Season 21

1. Virtual Artist Special: KAF

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.

2025-02-02 • 28 min

2. Virtual Artist Special: enogu

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.

2025-02-09 • 28 min

3. Kaneyorimasaru and Maeshima Mayu

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.

2025-03-02 • 28 min

4. SWEET STEADY and Ito Kashitaro

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.

2025-03-09 • 28 min

5. East of Eden and edhiii boi

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).

2025-04-06 • 28 min

6. Furui Riho and shallm

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).

2025-04-13 • 28 min

7. KATSUSHIKA TRIO

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.

2025-05-11 • 28 min

8. ≠ME, Angerme, and Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

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.

2025-05-18 • 28 min

9. cocolashika and Utagokoro Rie

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).

2025-06-08 • 28 min

10. Hamaura Ayano and BUDDiiS

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).

2025-06-15 • 28 min

11. Kitamura Fuki and Dreamers Union Choir

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.

2025-07-06 • 28 min

12. Kamiyama Yoh and noa

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.

2025-07-13 • 28 min

13. Natsudaidai and THE SIXTH LIE

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.

2025-08-03 • 28 min

14. Miyakawa Airi and Atarayo

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.

2025-08-10 • 28 min