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 21 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Wepeg – vtmnts
Wepeg’s first full-length album will be released in June, fittingly titled Summerhits. A preview has been given with the post-punk track vtmnts, which has also received a music video, and the title track, Summerhits. The three-piece indie rock band was formed in 2022, under the band name 天国姑娘 (Tengoku Ku-Nyang), but after the departure of several band members and a change of musical direction, the trio has been trying to make a name for themselves under the name Wepeg since April 2025. — Recommended by Francisca
shenome – polar bear
The two musicians behind Sapporo-based band shenome are influenced by Japanese rock music from the 2000s, giving their songs a nostalgic feel. After releasing two mini-albums in 2017 and 2020, the solo project from vocalist and guitarist Yoshika changed into a duo with the arrival of bass player Kimura. Soon after the line-up change, they released their third mini-album, deer here. It will be interesting to see what this home recording band’s next steps will be. — Recommended by Francisca
heine died in a funeral – 鉄の匂いにも飽きた頃 (After I Got Bored of the Scent of Steel)
Started in 2020, heine died in a funeral is the solo project of drummer and composer Yuta Iizuka. This is his fifteenth single, where he plays all the instruments himself (except the bass guitar) and also takes control of the entire recording, mixing and mastering process. Described as the loudest track to date, with influences from midwest emo and post-hardcore and, for the first time, singing in Japanese, this track plays with contrasts between silence and intensity. — Recommended by Francisca
終日柄 (Hinemosugara) – 残像 (Afterimage)
With a band name meaning ‘from morning to night’, this independent multidisciplinary band focuses on thoughts that arise at the end of the day. Introspective observations and subtle emotions are captured in the music, moving between fragility and titillation. The three-piece art band started activities in the summer of 2021, amid the COVID pandemic, which ensured that their activities took place mainly online. To date, they have released eight singles, a mini-album, and an album. — Recommended by Francisca
on Bleed – BLEED
This song can be found on the second single from the young three-piece rock band on Bleed. Mainly active in and around the metropolis of Tokyo, the band members hail from Fukuoka, Yokohama, and Saitama. Besides two singles, the trio has also released an EP in their short time of existence. Through their music, they aim to build a bond with their listeners by sharing the highs and lows of life together. A promising band, definitely a name to keep an eye on. — Recommended by Francisca
liquid people – Star Gazer
In July, four-piece post-rock band Liquid People will release their second EP, titled Astro Buddha, almost a year after releasing their first EP. With this new release, they have chosen to experiment with lyrics in Japanese instead of exclusively working with English, in addition to working to incorporate influences from math rock, loud rock and melodic punk into the four tracks in their own way. A good example is Star Gazer, released as a digital single this week, which surprised me in a very positive way and the reason to add it to this week’s roundup. — Recommended by Francisca
ハイドアンドシープ (Hide and Sheep) – スケルトンカメレオンガール (Skeleton Chameleon Girl)
With a band name that is a creative pun on hide and seek, you immediately know that the Sapporo-based band Hide and Sheep is at least a tad bit quirky. According to their own description, they actually want to make music in a laid-back way and have two vocalists, both of whom are also guitarists. After releasing several lyric videos, this week it was time for a full-fledged music video, with the faces of the four band members finally visible. They are still a brand-new band, but have already shown they are promising. — 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.
