[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!
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- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
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- [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 bass-playing vocalists (51–60)
I Can TellFriction
FRICTION is a punk rock band that started performing as early as 1978.
The bassist is Reck, who has the unique background of having been the band’s guitarist at its formation.
True to his roots as a former guitarist, rather than quietly marking root notes in straight eighths, he lays down wonderfully fluid basslines using slides that glide under your fingers.
The band also helped ignite the “Tokyo Rockers” movement that sprang from a Roppongi studio in the 1970s.
Be sure to experience their driving sound for yourself!
FlowerMINAMI NiNE
As their band name suggests, MINAMI NiNE is a three-piece band whose members all hail from Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Kyushu.
Their appeal lies in melodic, high-tempo songs that can even hint at hardcore influences, powered by the masculine vocals of bassist-vocalist Hiroki—perfect for firing up a live crowd.
Not only the band name, but also their lyrics and song titles convey a deep love for their hometown.
TRY HARDSUNSET BUS
3.6MILK was one of the bands at the center of the ska-punk boom since the 1990s.
After they disbanded in 2007, their bassist and vocalist SATOBOY formed a new band, SUNSET BUS.
Their sound defies the boundaries between genres like punk, ska, and reggae, enriched by SATOBOY’s melodic bass lines.
Today’s SongLIFE IS GROOVE
LIFE IS GROOVE is a unit that serves up funky rock.
The members are KenKen, who plays bass for RIZE; Ryunosuke Yamagishi, who once appeared on Sanma’s SUPER Karakuri TV as a prodigy guitar kid; and Monsieur Kamayatsu, who passed away in 2017.
Their full-throttle grooves—performed by a multi-generational lineup with diverse careers—are truly breathtaking.
KenKen, who doesn’t often take the lead vocal role, showcases his singing here alongside his jaw-dropping bass technique.
[J-Pop] A Roundup of Bands with Cool Bass-Playing Vocalists (61–70)
May you, who are working so hard, find happiness.SWING
Mizuho and Keita warmly watch over everyday struggles and cheer them on in their masterful piece, “May You Who Are Doing Your Very Best Find Happiness.” This single holds a power that resonates in the hearts of its listeners.
In particular, the harmony woven by Mizuho’s clear, grounded lead vocals and Keita’s husky voice strongly conveys the band’s human touch.
SWING’s musicality offers an intimacy that narrows the distance with the listener, teaches the importance of supporting one another, and walking together.
The more you listen, the more you’ll be drawn into SWING’s skillful command of a variety of genres.
Manager, I’m quitting my part-time job.Su凸ko D凹koi
Su凸ko D凹koi, a Japanese three-piece girls’ band known for their unique and quirky style, captivates listeners with humor-packed musicality—as you can tell from their pun-based name derived from “suttokodokkoi.” While rooted in punk rock, they weave in black humor and social satire to create a world entirely their own.
彼らはインディーズのレーベル「おぽんこつレコーズ」で活動を始め、アルバム『Don’t Trust Su凸ko D凹koi』では「放送事故風の電波ソング」のような大胆な実験にも挑戦した。マリの個性的なボーカルと相まって、インディー・シーンの中でも際立つ存在となっている。
They’re also popular at school festivals and music festivals, and are highly recommended for anyone who loves music that defies conventions.
At the end of the 20th centuryHikashū
Hikashu is a band that has established a unique musical identity centered around Koichi Makigami.
Since their 1979 debut, they have traversed a wide range of genres—from technopop to world music—while consistently creating songs that feel fresh.
Makigami’s commanding presence as both bassist and vocalist radiates a truly distinctive color.
Their eccentric visuals can be distracting, but it’s their musical depth and experimental approach that continue to captivate audiences in Japan and abroad—something noteworthy even for those who aren’t fans.
Hikashu extends its vision beyond the boundaries of music into the realm of art, offering listeners new experiences and discoveries.