Release Date: 09/16/2026Catalog Number: JBCK-4038※Pre-orders close: 08/13/2026※Orders placed after the above deadline will ship after the release date, subject to manufacturer availability. Following the success of the July 22 release, which reached No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayokyoku Singles Chart and No. 6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart (both charts dated August 3, 2026), Leon Niihama continues his momentum with a new release! Building on the excitement of his completely sold-out concert tour, this Special Edition of his first EP, New Beginning, serves as the culmination of "Singer Leon Niihama's" 2026 activities. Featuring three highly anticipated tie-in songs, this passion-filled masterpiece showcases his ever-evolving expressive power and is set for release on September 16.Leon Niihama has steadily expanded his fan base through appearances on major music programs, information shows, and events across Japan, continuing to grow both his public recognition and popularity. In 2025, he further cemented his rising status with his second consecutive appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and by receiving the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards. Now, as the crowning release of his 2026 activities, Leon Niihama presents the Special Edition of his first EP, New Beginning. The release features three high-profile tie-in songs: "LOVE Shinai?" (written exclusively for this project by Kocchi no Kento), "Iiwake Nainaa" (featured on NHK's Minna no Uta in February and March), and "Ai no FIRE" (which generated significant buzz from its very first broadcast as the new opening theme for the TV anime Detective Conan). "Ai no FIRE" showcases Leon Niihama's most rock-oriented sound to date, revealing a bold new side of his expressive artistry. The song has attracted widespread attention, reaching No. 1 on YouTube's Trending chart just five days after its release and inspiring more fans than ever to say, "I want to sing this at karaoke!" Each edition also includes recordings from the BS-TBS music program Sound Inn S, airing Sunday, September 20, at 6:00 PM. Built around the concept of delivering premium music that transcends generations and genres, music that can only be heard here, the program brings together acclaimed vocalists, arrangers, and musicians for one-of-a-kind performances. Included are newly arranged versions of Leon Niihama's original songs "LOVE Shinai?" and "Subete Ageyou," reimagined by the program's distinguished team of arrangers, as well as a cover of Hideki Saijo's timeless classic "Blue Sky Blue," a song by an artist Leon Niihama deeply admires. This exceptional lineup offers a deeper appreciation of Leon Niihama's vocal talent and expressive artistry, while giving listeners the rare opportunity to hear these recordings before the program airs. Fresh off a completely sold-out concert tour spanning nine cities across Japan, this release captures Leon Niihama's unique appeal and the exciting potential of what lies ahead. Don't miss this remarkable collection, arriving at the perfect moment in his career.≪Content≫1. LOVE Shinai?2. Ai no FIRE3. Iiwake Nainaa4. LOVE Shinai? (Sound Inn S ver.) 5. Ai no FIRE (Original Karaoke)
 New Beginning by Leon Niihama [Special Edition, Appa Leon Edition]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1615/2845/files/resize_image_ab8c4667-3b02-497e-a814-bcdfdb8582ce.jpg?v=1787106190&width=480)
