Archive - This Side of Japan

Issue #88: Lost Corner

Covering the new Kenshi Yonezu album, Aiko's "Hanabi" and the "Team Tomodachi" remixes from all across Asia

Oct 3 •

Friends, International: Exploring the Team Tomodachi Remixes Across Asia

Highlighting a few of the many remixes of Yuki Chiba's viral rap anthem done by rappers from China, Malaysia and more

Oct 3 •

September 2024

Issue #87: Liberation

Exploring the new JUBEE album, Elephant Kashimashi's breakthrough hit and the film Let's Go Karaoke!

Sep 19 •

Issue #86: Fall of Spring

We return with words on great summer albums, Seiko Matsuda's "Aoi Sangosho," and our picks for Songs of the Summer

Sep 4 •

August 2024

Idol Watch #23: Thai Edition 2024

With some guest writers, we highlight the best idol songs from Thailand this year so far, ft. PRETZELLE, 4EVE, BUS and more

Aug 23 •

As Seen on TV: 5 Songs from Summer 2024 Dramas

Blogging about the music in this season's Japanese dramas, from an idol group produced by Tsunku, Yorushika and more

Aug 14 •

July 2024

Issue #85: Seventh Jet Balloon

Discussing the new 7th Jet Balloon album, J Soul Brothers's "R.Y.U.S.E.I." and Sasuke Haraguchi's brain-sizzling DJ sets

Jul 17 •

This Side of Japan's 50 Favorite Songs of 2024 (So Far)

The newsletter's best Japanese music half way into the year

Jul 9 •

June 2024

Issue #84: Seasons Move Forward

Digging into best albums of Q2, Yoshimi Iwasaki's "Touch," and the year's favorite boy-group singles so far

Jun 26 •

Idol Watch's 50 Favorite Idol Songs of 2024 (So Far)

The column's favorite singles from girl groups this year so far, plus listing some favorites from the boys

Jun 26 •

Idol Watch #22: Best of the Boys 2024

Checking out the year's best boy group singles so far from PSYCHIC FEVER, Number_i and more

Jun 26 •

Issue #83: To the Self, With Love

Going through the great albums from Q1 2024, Seiko Matsuda's "Natsu No Tobira" and the Vocaloid songs celebrating Pokemon from Project Voltage

Jun 12 •

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