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 33 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
mugi band – OBAKE
This is the second single from Kyoto-based indie band mugi band, with vocalist mugi, guitarist, songwriter, and composer Shuta Negi, electric guitarist Rensato, bass player Jion, drummer Satoko Matono, and keyboardist d. The song seems to be specifically connected to the annual Obon event, during which people in Japan honour their ancestors with specific rituals, the bon odori dance and festivals. The rock band is still fairly new, as the six-piece band started performing in the winter of 2024. In June, they released their first single, DANDAN, whose music video was quite well-received. — Recommended by Francisca
ハッピーセット (Happy Setto) – 決意表明 (Ketsui Hyomei)
After forming the rock band Happy Setto, the four friends from Nagano Prefecture decided to move to Tokyo after finishing high school, determined to further develop their music. With their slogan “I want to be your side dish in life”, they want to show that their music can be a great, cheerful addition to everyday life and also that their name is most likely inspired by the well-known Happy Meal. The band’s new song is about letting someone go without resentment, but with the wish that that person will be happy. Their greatest weapon is youthful rock songs with powerful vocals and technical guitar playing. — Recommended by Francisca
333 – Pal.
In the spring of this year, quite appropriately on 3 March, the three-piece band 333 (sunsunsun) presented themselves to the public for the first time via social media. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Nakanomaru (ex-VooDooCoo, also active as a singer-songwriter), guitarist Madoka Waki (ex-THE TOMBOYS), and drummer MARIKO (ex-THE LET’s GO’s). At the end of this month, the three-piece band will release their first EP, LUCKY NUMBER, and the three ladies are busy producing music videos for these brand new tracks, which feature catchy melodies, playfulness and a touch of rock. — Recommended by Francisca
CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN – tradition
This track can be found on the debut album of the same title, released in November 2023, which is said to breathe the spirit of Haruomi Hosono’s tropical psychedelia from the 1970s but with their own twist. The acid pop group consists of three childhood friends, Daido, Yuta, and So, who reconnected during the coronavirus pandemic and decided to make music again by throwing all kinds of musical elements into a big pot, offering a musical world tour with their music. Last month, they were in London to perform alongside Haruomi Hosono, and earlier this month, they released an EP with covers. — Recommended by Francisca
Hazy Sparkle – Mirage
In September, alternative rock project Hazy Sparkly will release their first EP, titled pureself, with Mirage as the first track on this upcoming release. The songs were written during the coronavirus pandemic and recorded at home. Three of them were already released before, but they have been remastered for this release. Behind the project is SUGA, who performs in Hazy Sparkly as Suga Klarheit. He is best known for his work as vocalist and guitarist in the punk rock band dustbox, but in 2023 he started his solo project, in which he plays all the instruments himself. — Recommended by Francisca
sadchelsea – 刺繍のマリア (Shishuno Maria)
Originally started as a duo in 2023, consisting of vocalist and songwriter Hana and guitarist Yuzuki, they describe themselves as a nightmare pop band. To date, they have released two singles and an EP, with a sound that balances between gothic rock and grunge, with an alternative twist that, according to the duo, reflects the unrest and decay of our times. On stage, they perform as a quartet, supported by bassist Mahi and drummer Hikaru (SleepInside). According to a blog post by Yuzuki, vocalist Hana wanted to incorporate Britpop elements into this song, and they clearly succeeded. — Recommended by Francisca
FLUID FLOWER – 獣のブルース (Kemono no Blues)
Consisting of vocalist and guitarist ANJI and keyboardist DABIN, who previously worked as a Vocaloid producer, the in 2024 formed music project FLUID FLOWER released their debut single last month. This week, they published a music video for this song. This song describes the dark side of present-day people who go through life wearing a “mask”, wrapped in a catchy melody. The duo experiments freely and is therefore not tied to one music genre, but it is clear that ANJI is inspired by jazz and R&B. Curious to see what FLUID FLOWER will do next! — 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.
