2026 sees the return of PSYDOLL to the UK for a number of live dates. ❤️

Mariya Takeuchi - 'Plastic Love'. www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_lC...

From the JPG archives: Back in December 2021, we looked at a new release from Hikaru Utada. www.jpopgo.co.uk/hikaru-utada...

From the JPG archives: Back in 2005 we spoke to illustrator Rodney Alan Greenblat, notable for his work on the classic game Parappa The Rapper as well as doing early sleeve design work for J-pop duo Puffy. www.jpopgo.co.uk/interview-ro...

To mark Christmas, we've put together some tunes and videos from the world of J-Pop that celebrate the festive period. Including songs from Perfume, BoA, Hikaru Utada, Hatsune Miku, Dempagumi & more! 🎄 🎁 🎉 www.jpopgo.co.uk/j-pop-go-chr...

"...if I feel something interesting or something creative, I just do it." From the JPG archives: Back in 2012, J-Pop Go caught up with Tomoyasu Hotei to discuss his collab with Momoiro Clover Z and hsi plans to perform in the UK. 🎸 www.jpopgo.co.uk/tomoyasu-hot...

From the JPG archives: In December 2015 we caught powerhouse outfit MAN WITH A MISSION live. 🎸 This event was a perfect additional entertainment to that year's Hyper Japan. 🖤🙃 www.jpopgo.co.uk/man-with-a-m...

"We want to go beyond the concept of ‘idol group’ with videos and broadcasts or music like rock-style or head-banging or idol... " 💜 From the JPG archives. Back in 2018, as part of that year's Hyper Japan event, we spoke to idol outfit BANZAI JAPAN 🎤 www.jpopgo.co.uk/banzai-japan...

"...it feels like we can be the bridge to bring Akihabara culture to the world." 💜 From the JPG archives: In 2017, we chatted to idol outfit Moso Calibration at that year's Hyper Japan event about Dear Stage, anime, EDM and more. 🎤 www.jpopgo.co.uk/moso-calibra...

“Chiptune is not that popular in Japan yet, so I would like to introduce chiptune music and spread it more to Japan”. 🤖 From the JPG archives: Back in 2017, 8-Bit superstar Toriena chatted about her electronic music adventures... 🎹 Read more: 👇👇👇 www.jpopgo.co.uk/toriena/

"We are happy that girl bands can get out of the country, but we want to be number one so we will defeat them!" 🎸 From the JPG archives: Back in 2017, we chatted with rock outfit MUTANT MONSTER on ambitions, Guitar Wolf and the perils of cooking bacon 🥓 www.jpopgo.co.uk/mutant-monst...

"... good selection box of charged J-pop tunes, along with some surprising genre changes and more than a sprinkling of novelty." From the JPG archives: Back in 2015, we cast an eye over new Dempagumi.Inc album 'WWDD'. www.jpopgo.co.uk/dempagumi-in...

'Mother/Nehorīna Hahorīna' (ネホリーナハホリーナ) by Puffy was released as a single on this day in December 1997. The fifth single released by the pop duo, the music video features them playing guitars and singing on a roof.'Mother' was also used as the theme song of 1997 program 'Eve'.

t.A.T.u. x Utada Hikaru - Simple & Clean Things She Said (Mashup) www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9aF... #MondayMashup

'I ♥ XMAS' by Tommy heavenly6 was released on this day in December 2006. It marked the 7th single released from Tomoko Kawase's alter-ego, Tommy heavenly6, and the 15th overall single from her solo career. The single reached No. 29 on the Oricon singles chart.

Perfume take you to the Moon. 🌕

“When I perform live, it’s about what can be expressed purely through the songs, the lighting and my silhouette...” Exploring the world of Ado, the platinum-selling pop star with a secret identity... www.theguardian.com/.../ado-plat....

"I was trying to incorporate more of a darker style into the music that goes well with the cello..." From the JPG Archives: Back in 2020 we spoke to Kanon Wakeshima. www.jpopgo.co.uk/kanon-wakesh...

A wintry February 2013 and the Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 100% KPP World Tour arrived in London... 💜 From the JPG archives: 👇👇👇 www.jpopgo.co.uk/kyary-pamyu-...

Back in 2011, outside of her solo work, Kanon Wakeshima had teamed up with An Café’s bass player Kanon to form kanon x kanon. London audiences were privileged to see them in action for a special performance. 🎤 From the JPG archives: 👇👇👇 www.jpopgo.co.uk/kanon-x-kano...

In November 1957 the Russians sent a dog Laika into space onboard Sputnik 2. 🐕 This story later had an influence on Japanese musician Akino Arai, who penned the song 'Sputnik' which appeared on her 2000 album 'Furu Platinum'. 📀 From the JPG archives: 👇👇👇 www.jpopgo.co.uk/laika-the-sp...

"Eat Eat Eat! Good food makes us happy!" 💜 From the J-Pop Go archives: Back in 2010, we caught up with quirky electropop outfit PINE*am 🎹 www.jpopgo.co.uk/interview-pi...

'Saraba, Itoshiki Kanashimitachi yo' by Momoiro Clover Z was released on this day in November 2012. The 9th single by the idol outfit, the title track is a theme song of the drama series 'Akumu-chan' and was composed by Hotei Tomoyasu. The track also features on the group's album '5TH DIMENSION'.

'You are the World' by You'll Melt More! was released on this day in November 2015. It featured the single 'Hamidasumo!' and the 'Bungaku to Hakai' EP. The album reached No. 51 on the Oricon album chart.

On this day in November 1985, Jun Togawa released her album 'Suki Suki Daisuki'. The album was conceived as a satirical take on idol music.

'Pinky Jones' by Momoiro Clover was released on this day in November 2010. The second major-label single by the idol group, the title track was used as the second ending theme of the anime 'Yosuga no Sora'. The single placed No. 8 in the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

'Nee' by Perfume was released on this day in 2010. It was part of a tie-in campaign with Japanese apparel brand Natural Beauty Basic and also formed the opening song for the anime 'Koneko no Chi Ponponra Daibōken'. The single placed No. 2 in the Oricon singles chart.

From the JPG archives: Back in 2017, as part of that year's Hyper Japan event, we caught up with rock outfit MUTANT MONSTER for an exclusive interview... www.jpopgo.co.uk/mutant-monst...

As October comes to an end, it provides a good opportunity to serve up a suitably spooky playlist of songs that fit into the seasonal theme.... www.jpopgo.co.uk/j-pop-go-hal...

Mark your diaries for 24th September when THE LET'S GO's perform at New Cross Inn 🖤

Isiliel is currently in the UK as #MoonbowRebellion continues following an appearance at HMV 363 Bookshop. The rest of the week looks like this: 7/18 Hyper Japan Festival hyperjapan.co.uk 7/20 The Black Heart ourblackheart.com/events/2025/...

Shonen Knife: Brudenell Social Club, Leeds - Live Review louderthanwar.com/shonen-knife... via @louderthanwar.bsky.social

'Overdrive' by Shonen Knife was released on this day in April 2014. The 19th studio album by the trio, Naoko Yamano said the music took on more of a hard rock aspect compared to the punk influences for 2010's 'Free Time' and the pop approach to 2012 album 'Pop Tune'.

'Spring of Life' by Perfume was released on this day in April 2012. The single was the lead track from their fourth studio album 'Level3'. The single reached No. 2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became Perfume's third single to top the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is returning to the UK as part of Margins United celebrating alternative East and South-East Asian culture through music, art, food, and community. The event is scheduled for Saturday 27th September 2025. Details: 👇👇👇 exhibitionwhitecity.com/event/margin...

A little mid-week Perfume... www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwaY...

BABYMETAL - 'from me to u' (possibly featuring Poppy standing around somewhere in the video with occasional screaming and let's face it can we blame her?). www.youtube.com/watch?v=qayP...

'Cosmic Explorer' by Perfume was released on this day in April 2016. The fifth studio album by the group, it featured the singles 'Sweet Refrain', 'Cling Cling', 'Relax in the City/Pick Me Up', 'Star Train' and 'Flash'. The album reached No. 1 in the Oricon charts.

'Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Et Cetera' was released on this day in April 1997. The 4th single by Puffy, the song is notable for having the alternative title of 'Electric Beach Fever' in Puffy's 2002 release 'An Illustrated History'.

Also in May - the 20th - I'm going back to Northampton's magnificent Victorian Guildhall, one of the most opulent buildings I've ever worked in. Seriously considering taking mediaeval dress instead of one of my Ghibli tunics! Tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-hi...

Dubbed the 'Eternal Idol', Seiko Matsuda's debut single 'Hadashi No Kisetsu' was released on this day in April 1980. The song featured in a TV ad and the single release proved to be an immediate success selling over 280,000 copies. The single reached No. 12 in the Japan charts.

It's Trans Day of Visibility today and we're sending love and solidarity to trans people everywhere - whether you're able to be open about being trans or not. #Trans #Transgender #Nonbinary #Queer #LGBTQIA #LGBTQ #TDOV25 #TDOV

'59' by Puffy was released on this day in 2004. The album included the pop duo's theme for the animated series 'Teen Titans'. '59' peaked at No. 62 on the Japanese Albums Chart.

'Metal Resistance' was released on this day in March 2016. The second studio album by Babymetal, it featured the singles 'Road of Resistance' and 'Karate'. The album reached No. 15 on the UK Albums Chart, the highest position reached by a Japanese band.

It’s the anniversary of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s death. So it’s time again for this glorious track. The future’s still catching up with YMO. m.youtube.com/watch?si=mIu...

Remembering musican, producer and actor Ryuichi Sakamoto who sadly passed away on this day in 2023. Pic: Joi Ito

'Distance' by Hikaru Utada was released on this day in March 2001. Her third studio album, it featured the singles 'Addicted to You', 'Wait & See (Risk)', 'For You / Time Limit' and 'Can You Keep a Secret?' 'Distance' peaked at No. 1 in the Oricon charts.

'Plastic Love' by Mariya Takeuchi was released on this day in March 1985. Taken from her 1984 album 'Variety', the single reached No. 86 on the Oricon charts on release. A re–issue of the original single on 12 inch vinyl peaked at No.5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

'One Room Disco' was released on this day in 2009. Perfume's ninth major single, it reached No. 1 on the Oricon weekly chart.