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 31 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Ta-rot – THE FOOL
This is the latest song from visual kei rock band Ta-rot, a track that symbolises Ta-rot’s rebirth and further explores the mystical theme of tarot cards. The four-piece band began their activities in 1999 but disbanded in April 2022 after several members left. In 2024, the original members reunited to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary, but this was only the beginning of a new start. Ta-rot released an album with eleven remastered songs from the period 1999–2002, and these steps resulted in more activities surrounding the band and new music. — Recommended by Francisca
バトルフェイス富安 (Battle Face Tomiyasu) – 徒労 (Torou)
This is the third digital single from rock duo Battle Face Tomiyasu, consisting of vocalist By the Way Goto and guitarist Tomiyasu (also active in the band Uhde). From mixing and mastering to artwork, the single was produced entirely in DIY style. The band was formed in 2023 with Nagoya as their home base and says they make “battle music” influenced by alternative music, math rock, emo, anison, and even Vocaloid. The new song addresses the changes that occur over time and the acceptance that accompanies them. — Recommended by Francisca
MUJINA – 極彩 (Gokusai)
Formed in late 2023, MUJINA are a seven-piece swing rock band consisting of drums, double bass, keyboard, tenor saxophone, trombone, guitar and vocals. Inspired by musicals and films, the Tokyo-based band delivers musical performances brimming with movement, colour, and power, combining jazz, rock, and show elements. The sixth single is said to be an ambitious musical piece by MUJINA, showcasing their new artistic direction. In addition to various singles, the band also has an album to their name, entitled PANORAMA. — Recommended by Francisca
Re:ELLA Station – good morning
The Japanese virtual singer-songwriter Re:ELLA Station made her debut in February 2022 and is currently based in Australia. She describes herself as “the girl who disappeared from your memory” and tries to bring forgotten memories back to life with her music. Through her music, she conveys a dark, cute fantasy world, singing a combination of English and Japanese lyrics while blending pop and rock elements. To date, Re:ELLA Station has released 5 singles, with the 6th on its way, and one EP, involving various collaborations. — Recommended by Francisca
ザ・シャンハイガニズ (The Shanghaiganiz) – 野良猫 (Stray cat)
Rock band The Shanghaiganiz returned earlier this year after a brief hiatus and released a 13-track album titled カニ餌 (Crabfood), three years after releasing their EP. The album is the result of three years of work on a more powerful and multifaceted rock sound, building on the wide-ranging sound of their previous EP. According to the band, side A of the album features melodic rock songs, while side B offers experimental pop sounds. The band does not easily fit into one box and produces music with influences from folk songs, alternative rock and shoegaze. — Recommended by Francisca
Kensuke Sudo – Maybe I’m Just A Fool
On 15 August, multi-instrumentalist Kensuke Sudo will release his album UnderGROUND, the follow-up to his first album NowhereLAND, which was released last year. As a child, he became fascinated by music after seeing a music video by Paul McCartney, which led him to soon learn to play several instruments. The tone is set immediately: nostalgia with a modern twist. Kensuke sings mainly in English and cites The Beatles, Oasis, ELO and The Rolling Stones as his main influences. In 2023, his project grew into a band formation, in which he collaborates with support musicians. — Recommended by Francisca
AoAu – サイダー (Cider)
The four-piece rock band AoAu will release their second digital single on 14 August, a double A-side featuring the songs monsoon and サイダー (Cider). The musicians got together five years ago and have since released their first single, contributed to a compilation album in February 2022 and produced two EPs, in 2022 and 2024. Earlier this year, things went quiet around AoAu after they announced their departure from the label UNDER STAR RECORDS, but in recent weeks, the band has been back in the spotlight with announcements of new music and performances. — 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.
