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 47 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
GUNGIRE – Encrypted
GUNGIRE is a well-known name to us and perhaps also to many of you. Their influence within the Japanese metal scene continues to grow. Active since 2021 and fronted by NANA (also FATE GEAR’s touring vocalist), the metalcore band dubbed themselves as Japan’s most insanely angry band because of their thunderous guitar riffs and ferocious vocals and lyrics. Still, if you check out their music you will understand why they deserve this nickname. This week they released a new music video to promote their newest single Encrypted, which will be released digitally on 7 December. — Recommended by Francisca
Pretits – MagicBus
The indie rock band PRETITS seemed to have begun their activities in the last quarter of 2023 and consists of four members. In October, the four-member band released their first double single, titled Town/MagicBus. A self-shot, black-and-white music video for the song MagicBus was released this week, highlighting the band’s DIY spirit and giving a glimpse into the band life of Pretits’ four musicians. We look forward to what else the band will produce in the future. — Recommended by Francisca
TAMIW – Deep ‘n’ Shallow
The double single Deep ‘n’ Shallow/Overcome is the first release of 2024 for Japanese trio TAMIW (you pronounce it ‘tam-yu’), the alternative rap-rock band was formed by vocalist Tami Keem in 2018. To date, the band has released three albums—Flowers Vases (2018), Future Exercise (2020) and Fight for Innocence (2023), as well as their debut EP Floating Girls (2022)—in addition, they have toured extensively across the United States and performed at Fuji Rock. There is so much more to say about TAMIW, let’s just say that 2025 looks promising for the trio, keep an eye on them. — Recommended by Francisca
tubby tabby – 手帳を買う (Techou Wo Kau)
Four-piece alternative rock band tubby tabby released their first EP うつりかわり (Utsurikawari) last summer, which also happens to be their first release of 2024. The EP contains five songs that showcase elements of pop and shoegaze, as well as lyrics that are impactful and heartfelt. The four-piece was formed in late 2020, and after a period of producing and recording music, they started performing in summer 2021. — Recommended by Francisca
マジカルチョコミントクラブ (Magical Chocomint Club) – メロウ経路 (Mellow Route)
A young alternative rock band with an interesting name, Magical Chocomint Club, consisting of three members, who know each other from university and share the same music tastes. The band was formed in 2023 and is now based in Tokyo. So far this year, the band has released two singles, with Mellow Route being the most recent release. Although it should be mentioned that the title track of the second single was re-recorded and released last month, both versions can be listened to via streaming services so you can compare if you want. — Recommended by Francisca
東田明莉 (Akari Tohda) – グッパイ少女 (Goodbye Shoujo)
In December, singer-songwriter Akari Tohda will release a new album and Goodbye Shoujo is a preview of what to expect. In 2023, the musician decided to get serious about her music career and she managed to release several singles in 2024. Her sincere lyrics are brought to life by a solid, energetic sound combined with her powerful vocals and expressive style. On 20 December, she will celebrate her birthday with a special solo live show called THE FOOL. — Recommended by Francisca
破壊的価値創造 (white hacker innovator) – last flight
The unit white hacker innovator is a spin-off of Bungei Tengoku, an alternative rock band as well as an alternative art collective that aims to create art that can be felt through the five senses. The first single was released in February and now we get to enjoy the very first music video, while the unit has also released their first album, forced landing. It might be a bit confusing, as the unit’s name was also the title of Bungei Tengoku’s music film released in September 2023, which had vocalist Soan in the starring role who now also leads this new unit. The music film seems to be a symbolic introduction of Soan as the figurehead of the unit. — 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.
