Artists that anyone with mental health struggles should know
We’ve put together a list of Japanese music artists we want people with “menhera” tendencies to know about.
Of course it includes Mio Yamazaki, known as the god of the menhera scene, and the band R-Shitei, which operates with a menhera concept, as well as artists widely recognized—by themselves and others—as menhera.
We also introduce some lesser-known artists, along with popular and newest tracks in the menhera sphere, so please check them out if you like.
If you find an artist who speaks for your feelings, be sure to stan them!
Artists every menhera should know (1–10)
Absolute GirlfriendOmori Seiko
Seiko Oomori is an artist from Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture.
In addition to her work as a singer-songwriter, she also produces idol groups, showcasing her versatility.
Described as a “super vocalist” and “passionate performer,” she is noted for her compelling sound and highly relatable lyrics.
Her airy vocals are another highlight, conveying the many emotional shifts depicted in her songs with piercing resonance.
Her music often portrays unstable emotions or anger toward something, and while empathizing with those feelings, she is an artist who seems to empower listeners to live true to themselves.
Don’t call me a magical girl.āban gyarudo
Urban Garde is a band featuring twin vocals by Yoko Hamasaki and Tenma Matsunaga, with Kei Okubo on keyboards.
They released their first album, “Shoujo wa Nido Shinu” (A Girl Dies Twice), in 2008, and made their major-label debut in 2011 with the single “Skirt Kakumei” (Skirt Revolution).
Their appeal lies in a sound that’s uniquely quirky, a bit sickly, yet unmistakably pop.
Each song shows a different side of them, making you want to keep following their work.
Love beam!!takayan
The artist who has released many so-called “jirai-kei” tracks is Takayan, a rapper and singer-songwriter.
His musical style, which vividly captures the inner world of young women, combined with the gap between his appearance, singing voice, and song moods, becomes addictive after just one listen.
After you hear his songs, I recommend checking out his Twitter account first.
In addition to his humor-packed works, he’s also released emotional numbers you’ll want to play when you’re feeling down.
mentally unstable personMioyamazaki
It might surprise you at first, but “Mio Yamazaki” isn’t a person’s name—it’s the name of a rock band.
Centered around the vocalist mio, they’re a four-member band formed in 2013.
They express universally relatable inner conflicts, negative emotions, and the hidden side of society through music—sometimes fiercely, sometimes dreamily.
They have provided songs such as the opening theme for the anime Hell Girl: Yoi no Togi and the theme song for the film The Love That Will Rot Your Ears.
Although they continued to be highly active, the group regretfully disbanded in December 2022.
I want you to love only me.mirukīuei
Milky Way is a band from Osaka that turns the swirling feelings in the heart straight into words and sound, without dressing them up.
It’s the solo project of Kaori Ijuin, active since 2012.
Their 2014 release “Cassette Tape and a Utility Knife” drew attention when KANA-BOON’s vocalist Maguro Taniguchi featured it, among other buzz.
Though she’s often introduced as a “mentally fragile artist,” the songs she creates are pure, straightforward music that hurls genuine, life-sized emotions into sound.
Yanderu GirlfriendR shitei
R-Shitei is a visual-kei rock band that centered around vocalist-guitarist Mamo.
They began performing under the name R-Shitei in 2008.
Known for releasing numerous “menhera” and “yandere” songs, their signature tracks include “Yanderu Kanojo” and “Haranbanjō, Tsubaki Uta.” Due to their band name and some song titles, they were at one point denied permission to hold a concert at the Budokan, but their stance of “doing what we want, the way we want” earned strong support from many fans.
In December 2019, they regretfully went on hiatus, described as being “frozen.”
I want to be the girl you remember when you die.samezame
Cute and pop on the surface, yet surprisingly raw in its portrayal of a young woman’s heart—that’s Samezame, the music project by Saori Fueida.
Hailing from Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, she began working under the name Samezame in 2009.
She made her major debut in 2012 with the single “Ai toka Yume toka Koi toka SEX toka,” and has been actively releasing music and performing live ever since.
If you’re curious, be sure to check out Saori Fueida’s blog on note.
She writes about the thoughts behind each song as she releases them, giving you a glimpse into her musical sensibilities.