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 26 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Overflow – 雨 (Ame)
In April, rock band Overflow released their first album, summarising the band’s activities over two years, with the title ENCOUNTER, the release consists of seven tracks including previously released singles 陰日向 (Kage-hinata), a rock ballad, and Nihil, a jazzy rock song satirising the chaotic world. The five-member rock band was formed in spring 2022 and their music mixes different music genres and styles and reflects each band member’s unique personalities and diverse backgrounds. — Recommended by Francisca
iiichanman – スーパーカー (Supercar)
Behind iiichanman is vocalist and guitarist Yui Ukishima who says to pursue a style that is similar to no one but includes heartbreaking and realistic lyrics and nostalgic pop melodies. In 2023, Ukishima moved to Tokyo to launch her music career, creating the project iiichanman. Several singles have since been released, taking on the roles of lyricist, composer, and designer for her covers and merchandise. In May, she started releasing singles for three consecutive months, with Supercar being single number two and the third to be released in July. — Recommended by Francisca
PompadollS – スポットライト・ジャンキー (Spotlight Junkie)
If you’ve been following my writings, you’ll know that I like to focus on young bands in my articles a lot, also in my music video roundups. Here is another example of that, a band that attracted a lot of attention even with their first music video at the start of this year and basically continues on the same footing. Formed in late 2023, the Tokyo-based five-piece rock band is led by guitarist, vocalist and composer Gozyu Igarashi and will soon release their third single, Spotlight Junkie. It will be very interesting to see what their next steps are in the near future. — Recommended by Francisca
BOOKERS – 昼夜逆転 (Day Night Reversal)
This week saw the release of four-piece rock band BOOKERS’ second EP, like a happy, following up the single 弾痕 (bullet hole) which was released in December of last year. This makes the new EP the first release of 2024 and can therefore be seen as a comeback. In between, BOOKERS have not been very active in terms of performances, but they have certainly not been idle given the newest release. Additionally, the band’s YouTube channel features videos in which they cover music by bands that clearly inspire the band, ART-SCHOOL, ELLEGARDEN, The Birthday and Nirvana, to name a few. — Recommended by Francisca
トキワの森 (Tokiwa no Mori) – 流星になれ (Ryusei ni nare)
Speaking of brand new bands, four-piece alternative rock band Tokiwa no Mori, started activities in September 2023, and released their second single and accompanying music video this week. Rooted in 2000s alternative rock and influenced by diverse internet cultures, the band members, originally Vocaloid producers, create music with explosive soundscapes, catchy melodies, and lyrics that offer light and hope to the lives of contemporary listeners. — Recommended by Francisca
Disconnect Cendrillon – 偽りシンデレラ (Itsuwari Cinderella)
Disconnect Cendrillon started as vocalist MiNO’s band project and seems to run alongside her solo career. Looking at what MiNO has done over the years, it can be concluded that it has a rich history of musical experiences and activities, besides her solo career and performing in an acoustic unit, she was involved in several idol (rock) groups, such as Purpure☆N.E.O, the mistress, Re_roll and Buzzer01&. and these experiences seemed to taste like more and she decided to create her band project Disconnect Cendrillon in 2022 which is reflecting her ongoing progression as a vocalist. — Recommended by Francisca
Junkie Machine – ブッサイクメタボルフォーゼっ (Bussaiku Metabolphose)
When I stumbled upon this brand new music video by the Tokyo-based rock band Junkie Machine during my search for this article, I did not expect that this would be the first music video by them and that they just released their first single. The four-piece rock band has been active since 2022 and they have been working hard to perform at live venues and festivals, the music and stage presence have long since been noticed given the various contests and prizes they have won, such as TOKYO MUSIC RISE 2023. In my opinion, this band is very likely to make it very far. — 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.
