J-MELO - Season 21
1 - Virtual Artist Special: KAF
Air Date: February 2, 2025
Experience the cutting edge of Japanese entertainment as we turn the spotlight on virtual artists. This week, the first virtual singer to play the Budokan: KAF.
2 - Virtual Artist Special: enogu
Air Date: February 9, 2025
Experience the cutting edge of Japanese entertainment as we turn the spotlight on virtual artists. This week, a virtual-reality idol group who aim to be the best in the world: enogu.
3 - Kaneyorimasaru and Maeshima Mayu
Air Date: March 2, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! In the studio this week are three-piece rock band Kaneyorimasaru, who blew up on social media; and former MYTH & ROID vocalist Maeshima Mayu, who now works on anisongs.
4 - SWEET STEADY and Ito Kashitaro
Air Date: March 9, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week: seven-piece idol group SWEET STEADY (a sister group to FRUITS ZIPPER); and singer-songwriter Ito Kashitaro, whose online videos led to a major-label debut.
5 - East of Eden and edhiii boi
Air Date: April 6, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week: East of Eden (a five-piece all-female heavy metal band fronted by a violinist) and edhiii boi (an up-and-coming rapper with a strong teenage following).
6 - Furui Riho and shallm
Air Date: April 13, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week: Furui Riho (a singer-songwriter with gospel roots) and shallm (a band project from vocalist, lyricist, and composer lia).
7 - KATSUSHIKA TRIO
Air Date: May 11, 2025
Join May J. for great Japanese music! Three former members of the pioneering J-fusion band CASIOPEA now play as the Katsushika Trio. This week, they're in the J-MELO studio to chat and perform.
8 - ≠ME, Angerme, and Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu
Air Date: May 18, 2025
Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, three energetic idol groups: 12-member group ≠ME, Hello! Project group Angerme, and Cho Tokimeki ♡ Sendenbu, who just released a new single.
9 - cocolashika and Utagokoro Rie
Air Date: June 8, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week: cocolashika (a guitarless trio getting lots of attention for their city-pop sound) and Utagokoro Rie (a singer whose J-pop covers led to a major-label debut).
10 - Hamaura Ayano and BUDDiiS
Air Date: June 15, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week: Hamaura Ayano (a former Hello! Project artist who moved into acting and is now a solo singer) and BUDDiiS (a dance-and-vocal group with 10 unique members).
11 - Kitamura Fuki and Dreamers Union Choir
Air Date: July 6, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week: singer-songwriter Kitamura Fuki, whose work ranges from piano-and-vocals to DJ sets; and 12-member Dreamers Union Choir, who bring powerful vocal harmonies.
12 - Kamiyama Yoh and noa
Air Date: July 13, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week, two singer-songwriters: ex-Vocaloid producer Kamiyama Yoh, whose fanbase extends to China; and noa, who crafts music, lyrics, arrangements, and art.
13 - Natsudaidai and THE SIXTH LIE
Air Date: August 3, 2025
Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week: cool R&B-rooted J-pop from girl duo Natsudaidai; and EDM-influenced rock from THE SIXTH LIE. Both acts are in the J-MELO studio to chat and perform.
14 - Miyakawa Airi and Atarayo
Air Date: August 10, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week: singer Miyakawa Airi, who's popular for her natural charm; and Atarayo, a three-piece band whose young fans love their emotional lyrics, vocals, and sound.
15 - angela and SKE48
Air Date: October 5, 2025
Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, angela (a duo popular for anime songs) and SKE48 (a Nagoya-based sister group of AKB48) stop by the studio to chat and perform.
16 - CROWN HEAD and Takagi Reni
Air Date: October 12, 2025
Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, CROWN HEAD (a rock band creating a buzz after debuting this year) and Takagi Reni from Momoiro Clover Z stop by the studio to chat and perform.
17 - SILENT SIREN and Juice=Juice
Air Date: November 2, 2025
Join May J. for Japanese music! This week, all-female band SILENT SIREN (soon marking their 15th anniversary) and 11-member Hello! Project idol group Juice=Juice are in the studio to chat and perform.
18 - Takahashi Yoko and Phantom Siita
Air Date: November 9, 2025
Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, anisong legend Takahashi Yoko sings Neon Genesis Evangelion theme songs. Also coming to chat and perform is Ado-produced idol group Phantom Siita.