[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] Easy J-POP/Japanese Rock Recommendations for Beginner Bassists (11–20)
Rock ‘n’ roll won’t stop.Shinsei Kamattechan
Since they began their activities in the late 2000s, Shinsei Kamattechan have carved out a unique presence within the 2010s Japanese rock scene, and—helped by the outrageous performances of frontman Noko—have built a fervent fan base.
Their cult popularity is evident in the release of a film inspired by their songs, Shinsei Kamattechan: Rock ’n’ Roll Won’t Stop.
The track that lends its title to the film, Rock ’n’ Roll Won’t Stop, is one of their signature songs, and it’s fresh in our memories that they performed it on THE FIRST TAKE in January 2025, generating a lot of buzz.
The bass part is basically root notes; although a more melodic phrase appears in the chorus, it mostly repeats, so once you learn it, even beginner bassists should be able to play it without trouble.
At the End of SorrowElefanto Kashimashi
Elephant Kashimashi is a four-piece rock band known for hit songs like “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni” and “Oretachi no Ashita.” Their 10th single, “Kanashimi no Hate,” was released as a double A-side with “Shigatsu no Kaze.” The bass line moves quite busily, but because the structure is simple and the track is under three minutes long, it should be easy for beginner bassists to learn.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s a lyrical rock tune that invites you to take it on calmly.
Deeper DeeperONE OK ROCK
Now a four-piece rock band that represents Japan and enjoys enormous popularity overseas, ONE OK ROCK.
Their 8th single “Deeper Deeper,” released as a double A-side with “Nothing Helps,” was used as the commercial song for Suzuki’s Swift Sport.
Because the phrases move intricately and there are many unison lines with the guitar and drums, you need to be careful—without solid individual and band practice, the ensemble can end up sounding disjointed.
It’s high in difficulty for beginners and has many phrases to memorize, but if you can play it through, it’s a rock tune that will surely raise your level as a bassist.
Everything other than death is just a scratch.Koresawa
Koresawa, a singer-songwriter hugely popular among younger generations, has a diverse catalog, and many of her songs are finished with a band sound that leans strongly toward rock, so there are surely plenty of people who want to try covering them.
For those people, a recommended track is “Shinu Koto Igai Kasuri Kizu.” Released in 2017, its MV featuring the nationwide lineup of yuru-chara known as the “Kore-chans” also drew attention.
With a tempo exceeding BPM 200 and a distinctly J-rock sound, this song can serve as a good study piece for bassists—both to get used to playing fast-tempo songs with mostly root-note lines.
Whether you play with fingers or with a pick, especially during repeated notes at high speed, it’s easy to get sloppy, so focus on keeping each note even and consistent.
BABY BABYGOING STEADY
GOING STEADY was a four-piece rock band that thrived during the peak of the youth punk boom but disbanded in 2003.
The song “BABY BABY,” included on their debut single “Hoshi ni Negai wo” (“Wish Upon a Star”), was also used as the entrance tune for the popular comedy duo Tarinai Futari.
While most of the bass line sticks to root notes, there are occasional melodic phrases, so be careful to keep the rhythm steady.
It’s an easy-to-remember, simple track, making it a rock tune that beginner bassists will find approachable.
Wherever You AreONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK, a rock band that continues to make waves not only in Japan but around the world, is surely one of the groups teenage band kids look up to.
“Wherever You Are,” included on their fourth album Niche Syndrome released in 2010, became a long-running hit when it was used in a TV commercial in 2016, several years after its release, and is one of their most beloved classics.
It’s a grand and emotional rock ballad, and I’d love for bassists who usually only cover up-tempo rock to try practicing this kind of song as well.
The bass stays firmly in a foundational role, with an arrangement centered on root notes; if you’re just playing the part as written, even beginner bassists should be able to handle it.
Of course, play each note carefully with the mindset of strongly supporting the band ensemble while feeling the message carried by the vocals.
[2026] Easy J‑Pop and Japanese Rock Picks Recommended for Beginner Bassists (21–30)
silhouetteKANA-BOON
When people talk about Japanese rock bands that represent the 2010s, many will surely name KANA-BOON.
Since their major debut in 2013, they’ve produced many hit and fan-favorite songs.
Although they have faced a string of member departures, they now continue to work energetically as a duo.
Their upbeat tracks, which often feature a four-on-the-floor rhythm, are festival favorites, and there are surely many beginner bassists who want to cover them with their bands.
The song we’re introducing this time, “Silhouette,” is a smash hit with over 100 million views on YouTube.
Released in 2014, it was also used as a theme song for the hugely popular anime Naruto Shippuden.
The bass part is basically simple root-note playing; while briefly melodic phrases appear in the pre-chorus and chorus, overall it’s well within reach for beginner bassists.
It’s recommended for those who want to get used to fast tempos over BPM 180.
In the middle section, there’s a phrase where the rest falls on the downbeat of the bar, which may make the rhythm feel a bit tricky, but the only way is to practice repeatedly until you can play it smoothly!