J-MELO: Season 21
Season 21 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of J-MELO Season 20.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 21 Progress Shield
Virtual Artist Special: KAF
Feb 2, 2025 · 28 min
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.
Virtual Artist Special: enogu
Feb 9, 2025 · 28 min
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: enog
Kaneyorimasaru and Maeshima Mayu
Mar 2, 2025 · 28 min
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 no
SWEET STEADY and Ito Kashitaro
Mar 9, 2025 · 28 min
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
East of Eden and edhiii boi
Apr 6, 2025 · 28 min
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 teen
Furui Riho and shallm
Apr 13, 2025 · 28 min
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).
KATSUSHIKA TRIO
May 11, 2025 · 28 min
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
≠ME, Angerme, and Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu
May 18, 2025 · 28 min
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 ne
cocolashika and Utagokoro Rie
Jun 8, 2025 · 28 min
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
Hamaura Ayano and BUDDiiS
Jun 15, 2025 · 28 min
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 1
Kitamura Fuki and Dreamers Union Choir
Jul 6, 2025 · 28 min
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 powerf
Kamiyama Yoh and noa
Jul 13, 2025 · 28 min
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, arrangement
Natsudaidai and THE SIXTH LIE
Aug 3, 2025 · 28 min
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
Miyakawa Airi and Atarayo
Aug 10, 2025 · 28 min
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,
angela and SKE48
Oct 5, 2025 · 28 min
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.
CROWN HEAD and Takagi Reni
Oct 12, 2025 · 28 min
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
SILENT SIREN and Juice=Juice
Nov 2, 2025 · 28 min
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
Takahashi Yoko and Phantom Siita
Nov 9, 2025 · 28 min
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
Night Tempo and MEminor
Dec 7, 2025 · 28 min
Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, DJ Night Tempo (the driving force behind a worldwide city-pop boom) and up-and-coming indie rock band MEminor are in the studio to
Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie and Suzuhana Yuko
Dec 14, 2025 · 28 min
Join May J. for music from Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie (getting international attention for their free-spirited style) and vocalist Suzuhana Yuko, who fuses rock with traditional Jap