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 Japanese music acts that are definitely worth watching and need some extra focus, with an emphasis on the lesser-known names.
We are now looking back on a selection of videos released in week 12 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
南風とクジラ (Minamikaze to Kujira) – グッドルーザーズ・ディストーション (Good Losers Distortion)
This is not a joke, but this song will be exclusively available digitally starting the first of April. However, it is already possible to immerse yourself in Minamikaze to Kujira’s catchy tunes thanks to the band’s recent publication of the accompanying music video. Minami Kaze to Kujira’s music is heavily inspired by 1970s Showa-era ballads with various elements contributed by all three band members, with vocalist and guitarist Keigo Mitou primarily responsible for lyrics and compositions. — Recommended by Francisca
オートコード (Auto-cord) – ウィーザーは僕の日々を歌う (Weezer sings about my days)
To start the season of spring off right, Kyoto-based rock band Auto-cord released their very first album, Haiku club, accompanied by their very latest music video. This quartet of university students started the band in 2022 and brings a robust and dynamic rock sound with influences of OASIS and Weezer as you may have noticed from the title of the linked song), intertwined with the essence of today’s youth. — Recommended by Francisca
Saika – サニー (Sunny)
Saika, is a multi-talented artist, a musician and an actress, but also the founder of S-igen project, a creative venture centred around theatre productions. She initially began her musical career as a member of a band, but later switched to a solo musician and performances with a support band. Saika’s second single was used as a tie-up song for a S-igen project in 2021 and finally received a music video. After that single release, she has been producing more singles and a mini-album. — Recommended by Francisca
アメリカンカール (American Curl) – メリーゴーランド (Merry-Go-Round)
This song can be found on the recently released EP by the Nagasaki-based four-piece rock band American Curl, titled 終点 (Shuten). The four-piece has been active since 2016, with their first live show in October of that year and they are still going strong. While looking through the band’s social media, I noticed that they seem to be inspired by a diverse range of musical influences including Chatmonchy and SHISHAMO by incorporating their songs into their cover repertoire earlier in their career. — Recommended by Francisca
Ry – New Sun
Originally started as a trio in 2015 centred around multi-instrumentalist Terutaka Aritomi, with drummer Tetsuya Nakahara joining in 2020, they started a new musical journey. Last year, they released their second album with guest collaborations with Martin Johnson and Chan Keng, of which the linked song is part of, which was produced amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their music blends alternative, indie rock, emo, new age, and classical elements, complemented by emotive lyrics and delicate yet powerful melodies. — Recommended by Francisca
Aily LULU – 惚け (Boke)
The Osaka-based guitar rock band Aily LULU recently released their debut digital EP, titled しおり (Shiori), and in addition, the four-piece is part of the recently released compilation album KAZAANA ’24, which features 16 bands aiming to break through from the live concert scene in Kansai to the rest of Japan. Aily LULU’s music, a result of collaboration among the four members with diverse musical backgrounds, showcases a versatile sound unbound by any specific genre. — Recommended by Francisca
それでも尚、未来に媚びる (Sore Demo Nao, Mirai Ni Kobiru) – あれから (Are Kara)
Formed in Osaka in 2012, this indie rock band has earned the moniker of being the “most unknown but strongest live band”. It looks like we can look forward to the indie rock band’s first-ever album and the song linked below is confirmed to become a part of it. Over the years, the band – nicknamed Sorekobi – went through several line-up changes and even a break, but since December 2022, the band is back in full force as a five-piece band. — 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.
