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 38 of 2023. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Atelier Room – たられば (Tarareba)
Three-piece rock band Atelier Room (stylised as atelier room) makes heartfelt rock music with lyrics that capture the essence of everyday emotions, from the fleetingness of joy to sadness and the impermanence of caring for others. Formed in 2017 as a four-piece band with their home base in Hiroshima Prefecture, the band became a trio in 2021, and from then band activities have only gained momentum. Last July, the band released their third EP, ハッピーアワー (Happy Hour), this was quickly followed up with a fourth EP, titled ボーイミーツガールミーツオーバードライブ (Boy Meets Girl Meets Overdrive). — Recommended by Francisca
Sinker – Deadend
Sinker, an emo/shoegaze band hailing from the city of Mishima (Shizuoka Prefecture), took shape in 2013 under the guidance of guitarist and vocalist Masuda and guitarist Serizawa. Influenced by bands such as The Promise Ring and Mineral, they developed their own distinctive style in the wake of the emo revival and the emergence of emo-infused shoegaze. In October they will release their first full-fledged album on cassette via Wood Of Heart and is comprised of old songs that have been polished for at least a decade and brand-new tracks that have been created during the pandemic. — Recommended by Francisca
握りしめた2円 (Nigirishimeta 2 yen) – ルカ (Ruka/Luka)
Based in Osaka, this four-piece rock band originated from the Osaka School of Music. For them, music is raw instinct, a force that stirs souls. Their mission? To play with an intensity that awakens that very instinct in their audience. At the moment, they’re focused on delivering what they call ‘Instinct Explosion Rock’ and are primarily performing in Osaka. One of their songs, 地球宛に僕からの手紙 (A Letter from Me to Earth) has been used as an ending theme song for several TV programmes. This year, they released a single and an EP. — Recommended by Francisca
Cruyff In The Bedroom – Lazy Sugar Doll
This rock band should be no stranger to fans of (Japanese) shoegaze, but in case you don’t know Cruyff In The Bedroom (stylised as cruyff in the bedroom) yet: this band has been around since 1998 has already released six full-length albums, as well as several compilations, EPs, mini-albums and live DVDs and has been dubbed ‘King of Shoegaze’ by American-based shoegaze label Clairecords. Their recent work favours elements of various musical genres and that ranges from jazz, post-rock, house and world music. So should you like the sound, you know there is plenty of music to immerse yourself in. — Recommended by Francisca
炙りなタウン (Aburi na Town) – ゴキブリ人間 (Gokiburi Ningen)
This past summer saw the release of Aburi na Town’s very first full-fledged album, 炙りなタウン1 -死にたくなってからが本番- (Aburi na Town 1 – Shinitaku Natte Kara Ga Honban), with 14 tracks filled with a punk sound. The musical journey for the band started as a trio in the spring of 2018, since September 2022 the rock band from Okayama is a duo consisting of vocalist and guitarist Yukinari and bassist and vocalist Shiokichi, with a support drummer. With the release of the new album, the band has released several music videos, most of which can currently be found on JMS BASE’s YouTube channel, but this new video can be found on the band’s own YouTube channel. — Recommended by Francisca
雨ノ弱 (Amanojaku) – ボク不在の世界 (Boku Fuzai no Sekai)
Not to be confused with another Japanese rock band of the same name, this band describes itself more as a modern cinematic rock band. This three-piece band is back on the road, having not released anything for a year after releasing their first mini-album, which bears the title of this music video’s song. With each song, vocalist Yume Inoue embodies the main character, with core perspectives the lyrics resonate with the challenges of today’s youth combined with technical compositions and their live shows that evoke the feeling of watching a film. — Recommended by Francisca
RAY – 火曜日の雨 (Kayoubi no Ame)
October will see the third album for alternative idol group RAY, titled Camellia, and as with previous releases, they have collaborated with several notable musicians. For the song highlighted, Robin Aoki (downy), Kentaro Nakao (Crypt City, ex-NUMBER GIRL), BOBO, and Kengo Matsumoto (THE NOVEMBERS) have collaborated. The idol group was formed in spring 2019 with the concept of ‘the most cutting edge alternative idol’, where they manage to switch music genres with ease whatever falls well with audiences. Think shoegaze, emo, melodic punk, EDM, and chaotic hardcore. — 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.
