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 17 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
NEK! – Get Over
Introducing NEK! (pronounced as neki), a brand-new rock band that started activities at the beginning of 2024 but only recently released their very first single. Consisting of four young musicians, they began performing in March, with the highlight being 20 March, when they gave their first (free) solo show. There, they sold the song Get Over on CDs they had burned themselves. They eventually decided to label it as their first single and release it digitally, and the promotion with their very first music video clearly proved to be a success. — Recommended by Francisca
Monomi twins – Spring
Monomi twins are an indie pop band from Osaka, consisting of three young musicians who started performing under the current band name early this year, but before that were active under the name oOo (still on streaming services, in case you’re curious about what they produced until the name change). But what you can expect is uplifting and danceable music with a dreamy sound production. They have just released their very first single. — Recommended by Francisca
Liqol – 52Hz
Last June, Liqol’s first single was released, entitled 52Hz, featuring three tracks. A music video had already been made for one of those tracks, but a second one was released this week to celebrate the instrumental post-rock band’s return to action after a silence of several months. Like last time, the music video was directed by Satoshi Ishikawa and most likely the band is busy making new music, so consider this music video as an appetiser. — Recommended by Francisca
Adamas Ale – Getting Over You
This week marked the much-anticipated release from the Tokyo-based band Adamas Ale, a single titled Getting Over You accompanied by a music video. The post-hardcore band has been on the scene for several years and the song Getting Over You has been a staple in the band’s live sets. It’s good that they have given it an official release, as now this power-packed and catchy track can be enjoyed worldwide. The single follows up their first single, Behind You, which was released earlier this year. Before that, they released an EP, Dim The Lights, in the summer of 2023. — Recommended by Francisca
ruggirl – い・け・な・いループマジック (I-ke-na-i Loop Magic)
Described as the modern contemporary Japanese glam guitar rock band from Osaka, ruggirl is a solo project by vocalist and guitarist Kiyoshiro Kinomoto. Originally started as a band in 2023, Kinomoto was soon on his own as band members left. The decision to continue solo was quickly made and he began to work with support musicians. In October the same year, he released an EP and this year he will release three singles consecutively, starting in May during a single release tour, with performances in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. — Recommended by Francisca
奔走狂走局 (Honsou Kyousoukyoku) – 涙が出る5秒前 (Namida ga Deru Gobyoumae)
After releasing an EP at the beginning of 2024, a digital single from Tokyo-based guitar-rock band Honsou Kyousoukyoku was released this week. Their concept revolves around empathising with people who carry stress and darkness in their daily lives, with the band sometimes serving as their voice to convey messages to the world. They offer an interesting combination of heartwarming vocals, memorable melodies and lyrics with a unique sense of wordplay with an alternative band sound. — Recommended by Francisca
yummy’g – Monster
We have already had the opportunity to highlight several new bands in this article, and the Osaka-based trio yummy’g, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Asuka, bassist Arisa and drummer Tomo, is one of them. Last November, the three-member indie rock band kicked off activities and after releasing their first digital single in March this year, charge!!!, this was followed up with the second digital single Monster. What else are they going to deliver this year? We’ll keep an eye on it. — 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.
