[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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- [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!! Introduction to Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (11–20)
AmaryllisBLUE ENCOUNT
BLUE ENCOUNT is a four-piece rock band with fiery souls.
They made their major debut in 2014 and have captured many fans’ hearts with their emotional guitar rock.
They’ve provided numerous theme songs for anime and dramas, with Polaris, the opening theme for My Hero Academia, being especially well-known.
In February 2016, they achieved the remarkable feat of selling out a solo show at Nippon Budokan on the same day tickets went on sale.
Their straightforward, honest lyrics and passionate performances are their hallmark, and the intensity of their live shows is overwhelming.
If you’re struggling with worries or searching for your own path, be sure to give their music a listen.
bladeThe Back Horn
THE BACK HORN has pursued their distinctive sound since their indie days.
Formed in 1998, they’ve produced hits such as “Wana (Trap)” and “Cobalt Blue.” Grounded in a raw rock sound, their music ranges from downcast to beautiful to powerfully intense.
In 2018, they celebrated their 20th anniversary with an anniversary tour that included overseas dates and a performance at Nippon Budokan.
Experience their world—a sound that stirs the emotions sleeping deep within your heart.
MonolithCROSSFAITH
Crossfaith captivates fans around the world with a musical style where intensity and beauty coexist.
Formed in 2006, the band is known for its unique sound that fuses metalcore with electronica and hardcore.
They released their debut album, “The Artificial Theory for the Dramatic Beauty,” in 2009 and have remained highly active since.
Their 2013 album “APOCALYZE” received international acclaim and led to a world tour.
They’ve also earned high praise overseas, including appearances at the UK’s Reading and Leeds Festivals.
Their energetic live performances are another major draw.
A must-listen for anyone seeking powerful, heavy music.
YellowLiaroid Cinema
Wouldn’t it be fair to introduce Liaroid Cinema, a five-piece rock band from Osaka, as an emo band as well? Their performances carry an impulse that makes you feel your emotions steadily rise just by listening, and the vocal style—like pouring your heart out—is striking.
The term “passionate” seems to fit them well, yet amid that intensity you can sense a certain wistfulness and melancholy, and at the same time even a glimmer of hope.
Their songs, which are best described as ones you feel with your heart, are essential listening.
still in meIF
The melodic punk rock band IF, a group of uniquely individual members, brings a blazing sound! They made their major debut in 2022, and the music video for their pre-release track generated a lot of buzz.
Blending each member’s experience to pursue the pure joy of music, their approach is truly compelling.
IF’s music focuses solely on what they want to do, without unnecessary distractions.
Their emotional performances resonate deeply—be sure to give their music a listen.
UnsheathedSILHOUETTE FROM THE SKYLIT
They are a four-piece rock band known for songs that capture the best of both worlds: the breeziness of EDM and other dance music and the weighty, powerful impact of a full band sound.
After moving from Fukuoka to Tokyo, they’ve been highly active, mainly in the Tokyo area.
Their distinctive sound design and the powerful, heartfelt vocals of SeshiroX, who handles lead vocals, continue to captivate listeners.
Raise Your Fists!! Introduction to Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (21–30)
Antenna Last10-FEET
The emotional music of 10-FEET, a three-piece rock band from Kyoto, really moves me.
Formed in 1997, they made their debut in 2001.
Their appeal lies in a unique sound grounded in mixture rock, incorporating elements of nu metal and punk.
Their signature song “Dai Zerokan” was used as the ending theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK and drew a huge response.
Powerful performances and heartfelt lyrics—sometimes brimming with hometown pride—are their hallmark.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking music that resonates with the heart.