05
• Price: ¥1,155

The music composer is listed as "h-wonder", which is actually a pen-name for Hiroki Wada. No Kanno this time around, but Wada is no amateur and has worked with some big jpop artists. I also just realized that it will be over 2 years since Maaya's last single release (Tune the Rainbow) by the time Loop comes out.

Maaya Guest of Honor at AnimeFest
I just received information via e-mail that Maaya is attending AnimeFest, an anime convention in Dallas, TX during Labor Day weekend (September 2-5, 2005). This is her first US anime con attendance (unless she shows up at another con before September). In fact, I think her first anime con anywhere. She is also scheduled to perform in concert on the Sunday night during AnimeFest.

Now if you'll all excuse me, I'm going to spend the next few hours in awe and pure bliss.

Tsubasa and Les Miserables
Quite a number of other fansites are posting that Maaya is performing the ending theme song to the upcoming anime Tsubasa: Resevoir Chronicles. The source for this info is Shounen Magazine. The tv show won't be airing in Japan till April, so expect more news in the upcoming months.

In other news, fellow Maaya fan Jerry Hsu informed me that she is performing in the new season of the Japanese production of Les Miserables. The new season starts on March 3rd, and Maaya's last performance is on April 30th. For fans living in or visiting Japan soon, this may be your last chance to see Maaya in Les Mis.

And to end this update, I thought some of you might be interested in seeing the coverart for Gundam SEED Destiny R2 Vol. 2 DVD since Maaya's character is in it.