The details about how to order the new maxi-single is finally out:

http://www.little-station.co.jp/info/info_set.html (April 18, 2003
entry)

Orders are being taken starting April 21st, 2003.

As predicted, the maxi-single is being made available *only* by
mail order and *only* in Japan. No record store in Japan will be
carrying it, so the usual routes of getting CDs will not work for
those of us overseas. You are required to fill out a special order
form and pay at any post office in Japan. There is no overseas
service currently planned for the the CD.

Here a few possible ways to get the CD for those of us overseas:

1. Go to Japan and order the CD yourself. Info how to order is all
found on the webpage above in Japanese

2. Get yourself a pen-friend in Japan to order the CD for you.

3. Try the following online service:
http://www.fromnippon.com/anime/index.html

Those of you hoping to catch the songs as mp3s online, be
warned that the limited overall availability of the CD will make it
very difficult to find.

Anyhow, here's the updated info about the CD itself:

> Title: BEFORE THE IGNITION
> Product #: LSBN-001
> Record Label: BPM NEXT
> Format: Maxi-single
> Price: 1200 yen + 300 yen (shipping)
>
> Track listing:
> 01. BEFORE THE IGNITION
> 02. DO THAT DANCE
> 03. AT THE END OF JOURNEY
> 04. BEFORE THE IGNITION [INSTRUMENTAL]
> 05. DO THAT DANCE [INSTRUMENTAL]
> 06. AT THE END OF JOURNEY [INSTRUMENTAL]

If any of you find this current development to be unfair to fans
overseas, go and tell them so (be nice though ^_^;) at their
official fan message board:

http://www.little-station.co.jp/message/message_set.html

kaijyuu miyuki-chan