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Swag is the New Past... and Other Thoughts on 2025 in Japan's Rap So Far
Running down the year's great rap at half time, plus a playlist of 35 favorites
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Ryo Miyauchi
On the Clock: TikTok Music Q2 2025
Offering some thoughts on the music buzzing on the app, from AiScream, M!LK, Sayumi Michishige and more
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Ryo Miyauchi
On the Clock: TikTok Songs of Q1 2024
Checking out the music buzzing on the app from January to March, from V-pop, Vocaloid 8-bit and more
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Ryo Miyauchi
East to Southwest: Previews of SXSW 2025 Showcases Featuring Acts from East Asia
Joined by Michael from Mando Gap, we highlight our picks of artists from Japan, China and Taiwan playing this year's SXSW
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Ryo Miyauchi
 and 
Michael Hong
Friends Recommends #3: Emergency Calls and a Grand Sense of Hope
Our guest writers highlight the year's new drops of battle weary rock, epic chamber pop, ska-inflected punk-pop and friendship R&B
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Ryo Miyauchi
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
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Ryo Miyauchi
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
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Ryo Miyauchi
Hatsune Miku Meets Pokemon: Exploring the Songs and Producers Behind Project Voltage
A guide to the Vocaloid producers invited for the music project spearheaded by the Pokemon team
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Ryo Miyauchi
As Seen on TV: 5 Songs from Spring 2024 Dramas
Blogging about the music in this season's Japanese dramas, from Kenshi Yonezu, Aimer and more
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Ryo Miyauchi
Friends Recommends #2: Emotional Balance and Post-Rock Catharsis
Our guest writers here to recommend you great new drops of classic rock, indie rock and emo
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Ryo Miyauchi
A Dance Floor for Outsiders: History of Migma Shelter in 6 Songs
A look back into the psych-trance group and their incredible music before their indefinite hiatus
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Ryo Miyauchi
New Song/New Resonance: Anime as Gateways into New Music and Perspectives
Welcome to a special issue of This Side of Japan dedicated to music in anime
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Ryo Miyauchi
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