Latest Posts
2020 – The Year In Review
The year in J-pop… 2020 has proved to be a grim year for many reasons, but chiefly because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also meant that many live shows and events (including Hyper Japan) were either cancelled … Read More
OOBERFUSE & HIBARI – Enola Gay
This kiss you give, it’s never going to fade away… Although the history of the 20th Century is littered with significant events, there’s probably few that can match the scale and impact of the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. It … Read More
MAIKA LOUBTÉ – Closer
Stylish Synth Appeal The name of Maika Loubté will probably find familiarity among anime fans for her contributions to Carole & Tuesday. The musical sci-fi anime by Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe has proved to be popular anime title of … Read More
BABYMETAL Live in London 2020
Galaxy Quest… The appearance of Babymetal’s Metal Galaxy album (see J-Pop Go review previously) seemed to spark up some debate in certain quarters (‘PA PA YA!!’ in particular), largely because although the variety of new influences on that album gave … Read More
JUN OKADA Interview
Fragile love… Those familiar with the Japanese grassroots music scene in London will no doubt be familiar with singer/songwriter Jun Okada. A regular performer at many gigs, including open mic performances and impromptu shows at Japanese venues, Jun also spent … Read More
KANON WAKESHIMA Interview
Odd Sting & Intrigue Kanon Wakeshima originally established herself over the years with a very distinct baroque pop approach to music, typified by her use of the cello and her work alongside Malice Mizer musician and producer Mana. Her 2008 … Read More
KANON WAKESHIMA & JUN OKADA Live in London
Lounge pop party It seems surprising that nearly ten years have passed since Kanon Wakeshima graced UK shores as a live performer. During those interleaving years her style has been undergoing something of an evolution from the classic ‘Lolita Pop’ … Read More
KANON WAKESHIMA – Odd Sting & Intrigue
Slick and stylish moments Having combined the visual style of Gothic Lolita with a theatrical baroque pop approach to her music, Kanon Wakeshima swiftly won fans over with her 2008 debut ‘Still Doll’. Albums such as 2009’s Shinshoku Dolce and … Read More
2019 – Songs Of The Year
2019 has been a mixed combo of winners in many genres, including some classic artists. Here’s the songs that J-Pop Go think stood out this year… BABYMETAL – PA PA YA!! With its bonkers screeching synth sounds, speedy guitars and … Read More
2019 – The Year In Review
The year in J-pop… 2019 saw a mixed year of underground idol action, new releases from established acts and more than a few interesting UK-based events. Here’s J-Pop Go’s review of the year… The year started off with some sad … Read More
BABYMETAL – Metal Galaxy
Fox God in Space Following the release of their 2016 album Metal Resistance (see J-Pop Go review previously), Babymetal seemed to be beset by a variety of dramas and tragedy. In 2018, the trio were reduced to two when Yuimetal … Read More
NAOMI SUZUKI, JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET, MARI NATSUKI, YURIKO KOTANI & MICHIYO KAGAMI Live in London
Bridging the UK and Japan Naomi Suzuki is no stranger to the flourishing Japanese cultural community in the UK. Having been at the forefront of London’s annual Japan Matsuri for many years, her many talents also include her songwriting and … Read More
BRIDGE TOGETHER FEAT. NAOMI SUZUKI, JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET, MARI NATSUKI & MICHIYO KAGAMI
Bridging cultures… October offers up Japanese pop with a UK jazz-funk twist care of the critically acclaimed James Taylor Quartet and UK-based singer Naomi Suzuki. The evening celebrates the Japan-UK Year of Culture with the Bridge Together Project – presenting … Read More
ZOMBIE-CHANG – Petit Petit Petit
Perky pop gems The curiously-named Zombie-Chang offers up some mesmerising compositions on Petit Petit Petit. Weaving in synth-pop elements with bass and percussion, the end result is a collection of crisp tunes that could be viewed as a palate cleanser … Read More