Classic Japanese rock songs recommended for women

VanillaGACKT

GACKT「Vanilla」 MUSIC VIDEO

GACKT, who originated from the visual band Malice Mizer and is now a top artist captivating women’s hearts with his unique worldview and beauty.

He’s not just cool—his occasional playful side is also part of what makes him such a popular artist.

BOYZ SECO MENCHAI

CHAI – Boys Seco Men (subtitled) – Official Music Video

A maiden’s heart sung over crisp rhythms and a heavily distorted, powerful guitar sound.

With a bold approach, it sharply captures the “pettiness” of modern love and human relationships.

Released in October 2017 as a track on the album PINK, this song was selected as one of the Top 10 entries for the CD Shop Award, chosen by record store clerks nationwide, earning high acclaim.

It’s a must-listen not only for those struggling with romance, but for anyone who wants to live powerfully and true to themselves.

centimeterthe peggies

the peggies “Centimeter” Music Video

This is a song by the peggies, released in August 2020, that expresses a bittersweet crush and a slight sense of distance as if in an equation.

The intertwining of longing and anxiety for a destined person is brilliantly conveyed through an upbeat pop-rock sound and clear, airy vocals.

The track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime “Rent-A-Girlfriend” and reached No.

34 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

This love song, which celebrates the wonder of falling for someone, is a comforting tune not only for those in love but also for anyone hoping for a wonderful encounter ahead.

Revolveryonige

yonige “Revolver” Official Music Video

A song that gently portrays the sorrow of love and the changes of the heart strikes a perfect balance between wistfulness and resignation.

It delicately depicts two people who were once close gradually growing apart, using everyday scenes like pro wrestling and ramen as a lens.

Chosen as a theme for au’s Santaro commercial series and later included on the 2018 album HOUSE, the track is further brought to life in its music video, which features actor Ryuya Wakaba and conveys a cinematic atmosphere that beautifully captures the song’s world.

Embracing the hearts of those who try to look forward while carrying the pain of heartbreak, it resonates as a quintessential yonige coming-of-age song.

Charonnegoto

Negoto – Charon [Official Music Video]

A coming-of-age song that stirs the heart with its dreamlike, translucent sound and literary lyrics.

The title “Charon” is the name of Pluto’s moon, and the story projects feelings for someone far away onto the image of Charon—always beside Pluto yet never crossing paths.

Released on March 2, 2011, the track was featured in a campaign commercial for au’s music distribution service, LISMO!.

Also included on the album “ex Negoto,” this gem portrays the ache of wanting to meet someone you cannot see.

It’s a song best heard in the stillness before dawn, when thoughts turn to someone precious in the distance.

Girl SSCANDAL

SCANDAL “Girl S” / Shoujo S – Music Video

This is a girls’ rock anthem that powerfully expresses the complex emotions felt by women in their adolescence.

SCANDAL portrays the instability of youth and the conflicts within romance with an energetic sound.

The slap bass technique used in the intro and interlude adds a vibrant drive to the track and strengthens the impact of its message.

Released in June 2009, the song was selected as the 10th opening theme for the anime BLEACH, and its music video—directed by comedian Hiroshi Shinagawa in his directorial debut—also drew attention.

It’s a great recommendation for beginners on guitar, and its robust rock sound and accessible melody are sure to boost your motivation to practice.

catDISH//

cat

This is a signature song by DISH//, written and composed by Aimyon, that depicts a poignant scene of parting.

Included as a coupling track on the August 2017 album “We Did It,” this masterpiece expresses lingering attachment and yearning for a lost loved one by layering those feelings onto the presence of a “cat.” The acoustic version performed in March 2020 drew a huge response, and from October of the same year it was used as an insert song in TV Tokyo’s Drama 25 series “Neko.” Also featured on the album “X,” the track has surpassed 1 billion streams and won the Excellence Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.

This massive hit is easy to play and can be arranged simply, so give it a try! There are also videos on YouTube, so be sure to check them out.