Banner image: RAY.
I’ve mentioned it just recently, but I’m compelled to say it again: 2026 is a banner year for extraordinary new music. Throughout each year, I keep a running playlist for potential Song of the Year candidates so I can refer to it come November/December for awards nomination season. It currently has 71 entries, and we’re not even halfway through the year. This is all a good thing, except it makes the life of an amateur idol blogger more difficult.
This week was no different, so let’s get to it, but first:
YURAPICO has been announced for this years Anime Expo in LA this coming July 4th weekend.
Tickets have gone on sale for the kickoff to Isiliel’s Moonbow Legion tour.
We’re about one month out from PPPR! and Village in Maier speeding a packed weekend in Germany.
https://twitter.com/IdolGis/status/2040085381161365621
pinponpanpon landed a slot at a Chicago EDM festival being headlined by SKRILLEX.
RAY, the closest thing to perfection in chika idol, strays into the realm of digital surrealism for their latest digital single and MV, “MOD.”
In an attempt to drum up (see what I did there?) interest in their upcoming May 2nd one-man, they also re-released their spectacular three-drummer live, GROOVE GROOVE GROOVE! for a limited time on YouTube. They also released their final one-man live of 2025, NEW ORDER. Catch them while you can!
YURAPICO released an MV for her standout single, “CANDLE”, filmed during a recent visit to California.
During the recent April Fools excitement, we somehow missed the new single release by MELON BATAKE A GO GO. I am a bad idol blogger and should have been fired years ago.
The incomparable, post-hardcore, My Criminal Lovers’ team up with agency mates Re:Yu for a fierce collaboration in “beautiful screamers.”
Maison de Queen dropped a pre-release single from their upcoming 1st major-label EP. It’s like Donna Summer meets My Chemical Romance AKA it is good!
Made in Maiden take us on another ride in their groove metal carnival with their latest single. Guitars, as always, provided by Leda Cygnus (Kami Band, Far East Dizain, GALNERYUS).
NEO JAPONISM PV following a passionate Hinano MC.
kinopo. sing about fish in a fish market. Watch for the moment when someone accidentally walks in on the scene and tries to inconspicuously melt into the background.
Last year we had “Margarita” by Jinks as the most baselessly fun song of the year. Front runner for 2026 may be this new one from GREAT MONKEYS.
Cinder-ella dropped their new EP. Listen to it even though they are down half their members since taking the cover photo.
Here’s the first MV from THE+BETH since they became a solo project for Ai Carbonara.
Shitsuji to Meido hold service in a quaint cafe for their new MV.
We got a new MV from the riskiest name in chika idol: PEDIOPHOBIA.
9DayzGlitchClubTokyo give us some sweet ska to two-step to.
Chalca shared a PV from their first anniversary band set.
Ma’Scar’Piece released a dance MV for their recent single.
It’s a week of nice collabs: this one is from Kannagi -Toki Usagi- and Charlotte.
Oshiloss Corner
The current system of POPPiNG EMO will be ending on July 9th and all members except for 193R will be leaving the agency.
Rei Meian is taking a break from Cinder-ella due to poor health. The group is continuing forward as a duo while they are also auditioning for new members.
cowolo and Call to Answer are disbanding after their producer ran off with all of their money.
Rushia Sumeragi is leaving CHECKxMATE and her idol career due to family reasons. Happy Nouya is also taking a brief hiatus to “recharge her happy energy.”
Oshifound Corner
14th Generation Toilet Hanako-San thanked “Demon Elon ” for allowing her back on Twitter despite her previous lifetime ban.
KING∞RAGE is making a limited resurrection for mist FES.
https://twitter.com/newkingrage/status/2041850767120986180
The new lineup for RURU debuted on 4/4. Here’s their first MV.
Minami Hoshikuma (ex. WAGAMAMA RAKIA) performed with Paledusk at their tour final.
Gordon, band project of Con (ex. Kokoko of Yukueshirezutsurezure), released a new digital single.
