[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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Raise Your Fists!! Introducing Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (31–40)
Peace MakerEGNISH
EGNISH is a five-piece band based in Sendai.
They’ve been actively performing in Tokyo and touring regional areas, steadily honing their skills.
On March 11, 2012—marking one year since the Great East Japan Earthquake—they released their first recording, an album titled “The World,” which is also their first to feature lyrics entirely in Japanese.
The track “Peace Maker” included on the album is a song filled with hope.
FLAGWOMCADOLE
They’re the next-generation rock stars that Shiga Prefecture is proud of.
This notable four-piece made a bold entry into the major scene in 2019.
Carrying all their pain, struggle, and sorrow, their weapon is songs that still channel their primal impulse with high purity.
Especially live, their all-out performances—like pouring their very lifeblood into the stage—amplify that weapon even further.
They’re a rising rock band with the power to punch a hole in the Japanese rock scene—one to watch.
YESFABLED NUMBER
They’re a six-piece rock band from Osaka.
Their appeal lies in genre-defying songs that uniquely blend a heavy, loud rock-informed sound with danceable arrangements drawn from EDM and club music.
A newcomer that made their major-label debut with Nippon Crown in 2017, they’re sure to grow even more prominent—an up-and-coming rock band you won’t want to miss.
DeterminationLASTGASP
A next-generation rock band formed in 2006 in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, born in the Heisei era.
They overcame a member’s accidental death and lineup changes, continuing their activities without pause.
Despite being an indie band, they were selected to perform the theme song for the anime Yowamushi Pedal.
Their down-to-earth, message-driven songs have earned overwhelming support from young people of the same generation.
Last wordChased by Ghost of HYDEPARK
A band active mainly in the Kansai region since April 2015.
Their songs feature an up-tempo, thick twin-guitar sound and emotionally crafted melodies with a strong emphasis on melodic lines.
With solid musicianship, they’re a band expected to make even greater strides.
They’re expanding their reach with airplay on numerous radio stations, including overseas, and by earning accolades in music auditions held nationwide.
Raise Your Fists!! Introducing Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (41–50)
Stardust Train of TearsZa gojuukaitenzu
The three-piece rock band The 50 Kaitenz is characterized by a sound that blends elements of punk and garage rock.
Formed in Osaka in 2004, they have evolved uniquely while drawing influence from the Ramones.
They have earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad, including hitting No.
1 on Canadian radio charts.
In 2014, they launched their own label, Magic Box.
In 2018, they released the album “The 50 Kaitenz,” thrilling their fans.
Their collaborations with AKB48 and Hiromi Go also drew attention.
With their energetic performances, they project a truly one-of-a-kind presence.
Shine On MeOCEANLANE
OCEANLANE is a band formed in 2001, known for English lyrics with native pronunciation by Takei and Naoe, who have roots in the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively.
They performed as a four-piece, but went on an indefinite hiatus in 2011 following Takei’s departure.