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[Raise Your Fists!!] Introduction to Japanese Emotional Rock Bands
These days, the word “emoi” has come into wide use, and its supposed origin is the music genre emo.
Derived from punk and hardcore, it’s characterized by emotionally charged performances, introspective lyrics, and a musicality where intensity and beauty coexist.
Although the genre originated overseas, many bands in Japan have been influenced by it, and numerous emo bands have thrived domestically.
In this article, we’ll introduce bands that play this kind of emotional rock.
Rather than the general nuance of “emoi,” we’ve prioritized bands with roots in genre terms like hardcore, emo, and screamo.
Of course, we’ll also feature bands that feel “emoi” in a broader sense, so take your time and enjoy.
Raise Your Fists!! Introduction to Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (1–10)
The Bottom of the Cityeastern youth
eastern youth is a band known for its passionate, masculine vocals and energy-charged sound.
Formed in Hokkaido in 1988, they later moved to Tokyo and, through relentless live performances, became known to rock fans nationwide.
Their lyrical literary quality and melodies reminiscent of Showa-era kayōkyoku are also hallmarks of their style.
Many well-known musicians, including Hidetoshi Mukai of ZAZEN BOYS and Masafumi Goto of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, have openly stated they were influenced by them.
This LifePay money To my Pain
A four-piece rock band formed in 2005 that has earned overwhelming support in the loud rock scene.
The vocalist, K, passed away suddenly in 2012, and the band has been on hiatus since.
However, they have continued to perform at several events with guest vocalists, moving many fans.
Loved by countless rock fans and musicians alike, their songs are rooted in loud rock and hardcore, yet they skillfully switch between K’s beautiful singing voice and an aggressive, contrasting shout, allowing beauty and intensity to coexist.
Many of their tracks also feature lyrics that appeal directly to the emotions, and listening to their music can really fill your heart.
MUKANJYOSurvive Said The Prophet
Survive Said The Prophet is especially popular among the younger generation who flock to live houses.
Their vocalist’s extraordinary talent makes for a truly one-of-a-kind voice.
Their meticulously crafted, emotional, and heavy band sound is sure to strike a chord in your heart!
Song of Determinationbacho
Bacho is an alternative rock band from Hyogo Prefecture.
Their raw, emotion-charged live performances are incredibly intense and just impossibly cool.
The sound they create carries a certain melancholy, and at times even a sense of beauty.
Their introspective lyrics and universally relatable, stirring words have captivated many fans over the years.
Even through their music videos, you can feel that overwhelming energy—surely it’ll make you want to experience it live for yourself!
Go mad and markenvy
Formed in 1995.
A band frequently mentioned within the hardcore genre, they’ve earned support not only in Japan but across the world, including the United States and Europe.
While their heavy sound and frequent use of shouts often lead them to be labeled as “screamo” or “post-hardcore,” the band’s greatest appeal lies in their artistry—transcending genre boundaries, drawing from diverse musical influences, and elevating them into a unique worldview.
The beauty that coexists within their intensity is the very essence of emo.
radiative coolingyubiori
Yubiori is a four-piece emo-indie band based in Yokohama.
Influenced by emo and post-rock, their music is characterized by the contrast between delicate melodies and dynamic performances.
They released the music video for “Guitar” in 2021, followed by their debut album “yubiori” in 2022, captivating fans with their distinctive emotional style.
Their live performances overwhelm audiences with expressive playing.
Many listeners are sure to be moved by their introspective lyrics and a sound that is both intense and beautiful.
aloneLOSTAGE
A three-piece rock band that stands as the final boss of Nara Prefecture’s underground scene, they continue to command overwhelming support from listeners across Japan who love emo and alternative.
Their downer-tinged sound and song structures are made all the more striking by the emotionally resonant coloring provided by Gomi Takehisa’s bass-and-vocal performance.
Their activity style, steeped in DIY spirit, has also earned devoted support, especially among Kansai-based musicians.