MOSHI MOSHI PLAYLIST: Japanese Female Artists You Should Be Listening To | April 2020 #2

13.April.2020 | FEATURES / MUSIC

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON is now on Spotify, and every week, we plan to post a new playlist with a different theme, focusing on music from Japan. If you love J-music, or are new to J-music, be sure to give us a follow.

 

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Spotify: Follow Us

 

Japanese Female Artists You Should Be Listening To

Our list this week focuses on strong Japanese female artists, many of whom are active not only in Japan but overseas too. We’ve no doubt you’ll discover someone you’ll love.

 

Listen Here: Japanese Female Artists You Should Be Listening To

 

GARNiDELiA – Gokuraku Jodo

Gokuraku Jodo is the most viewed video in GARNiDELiA’s series of dance videos for their music on YouTube. It has over 60 million views and has been a huge hit across Asia. We felt the music and the video expresses Japanese culture, so we included it on the list.

 

We also interviewed GARNiDELiA here: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/196951

 

WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA – Melos

WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA is known for theming their music around a particular historical figure or story and putting their own unique sound and spin on it. Melos is based on the short story Run, Melos! from 1940 by Osamu Dazai, one of the most famous Japanese writers of the 20th century. The song’s grand music video is a sight to behold, filmed entirely in Mongolia.

 

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – “Cherry Bon Bon”

Taken from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s mini album Moshi Moshi Harajuku, the track Cherry Bon Bon is classic and popular hit amongst fans from Kyary’s early days. KPP often performs it live. It’s one of those addictive tunes you find yourself humming along to before you realise it!

 

DAOKO – “Yume Miteta no Atashi”

Both Yume Miteta no Atashi and another song entitled Samishii Kami-sama were featured in an animated music video entitled GIRL, which is considered a sequel or part of the universe for the famous animated music video ME!ME!ME which was a huge hit in the West and also features singing by DAOKO. The Yume Miteta no Atashi part of this music video isn’t featured on YouTube however, but the Samishii Kama-sama section is, so you can check that out above too.

 

Mizuki Nana – Shin’ai

Shin’ai was used as the opening theme for the anime adaptation of the visual novel White Album. Mizuki Nana pours out all of her emotions in this songーher voice slowly soaks into the depths of your soul.

 

Perfume – “FLASH”

What has gone on to become a song synonymous with one of Japan’s most famous J-pop groups, FLASH was used as the main theme for the first two parts of the Chihayafuru film trilogy. Perfume’s dance choreography in the music video sees them pull out their kung fu skills.

 

Aimyon – “Marigold”

Aimyon is making her huge break in Japan right now, and that in part can be credited to this very song Marigold. It hails as the first song by a Japanese artist to be streamed over 100 million times, and the music video has nearly 170 million views, making it one of Aimyon’s hit tracks.

 

Superfly – “Ai o Komete Hanataba o”

Though it was released back in 2008, this love song by Superfly is still the go-to at many weddings in Japan. Shiho Ochi’s powerful vocals really shine through on this one.

 

LiSA – “crossing field”

If you were to make a playlist of the most well-known anime themes, this one would absolutely be on thereーthe first opening theme for the internationally loved anime series Sword Art Online. Though it’s a song about fighting, something echoed in the music’s full-on sound, it’s also about trusting your comrades.

 

Hikaru Utada – “Hikari”

The song that started it all. This track is known to every Kingdom Hearts fan out there. It’s the Japanese version of the theme song for the very first game which launched first in Japan back in 2002. The English version is Simple & Clean. Both versions of the songs were also officially remixed and released digitally 15 years later as Ray of Hope Mix. The original track reached No. 1 in nine countries when it was released, including Japan.

 

Sakura Fujiwara – “Kawaii”

Sakura Fujiwara sing of love’s embrace from the perspective of a pure girl in her teens. The fun music video sees a tiny Sakura climbing up to see a giant version of the guy she likesーhis enormity a representation of how big love can feel.

 

Charisma.com – “#hashdark”

This catchy and infectious song is about how we use hashtags on social media. The music video sees the duo travelling to hot spots around Tokyo which are always seen posted on social media along with hashtags.

 

Minami – “Lilac”

The straightforward lyrics of this song are enough to make one’s heart tremble as they centre on how it can be difficult to express your feelings to those close to your heart, and how hard life can be.

 

Aimer – “Chouchou Musubi”

Produced by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS, Aimer’s ballad Chouchou Musubi interlaces moving lyrics with heart throbbing music. Noda himself also features in the chorus.

 

ReoNa – “forget-me-not”

Another Sword Art Online makes it on the list, and this time it’s the second ending theme for Sword Art Online: Alicization. The song has a sound that almost brings back a sense of nostalgia. It’s an uptempo and feelsy number that conveys the world of the anime series.

 

Did you enjoy our picks for this week’s Japanese Female Artists You Should Be Listening To? Our next playlist will be centred on the top theme songs picks for the new spring season of anime. We’ll be posting a new playlist every week, so be sure to follow us on Spotify.

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    LUCK TAPES feat. kojikoji - "BLUE feat. kojikoji"

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    Rainych - "Say So - Japanese Version" 

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    Nujabes - “Rainyway Back Home”

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    Masayoshi Soken - “Crimson Sunset”

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    Boku no Lyric no Boyomi - “Asayoke to Nettaigyo”

    The gentle vocals and gorgeous music will put you in the zone to get done what needs to get done.  

    Asako Toki - “mellow yellow”

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    Mizuki Ohira - “Ikareta Baby”

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    ASOBOiSM - “UCHOTEN (feat. TACK)”

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    kiki vivi lily - “80denier”

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  • MOSHI MOSHI PLAYLIST: Japanese Songs to Feel Refreshed in the Morning

    26.October.2020 | FEATURES / MUSIC

    MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON is now on Spotify, and every week, we plan to post a new playlist with a different theme, focusing on music from Japan. If you love J-music, or are new to J-music, be sure to give us a follow.  

    Japanese Songs to Feel Refreshed in the Morning

    If you woke up feeling refreshed this morning, here’s a playlist of Japanese songs for you to switch on to enhance that feeling as you enjoy your morning coffee.  

    Aimer - "We Two"

    Aimer's delicate voice contrasts with the passionate rhythm of the electric guitar. A heavenly combination to wake up your brain in the morning.

    DAOKO - “Hajimemashite no Kimochi o”

    DAOKO never fails to make a catchy song. This song has that refreshing feeling to it, but also has a hint of melancholy to it.  

    Yorushika - “Dakara Boku wa Ongaku o Yameta”

    This one also has a brisk melancholy to it but is nothing short of refreshing.  

    [Alexandros] - “Gesshoku Horizon”

    You just can’t get enough of the jaunty guitar and rhythm of this one. Perfect as a morning track.  

    Cidergirl - “Evergreen”

    This fast paced rock tune gives you that same kind of uplifting, freeing feeling like a shonen anime opening theme.  

    sanari - "Prince"

    A chill song with refreshing vibes. The gentle beat of the drums and sanari's smooth voice is just what you want to hear in the morning.  

    Eito - "Right Now"

    Just hearing the simple acoustic guitar chords and simple melody will have you humming along in no time.  

    DREAMS COME TRUE - “Haretara Iine”

    A happy sounding song that sets you up for the day with positive vibes.  

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - "Sai & Co"

    If you are looking for some encouragement to start your day, an upbeat song by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is just what you need.  

    livetune feat. Hatsune Miku - "Yellow - Re:Dialed"

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    Official HIGE DANdism - “No Doubt”

    The vocals and melody of the happy-sounding keyboard are sure to make you feel good in the morning.  

    KANA-BOON - "Wake up"

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    SUPER BEAVER - “Yokan”

    Another feel-good rock song, and despite being a rock tune, is easy to listen to even in the mornings.  

    L'Arc~en~Ciel - "READY STEADY GO"

    A rock song to provide you with the energy to get up and get on with your day. The raspy vocals blend perfectly with the guitar melodies.   What did you think of this week’s picks? Stay tuned as we’ll be bringing you a new playlist to discover every week.