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.
With a little delay, we are now looking back on a selection of videos released in week 44 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
開始 (Kaishi) – 香川生花店 (Kagawa flower shop)
Earlier in October, the four-piece alternative rock band Kaishi released their very first album, entitled 杏露を泳ぐ魚たち (Fish swimming in dope memories). The second track on that album was featured on the band’s first single, which was released in October 2023. It is easy to understand why the band decided to make a music video for this song with dreamy melodies. It is a homemade video that gives a glimpse of what the band is like, the dynamics between the band members, and a little bit of their daily lives. — Recommended by Francisca
CELCY – loveless
After the three-piece rock band CELCY released their first mini-album in 2024, entitled Purplepool, they called it their masterpiece that will stand the test of time. They have since released new music in the form of a digital single and that is the reason why they are highlighted here. The trio started the band in the summer of 2022 and bases their music on melodic punk, emo, alternative and indie rock, although they don’t want to be limited by music genres. They work with the attitude: ‘Let’s just play music we love’. — Recommended by Francisca
スロウ (SLLOW) – daylight
The start of punk rock band SLLOW may not have been entirely smooth sailing, as is often the case with young bands. At the end of 2022, they released their first demo EP, followed by a change in line-up a few weeks later. This did not prevent the band from continuing to grow on stage. At the end of 2024, SLLOW released their first mini-album, entitled NON REVIVAL, and last week’s single AURORA is the next step for the young punk rock band in gaining recognition as a ‘pub rock band’. — Recommended by Francisca
sunsetinfall – Mother
This week saw the release of the double A-side single Mother/Fingernails by alternative rock band sunsetinfall, a year after the release of their previous single and the recent change of their band line-up. The five-piece rock band was formed in 2016 around bassist Mitch and produces music characterised by its own interpretation of music genres such as grunge, emo and shoegaze combined with profound lyrics. They are also known for their explosive performances and a sense of unity. — Recommended by Francisca
深海東京 (Deep Sea Tokyo) – バイバイブルー (Bye bye blues)
Alternative pop-rock band Deep Sea Tokyo will hold an independent event on 7 December, as well as releasing their newest digital single with a melancholic theme. It follows the band’s first album, _THE SEA, which was released in May 2024. Having been active for several years, the band was formed by two members of the rock band THE THEATERS after that band decided to take an indefinite hiatus. The band members have labelled Deep Sea Tokyo with various music genres, including neo city, alternative Japanese pop, but also sentimental rock. — Recommended by Francisca
TOKYO EAST TAPES CLUB – Crystalheads.
With a description like ‘from the east side of Tokyo’, I was curious to dig deeper for information about this alternative rock band called TOKYO EAST TAPES CLUB. Since their formation in September 2022, the young band has released several singles and two EPs. Their most recent release, Crystalheads., came out this week, along with a music video filmed in an unused office space without lighting. I am curious to see what the next steps will be for this band, whose mission is to become the centre of the Japanese rock scene. — Recommended by Francisca
ハローエンドロール (Hello And Roll) – ユアソング (Your Song)
It has been a while since the three-piece band Hello And Roll released any new music. At the end of 2024, they released a single, オリオン (Orion), which was used as the theme song for an advertising project. Earlier this year, the drummer left the band, so the duo now works with support musicians. This seems to be the first new song with the current line-up, featuring three-part vocals, dramatic bass lines and a nostalgic singing voice that conveys sincere emotions directly to the listener. — 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.
