[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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- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
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- [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)
well actedPOINT-UP
POINT-UP is active in Japan’s indie scene.
They’re a band with a style that directly expresses emotion, drawing on emotional rock and punk.
Through live performances both locally and at home and abroad, they’ve built a strong bond with their fans.
Their appeal lies in a musicality where intensity and beauty coexist.
Marked by emotive performances and introspective lyrics, their music resonates deeply with listeners.
If you like emocore or screamo, be sure to check them out.
Refrain BoyALL OFF
ALL OFF is a band composed of five men.
With the motto “The band is all about live shows,” they perform at live houses and festivals across Japan.
They made their major-label debut in 2015, and the title track of their third single, “Refrain Boy,” was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Mob Psycho 100.
THE NIGHTOVER ACTION
OVER ACTION was formed in Nara Prefecture in 2005.
They started out as a cover band, but after opening for TOTALFAT in 2006, they were influenced by them and shifted to their current style.
Their strength lay in their sense of speed and melodies that hit you in the heart.
They disbanded in 2014 to much regret.
Raise Your Fists!! Introducing Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (81–90)
REMEMBERINGBLAUER MONDAY
BLAUER MONDAY was a three-piece band formed in 2010, mainly active around Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Shimokitazawa.
Influenced by overseas emo/screamo and melodic punk, they were a forward-thinking band that incorporated Auto-Tune into both their live performances and recordings.
They disbanded in 2015 to much regret.
Farside of the sunNATURE LIVING
Formed in 1998.
Influenced by the sound of artists labeled as emo bands, such as Sweden’s STARMARKET, who were active in the ’90s, they began their musical activities.
Starting around 2005, they also performed live overseas.
In 2015, they released “Let me sleep on it,” their first new track in five years, which garnered attention.
SandmanTHE rabu ningen
THE Love Ningen captivates with warm vocals and catchy melodies.
Based in Shimokitazawa, they are known for a distinctive sound that blends various genres around a core of rock.
Since forming in 2009, they’ve expanded their activities through several lineup changes and released popular works such as “Sandman” and “Rays of the Sun.” Recommended for those seeking music that transcends genre boundaries.
RUNNERchaqq
Chaqq was formed in 2007 after the three members each played in their own bands.
Centered around the Kansai and Kanto regions, they continue to move audiences with their passionate live performances.
In 2008, they released their first single, “RUNNER/Living.”