Super Duper

This is a video for the J Pop group Black Diamond and this is their debut single “Super Duper”. This single was released in March 2023 and had iTunes chart success in many Asian countries as well as the UK and USA.

The audience won’t need to be fluent in Japanese to enjoy this video as the song is very catchy and will no doubt stay in your head for many days. There is a mixture of English and Japanese lyrics through out, with most of the English lyrics being the hook to get the audience singing along. The dance beat will get your body moving and this is a good fun introduction to Japanese music. The main lyric, which you’d expect is “Super Duper” and this is followed by “Super Sugar” which shows the sweet and fun nature of the song.

The video is great fun and it is clear that the artists are enjoying their performance and making the most of it. The video briefly starts in black and white before exploding into bright colours of Pink, Silver and Purple. The set appears to be very simplistic, meaning that the focus is on the band members. The 5 members are all dressed in 2 piece costumes which dazzle with sparkly sequins, silver chains, large hoop earrings and long blue knee length boots. The costumes really fit the fun ambience that the video is trying to achieve.

In the second part of the video there is a scene and costume change. The audience are brought out to the streets. They can see road signs and a background video of a moving highway and modern skyscrapers. There is an image of a large diamond above the buildings which almost appears to be spaceship like. The costume change is effective and reflects the move to the streets at night. The viewers can see each member in black leather although each member has their own unique style. This really looks to reflect the character of each individual and their place in the band. Diamonds are prominent throughout the video. The costumes overall reflect the lyrics and the message that these women are bold and irresistible.

This being a dance video the audience can expect a dance routine and they won’t be disappointed. Although I do not believe the bands full talents are on show, the choreography Is fairly simple but effective and in good time. The camera focuses on the individual and the group. This being a debut single it is clear that the director is using the camera to introduce each member to it’s audience. No doubt fans will have their favourite.

Overall this is a fun video which achieves its aim to get the audience to have fun and dance and sing along with group. The lyrics are fun and sexy and this is reflected in the video and the costumes that each member is wearing. The bright colours really draw the viewer in and it’s a great introduction to Japanese music and culture. The direction allows for the focus to be on the band, who should be the most important part of the video. The simplistic nature of the video doesn’t detract from the song and if anything it promotes the music to centre stage.