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 10 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
サウルス (SAURUS) – 地獄の果て (Jigoku no Hate)
Formed in the summer of 2023, four-piece rock band SAURUS is made up of conservatory students based in Shimokitazawa. The members found each other through their shared passion for music and bundled their talents to become a next-generation rock band and it looks like they are well on their way. So far, they have released several singles, the single 地獄の果て (Jigoku no Hate) being their recent release. This powerful song is created for anyone who struggles daily with life, work, studies and busy city life, and the band has translated these feelings into an energetic and compelling song. — Recommended by Francisca
dansa med dig – A Pale Moment
Japanese duo dansa med dig, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Igarashi and guitarist and keyboardist Kodaira, was formed in Sendai in 2016. Their music combines influences from European alternative rock and pop from the 1980s and 1990s with electronic elements. The result is a unique sound that mixes light pop melodies with melancholic, dark undertones. In a few days, dansa med dig’s new single will be released on vinyl, Layers/A Pale Moment. With this release, the band is committed to sustainability: the records are made from recycled materials, and all profits will be donated to WWF Japan. — Recommended by Francisca
松田今宵 (Koyoi Matsuda) – ヴィンテージカー (Vintage Car)
This week, singer-songwriter Koyoi Matsuda released her seventh digital single, and with it she shows she is moving in the rock direction. The music video, directed by Mai (bassist of CLAN QUEEN), shows the process of self-discovery and liberation from imposed expectations. The struggle with societal pressure to conform to a certain image will be recognisable to many, the video shows how the protagonists pick up freedom by reshaping their appearance and expression. For a year and a half, she has been producing and releasing original songs and music videos, providing instrumentation and arrangements in addition to vocals and songwriting. — Recommended by Francisca
BUGY CRAXONE – りぼんを結んで (Tie a ribbon)
This brand-new music video from alternative rock band BUGY CRAXONE was filmed during a YouTube stream in late February, better known as BGC Day. The end result is a one-shot video, shot entirely in one take, highlighting the band’s Do-It-Yourself mentality and actively involving fans in the creative process. Active since spring 1997, the band made their major debut through Victor Entertainment in 1999, but have since released several releases through their own and independent labels. The rock band has built up quite a discography after almost 30 years of activity; the song for which this music video was made is on an EP released in 2020, 10月7日 (7 October). — Recommended by Francisca
Loulou Parasom – stove
The indie rock band Loulou Parasom is quite interesting, considering some members of previously highlighted bands Moon In June and cephalo are also active here. This band launched in early 2024 and last October they released their first EP POOLS digitally, soon to be available on a physical disc as well. Since February this year, the band has had a new vocalist and the song stove has been shared via a music video, a track not found on the EP. If you like nostalgic melodies and clear vocals influenced by bands from the 1990s, think Supercar, Oasis and Teenage Fanclub, then Loulou Parasom is a band to keep an eye on. — Recommended by Francisca
春ねむり (Haru Nemuri) – anointment
Haru Nemuri recently took another step in her musical evolution with the launch of her own label ekkolaptómenos, the announcement of her third album, also called ekkolaptómenos, and the music video of the first single from this release. In anointment, she replaces her signature poetry rap with layered, melodic vocals combined with synths and orchestral elements, and she still makes a statement while walking around in a pink-dyed ghillie suit: challenging and dismantling traditional power structures. — Recommended by Francisca
SPOILMAN – Open Sesame!!
Not an unknown name to AVO Magazine, considering we have written about alternative/grunge rock band SPOILMAN before. On 28 February, the three-man formation released their sixth album, OBLIVION TRACKS, proving that alternative rock is all about pure energy and creativity, not expensive equipment or effects pedals. Their uncompromising approach has already won them recognition among fans of grunge, hardcore alternative rock and post-hardcore, but perhaps this release will open the doors to an even wider audience. With an almost relentless pace of new releases, one question lingers: where do they keep getting their inspiration? — 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.
