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 01 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
moreru – 神の裁きと訣別するために (Kami no sabaki to ketsubetsu suru tame ni)
It is said that there is no other band like the Tokyo-based band moreru, but what can you really expect from this band? It starts in the basics: intense noiserock with an interesting mix of screamo, shoegaze, hardcore and even black metal with a few other elements here and there to (maybe) throw you off. It sounds like perfect combination for chaos. In case you don’t like chaos, this band is not for you. But if you are still curious after watching this music video, they have just released a new EP and this can be listened to digitally. — Recommended by Francisca
north pole – 寝惚 (Neboke)
February will see the release of the first EP by the two-member girl band north pole, with the title 思い出になって消えてゆく (Omoide ni Natte Kiete Yuku). The band was formed as a three-piece band in spring 2022 having Tokyo as their home base and released a single in 2023. It seems the upcoming EP will be the first release in a year and a half. They are looking for a new bass player, and hopefully they will be able to find one soon so they can solidify the foundation as a band. — Recommended by Francisca
The Dayclive – Lighthouse
The song Lighthouse is featured on The Dayclive’s first EP of the same title, released digitally over Christmas. The four-piece rock band formed in 2019 and released a number of singles, the EP is their first release in two-and-a-half years and the first with the current line-up. The band’s sound is influenced by alternative rock, emo, and shoegaze. The EP is described as a complex interplay of four instruments creating a sound that seems to stretch endlessly. — Recommended by Francisca
Bone Hair Neck – doctor
This three-piece band from Sapporo has been steadily building their way to fame for more than two years, playing their first live show in January 2023. Since then, several singles and an EP titled Theatre have followed. Their most recent single, doctor, was released over Christmas and was seized upon to produce new music video, their third, which was released on the first day of 2025. With this, the neo-mixture rock band shows how much they have grown in these two years. What will be their next steps? — Recommended by Francisca
台所きっちん (Daidokoro Kitchen) – ボブ (Bob)
We have written before about the Osaka-based three-member girl band, which has been almost active for 2 years now. They sing about girls’ complicated yet endearing feelings, wrapped in powerful sounds and honest lyrics. After releasing several singles, they released their first EP in October last year, which they presented as something of an amulet, titled どんな私だって愛してほしい。 (Donna Watashi Datte Itoshite Hoshii), and from that EP comes the song ボブ (Bob), a reference to the hairstyle. What do they have planned for 2025, we will have to wait and see! — Recommended by Francisca
Cult of Kiss – グロテスク (Grotesque)
This song was taken from Cult of Kiss’ first single, released in 2022. It was recently rearranged and remixed, which inspired the band to re-release the music video, this time featuring the new version of the song. Still, alternative rock band Cult of Kiss, with their music described as sweet, sick, grotesque, and melancholic, has released something new this year, namely the band’s ninth single 私より先に死なないで (Don’t leave me). Cult of Kiss’ musicians are active in other bands and also collaborate with various artists, which allows them to incorporate their experiences into new songs. — Recommended by Francisca
DIABLEVOIX – DAZE
This week sees the release of a new single from DIABLEVOIX, Haluka’s solo project. After a successful year in which she also performed in Europe, she is ushering in the new year with her signature blend of loud music in the corner of loud rock and Japanese metal. This new release is said to embody DIABLEVOIX’s unique worldview, imbued with a majestic atmosphere and a sense of melancholy, but at the same time a spark of light. Later this year, she has a solo concert with band at Shibuya WOMB LIVE. — 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.
