Erica, NBT, Author at JROCK NEWS

Interview with Hikari Shiina: Exploring the electric underground where fashion meets music

22 March 2025

Discovered as a teen model and rising to fame through Popteen, Hikari Shiina—better known as "Pikarin"—has forged a bold path as a musician, fashion icon, and subculture trailblazer.Since her 2012 solo musi...

XaaXaa’s best-of album “Chuudoku Shoujou San” celebrates band’s 10th anniversary

Erica

5 March 2025

Releases

XaaXaa marks a decade of music with the release of their third greatest hits album, Chuudoku Shoujou San (ベストアルバム中毒症状〜三〜), on March 30, 2025. This two-disc collection features 23 tracks and continues the theme...

Interview with solo musician Mike: “This is Wagatame”

Erica and afaenia

22 February 2025

Interview

Wagatame, the solo project led by former Blu-BiLLioN vocalist Mike, made a striking first impression at Nekocon 2024 with their debut U.S. performance. Joined by guitarist "mag." (also of Blu-BiLLioN) and drumm...

SiM’s single “CHAMPiONS” declared official theme song for Apex Legends Global Series

Erica

22 February 2025

Releases, Tour and event

Reggae-punk band SiM's latest single, CHAMPiONS, is the official theme song for the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Year 4 Championship and is now available on all major digital platforms.ALGS, the premie...

sukekiyo’s “DOMINUS” compilation features AI-generated model

Erica

21 February 2025

New Look, Releases, Tour and event

Fresh off a live performance celebrating vocalist Kyo’s birthday, sukekiyo announced on February 16 the upcoming release of an audio-visual compilation titled DOMINUS, set for mid-April 2025. However, what caug...

Report: Wagatame’s breakout success at Nekocon 2024

Erica

21 February 2025

Report and review

In November 2024, Nekocon marked its 26th year at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA, drawing approximately 7,000 attendees. The event, known for celebrating Japanese culture, featured its usual...

Interview: HEY-SMITH’s Shuhei Igari on the power of live shows, personal freedom in ska-punk

Erica

10 February 2025

Interview, Lineup change

HEY-SMITH, the six-piece ska-punk band from Osaka, has captivated audiences worldwide with their high-energy sound, melodic hooks, and rebellious spirit. Blending the edge of '90s punk with ska's bright, punchy...

DAMNED vocalist Hitone eats live moth in “Suikyou to Majiwaru Kyouhakuteki Kachikan” music video

Erica

4 February 2025

Music Video, New Look

On January 31, DAMNED dropped the music video for "Suikyou to Majiwaru Kyouhakuteki Kachikan" (酔狂と交わる強迫的価値観), ahead of the single’s February 2025 release.Beyond the incredible music, behind-the-scenes info ...

AN CAFE’s MIKU brings “NYAPPY PARTY EUROPE” tour to London, Paris, Spain

Erica

16 January 2025

Tour and event

This spring, MIKU, the charismatic vocalist of the renowned visual kei band AN CAFE, brings his intimate solo performances to Europe on the "NYAPPY PARTY EUROPE" tour. Fans can expect a nostalgic celebration of...

Leetspeak monsters haunts Katsucon 2025 for US debut

Erica

15 January 2025

Tour and event

The East Coast’s most vibrant celebration of Asian pop culture is getting a monstrous twist—Katsucon returns to National Harbor, MD, from February 14-16, 2025. Among the exciting lineup is the visual kei band "...

Top 10 visual kei and Japanese rock artists 2024

Erica, NBT, Nori and Jack

2 January 2025

Entertainment

Our 2024 top list honors the visual kei and Japanese rock artists who defined the year with groundbreaking achievements and boundary-pushing creativity. These musicians didn’t just transcend borders—they redefi...

Interview: Matenrou Opera’s album “MUTSU NO HANA” explores chaos, hope, and modern metal

Erica

31 December 2024

Interview

Matenrou Opera, the genre-defying rock band known for blending modern edge with operatic grandeur, has captivated audiences since 2007. Blending the aesthetics of visual kei with the symphonic depth of heavy me...

-SKS- ZIGZAG music video “E.v.e” brings warmth to the heart of winter

Erica

22 December 2024

Music Video, Releases

On December 22, the trailblazing visual kei band Shintenchi Kaibyaku Shudan ZIGZAG (commonly known as "-SKS- ZIGZAG") unveiled the evocative music video for "E.v.e". This poignant track serves as the closing pi...

DIR EN GREY expands TOUR25 with dates in Anaheim, Taiwan, and Hong Kong

Erica

17 December 2024

Tour and event

DIR EN GREY is expanding their overseas tour, TOUR25 WHO IS THIS HELL FOR?, with an additional show in Anaheim, California. The band has also announced their first performances in Taiwan and Hong Kong in nearly...

Author Erica