With a large music industry such as Japan has, 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 lesser-known Japanese musical acts that are definitely worth watching. We are now looking back on a couple of videos that were released in week 6 of the year 2021. Enjoy the new discoveries and Happy Valentine’s Day!
徳久 望 (Nozomi Tokuhisa) – 生まれ変わっても (umare kawattutemo)
For the promotion of his latest EP, SOUND OF CONNECTION Ⅰ, singer-songwriter Nozomi Tokuhisa shared the music video for the lead track on the CD. It was the first time in five years for the musician to release a new album and the first release on the new label SOUND OF CONNECTION. The musician has been active since 2016 and since 2018 also a part of pop band イカズチの髪 (Ikazuchi no kami). — Recommended by Francisca
Rudo – Underground
Rock band Rudo got formed in the summer of 2020 in Kobe. In December, the four-piece released their first album with a solid sound that makes you think that the band has been around for much longer. Since the album is not on streaming services yet, this song and music video is for most the introduction of the rock band. — Recommended by Francisca
フェイクファー (Fake Fur) – アサヒ (Asahi)
Osaka-based pop-rock band Fake Fur have started 2021 good by bringing out new music videos after quite a silent year. The band got formed in 2016, sold out their first single in that same year and released their first album in 2019. Now that the band is rather busy with making new music videos, it might also mean that they are working on a new release. — Recommended by Francisca
窪み (Kubomi) – 普遍 (Universal)
Kubomi is the name of the solo project of Hitomi Kubo. The left-handed singer-songwriter was first active in a duo, but after that project stopped she decided to go solo in 2017. In addition to performing, she also is a teacher. In the summer of 2020, Kubomi released a mini-album Aerial swimming digitally and since January of this year, it is also possible to buy the physical version of it. — Recommended by Francisca
nurié – ランナー (Runner)
Officially started in 2019 as nurié which was first a solo project of the singer and has transformed into a band, the visual rock band seemed to have turned quite some heads with their debut single. The Osaka-born band has been busy with putting out releases, with a concept of realism and a good fusion of instrumentals and vocals. A full album is on its way, being planned for April. — Recommended by Francisca
Youmentbay – Take Me
Youmentbay got formed in 2017 and consists of guitarist Naoki Yamaya and drummer Ena Sakurai. Both are also vocalists of this music project. This is the first track of their latest self-produced album of the duo which got made during the time that they couldn’t perform due to the pandemic. The music in this track feels dreamy, but they also have music with more of a rock vibe. — Recommended by Francisca
bokula. – HOPE
Hiroshima-based rock band bokula. will release their first mini-album in April. The four-piece started activities in September 2019 and is centred around guitarist and vocalist Ei and guitarist Kaji. The band focuses on lyrics about everyday life and catchy melodies in combination with the straightforward voice of Ei. Recently they joined the new indie label STAY FREEEE!!!!!!!!. — 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!
