MUSIC
Ayumi Hamasaki
Ayumi Hamasaki is known as the Empress of Pop for a reason. She has sold more than 50 million units and is the best-selling solo artist in Japanese history. Hamasaki began her career in 1993 in modeling and acting and released her debut single in 1998. From there, she has released 18 studio albums with the latest coming in 2023, Remember you. Hamasaki is known for multiple genres, with a lot of J-pop hits. One of her more popular songs, Dearest, was featured as the third ending theme of anime Inuyasha.
Ayumi Hamasaki is known as the Empress of Pop for a reason. She has sold more than 50 million units and is the best-selling solo artist in Japanese history. Hamasaki began her career in 1993 in modeling and acting and released her debut single in 1998. From there, she has released 18 studio albums with the latest coming in 2023, Remember you. Hamasaki is known for multiple genres, with a lot of J-pop hits. One of her more popular songs, Dearest, was featured as the third ending theme of anime Inuyasha.
Cold Rain
This Nagoya band is in a unique category that separates them from other J-rock bands; they compose and perform their songs in English. This trait has so far been working well for them gaining popularity in Japan and also selling out major music festivals worldwide. The band has also contributed songs for Fire Force, Bastard!! and Ninja Kamui.
This Nagoya band is in a unique category that separates them from other J-rock bands; they compose and perform their songs in English. This trait has so far been working well for them gaining popularity in Japan and also selling out major music festivals worldwide. The band has also contributed songs for Fire Force, Bastard!! and Ninja Kamui.
Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
Formed in 2008, this Kobe-based electronicore/dance metal band has made a significant impact on the J-rock genre. Their music has been used in various media such as Pro Evolution Soccer 12, Gundam Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost and Japanese wrestling promoter DragonGate Wrestling. They have also contributed to various anime series such as Parasyte - the maxim -, Sengoku Basara, Hunter x Hunter and Baki the Grappler.
Formed in 2008, this Kobe-based electronicore/dance metal band has made a significant impact on the J-rock genre. Their music has been used in various media such as Pro Evolution Soccer 12, Gundam Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost and Japanese wrestling promoter DragonGate Wrestling. They have also contributed to various anime series such as Parasyte - the maxim -, Sengoku Basara, Hunter x Hunter and Baki the Grappler.
Johnny Daigo
Rockabilly retro rocker "Johnny" Daigo Yamashita is the progenitor of the self-described Samurai Rock 'N' Roll. Blending Japanese rock with rockabilly style, Johnny Daigo first arrived on the scene in 2011 with Jeana For Young. He formed his band Johnny Pandora and worked in composing, modeling and acting. Johnny frequently can be found on Instagram twisting with the Yokohama Twisting Club or traveling around the world - including the United States to play at Viva Las Vegas, a yearly rockabilly appreciation festival held in April.
Rockabilly retro rocker "Johnny" Daigo Yamashita is the progenitor of the self-described Samurai Rock 'N' Roll. Blending Japanese rock with rockabilly style, Johnny Daigo first arrived on the scene in 2011 with Jeana For Young. He formed his band Johnny Pandora and worked in composing, modeling and acting. Johnny frequently can be found on Instagram twisting with the Yokohama Twisting Club or traveling around the world - including the United States to play at Viva Las Vegas, a yearly rockabilly appreciation festival held in April.
Girls Generation
The eight-piece ensemble has been in the K-pop scene since 2007. They are one of the most successful groups, selling more than 5.7 million units and more than 30 million digital singles. They took a five-year hiatus in 2017, reuniting in 2022 for their 15-year reunion. The eight members have also formed subgroups - TTS, composed of members Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun; and, Girls' Generation-Oh!GG, composed of members Sunny, Taeyeon, Yoona, Yuri and Hyoyeon.
The eight-piece ensemble has been in the K-pop scene since 2007. They are one of the most successful groups, selling more than 5.7 million units and more than 30 million digital singles. They took a five-year hiatus in 2017, reuniting in 2022 for their 15-year reunion. The eight members have also formed subgroups - TTS, composed of members Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun; and, Girls' Generation-Oh!GG, composed of members Sunny, Taeyeon, Yoona, Yuri and Hyoyeon.
Man With a Mission
Known for their eye-catching wolf masks and musically inspired by Jimmy Hendrix, the five-member band based out of Tokyo has taken the world by storm. Man With a Mission has appeared in various anime series such as Vinland Saga, Seven Deadly Sins and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blood Orphans. MWAM has also collaborated with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.
Known for their eye-catching wolf masks and musically inspired by Jimmy Hendrix, the five-member band based out of Tokyo has taken the world by storm. Man With a Mission has appeared in various anime series such as Vinland Saga, Seven Deadly Sins and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blood Orphans. MWAM has also collaborated with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.
