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 34 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
國 (Kuni) – I’m waiting for
On 3 September, alternative rock band Kuni will release their first full-length album, Kids Return, five years after the band’s formation. As a sneak preview, the four-piece rock band released a digital single this week, featuring the songs Silver and I’m waiting for. The band’s sound is described as simple and straightforward, featuring tight rhythms, powerful guitars and fragile vocals, while they are inspired by Japanese alternative rock music from the late 90s and early 2000s. — Recommended by Francisca
湾々 (Wanwan) – 海猫 (Umineko)
Last summer, the current members of alternative pop band Wanwan got together to record music, which eventually led to performances in December. This week, they finally released their very first digital single and music video, which clearly showcases elements of the summer season. According to the Tokyo-based band, this single is not something that could have been created alone, but rather the result of the collective efforts and ambitions of the three young musicians. — Recommended by Francisca
祝福/ZHUFU – Uchutoshi
Starting out as a duo in the spring of 2024, the young band 祝福/ZHUFU recently changed to a trio, with a support musician at live concerts. At the end of this month, they will release their debut album, titled LIGHT, featuring ten songs including Uchutoshi. Since their start, the three-piece has mainly focused on performances in the Tokyo metropolis, but did release digital singles in the first few months after the band was formed. These singles seem to be nowhere to be found, so it may be that the band sees this year as a new start. — Recommended by Francisca
Haklo – fuzz
Originally started in the summer of 2019 under the name Yozakura, this alternative rock band, centred around vocalist and guitarist Jeremy, has been active as Haklo since the spring of 2022. On 12 September, Haklo will release their fourth mini-album, titled black sheep, which will be their first release in two and a half years. The release consists of seven songs, including one new song. Haklo’s music gets described as showcasing the fragility and strength of humanity, with the fleetingness of light in the darkness. — Recommended by Francisca
Tyrkouaz – MEIQ
After discovering Tyrkouaz with their music video for Crush Core, twin brothers Souta (vocalist and guitarist) and Rent (drummer, backing vocals) have shown no signs of slowing down. After gaining a lot of attention for their creative mix of styles based on drum’n’bass, they produced an EP and released a special edition of their first album, which was released nationwide. This year, they have released several singles, including the most recent MEIQ. In addition, they have performed at various major festivals and their first one-man live show is scheduled for December. — Recommended by Francisca
海月にさされたら (Kurage Ni Sasaretara) – エレクトリックおばけ (Electric Ghost)
After releasing the digital single 異文化 (Discomfort) in October, the young five-piece rock band Kurage Ni Sasaretara released their second digital single in March of this year. This week, exactly one year after the band officially started, the most recent single received its own music video. What the band has presented in these two singles is a pleasant pop sound with technical aspects, soft vocals and a playful charm. The arrangements are well thought out and effortlessly combine influences from various music genres, such as pop, rock and jazz. — Recommended by Francisca
CRYONIKS – 怪物 (KAIBUTSU)
After the various calmer and more relaxed songs, it’s time for some chaos from the rock band CRYONIKS from Sapporo. On social media, the band’s fourth single has already been described as the perfect song to relieve stress, but what’s particularly striking is that it seems as if several songs have been crammed into one track. If you think you’ve heard it all, then you should definitely play this music video to see and hear how diverse this five-piece band dares to be in their output. The question is: do you dare to press play? — 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.
