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.
As we are nearing the end of 2025, we are now looking back on a selection of videos released in week 49. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
kokeshi – 六道の辻 (Rokudo no Tsuji)
Since the release of their second album in 2023, titled 冷刻 (Reikoku), this band has been on the rise in terms of gaining popularity. And rightly so! Yet somehow it feels as if kokeshi is still something of a hidden gem. Carried by a dark, heavy sound, with elements of hardcore, screamo, post-rock, blackgaze and post-metal, Nana effortlessly presents intriguing vocals that range from growling grunts and shrill screams to soft whispers and clear vocals. It is all complemented by theatrical horror elements as the band delves deeper and deeper into the abyss. It is not everybody’s cup of tea, but it is mine. — Recommended by Francisca
Squii – sultry
Formed in 2024, this three-piece alternative rock band from Sapporo has already released several singles in 2025, with sultry being their latest. The band’s sound is characterised by passionate vocals and layered guitar riffs, with their motto being to connect with their listeners. In addition to the various singles, the band has been very busy performing this year. Last Friday, they performed with Bone Hair Neck and will soon be performing at the Kashi Rock Festival. Curious to see what the new year will bring for them. (Since the video cannot be viewed outside of YouTube, please click here to watch the video) — Recommended by Francisca
パターソン (Paterson) – remember
The two musicians, vocalist and guitarist Hinata Serizawa, who is also active as a solo artist, and guitarist Raito Mori, came together in 2024 to form the indie rock band Paterson, based in Tokyo. Together, they create melodies that are described to be nostalgic, unique and catchy, influenced by various music genres such as folk, rock and pop. This song can be found on their first EP, released last July, entitled Hey, (including the comma), and follows their debut single from 2024. Remember this band for the new year. — Recommended by Francisca
Rui Hanashiro – room 402
Rui Hanashiro is clearly someone who is constantly creative and loves to share this with anyone who wants to hear it. After previously being active in the grunge rock band nodamn, the versatile artist is now also active as a solo artist, rapper, session musician, and collaborator with various artists. In addition, Hanashiro recently joined the alternative metal band AZNIG. Music-wise, Rui Hanashiro moves freely between diverse genres, ranging from rock and electronica to hip hop, shoegaze, and breakcore. — Recommended by Francisca
黎-KURO- – REDZONE
On 27 December, KURO, formerly active in the visual kei band Rides In ReVellion, will give a solo show with a support band. His solo project has been active since 2021, but now that his previous band has come to an end after 10 years of activity, he appears to have focused on his solo career. Especially for this show at Shinsaibashi CLAPPER, he is releasing a single that will be available exclusively on the night, accompanied by a new music video that gives a first impression. Only time will tell what else KURO has in store for his solo project. — Recommended by Francisca
New Side Chapter – COMA
This is New Side Chapter’s first song as a quintet, and it appears to be their first release in a year and a half, following the release of the EP PAST to the FUTURE in the spring of 2024. The alternative rock band from the city of Mito (Ibaraki Prefecture) started activities in 2014 with a substantial discography and describes their music as showing unpredictable, diverse faces with a variety of musical and cultural influences in each song. COMA is a great example of this, with the combination of Japanese and English lyrics. — Recommended by Francisca
幽体コミュニケーションズ (Yutai Communications) – ワァズワァス (Wordsworth)
This three-piece band from Kyoto has been active since 2019 and has impressed audiences at various festivals, such as FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL in 2023, with their unique blend of experimentation with various musical styles, poetry and seasonal themes in their songs. The trio’s latest digital single was created during a typhoon and features natural sounds such as waves and birds, paying homage to nature, but also the human ability to create music. It also symbolises the deepening and further development of their intriguing band sound. — 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.
