With a large music industry such as Japan, the second largest in the world, music fans will inevitably be inundated with a profusion of good (and also less good) music from this country. It is impossible to keep track of this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on gems, it is time for a weekly list of new music videos from Japanese music acts that are definitely worth watching and need some extra focus, with an emphasis on the lesser-known names.
We are now looking back on a selection of videos released in week 46 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Water Maze – Motion
This week, four-piece band Water Maze released their third EP, titled Submarine Conductor. Formed in 2022, the band takes inspiration from rock sounds from the ‘90s and ’00s and adds their own unique twist to what they describe as Jovian grunge rock, and is known for their noisy sound full of layered guitars and the intensive use of fuzz effects. Whereas their previous releases were mainly produced at home, this new EP marks a step forward with professional recordings in a studio environment. — Recommended by Francisca
IrisaVior – 一生のお願い (Isshou no Onegai)
This is the fourth single by the Fukuoka-based rock band IrisaVior. The band was formed in February 2022 with the concept that they sing a story of two people, with sentimental lyrics written from real experiences and a rich, melodious band sound. In addition to the four single releases, they have released one EP in May 2023. I am very curious about this band’s next steps, especially if and when they will come up with their first full-length album. — Recommended by Francisca
プルスタンス (Pulstans) – 追いかけがいのある人生を (Live a life without regrets)
In January 2025, Pulstans’ first EP crumble!!! will be released on a physical disc, but fans can already enjoy track number 5 digitally. The four-piece band was formed in late 2022 and has only released singles to date, several singles have been re-recorded for the EP. With a mission to deliver powerful, nostalgic music with crystal-clear vocals, the band remains genre-agnostic and delivers emotional, optimistic music that moves the listener. — Recommended by Francisca
soshaku – 感覚でKick (Kankaku de Kick)
This six-member alternative pop band has an interesting history, initially starting as an alternative rock band with strong indie and emo influences in 2018, the band decided to change course a bit in 2020. They started incorporating even more elements into their music, such as R&B, hip-hop, rock ‘n’ roll and city pop. In 2023, the band line-up was changed, now with three vocalists, Aki Goto, tkm and Minato Chikamatsu. This year, they have been good at producing new music, from several singles to their first mini-album. — Recommended by Francisca
雨黒燕 (Amakuro Tsubame) – 造花に恋をした (Zouka ni Koi wo shita)
This track can be found on the seventh digital single by Amakuro Tsubame, originally a visual kei solo project by vocalist Aoi who was previously active in the band サイノ筐ニワ~31-8520~ (Sai no Hako Ni Wa ~31-8520~). Since the vocalist decided to start his solo project in 2023, he has released several singles, the most recent of which came out at the end of October. For his music and performances, he collaborates with support musicians and explores the artistic and experimental approach to music and visual presentation. — Recommended by Francisca
チセツナガラ (Chisetsunagara) – coupe
I have written several times about this four-member rock band from Osaka, Chisetsunagara. Meanwhile, the band has released several singles and a second EP, and the single coupe is the first release in a year and a half. Recently, the keyboardist left the band, so it looks like this is the last single and music video with her. The band has a talent for wordplay and catchy melodies, which they combine with high-level performances. What can we expect from this interesting band in 2025? — Recommended by Francisca
ウスバカゲロウ (USUBAKAGELO) – 影郎 (Kagerou)
This track can be found on the split EP with the four-piece Sanzan, entitled HATSUNE. Both bands are up-and-coming musical acts from the city of Mishima, with USUBAKAGELO being a five-piece rock band. They combine a direct rock sound with expressive lyrics that reflect their vision. By the way, this is the first recording made at the new musical centre ROJI which opened earlier this year, in case you remember, last year I wrote about the crowdfunding campaign for this venue. The music video is also shot at this location. — Recommended by Francisca
Next week we will be back for a new list of new music videos to check out. But you can also look back to the earlier editions of this weekly article series for when you yearn for more musical gems! Want to read more about how this project started or check out the YouTube playlists? Click here for all the information.
