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 lesser-known Japanese musical acts that are definitely worth watching.
We are now looking back on a selection of videos that were released in week 31 of 2023. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
ウマシカて (UMASHIKATE) – 断捨離 (DANSHARI)
With a whirlwind of raw emotions and unspoken truths, this three-piece band popped up on Tokyo’s music scene in the autumn of 2020 and it seems that they have made a good impression , as they are still going strong. The band skillfully captures the chaos of everyday feelings and the hidden depths of human relationships in their music. Despite being together for three years, they have already appeared in various indie circuit live music events, such as MiMiNOKO ROCK FES JAPAN, TOKYO CALLING, Shimokitazawa Nite, and KNOCKOUT FES. — Recommended by Francisca
直 (Nao) – 666-triple six-
Nao is better known as the guitarist in the visual kei band DaizyStripper, but he has also been active as a solo musician for well over a year. This resulted in a mini-album last year, titled NeO ProToTypE, followed up with the second mini-album, titled 666-triple six-, in July. Nao’s project is mainly an instrumental band, in which he can put his own ideas to further grow as a musician. Incidentally, this is not the first time Nao has had a solo project; in 2016, all of DaizyStripper’s band members announced solo releases as part of the band’s 10th anniversary. Nao’s short-lived project then bore the name of FREAKMAN. and was in collaboration with vocalist Ryouta (ex-Neverland, now active in THE MADNA). — Recommended by Francisca
THE MOLICE – Active Imagination
Formed in 2007, The Molice are a Tokyo-based alternative post-hardcore/dance-core trio defying the boundaries of music genres by seamlessly blending various musical styles, including rock n’ roll, classical, dance, shoegaze, alternative, and post-hardcore elements. Their international presence has been notable, with performances spanning Europe to North America, which caught the attention of Good Charamel Records, leading them to move their operations to the United States in 2018. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the band returned to Japan and devoted themselves to crafting new music. Their latest release, Pre/Post Re-SING, features a collection of past works that vocalist Rinko was eager to revisit, including the track Active Imagination, originally released on the red-orange-coloured album NEUGRAVITY in 2012. — Recommended by Francisca
ミンモア (MINMOA) – まどかな夜 (Madoka Na Yoru)
Step into the dreamy realm of MINMOA, a soft-psychedelic-folk-rock band that has been enchanting listeners since their formation in 2016. Led by the skilled guitarist Takaaki Konno their musical journey gained momentum with the release of their debut EP Minmoa in 2018. Fast forward to February 2021, and the band released their highly anticipated first full-length album, 帰郷の日 (Kikyou No Hi), which got followed up by an EP, titled まどかな夜 (Madoka Na Yoru), in December 2022. They are known for their particular style transforming 1960s soft/folk-rock into a contemporary sound with a diverse ensemble. — Recommended by Francisca
mukishitsu norm – a no piano
In 2023, O02 and unhate came together to form the classic electro unit mukishitsu norm. In their engrossing musical arrangements, the music unit displays a mesmerising fusion of orderly vocals and flowing piano melodies, intertwined with the allure of glitchy noise and rhythmic beats enriched by the subtle integration of ambient sounds that ultimately create an immersive aural experience in this harmonious marriage of elements. This is their very first music video to introduce themselves to the world, which is very much in tune with the song. — Recommended by Francisca
突然少年 (Totsuzen Shounen) – あらしのよるに (Arashi No Yoru Ni)
Energetic rock band 突然少年 (Totsuzen Shounen) released a mini-album, titled 未来 (Mirai), with a hint of secrecy on 23 July and this week they unveiled the track あらしのよるに (Arashi No Yoru Ni) with an intriguing music video that keeps viewers on their toes. These four spirited souls crossed paths in their high school’s light music club, embarking on a musical journey that led them to perform all over Japan, including a couple of performances at FUJI ROCK Festival. As they forge their path, they find solace in the realm of studios and CD shops, embracing the thrill of performing today rather than dwelling on tomorrow’s concerns. In addition, the band members are convinced that their music has the power to shake listeners’ hearts and give them courage and hope. — Recommended by Francisca
ゼラ (Zera) – PURGE
Starting the evolution of ゼラ (Zera) five years ago, first as a session band named 麺はコシが命 (Menwa Koshi ga Inochi), then a live-limited band called More, finally emerging as the full-fledged visual kei band Zera in 2019 and their official debut in 2020. From the start, the band has been dropping singles here and there and even a mini-album. In September they will release their first album, Devil liveD, consisting of 12 tracks. For one of the tracks, PURGE, the visual kei band went for a music video with clearly a nod to the American dystopian action horror film The Purge. You have been warned! — 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.
