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 23 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
とうめい天国 (Toumei Tengoku) – コンスタンチガール (Constanti Girl)
Although the alternative pop-rock band Toumei Tengoku have only been active for a short time, since 2023, they have already released several singles, the most recent of which has been given a music video. Combining sweet and heartfelt pop melodies with a groovy rhythm section and creative guitar lines, the four-piece band aims for their music to be a haven for people who want to disconnect from the pressures of life. This energetic song is about falling in love with someone who seems unattainable, the pain that comes with it, and the admiration for maturity. — Recommended by Francisca
indoor cats. – インスタント・ナイト (Instant Night)
Masaharu, the mastermind behind indoor cats., likes to play with various musical genres and effortlessly mixes R&B, jazz and rock music into a quirky sound, as if he is brewing his own recipe in a musical witches‘ cauldron. The start seems to be in 2022, and since then, the musical project has released several singles, as well as two EPs. The eighth single was produced in its entirety by Masaharu and has as its theme a spontaneous escape on a sentimental evening, expressing the frustrations of everyday life. — Recommended by Francisca
306area – Idea
Tokyo-based rock band 306area will release their fourth single, Idea, in a few days. Formed in 2023, led by vocalist and guitarist Ryota and guitarist Nowi, the band takes musical inspiration from post-rock, math-rock and shoegaze, with a strong focus on melody and vocals, aiming to showcase a unique sound. Both musicians, Ryota and Nowi, take on the role of composer, while Ryota is also responsible for the lyrics. The video released this week shows the band performing live, assisted by a support bassist and drummer. Curious to see what’s next for this young band. — Recommended by Francisca
天乞い (Amagoi) – Character
This is the first song by the three-member rock band Amagoi, in which they perhaps want to show their true character. Although the project is not completely new, as the band was previously active under the name Jungfrau, this is the band’s reintroduction. After a break since summer 2024, the band returned as a trio in early May, consisting of vocalist Amane, guitarist Min, and bassist Una. With this track, they show the direction they want to take under the name Amagoi with elements of pop, rock, and metal. — Recommended by Francisca
The Cards I Play – RAINBOWS
Three-piece band The Cards I Play aim to present an innovative sound with their music, incorporating elements of alternative rock and metalcore, as well as hip-hop and synthwave, resulting in alternative nu-metal. With RAINBOWS, their first single in almost a year, they wanted to incorporate all the elements that describe The Cards I Play. In addition, it is also a preview of what is to come for the three-piece, namely their second full-length album. Last year was an important one for the Tokyo-based band, with several milestones including their first solo concert and a headlining tour of Japan. — Recommended by Francisca
Haze of the Bullet Blossom – 緋ノ華 (Hi no Hana)
This is the first release of 2025 for Haze of the Bullet Blossom, namely a digital single combining two aspects: a return to the metal band’s roots and exploring new musical paths while combining intense melodies and poetic lyrics. It’s almost three years since the release of their debut album Preserve, and now the question is what the Tokyo-based metal band is planning for the rest of 2025 in terms of music. One thing is certain: with several gigs already scheduled, they certainly won’t be standing by idly. — Recommended by Francisca
171 – 足音 (Footsteps)
Since releasing the EP Life Size Life in the summer of 2024, this three-piece rock band has released several singles and played at numerous shows, greatly increasing the indie band’s popularity. The music of 171 (which stands for the 171 route that runs through the prefectures of Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo) is built on raw emotion, powerful lyrics, pop-sensitive melodies, and tight rock instrumentation. Last year, I wrote about this band and already had the feeling that they could go far with this sound. So if you like this song, be sure to listen to 171’s other releases. — 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.
