You can just be yourself Those people with a keen interest in J-pop in the UK will of course be aware of Orion Live’s passion in bringing underground acts to the country in previous years. Their efforts have in turn … Read More

FAKY go online this July… This year’s Hyper Japan will be an online affair, a not-unsurprising result of the ongoing Covid crisis that’s impacted many events recently. Despite the fact that we won’t have the ability to enjoy the event … Read More

Smile, dance and scream! It would be tough to cast an eye over the world of idol pop without acknowledging the presence of one of its more eye-catching denizens. Ladybeard is difficult to miss with his imposing frame and stylish … Read More

It’s time to level up… 2020 was a busy year for the “mannequins with emotion” as FEMM announced an upgrade of sorts from FEMM 1.0 to FEMM 2.0. This switch-up offered an evolution of the duo’s approach and style, but … Read More

Groove Pop Go FAKY are clearly keen to make 2021 their year with the release of new tune ’99’ (not to be mistaken with the other 99 that UK people might associate that name with). Culled from popular Japanese drama … Read More

Sealed with a kiss… While their distinctive electronic pop sound is present and correct, FEMM’s latest outing features a video that showcases a very different approach from our favourite pop mannequin outfit. Previously, FEMM (aka RiRi and LuLa) managed to … Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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