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 32 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
oicasë – heat shimmer
After releasing a music video on Valentine’s Day, things were a bit quiet around the band. However, shortly after announcing that their guitarist Maruko had left the band, the now three-piece band released a brand new music video for the song heat shimmer this week, making a fresh start. The guitar rock band has been active since the spring of 2021 and has released a number of singles and EPs filled with arrangements and melodies that fans describe as beautiful and catchy. — Recommended by Francisca
蟹蟹 (Crabclub) – YASASHISA IN GOMENNE
This is the first music video for Crabclub, a young band from Okayama (not to be confused with Crab KANI Club). Their goal is to create music that is both compelling and dreamy. The four-piece band started activities in 2023 and mainly focuses on (local) performances, but they already have an EP and a digital single to their name. What the band has presented so far sounds very promising, and we are curious to see what else they have in store. — Recommended by Francisca
THE JUNGLES!!! – HERO
This track comes from the 7-inch single of the same title released in 2023, which was also featured on volume 12 of the compilation cassette Get Your Genki. The four-piece punk rock band THE JUNGLES!!! was formed in 2013 by three members of Red Bacteria Vacuum, a hardcore punk band that has been active in Osaka since the late 1990s. Since then, they have performed internationally and released a number of albums, titled Nice to eat you!!! in 2014, Well Well Well in 2016, and do or die in 2017. — Recommended by Francisca
明日の叙景 (Asunojokei) – Zeppelin
Following the positive reception of their second album, Island, a summer-themed album combining Japanese pop and black metal, the four-piece post-black metal band Asunojokei performed internationally and took the time to further refine their distinctive sound. This week, the result of their hard work was released: the album Think of You. While we (in the northern hemisphere) are still in the middle of summer, the four-piece band is already looking forward to winter with this new album. — Recommended by Francisca
朔 (SAKU) – blue flame
Behind the alternative pop unit SAKU are vocalist and model Kayako Higuchi and composer and guitarist Jun Wakabayashi. Although they have been working together for some time and were previously active under a different name, namely お風呂でピーナッツ (Ofuro de peanut), they have been active as SAKU since December 2024. Their recently released third single, blue flame, got a music video this week, which is their first one under their new name. — Recommended by Francisca
Ålborg – Car
In May, the five-piece indie rock band Ålborg performed several shows in the United Kingdom, including at The Great Escape. With this new experience and fresh energy, they have recently released their first cassette tape with two songs and announced their first solo show, scheduled for 27 September. The music video features footage from their adventure in the United Kingdom, and now the question arises as to when they plan to perform in the Danish city that inspired their band name. — Recommended by Francisca
ANEMONÉ – カスミソウ (Kasumisou)
At the end of July, the pop collective ANEMONÉ released their first single. Working with the concept of ‘bittersweet pop music’, singer-songwriter Mion is the central figure of the group. She collaborates with various creative people to make music, art and videos. Just like the anemone flower, whose meaning changes depending on its colour, the pop collective highlights the softness and sharpness of everyday life from different angles. Kasumisou is a melancholic ode to an unforgettable love. — 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.
