May J.
Self - Host
J-MELO (2005)
Season 21
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.
Released Oct. 7, 2005
Episode 27 min
None+
S21E1 - Virtual Artist Special: KAF
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.
Feb. 2, 2025, midnight
S21E2 - Virtual Artist Special: enogu
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.
Feb. 9, 2025, midnight
S21E3 - Kaneyorimasaru and Maeshima Mayu
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.
March 2, 2025, midnight
S21E4 - SWEET STEADY and Ito Kashitaro
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.
March 9, 2025, midnight
S21E5 - East of Eden and edhiii boi
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).
April 6, 2025, midnight
S21E6 - Furui Riho and shallm
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).
April 13, 2025, midnight
S21E7 - KATSUSHIKA TRIO
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.
May 11, 2025, midnight
S21E8 - ≠ME, Angerme, and Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu
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.
May 18, 2025, midnight
S21E9 - cocolashika and Utagokoro Rie
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).
June 8, 2025, midnight
S21E10 - Hamaura Ayano and BUDDiiS
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).
June 15, 2025, midnight
S21E11 - Kitamura Fuki and Dreamers Union Choir
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.
July 6, 2025, midnight
S21E12 - Kamiyama Yoh and noa
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.
July 13, 2025, midnight
S21E13 - Natsudaidai and THE SIXTH LIE
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.
Aug. 3, 2025, midnight
S21E14 - Miyakawa Airi and Atarayo
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.
Aug. 10, 2025, midnight
S21E15 - angela and SKE48
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.
Oct. 5, 2025, midnight
S21E16 - CROWN HEAD and Takagi Reni
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.
Oct. 12, 2025, midnight
S21E17 - SILENT SIREN and Juice=Juice
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.
Nov. 2, 2025, midnight
S21E18 - Takahashi Yoko and Phantom Siita
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.
Nov. 9, 2025, midnight
S21E19 - Night Tempo and MEminor
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.
Dec. 7, 2025, midnight
S21E20 - Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie and Suzuhana Yuko
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.
Dec. 14, 2025, midnight
NHK BS1
27 min/ep
14054 min
Oct. 7, 2005
Dec. 14, 2025, midnight
Returning Series
NR
Action
Action
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