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 33 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
WaqWaq Kingdom – Hado
This experimental duo, consisting of Shigeru Ishihara (DJ Scotch Egg, Seefeel) and Kiki Hitomi (King Midas Sound, Black Chow, Dokkebi Q), has released their new EP Mind Onsen, the follow-up to their album Hot Pot Totto, which was released last September. Kiki Hitomi describes the EP as a way to rest your brain and regain energy for tomorrow, rather than an escape from reality. The song Hado explores the power of women, water, and the dragon myth. The music video, featuring Riko Sugama, a traditional Ryukyu dancer from Okinawa, was released on August 15th, in commemoration of the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II with a plea for peace worldwide. — Recommended by Francisca
THE SQUID OLDMEN – さよならラッキーストライク (Sayonara Lucky Strike)
This week it was revealed that four-piece alternative rock band THE SQUID OLDMEN will release a new mini-album in September, titled INDIGO. It seems that they have added a tagline for the new mini-album, which is: “Remember the days when we used to say ‘Nice to meet you’?” The music video below is a offers a glimpse of what to expect from the band in 2024 and the song has also been released directly as a digital single, their first single in almost a year. The rock band had taken a break earlier this year, likely to focus on recording new material, but it is good to see that they are back in action. — Recommended by Francisca
宇宙団 (Uchudan) – 銭湯 (Sento)
It’s been a few years since we last wrote about the five-piece new wave pop band Uchudan. Now active for 10 years, the Tokyo-based band continues to offer a colourful palette of music that defies easy categorisation. In the last few years, they have been releasing several singles, each showcasing their unique style, but also their third full-length album, 円盤ヒッチハイク (hitchhiking by U.F.O.). Uchudan’s latest track is a playful song entirely dedicated to the joy of traditional Japanese public baths, the sento, wrapped in a “steamy” dub-inspired sound. — Recommended by Francisca
∞yah-ya∞ – ウミ (UMI)
The musical project ∞yah-ya∞, formed in 2021, is led by singer-songwriter Yurika Hanashima and sitar player Yoshida Daikichi, who together create a fantasy-like musical world blending ambient and psychedelic elements with original compositions, Japanese folk songs, lullabies, and Indian electroacoustic instruments. In the summer of 2023, ∞yah-ya∞ released an EP titled UTA-IKU, which features the song UMI. Completely in style, the music video was filmed on the beaches of Kamakura, with the vocalist accompanied by ballet dancer Soyo Iijima. — Recommended by Francisca
是猫 (Xeneko) – SHEGRASS
The three-piece alternative guitar pop band Xeneko began their activities in 2022, releasing their first single in May of that year. With a strong DIY mentality, they handle every aspect of their art—including music production, music videos, cover art, and mixing—entirely on their own at Xeneko’s Studio, which is located in vocalist Satoru’s bedroom. To date, the Tokyo-based band has released six digital singles. Their latest song SHEGRASS is an interesting one, because it serves as the theme song for the successfully crowdfunded film アオイロの怪獣 (Aoiro no Kaiju, Blue Monster), directed by Miwa Kokoro. — Recommended by Francisca
ALIOTH – Pure White
At the end of the month, Tokyo-based hardcore/metalcore band ALIOTH will release their first EP, Ambivalence, a long-awaited release following their third single The Morsque released last November. It will be interesting to find out how the band has honed their craft and refined their sound over the past months. One of the tracks on this new release, KAITEN, features a guest contribution from melodic metalcore band Azami’s vocalist Junpei. For the music video to promote the upcoming release, the three-piece band chose the track Pure White, where a pure white location was eventually transformed into a blood-coloured scene. — Recommended by Francisca
ライティライト (Lightylight) – 絶望交響曲 (Zetsubou Kokyokyoku)
This is a four-member band from Saitama that operates under the slogan: ‘A band that wishes you happiness,’ a motto that shines through in their music. Vocalist Hau’s distinctive voice and poetic lyrics are strengths of the band and contribute to their growing popularity, especially among young listeners. This is their very first music video and it will be interesting to see how their positive vibe is appreciated not only in Japan, but worldwide. Should you find yourself in a slump for a while, we recommend listening to this song. Curious to find out what the next steps will be for this pop-rock band. — 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.
