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 all this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on (obscure) gems, the decision has been made to create 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 27 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
想像力の血 (Souzouryoku no Chi) – ◯◯空洞説 (◯◯Kuudou Setsu)
Experimental, alternative, melodic pop with here and there a pinch of chaos or melancholy… If that appeals to you, then multi-instrumentalist Yusuke Sato, or rather his solo project Souzouryoku no Chi, is the perfect choice. In April, he released his first album under this (new) name, titled 物語を終わりにしよう (Monogatai wo owari ni shiyou), collaborating with an array of musicians, some with whom he has collaborated in other projects (as supporting musician). There is much more to say about this musician, but perhaps the album says so much more than the words I can produce. — Recommended by Francisca
ermhoi – Later
Ermhoi has roots in Japan and Ireland and is a trackmaker and vocalist who mixes musical genres with ease in her songs, which have also been described as groundbreaking. Having an impressive track record, including collaborations with international and Japanese musicians, she balances between electronic music and live instrumentation. With her latest music video, ermhoi invites you to put in headphones or earbuds to experience her music presented with 360-degree spatial sound. She has previously done this with a live version of the song Monkey. — Recommended by Francisca
Heavenstamp – 秘密基地 (Secret Base)
We have written about this Tokyo-based band before, including an interview. This week, alternative rock band Heavenstamp came with two surprises for their fans: the announcement of a third band member, a drummer named Miki, and a new single, the first as a trio. A nice detail about this single: the ballad is sung by drummer Miki, the brand-new third band member. After years of operating as a duo, it’s nice to see the band taking steps towards a full-fledged line-up and hopefully very soon a brand-new album. — Recommended by Francisca
Runny Noize – I fell in love with a ZOMBIE〜俺はゾンビに恋をした〜2025
Originally formed in 2008 around frontman Suzaki, the four-piece melodic punk rock band grew into a notable live act within the Japanese music scene after a stint in Canada, several line-up changes, and several (mini) album releases. In addition, Suzaki and Yamada also perform as the comedy duo Runny Nose. Their latest music video, for a track featured on the 2021 album HAKKIYOI!!!!, was made possible through a crowdfunding campaign, with backers even appearing in the video as zombies. — Recommended by Francisca
梨炭酸（pear soda）- Mint Chocolate Chip
It has been a while since we wrote about indie pop band pear soda, but one thing is certain: they have been quite busy, but we have to keep it short. With a renewed formation, now with vocalist and guitarist mei, the band presented the EP pear soda 2 in 2024, in which they had broadened their horizons of music genres and sounds, although they remained the same in terms of catchy and melancholic melodies. This new single, Mint Chocolate Chip, follows the EP up and is a perfect danceable song for the summer. And I haven’t even mentioned all the musicians who participated as actors in the video. — Recommended by Francisca
ミッドギャル！ (Midgal!) – ロストイントーキョー (Lost in Tokyo)
Interestingly, I wrote about indie pop-rock band Midgal back in 2022, but for over a year, the band has been active under the same name in katakana with an exclamation mark. In October 2024, they released their second mini-album, and this month, they released their first single of this year. Against the nocturnal backdrop of Tokyo, this band brings an emotional pop track, which is actually an ode about the genuine, sometimes enveloping feelings of seeing someone, the nocturnal doubts and the moments when words fall short. — Recommended by Francisca
ちびっ子にんげん (Chibikko Ningen) – 帰り道 (Kaerimichi)
Chibikko Ningen, a three-piece band from Hyogo prefecture, released their very first music video this week, and it seems to be well-received in terms of views. In the music video, we see the young band members on the road in varying weather conditions, with atmospheric images of their living environment in between. The rock band started activities just this year, and it will be interesting to see what else these three musicians have in store in their mission to reach as many listeners as possible. For now, at least, they have already left a strong first impression. — 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.
