A Handful of Japanese Music Happenings and Features in 2025

At the Spotify O-East in Shibuya, Japan, the final set of the Maltine Records 20th anniversary party is underway, a major feature for the electronic music scene in Japan. Maltine Records is a renowned Japanese electronic music label that harbors free digital releases. The event, known as “CITY”, is reportedly 20 hours long with a finale performed by Japanese DJ Yusuke Kawai. Yusuke enlightened the ecstatic crowd with euphoric dance beats, connecting everyone with the music they all mutually loved in an unforgettable event.

The Kyoto outfit AiR NiKAr combined familiar touches of rock with an electronic twist, full of chopped up beats and pitch-shifted vocals. The sound can be compared with the nostalgic “Frutiger Aero” aesthetic, but also complete with an unpredictable nature and speedy rhythms. Listen or get it here.

Japanese artist Shinako blends extreme Technicolor style and graphics to dazzle enthusiasts worldwide. Shinako has been dubbed as “the 2025 version of Kyary Pamyu”, but with less of a bizarre edge. Shinako is “the current Harajuko ‘it girl’ with a YouTube edge”, creating ASMR videos while eating extravagant gummies. The atmosphere in her song “Unicorn Party” does not hold back on the wild colors and sparkles, fit with a wild EDM breakdown.

Swashi2’s debut album SILLAGE explores a fever dream approach to song construction, not holding back on the energetic dance-pop songs. The Vocaloid artist develops music that slowly crescendos as the sound develops, such as having a synth going up a note or two, creating beats and melodies that are irresistibly unique. Click here https://substack.com/redirect/b52665b6-abfe-4339-b401-bd0a6b50f2cc?j=eyJ1IjoiNnAxNnFuIn0.T74STXbzdd-2Jxe7aNGSEXyRxNYW495uFhFFum-XnXE to listen on Spotify.