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 30 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
cephalo – 夜窓 (Yoru Mado)
This four-piece indie rock band has not been active for very long; only last year, the four musicians got together and in December 2023, their activities officially kicked off with the release of the single Nocturne. Meanwhile, the quartet, with guitarist and vocalist Fuki at the front, has released an EP titled wind surfing school, filled with catchy melodies and tense yet dreamy instrumentals inspired by shoegaze and dream pop. As icing on the cake are the ethereal vocals of Fuki, who performs her perspective of her worldview. — Recommended by Francisca
LaughTONiC – ラストラブソング (Last Love Song)
Formed in spring 2021 and led by guitarist and vocalist Shugoro, this four-piece from Tokushima has been working hard to gain a foothold in Japan and they seem to have succeeded in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. In June 2022, they released their digital album 25 and this week they celebrate the release of their fourth digital single, the band’s third release of 2024, with a music video. Will they manage to charm the rest of Japan with Shugoro’s distinctive singing voice, melodies and, as I read it, passionate live performances? — Recommended by Francisca
ゆれるこ (Yureruko) – シロップ (Syrup)
This is the debut single from the two-member rock band Yureruko, consisting of bassist and vocalist Coco and guitarist Kana. They sing about a wavering love but aim to make music that also makes listeners swoon. In the style of summer, this song is set at a summer festival and expresses the feelings of a girl with an unrequited love. To end the summer without regrets, she is determined to win him over so they can spend a sweet summer together. What really stands out in the song is the harmony vocals, which is why it deserves a place on this list. — Recommended by Francisca
LAUSBUB – I SYNC
Described as a new wave, industrial and techno-pop band, LAUSBUB’s activities began in March 2020 by two girls who were in high school in Sapporo at the time, because of the pandemic, they were forced to find new ways of making music. This led them to concentrate on making music at home, where they both delved into techno music and the rest is history. After releasing several singles and an EP, their first full-length album, titled ROMP, was released this week. — Recommended by Francisca
Penetrate – Inside of Me
Take a moment to appreciate the clever combination of the band name and song title, but don’t linger too long. This modern and progressive metalcore band from Shizuoka has just completed their first EP, titled Aerial, and this is where the song can be found. The music video is an important milestone for the band, as it is their first-ever music video, but they have premiered it on the popular YouTube channel BVTV Music, giving them instant exposure on the eve of the release of their first EP. You immediately recognise the ambition of this five-piece metal band from Shizuoka: to achieve global recognition. — Recommended by Francisca
タラチネ (Tarachine) – spotlight girl
This song is from Tarachine’s third album, kew, the first album in 12 years for the quintet, which means that all the experiences they have gained in the meantime have been able to be incorporated into this new record. Their activities began in 2002 in Yokosuka; they released a mini-album and their first album in 2006, followed by their second album in 2012. The new album exposes the beauty and foolishness of mankind, the irreversibility of life and the never-fading hope in a direct way, according to label &Records, even more than before with a richer and groovier sound. — Recommended by Francisca
アクロバット★少年 (ACROBAT☆SHONEN) – マネー (Money)
‘Come on, let’s go on a LEGO adventure!’ That must have been the thought of the band members of Nagoya pop-punk band ACROBAT☆SHONEN. It seems to suit the three-piece band, just take a look at their discography as they seem to love singing songs about anything and everything. The most recent is an EP with three songs about food, but Money is an older song and can be found on the 2016 EP Rainbow Set! Fun fact, the stop motion with LEGO was done by drummer Tom Fallon. Curious to find out what their next topic will be for their future songs. — 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.
