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 05 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
aldo van eyck – Dahlia
From the bustling city of Fukuoka comes the alternative rock band aldo van eyck, named after the Dutch architect. The band has been actively making a name locally and nationally since 2021 and released the album Nada in 2022 followed by dead shot dan in 2023. After releasing a live album on cassette last summer, the band kicked off the new year with a digital single, Dahlia/M. It demonstrates once again how the band members enjoy playing with various genres of music and manage to make it sound harmonious. — Recommended by Francisca
PERRIERTO – ここだけの円舞曲 (Koko Dake No Enbukyoku)
This song will be featured on the self-produced debut album by Kansai-based five-member pop band PERRIERTO, Chaser, which will be out in a few days. According to the band, the album has the concept of music that can integrate into everyday life with ease and offers a fresh mix of Japanese pop and influences from the African diaspora, also described as black music. The album consists of a number of songs released as digital singles over the past few years, as well as some new tracks. — Recommended by Francisca
Velvetbound – アイドンノウ (I Don’t Know)
This week saw the release of the second single from Tokyo-based band Velvetbound. Consisting of two musicians, including vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist Yutaro and drummer Ryuji, the band works with the concept of being simple but effective. Interestingly, to date, all videos have been released in black and white, reinforcing the band’s minimalist concept. The two-piece band has been active since last December, but it will be interesting to see what they have planned in the near future. — Recommended by Francisca
人畜乱弾 (Zinchiku Randan) – 殴り合い陀仏 (Naguriai Dabutsu)
This is the first work from four-piece punk rock band Zinchiku Randan, super brand new considering the band officially launched in early January of this year. Everything was produced by the four girls, as they say themselves in the video’s description: “We don’t have any money, so we didn’t spend a penny.” This music video is a wild ride full of craziness and undeniable energy, which is a great introduction to the band. In April, they will perform for the first time, somewhere in Tokyo, so it is especially looking forward to what else this band has in store. — Recommended by Francisca
diig – neon
Last September, the five-member idol group diig began with activities, the brand-new group falls under the music production company ekoms with Kenta Sakurai at the helm. While they have only been active for a short time, they have scheduled their first solo show in March. Neon was released as a digital single in November and the catchy song now has a music video where the group members dance under a bridge in school uniforms and hang out in a phone booth. — Recommended by Francisca
burrrn – sweet breath
Formed twenty years ago and closely associated with Tokyo’s thriving shoegaze movement, the band burrrn played alongside acts such as 死んだ僕の彼女 (my dead girlfriend), Plastic Girl In Closet and CAUCUS. After early successes, including a mini-album, a debut album and a compilation release, the band disappeared out of sight for a long time. In 2024, they finally returned with the long-awaited second album, titled without you. The song in the music video is not new, but was featured on the first album, of which a re-master was released last year. — Recommended by Francisca
CheChe – Prayer
Next week, CheChe’s second EP Waves will be released, on it you will find the track Prayer. CheChe was formed in 2020 by a group of school friends and released their first single in 2022. All band members contribute to the music they produce, both by writing lyrics and composing. The four-piece strives for originality by combining elements of 90s Britpop and British rock music with a touch of funk, dance and indie rock. In addition, they also do their own recording and mixing. — 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.
