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 this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on gems, it is time for 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 14 of 2025. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
The Floatings – Lily
Alternative rock band The Floatings will release their first full-length album on 28 May, titled Flowering, after releasing three singles. Since the band’s formation in 2023, the Tokyo-based four-piece has developed a distinctive musical profile, with a genre-crossing sound they themselves describe as ‘Tokyo Neo Gazer’, influenced by the alternative music scenes from the UK and the US of the 1990s. Since the summer of 2024, the band has had a new vocalist and keyboardist, namely re:caco, who you may recognise from her work in BURNABLE/UNBURNABLE. — Recommended by Francisca
iVy – any n○ise
This is the first single from iVy, a Tokyo-based alternative music unit consisting of vocalist and guitarist fuki and vocalist and keyboardist pupu. The project is built around the concept of a fictional character called iVy, which they bring to life through their music, visuals and performances. The single features two contrasting tracks in which they showcase their versatility; on one side, the duo presents a dreamy melancholic composition with a catchy song opposite with a tantalising sound and sharp lyrics. This release follows their first EP, 幽泳プログラム (yuuei program), which appeared in summer 2024. — Recommended by Francisca
花酔い (Hanayoi) – 宝石 (Tearstone)
Last year, I wrote about rock vocalist and guitarist Renge, sharing a music video of her previous band, Somnium. These days, she is busy with the band Hanayoi, a three-piece girl band that launched in early 2024. A standout band, the band members are dressed in all-white outfits and present an uncompromising worldview, approached from different perspectives with powerful melodies and poetic lyrics. Their first single already managed to attract a lot of attention. In March, the alternative rock band released their second single, five months after the release of their EP 水花月 –mikazuki-. — Recommended by Francisca
砂凪 (Sanagi) – horizon
Four-piece alternative rock band Sanagi released their fourth single, horizon, a very emotional song, accompanied by a music video shot on the beach and close to the sea, on 2 April. This is their first single of the year, and also their first release in almost six months. Formed in 2023, the Tokyo-based rock band’s mission is to create a warm, otherworldly atmosphere in their music. To date, the quartet has since released some singles and EPs, so if this appeals to you: there is plenty to discover. Additionally, I am curious about the next steps of this four-piece band. — Recommended by Francisca
AND CALL. – Supernova
To celebrate the first anniversary of the three-piece rock band AND CALL. (including the dot), their first-ever music video was released on the first of April, simultaneously with the digital release of the single, SUPERNOVA. With influences from the Japanese pop-rock angle, the three girls bring catchy melodies combined with honest and emotional lyrics written from personal experiences based on themes such as hope, love and coping with everyday life. The result: accessible rock songs with a raw edge. Later this month, they will celebrate the band’s first anniversary with a one-man concert. — Recommended by Francisca
Akane Streaking Crowd – KARATE!
Formed in 2020 by two childhood friends, this Kyoto-based rock band showcases a fresh and sharp approach to contemporary alternative pop-rock. They combine influences from different corners, such as UK dance-punk, emo/math rock and city pop, creating a genre-transcending, energetic band sound. Akane Streaking Crowd’s songs surprise with unpredictable twists and turns and are characterised by cynical lyrics. This song can be found on the EP ASK(C?) 3 released last June, but it has already been followed up with a new EP from this series in February this year, ASK(C?) 4. — Recommended by Francisca
八咫ノ仮面 -YATANO KAMEN- – 祈奉 -KIBOU-
This was an interesting music video released just before April 1 of a brand new and mysterious visual kei band called YATANO KAMEN. The five band members, dressed in traditional attire and crow masks, enter the scene with no names, no faces, and no explanations. What is not secret is the music video for their first song KIBOU (Japanese for ‘hope’) and the description that the music video is a story about identity, loss, and the light we search for in the shadows. And that even in the darkest moments, hope never dies. Although the band is officially presented as a newcomer, fans speculate that there are experienced musicians behind the masks. For now, the band remains shrouded in mystery, and it is precisely in this that their strength seems to lie. — 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.
