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 20 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
透明受胎 (Toumei Jutai) – いなくなる頃 (Inaku Naru Koro)
We have highlighted this rock band before, back in 2022, when they just presented their first digital single. Meanwhile, the three-piece formation has arrived at its second digital single, the song was released on streaming services in April and raises hope that the band is working on a new EP or perhaps something bigger. In any case, the band remains busy creating rock music, with elements of musical genres that all band members are interested in and the dark lyrics that vocalist and guitarist Miura pens down. It is for a reason why we recommend this band for the second time. — Recommended by Francisca
突発的犯行 (Sudden Crime) – 葱-Adult Child-
This is the fourth single from the guitarless piano rock band Sudden Crime with two regular band members and a support bassist. The band has been active for almost four years and was started when the musicians were in high school. The song is about a girl raised by twisted love, according to the band, it is a plain non-fiction narrative backed by a lively piano rock sound. In addition, the band indicated that the song took a lot of time to produce and is the result of meticulous attention to detail, with every aspect taken care of to perfection. — Recommended by Francisca
ニレ (Nire) – toxin
After publishing the music video for Nire’s debut single on Christmas Eve, Nire, consisting of vocalist TO-ME and composer and multi-instrumentalist R E A I, returned this week with a new music video for their second single, titled toxin, that will be available for digital listening at the end of May. R E A I is associated with NOMELON NOLEMON as a support musician and is also a sound producer with YAYA RECORDS. This music project seems to focus on the creative process and the music itself, since there have been no concerts yet, creating an intriguing veil around their work. — Recommended by Francisca
BabyFaith – H4ZE
H4ZE is the title of BabyFaith’s latest single and is the follow-up to the EP RIDICULOUS released in August 2023. This is a perfect song to show how the band has grown in recent times. Apart from the fact that the four-piece – described as the new generation emo-alternative rock band – has a loud band sound, with Mako’s emotional high-pitched vocals and a dark style, the band also shows off their diversity well and BabyFaith’s distinctiveness lies in lyrics that express sadness and anger. — Recommended by Francisca
初期の藤林里佳 (Shoki no Fujibayashi Rika) – やりたい (Yaritai)
Late this month sees the release of the long-awaited first album by Shoki no Fujibayashi Rika, a pop-rock band centred around rock guitarist and songwriter Rika Fujibayashi who has been making music as a solo artist and in band format for years. The album was announced at the relaunch of activities and features tracks made over the past four years with contributions of various musicians, experimenting with pop-rock as the basis. The music Fujibayashi produces is known for its astute inspirations and unique musical rock style, especially with its distinctive quirky take on the world, melodic vocals and raw band sound. — Recommended by Francisca
四半世紀少年 (Shihanseiki Shounen) – ヤンキー (Yankee)
Earlier this month, rock band Shihanseiki Shounen released its first digital EP, titled SSS, a nod towards their band name. The five-member band, with two vocalists, was formed in the autumn of 2021 with Tokyo as its home base. With a band name that borrows from a song from vocalist and guitarist Naoki and drummer Pun’s previous band, it is also likely that a challenge to make music with this band for a quarter of a century anyway has been taken up. By the looks of it, the musicians are all still facing in the same direction. — Recommended by Francisca
Analogfish – Lady Lady
Alternative rock band Analogfish was formed in 1999, meaning the three-member band is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and this uplifting pop song is part of that. The band consists of two outspoken singer-songwriters: Kentaro Sasaki (vocals, guitar) and Akira Shimooka (vocals, guitar). Sasaki’s style is heartfelt and poppy, while Shimooka offers a cool, insightful perspective with drummer Shuichiro Saito spearheading this rock-solid band ensemble. If you be a fan of anime, chances are you know Analogfish from the song Speed which was used as one of the end theme songs for the anime series Naruto. — 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.
