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 16 of 2025, apologies for the delay. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
oh!! 真珠s (oh!! pearls) – 誰も知らない (Daremo Shiranai)
In the summer of 2024, this four-piece genre-blending rock band released their first EP, titled oh!!, which includes five tracks. The EP is described as a lively and chaotic work that contains everything the band has to offer at the moment. The band oh!!! pearls has been active since 2024, so still brand new, weaving together elements of pop, R&B, funk, jazz, rock, and dance in their songs. This results in an overwhelming sense of melody, a dynamic rhythm section and chaotic but somehow catchy songs. The EP was followed up with a single last March, so be sure to listen to the rest of their discography if you like this song. — Recommended by Francisca
EVE OF THE LAIN – フラストレーション (Frustration)
We’ve written about Osaka-based guitar rock band EVE OF THE LAIN before (most recently in 2022), so it’s about time to take a look at what the band has been up to since then. After a few line-up changes, the band has been active as a quartet since the autumn of 2023. That new phase began with the release of their second mini-album, REVIVAL, followed by a series of singles. Soon to be released is Frustration, their latest single, which explores themes of inner conflict and emotional outburst, wrapped in a catchy rock song. This band is still determined to become the strongest Japanese rock band of this generation. — Recommended by Francisca
BATROICA METAL SUMMER JACKET – タイガージェットシティ (TIGER JET CITY)
This song is featured on BATROICA METAL SUMMER JACKET’s second EP, EARS. The alternative four-piece band was formed in 2019 and consists of musicians previously active in other bands such as The Taupe, Manhole New World, and 午前3時と退屈 (Gozen 3-ji to Taikutsu) with the idea of creating neo pop. After their debut album MUNYA MUNYA, the band also gained international attention, including a Canadian tour called Next Music From Tokyo vol.15. Hopefully this will lead to more international tours. — Recommended by Francisca
MONAKA – 辛味 (Karami)
This is the debut single from the brand-new four-piece rock band MONAKA, who officially began their activities earlier this month. As this is their first release, not much is known about the band yet, except that vocalist ANZ takes the lead and both guitarist Kazuki Kocha and bassist gigi also contribute vocals on this first release. What is also clear (after some digging) is that the band members are no strangers to the music world: some of them have previously collaborated with other artists or were active in the visual kei scene, both in bands and solo. We will definitely be hearing more about MONAKA in the coming months, because with the release of their debut single, they have made a tasteful start to introducing themselves to the world. — Recommended by Francisca
The Moon – 恋はときじく野分 (Love is always a hurricane)
This track can be found on the first EP by four-piece alternative band The Moon, titled atodashi, which was released last December after previously releasing three singles. This is also the quartet’s first music video. Formed in 2023, after bassist Munekazu Miyata and keyboardist Mao Torii, previously high school classmates, came together. After collaborating on The Moon’s first single, vocalist Kotori decided to officially join the band, and soon after, drummer Mei completed the band. The Moon’s music varies in style and is characterised by abstract lyrics that leave room for interpretation. — Recommended by Francisca
茶封筒 (Chabuto) – 出店のタコス (Taco Stand)
On 16 April, three-piece rock band Chabuto released their second full-length album, 上映 (SCREENING), more than three years after the release of their first album. Even though I describe this band as a rock band, the three musicians strive to create a unique musical and cultural experience that goes beyond traditional music genres and deliberately don’t want to limit themselves to one music genre. On top of that, they throw in poetic and socially critical song lyrics with a touch of humour, and this is also reflected in the music videos. In June 2024, they performed outside Japan for the first time, performing in Taiwan. — Recommended by Francisca
NEWT – face actualities
This is the debut single from post-hardcore/loud rock band NEWT, who have been building their presence for almost two years. Now a three-piece with a supporting guitarist, the band was previously a quintet. Despite the line-up changes, the members, vocalist Aki, bass player Kris and drummer Kanata, remain motivated to continue growing as a band through performances and music production. The song lyrics are in English, which could potentially make it easier to gain worldwide recognition. Curious to see what the next steps will be from this young band from Tokyo. — 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.
