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 at the end of 2025, we conclude by looking back at a selection of videos released in week 52. We sincerely hope you enjoy these new discoveries.
/naname – theta
In September, the debut album of the instrumental post-rock band /naname, vespers, was released. The album consists of nine instrumental tracks in which complex, precisely constructed rhythms, layered guitar parts and irregular time signatures take centre stage in combination with poetry readings. The track theta is considered a representative song that encapsulates the essence of the band. The sound of the Nagoya-based band is described as more than just traditional post-rock, thanks to influences drawn from punk and hardcore. — Recommended by Francisca
メコン (Mekong) – さかな (Sakana)
After releasing an EP in 2024 and a single in the spring of 2025, the four-piece alternative rock band Mekong from Tokyo released a brand-new single this week to end the year on a high note. Simultaneously, the indie band released a music video to celebrate the release of their second single. The four musicians present light-hearted, pop-influenced tunes that feel familiar and easy to listen to, with a touch of nostalgia and folk music, perfect for a relaxed listening session on a Sunday or when you are travelling and letting the landscapes pass you by. — Recommended by Francisca
君が四角くなる前に (Kimi ga Shikaku ni Naru Mae ni) – 愛を食いとめて(Ai wo kuitomete)
The description of this brand-new music project from Tokyo is very poetic, but mainly linked to the name, which can be translated as ‘Before you become square’. The music project Kimi ga Shikaku ni Naru Mae ni (stylised by the project as Kimiga Shikakuku Narumaeni) plays with the concept of presenting creative works that are presented within square frames and the inner contradiction of how raw and fleeting emotions are also captured in them, even though that doesn’t really fit. This is their second single. — Recommended by Francisca
君影ノイズ (Kimikage Noise) – 祈呪 (Kiju)
This three-piece indie band started out earlier this year, with Osaka as their home base. The band consists of vocalist Kohaku, guitarist and vocalist Yuhi, and guitarist Tanishi. With their motto of making music that moves the listener, they have released three singles and performed a number of gigs. The project is still in the early stages, but the three musicians have already released some interesting songs. Their latest track has a deliberately ambiguous title that can be read as a prayer that is also a curse, and is accompanied by an intriguing self-produced music video. — Recommended by Francisca
Coral Color – 解呪のモチーフ (The Motif to Break A Curse)
The alternative post-rock band Coral Color have remastered two music videos from their first EP, Organism, which was released in May 2024. This is very interesting, because just a month ago, the band, with members from Kyoto and Osaka, released their second EP Portfolio. Previously, the band was active under the name Goodbye, Curfew, but since the start of 2024, they have been active as Coral Color, with numerous performances and multiple releases. I am very curious to see what the new year will bring for this band. — Recommended by Francisca
ゾッキ (Zocchi) – ひこうき (Hikouki)
If you’re looking for more nostalgia mixed with pop and rock, then the music of rock band Zocchi is also highly recommended. In addition to the previously mentioned aspects, the band is also known for their lovely and melodic songs with unaffected, pure vocals. The Kyoto-based band had not released any new music for a while, until they came out with a new music video for their second single in the last week of 2025. Shortly before the release of the band’s first music video, the band announced that they are now without a drummer, but he can still be seen in the video. — Recommended by Francisca
トウキョウオサムバンド (Tokyo Awesome Band) – あなたに惹かれて (Anata ni Hikarete)
Since the band’s inception in the spring of 2024, Tokyo Awesome Band from Uruwa (Saitama Prefecture) have mainly released singles. You could almost fill an album with them. A few days ago, the pop-rock band decided to release a ballad to wrap up the year with a soft touch. Although the five-piece band focuses on elements of pop music from the Showa era (1926-1989), the diverse musical backgrounds of the band members create a unique musical world that clearly distinguishes them from other bands. — Recommended by Francisca
A big thank you to you! We look back on a successful five years with this project, thank you very much for all the comments we have received over the years, as well as your support in spreading the word about this project. In 2026, we will continue creating our YouTube Music Playlists but without the weekly articles.
Take a look back at all the previous editions of this weekly article series if you want to discover more musical gems! Want to read more about how this project started or check out the YouTube playlists? Click here for all the information.
