Z CLEAR was formed by vocalist AKIRA and guitarist みやこ (Miyako) in 広島 (Hiroshima) in 2019. According to the band’s biography bassist こーちゃん (Ko-chan) and guitarist トミー (Tommy) – of which the latter had been a support member before – joined the group at a later time to complete the lineup they still have today. This means they do not have a drummer in their lineup, and thus exist as a four-member group. In older music videos you will also see vocalist AKIRA playing the second guitar rather than トミー (Tommy), because at this time he was still considered a support member.
With the concept “to change the world you see” with the catchy, punchy and unique songs created by main composer みやこ (Miyako) and AKIRA’s diverse stories and message-filled lyrics as well as his straightforward singing voice, the band tries to change the worldview of the listener with each of their songs.
Despite being around since 2019, I have to confess that I personally wasn’t ‘caught’ by their music until the release of the “JUNKIE” single in February of 2024 and their “KISS” single in August of the same year had a similar effect. As much as I’d like to tell you why this single caught my attention the way it did, it’s not the release we’re discussing today. I’d like to discuss their most recent single (at the moment of writing, at least) single “広島” (Hiroshima) instead.
The group moved their base of operations to 東京 (Tokyo) in February of 2024, but this single still clearly shows their connection to their hometown if we can take the name alone as an indicator.
The single contains four tracks: “ブチアゲ” (Buchiage), “広島” (Hiroshima), “LUCKY DAY” and “枯れない華” (Karenai hana) and is actually a venue-limited release. Meaning that it’s only available during live performances of the group rather than in music stores. It is however available on streaming services, and this is also the version we’re using for this review. Both the venue-limited and the streaming version were released on December 26 2024, but the music video was released on YouTube a little earlier the same month already.
This song (or rather single) has a past of endurance, so are you ready for 広島 (Hiroshima)? Then let’s go!
This song has a past of irreplaceable
Kicking off the single is “ブチアゲ” (Buchiage), which is a fast-paced highly digital influenced instrumental composition that paves the way for the rest of the single. The song’s title translates to “elated mood” or “in high spirits” in English, which is exactly the type of emotion the instrumental is trying to convey to you.
Following is the title song of the single, “広島” (Hiroshima). And “This song has a past of endurance. This song has a past of irreplaceable.”. Naturally, because you never leave your roots behind entirely, no matter how hard you try to in some cases. Full of emotion, “広島” (Hiroshima) tells us a story of endurance, acceptance and sad moments, almost as if Z CLEAR’s entire journey has been poured into this one song. Covering the time the members had in their hometown, but also how 東京 (Tokyo) was a big change for them. Yet, the entire song is full of motivation, and I can’t encourage you enough to look up the lyrics for yourself to witness them first hand.
“If you love the path you walked, the day you can laugh will surely come. You may lose sight of it and get hurt, but let’s start running again from today.”
The music video starts with vocalist AKIRA walking up to a motorcycle and starting it, before featuring the band on what appears to be a rooftop (based on the dark background and lights on the ledge surrounding the area). The entire music video features the band in different ways, either performing the song on their improvised rooftop stage, vocalist AKIRA on the motorcycle, solo shots from the other members and the whole group holding a flag with the cover art for the single on it.
As usual: does the music video translate the lyrics into a visual format? In this case I would say no. But does that harm the song or MV in any way? Also no. Mostly because the lyrics themselves don’t really tell a story that you can translate to this visual format in a believable or engaging way. If anything, it’s full of emotion rather than actual action you can describe, more like an anthem that also motivates you to believe in yourself.
Do you need the music video to understand the song more? Absolutely not. But if, like me, you enjoy seeing the members and the visual format a music video provides, then it’s a fun addition to the rest of the release.
The third track is “LUCKY DAY”. And while the previous track was all about drawing you in and telling you to believe in yourself, this next track is the most ‘aggressive’ one on this release with ease. Combining their digital sound with a rock style for the guitars and bass and a darker tone of voice, Z CLEAR shows that they’re far from ‘sappy’, but it’s still a track that tells you to believe in yourself, although in a more rebellious way. “Stand tall, from tomorrow, you will be a hero. You are destined to be.”
Much like the previous track, Japanese is being mixed with English in the lyrics, both actually empowering the lyrics in their own way. While the majority of information is given in the Japanese parts of the lyrics, the “Are you ready HEROES, the “March of the Underdog” is LIFE or DIE, Good Luck!” does add an extra sense of rebellion to the song as a whole. With it’s fast-pace and strong rhythm section, “LUCKY DAY” compliments the title song without taking away any of it’s impact, but while adding a little more power to the release.
While “広島” (Hiroshima) and “LUCKY DAY” both had a higher pace, the same absolutely can’t be said for the final song of the single, “枯れない華”(Karenai Hana). Combining the electric guitar with an acoustic one, the tempo is lowered slightly but definitely not reaching the tempo of a slow ballad. The term ‘枯れる’ (kareru) has two different meanings in English: either ‘to wither’ (for a plant) or ‘to mature’ (for a personality, ability, etc.). ‘華’ (hana) on the other hand also has various meanings, including ‘splendor’, ‘flower’, ‘petal’ and ‘shine’, just to name a few. (There are more, but I don’t feel like they matter for this explanation.)
The lyrics pull forward the flower element quite prominently in the first two sentences (and occasionally returning into the rest of the song too), but then switch to what can be perceived as the second meaning of the first part of the title. The entire single has been about believing in yourself and growing, so what makes you think that the last song didn’t have this theme incorporated into it as well? To me it seems that “枯れない華” (Karenai Hana) was composed with the intention to have fans sing along during live performances of it, since there is a second voice singing parts of the song with AKIRA, but it’s also a way for them to say “I want to (convey) “thank you” with all my voice. For me. (For you). How many times have I been saved by the sound I spun. Following the musical staff. (Just to be free.)”, before finishing with “The unfading flower suddenly bloomed. The unfading flower continues to play today. The unfading flower that you made bloom.”.
Conclusion
As an ‘outsider’ (meaning I’m in no way involved or in contact with the group or anyone associated with them) “広島” (Hiroshima) looks like the band reflecting on their career so far, but also thanking their fans for getting them to this point. These feelings have been spread out over three songs and an instrumental to create this single, and from my perspective I can only compliment this. Not only have they created something memorable for themselves, they’ve simultaneously created something for us fans to enjoy without moving away from their style or personal beliefs. Something I personally can only applaud.
Initially it was the music video for “広島” (Hiroshima) that drew me to this release, but only because it was revealed first. While the odd one out on this single is “LUCKY DAY”, since it’s less about the group’s experiences and more about the rebellious nature that’s present in all of us to some extend, it isn’t out of place on this release if you ask me. Combining these three tracks with the instrumental track “ブチアゲ” (Buchiage) makes for a very entertaining single with a different sound every track, but an overarching theme that pulls all of them together.
I admit, I only became interested in Z CLEAR’s work in early 2024 when they released their “JUNKIE” single, but if this is becoming the new standard for Z CLEAR, they have definitely earned a fan in me. Since I have enjoyed every single one of their releases last year, and I already find myself looking forward to the next one, and the one after that…!
As I mentioned at the very start, this single is only available at live performances and as a digital version for streaming. And since not everyone can get their hands on a physical copy, we’re more than happy to share the streaming version with you here:
About Z CLEAR
        |   |  (Miyako) |  (Ko-chan) |  (Tommy Souma) |
雪 (Yuki) is the owner and driving force behind Arlequin.
She originally started the project in 2009 as a photographer under the name of Arlequin Photography, but developed an interest in journalism and translation ever since. Because of these interests interviews and reviews were added to the project, until it eventually hit the limits as a "photographer" in 2021, and Arlequin Magazine was added to the mix.
雪 (Yuki) is a native Dutch speaker with a graphic design degree, which means she is also the main person behind Arlequin Creations.
After all these years, she's still the one responsible for the interviews and most of the live photography you see here at Arlequin, but the majority of reviews and behind-the-scenes work is also done by her.
The reviews she writes are from the viewing point of an overseas fan, and thus written in English before being translated to Dutch, Spanish and Japanese. In the English versions she also tries to explain the meaning behind certain kanji or song titles to the readers, but what you don't see here is that these explanations are omitted in the Japanese versions in order to appeal to these readers more.
She speaks Dutch and English on a native level, but also understands Japanese and German.