J-Pop Fandom Part III

It's been more than three years since the last time I updated my blog. And as mentioned from the title, I'm still a J-Pop fan. However, I'm more into LDH artists lately since they've debuted some more male and female groups (though I'm planning to write separate posts for the groups and soloists of LDH I'm listening to). Additionally, I've stopped following Perfume since their last release I enjoy is "Cosmic Explorer" (although I still listen to their past releases like "GAME"). I also don't enjoy CAPSULE's latest album "Metro Pulse". Maybe I'm just not into Yasutaka Nakata's latest music in general (both Perfume and CAPSULE are produced by him). And so, this post is dedicated to Japanese artists I'm listening to apart from LDH artists.

Yellow Magic Orchestra
(from left to right: Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yukihiro Takahashi, Haruomi Hosono)

The first one is Yellow Magic Orchestra. They are a legendary trio branded as Japan's pioneer of electronic music. Sadly, only one of them is still alive as of 2025. Yukihiro Takahashi passed away more than two years ago at the age of 70. I'm still following his discography from time to time, as I enjoy his first album "Saravah!". Around two months after Takahashi-san passed away, Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away at the age of 71. I have only listened to one of his albums and plan to follow more of his releases. The only living member is Haruomi Hosono, who was also the leader of YMO. I have yet to follow his discography but plan to do so when I have the time.

The second artist I'm currently listening to is the former ace of Keyakizaka46, Yurina Hirate. I've been a fan of hers ever since I was a fan of Keyaki as she's such a charismatic ace. I like her voice and dancing skills, as well as her approach in art. Ever since leaving Keyaki, her activeness as a soloist isn't as constant as Keyaki's releases. Nonetheless, I don't mind at all since I feel like she can take her time to produce new music. She used to be under Seed & Flower (Keyaki's agency), NAECO (an agency under HYBE Japan), and now she's under Cloud Nine.

The next artist is Towa Tei. He is a former member of Deee-Lite, a trio of dance music with "Groove Is In the Heart" as their well known song. I like his debut album "Future Listening!" as well as his collaboration with Kylie Minogue and Haruomi Hosono titled "GBI (German Bold Italic). He has also released music under the alter ego "Sweet Robots Against the Machine" but I have yet to listen to that discography. Additionally, he is also a member of MetaFive, a band whose latest activity is unknown following the death of its founder, Yukihiro Takahashi.

Da-iCE
(from left to right: Toru Iwaoka, Sota Hanamura, Hayate Wada, Yudai Ohno, Taiki Kudo)

And finally, the last one is Da-iCE (pronounced "dice"). I honestly can't remember how I found them. Perhaps through YouTube channels that promote J-Pop music, but I still can't remember. What I do remember is how catchy "FAKESHOW" is and how much I love the choreography. Soon, I began following their discography. Their concept is similar to LDH group's classic composition of vocalist and performer, but with refreshing image since LDH's senior group like EXILE often has this image of being macho with facial hair, tanned skin, and sunglasses. I feel like the image of Da-iCE is a combination between LDH and male idol group from Starto (previously known as Johnny & Associates). Da-iCE belongs to avex management.

So, those are the Japanese artists I've been listening to apart from LDH artists. I am currently no longer following any Japanese idol groups, as I'm no loner attracted by cute/kawaii music and concept like the orthodox Japanese idols. I have no interest in Sakurazaka46, previously known as Keyakizaka46. Nor do I have the interest to follow their sister groups Nogizaka46 & Hinatazaka46; as well as their "official rival group", the 48 group. Additionally, I am not interested in listening to Japanese male idol groups with the exception of Arashi. I am currently content in following the discography of LDH artists, Arashi (sadly to disband next year), and the artists I have mentioned above. And when I have the time, I will update LDH artists I'm listening to.