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 44 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
DEPPMAN – Ghost Hack Syndrome
This is the third music video by the three-piece rock band DEPPMAN, an ossan band, or a band made up of middle-aged men. This is probably meant to be communicated that way with a big wink, but the music they have produced seems to contain such recognisable lyrics, while they also inject a lot of energy and humour. The video, directed by the vocalist of RobotMeetRobo and BIJŪ, Celinuntius Fujisawa, while Hideki Hoshi of the same two bands was the recording engineer, deals with the daily life of a musician filled with ambitions and hardships.. — Recommended by Francisca
VERDELET – Hate Creation
This is the first single from VERDELET, although it is not the very first release from this alternative metal band. Formed in 2012 with the ambition to share their music worldwide, the band has since experienced several line-up changes and irregular activities. Adding to this, the pandemic will not have helped VERDELET’s band activities either. Last year, VERDELET’s new line-up was presented, with vocalist Roy and guitarist Matt as driving forces. They eventually released an EP aptly titled REVIVAL this summer. VERDELET’s songs explore themes about life and what it really means to live.. — Recommended by Francisca
マリンブルーデージー (Marine Blue Daisy) – JKブランド (JK Brand)
Marine Blue Daisy were formed in 2022 by three young girls who are currently close to finishing high school. They play a mix of pop and rock with a slightly melancholic vibe. For their latest music video, they produced the animations and illustrations entirely by themselves and is the fourth video from the three-member band. The song references the culture where young people long for recognition and authenticity and how things can quickly go viral these days while everything is (or seems) so superficial, in the case of JK Brand – JK stands for joshi kousei, or girls in high school – it seems that the band is actually taking a critical look at this trend.. — Recommended by Francisca
Response – invisible love
This four-member rock band from Tokyo was formed in 2001 and has been active all this time without a change of band members, each member brings their own unique strengths to the band, developing a distinctive style. Their music combines energetic guitar lines, compelling rhythms and lyrics that deal with life’s journey, always with a powerful ‘response’ to the world around them. For this music video, the rock band collaborated with Thai magician VK.Vich and they decided to film a live session where the band performed their music and the magician performed his magic.. — Recommended by Francisca
セブンス・ベガ (7th Vega) – SUPPER
SUPPER is the third single from this four-piece girl band from Tokyo that officially launched in July 2023, the stamp they give themselves is city rock band. Since the band’s inception, they have been working hard to make an impact in the music world and are serious about making new music and performing, which shows dedication and passion. Besides the three singles, they have also released an EP and it will be interesting to see what else the four musicians have in the pipeline.. — Recommended by Francisca
タカハシヒョウリ (Hyouri Takahashi) – リバイバル (Revival)
On his birthday, 2 November, vocalist and guitarist Hyouri Takahashi, released the single and music video for Revival. You might very well be familiar with this name, as he was the lead vocalist and guitarist of the alternative rock band Owarikara for 13 years and he has also been part of the supergroup 科楽特奏隊 (Kagaku-Tokusoutai, Science Sound Special Players). But this year, he has been focusing on his solo career and is currently working on his first solo album, besides being busy with lots of other interesting projects.. — Recommended by Francisca
青い薔薇 (Aoibara) – 焦燥 (Shousou)
This week saw the release of the second EP from Osaka-based alternative rock band Aoibara, titled Aster, almost two years after the release of their first EP, Wave Flower. The band has been active since 2022 and, according to label 3LA, the new release goes a bit beyond shoegaze and even heads towards British indie vibes. It also seems they have evolved even more in terms of artistic identity. Later this month they will go on a short tour of China and in January they have a solo show planned, curious to see what the band will produce with the upcoming experiences.. — 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.
