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 7 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Pinky Donna – 電撃ラブ (Dengeki Love)
This colourful rock ‘n’ roll band from Sapporo was fittingly formed on 9 June 2019 (also known as Rokku no Hi, or Rock Day). Last December, Pinky Donna released their second EP, titled The27RealClub, consisting of five tracks. To coincide with Valentine’s Day, the four-piece band came out with the music video for track number 4 on this specific EP, Dengeki Love. Fun fact, in January 2020, the four ladies released their first demo titled Dengeki Love including the track of the same name, unfortunately can’t find out if the song got a makeover before getting a spot on the recent EP. — Recommended by Francisca
THE NOVEMBERS – BOY
Last December, alternative rock band THE NOVEMBERS released a new album, a self-titled one with 10 tracksm which follows up the previous album, At The Beginning, released in 2020. Dancing between soft, sometimes melancholic and hard (noise) rock with a sprinkling of other elements to keep the sound fresh but still remains recognisable as THE NOVEMBERS. According to vocalist and guitarist Yusuke Kobayashi, the new album is steeped in both the past and the future. — Recommended by Francisca
円盤少女 (Enban Shoujo) – 金属探知機 (Kinzoku Tanchiki)
The description given to Enban Shoujo (or Enban Syoujo) is a slightly mysterious rock and roll band with lyrics that draw inspiration from sci-fi manga. The Tokyo-based band was formed in 2011 and is centred around vocalist Wada. The music video gives an idea of what to expect in terms of live performances from this quintet. Last year, the band released three singles for three consecutive months, the song used for the band’s newest music video was the last release. We will have to wait and see what other catchy music the band plans to release in 2024. — Recommended by Francisca
導天和 (Dao Teng Hou) – 龍頭蛇尾 (Dragon Head, Snake Tail)
Dao Teng Hou is the name of an Asian alternative wave music unit based in Sapporo, previously operating under the name DAO, it is interesting to note that the music collective is in a constant state of development, which also means that they continue to evolve their sound. Recently, the three-piece group entered the third phase of the project, in which they delve deeper into their music creation, incorporating the experiences in the previous phases. The title of the new song is a nod towards the fact that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. It is a Japanese proverb with the meaning that something seems to be great at first, but ends up disappointing – an anti-climax. — Recommended by Francisca
Are Square – カミナリバナ (Kaminaribana)
It is interesting to learn more about Are Square, a mixture rock band formed in spring 2022 that brings together band members with a track record of success in auditions and competitions, but also that they have been showing off their musical talents through band activities, YouTube, social media and more. They met at a session event which was hosted by Kazuaki Ueda, who is now the bass player in Are Square, where they bonded over their shared musical vision and this is where Are Square started. — Recommended by Francisca
Umisaya – GLW
Umisaya, a three-piece power trio hailing from Sendai, were formed in the summer of 2023. Interestingly, all of the band members were previously part of the indie rock band simsiis, which called it quits in spring 2022. Umisaya’s band sound blends alternative music, midwest emo, post-rock, math rock, and hardcore, weaving various scenes and nostalgic sentiments related to the band’s concept of the sea into their lyrics. They have just released their second single, but it might be interesting to check out the music of simsiis as well. — Recommended by Francisca
黒曜日 (KUROYOUBI) – 忘却と深淵のドレス (Boukyaku To Shin’en No Dress)
KUROYOUBI’s activities started in 2022, when the two members, vocalist Kuroba and guitarist Cray, decided to work together after their previous band VI disbanded after being active for several years. In the first year, the band released several singles and a mini-album, which was followed up by their first album and more singles. Last week, the band dropped two music videos, meaning they have produced a total of 10 music videos. Both songs will eventually be released as separate singles. The song highlighted below describes the conflict between loneliness and desire, between sadness and madness. — 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.
