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 selection of videos that were released in week 8 of 2023. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
八十八ヶ所巡礼 (88Kasyo Junrei) – 泥春 (Doru Haru)
Just in time for the start of the spring, the intruiging rock band 88Kasyo Junrei released a new music video. Given that the group’s most recent album, named 幻魔大祭 (Genmai Taisai), was published in the summer of 2021, this could indicate that the trio is working on a new album. We have written about this band before and noted that calling them just a rock band is not entirely accurate because they also incorporate elements of jam bands, heavy metal, alternative, psychedelic, and progressive rock styles. — Recommended by Francisca
まなつ (Manatsu) – 夢のしるし (Yume no Shirushi)
Based in Machida, a suburb of Tokyo, this three-member rock and roll band began operations in September 2015. The trio has already released a lot of music, including quite a few singles, two mini-albums and a full-length album. It seems the band still has no intention of stopping creating new music, as they are full of power. The sound this band is producing gets described as pop-rock and roll with melancholy melodies and lyrics. — Recommended by Francisca
Apes – Neighbor
In April this year, rock band Apes will release their first-ever full-length album, titled PUR. The Tokyo-based three-piece rock band gives an English description about themselves, namely ‘I’m lonely but I’m not alone’. Before the trio was ready to release an album, the band, which has been active since 2017, put out a number of singles and an EP with an alternative sound influenced by from both Western and Japanese music. — Recommended by Francisca
CO2 – sea
CO2 is the name of a singer-songwriter from the Kumamoto Prefecture. Born into a musical family, she grew up writing lyrics from an early age. She started writing songs and performing in 2014 under her current artist name with the subject matter of significant things that are frequently overlooked or not easy to notice in daily life. In 2020, she released her first album, which got followed up by a single in 2022 and this week her second single got released. — Recommended by Francisca
秘密の彼の娘 (Himitsu no Anoko) – シンパシー (Sympathy)
This music video can be seen as the official start of the music project Himitsu no Anoko, described as a “power up” pop project out of Osaka led by colourful vocalist Amaui. After the project was announced at the start of the new year, the debut show of Himitsu no Anoko took place only a few days ago in Tokyo at the Valentine’s Day-themed Choco Festival. Although the project has only just begun, the first song with this video gives a good impression of what the musician hopes to accomplish with it thanks to its experimental and open-minded nature. — Recommended by Francisca
NIGAI – replica
Although NIGAI’s official activities began in 2021, it is interesting to note that the four-piece visual kei rock band had been performing as a session band since 2020, when Siki, the former vocalist for CANIVAL, chose to launch a new project in collaboration with seasoned musicians that have been active in other projects. The group has so far only put out a few singles; replica will be the most recent one, and it is waiting for a full-length album release from the four men. — Recommended by Francisca
海とクレヨン (Umi to Crayon) – 901
It is always interesting to see how groups and solo artists take off and where they will eventually end up. This guitar-rock trio from Sapporo, Umi to Crayon, posted this week their first-ever music video online for the world to watch. The band was formed in spring 2022, performed for the first time in July, and the three band members are steadily polishing their performance, while vocalist and guitarist Ryo is winning the hearts of music fans in the local band scene with delicate lyrics. — 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.
