Hello again OFGF fam, how is the year treating you? I won’t say some cliche about how fast time goes, but it’s, uhh, going. Hope you all have had some good music to accompany you this year!
Looking for something new as spring wraps up?
Here’s what I’ve actually been playing while in Tokyo lately, a mix of chart stuff and songs I found wandering into random live houses.
Trending Tunes
Alt/J-Rock – AIZO by King Gnu
Japan’s favorite band King Gnu is back, and this one was used as the JJK opening. King Gnu makes some great high energy songs – they use that megaphone? shout? effect that makes me want to run at full speed and smash some bottles on the concrete or something. Lots of rock energy, great stuff.
Trap/J-pop – It’s Alright by Fujii Kaze
If Kaze’s recent English album didn’t hit for you, this might be why: Yaffle (the mastermind behind his earlier sound) took a step back on Prema to let Kaze work with other artists. But he’s back on this track that highlights the best of Kaze’s music! The MV just dropped a few days ago and is trippy, japanesey goodness with lots of folklore inspo.
Hyper/J-pop – mosi mosi? by sasane
The viral debut track of a mysterious artist…This one has been making the rounds on JP TikTok for good reason. It’s like if someone took a PinkPantheress song but shot up with some bubblegum J-pop (did I hear some Otsukare Summer in there…?). The artist is an 18 year old bedroom trackmaker named sasane who I hope to hear more of soon!
The Underground
Here are some of my favorites I heard at random events at some local bars recently. These artists have <1000 monthly listeners, but deserve to grace your ears the same way they graced mine!
Hip Hop/R&B – Get Down by Yokai Village
I got to see them randomly while out and about last week. Their vocalist is fluent in English and raps/sings in both languages. Their set was super solid, and they seem to be on the rise in the local live house circuit. This song is catchy, cheeky, and lighthearted, and the flow reminds me of something you might hear in Parappa in the best way!
Shibuya kei – Ikareta Baby (cover) by yobai suspects
OK… So, this is a Fishman’s cover, but ughhhh it works SO WELL. The rest of their songs are solid too – a mix of psyche rock and soul. They are experimental, but have a cohesive sound that is a pleasure to listen to on shuffle. If you like Yura Yura Teikoku, give them a listen!
Funk – ERROR by Duqcy
OFGF only recommends the best JP funk. These guys are some groovy lil college student cool cats making some funky, disco infused tunes. They borrow heavily from the sounds of the current funk boom, born out of Suchmos but being reignited by Luv and Geloomy as of recently (who are also still in college).
If you don’t know what any of that means, just listen. Listen to alllll the funk.
Are you ready for summer? It’s the perfect time to grab your headphones and take a walk before it gets too hot! I just came back from seeing the Nemophila flowers in full bloom. It was the perfect day to listen to some new music.
Until next time. <3
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