[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.
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- 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.
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- 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 (71–80)
“Sixes and Sevens” trailerWalk Harbor City
Although they are still a young band, they are leading Kyoto’s emo and pop-punk scene.
Formed by members who originally played in different genres, the band has already shared the stage with many overseas acts and well-known Japanese pop-punk and emo bands.
A Kyoto band with huge potential, they’re one to watch.
Suitablethe American Movie
Formed in 2010 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka.
Their sound is characterized by deep influences from ’90s US pop, pop punk, emo, hardcore, and melodic punk.
Their melodies evoke a sense of nostalgia while hinting at what’s to come, with catchy phrases that linger in your ears and beg to be sung along to.
It’s a band whose songs revive a classic atmosphere through a modern sensibility, delivering a cinematic experience that feels like watching a single film from start to finish.
RocksidentHOLIDAYS OF SEVENTEEN
HOLIDAYS OF SEVENTEEN was formed in 2004, centered around university club friends in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
The members share American power-pop band Weezer as a common favorite, and they are also known as the “Japanese Weezer.” The band initially started as a five-piece, but after some members left, it eventually became a duo.
They disbanded at the end of 2015.
Our Own WarSuck a Stew Dry
This song stands out with its four-on-the-floor beat and catchy melody.
It’s a track by Suck a Stew Dry, formed in 2009.
While the tune feels refreshing, the message embedded in the lyrics gives you something to think about.
It’s an ambitious work that depicts a struggle with oneself.
itChirinuruwo Waka
Chirinuruwaka, formed around Yuu, formerly of GO!GO!7188.
The song in the video is the lead track from their 2014 mini-album “it.” The DDR-style music video is a must-see.
By the way, the title “it” comes from the sound of the Japanese word “itto” (meaning “one rabbit”).
MotherLeft
Left is a four-piece rock band formed in Fukuoka Prefecture in 2005.
Listening to their songs, you’re struck by elements reminiscent of melodic hardcore—like high-speed two-beat rhythms and melodic guitar riffs.
On top of that, their sound carries a wistful quality within its edginess, and above all, the tear-jerking melodies are irresistibly compelling—you’ll find they seize your heart as you listen.
While it differs from the image of sheer power and raw aggression, this too can definitively be called a form of emo.
UglyNOA
Formed in Osaka in 2008.
As a three-piece band, they make full use of the three elements of sound, delivering songs with bittersweet yet heart-stirring melodies and a sound whose intensity rivals the melodies themselves.
Their emotional tracks are sure to strike a chord and move listeners to tears.
They went on indefinite hiatus in 2014.