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 11 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
コロブチカ (Korobushka) – 夜のせい (Yoru no Sei)
This is the second single for Kyoto-based rock band Korobushka, the follow-up to their EP ワンダーアラウンド (Wander Around), to be released on a physical disc later this month. The band started activities in 2023 after vocalist and guitarist Keigo Kitahara and bassist Ayumu met at university. The band name seems to be derived from a traditional Russian folk melody (Коробушка), which became known worldwide through its use in, among others, the video game Tetris. Combining influences of Japanese rock from the 1990s and 2000s with American indie rock, punk and emo from the 1990s, the band has deep lyrics and energetic melodies. — Recommended by Francisca
愛しておくれ (Aishite Okure) – LOVE&PUNK
Last February, Aishite Okure released their second full-length album, LOVE&PUNK, after four years of hard work. The album contains 15 tracks that reflect the band’s raw emotions, with fast-paced guitar chords and lyrics that treat more universal frustrations and social stress with a refreshing perspective. Perfect music to release your stress on, and if I may believe, they are good at delivering energetic live performances in which they convey their feelings in a direct way. The Tokyo-based four-piece punk band started their own label, Fugaku Records, a few years back and have since released several singles and their first album on it. — Recommended by Francisca
新月灯花 (Shingetu Touka) – NOW!!OWN;NOW-NO.0
Shingetu Touka, an all-female four-piece rock band formed in 2006, draws inspiration from 60s and 70s British rock, blending elements of psychedelic and progressive rock. Every year on 11 and 12 March, this band performs somewhere in Fukushima, but that was not possible this year. So the band members decided to make a music video instead. Since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami and the subsequent Fukushima nuclear disaster, they have been travelling to the region regularly, which eventually led to annual performances in March. — Recommended by Francisca
RAYSA – 青春 (Seishun)
This song is featured on the album 一人、一頻り (Hitori, Hitoshikiri) by Toyota-born singer-songwriter RAYSA, who is now active in Tokyo. Her sound ranges from powerful, raw guitar sounds to soft piano melodies, and RAYSA embraces genres such as EDM, hip-hop and city pop. With her deep and heartfelt lyrics, she aims to be a source of support and enlightenment for her listeners. With a growing fan base, her own radio show and a constant urge to experiment with new music styles, RAYSA continues developing her versatile musical expression while working as an office worker. — Recommended by Francisca
MANGA HOUSE – ライター (Lighter)
At the start of the month March, four-piece alternative folk rock band MANGA HOUSE released their first full-length album, simply titled MANGA HOUSE. Since their formation in 2021 as a home recording project and their transition to a full band formation in 2023, the quartet has worked to create a unique band sound through a mix of rock and folk influences, combined with an homage to Japanese rock pioneers and a fresh alternative approach. This resulted in several EPs and several singles, and since the beginning of March, a full-length album with twelf tracks. — Recommended by Francisca
BROCANTE – ネザー (Nether)
The song Nether can be found back on the mini-album by the two-piece music unit BROCANTE, which was released in early 2024. In the meantime, the duo, consisting of a vocalist and a bassist, released another mini-album at the end of 2024. While remaining somewhat mysterious, we do know that the duo has been active since February 2023 and focuses on themes of loneliness and life. The music video consists of footage from the short film of the same title, which was one of the entries for the 2024 TikTok TOHO Film Festival, a festival focusing on vertically formatted short films. — Recommended by Francisca
ALICETOPIA – Moon Misery
Using dark fantasy as concept, melodic metal band ALICETOPIA has steadily gained popularity with their mini-album The Beginning of Dystopia (2021) and their debut album In Dreams (2023). In a few days, the three-piece metal band, featuring frontwoman Minami Maria, will release their second full-length album, titled Haze of Scarlet. Their music takes the listener into a mystical world, similar to how Alice falls down the rabbit hole and ends up in Wonderland, with powerful vocals and catchy melodic songs. — 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.
