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 12 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
TRE＠SON – ジェイド (Jade)
The second EP by three-piece rock band TRE＠SON was released this week, titled 春を越えても (Haru wo Koete mo), which of course needs to be promoted with a brand-new music video. The EP came out just before the musicians will conclude their high school years, and they have incorporated the feelings that come along with this transitional period into the four tracks. In the two years of activities, the band has made quite an impression by winning several awards, including second place in a national high school band competition. With this new release, the three young musicians are taking the first steps towards a promising future in the Japanese music scene and who knows beyond. — Recommended by Francisca
蛾と蝶 (Ga To Chou) – 操リ糸ハ嗤ウ (Ayatsuri ito Warau)
This new visual kei band Ga To Chou (meaning: moth and butterfly) will release their second single in April, consisting of two tracks. The title track has now been provided with an accompanying music video. The five-piece rock band was formed in 2024 by experienced musicians who were previously active in well-known visual kei acts, and they are no small names: Ashmaze, Initial’L, R-Shitei and Kiryu, to name a few. After their first performance in December, they have entered the new year releasing music, determined to show what this intriguing line-up can put out with their combined experience and talent. In case you are in Japan in the summer, it is good to know that they will tour Japan from the beginning of July. — Recommended by Francisca
Ellipsick – 浮輪 (Ukiwa)
This February, the three-piece alternative pop band Ellipsick released their fourteenth single. This week, a music video for the track was unveiled, presented entirely in black and white. Interestingly, Ellipsick’s band sound consists of colourful pop music that combines different musical styles, with lyrics that move between the boundaries of reality and daydreaming. To date, the pop band has only released singles, but will it only stick to singles or will these singles eventually be brought together on an album? Besides their own work, they also collaborate with other artists, earlier this year they released a single by singer-songwriter Novaurelia on which Ellipsick provided the arrangement. — Recommended by Francisca
ひゅ〜どろん (Hugh Delon) – 時の旅人 (Toki No Tabibito)
Last November, alternative rock band Hugh Delon released their second digital album, 禮‼︎ (Rei!!), which also features the song 時の旅人 (Toki No Tabibito). Based in Tokyo, the rock band was formed in 2021 by musicians who met at a music school. Their shared passion for music brought them together and led to the formation of Hugh Delon. The band’s sound is a combination of alternative rock with influences from Japanese children’s songs and traditional performing arts on a foundation of dance music. Looking forward to seeing what the next steps will be from this three-piece band. — Recommended by Francisca
黒酢ライフ (Kurozu Life) – 明日、ジレンマを抱えて (Ashita, dillema wo kakaete)
It is said about Tokyo-based rock band Kurozu Life that their music has a refreshing and positive effect on the listener. I am curious to see how the music comes across to the reader of this article, but Yura’s pleasant singing voice immediately stands out, dragging you along from the first note and making you keep on listening. In early March Kurozu Life’s second EP was released, titled Nebula, the rock band’s first release since October 2023. This release has received high praise from established artists in the Japanese rock scene. Over the years, they have built a strong live reputation thanks to their performances at circuit festivals. — Recommended by Francisca
栢本ての (Teno Kayamoto) – ゆりかご (Cradle)
Young singer-songwriter Teno Kayamoto discovered the acoustic guitar at the age of 12 and started writing lyrics soon after, which was soon followed by performances on the stages of live houses. With her poetic lyrics and expressive guitar playing, she manages to draw listeners into her own world with ease. Besides her solo work, she is also active in the acoustic session collective Plusonica and has participated in the chorus of YOASOBI’s newest song PLAYERS. To date, Teno Kayamoto has a number of releases to her name, including an EP and a single, and another single will be added to that discography in a few days. — Recommended by Francisca
カナイリョウタ (Ryota Kanai) – ナイトメア (Nightmare)
Ishikawa-based singer-songwriter and trackmaker Ryota Kanai combines alternative rock and electronica into powerful, catchy compositions and enhances it with his compelling vocals. Since 2021, he has been releasing his music online and working with illustrators and video editors to create a hypnotic atmosphere around his songs for music videos. His latest single, ナイトメア (Nightmare), delivers a powerful message urging listeners to stop dwelling in dreams and instead confront reality and take action. Definitely a musician to keep an eye on. — 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.
