Kawaii meets Indie: 4 Japanese Acts to Check Out
Keep quarantine loneliness at bay with these new catchy additions to your playlist!
I first came across these songs, as one normally does: through YouTube recommendations. Fresh off my trip back home to Japan, I wanted something that reminded me of home, and YouTube delivered. These songs are just a peek into the wide world of Japanese music. Check them out - there is definitely something for everyone!
1. Necry Talkie
Don’t let the singer’s saccharine-sweet voice fool you: this band knows how to pack a punch. Formed in 2017, this group of 5 are newcomers to the stage, but their songs show surprising maturity: the group’s self-composed songs cover themes from individuality and self-esteem to the unrelenting pace of society. With a major-label album, ZOO! released this February, their journey to kawaii-conquer is just getting started.
Recommended song: Kitakamino Susume, an encouraging song about moving forward from their new album ZOO!
2. Queen Bee
Fashion? Check. Killer vocals? Check. Amazing stage presence? Check, check, check. This group goes above and beyond in everything it does with a unique flair. Although most of its songs are techno-based, the acoustic versions of their songs (check one out here) prove that this group has the chops to do anything. These self-proclaimed “fashion punk” are a definite must-have on anyone’s playlist.
Recommended: Fire, for that techno-meets-traditional-Japanese aesthetic, complete with an amazing wardrobe.
3. Fujii Kaze
This singer’s face might be familiar to some—his cover of Takeuchi Mariya’s hit song Plastic Love (complete with a meme-y thumbnail) went viral last year. This man is more than just a meme, though - with his smooth looks and humorously biting lyrics, this singer-songwriter blends easy listening with a jazzy flair to create catchy hits. With a new album coming out in May, he’s definitely someone to look out for.
Recommended song: Nan-nan, a smooth jazzy tunes on confusing, snakey love.
4. KEYTALK
Need a pick-me-up? KEYTALK, whose music discography ranges from the light to the downright bizarre, has a song for everyone. Active since 2007, these veterans know how to make anytime a good time.
Recommended song: Sunrise, a lighthearted song with a great guitar solo.
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