With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music fans will be inundated with a profusion of good (and also less good) music from this country. It is impossible to keep track of this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on gems, it is time for a weekly list of new music videos from lesser-known Japanese musical acts that are definitely worth watching.
We are now looking back on a couple of videos that were released in week 6 of the year 2022. Enjoy the new discoveries!
汐れいら (Reira Ushio) – さよならCITY (SayonaraCITY)
Reira Ushio is a Tokyo-based singer-songwriter who discovered the joy of creating original music at the age of 16. Her songs are a mixture of sadness, melancholy and power supported by compelling melodies. The description that the musician gave to this song is,, which is also her first digital single: goodbye city, if you stay this way I will hate you. On the same day she released this music video, she released an animated lyric video for the song ビーボーイ (Be boy), which is the title of her second single. — Recommended by Francisca
pale memory Room – sui-sen
The name pale memory Room may be new, but the group itself is not. Previously active as miraispeaker for several years, the Atsugi-based four-piece band has released several singles and an EP, but with the song sui-sen, the four group members have reintroduced themselves under the new band name. This electronic pop band also has a household goods brand called pale memory Apartment. — Recommended by Francisca
HEBI KATANA – Pain Should I Take
Formed in the winter of 2020 and known as Tokyo Samurai Doom, while they are fairly new to the scene, this doom band already has quite a name and not just in Japan. HEBI KATANA’s first album was released in Japan, but also outside of Japan on various labels, such as Italy, Argentina and Poland. Now just half a year later, the second album is ready to get shared which is produced by Eternal Elysium’s Yukito Okazaki. — Recommended by Francisca
Dimrays – Fr
From the ashes of RGDY, the band Dimrays got formed in the summer of 2021. Shortly after, the four-piece released their first digital single, Pain≒t, which was followed up by their first EP, titled ANTITHESIS, in September of that same year. While the Osaka-based band introduces itself as a loud rock band, they like to throw various other genres and aspects into the mix to make it a unique overall experience. — Recommended by Francisca
アンジーモーテル (Angeemotel) – レイラ (Layla)
This band from Kanazawa has been active for a few years spreading (punk) rock songs full of passion. After releasing a demo in 2020, it was time to take the next step with their first digital single in the summer of 2021, youth. Recently, the rock band became a four-piece formation after supporting drummer Yuusaku became an official band member. Now it’s waiting (anxiously) for what the next stage will be for this young band. — Recommended by Francisca
バウンダリー (Boundary) – 暗闇 (Kurayami)
This music video is linked to the digital single of the same name released by the Osaka-based rock band in December. The three-piece started activities almost 10 years ago, in May 2013, when the members were still in high school. Up until now, they have released several mini-albums, EPs and (digital) singles. Is a full-length album in the works? We’ll have to wait patiently. — Recommended by Francisca
ASK I FALL – LINKS
It has been a while that the Tokyo-based multinational metalcore band released anything new, after sharing some hints, the four-piece came with a new single and music video. The band got formed in 2020 after the current members met and bonded over their common passion for metal music. The band members all come from different countries and have different backgrounds, vocalist Rid comes from Italy, guitarist Nishiva from Japan, drummer Robin and bass player Zack come from France. — Recommended by Francisca
Next week we will be back for a new list of new music videos to check out. But you can also look back to the earlier editions of this weekly article series for when you yearn for more musical gems! Want to read more about how this project started or check out the YouTube playlists? Click here for all the information.
