Performing artists at the rock festival “ROCK IN JAPAN FES. 2016”

SHAMROCKUVERworld

UVERworld　『SHAMROCK』

UVERworld is a rock band from Shiga Prefecture.

The song I’m introducing from their catalog is an older one: SHAMROCK from 2006.

It’s a refreshing, comfortable rock tune and arguably one of their signature tracks.

THANXWANIMA

WANIMA- THANX(OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Alongside MONOEYES, WANIMA has been booked for many festivals this year.

The three-piece rock band from Kumamoto is energizing the melodic hardcore scene.

Despite their edgy appearance, this song’s strikingly straightforward and beautiful lyrics stand out.

It’s a staple at their live shows and guaranteed to get the crowd fired up.

Run Away[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Run Away (MV) @ALEXANDROSchannel

[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band that has now become a leading artist in Japanese rock.

Their song Run Away features wonderfully airy, spatial guitar sounds and a great sense of drive—it’s the perfect feel-good track for today.

Vocalist/guitarist Yohei Kawakami’s high voice is lovely as well.

Unrequited lovemiwa

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

Singer-songwriter miwa.

Since she has provided theme songs for multiple TV dramas and films, many of you have probably heard her music.

She is a young female singer-songwriter currently in the spotlight, combining both popularity and talent.

In this song, straightforward feelings are expressed directly in the lyrics, which many listeners are likely to relate to.

The Flarethe HIATUS

The Flare / the HIATUS

the HIATUS is a four-piece rock band led by Takeshi Hosomi, who’s also been very active lately as the frontman of ELLEGARDEN and MONOEYES, as well as in his solo work.

Their song “The Flare” is a captivating track with a beautiful worldview.

It offers a charm that’s distinct from ELLEGARDEN and MONOEYES.

Sweet! Sweet! Music!ikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Sweet! Sweet! Music!' Music Video -Short Ver.-

Ikimonogakari is a trio loved by a wide range of people.

Their charm lies in uplifting songs with bright vocals and melodies that make you feel energized.

The track we’re introducing today, ‘Sweet! Sweet! Music!’, is a lively song that showcases their appeal to the fullest.

PONPONPONkyarī pamyu pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – PONPONPON , Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – PONPONPON

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a hugely popular artist who enjoys overwhelming support mainly from younger generations.

She’s said to be wildly popular not only in Japan but overseas as well.

The secret to her international appeal lies not only in the culture of “kawaii,” but also in the fact that, although her lyrics are in Japanese, her songs—like this one—are easy to sing along to even if you don’t understand Japanese.