2021 was a very interesting year for the Japanese music industry and we at Ongaku to You would like to praise the songs and artists that helped us traverse this amazing year. Each member broke down the year in three categories; Song of the Year, New Artist We Discovered in 2021, and lastly our Artist of the Year. We hope that 2022 will bring many surprises to the Japanese music industry like we received in 2021!

Luna’s Top Song and Artists of 2021!

Song of the Year: “JOYRIDE” by Miliyah Kato

When I first heard 'JOYRIDE', I was immediately pulled in by the lyrics as they are sad, emotional, and make a tremendous impact. Miliyah's vocals fit 'JOYRIDE' perfect in every aspect; she knows how to hit each note matching with the melody of the song. Miliyah's vocals, lyrics, the melody all come together making it a song that makes an impact. 'JOYRIDE' has personally made that impact moving me to tears and it has made its way onto my playlist on repeat.

New Artist of the Year: BRIDEAR

BRIDEAR was a pleasant surprise finding out about this year. They were recommended to me by several people in the JME music group and also popped up on my Apple Music recommendations. I started listening to their Baryte album, which pulled me into checking out more of their music. The tracks "Ghoul" and "Mirror" made the biggest impacts on me. I enjoy metal but I don't listen to it as often, however, when I do, BRIDEAR is the type of band I enjoy listening too. Vocals, compositions, lyrics - all the members blend so good together when creating music. Ever since I did MC on them, I've add them in my rotation.

Artist of the Year: CREAM

This year, I dived deep into the Hip-Hop/R&B fusiion scene and CREAM became a huge part of my playlist this year. In 2019, "Banana" got me into the group, my MC got me further. This year, I took a turn of going through their whole discography again and appreciating it to no end. CREAM has four songs and all four are in my top 10 on Apple Music Replay for most played. On top of that, I've listened to CREAM the most this year. Not only has CREAM released several new digital singles this year that are on many of my playlists but their older songs such as "Change", "Wonderland", "Playboy", "Girl LIke Me", "Banana", and "#nofilter" have been the most played for me. 2021 has consisted of CREAM and Yayoi Daimon, however, CREAM has reigned supreme.

Gray’s Top Song and Artists of 2021

Song of the Year: “Ame ga Hajimari no Aizu” by 7ORDER

I love this song and while I've technically listened to "Seiyaku No Toushi" more, "Ame Ga Hajimari No Aizu" has my heart. I just love the melody and song composition. Everything works so well together. The vocal work at play here is super good. Every member does a standout job and the harmonization in the chorus is just spectacular.

New Artist of the Year: White Jam

I've been obsessed with White Jam since I covered them for MC and I know I talked about them all the time on the show. I love Shirose and Niki's vocals plus you have Gashima's rap which is always done super well. White Jam doesn't release too often, but when they do they really make it something. Can't wait to see what these guys do next.

Artist of the Year: Da-ICE

Becoming my consecutive artist of the year, Da-ICE started off the year really strong and stayed consistent throughout. Their latest release is their "CaITRUS" first take which is just phenomenal. Also I'm eagarly anticipating the release of their song "Live Devil" which is being used for the excellent Kamen Rider Revice. I know I haven't talking about them too much on the show but I'm still carrying the torch for these guys and I can't wait to see what they do next.

Ken’s Top Song and Artist of 2021

Song of the Year: “Fushigi” by Gen Hoshino

This was one of the songs that upon first listen I knew that would be a part of my top songs of the year. However, to becoming number 1 is something of a surprise due to the fact that i didn’t know how much I would absolutely love it. While Hoshino might not be an artist that I’m a total fan of, I do respect the range of styles this man does. As the release before this “Create” was to my dismay, a track that did capture me like the mass have, but “Fushigi” more focus on Hoshino’s vocals with its slow to mid-tempo composition absolutely encompassed me like “Pop Virus” had years ago. While I might not like all of Hoshino’s releases, I cannot deny the influence “Fushigi” did to me throughout the year.

New Artist of the Year: Rung Hyang

Rung Hyang is the breakout star for me in 2021 as she brings a unique taste as a "soul" writer who continues to evolve with an "omnivorous" style. They incorporate various genres such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul, and folk, with realistic lyric styles that anyone can relate to. Hyang is sure to have a work that fans can always jam to throughout her amazing and varied discography. While her solo work is phenomenal, her collaboration work is some of the best work I heard of in the pandemic era. 

Artist of the Year: TENDRE

What more can I say about TENDRE that I haven’t said before in my prior Music Corners. I shall reiterate that I was really afraid of his signing to EMI RECORDS of Universal Music Japan, his style, while not bad per say, is very difficult to garner an audience in which studio tampering could happen. So to my present surprise, TENDRE’s style is still there and doesn’t skip a beat. While this major label debut was the biggest thing this year for him, it was also what he did behind the scenes as a composer and produces that proved more then enough to become my artist of the year for 2021.