Classic Japanese rock songs recommended for women

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

A fresh, coming-of-age message song that sings of facing forward while harboring a bittersweet feeling in your heart.

Woven from emotional vocals and a heart-stirring melody, this track is a tour de force by SUPER BEAVER, featured as an insert song in NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” in March 2025.

Its powerful vocals and catchy sound are sure to gently nudge anyone who can’t quite put their feelings into words.

Included on the single “Unrequited Love / The Shape of Tears,” released around the same time, the song has been drawing attention alongside the drama’s theme song, “The Shape of Tears.” It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to on nights spent alone or while thinking of someone special, offering comfort to many listeners.

KusushikiMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Kusushiki” Official Music Video

This piece expresses scenes woven by a mystical tale through an Oriental-tinged melody and band sound.

Created by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in April 2025, it was selected as the opening theme for the second cour of season 2 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries, with arrangement handled by Shingo Kubota and Motoki Omori.

The lyrics, inspired by the dual nature of the archaic word “ayashi” (strange/wondrous), delicately weave the power of words, subtle shifts of emotion, and love that transcends time.

In harmony with the story and carried by vocals that resonate deep within, this is a recommended track for anyone wishing to touch upon life’s mysteries and their most cherished feelings.

TWILIGHT!!!King Gnu

King Gnu – TWILIGHT!!!

This heartwarming track layers a sense of speed and danceable sound with a wistful vocal.

Its gentle, resonant melody embraces the strong will and emotions of people who, even while being buffeted by past events and fate, strive to face forward and move on.

In this work, King Gnu showcases their unique appeal by skillfully fusing alternative rock with electronic dance music.

Written as the theme song for the feature film Detective Conan: The One-Eyed Afterimage, released in April 2025, the song harmonizes beautifully with the film’s themes of memory, fate, and rebirth.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to at life’s crossroads, or when you’re about to take a new step forward.

Blue amberback number

back number – Blue Amber [Theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m. drama 'From the Day I Took You']

This work gracefully depicts profound sorrow and loneliness, accompanied by a wistful, resonant melody.

It conveys the emotional turmoil between grief over losing a loved one and the vengeful feelings born from that loss, expressed through delicate vocals and a beautiful melody.

Created by back number, the song was produced as the theme for the Kansai Television/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m.

drama “From the Day You Took You Away,” which begins airing in April 2025.

Produced by Koichi Tsutaya, it is wrapped in gentle tones centered on piano and strings, and has also drawn words of empathy from lead actress Keiko Kitagawa.

It is a song that quietly stays close to the hearts of those who strive to move forward while carrying their sorrow.

giftRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Gift [Official Music Video]

The theme song of NHK’s morning drama series “Anpan” wraps us in melodies that nestle close to everyday life and heartwarming lyrics.

Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS sings with a gentle yet powerful voice that gives us a push as we try to find what truly matters.

Together with the drama starting in April 2025, this song brings us a message of hope.

In both hard times and happy times, the lyrics carry the thought that “it’s okay to look forward to tomorrow,” like a letter from a dear friend.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to bathed in the morning light—one that stays close to your heart.

Ready to RockBAND-MAID

BAND-MAID / Ready to Rock (Official Music Video) TV Anime “Rock Is a Lady’s Refinement” Opening Theme Song

An irresistible track with a powerful hard rock sound! Released in April 2025 by BAND-MAID, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Rock Is a Lady’s Refinement.” This energetic number fuses forceful guitar riffs with driving drum beats to create a stunning sonic experience.

You can also enjoy the synergy between the lyrics—centered on self-realization and passion—and the music.

In producing the anime, the band members themselves handled the motion capture, faithfully recreating realistic performance scenes, which became a hot topic.

Give it a listen when you want to recharge your energy or push forward toward a new goal!

RickenbackerRīgaru Rirī

Legal Lily – “Rickenbacker” Music Video

This work portrays a confrontation with the power of music, infused with sentiments that pierce the heart.

The lyrics, woven by 17-year-old Honoka Takahashi, express a sincere attitude toward music and its dual nature—capable at times of sustaining people and at other times of driving them to the brink.

The sound, incorporating elements of alternative rock and shoegaze, together with a clear, translucent vocal, creates a unique sonic world.

Included on the mini-album “the Post,” released in October 2016, it was later selected in 2019 as a tie-in song for the stage production “365 Days, 36.5°C.” This track stands beside everyone who loves music, teaching the importance of pursuing a music that is truly your own.