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 06 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Little Lilith – Retribution
After their first European tour in 2023, I was curious to see what the four-piece metal band was currently working on. In a few days’ time, the four women will release their third EP, titled Retribution, marking the start of a new chapter for the band since they took control of their own direction. The release consists of two tracks from the single Dystopia and two brand-new songs. They are still loud, still incorporate djent elements in their sound, and are still as powerful as ever. Curious about this band’s next steps. — Recommended by Francisca
歴史は踊る (History Dances) ー パラノイア (Paranoia)
After about a year since the release of their first full-length album, three-piece art-rock band History Dances release a new single, their fifth, Paranoia. This trio from Nagoya has been active since October 2020 and has a band sound that is inspired by rock, jazz and funk. Despite their start during the COVID-19 pandemic, the trio creatively managed to reach their audience online, for example with groove sessions on YouTube. And it is a good thing it worked out for them, because this band is pretty interesting. — Recommended by Francisca
らそんぶる (Rassemble) – オーライ (Alright)
This January, the four-piece rock band Rassemble released their very first mini-album, はじまる (Hajimaru). It’s been a year since the four-member girl band launched and their first digital single proved to be a good start with many listeners. This was followed up by two more digital singles, before they took the step to produce their first mini-album themselves, from music production to artwork. The brand-new release is filled with their digital singles and three new tracks. — Recommended by Francisca
芝岡翔梧 (Shogo Shibaoka) – 風 (Kaze)
Shogo Shibaoka, a singer-songwriter who started his musical career at the age of 17, makes his official return after a four-year break with this single. He’s making an immediate impact, as it also marks the start of releases for five consecutive months. During the years of inactivity, there was a global pandemic, which brought a lot of uncertainty anyway, and doubt goes hand-in-hand with that. With the strength he found to move on and look forward to the future, this song materialised. — Recommended by Francisca
misaki misa – HEAVEN
At the end of January, Misaki Misa’s first full-length album was released, titled in your HEAVEN, filled with several tracks previously released as singles but also new tracks. Her music combines deep, philosophical lyrics with compelling rhythms and grooves, taking listeners into their own inner world. While her roots are in R&B and soul, her interest in club culture has inspired her to dabble with electronic music. Besides being a singer-songwriter, she is also an active member of the pop band 7BULL. — Recommended by Francisca
zuni – jasmine
Zuni’s world is peaceful, mysterious, melancholic and a little nostalgic, the bedroom musician began music production in earnest in 2020. In spring 2025, she will release her new EP It’s all right, Buddy you, where she will most likely further express her dreamy and melancholic style, but also showcase her artistic growth. She writes, composes, makes beats and mixes everything herself, and also provides her own artwork and music videos. — Recommended by Francisca
mabuta – ECHO
From 16 February, mabuta’s second single REGENERATE will be on sale, only at live shows, nine months after the release of their first single about a roundabout, which was also a live limited release. But fortunately, we get to enjoy the band’s newest music video. Previously operating as a four-piece band with several mini-albums to their credit, the Chichibu-based rock band currently consists of a duo (with a support drummer), but are as powerful as ever. — 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.
