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 40 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
nikoge – わがまま (Wagamama)
The first EP from Osaka-based three-piece rock band nikoge is just about ready, it is titled あの頃のままで (Anokoro no Mama de) and filled with six tracks. After exploring the band’s social media history, it’s clear they have previously released a single, a couple of demos, and an EP called 僕を殺しても (Boku wo Koroshite mo), some of which were available digitally. However, it seems these releases are currently unavailable for streaming. The spotlight is now fully on nikoge’s one and only first EP. While the release date is yet to be confirmed, the band’s first music video is a sneak preview. — Recommended by Francisca
171 – 紡 (Tsumugi)
Last summer, rock band 171 issued their EP Life Size Life, marking their first music release in a year following the release of their third album. The band embodies a DIY mentality, handling everything from songwriting to mixing, mastering, and cover design on their own. The three-piece started activities in early 2019 and after several name changes, the name 171 stuck for the musicians because it identifies with something specific, namely the highway called National Route 171, which connects the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo, also region where the band can be found on stages. — Recommended by Francisca
AZA – 朝日を睨んで (Asahi wo Nirande)
Three-member rock band AZA released their fifth single this week, accompanied by a new music video. The band started activities in spring 2022 with Morioka as their home base. Describing their music as ‘Human Rock’, the band aims to convey the complex emotions of people, both beautiful and ugly, that cannot be fully expressed by the four primary emotions of joy, anger, sadness and happiness. After vocalist and bassist KO-HEY decided to join AZA in April this year, the band made a new start and focus, it will be interesting what the next steps will be for this band. — Recommended by Francisca
komsume – Don’t Think!
After releasing their 3-track single バク (Baku) in March last year, Kobe-based rock band komsume came out with their very first mini-album, titled 反抗期 (Hankouki), at the start of this year. These three girls are going for the top while playing rock, and they are doing a lot of that this year as they have mostly been on stages this year to show what they are made of. Don’t Think! must be one of the crowd favourites at their shows. What will the three musicians bring in terms of new music in the coming months? — Recommended by Francisca
Tyrkouaz – Mellow Night Bass
It’s been a while since we put the spotlight on the neo-mix rock duo Tyrkouaz, consisting of twin brothers Souta and rent. But considering they have released a new music video, it is time to take a look at what they have been up to in the meantime after releasing their first album. Following the release of several singles, the duo came out with an EP in September, NEW GADGETS. With music where drum’n’bass is at the core, they manage to bring a new vision with each song with their blends of alternative music, surf rock, hyper pop and more. — Recommended by Francisca
Virth Own Tales – ParadoXx
With the release of a new single, EP, or (mini-)album, a new music video is always exciting to see. For four-piece loud rock band Virth Own Tales (VOT for short), the release of their second single was the reason to produce a proper music video. This single, featuring a mix of English and Japanese lyrics, reflects the band’s commitment to the underground loud rock scene, especially during a time when live music venues are in decline. Moreover, with this single, the band challenges listeners to think how to navigate a world with no clear right or wrong answers. — Recommended by Francisca
しろつめ備忘録 (Shirotsume Biboroku) – アクセルペダル (Accelerator pedal)
The four-piece rock band Shirotsume Biboroku started their activities exactly two years ago, in October 2022, with Tokyo as their home base. Influenced by alternative rock bands such as Quruli and Hitsujibungaku, the band creates a unique worldview with pop music while incorporating a shoegaze sound. In November, they will release their first album through up-and-coming indie label Oaiko with the concept of “capturing and preserving feelings in their raw form and turning them into a song”. — 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.
