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 released in week 49 of 2023. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
MADE IN SHEEP – 乙名帝國 (Otona Teikoku)
Introducing a new band from Kobe, MADE IN SHEEP, a four-piece rock band consisting of guitarist and vocalist, Kanna, Mahito on keyboard, bass player Tatsuya Okamoto and drummer Koto, that just recently has burst onto the scene. This week they published their debut music video, giving us a taste of what we can expect from them in sound and style. On the fourth of January 2024, they will have their first performance at Kobe Varit. For now they have no music releases planned, but follow the band on social media to stay in the loop. — Recommended by Francisca
Summer Eye – 湾岸 (Wangan) （Route 357）
Summer Eye is a DIY music project of Tomoyuki Natsume, formerly active in the alternative rock band Siamese Cats. After that band disbanded in 2020, Natsume decided to go solo under the name Summer Eye in 2021. Renowned for his eclectic taste, Natsume masterfully blends music genres using vintage electronic instruments. In the spring of 2023, he released his first full-length album with his project, titled 大吉 (Good Luck). Beyond the musical realm, Natsume enriches the cultural landscape through his diverse pursuits, from collage production, songwriting, film music, DJing, writing and other art forms. — Recommended by Francisca
ペッテルズ (Pettels) – scream
With activities started this past summer, August 2023 to be precise, this Tokyo-based rock band is really brand spanking new. The band name Pettels is inspired by the three band members’ favourite chameleon (Is that perhaps the Furcifer petteri?) which is also fitting for the attitude in embracing various musical styles and adaptations and has followed the slogan ‘a colourful rock band that sings about people’. Despite having only just started their activities, the three-piece formation has already released a handful of singles, of which scream is most likely going to be the closing single of the year 2023 for this band. Who knows, they might continue on the same footing in the new year. — Recommended by Francisca
しんきろうのまち (Shinkirou no Machi) – 夜 (The Night)
It is the first time writing about this three-piece band, Shinkirou no Machi, active for around 10 years and led by vocalist and guitarist Yosuke Suzuki (who is also active as a guitarist in the band she might be swimmer). This release marks the first of a three-month consecutive release plan for the Tokyo-based alternative rock band and following that series of releases, they planned a one-man show in March 2024. True to its title, the song features a dreamy melody that encapsulates a lasting warmth within this nighttime atmosphere. — Recommended by Francisca
高野 哲 (Tetsu Takano) – Euphoria
October saw the release of vocalist and guitarist Tetsu Takano’s third solo album, titled all songs from Thunder Road, 6 months after the release of his second solo album. Takano has performed as a vocalist and guitarist in a multitude of bands, to name a few: nil, THE JUNEJULUAUGUST, ZIGZO, THE BLACK COMET CLUB BAND, DISCO VOLANTE, and a certain visual kei band that has put quite a mark on the scene. The latter is not mentioned much these days, perhaps the musician may not want to be reminded of it as he is now walking his own path in his own way, at his own speed as a free musician and many years and projects followed. And that is respectable. With two new music videos this week and a new video in a few days, we will now see on screen what the musician had in mind when he created this album. — Recommended by Francisca
USAGIEZ – SAYONARA bye bye
USAGIEZ is a music duo consisting of singer-songwriters Marie Ueda and Ryoko Elizabeth Yamada. They met each other for the first time in 2010 where Ueda got impressed by the performance of Yamada. They decided to work together and had a try-out show in 2012, but USAGIEZ as it currently exists was formed in 2019 when they had their one-off show. For the year 2023, the Year of the Rabbit, the two decided to reunite, but only to disband when this year is over, after their last live show, which is in a few weeks. In the meantime, they have decided to release a best-of album, Usagiez Best, with seven tracks. — Recommended by Francisca
犬のやすらぎ (Inu No Yasuragi) – dogs
Embarking on the music scene from Saga, the four-piece band, Inu No Yasuragi, has been making waves with their own interpretation of alternative pop-rock. Since their debut performance on 27 March, 2022, this young band has swiftly become a notable name in the local Japanese music scene. After a demo release in October 2022, they unveiled their first single a year later and on 11 January 2023 (a playful nod towards the Japanese onomatopoeia for a dog’s bark, wan wan wan (111)), they will release their first EP, DOGS. — 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.
