Featured

Interview with Kroi: Writing for Toriyama and beyond

Jun 11, 2024

Jazzy, free-spirited five-piece band Kroi enjoyed a string of tie-in successes in the anime world. Most notably, the band was tasked with composing for the anime adaptation of SAND LAND by the late manga goliat...

Interview with Yui Nishio: Turning everyday life charm into musical tunes

NBT and Nori

Jun 6, 2024

Anime, Interview

With a captivating clear and deep voice, Yui Nishio (ゆいにしお) stands out in the Japanese pop scene with her blend of nostalgic and modern sound, and notably, her vivid lyrics that capture the everyday life and em...

Review: the knowlus marks 10 years with album “Discovery Age”

Mazohyst_Kyo

Jun 1, 2024

Releases, Report and review

A lot of my reviews are for heavy hitters that are massive in scale and aggressive with the musical approach. We all have another side to us, and today I would like to introduce you to some seasoned veterans in...

Interview: Unraveling DIR EN GREY’s hidden depth, beyond the facade

NBT, Nori, Rin and Narine

May 24, 2024

Interview

The long-awaited DIR EN GREY European tour finally took place, marking their overseas return after the global pandemic. What DIR EN GREY had in store for us this time was a two-day concert format, allowing fans...

Report: BABYMETAL barrages San Francisco with back-to-back BABYKLOK shows

Nori

May 14, 2024

Report and review

Kawaii metal trio BABYMETAL brought back-to-back shows of THE BABYKLOK TOUR 2024 to San Francisco on April 24 and 25 with co-headliner Dethklok. As the only US stop to witness the searing carnage wrought by the...

Report: YOASOBI keeps San Francisco up all night

Nori

May 8, 2024

Report and review

Musical storyteller YOASOBI and the anime streaming service Crunchyroll invited Jpop lovers across the California Bay Area for a pandemonium of electropop on April 21. YOASOBI has embarked on a dizzying race in...

Interview with JYOCHO: Journey to musical autonomy and fulfillment

NBT

May 4, 2024

Anime, Interview

Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, JYOCHO isn't your typical progressive rock band. Their name, meaning "emotion", "mood", and "atmosphere", perfectly encapsulates their unique approach that offers a distinct worldview...

Interview: XaaXaa makes explosive US debut at Katsucon 2024

Erica and Rin

Apr 26, 2024

Interview, Report and review, Tour and event

XaaXaa made their American debut at Katsucon, an annual celebration of Japanese culture in National Harbor, MD. XaaXaa's Friday night performance packed the ballroom, with fans queuing hours before the show. As...

Interview: Ado chronicles first trip around the world

Nori and Bri

Apr 20, 2024

Interview

Japanese singer Ado has risen from online enigma to indisputable chart topper in just a few short years. With countless viral songs and now a successful world tour under her belt, it truly feels like she's on t...

Report: Madmans Esprit’s five-night blitz “JAPAN TOUR 2024 -CHOP 5 days-“

Rin

Mar 24, 2024

Report and review, Tour and event

Korean experimental metal project Madmans Esprit returned to Japan for the first time since 2022 with a five-day concert series, "CHOP -5 days-" at Ikebukuro Chop. Each night, they headlined alongside artists s...

Interview: Sana Takizawa breaks boundaries, inspires fans at Anime Los Angeles

Bri

Mar 18, 2024

Interview

Visual kei artist Sana Takizawa held two performances at Anime Los Angeles on both Friday and Saturday. JROCK NEWS had the privilege of attending the Saturday show and sitting down with him for an interview. ...

Interview: Broken By The Scream debuts with newest member at Anime Los Angeles

Bri and Rin

Mar 11, 2024

Interview, Lineup change, Tour and event

Metal idols Broken By The Scream performed at Anime Los Angeles on both January 5 and 6, thrilling international fans with their death metal screams and adorable idol vocals. JROCK NEWS had the privilege of not...

Interview with SUGIZO (LUNA SEA, X JAPAN, THE LAST ROCKSTARS): A lifelong journey with music

Nori

Mar 4, 2024

Interview

This interview was originally published by “club Zy.” in Japanese. JROCK NEWS is partnering with club Zy. and Vijuttoke with the aim to popularize Japanese visual kei globally. Learn more about our partnership ...

Interview with Atsuo of Boris: Sowing seeds of musical evolution

Erica and Kay

Feb 22, 2024

Interview, Tour and event

Embarking on their "Heavy Rock Breakfast" tour on March 6, heavy rock pioneers Boris take Australia by storm alongside Jrock luminary Kiyoharu (清春). Boris and company make six stops across the massive c...