With the heat of summer ramping up, that means it’s a summer filled edition of Ongaku Go! We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

HOPE for US (feat. Isono Kun, AAAMYYY, TENDRE, Sara Yoshida and Ryohu) by Tomita Lab

I was surprised with the announcement of Tomita Lab’s album 7+, but by goodness it didn’t disappoint. The fact that Tomita would be able to make an amazing track like this with so many guest collaborators is nothing more then impressive. While the intro might be a little off-putting for some, once the song gets into high gear with all vocalists going at it, it is a thing of beauty. While I might not expect any other releases done by Tomita Lab after this album, I hope that he has a very successful 2022.

Be sure to check out a live recording version of “HOPE for US” below, along with the track here!

“FOG” by ego apartment

On a whim I decided to check out this group with their self titled album being released this past month, and I honestly love that decision. While other songs such as “mayonnaise” and “Sensation” might be taking the spotlight a bit more, the track “FOG” has me ensnared. Its simplistic composition and vocals takes the listeners on a ride that they will never forget. This is still a fairly new band on the market and I can’t wait to see what else they have cooking up for the future.

Be sure to check out the song here!

“My first love is crying” by Aimyon

While I was a tad critical about this song upon its debut on the Oricon, I actually ended up love the track. While the Aimyonism is still there and might be a huge sticking point for some, I personally love it. I equate it to likes of Aiko where I kinda know what I’m getting but the thing that I’m getting is still as good as the first. Do I wish sometimes she changes it up? Yes. For right now, “My first love is crying” is something that I need this moment and it had filled that void right up. While I’m not sure what this year has in store for Aimyon, I’ll still be looking forward to any of her upcoming work.

Check out the music video for “My first love is crying” below, along with the track here!

“Benibana Koiuta” by Midori Oka,

I’m so excited that Midori Oka’s song are now available and while the release is tied as the EP for Yuki Kagero, I ended up loving Benibana Koiuta as much. When you say traditional Enka, it will always be Oka and Hikawa in the forefront for me. The way specifically Oka is able to keep it fresh and interesting is something that I honestly hope the new generation can appreciate. Oka’s vocal skills will still always get me and make me fall in love every time, every listen. The mixture of both the electric guitar as well gives it that more modern splash that I love and I hope in the future she could work with someone like Wageki Band.  Like what the resurgence of City Pop did for our generation now, I hope that Enka can do again.

Be sure to check out “Benibana Koiuta” here!

“Shiawase” by back number

Lately I’ve been just diving head first into back number discography and Shiawase is one of those song that I have absolutely loved. The emotionally filled lyrics is one thing that, while a staple for a lot of their tracks, really drew me in. Its composition, while simplistic, really becomes the jelly to the vocals and really leads it as a step above. While this is an older song in their discography, it really pulls at the heart strings and has me going deeper upon every listen. While I don’t know what’s in store for the band in 2022, I hope back number can still produce songs just as well as “Shiawase.”

Check out “Shiawase” here!