[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)
I hope I can be your lover.NEW!Kaneyori Masaru
Kaneyori Masaru is a girls’ band that’s gained popularity for their life-sized lyrics capturing everyday moments and their straightforward rock sound.
This love song portrays the frustration of feelings that won’t reach the one you like and the earnest desire to close the distance even a little.
The track is included as the first song on the mini-album “To Us Who Don’t Live in Yesterday,” released in January 2025, and it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Yoyogi Johnny’s Melancholy After School.” While the bass part is fundamentally rooted in playing along the root notes, the groove-rich phrases that make extensive use of slides add a distinctive accent to the song.
In particular, the running-bass-style playing in the B section that uses higher positions may be difficult for beginners, but try slowing down the tempo and practicing carefully.
Slump MakerNEW!itashimoku
This is a powerful rock tune crafted by Itashimoku, a Tokyo-born rock band that’s been growing in presence.
Its raw sound conveys a strong will to keep moving forward while confronting one’s own weaknesses and limits.
The track was first released as a standalone digital single in October 2025, and later included on the EP “Nante HAPPY LUCKY,” released in April 2026.
Although the band is a two-piece—the smallest possible lineup—the bass, which plays in unison with the guitar riff that leads the song, plays a crucial role.
It’s a perfect challenge for bassists who want to step beyond simple root-note playing.
A Paragraph of LoveHanbureddāzu
A rock song by Humbreaders, a band from Osaka.
It’s a mid-tempo ballad released in advance from their 5th full-length album “GALAXY DRIVE,” which came out in January 2026.
Written by Akira Mutsumuro for the wedding of someone dear to him, it portrays a warm, everyday kind of relationship from a unique perspective.
Beyond sheer excitement, its melodic warmth and carefully chosen words make it a track that resonates deeply.
The arrangement is simple, and each instrument is played with the intent to support the emotional vocal rather than to showcase technical difficulty.
That said, players who have mostly practiced 8-beat–centric songs may find the classic shuffle (hachiroku) feel unfamiliar and a bit confusing at first.
Listen to the song repeatedly, and practice over and over with an awareness of both suppleness and a solid, grounded groove.
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
As of 2025, the YouTube video has surpassed 30 million views.
Even though it’s a song from over a decade ago, it remains hugely popular through “dance cover” videos and continues to be supported in the Reiwa era as a classic summer tune: SHISHAMO’s masterpiece “Kimi to Natsu Fes.” It’s also a favorite at school festivals, and since it’s arranged with a generally simple band ensemble, it’s a song that even beginner bassists will likely find approachable.
That said, be mindful of the bass line: while it’s rooted in the tonic and driven by a fast tempo with syncopated rhythms, it also moves actively in many places.
Its smooth, driving feel depends on the bass–drum combination, and as a trio, this is a great song to learn the bassist’s unique role.
Rolling Stone, Morning Falls on You (ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION cover)kessoku bando
Kessoku Band, the band unit that enjoys high popularity as the group featured in the TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!” Their cover of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s 11th major single, “Rolling Stone, Morning Falls on You,” stands out with its somewhat airy arrangement and sentimental lyrics.
The bass lines are rooted in basic root-note playing but still move around, making it a perfect practice song for beginner bassists.
It’s a cool rock tune whose distinctly low-end-driven appeal lingers in your ears.
peace signYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s single “Peace Sign,” released in 2017, was also used as the opening theme for the first cour of Season 2 of the popular anime My Hero Academia, and as of 2025 it has surpassed 310 million views on YouTube—an extremely popular track.
It’s a refreshing, fast-paced rock tune in a major key, and it’s great for band covers.
The bass line is fundamentally simple, mainly root notes, making it an ideal practice piece for beginners to get used to the fast tempo of BPM 200.
The rhythm makes extensive use of so-called syncopation, and phrases that skillfully incorporate rests are also useful for practicing precise alternate picking.
If the fast tempo feels tough, start at a slower tempo and gradually increase your speed!
[2026] Easy J‑Pop and Japanese Rock Picks Recommended for Beginner Bassists (21–30)
dancerVaundy
While attending an art university, singer-songwriter Vaundy has been gaining attention for his sensibilities that evoke next-generation J-POP.
This is his 13th digital single.
The song was performed as the closing number of his 2021 tour, “one man live tour ‘HINODE’,” and its simple, bass-centered arrangement is striking.
It’s largely built on root notes and doesn’t contain difficult phrases, making it approachable even for beginner bassists.
However, because the bass takes the lead despite the simplicity, be mindful to keep your notes even and consistent when you play.