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 22 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
BLAZE – MAYDAY
The brand-new visual kei metal band BLAZE consists of familiar faces, led by vocalist Mio, former frontman of the recently disbanded band NAZARE. Then there is the guitar section, consisting of Nero (ex-KAKUMAY) and Kururu (ex-Hueye). Bassist Uta was also active in NAZARE, while Hotaruchan has an extensive background as a support drummer but is now officially the permanent drummer for BLAZE. The band was formed at the end of 2024 and released their first single and music video this week, a preview of their first release in August, a CD only available at concerts, which gives a taste of the band’s concept: for those who cannot be saved. — Recommended by Francisca
レトロマイガール！！(Retromygirl!!) – CONTINUE!!
Today, the third EP from Retromygirl! has been released, titled CHAPTER II. If you’ve already opened your favourite streaming service to look it up, I’m sorry to disappoint you: this release is available exclusively at gigs for now. The three-piece rock trio from Osaka has a tour scheduled in Japan this month. With their combination of catchy melodies, striking stage presence, and frontwoman Hana’s powerful vocals, the band has firmly established themselves within the Japanese indie scene in recent years. — Recommended by Francisca
無患子 (Mukuroji) – platform
In April, the four-piece rock band Mukuroji released their very first EP, 動物園 (Doubutsuen), following a handful of singles. The band has been active since 2022 and made a number of demos before taking the step to release them officially. Mukuroji recently underwent a change in band line-up, but that didn’t stop them from continuing to produce new music. Although they are currently taking a break from live performances, it’s good to see that they have still made time for a new music video. Curious to see what their next steps will be. — Recommended by Francisca
XAMIYA – GG
Musical duo XAMIYA, consisting of vocalist, composer, and lyricist KAMIYA and guitarist, composer, and producer XANSEI, came into being after they collaborated on KAMIYA’s song Déjà Vu, which clearly left them wanting more. Their project combines indie rock and electronica, with strong roots in Japanese street culture, while aiming to create something that has never been heard before. This week, their fifth single, GG (which stands for Garlic Gang), was released, symbolising something powerful and addictive, much like garlic can be. The music video was filmed in Los Angeles, where XANSEI is currently based. — Recommended by Francisca
Each Light – I’m not backing down
The loud rock band Each Light presented a brand-new music video for their tenth single this week, titled I’m not backing down. The song is sung entirely in English with a voice that pierces through skin and bone, while you are greeted by a roaring sound. The band has been making a name for hemselves since 2023 and focuses mainly on making music and accompanying music videos. What is interesting is that the band does not work with a permanent vocalist, but seems to match which voices suit which track, whether it is an original track or a cover. — Recommended by Francisca
Akari Kiki – Shibuya Night At 24
When we previously wrote about this singer-songwriter, she was at the very beginning of her career, performing under the name Akari. She has since adopted the name Akari Kiki to be more recognisable as an artist. She has also worked hard to explore various genres of music, while still trying to incorporate heartbreaking melodies and deeply relatable lyrics into her tracks. This week, she released her first EP, 澱-ORI-, featuring a mix of previously released songs and new tracks. According to Akari Kiki, it is a work that brings together the many emotions she has experienced so far in her life, positive and negative. — Recommended by Francisca
スパノヴァ特急 (Supernova Express) – 君とギター (Kimi to Guitar)
With this music video, Osaka-based rock band Supernova Express reintroduced themselves to their fans. I hear you think: Re-introduced how? Well, the band previously operated under the name ザ パープリン (the purpurin) and released several singles and an EP, but they felt it was time to start a new chapter. Making a fresh start can be quite exciting and it will be interesting to see how far the musical direction will change, but the new song at least suggests that some elements have been included in the band sound of Supernova Express. — 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.
