Luna's Ongaku Go for August 2023!

As the hot summer months of August pass us by, that means it’s this months 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 along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“TURN IT UP” feat. Candee & ZOT on the WAVE by LANA

LANA originally caught my ear with her track L7 Blues. With the release of her debut EP, 19, “TURN IT UP” became a favorite listen for August. Not to mention, LANA’s appearance at Summer Sonic 2023 added to my addiction. “TURN IT UP” is a heavy hip-hop/R&B track that features a mixture of LANA’s vocals and rap, plus two featured guests, Candee & ZOT on the WAVE, who add the cherry on top for this hot song. The composition fits with LANA’s style and also has that modern sound, plus both the chorus and verses are catchy. My only issue with this is the use of auto-tune by LANA, which isn’t needed, as she has powerful vocal skills.

Check out “TURN IT UP” feat. Candee & ZOT on the WAVE by LANA here and the music video below!

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“Summer Dive” by FAKY

Summer is my favorite time of year due to all the fresh sounds that come out and FAKY’s “Summer Dive” is just what I needed in time for it to get sizzling. “Summer Dive” starts out with piano followed by FAKY’s vocals chiming in, giving this track a refreshing feeling for those hot days. The first verse is a little slow but once you get to the chorus, the beat picks up along with the girls’ harmonies. From there, it keeps a consistent upbeat feeling. “Summer Dive” is a track you can dance to, relax in the pool to, karaoke to, or just enjoy as it has a fun, playful vibe that puts you in a good mood. The composition can be odd at certain points in the song, but FAKY knows how to make it work to their benefit so you don’t get taken out of the song. Having Taku Takahashi of m-flo as the producer on this track explains why this song is such a banger.

Check out “Summer Dive” by FAKY here and the music video below!

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“BLACK WINGS” by Koda Kumi

It’s obvious that “BLACK WINGS” would make my OG, given Koda Kumi is my Kuu-een, plus this track is absolutely fire. Koda Kumi is in her element with the hip-pop style. “BLACK WINGS” gives off a modern dance vibe with its composition. Koda Kumi combines her vocals with a little bit of light rap mixed in, giving it that hip-hop flare, but with a more pop sound. Both the verses and choruses have a catchiness that pulls you in, although it can be a bit repetitive at times. “BLACK WINGS” feels like a perfect follow-up to Koda Kumi’s mini album WINGS, released in January of this year.

Check out “BLACK WINGS” here and the music video below!

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“Summer Ghost” by I Don’t Like Mondays.

“Summer Ghost” came out in July 2023 as a digital single, the perfect time for this summer and it does not disappoint. Despite the lyrics for “Summer Ghost” being a little on the depressing side, I love it as it is so relatable. IDLM knows how to play with your emotions, as this track feels very personal and pulls you in both lyrically and composition-wise. I enjoy the combination of English and Japanese in “Summer Ghost” and how well the band blended it together; it feels like a story despite being a bilingual song, the band executes it perfectly. Upon hearing and constantly listening to “Summer Ghost”, I am even more excited for IDLM’s upcoming album RUNWAY which releases on September 6th.

Check out “Summer Ghost” here and the lyric video below!

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“Rendezvous” by Nissy

“Rendezvous” came out in early July, however, it has slid its way into my August playlist. Nissy’s smooth vocals, cute lyrics, and poppy composition made their way into my heart with this track. Nissy knows how to put out songs that make girls swoon and “Rendezvous” is just that. What I love about listening to this is it could easily be danced to with its poppy composition, but it can also be sat and listened to, as I cannot get enough of his sultry voice. Despite this not sounding summery at all, it is just what my playlist this month needed to stand out from just explicitly being summer tunes.

Check out “Rendezvous” by Nissy here and the music video below!

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Ken's Ongaku Go for August 2023!

As the hot summer months of August pass us by, that means it’s this months 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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Dreamin’ by YonYon, SUMIN, and Taku Takahashi

This wonderful electronica pop mix has been my jam as of late as I try to make the balance between J-pop and K-pop. One of the things that makes it stand out is the song's blend of electronic and acoustic elements, which, coupled with enchanting vocals, create an immersive experience. While Taku Takahashi showing up in a featured credit is a rarity, to say the least, it is a surprising one and still proves that he is an amazing composer for our generation. While I do think this team-up is a one-time deal, I can’t wait to see what all three artists have for us in the future.

Be sure to check out the Lyric Video below along with the track here!

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UNFORGIVEN Japanese version Feat. Nele Rodgers and Ado by LE SSERAFIM

Yes, this is my new obsession as of late, but I was very surprised by the turn that I did for this group since their Kohaku debut. While I didn’t care so much for their Japanese debut for ‘FEARLESS’, I was really captivated by ‘UNFORGIVEN’. What caught me off guard was the collaboration with Japanese up-and-comer Ado, who has amazing vocals in her own right. When I first heard about this, I was puzzled about how she was going to be interpreted. For the most part, she really sounded like a part of the group. While I’m looking forward to what Ado has for the future as she grows as an artist, whenever LE SSERAFIM’s first Japanese album comes out I’ll be sure to purchase that.

Check out the music video for the Japanese version of “UNFORGIVEN” below along with the track here!

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“Do Not Touch” by MISAMO

Done by the Japanese members of the Korean group TWICE, ‘Do Not Touch’ has been a huge kick in my heavy rotation. You talk about having that fusion of Japanese and Korean style, MISAMO really does that very well. Hitting all the things that love, strong vocal range with a composition that absolutely matters and isn’t just a flash to have the popular trend. With a memorable chorus and lyrics that actually matter to the listener, I think that MISAMO will be a huge thing for the already huge juggernaut that is TWICE, I personally cannot wait to hear another release by this sub-group soon.

Be sure to check out the music video for “Do Not Touch” below along with the song here!

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“Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” by Hikaru Utada

A strong back-to-basic to Utada, with a strong vocal range that doesn’t really overbear itself with the composition. After the release of BAD MOOD, this first original track done by Utada was very needed to show why she was the queen of vocal-heavy songs. As this does not seem like a slowdown by her in any way, I’m looking forward to any new release from her in the future.

Check out the music video for “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” below along with the track here!

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“Moon” by Perfume

It’s been a hot minute since our senpai Perfume’s release has been in my rotation. The main track of their latest EP really proves how special and unique Perfume is, as it perfectly blends that electronica style and flare that Perfume usually has with an amazing guitar composition that is rarely heard by the girls. The song clocks up to three minutes, but it just zooms and makes me want to listen again. While I’m not sure if this will be the only big release of the year for Perfume, I for sure am looking forward to their next album!

Check out the Dance Practice video for “Moon” below along with the song here!

Gray's Ongaku Go For July 2023

With Summer officially here and turning up the heat, it's that time of the month for June’s 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“HONEYCOMB” by Ayumu Imazu

This is the latest song by Imazu who I’ve been really enjoying since we covered him on music corner. “HONEYCOMB” is a lot of fun and I’ve been having a blast with it. Such a fun singer and I can’t wait to see what he does next.

Check out “HONEYCOMB” here and in the video below!

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“Tokyo” by KAHOH

I stumbled across this and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. It’s got a fun and catchy beat and while this is something I usually don’t really listen to I’ve been having some fun with this. I really need to check out more of KAHOH’s work but for now, this song is really good and I recommend every checking it out.

Check out “Tokyo” here and in the video below!

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“Starry Eyed” by Kenya Fujita

While I’m not as high on this song as I was “Mask In Love” I still think this is a fantastic song. It has a pretty unique composition that combines this electronic sound with his R&B style and it works well. The more I hear by Kenya Fujita the more and more I’m impressed by him.

Check out “Starry Eyed” here and in the video below!

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“All About U” by BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE

While I’m not a huge fan of the lead track for this release, “All About U” is much more in line with what I love about these guys. This track has a great blend of rap and vocals that BALLISTIK BOYZ has really developed over time and I’ve been really enjoying my time with this one.

Check out “All About U” here and in the video below!

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“Sugar Magic” by tonun

While I’ve enjoyed tonun’s first album, Intro, the first song on the album has been on repeat since I heard it. “Sugar Magic” is just a fun, catchy, dance number that keeps me coming back for more. A great way to lead off an album and I can’t recommend this song enough.

Check out “Sugar Magic” here and in the video below!

Luna's Ongaku Go For July 2023!

With Summer currently sizzling on, it's that time of the month for July’s 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“Summer Escape” by RIEHATA

As the title states “Summer Escape” lives up to its title, as it’s the perfect song for your ears to escape to in this heat. RIEHATA has smooth vocals that immediately get you hooked. The composition is a fun fresh beat that imbodies the summer feelings and the lyrics match with it to a T. The transition from English to Japanese is so flawless that you don’t even realize RIEHATA is switching. Whenver I heat “Summer Escape” I just want to groove and sway with the beat. It’s a great way to beat the heat.

Check out “Summer Escape” by RIEHATA here and the live choreography video below!

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“Lonely Night” by 7co

I discovered 7co’s “Lonely Night” while browsing Apple Music and just fell in love with the upbeat composition that has a dance vibe. The lyrics and chorus also make “Lonely Night” an easy listen and relatable song that resonates with you. Despite hearing “Lonely Night” back in late May, it has made it heavily into my July rotation as it offers a fresh sound that helps cool the heat down in my mind. Nanako’s vocal’s make “Lonely Night” such a treat with her smooth sound mixed with RYUJA’s unique composition making this a memorable song for that summer night.

Check out “Lonely Night” here and the sound video below!

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“Tequilla Sunrise” by Hiromi

With the release of Hiromi’s new digital single, “246”, it brought me back to listening to her discography and as its summer, “Tequilla Sunrise” has made it into my summer playlist. “Tequilla Sunrise” has a poppy R&B composition that gives off a beachy vibe. Hiromi’s vocals are smooth and sulty leaving you soaking it all in. “Tequilla Sunrise” makes me not only want to have the very summery drink, but sit out on a beach or a boat with a drink and enjoy the beauty of the season and this song.

Check out “Tequilla Sunrise” by Hiromi here and the music video below!

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“Lovely Day, Lovely Place.” by HIRAIDAI

HIRAIDAI always releases amazing summer tracks and “Lovely Day, Lovely Place.” is one of those tracks. It not only has the summer vibe but that island feel HIRAIDAI is known for. The lyrics make you feel so good inside and the composition matches that good feeling with it’s poppy guitar sound. In some instances, “Lovely Day, Lovely Place” also gives you a little country vibe as well. On a hot summer day or a cool summer night, this track just makes envision you are in your happy place no matter where you are.

Check out “Lovely Day, Lovely Place” by HIRAIDAI here and the music video below!

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“Ready4summer” by CREAM

CREAM dropped their new album Chapters back in at the end of June and its been one of my heavily rotated albums this month. The track “Ready4summer” has made it onto several playlists as tis the season. This is an absolute jam with its upbeat composition and lyrics that describe how this summer has been so far. “Ready4summer” might not have the catchiest of “Banana” chorus wise, but the versus’ are lit and easy to sing-a-long and rap with. Staxx-T’s rap is very chill in this and flows with Minami’s vocals flawlessly. It’s the perfect summer jam.

Check out “Ready4summer” by CREAM here and the video clip below!

Ken's Ongaku Go for July 2023!

As the fireworks filled the month of July shoots on by, this means it’s time for this months 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 along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“Honomekashi feat Se So Neon” by Kirinji

Kirinji keeps the hits on coming with this release. A more laid back and low key composition was used with this track featuring soothing vocals by both Takaki Horigome and guest vocalist Se So Neon. Hearing the tracks that Kirinji has put out through the year has made me very excited for their 2023 and hopefully a new album in the horizon. While my love for Horigome’s solo project will always be a bit bias, I can’t help but to keep adding more of his tracks to my Ongaku Go.

Be sure to check out “Honomekashi” here!

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“Fujisawa Loser” by Asian Kung-fu Generation

With the release of the Surf Bungaku Kamakura Complete album that came out earlier in the month I can’t help but go back to the original album as it’s one of my favorites and I think it marks the peak of Asian Kung-fu Generation. While the 2023 remastered version is alright, the heavy riff of the guitar that was added was such a huge turn off that I had to go back to original. I do think that it is important to improve now what you had on a “remastered” version, it’s just difficult to improve on what was a near masterpiece in the first place.

Check out the music video for “Fujisawa Loser” below, along with the track here!

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“Byebye feat Foi” by Ghost like girlfriend.

I’ll admit I haven’t listened to a whole lot of Ghost like girlfriend recently, however this latest collaboration with Foi had me turning. I absolutely loved this release in everything that Ghost like girlfriend did. The compositions with the keyboard was fantastic as is the trading of main. The trailing vocal was a nice choice as it adds to the effect that two people are saying good bye to each other. This track had restored my faith in Ghost like girlfriend, and will be looking forward to his next release.

Be sure to check out the song here!

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“Blue” by Organic Call

This amazing duo is a recent addition as they just brought something that I had loved in alternative rock. While not turning the wheel on what this genre can do per se, they bring this energy that infected my ears with this composition. The whole mini-album of Yumeyogu Kgui no Yukue was fantastic as well, but nothing grabbed me like how “Blue” did. I don’t know if this will lead into a full blown album for the duo, but I for one can’t wait for their next release.

Be sure to check out “Blue” here!

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“sad girl” by brb. and Sirup

With another Sirup release, I can’t help myself to bring myself to not add this to my list. brb. does amazing work throughout this song as they are the main attractions, but Sirup is no sneeze when he does eventually join in on the fun in the track. The track is very simplistic but clocking under two and a half minutes I can truly forgive it. While this is the first time I heard of bnb. I knew that they are going to be a group that I’ll keep my eye on for future releases.

Check out the music video for “sad girl” below, with there track here!