Best of 2009

The year 2009 was definitely one to remember. Not only was there happiness with more overseas performances by popular artists, but there was also much sadness with the deaths of so many talented people. New or old to the Japanese music genre, 2009 had a lot to offer in terms of music and the creation of history.

As you might remember from previous years, at the end of the year the JaME team usually puts together a "Best of" article, which mentions all the highlights of Japanese music happenings overseas. This year there were a number of surprising happenings, but there weren't many special ones that hadn't been achieved the previous year. Most artists performing overseas had already done so before, which made it difficult for us to compile an article that outmatched last year's.

So, that is why we decided to ask the help of our readers with a poll to which we received a great number of responses. This time we decided to not only include the most outstanding concerts or tours, but also had categories for best artist, releases and more.

JaME tallied the American and Canadian votes to compile the lists created below.


Best Artist of 2009

Many artists were highlighted when the poll was created. After reviewing the results, the #1 artist won by a landslide, while the other two were neck and neck.

Best Artist #1: miyavi

Despite the fact that he didn't release any new music this year - with the exception of one song on his MySpace - miyavi sure went through a lot this year. The year started off positive with the announcement of his performance at an anime convention in Texas. The news quickly jumped to a few dramatic changes in a short amount of time: marriage with J-pop artist melody., the coming birth of their child, miyavi's departure from PS COMPANY, and the creation of J-glam Inc. With the new company also came the creation of miyavi's international fanclub which was open to fans worldwide.

Not too long after his daughter Lovelie's birth, miyavi prepared for his second world tour. Unfortunately, due to illness, the USA leg of the world tour was cancelled. Reaching fans throughout the world and going through so many changes required his fans' full support, and it isn't shocking that miyavi won first place for this year's Best Artist.

Best Artist #2: Versailles

This year also left an immense impression on Versailles. Their year started out quite nicely as they had just gained a major contract at the end of 2008 and released their first major single in July, and an album was going to be released in September. They performed various concerts and even held a series of special themed concerts.

But it was in August that their luck changed with a seemingly rather harmless announcement that their bassist Jasmine You had fallen ill and would not be participating in their concerts. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse and Jasmine You passed away only a few days later. It can be said that both the band and the fans have still not gotten over his sudden passing, but by the end of the year, Versailles has slowly scrambled back to their feet and is attempting to continue their career. Therefore, we think that they definitely deserve a place in our top 3 of Best Artists.

Best Artist #3: girugamesh

It's also not a big surprise to see girugamesh rank so highly and land themselves a spot in the top 3 of Best Artists, as they gave plenty of attention to the USA this year. In April they headed to the States for a performance at the convention Sakura-con in Seattle, and held other events as well, such as an in-store event where fans had the chance to meet the four band members.

girugamesh was also generous with releases this year as they released three new singles and the album NOW, which will be available soon in USA. The band worked hard this year and their efforts definitely paid off, so we are sure they will be even more successful next year.


Best Releases of 2009

Best Album #1: Alice Nine - Vandalize Best Album #2: the GazettE - DIM Best Album #3: VAMPS - VAMPS

Best Single #1: Alice Nine - Hana Best Single #2: the Gazette - DISTRESS AND COMA Best Single #3: Dir en grey - Hageshisa to, kono mune no naka de karamituita shakunetsu no yami

Best Concert/Tour of 2009

Best Concert/Tour #1: VAMPS US Tour (July/August)

VAMPS took the USA by storm this year with an extensive 10-date tour that consisted of performances only on the coasts of the country. Despite the fact that the band is relatively new, VAMPS has become one of the most popular rock icons in the Japanese music industry. It isn't a shock that such an act would win #1 Best Concert in USA. The duo easily put on an amazing performance, threading energy throughout the crowd and creating a mass of adrenaline and fan excitement. Fans eagerly await for VAMPS' return.

Best Concert/Tour #2: Dir en grey US Tour (November)

One year from their last tour in the USA, Dir en grey showed their American friends that their time apart did little to weaken their love for their fans and vice versa. With more energy than ever, Dir en grey performed each show with equal power and eloquence, blowing away the crowded venues with their music. Dir en grey fans across the nation got a special treat from the band this year when it was announced in New York that the band would be performing older songs during the tour. Sure enough, each show was greeted with two oldies but goodies, leaving each fan with a fuzzy feeling of nostalgia as they left the venue.

Best Concert/Tour #3: Anime Matsuri: miyavi (April)

About five years ago, miyavi was scheduled to perform at two anime conventions in the USA. However, due to extenuating circumstances, both concerts were cancelled. This year, however, miyavi was finally able to make an appearance at Anime Matsuri in Houston, Texas. Fans were able to experience a question and answer session along with an amazing concert: the sound and lights turned a typical banquet hall into a professional concert room. Some lucky fans were even able to run into miyavi throughout the convention center or at places around the area.


Biggest Surprise of 2009

Biggest Surprise #1: miyavi leaving PSC and creating J-glam

Unless a person understands just how devoted miyavi was to PS COMPANY, him leaving wouldn't seem as such a big deal. miyavi had been with PS COMPANY since the beginning of his career with Dué le quartz. Even after the band decided to disband, he continued with them for his solo career as he went major with Universal Music Japan.

Though, considering the changes he was making with his family life - marriage to melody. and his soon-to-come baby - leaving PSC was needed. However, leaving wasn't a bad thing for this ambitious musician. He decided to create his own company: J-glam Inc. The true purposes of J-glam aren't exactly clear, but slowly miyavi is working out the kinks.

Biggest Surprise #2: Going major: SuG

Voted as the second biggest surprise of 2009 was the announcement of SuG going major. The band had been signed to PS COMPANY's indies label since 2006, and while they had been working very hard on their career with several releases and various performances in 2009, it did come as a surprise to their fans that they went major. In December, they announced that they signed a major contract with Pony Canyon, and January will bring their first major release. We're curious about what sort of changes their major debut will bring this colourful, joyful but most of all talented band.

Biggest Surprise #3: SUGIZO joining X JAPAN

In May, SUGIZO officially joined X JAPAN. He had been performing with them as a support artist before, but it came as a surprise when he was recognized as an official member of the line-up of the legendary rock band. Of course, HIDE will forever remain as a part of the line-up, but it seems that no one had expected a line-up change in the recent years of the band's career.

Unfortunately, there were not many times SUGIZO could show off his guitar and violin skills with X JAPAN, seeing as they only performed a handful of times. So in these months SUGIZO performed together with his band JUNO REACTOR, but fans were also treated to various new releases from the talented artist.


Worst Disappointment of 2009

Worst Disappointment #1: Various musicians passing away: Jasmine You (Versailles), Kaori Kawamura (Sorrow, solo), Masahiro Shimura (fujifabric), Kiyoshiro Imawano (RC Succession, solo), Futoshi Abe (THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT)

Death is a very sensitive subject. When such a thing happens to a musician you admire and love, it can be a shocking and unsettling feeling. Such was the reaction that many felt when the announcements came that various artists had passed. They've contributed to the Japanese music culture that overseas fans have engrossed themselves in throughout the years. Even though they are no longer with us, everyone will always remember them.

Whether it be the child-like personality of Jasmine You, the young Masahiko Shimura, or one of rock's greatest legends Futoshi Abe, they are all beloved. However, let's not forget Japanese punk icon Kiyoshiro Imawano, and Kaori Kawamura, who had an extensive music career and was very popular in Japan. Their contribution to the Japanese music industry will definitely be missed.

Worst Disappointment #2: Cancellation of miyavi's USA performances

Despite miyavi's spring performance at Anime Matsuri earlier this year, American fans looked forward to seeing him again during the USA leg of his world tour. Unlike the previous year's performances which were only set in California, this year's were set throughout the USA: California, Texas, Washington, Georgia, and New York. However, due to illness and injuries received during earlier performances on the tour, miyavi had to postpone the USA dates. miyavi fans, understanding as they were, were still disappointed and look forward to when the new dates will be announced.

Worst Disappointment #3: An Cafe hiatus (announcement)

An Cafe became one of the most popular oshare kei artists able to reach beyond the genre's typical scope of fans. Cheerful, bubbly, and cute, they created catchy tunes and a happy feeling, causing their listener to do nothing but snap their fingers and smile. In 2007, the band hit their first rough spot when Bou left the band. Adding two new band members and performing overseas made it seem that An Cafe was reaching a new level of high in their career. Unfortunately, on August 31, the band announced a suspension of activities, which will take place on January 4, 2010. Though the note on their website gave the impression that the band members simply need to recharge and decide for themselves what they really want to do, one can only hope that this upbeat and cheerful band will return.


We would like to thank all the enthusiastic fans that voted in our poll, as well as our fellow team members who helped to compose this article. We wish you an absolutely fantastic 2010, filled with lots of Japanese music!