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 22 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Arika – blan_
Arika, a dynamic duo consisting of vocalist and voice actress Yuko Natsuyoshi and composer/guitarist Yamato, began their musical journey in 2022 in which they released a number of singles. Two EPs and a single were added in 2023. On 29 May of this year, they released their first full album, nemo. This album showcases their ennui-filled sound that, according to Arika, defies the conventions typically associated with voice actor artists. One of the tracks, blan_, serves as the ending theme song for the anime series Unnamed Memory. — Recommended by Francisca
C;ON – 月逢夜 (Tsukiauyo)
With the unique fusion of three instrumentalists and two vocalists, C;ON (pronounced “she-on”) can be seen as a groundbreaking idol group that seamlessly blends instrumentalists and vocalists to create a distinctive musical sound that transcends conventional pop and classical boundaries. The group’s name derives from ‘core’ (the earth’s central core), ‘impression’ (emotion), and ‘on’ (continuation), symbolising their mission to continually inspire and captivate audiences worldwide through their music and performances. — Recommended by Francisca
Wisteria – ハレノヒ (Hare No Hi)
Standing out immediately with their colourful haircuts, the four musicians of the Tokyo-based rock band Wisteria are set to release their first mini-album Come Here! at the end of June. Wisteria’s beginnings lie in the year 2019 when guitarist Ryusei, bassist Koume and drummer Ryo formed the band while still attending high school. After several line-up changes, the band was joined by vocalist Mii in 2021, marking the beginning of their serious musical endeavours. The band’s concept is based on the positive words ‘Peaceful Days With You…’, and the band’s style is a mix of rock, emo, hard rock, punk and other elements. — Recommended by Francisca
暴動クラブ (Voodoo Club) – 気になるお前 (Kininaru Omae)
Formed in the spring of 2022, all members of the rock’n’roll band Voodoo Club are university students, the musicians declare to respect and inherit the rock’n’roll and rhythm and blues of the 1950s, the British rock of the 1960s and the punk rock of London and New York in the 1970s. In November, they debuted with the 7″ single Theme of Voodoo Club, which attracted quite a few eyes and ears in Japan. This was followed up by a love song, a digital single, titled If You Fall in Love, and a Record Store Day release, Cynical Baby, on 7″. With the newest single, it seems that we are going back in time. — Recommended by Francisca
Natsudaidai – 青果店 (Seika-ten, Fruit Store)
Get ready to savour something fresh and fruity in the music scene. Natsudaidai, a project formed in 2023 by singer You and track maker Nanae, will be releasing their debut EP this summer. This duo handles everything from songwriting and composition to recording, but also mixing, and artwork. As a teaser, they have released a new single including a music video titled after the upcoming EP, showcasing their take on girls’ chill pop music. — Recommended by Francisca
DROWNYOU – DILEMMA
DILEMMA is the first single of 2024 for the alternative rock trio DROWNYOU from Tokyo. This release can be seen as a new beginning for the band as they experienced the departure of several members earlier this year and this is their first release as a trio. The idea behind the new song is that it encourages listeners to face challenges head-on and forge their own futures. The band’s sound is anchored in a fusion of R&B, pop and rock, with digital elements, while the new track consists of heavy digital rock. — Recommended by Francisca
彩Saya (Okinawa Electric Girl Saya) & Aika Higashimori – 夜の祭〜ユル ヌ ウマチー〜 (Night festival ~Yuru Nu Umachi~)
彩Saya (also known as Okinawa Electric Girl Saya) has teamed up with Yonaguni-born actor, film director and rapper Aika Higashimori for an extra-ordinary new song. The collaborative single, 夜の祭〜ユル ヌ ウマチー〜 (Night festival ~Yuru Nu Umachi~) was released on the first day of the meteorological summer and serves as a precursor to 彩Saya’s upcoming album. The song features a blend of Japanese and Okinawan (Uchinaaguchi) languages sung by 彩Saya with Higashimori’s innovative rap in the Yonaguni language (Dunanmunui). This collaboration aims to promote interest in these endangered languages through music. — 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.
