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 03 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
くゆる (Kuyuru) – momo
On 19 February, alternative rock band Kuyuru’s first album, Lovescape, will be released. As a taster, the song momo has been released accompanied by a music video, where the band’s signature sound of intensity and vulnerability emerges with the help of three guitars, a bass guitar, drums and delicate and somewhat fragile vocals. The band shared that this song offers a glimmer of hope for moments when we feel alone and want to cut ourselves off from the world. — Recommended by Francisca
THE・ステレオギャング (THE STEREOGANG) – WEST SIDE
After their excursion to Germany, where they performed at the Emergenza finals at Taubertal Festival and finished third, the quartet has been hard at work on their second album. The album, THE STEREOGANG Ⅱ, will be released in February and WEST SIDE is a preview of it. Central to the band is singer and guitarist Miu, who has a great love for Western music, which is why THE STEREOGANG’s songs are also mainly in English. — Recommended by Francisca
Balmy – シューティングスター (Shooting Star)
In a few days, Balmy’s debut single will be released, consisting of two tracks. That release comes with a new music video as well! Shooting Star is described as nostalgic but refreshing and the B-side track レグルス (Regulus) is said by the band to give listeners courage. Consisting of four young musicians from Osaka and active since the summer of 2023, Balmy’s theme is described as retro-futuristic. Expect catchy tunes with a recognisable and charming style from this young pop band. — Recommended by Francisca
YuRAka – 神経質 (Shinkeishitsu)
I came across a music video by singer-songwriter YuRAka before, but I couldn’t really find much about her and decided not to include it in a music video roundup at the time. This week, I tried again when I saw the brand-new music video by the Aichi-based pop musician, because she knows how to be very creative with the grumbles and thoughts she has and turn it into songs. She does everything herself, from writing lyrics, composition, arranging and even videos. — Recommended by Francisca
moë – Occult
Behind moë is singer-songwriter Moe Wakabayashi, she has a Do-It-Yourself mentality regarding her music and even her own music videos. Her music is described as neo-romantic city pop, but also bedroom pop with a free-spirited vocal style and a magical and imaginative worldview unbound by existing musical genres. Occult is the title of her first album released last spring by the indie artist. It will be interesting to see what she has planned for 2025. — Recommended by Francisca
メレ (Mele) – セピア (Sepia)
The band Mele consists of vocalist and guitarist Iori Nakamuri and bass player Haruka Shiraishi, they have been a duo from the start in 2018. Inspired by the seasons, they combine melodic compositions and deep song lyrics. Iori’s fascination with songwriting began after she was taken by the music of Japanese rock band ユニコーン (Unicorn) , which she often listened to while sitting in the car with her father. Haruka is influenced by the music of pop vocalist Huwie Ishizaki and the rhythms of electro pop. — Recommended by Francisca
揺らぎ (Yuragi) – Our
In a few days, Yuragi’s third album will be released, titled In Your Languages, the follow-up to Here I Stand, which was released in April 2023. Formed in Kansai in 2015, the band has steadily gained recognition with international tours, festival appearances, and performing alongside international acts. The four-piece band continues to redefine modern shoegaze with their combination of shoegaze, dream pop and elements of post-rock and ambient rock. — 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.
