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 13 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Deadman – 静かなくちづけ (Shizukana Kuchizuke)
For the first time in 19 years, the Nagoya-kei band deadman released a new full-length album, titled Genealogie der Moral, on the same day their original album was released, the band presented another album, living hell, which consists of a collection of re-recorded tracks from the past where they have worked with several guest musicians. The music video for 静かなくちづけ (Shizukana Kuchizuke) features guest musicians Kazu (gibkiy gibkiy gibkiy) and Asanao (lynch.) and showcases the latest evolution of the gloomy rock band. — Recommended by Francisca
GrimAqua – 黄昏オフィリア
In the past year, Tokyo-based visual kei band GrimAqua returned from a short break with the news that they had joined the record label Bloom. Following that return, the four-piece band released several singles before celebrating their second anniversary of the band. Last week, the visual kei band released their first-ever mini-album, titled AQUAISM. The band’s start in 2020 was not easy, given the COVID-19 pandemic made a lot tricky, including organising gigs, so the four focused on creating music and videos instead. — Recommended by Francisca
S.O.H.B – Inner Voice
S.O.H.B stands for Seasons Of Her Bedroom and is the name of a Nagoya-based creative unit that was formed in 2021 and is led by Natsumi Nishii, who is active as a songwriter, composer and music producer. At the start of the spring, S.O.H.B released their second full-length album filled with dreamy and danceable pop music that focuses on the themes of solitude and self-reliance. Prepare to be totally immersed in the music and singing. — Recommended by Francisca
傷女融解 (Shojo Yukai) – キラキラ (Kirakira)
In the spring of 2022, singer-songwriter Maki Utada and drummer Hinano Itou – who relocated to Tokyo for her acting career – decided to join forces in a band format. Named Shojo Yukai (which translates to “wounded girl”), they create alternative rock that, according to the duo, is reminiscent of their beloved Nirvana and Courtney Love. The band’s concept is “to bring a romantic sense of impatience to everyone”. Following the release of an EP in 2022, this digital single marks their first release for 2024. — Recommended by Francisca
Kittone – 視えないふたり (Mienai Futari)
Earlier this month, kittone released their first double A-side single in almost a year, after the band became a duo with HANA on vocals and composer ZAKI on bass. That single was followed up this week by an album that is available on major streaming services. Originally started as a three-piece in January 2020, the band’s lyrics establish a world like a novel, adding to that their emotional band sound and delicate vocals, resulting in weaving words, hearts and stories into music. — Recommended by Francisca
ユウレカ (Yureka) – OilGang
In January of this year, the Tokushima-based quartet Yureka released their second (mini) album, titled AltX, which is in total the band’s third release and it also seems to be their first release in 8 years time. Described as a polymetre rhythmcore band, the four-piece has been active since the summer of 2014. A band that plays with excitement and concentration at the cutting edge, while dancing around music genres like hardcore, industrial music, alternative rock and more. — Recommended by Francisca
おとなりにぎんが計画 (Otonari Ni Ginga Keikaku) – ピアスを外して (Pierce wo Hazushite)
This week saw the release of the first mini-album by Nagoya’s Otonari Ni Ginga Keikaku and that means that they soon will be touring Japan to promote that release. With lyrics that elevate everyday moments to cherished memories and a band sound brimming with playful energy, the quartet’s newest release can be seen as a musical diary. One of the songs on this release, 300えん (300 Yen), was their first sound source. Last year, they were able to perform at SUMMER SONIC 2023. — 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.
