[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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- 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!! Introduction to Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (51–60)
Ten Years LaterBACKLIFT
BACKLIFT is a melodic punk band from Nagoya, Aichi.
Formed in 2007, they made their major-label debut in 2017, releasing the mini-album “BLANKS.” Their appeal lies in a sound reminiscent of ’90s melodic hardcore and honest lyrics that express real, down-to-earth feelings and struggles.
Their collaborations with bands like WANIMA and 10-FEET also drew attention.
They continue to be highly active, including performing on the main stage of FREEDOM NAGOYA, the largest free rock festival in Nagoya.
If you’re looking for melodic, emotional tracks, don’t miss them!
WithJANGA69
JANGA69 is a five-piece band formed in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, centered around Mane-san, Usui-san, and Takahashi-san, who were inspired by the bright, upbeat pop-punk of bands like New Found Glory and Simple Plan.
The band’s name combines Iwaki’s traditional performing art “Jangara Nenbutsu Odori” with “69 (rock).”
Upside downT.C SPEAKER
Formed in Osaka in 2006.
They possess a unique atmosphere, marked by aggressive, powerful, and irresistibly catchy melodies.
Their songs reveal a foundation steeped in a wide range of genres—including pop punk, melodic hardcore, and emo—that naturally builds excitement.
And above all, their live performances create a world only they can deliver, continuing to captivate all who witness it.
Rise againACCIDENT I LOVED
Formed in 2009 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, this band is known for irresistibly bright melodies interwoven with a touch of poignancy, high-energy songs, and a sound that’s both accessible and familiar yet sharply edged—resulting in a remarkably well-balanced sonic identity.
The bass-vocalist Mr.
Yamanabe’s voice is unforgettable once you’ve heard it.
Their powerful, all-out live performances are a must-see.
Raise Your Fists!! Introducing Japanese Emotional Rock Bands (61–70)
LOST SONGANCHOR
ANCHOR is a four-piece band formed in Niigata in 1999.
With their tear-jerking melodies, vocalist Miura’s beautiful, emotionally moving voice, and live performances that shake the heart, they’ve gained devoted fans across the country and become one of Japan’s leading emo bands.
“LOST SONG” is included on their first mini-album, “Asterism.”
Time bombFar From Perfect
Formed in Tokyo in 2012 around a Canadian vocalist and a guitarist who grew up in Singapore and returned to Japan.
With English lyrics by a native speaker and catchy, polished songs that weave in piano and strings, the band is gaining attention in Japan’s emo pop-rock scene.
It’s All RightSeptaluck
A band formed in 2012 around fin, the former vocalist of Stack44.
In 2013, they recorded their first album in Minneapolis, USA.
The album was released in 2014 and, despite being their debut, reached No.
9 on the indie charts.
They continued to tour energetically across the country.
In May 2016, at the first show of their album release tour in Chiba, Kazuki, the former guitarist of YOUR LAST DIARY, officially joined the band.
There’s no doubt they’ll only accelerate from here.