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 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 11 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
The Tiger – 僕の街 (My Town)
Formed in 2014, The Tiger (stylised as the Tiger) came together while founding members – vocalist Lin, guitarist Taiga, and drummer Atsushi – were still in high school and active in the light music club. In 2019, they made the bold decision to relocate to Tokyo and search for a bass player. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, they continued their activities through street performances and online live shows. Eventually, Yusuke joined as the bass player in 2021 making the current lineup complete. The rock band released a 10-track album this week, titled Get Ready. — Recommended by Francisca
Plums – 生活 (Seikatsu)
With a distinctive perspective, the three musicians behind Plums (stylised as plums) deliver a portrayal of “love” overflowing in everyday life with a shoegaze/dream pop, guitar rock sound and clear vocals. A few weeks back, the in Otaru-based band released a digital three-track EP, titled the same as the song that received a music video. This release follows up on their latest EP, titled 話をしようよ (Hanashi Wo Shiyou yo), which was released in the summer of 2022. In between these two releases, the drummer left the band in the spring of 2023, making the band a trio, but still going strong. — Recommended by Francisca
Tsugai – Inertia
Based on their roots in lo-fi beats, electro, and dream pop, Tsugai is a musical duo comprised of a husband and wife, HitHitHit and HowaHowan (also active in Sandy gray eyes). In November 2023, the two made their return with their single Inertia, following a hiatus of almost two years since the release of their debut album kotobuki. This release offers a fusion of 80s shoegazer-inspired vocals and house sounds. Soon after, the duo released another single, Monaco Lif, to finish off 2023 on a good note. With a fondness for creating unique sonic landscapes and a DIY approach, the duo explores the theme of music born from everyday life. — Recommended by Francisca
Antiage – 海水をのむ (Kaisui Wo Nomu)
Characterised by dreamy sounds, emotional feelings and singer Takuma Sakakida’s husky vocals, Antiage’s music spans musical genres such as alternative, shoegaze and emotional guitar rock. After the band formed in 2021, Antiage began releasing music the following year, starting with a single. The follow-up was the band’s first-ever EP, a major milestone for the trio. This year has been pretty busy for the band, as the alternative rock band managed to release two digital singles with accompanying music video. What will 2024 bring next for this three-piece band? — Recommended by Francisca
あの娘のひみつ (Ano Ko No Himitsu) – ヘブン (Heaven)
This is the second music video of Nayoga-based girl’s band Ano Ko No Himitsu singing about how it is to be a girl, the pain and happiness, and what girls can do and sing while questioning many meanings. The band is brand-new, in February of this year, they introduced themselves to the world via social media and a few days after they shared their first music video, and only last week they had their first live show. It all looks like they have a promising future with this start and it will be interesting to see what the next steps are going to be for this new band. — Recommended by Francisca
OFELIA – KingDumb feat.sh!n
Just after the new year kicked off, the four-piece rock band OFELIA released their very first EP, titled Tales of ___. The new release showcases a diverse range of musical styles and consists of new compositions and reimagined versions of songs from when the band was active under the name Rainy Clown. The EP carries a deeper significance, symbolising not only the band’s story but also inviting listeners to reflect on their own life stories. For one of the songs on this EP, the four-piece collaborated with vocalist Sh!n of rock band The Albert. — Recommended by Francisca
キブンテキShopper (Kibunteki Shopper) – 超・踊り場 (Chou Odoriba)
The dynamic duo of Kibunteki Shopper, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Kio and drummer Arishi, they have been releasing music since 2021. After a brief hiatus in 2023, the band seems to be back with renewed energy and a fresh perspective. Kibunteki Shopper’s sound is a vibrant fusion of various styles combined with guitar, drums and DTM, with music that exudes a distinct vibe and sounds catchy. With their way of musical expression, they know how to captivate the audience with an energetic and mood-setting listening experience and, especially with this song, a very danceable experience. — 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.
