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[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists
When you think of someone playing an instrument and singing in a rock band, most people picture a guitarist-vocalist.
In reality, it’s most common for the guitarist to stand at the front, and it’s relatively rare for members of the rhythm section—like the bassist or drummer—to handle lead vocals.
That’s precisely why bands with a bassist as the lead vocalist tend to be distinctive and unique.
In this article, we highlight Japanese bands that feature a bass-vocalist, introducing them across different eras and genres.
You might even discover that the singer in a band you love has actually been singing while playing the bass!
[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists (1–10)
Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE
THE ALFEE, known for numerous classic hits, have been a driving force in Japan’s rock scene for many years.
Among them, the member handling bass and vocals is Ken Sakurai.
Many people probably remember his striking look—wearing sunglasses and singing while playing the bass.
While rooted in hard rock, their melodies are accessible and somehow nostalgic, which is wonderful—and it’s no wonder the band still enjoys strong support today!
fade04 Limited Sazabys
Many of you have probably heard them on TV, as their songs have been featured as drama theme songs and in commercials.
They’re 04 Limited Sazabys, a four-piece rock band from Nagoya.
GEN’s distinctive high-tone vocals on bass and lead add a strong presence to their tracks.
Another key appeal is how, even with Japanese lyrics, the pronounced words feel sonically pleasing.
The music cleverly weaves in a catchiness that becomes addictive as you listen, making you want to sing along before you know it.
STAY GOLDHi-STANDARD
Hi-STANDARD, pioneers who popularized melodic hardcore and pop punk in Japan’s rock scene and helped spread the concept of indie labels, remain hugely popular to this day.
The vocalist is bassist Akihiro Namba.
Many of the bass-vocal bands introduced in this article come from the melodic hardcore scene, and his influence on them is undeniable.
They are a legendary band that continues to be an object of admiration for band kids forever.
JOVE JOVEhachijuu hakkasho junrei
From their music and vocals to each member’s visuals—and even their band name—88箇所巡礼 exudes an overwhelming presence in every respect.
The bassist, Margaret Hiroi, serves as their vocalist.
The visuals are quite unique, but they really grow on you.
You might find the songs a bit hard to approach at first, yet within that distinctive edge there’s a blend of catchiness and comfort.
MONSTER DANCEKEYTALK
KEYTALK is a four-piece guitar rock band that enjoys strong popularity in the Japanese rock scene.
Their style features different members taking the lead vocals depending on the song, and bassist Yoshikatsu Shutō often sings lead as well.
His fresh, clean vocals are a major draw and captivate many fans.
Their appeal lies in having lots of catchy, easy-to-listen-to tracks that are great to groove to!
GONGWANIMA
In recent years, the bass-and-vocal band you hear most often in living rooms across Japan is probably WANIMA! The fact that they have a singing bassist already turns heads, but KENTA, their bassist-vocalist, is even a lefty.
Their style absolutely pops on stage, and of course their vocals, musicianship, and song quality are top-notch.
Even with their breakneck tempos, they drop in breaks throughout the songs and control the flow with sharp dynamic shifts—truly impressive.
While they’re strongly associated with a bright, energetic image, they also have songs with a wistful feel, where KENTA’s warmth really shines through.
MUSICABREIMEN
BREIMEN’s track “MUSICA” is a song that fully showcases their appeal, featuring emotionally rich vocals delivered while playing the bass.
Lyrics by Shota Takagi, reflecting his own musical journey, resonate deep within the heart.
The melody spun from the beat of the bass conveys honest feelings that words alone can’t fully express.
As one of BREIMEN’s signature works, “MUSICA” delivers their broad musicality to audiences without compromise.
Including its visual expression in the video, it is sure to captivate many listeners.
Highlighting Takagi’s talent, the track is included on the album “FICTION” and is a must-listen for music lovers.