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 31 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
魅力女。(Miryome.) – 寧丁 (Neitei)
This rock band was formed in the spring of 2022 by vocalist and guitarist Tsuke, with the current line-up being active since May 2023 and is mostly active in Kyushu as their home base is Nagasaki. Miryome.’s music is characterised by catchy, melodic, and lyrically evocative compositions. Neitei, with a meaning somewhere between careful and careless, is a dark rock song about a lonely working man who rushes through life. The band’s fourth single release follows up their second EP, titled 火星に着いたらその時は (Kasei Ni Tsuitara Sonotoki Wa), which was released digitally at the start of 2024. — Recommended by Francisca
水と風船 (Mizutofusen) – 退屈ロマン (Boring Roman)
After releasing their second mini-album, titled én, in November of last year, it became pretty much silent around the four-piece rock band from Osaka. This changed at the beginning of the summer when the band teased a photo on their social media with the message that they were filming a new music video for a brand-new song. This resulted in the release of their first single of 2024, entitled Boring Roman, which was released at the start of August. Mizutofusen’s sound consists of elements of shoegaze, post-rock and alternative music. — Recommended by Francisca
été – Viscous
Based in Tokyo, the three-piece alternative rock band été started with activities in 2016. The three musicians explore the universal question of self-identity through their music that is based on guitar rock with elements of post-rock and hardcore and is characterised by the distinctive vocals of Yuki Okita. By several Japanese (online) media their music is being hailed as being unusual. It has been a while since the band released new music, in between they have taken a break, but it looks like a new album is on the way and this second digital single is a taste tester for what to expect. — Recommended by Francisca
MELT-BANANA – STOPGAP
For the first time in 11 years, noise-rock duo MELT-BANANA will present a new album, titled 3+5, this new release comes out via their own A-Zap Records label. A lot can happen in 11 years, especially for a musical project, but this duo has never stood still during that time. They have continued to perform and produce new music, including a couple of split EPs with SENYAWA and NAPALM DEATH and a contribution to a compilation album. All of these experiences and developments have been incorporated into their 8th album, reflecting their growth and evolution over the past decade. — Recommended by Francisca
乙女絵画 (Otomekaiga) – 日が落ちた (Hi Ga Ochita)
This song can be found on Otomekaiga’s first EP, 境界 (Kyokai). It came out earlier in May and is their first release after releasing their first album 川 (Kawa) in August last year. The atmosphere of the songs on the new EP seems to go in a different direction compared to their previous release, yet they maintain a strong depth of expression and beauty that the band constantly strives for. Formed in 2022, the Sapporo-based band consists of five members and places a strong emphasis on guitars, featuring three guitarists alongside a bassist. They are already working on their second album. — Recommended by Francisca
nicora ray ark – Rise
It started with a teaser on YouTube in 2020, focusing on idol Chiyono, and then it was quiet until this week when nicora ray ark released their first music video. Chiyono as the main vocalist (also active in 3776, with Mount Fuji as its theme, and Usagi no Mimic!) is joined by Ami (formerly active in amiinA) for dance and vocals. The group is divided into 00 icon (Chiyono) and Animals, with Ami as 01 wolf. There is so much more to say, but worth noting is that their first song Rise is composed by Yuyoyuppe, with lyrics by Shuichi Saito, and instrumental work by BOH (bass), ISAO (guitar), and Kuniaki Suzuki (drums). — Recommended by Francisca
WackMon – マイルーツ (My Roots)
Last April, the fourth EP for rock band WackMon was released, titled ホワイトアース (White Earth), six months after the release of their third EP. After that, the three-piece band has been heavily touring Japan. Described as the world’s most heartwarming rock band, the band’s activities kicked off in spring 2018 with the current line-up since starting 2023. The song My Roots, found on the band’s fourth EP, is about self-reflection and personal growth, part of life’s path. The band has managed to incorporate this quite well in the music video and elements in it will surely be recognisable to anyone watching. — 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.
