Biography
Credited as a key influence within the early visual kei movement, legendary rock band X JAPAN first took to power metal and its mandatory 80s hairstyles before segueing into a more progressive sound.
Biography
Onmyo-za is Japan's most prominent folk metal band. Through a fusion of aggressive heavy metal and traditional Japanese melodies and vocals, the band seeks to present the balance between darkness and light so prominent in Onmyou magic. With songs inspired by youkai, historical figures, and even manga, Onmyo-za is Japanese metal at its most Japanese.
Biography
HKT48 is the fourth AKB48 sister group. After Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, this mega idol group is situated in Fukuoka in Southern Japan.
Biography
Impressive songs with emotional lyrics, powerful heavy riffs, excellent and technically flawless solos—all of these features make coldrain one of the most promising post-hardcore bands to come out of Japan.
Biography
Known primarily in the West for the ending theme to the anime "Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge", Yazawa Eikichi is one of Japan's musical gods. Even in his 60s, his long and successful career shows no signs of coming to an end.
Biography
Hisaishi Joe is known as one of the most prolific composers of Japan and has gained recognition internationally through his collaborations with acclaimed animator Miyazaki Hayao and director and actor Takeshi "BEAT" Kitano.
Biography
AYABIE rose from the ashes of ayabie in 2010 and is is now a major band with oshare kei, pop and rock influences.
