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 for each 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 36 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
魚住英里奈 (Erina Uozumi) – MEN DO CHU SAY
Erina Uozumi is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter with a powerful, husky voice who often performs seated with an acoustic guitar. She has several releases to her name, including a full-length album in 2021, titled ISO1600の花嫁 (ISO1600 no Hanayome), and an EP in 2022, titled 勇敢なソーダ (Yuukan na Soda). On top of that, she has also done several interesting performances, such as with Keiji Haino and プノンペンモデル (Phnonpenh MODEL). Earlier this year, she formed the alternative rock band ヨ幽区 (Yoyuuku), with whom she released the EP 春のお弔い (Haru no otomurai) in April. — Recommended by Francisca
Geloomy – hey!!!!!
Made up of four friends, neo-disco band Geloomy gained a lot of attention with their first single last year, by means of their self-made music video. They convincingly built on their earlier success and released more singles and an EP, titled Saladbowl (2024). This week, also named after something food-related, the four-piece band released their second EP, entitled macaroni and cheese, complete with their characteristic creative energy. Perhaps interesting to know, but the names of the four young musicians are inspired by human organs. — Recommended by Francisca
The Folie Phantom – 疾風迅雷 (Shippu Jinrai)
This week saw the release of the sixth single by The Folie Phantom, an instrumental brass rock band from Tokyo that was formed in 2019 and centres around trumpet player Kohei Miyoshi. The six-piece band is known for their unique line-up featuring trumpet, saxophone and tenor tuba, complemented by a tight rhythm section. This way, they create an aggressive band sound that brings together elements of jazz and rock. In addition to the six singles, the six-piece band has released three albums and an EP. — Recommended by Francisca
SAGOSAID – dance / wings
Four years ago, we put the spotlight on this alternative rock act, so it’s high time to see what SAGOSAID has been up to in the meantime. After several singles and a full-length album entitled Tough Love Therapy, SAGOSAID released the mini-album itsumademo shinu noha kowai? digitally last May and on CD a month later. On this new work, SAGOSAID, led by vocalist and guitarist SAGO, presents a heavier guitar sound in which intensity and vulnerability come together. This music video highlights themes such as comparison, loneliness, anxiety, and mental health in the social media era. — Recommended by Francisca
Galundo Tenvulance – Abuse Of Hatred
In the five years that Galundo Tenvulance have been active, the symphonic/melodic death metal band has already undergone several changes of vocalists. Yet that has never stopped the band from continuing. After releasing their first full-length album, Lunar Eclipture (2023), the band welcomed their third vocalist, SAO, to their current line-up. Together with her, they set to work on the follow-up, which resulted in the thirteen-track album Insomnis Somnia, due for release on 13 September. — Recommended by Francisca
6EYES – アリと螽斯 (Ari to Kirigirisu)
This post-punk band from Nagoya, 6EYES, has been active since 2002 and has built up a solid reputation in the local music scene over the years. As expected from a band with a long track record, they have released numerous albums and experimented with various music genres to present a unique side of themselves with the concept that anything goes as long as you can dance to it. With their latest single, the band shares their signature, almost hypnotic, repetitive riffs and playful lyrics in Japanese, with a subtle nod to the finiteness of life. — Recommended by Francisca
ARAYA – 狂鳴 (Kyoumei)
After an eleven-year career as a singer, model, and actress, ARAYA, who was previously known as the Queen of the Prohibited, released her first full-length album this week, titled 破壊と再生 (Destruction and Rebirth), featuring fifteen new songs that differ significantly from her earlier work and showcase a different side of her talent, while still showcasing her powerful voice. To celebrate the new album, the rock musician has created a music video for one of the most intense tracks on the album, in which she and her band deliver a powerful performance. — 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.
