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 47 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
salmon pinknows – 深夜創作想像現象 (Shinya Sousaku Souzou Gensho)
Originally released as a single in 2022, a music video was released this week for the re-recorded version of this song, featuring salmon pinknows in a four-piece formation for the first time. In 2021, multi-instrumentalist, designer and illustrator MIZ-C started salmon pinknows as a solo project and produced more than 60 songs in three years. Since the summer of 2024, the project has transformed into a four-piece indie rock band, and delivered two singles. — Recommended by Francisca
スランプガール (Slump Girl) – アイスクリィムモォメント (Ice Cream Moment)
Earlier this month, pop-rock band Slump Girl from Tokyo released their sixth digital single, titled アイスクリィムモォメント (Ice Cream Moment), seven months after the release of their single 17. The young band is known for their catchy and cute sound, while sincerely expressing the emotions of fellow youngsters. It is probably this combination of playfulness and vulnerability that has led the band to describe themselves as ’emo-cute’. Keep an eye on this band! — Recommended by Francisca
HARAKIRI ZOMBIE – どろどろ (Doro Doro)
The activities of doom/stoner metal band HARAKIRI ZOMBIE began in 2017 with the concept of samurai warriors who committed seppuku but continued on as zombies and decided to fill their undead lives with music and alcohol. Appropriately, the lyrics are steeped in references to death and rebirth. Earlier this year, the three-piece metal band from Okinawa released their third full-length album, entitled HARAKIRI HUNTER, three years after the release of their previous album. — Recommended by Francisca
OLIVES – マジックナンバー (Magic Number)
Active since 2020, Kyoto-based alternative rock band OLIVES have released several singles and a mini-album. A few weeks ago, the band announced that they had finished recording a 12-track album. No announcement has been made yet about when the album will be released. The band presents songs that are not always cheerful in tone, but are catchy nonetheless, with lyrics that are raw, honest descriptions of the life of singer-songwriter Satoshi Hashida. — Recommended by Francisca
Sisters In The Velvet – Turquoise
It has been a while since we put the spotlight on alternative rock band Sisters In The Velvet. In 2024, they released their debut album Leaves, which seemed to be a departure from the classic alternative rock sound. Now, a year and a half later and five years after the release of their first EP, Sisters In The Velvet have completed their second EP, entitled Mother’s Octave. Recorded in one take and without a metronome, the band stated that this best showcases the physical energy of the band’s interplay. — Recommended by Francisca
現代夫婦 (GENDAI FUUFU) – 私の中では (With Myself)
群像 (GUNZO) is the debut album by GENDAI FUUFU, an art rock band consisting of two married couples. The band was formed in 2024 by Eri-nyo (CUICUI, IIOT), who is in charge of lyrics and composition, but is also the vocalist and keyboardist in this band. The music on this album is described as a collection of short stories in sound with rock as its foundation. In addition, elements of jazz and classical music are incorporated into the compositions, resulting in warm sounds. — Recommended by Francisca
ベイビーフーノー (Baby Huno) – SEVEN TEEN CLUB
By chance, I stumbled upon this young band with a song about the ’17 club’ (instead of the ’27 club’, given the references to Kurt Cobain). The alternative rock band released several digital singles in just over a year and seems to have enough inspiration to further explore their dark perspectives in life. The music video is a smart move, as it immediately gives you an impression of the band members’ personalities and at the end you can see that they have been working on a release with all their songs. — 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.
