Jpop: Ringo Shiina - God, nor Buddha (神様、仏様)

Possibly the woman with most swagger and raspy coolness in Japan, Ringo Shiina, has collaborated several times before with the jazz sextet Soil & “Pimp” Sessions, but this time around it is in a video that is a complete wet dream for anyone interested in (modern) Japanese pop culture, or indeed pop art in general. It is four minutes of eyegasm and it doesn't matter that I personally wouldn't listen to her songs audio only because her charisma is such a high level that her performances excuses her musical idiosyncrasies. This is pure music video perfection.
PS She co-released the equally interesting "No Verão, as Noites (長く短い祭)" which sadly is ultimately spoiled by the wholly unnecessary and excessive (I would almost say vulgar) use of auto-tune. DS

• Ringo Shiina - God, nor Buddha (神様、仏様)
• Ringo Shiina - No Verão, as Noites (長く短い祭)

Jpop: Root 5 (√5)

As a math teacher, of course I'm a bit weak for when a music group uses mathematical names (hello korean tough girls f(x)...)but of course there needs to be something more. For Root Five, the theme of the new "Love Ninja" is good enough, a humorous one.

• Root Five - Love Ninja

Die Antwoord - Ugly Boy

Ever since I saw the first video with Die Antwoord ("I Fink U Freaky"), I have been fascinated by their beautiful ugliness. From the fantastic graphic contrast between petite Yolanda and drug addict-looking Ninja (who together with DJ Hi-Tek is the trio that forms the group) to the slightly morbid videos inspired by South African white thrash - culture (called zef) and Ninja's inner world. The new "Ugly Boy" (from the Donker Mag album) takes this to an even more beautiful level, with cameos from Marilyn Manson, Dita von Teese, Cara Delevinge, and more showing of blood, ugly boys (ofc), penis guns, unique fashion, and just spectacular graphics. The details here. The lyrics and song again shows DA making use of the contrast between Yolanda and Ninja in a text about being there for your partner whatever it takes, with samples from Aphex Twin.

• Die Antwoord - Ugly Boy