[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.
- Classic emo masterpieces in Japanese music. Recommended popular songs.
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- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- Classic Japanese punk songs. Recommended popular tracks.
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- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- Emotional songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters.
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
- [2026] Feel-Good Vibes! Energetic Songs by Recommended Japanese All-Girl Bands
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Guaranteed to move your emotions! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era
Raise Your Fists!! Introducing Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (61–70)
Tell me againONEPERCENTRES
ONEPERCENTRES is a band formed in 2000 by Osamu Seino, a renowned engineer who has also worked on releases by Quruli, Hi-STANDARD, and OCEANLANE.
After releasing their third album, Daydreaming Horses, they embarked on a nationwide tour and conducted their second overseas European release and tour.
Love CircleAIR FLIP
Formed in 2012 by members influenced by domestic and international pop punk, melodic hardcore, emo, and easycore.
The band is characterized by a fast-paced, emotional sound, aggressive live performances, and high-pitched, clear English lyrics.
not in menim
A four-piece rock band based out of Kyoto’s live venue Saiin GATTACA, they’ve made a strong mark on indie and emo scenes across Japan.
Their deep, richly layered soundwork fully conveys the epic scope of their songs, while the interplay of their male-female twin vocals—evoking both power and warmth—is compelling.
They’re seasoned performers who deliver heartfelt live shows that make you want to throw your fist in the air.
Night Flightwasureranneeyo
Wasure-ranneyo is active with the desire to fully affirm people who keep losing while fighting fair and square in love, work, and life.
True to that, the down-to-earth feelings packed into their songs grab listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.
That appeal comes through to the fullest on “Night Flight,” as well.
An ideal that discovers tomorrow through affirmationDAM
Formed in 2006, this three-piece band is based in Osaka, wielding a passionate, emotional sound and a hard-hitting live performance as their weapons.
Even amid their intense sound, songs built around powerful, memorable words and vocals grab listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.
Tonight,Tonight,TonightLIGHTINGALE
LIGHTINGALE was formed in 2010, and the band name combines the words “Light in gale.” Their lyrics are characterized by introspective themes that confront loneliness, solitude, the meaning of existence, the preciousness of life, and self-reflection.
They create music with a dual nature that contrasts these themes with the upbeat feel of their songs.
From ScratchMy Last Ballad
My Last Ballad is a piano-emo band formed when Kazushi reached out to former bandmates he had played with in the past.
“From Scratch,” the first track on their debut album Lights of Dawn, can be considered the band’s theme song.