7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 09, 2025)

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 09 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!

サカキナオ (Nao Sakaki) – フラッシュバック!! (Flashback!!)

This is the third digital single from Nao Sakaki, released through a brand new label, Scrum Wave Music, which is a collaboration between NTT Docomo Studio & Live and the live venue eggman. Nao Sakaki was the first winner of the Catching Wave Audition 2024 and the release of the single and music video is a result of that. The song is about a person who harbours feelings for an unattainable lover, but struggles to express them. The lyrics contain classic Japanese elements, combined with traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, koto and flute, intertwined with funk music. — Recommended by Francisca

Bat Rat Maker – Death?

Tokyo-based band Bat Rat Maker formed in the spring of 2023, when the four musicians got together to perform at a live event held at a music academy. Band members describe the band as a ‘factory that creates things that may not be real and are overlooked.’ In doing so, they seek to be groundbreaking and experimental when it comes to musical style. After releasing their debut single in late 2023, the quartet came with an EP in spring 2024, then released two more singles, Death? in December 2024 and Choice in January of this year. — Recommended by Francisca

揺れるは幽霊 (Yureruwayurei) – ポイント・ネモ (Point Nemo)

This song is the final track on the alternative rock band Yureruwayurei’s first EP, mnemeoid. The four-piece mixes shoegaze and post-rock influences into dreamy, intense guitar music, while the theme of their first EP conjures up images of times gone by and loved ones who should not be forgotten. In case you want to hear more from Yureruwayurei, the advice is to head over to this band’s Soundcloud page, as it features a number of songs previously released on a demo release that has already sold out the first and second pressing. — Recommended by Francisca

衝動革命 (ShodoKakumei) – Find me

Earlier this year, Osaka-based alternative grunge band ShodoKakumei released Messy Room, their debut album. The release followed almost half a year after their third single and marked the band’s first work since bassist Akane, who previously played as a support bassist, officially joined the band in late 2024. The album consists of a collection of previously unreleased songs and tracks previously released as singles. The band has been active since early 2021 and if you listen and look at the material available online, the conclusion is that they know how to fill the stage with a lot of noise with roaring guitars and strong vocals. — Recommended by Francisca

コトノハタラズ (Kotonohatarazu) – 私より可愛い女の子 (Watashi Yori Kawaii Onnanoko)

This is the 11th single by piano pop-rock band Kotonohatarazu from Nagoya, consisting of vocalist utatane and keyboardist Aya. Composed specifically for live performances, the song has a different atmosphere compared to the other songs this band has produced. The result is a catchy song that will have you waving your arms and dancing, as demonstrated in the music video. This is the first release in over half a year and is a follow-up to their first mini-album that came out last summer. Kotonohatarazu returned to activities in 2023 after a hiatus and have been actively producing new songs since. — Recommended by Francisca

トレモロ (Tremolo) – stab

The rock band Tremolo was formed after the three musicians, vocalist and guitarist Mau, bassist Takumi and drummer Hiromi met at the Fukuoka Visual Arts Academy in 2023. After releasing a disc called 27 in February 2024, which seemed to be available only at concerts, the band decided to release their first single in February this year, stab. And now we also get to enjoy a music video. It is said by the band that their music is characterised by sensitive lyrics and a rhythm section influenced by hip-hop. The three-piece is still at the beginning of their adventure, but it already sounds promising. — Recommended by Francisca

Menow – ネバーランド (Neverland)

Menow is a two-piece band from Nagoya that has been active since 2020. Their music balances between slowcore, acid folk and experimental pop, with a dreamy and tender sound that explores the boundary between fantasy and reality. They released their debut album 泡 (Abuku) on cassette in March 2023, followed by their second album マスピレヌスの塔 (Tower of Maspillenus) almost two years later in February of this year, again in cassette format. The musicians also engage in other creative projects, Yukiya Kato is a painter in addition to being a singer-songwriter, while Maiko is the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band さらざら (sara-Zala). — 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.