With a large music industry such as Japan, the second largest in the world, music fans will inevitably 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 42 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
覇道拳 (HA-DO-KEN) – 夢幻煌 (-MUGENKOH-)
This is the second music video by mixture-rock band HA-DO-KEN, a five-member band from Fukuoka with vocalist Hal at the forefront. The band has been pushing hard since their formation in 2022, and perhaps interestingly, some of HA-DO-KEN’s band members have been active in the visual kei scene in the past. After releasing a demo and participating in a compilation CD, they released their first mini-album in 2023, which was followed up last summer by the first EP, 歌舞伎VIBES (Kabuki Vibes). And it looks like they have big plans in 2025, given the teaser they have shared on YouTube where Hal is dressed in a black dress and a white robe walking around on a beach. — Recommended by Francisca
Larks Lou – ソーラーフレア (Solar Flare)
Formed in 2021, the four members of the psychedelic rock band Larks Lou freely explore and incorporate diverse musical influences and cultural elements with a playful and eclectic soundscape as end result. Last October, they released a split single with Carpenter’sBlue, which was the reason why the Tokyo-based psychedelic rock band came onto my radar. Although the band remained relatively quiet for a while before releasing a new single this week, but it looks like the band is fully back. — Recommended by Francisca
SAISEIGA – STRANGE RAIN
On 6 November, the four-member melodic groove metal band SAISEIGA will release their third album, THE BLACK HOLE, a year and a half after the release of their second album NOSTALGIA. This new album is conceived as the darkest and heaviest work in the band’s history. Founded in 2020, during the pandemic, the women never ceased to produce and release music, consistently seeking different forms of expression. According to the Tokyo-based metal band, this new album combines all their previous elements into a cohesive work. — Recommended by Francisca
akari – Poor Vampire
Singer-songwriter akari creates heart-wrenching melodies and deeply relatable lyrics filled with an authentic display of emotions and a voice containing a blend of softness and strength. In these songs she tries to connect it with the ‘darkness’ we all face in life-such as grief, mourning and helplessness-but at the same time, she tries to ignite a light of hope. The singer-songwriter is not tied to one fixed musical genre and integrates a wide range of styles, including pop, rock, ballads, and even jazz, as can be heard in her latest song Poor Vampire. — Recommended by Francisca
ムラサキチハヤ (Chihaya Murasaki) – 銃で撃たれる夢 (Chuu de Utareru Yume)
This track can be found on the first single of singer-songwriter Chihaya Murasaki. Chihaya has been active in the visual kei scene for several years, being active in several (band) projects, but since 2023 he decided to start his band project, 裏切り者には制裁を (Punishment for Traitor), which was active for around 1 and a half years, with several single releases. The musician moved to Tokyo, and decided in September of this year to rebrand his solo project to Chihaya Murasaki with the concept of realising the world he saw in his dreams. — Recommended by Francisca
SITUASION – ME AGAIN
In early October, the idols of SITUASION could be seen in Germany for performances at Anime Festival Kassel and Samurai Museum in Berlin, which seems to have been a great experience for the group and it is hoping for the fans that SITUASION will be able to return to Europe soon. This week they released a new single, along with a new music video that shows what the group has to offer: intense electronic beats, dynamic melodies and sharp vocals. The five-member group has released a whole bunch of singles this year, so the question is what else they are up to this year and especially in 2025, considering that is when they will celebrate their fifth anniversary. — Recommended by Francisca
やまみー (Yamamii) – Re Halloween Birthday
With Halloween coming up, it’s fun to see what Japanese musicians have in store around this theme. Virtual multi-instrumentalist Yamamii, identifying himself as a mazoku (a supernatural creature rooted in Japanese myths and fantasy stories, could be a demon) and always busy with (new) projects, loves Halloween so much that it seems every day is Halloween for the musician and entertainer. Last week, Yamamii released his 8th album, Re Halloween Birthday, as expected filled with songs steeped in the Halloween theme, in which he lets all his talents run wild. — 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.
