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 34 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Cuushe – Faded Corners
Looking at how long it has been since dream pop artist Cuushe released something brought me to the conclusion that it has been far too long. In 2020, the singer-songwriter released the album WAKEN and Faded Corners is her first new song since that release. The song was written for Daughter x Kazuhei Kimura’s photo book 湖 Awaumi (Lake Awaumi), in addition to that, an EP featuring this song and remixes by Korean electronic duo Salamanda, Indonesian producer Melati ESP and electronica/ambient artist (and label owner of FLAU) aus will be released in September. — Recommended by Francisca
メリクレット (Melikret) – ナツイロスコップ (Shovel of summer colour)
This is the tenth digital single from Melikret, a four-piece alternative rock band from Sapporo, active since 2019. Their musical mission is to create music that offers comfort and reflection during difficult moments in the daily lives of listeners. With that concept, the band creates a unique world with Tipe’s powerful and fragile vocals, combined with melancholic and introspective lyrics, culminating in versatile songs that transcend genres. — Recommended by Francisca
色々な十字架 (DIVERS † CROIX) – 知識 (Chishiki, Knowledge)
Following the release of their single in April, the five-member visual kei rock band DIVERS † CROIX returned this week with a new single and music video filled with 4 and a half minutes of knowledge. The band is best known for their dedication to the 90s visual kei revival, paying homage to the pioneering visual kei bands. Originally started in 2020 as an April Fools joke, but given the orthodox songs and strange or rather striking lyrics were well received, they decided to continue with this project. Their first full-fledged album, 少し大きい声 (Little Loud Voice), was released in July 2023. — Recommended by Francisca
THE STARVERS – 183
Earlier this year it was revealed that the vocalist of the rock band Mr.FanTastiC, Megatera Zero, has started a new band with guitarists John Kanda (PENGUIN RESEARCH) and Nakanishi (HoneyWorks), bassist Ygarshy (Hitorie) and drummer SHiN (GRANRODEO, Gero BAND) named THE STARVERS. For anyone who follows the Japanese music scene, these musicians will not be unknown names. In July THE STARVERS shared their first song, I’m sorry, this was followed up this week with their second song, 183, both rock songs have so far only been shared via music videos that are perfect to watch back-to-back. — Recommended by Francisca
Emoments – DAWN
Hailing from Sendai City, Emoments are a five-piece rock band bringing heartfelt passion to their music which is driven by their motto: “Bringing music and emotion to everyday life.” Their band sound is characterised by a powerful blend of passionate, fervent, and poetic rock music. The second single by Emoments, DAWN, reflects their signature style which is a powerful anthem about facing regret and striving to bring about a new beginning, even when it feels too late. — Recommended by Francisca
shelives(in kyoto) – むくろに訊け (Mukuro ni kike)
Formed in 2022, the band shelives(in kyoto) looks to be primarily a two-piece band from the get-go. Consisting of vocalist and guitarist Uetake and drummer and vocalist Kataoka, the two musicians provide refined choral work with two voices, but also produce compelling melodies, with a strong emphasis on detailed guitar arrangements. To date, they have released several singles, and in September they are set to drop a double A-side single. Interestingly, it was only a few months ago, in June, that they released their very first mini-album, HOPEs. — Recommended by Francisca
SheeSawHarm – フィニス (Finis)
Het is ongeveer 10 maanden geleden sinds de uit Kyoto afkomstige screamo loud rock band SheeSawHarm iets heeft uitgebracht, in oktober vorig jaar werd een split EP met Haze of the Bullet Blossom uitgebracht, メメント・メモリ (memento memory), waarvan de track Cie’th een muziekvideo ontving. Maar fans kunnen uitkijken naar EP nummer vier van SheeSawHarm wat eind augustus uitkomt, maar een voorproefje is al gegeven met een gloednieuwe muziekvideo. De vierkoppige band werd gevormd in 2021 en werkt met het thema van negatieve emoties van mensen die in het moderne tijdperk leven. — 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.
