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 40 of the year 2022. Enjoy the new discoveries!
Neon Club – Purple
The first mini-album from Osaka-based Neon Club is not out yet, but it was seemingly time for a music video to promote the six-track release. The six-piece rock group, which has been performing for almost two years, may best be categorised as an alternative rock group with influences from punk and shoegaze. The vocals are more reminiscent of psychedelic music from the 1980s. — Recommended by Francisca
アカネサス (Akanesas) – 0927
The three members of the rock group Akanesas have known one another since their school days, specifically from the music club. After joining forces in 2019 and after receiving an encouragement award in 2022, they worked hard to create music. They published their first demo in March 2021, a second one in June of this year and the third last week. June 2022 is also truly a milestone, considering the three musicians decided to move from Shimanto (Kochi Prefecture) to the metropolis of Tokyo to continue as a full-fledged band. — Recommended by Francisca
yardlands – MILKY
We have highlighted this band before, the in 2018 formed four-piece yardlands just released their first mini-album, with the title NPMP, filled with songs that touch on musical genres like dream pop, electronica and post-rock. This is something they have been doing since the start, focusing on a multifaceted sound approach. They say to be a band that you need to keep an eye on, as they have an international mindset that goes beyond Japan. — Recommended by Francisca
ポップ・ヴィランズ (Pop Villains) – Halloween Ghost Party Night
We have featured a Halloween-related video last week; this week, we carry on with the spotlight on Pop Villains’ most recent music video, a four-member vocal group. Besides having a goal of covering 100 Disney songs since spring of 2020, they have been creating original music since late 2021. Halloween Ghost Party Night is the group’s fourth single. — Recommended by Francisca
アマイワナ (AMAIWANA) – I’m CRAZY
Colourful singer-songwriter AMAIWANA (2000) makes music and fashion with elements she has picked up from periods well before her time, such as the 80s but also further back in time. Her music mostly falls into the electro and pop category with hints of nostalgia, but is presented as Japanese dream punk. This song is featured on her most recent double-A single. — Recommended by Francisca
Take This to Heart – Hypernova
Take This to Heart, a Tokyo-based metalcore band, aimed to end 2022 well with the release of their debut album, Hypernova, which is focused on the concept of hyper metalcore. From the start of the metalcore band in the early summer of 2021, the five-piece has been gaining notoriety in Japan but also abroad, people seem to be taking the impressive riff work and powerful vocals to heart. — Recommended by Francisca
The Band Apart – The Ninja
In case you are not yet familiar with The Band Apart, please do not worry! Press the play button now and read the following; the start of this band actually began with the idea of starting a trash metal cover band. We are talking about the late 90s when the band officially started, you can probably imagine that this band went through quite a process to be where they are today. Today, a major name in the Japanese indie rock scene with an extensive discography that transcends all kinds of genres which has managed to amaze friend and foe alike. — 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.
