Last week, well-loved Japanese rock band Radwimps announced their much-anticipated upcoming world tour “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace,” thrilling fans across Asia, but especially fans in the Philippines, as they finally include Manila in their list of stops in the region! 

The band—best known for their anime and movie soundtracks, intricate melodies, emotionally charged performances, and powerful lyrics—will be holding their very first show in Manila on 1 May, Wednesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with tickets to the show going on sale on the 2nd of March, Saturday, at noon. 

Prior to Radwimps’ world tour confirmation, local concertgoers have also seen more Japanese artists grace the Philippine stage these days. 

World-famous rock band One OK Rock returned to the country last September for the Manila leg of their Luxury Disease World Tour after the cancellation of their supposed Eye of The Storm concert in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In October, Japan Foundation Manila brought in rising masked vocalist Ito Kishitaro—who sang the OST of the anime series My Happy Marriage—for an intimate concert at the Brooklyn Warehouse. And, just last month, J-Pop favorite YAMA—who recorded Colors, which served as the closing song of the first season of the wildly popular anime series SPY x FAMILY—staged a show at The Podim Hall as part of their Thanks for Waiting 1st Asia Tour. 

Of course, we didn’t forget how Ms. Mitsuko Horie thrilled the attendees of TOYCON PH last 16 December by performing the iconic Voltes V theme song. 

With these recent events, we couldn’t help but wonder: Is the Philippines finally getting a place on the map of J-music artists? If so, here are more Japanese music acts we’d love to see hold a solo concert in the country soon:

Vaundy

All-rounder Vaundy sure knows how to take his craft to another level. The 23-year-old musician also incorporates his love for art with music-making by overseeing and directing the visual aspects of his releases, including album artwork and music videos. 

BABYMETAL

With a massive cult following across the globe, it is pretty surprising that kawaii metal band BABYMETAL has yet to hold a solo show in the country. Back in 2020, it was announced that they were part of PULP SUMMER SLAM XX: JUDGEMENT DAY’s lineup, but you do know what happened that year. *SOB* 

Yoasobi

The super duo behind the theme songs for hit anime series like Oshi no Ko, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Yoasobi has already announced the dates and stops of their current tour and, sadly, Manila doesn’t get a show—even after their well-received set at Head in the Clouds Manila 2022. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost! With their increasing popularity and growing fanbase in the country, we might just see them hold a solo concert here soon!

Official Hige Dandism (Official髭男dism)

Affectionately called “Higedan” by fans, this pop-rock band rose to fame in 2019 with Pretender after their live performance of the song at the TV program Music Station propelled the track to the Japan Hot 100. They have since provided theme songs for popular anime series, including Tokyo Revengers and SPY x FAMILY.

Kenshi Yonezu

Multi-hyphenate Kenshi Yonezu’s musical genius and thought-provoking lyrics are what make him among Japan’s most celebrated young artists today. His track Lemon from the mystery television series Unnatural alone raked multiple awards in a span of two years. His most recent release, titled Spinning Globe, is the theme song for Hayao Miyazaki’s comeback film The Boy and the Heron, which has been nominated for Best Animated Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Aimer

Dubbed as one of the most successful female vocalists in Japan, singer-lyricist Aimer minted spots in the top 20 of Japan’s Oricon Albums Chart for each of her studio album releases. Heavily inspired by renowned singers like Hikaru Utada, Ringo Sheena, and Avril Lavigne, her sound is often infused with pop, jazz, and rock. 

Yuuri

Singer-songwriter Yuuri has had it rough. Following his four-member rock group’s disbandment in 2019, he regularly busked on the streets of Tokyo until a fateful mid-song encounter with My First Story’s vocalist Hiro opened new doors for him. Today, his hits like Betelgeuse and Dry Flower are being covered widely.

Yorushika

Getting tickets to a Yorushika show in Japan is tricky enough, so we’re not exactly the most optimistic about Manila being a stop of any of the their very limited concert series. But, hey, a fan can dream! Consisting of vocaloid producer N-buna and vocalist Suis, this duo keeps their fans glued to their music with upbeat melodies blended with contrastingly heart-rending lyrics. 

Honorable Mentions

It’s impossible to make a shortlist of all the J-Music acts we’d love to see stage a show in the Philippines, so here are some more of our faves: 

Aimyon

DISH//

Gen Hoshino

Spy Air

Fujii Kaze

My First Story

Are you a J-Music fan? Who are the Japanese artists you wish would hold a concert in the country? Let us know in the comments below!