[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!
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- 【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
- [Low End] A Collection of Japanese Songs Featuring Standout Bass Solos [2026]
- [Low End] A collection of Japanese songs with high-difficulty bass parts [Cool]
- Love at first sight with a bass girl! The female bassist of a popular band
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- [2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- Charm overload! A roundup of Japanese three-piece bands (perfect for cover bands, too!)
- [Karaoke] A compilation of Vocaloid songs that are easy to sing even for people with low voices
- [For Beginners] Recommended Songs for Female Vocal Bands: Great for Choosing Your Setlist! [2026]
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool bass-and-vocal leads (31–40)
Ryukyu Sunrisekazuki yamamori
Kazuki Yamamori is a three-piece band from Osaka that has been delivering high-velocity melodies in their original genre, “Naniwa Cosmetic Punk,” since forming in June 2019.
Isamu, the bassist and vocalist, writes and composes most of the songs, captivating audiences with energetic bass playing and humor-laced vocals.
They provided the ending theme for a TV Tokyo anime in 2022, and their first headlining show in 2024 turned Shinsaibashi BIGCAT into a frenzy.
Their live performances—featuring inventive props and crowd-engaging staging—are recommended not only for punk rock fans but also for listeners seeking a unique, immersive world.
New OrderMASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS
Known by the abbreviation “Masudore,” MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS is an alternative rock band that highlights the beauty of their songs through a striking contrast between calm and intensity.
The lyrics and composition are handled by bassist-vocalist Natsuko Miyamoto, whose work also evokes a shoegaze sensibility.
Her one-of-a-kind voice—combining fragility with ferocity—becomes addictive once it hooks you.
with you all the timeBACKLIFT
BACKLIFT is also a three-piece melodic band, with KICHIKU handling bass and vocals.
He’s a vocalist with a masculine, slightly husky voice that’s very appealing.
On top of that, the catchy guitar riffs and the superb drum phrases—built on overwhelming technical skill—are essential elements when listening to this band’s songs.
And of course, their live performances are incredibly cool, so be sure to head to a live house and catch them in person.
SARAFENCE OF DEFENSE
FENCE OF DEFENSE, known for their signature song “SARA,” is a rock band that has been active since 1985.
The bassist and vocalist is Masatoshi Nishimura, and he uses a distinctive Yamaha headless bass, which lacks the instrument’s headstock.
Depending on the song, he also plays a 5-string bass with more strings than a standard bass, delivering a heavier, more masculine sound.
He even has his own customized signature model, showing a level of dedication as a bassist that’s truly admirable!
Embrace of the Malicious SpiritOnmyoza
Formed in 1999, this band performs in a unique style, playing heavy metal while wearing traditional Japanese attire.
The main vocalist is the female singer Kuroneko, but Shingetsu, the bassist and the band’s founder, often takes on lead vocals as well.
Their vocal work—featuring a rich, deep low register and bold vibrato—showcases a quintessential Japanese metal flair.
In some songs, there are call-and-response sections between Kuroneko and Shingetsu, letting you enjoy the contrasting qualities of their voices.
[J-Pop] A roundup of cool bands with bassist-vocalists (41–50)
Gather the Windhappiiendo
Happy End was a band that laid the foundation of Japanese rock, active from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.
They are also known for their star-studded lineup of Haruomi Hosono, Eiichi Ohtaki, Takashi Matsumoto, and Shigeru Suzuki.
The band employed a style in which the lead vocalist changed depending on the song, and among their repertoire were tracks where bassist Haruomi Hosono took the lead vocals.
His low, calm vocal tone is especially captivating.
IN THIS WAYLONGMAN
LONGMAN is a three-piece band from Ehime that plays melodic punk rock with a male-female twin vocal setup.
SAWA YORIKI, the female vocalist, also plays bass, delivering piercing vocals alongside bass lines that highlight the melodies.
Their song “Wish on” was used as an ending theme for the TV anime BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, and they made their major-label debut in 2019!