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 British 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 is 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: Alice Nine

Alice Nine is a unique rock band whose sound covers multiple genres. Though they didn't have the type of experiences as miyavi and Versailles, their popularity continues to grow at an exponential rate, making them the #3 Best Artist of 2009. Starting the year off strong, they released their third full-length album, VANDALIZE, which also won #1 Best Album of the year. The album contains their three popular singles: MIRROR BALL, RAINBOWS, and CROSS GAME. In the fall, they were able to perform alongside other popular visual kei artists at the V-ROCK FESTIVAL in Japan. The coming year looks promising with a complete collection being released in March.


Best Releases of 2009

Because various releases received the same amount of votes, the third spot of Single of 2009 is shared by three releases.

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

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 Single #3: miyavi - Super Hero Best Single #3: Versailles - ASCENDEAD MASTER

Best Concert/Tour of 2009

A couple of concert/events received the same amount of votes, so the third spot is shared by two events.

Best Concert/Tour #1: miyavi in London (October)

A little over a year since his last visit, miyavi delighted his British fans by returning to London as part of his European tour. Having not released a new original album since his previous tour, and without the support of the KAVKI BOYZ, the focus this time was more on miyavi himself.

To the delight of those who had been fans for a number of years, he played a substantial amount of older songs, as well as treating the audience to live versions of his more recent hits. The charismatic singer entertained the crowds with his unique performances, at times stirring them up to near-manic levels. In contrast to this, miyavi spoke openly and passionately about his life and the birth of his daughter, receiving a great deal of support from the fans. With his inimitable style, miyavi revamped some of his classic songs and delivered a spectacular and memorable performance in London, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next visit.

Best Concert/Tour #2: D’espairsRay Tour (July)

D'espairsRay isn't a stranger to the United Kingdom. This year they had three performances throughout the country during their PSYCHEDLIC PARADE IN EUROPE tour. Unlike most concerts which usually take place in London, their tour covered Manchester and Birmingham, which not only excited, but also surprised many fans. This heavy, gothic industrial band put on amazing performances with melodious tunes, creating an energetic atmosphere that left British fans excited for future performances.

Best Concert/Tour #3: Dir en grey Tour (January)

In early 2009, Dir en grey returned to Europe once again, kicking off the new year with their participation in the Kerrang! Relentless tour. This tour took the band to fifteen different venues across the UK and Ireland, where they played alongside Bring Me The Horizon, Black Tide, In Case Of Fire and headlining act Mindless Self Indulgence. Although their set was short, Dir en grey performed with impressive passion and energy, grabbing the attention of both pre-existing fans and those who had not heard their music before. After each set, one unannounced member of the band came out to sign autographs for the fans, making the experience all the more memorable for those who attended. As ever, Dir en grey poured all of their energy into these performances and were greatly rewarded by their dedicated fans.

Best Concert/Tour #3: MUCC in London (October)

British fans were eager for MUCC's return to the United Kingdom this year. Performing in London, which also happens to be one of bass player YUKKE's favorite cities, fans were greeted with a diverse set list, though more was focused on newer works that are much more experimental in comparison to their previous works. MUCC is a band that is expected to give their fans amazing performances, which they have successfully accomplished throughout the years, and once again they succeeded with this year's performance.


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 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: 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 that 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 these 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 also received various new releases from the talented artist.

Biggest Surprise #3: Going major: SuG

Voted as the second biggest surprise of 2009 was the announcement of SuG going major. The band had been signed on to PS COMPANY's indies division 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 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 for this colourful, joyful but most of all talented band.


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: 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.

Worst Disappointment #3: Cancellation of events: X JAPAN

Last year, expectations ran high as X JAPAN announced a world tour and then a concert in France, but this was sadly postponed. This year, X JAPAN was determined to make it to France and maybe even hold more concerts, but again they had to be cancelled, leaving their fans disappointed again. We're sure that we can expect new updates and announcements soon, so who knows: maybe 2010 will be X JAPAN's year!


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!