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 23 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
おどるアナグマ (Odoru Anaguma) – 月光 (Gekkou)
With the vibrant Shimokitazawa district as their home base, this three-piece alternative rock band started activities in the spring of 2023 and first started releasing several singles, which paved the way for their first EP released on 1 June. According to the band, the EP WHO ARE WE? consists of five songs with different messages and atmospheres, that hopefully accompanies the listener in their life. Fronted by the guitarist and vocalist Tokimi, whose voice is as emotional and powerful, Odoru Anaguma’s sound is a blend of melancholy and strength, wrapped in an alternative rock package. — Recommended by Francisca
Remnant – Re:Incarnation
If you’ve been following AVO Magazine for a while, the name Remnant will likely be familiar to you. This atmospheric music unit has had several opportunities to perform in the Netherlands, including at the AVO J-Music Festival in 2018. Remnant recently released their latest work as a music video, which coincidently is their first new work for 2024 and marks their second release with the new band lineup. Following a hiatus, the band reformed as a trio with the addition of bassist F.Dsbm, a longtime friend of Takmi and Marie, whom they often met and worked together at various events. Since their return, the trio has been consistently working on new music, the first release being the song Ich Verschwinde in 2023. — Recommended by Francisca
Mellows – 秘密closet (Himitsu closet)
By now, we’re familiar with the concept of combining cute and metal thanks to several musical acts from Japan, since 2023 we can add the three-piece metal band Mellows to the mix, although this band takes a slightly different approach with the label ‘cute metal’. These three musicians from Tokyo demonstrate this by fusing Mio’s cute vocals with the powerful riffs by Sally and GINA, and in doing so they hope to deliver a fresh and uplifting musical experience. And judging by the reactions to the act’s first music video, this seems to resonate. They have already delivered several singles last year and this week they released their very first album, alloy. — Recommended by Francisca
雪国 (Yukiguni) – 東京 (Tokyo)
This week saw the release of the very first album by Tokyo-based indie rock band Yukiguni, a 15-track record titled pothos. The band seems to be inspired by the beautiful snowy landscapes, as well as the book Snow Country by Japanese writer Yasunari Kawabata, which left a deep impression on vocalist and guitarist Kyo who came up with the name and invited the other musicians to create a band. This influence is also visible in the music, as well as music videos, photos and artwork, which often explores themes of isolation and quiet beauty, mixing elements of alternative and indie rock. — Recommended by Francisca
耳を乞ふ者目を隠す (Mimi Wo Kou Mono Mewo Kakusu) – EdeN
This alternative/shoegaze band formed in 2021, Mimi Wo Kou Mono Mewo Kakusu started as a recording project, began performing live shows in June 2022 and released their first album in February 2023. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Fyu, the band consists of three musicians (and a support drummer) and crafts powerful sounds with delicate lyrics and vocals, creating a world that feels like a story in itself. This week, they released the music video for the song EdeN from their upcoming second EP 今の話 (Ima no Hanashi), further showcasing their unique blend of storytelling and sound. — Recommended by Francisca
Puff – Bad Week
Formed in Tokyo in 2022, this indie pop band comprises five members, some of whom are also involved in other musical and creative endeavours. Embracing a free-form style, they traverse various genres including rock’n’roll, indie rock, synthpop, and hip-hop, showcasing a diverse musical range. According to the band, their music is defined by catchy melodies, playful lyrics, and a sound that captures the spontaneity of a chaotic home recording session. To date, they have released several singles and it will be interesting to see what other plans they have regarding music for 2024. — Recommended by Francisca
月刊少年アイロニー (Monthly Shonen Irony) – 月にさよなら (Tsuki ni Sayonara)
On the day of the band’s fourth anniversary, the 9th of June, the three-piece rock band Monthly Shonen Irony published a new music video to celebrate this fact. The band was formed in Akita, but since the spring of this year, the band has been active from the metropolis of Tokyo and they had just their first shows over there. Over the four years, the band has released several EPs and an album, and it is interesting to find out what the band has planned for this year, now that they have moved their home base and gained new experiences. — 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.
