2024 is in full-swing, and after the blockbuster month we experienced in January, the stage was set for Japan’s music scene to make its biggest impact on the international stage in years during the rest of Q1.
This month’s double feature follows our absence from the February window due to our trip around the Kansai region. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop us from noting down the tracks that stuck with us over the past two months. With the immense volume of noteworthy tracks released during this time, narrowing down our selection to just eight wasn’t easy, but without further ado, here are our picks for the 8 best songs from Japan for February and March 2024.
ano feat. Lilas Ikuta – Zezezezettai Seiiki (Absolute Sanctuary)
What do you get when you blend the talents of current pop sensations ano and Lilas Ikuta, along with TK from Ling Tosite Sigure, and combine it with a much-awaited manga adaptation? Add to that an adrenaline-fueled music video featuring epic battles with giant robots and UFOs, directed by one of Japan’s most prominent music video directors. The result? ‘Zezezezettai Seiiki’ (Absolute Sanctuary) – a track pulsating with TK’s unmistakable sonic mastery. Serving as the theme for the recently premiered first part of ‘Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction’, this hype-pop anthem is the go-to track for March.
RELATED: ANO AND LILAS IKUTA COLLIDE IN EXPLOSIVE MV FOR ‘ZEZEZEZETTAI SEIIKI’
ano feat. Lilas Ikuta
Zezezezettai Seiiki (Absolute Sanctuary)
Release Date: 20/03/2024
Label: TOY’S FACTORY
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
CD: CDJapan
AiNA THE END – Frail
Since embarking on her solo journey, AiNA has consistently demonstrated her musical versatility and prowess. Her expanding discography encompasses a diverse range of genres, from pure pop to chaotic rock, showcasing her boundless creativity as an enigmatic star. Her latest single, ‘Frail’, is a tantalising blend of heartfelt R&B and pop, infused with mysterious undertones. Serving as the theme song for the upcoming film ‘The Strange House’ (‘Henna le’), ‘Frail’ is an irresistibly catchy track perfectly complementing AiNA’s husky yet sweet vocals.
RELATED: BEYOND BISH: AINA THE END SHOWCASES SOLO STARDOM ON ‘GROW THE SUNSET’ TOUR
AiNA THE END
Frail
Release Date: 15/03/2024
Label: avex
Stream: Links
礼賛 (RAISAN) – PEAK TIME
The lead single of RAISAN’s (礼賛) inaugural EP release, ‘PEAK TIME’, is a peppy rock number that melds infectious pop melodies with spirited instrumental prowess.
Featuring CLR (Saya from the comedy duo Lalande) on lyrics, composition, and vocals, alongside Bansan (Enon Kawatani) from Gesu no Kiwami Otome on guitar, the 5-piece ensemble display a remarkable synergy in this latest endeavor.
CLR’s polished vocals seamlessly intertwine with the band’s energetic instrumentation, highlighted by groovy bass lines and lively horns, infusing the track with a funky, playful vibe.
礼賛 (RAISAN)
PEAK TIME
Release Date: 28/02/2024
Label: WARNER MUSIC JAPAN
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
Mega Shinnosuke – iPhone feat.Skaai
Featured on Mega Shinnosuke’s latest EP ‘hello.wav’, ‘iPhone’ stands as a game-changer for the young, multifaceted artist. This brain-latching hip-hop hyperpop hybrid, featuring the smooth flows of the Virginia wonder ‘Skaai’, along with glitched-out electronica and hot as hell breakbeats, is a huge track for Shinnosuke, who broke the net in 2019 with his indie rock/j-pop single ‘Togenkyo To Taxi’.
The concoction of unmatched chemistry and genre-mashing style is pure gold. Along with a dorky music video shot in the Apple aisle of the Akiba ekimae-kan Sofmap, it’s a must-listen track of the new era.
Mega Shinnosuke
hello.wav
Release Date: 22/03/2024
Label: Independent
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
Ado – Value
Ado continues to evolve, with her latest single ‘Value’ presenting a departure from anything the utaite star has previously released. Produced by POLICE PICCADILLY, ‘Value’ offers a profound reflection on the human condition and our collective impact on the environment. The song is an emotional rollercoaster, delicately navigating between despair and hope. Once again, Ado’s expansive vocal range takes center stage, demonstrating her remarkable ability to convey both fragility and strength simultaneously- a testament to her undeniable talent.
Ado
Value
Release Date: 23/02/2024
Label: UNIVERSAL MUSIC
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music
Crossfaith – ZERO
The boys are back! After a tumultuous few years for the former metalcore mainstayers, Crossfaith return with their first new track since February 2022. Emphasizing their comeback and having to start again from zero, the song combines a message of resilience, defiance, and renewal, with their trademark aggressive style and thumping club vibes.
With the addition of former HER NAME IN BLOOD guitarist Daiki Koide and a return to Warner, the stars are aligning for Crossfaith to break back onto the scene once again in a big way.
For the past couple of years, there’s been a Crossfaith shaped hole left in the international metalcore scene. Now, with their goosebump-inducing sound, one of metalcore’s legendary talents is finally making their triumphant return, with one of our ‘Best Songs from Japan for February and March 2024’ no less!
RELATED: CROSSFAITH RETURN WITH NEW SINGLE ‘ZERO’ AND WELCOME NEW PERMANENT MEMBER
Crossfaith
ZERO
Release Date: 14/02/2024
Label: Warner Music Japan
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
Yuki Chiba – Team Tomodachi
The viral first single from returning rap legend Yuki Chiba (formally KOHH) shook Japan’s rap scene, becoming an instant rap anthem, even managing to catch wind internationally. The new single retains all the beloved aspects of Chiba’s former MC persona: smooth delivery, confident demeanor, and untouchable charm. A remarkably simple track, with lyrics predominately opting for repeating the song title (translating to “Team Friends”) over a dramatic piano sample, but the song’s sincere core revolving around camaraderie and overcoming loneliness by reaching out to friends, is something that resonates with all of us. Does its popularity stem purely from Chiba’s return to the spotlight after a hiatus? Possibly. Does it stop it from being a charming hip-hop bop? Certainly not.
RELATED: YUKI CHIBA, FORMERLY KOHH, DROPS NEW SINGLE ‘TEAM TOMODACHI’
Yuki Chiba
Team Tomodachi
Release Date: 13/02/2024
Label: YC Sounds
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
ODD Foot Works – 台詞 (Communication)
‘Communication’ lays its foundation on a mellow fusion of pop and hip-hop. However, the ODD Foot Works trio inject their unmistakable aura of abstract coolness, resulting in a funky and somewhat off-kilter track.
Through a blend of live instrumentals and programming, coupled with the dual singing style of Pecori and Kiichi, an erratic beat that teeters on the edge of off-beat, and a Thundercat-level bass solo, they delivered one of the most memorable hip-hop tracks of the year so far.
ODD Foot Works
Communication
Release Date: 28/02/2024
Label: Tokyo Invader
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
Did our picks hit the mark? Share your thoughts on the best songs from Japan for February and March 2024 in the comments below.