J-MELO (2005)
J-MELO is a weekly Japanese music television program broadcast by NHK. It is recorded entirely in the English language. It began broadcasting on October 7, 2005. The program is available on NHK's World Service television station, Radio Japan, Digital Educational TV and on its Domestic General Channel.
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Episode 1 - Virtual Artist Special: KAF
Release Date: 2025-02-02Experience 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.
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Episode 2 - Virtual Artist Special: enogu
Release Date: 2025-02-09Experience 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.
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Episode 3 - Kaneyorimasaru and Maeshima Mayu
Release Date: 2025-03-02Join 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.
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Episode 4 - SWEET STEADY and Ito Kashitaro
Release Date: 2025-03-09Join 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.
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Episode 5 - East of Eden and edhiii boi
Release Date: 2025-04-06Join 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).
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Episode 6 - Furui Riho and shallm
Release Date: 2025-04-13Join 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).
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Episode 7 - KATSUSHIKA TRIO
Release Date: 2025-05-11Join 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.
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Episode 8 - ≠ME, Angerme, and Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu
Release Date: 2025-05-18Join 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.
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Episode 9 - cocolashika and Utagokoro Rie
Release Date: 2025-06-08Join 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).
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Episode 10 - Hamaura Ayano and BUDDiiS
Release Date: 2025-06-15Join 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).
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Episode 11 - Kitamura Fuki and Dreamers Union Choir
Release Date: 2025-07-06Join 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.
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Episode 12 - Kamiyama Yoh and noa
Release Date: 2025-07-13Join 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.
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Episode 13 - Natsudaidai and THE SIXTH LIE
Release Date: 2025-08-03Join 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.
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Episode 14 - Miyakawa Airi and Atarayo
Release Date: 2025-08-10Join 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.