[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] A roundup of cool bands with bassist-vocalists (41–50)
Odoru Pompoko RinS.M.N.
The Fukuoka-born three-piece band S.M.N.
has been developing the lineage of melodic hardcore in their own way since their formation in 2001.
Led by bassist-vocalist Kosuke Nishimura, they pursue a thrilling punk sound that fuses Japanese and Western elements.
They debuted in 2006 with the cover album “Knocking My Soul,” and have continued to release music energetically ever since.
Their 2010 album “Repaint It New” featured contributions from Roger Manganelli of Less Than Jake, delivering a world-class sound.
Influenced by American culture in Kyushu and Fukuoka, their music charms listeners with exquisite melodies that blend nostalgia and freshness.
S.M.N.’s exhilarating, fast-paced tracks are perfect for summer drives or get-togethers with friends.
Loved oneFOMARE
FOMARE is a three-piece band from Takasaki, Gunma, built on a foundation of melodic hardcore, with the standout appeal of Amada Shinsuke’s performance style—singing while playing bass.
Formed in 2015, the band reached No.
1 on the Oricon Indies Albums chart with their album “FORCE” just four years later, and, riding that momentum, accomplished the feat of completing a tour of all 47 prefectures in Japan.
As the anchor of the rhythm section, Amada lays down powerful basslines while delivering songs that cherish Japanese lyrics, projecting a one-of-a-kind presence as a rock band frontman.
FOMARE—whose name, according to lore, was given by a live house manager—continues to garner support from music fans who love hardcore and punk rock.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)The Sketchbook
A three-piece rock band that came together through a unique process born from an audition project to choose the musicians who would perform the Sket-dan’s live scenes and the songs they would play in the story arc “Kaimei Rock Festival,” depicted in the series SKET DANCE, which ran in Weekly Shonen Jump and was adapted into an anime on TV Tokyo.
As a project originating from the anime, their catchy and aggressive musical style is particularly striking.
X XUNICORN
UNICORN is known for their groovy bass that makes clever use of rests, as epitomized by the song “Peké Peké.” You might strongly associate the band with frontman and guitarist Tamio Okuda on vocals, but in fact, there are many songs where bassist EBI handles the lead vocals! His voice is rich and gentle, making for a very comforting listen.
The bass lines also feature frequent hammer-ons—phrases where the left-hand fingers strike the strings—which will have you humming along before you know it!
White forsoko ni naru
The Osaka-born three-piece band Soko ni Naru captivates with their overwhelming musicianship and intricate rhythmic structures.
Since their formation in 2011, they have built a distinctive sonic world grounded in alternative and progressive rock.
Particularly noteworthy is bassist-vocalist Misaki Fujiwara, whose powerful bass lines blend seamlessly with her soaring vocals.
They made their Oricon Chart debut in April 2015 with the mini-album “I’m NOT a pirolian,” and have steadily grown their fanbase with technical performances and melodious songwriting.
In 2024, they landed a tie-in with a TV anime, propelling them to new heights.
They’re the perfect band for music fans seeking a fusion of complex rhythms and beautiful melodies.
I only want to sing for myselfNon Stop Rabbit
“Shimensouka” is a track by Non Stop Rabbit that highlights the commanding presence of the bass-vocal.
Its driving, fast-paced bassline is pleasing to the ear and strongly showcases the band’s individuality.
The official music video is a must-see as well, with a unique harmony born from the rhythm section that captivates fans.
It’s available on YouTube, which likely contributes to its broad acceptance by making it easily accessible to everyone.
Through this song, Non Stop Rabbit presents a fresh appeal within the Japanese music scene.
EvergreenMaki
Maki is a three-piece band formed in 2015 in Nagoya.
Hibiki Yamamoto not only writes and composes their songs but also serves as the band’s central figure as the bassist and vocalist.
Since making their nationwide debut in January 2018 with the album “Heibon no Aishikata,” they have built on an emotional guitar-rock foundation while showcasing a wide range of styles—from 30-second melodic hardcore to lyrical ballads.
In September 2020, they embarked on a 50-date tour titled “Daisushi,” many of which sold out.
Yamamoto’s literary lyrics combined with powerful bass playing vividly portray the struggles of youth and resonate with listeners.
They are a perfect band for music fans seeking the stirring experience of emotional guitar rock.