About this season
J-MELO is a weekly Japanese music television program broadcast by NHK. It is recorded entirely in the English language. It began broadcasting on October 7, 2005. The program is available on NHK's World Service television station, Radio Japan, Digital Educational TV and on its Domestic General Channel.
Episodes (20)
1. Virtual Artist Special: KAF
Aired 2 February 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.
2. Virtual Artist Special: enogu
Aired 9 February 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: enogu.
3. Kaneyorimasaru and Maeshima Mayu
Aired 2 March 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 now works on anisongs.
4. SWEET STEADY and Ito Kashitaro
Aired 9 March 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 major-label debut.
5. East of Eden and edhiii boi
Aired 6 April 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 teenage following).
6. Furui Riho and shallm
Aired 13 April 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).
7. KATSUSHIKA TRIO
Aired 11 May 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 and perform.
8. ≠ME, Angerme, and Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu
Aired 18 May 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 new single.
9. cocolashika and Utagokoro Rie
Aired 8 June 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 a major-label debut).
10. Hamaura Ayano and BUDDiiS
Aired 15 June 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 10 unique members).
11. Kitamura Fuki and Dreamers Union Choir
Aired 6 July 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 powerful vocal harmonies.
12. Kamiyama Yoh and noa
Aired 13 July 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, arrangements, and art.
13. Natsudaidai and THE SIXTH LIE
Aired 3 August 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 chat and perform.
14. Miyakawa Airi and Atarayo
Aired 10 August 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, vocals, and sound.
15. angela and SKE48
Aired 5 October 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.
16. CROWN HEAD and Takagi Reni
Aired 12 October 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 and perform.
17. SILENT SIREN and Juice=Juice
Aired 2 November 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 to chat and perform.
18. Takahashi Yoko and Phantom Siita
Aired 9 November 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 Phantom Siita.
19. Night Tempo and MEminor
Aired 7 December 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 chat and perform.
20. Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie and Suzuhana Yuko
Aired 14 December 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 Japanese instruments.