[2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
The idea that bass is a plain, background position is a thing of the past.
In fact, there have always been countless stars—both overseas and in Japan—who show us the appeal of low-end with their incredibly cool bass playing.
That said, recent J-POP and Japanese rock often feature complex rhythm patterns, and some of you may have tried picking up the bass only to find it too difficult and ended up giving up.
So this time, we’re introducing classic J-POP and Japanese rock tracks that feature simple yet cool bass lines—perfect for beginner bassists who’ve gotten the basics down and are ready for a challenge.
Master these songs and take the next step beyond beginner!
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[2026] Recommended J-POP and Japanese Rock for Beginner Bassists [Easy] (71–80)
Third eyethe pillows
This is the 23rd single by the three-piece rock band the pillows, which has gained popularity overseas and continues to influence many bands through unconventional activities—such as producing the film “Become the King” for their 30th anniversary as a way to convey the band’s appeal to future generations.
It’s a lead single from their 13th album, “MY FOOT,” featuring an ear-catching, catchy guitar riff and a cool, emotional melody.
It’s generally easy to play with simple root-note bass lines, but because there are many breaks and the rhythm can easily go off, it’s important for beginner bassists to focus on staying locked to the beat rather than the phrasing.
With its driving feel, it’s also a great number for live performances.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This is the 15th single by female singer LiSA, written as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which became a social phenomenon.
Backed by the anime’s popularity, the song drew huge attention and became a massive hit—you practically couldn’t go a day without hearing it between 2019 and 2020.
The bass line is basically simple root playing, but because there are many unison lines and accent hits with the guitar and drums, it’s important to play without falling behind the tempo.
Be conscious of when to let notes ring and when to cut them off; playing tightly will give the bass more presence.
For beginner bassists, practice with attention to dynamics as well as technique.
SchoolChilli Beans.
When it comes to a trio that handles vocals, instruments, and songwriting across the board—and has made a strong mark on the Reiwa-era Japanese music scene with successes like a sold-out Nippon Budokan show and numerous tie-ins—it’s Chilli Beans.
Their songs are hugely popular, especially among younger listeners, and many require a high level of musicianship.
That might make beginners feel hesitant to dive in, but from a bass perspective, School is a relatively approachable track worth recommending.
It’s a beloved hit with relatable lyrics and irresistibly catchy melodies, and its bass line—featuring frequent use of higher positions—is a great challenge for anyone looking to break out of the beginner stage.
Jet CarrotGO!GO!7188
GO!GO!7188 is a three-piece rock band that won fans with songs that fuse a wide range of musical styles with melodies that evoke traditional Japanese vibes.
Their second single, “Jet Ninjin,” sticks in your ears with impactful lyrics and a somewhat nostalgic ensemble.
The bass line moves around a lot, so it’s important to learn it thoroughly—but it’s a perfect new challenge for beginner bassists.
If you also sing the chorus like in the original, the difficulty goes up even further, making it a rock tune that will definitely level you up if you can play it through.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
This energetic and powerful classic comes from ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, a band that reigns at the pinnacle of the alternative rock scene.
The lyrics, which portray self-expression and inner conflict from a unique perspective, leave a strong impression, while the exhilarating guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and powerful basslines fuse seamlessly into a cohesive track.
Released in August 2004, the song was included on the album Sol-fa and was also used as the opening theme for the fourth season of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
Every element of the bassline plays a crucial role, making it a great challenge for anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of rock.
Its melody is easy to grasp, and it’s a track through which you can practically acquire essential music theory for band performance.
TRUE BLUELUNA SEA
Formed in 1989, LUNA SEA is a band that created numerous legends in the 1990s music scene, transcending the so-called visual kei framework.
Although they disbanded in 2000, after regrouping they gained many fans among younger generations as well, and today they are a living legend, earning overwhelming support not only from music fans but also from fellow musicians.
J, LUNA SEA’s bassist, is one of the figures who shattered the stereotypical image of the bassist as “somewhat a subdued position,” and even now in the Reiwa era, there are surely many people who started playing bass because they admire him.
J’s bass playing can either remain firmly supportive as the foundation or move around like a lead instrument.
For beginner bassists, the recommended song is the classic TRUE BLUE.
Composed by J himself, it’s an aggressive, uptempo track characteristic of his style, yet the bass line is largely built on root notes and kept relatively simple.
It’s a great piece to challenge yourself with to get accustomed to fast tempos.
For pick players, it also serves as practice for precise alternate picking, and in the accent hits, be sure to lock in tightly with the drums for a crisp, tight performance.
Rolling StarYUI
This is a classic by YUI, known for its energetic rock sound and powerful, positive lyrics.
It also drew attention as the fifth opening theme for the anime BLEACH.
Released in January 2007, the track is included on the album CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.
The way she belts out the importance of expressing one’s feelings while strumming an electric guitar conveys a sense of being torn between ideals and reality, yet still having the strong will to move forward.
The performance difficulty is moderate, making it a perfect choice for bass players who admire band-driven sounds.
The bassline is melodic and striking, so why not give it a try with your bandmates?