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 30 of 2023. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
名誉伝説 (Meiyo Densetsu) – 地獄でスキップ (Skip in Hell)
This five-member band has only been active since this year and is a bit mysterious, but they have already managed to build a fanbase immediately with their first single, a pop song called ラヴィング (Loving), a few months back. Now they have arrived at single number two which shows more of the rock side of the band. As they continue to develop and explore their musical potential, there is no doubt that Meiyo Densetsu have exciting things in store for the future. — Recommended by Francisca
Daisy Jaine – Mirage
Formed in 2017, this psychedelic band is fronted by guitarist and vocalist Rio who spent five years rom the age of 18 in the United States, experiencing the local music, art and culture, which has been important in the development of his signature sound. With bass player Masara and drummer Juon, this is Daisy Jaine. In October 2017, they released their first EP Under the Sun via Dead Funny Records, this got followed up with their second EP Banksia in November 2021. In between those releases, they released a couple of singles. Their newest single is Mirage, what would be the next release for this three-piece? — Recommended by Francisca
夕方と猫 (Yuugata To Neko) – 日常侵略 (Nichijou Sinryaku)
Yuugata To Neko started activities in 2021 with five members, but at the moment, the Osaka-based rock band consists of three members and a support drummer. To date, the band released several singles and a mini-album where they want to express daily struggles and conflicts with a distinctive view of the world. With how their latest music video has been received, this band seems to be at a point of breaking through. Curious to find out what the next step will be from Yuugata To Neko. — Recommended by Francisca
SOM4LI – メイ (Mei)
It was time for a new music video from the alternative rock band SOM4LI, consisting of band members from Ms. Machine, Strip Joint, and KLONNS, to highlight the EP ESCAPISM once again. The EP was released last summer, featuring four tracks. Surely with this new music video brings some curiosity, will we get to hear and see more from SOM4LI this year? In the meantime, the alternative rock band will be back on stage soon, so if you are in Tokyo on 20 August and have no plans yet, it might be an idea to head towards Shinjuku SPACE. — Recommended by Francisca
La bit Pluie – Lapis Lazuli
This is the very first music video from the hand of La bit Pluie, where composer and songwriter na＜1ms: (read it as nakimushi) and vocalist Mw. make music where chiptune and whisper vocals come together with pixel art by mol. The result is what they characterise as post-pop music, but which could also be labelled as alternative electro pop. Lapis Lazuli was released last year and they have since released a second single, titled Midnight Cosmo. — Recommended by Francisca
Jerry Somic – ジェリイ (Jerry)
While attending vocational school, the three aspiring anisong vocalists found each other and they clicked so much that they decided to work together. Yet it did not become a group with only vocals, the trio without any knowledge of any musical instrument decided to pick an instrument, Kaede opted for the bass guitar, Miyu picked the guitar and Mio the Cajon. The further story of the band includes some bumps with line-up adjustments and even a break, but since spring 2022, they have been fully active with the current line-up. — Recommended by Francisca
utsuro-tanuki – 夏のせい (Natsu no Sei)
The activities of rock band utsuro-tanuki kicked off in December 2021, with the Tokyo-based band making their first appearance on 18 December. Some more than six months later, the band released their first EP, which was followed up with a single. Last May, utsuro-tanuki’s very first album was released, なにもかも嫌いだ (Nani Mo Kamo Kirai Da). Through their alternative rock sound and heartfelt lyrics, they capture the essence of shared experiences – the moments of emptiness and vulnerability that we all encounter in our lives – resonating with the depths of human emotions. — 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.
