Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 40s
Many people in their 40s likely devoted their youth to being in bands.
From nostalgic classics to newer groups you might not know, I’d like to introduce Japanese bands recommended for men in their 40s.
These bands are sure to capture your heart.
Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 40s (1–10)
B BLUEBOØWY
Included on the 1986 album “BEAT EMOTION.” A four-piece punk band from Gunma Prefecture formed in 1981.
No explanation needed—an iconic rock band that defined the ’80s.
I remember that whenever we went to karaoke back then, someone would always sing a BOØWY song.
Thanks to that, I ended up being able to sing them even though I didn’t own the single CDs.
Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS
Included on the 1990 album “BUST WASTE HIP.” Theme song for the drama “High School Graffiti 2.” Performed by a four-piece punk band from Tokyo formed in 1985, this track features an upbeat, driving rhythm and a simple, straightforward rock-style melody.
Riding on that, Hiroto’s expressively delivered vocals pierce straight to the heart.
crimsonX JAPAN
Included on the 1989 album BLUE BLOOD.
A five-member visual-kei rock band that made their major debut in 1989.
These days, it’s often performed by brass bands as a cheer song at high school baseball games.
The spiked hair when I first saw them, and the melody that suddenly takes off from a quiet intro, made a huge impact.
huge nuisanceUNICORN
Included on the 1989 album Hattori.
A five-member rock band from Hiroshima Prefecture formed in 1986.
As a central group of the “band boom,” they were known as one of the Big Three bands alongside THE BLUE HEARTS and JUN SKY WALKER(S).
With the originality of their songs, they were an amazing band.
JUST ONE MORE KISSBUCK-TICK
Included on the 1989 album “TABOO.” Used in a commercial for Victor’s CD boombox “CDian.” A five-member rock band from Gunma Prefecture formed in 1984.
There’s an anecdote that, while the other members initially worried it might be too understated for a single, it transformed dramatically once Sakurai’s lyrics and vocals were added.
Sakurai has described the lyrics of this piece as a “decadent love song.”
Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB
Included on the 1987 album “KOMEGUNY.” Used as the image song for the JAL STORY Summer Rikyu Campaign commercial.
A nine-member rock band formed in 1982.
With an up-tempo, breezy rhythm and an open, cheerful pop melody, it’s a track where Karl Smoky Ishii’s emotionally rich vocals are a pleasure to the ear.
White MiracleSeikima II
A single released in Majireki 10 B.C.
(1989).
A six-member metal band formed in Majireki 16 B.C.
(1982).
For a metal band of the time, it’s a rare ballad number.
Over a mellow, lyrical melody, His Excellency Demon delivers a soulful vocal performance that seeps into the heart.
Plan for the Indianization of JapanKinniku Shoujo Tai
Included on the 1989 album “Neko no Tebukuro.” Used as the CM song for Cheerio Corporation’s “Cheerio.” A four-piece rock band formed in 1982.
This track fully showcases their originality: pairing hard rock tunes built on hard-edged guitar sounds with delightfully silly lyrics.
Runnerbakufū suranpu
Included on the 1988 album “HIGH LANDER.” A four-piece rock band that debuted in 1984.
The band was formed by merging two groups—“Bakufu-Jū” and “Super Slump”—that had participated in EastWest, a band contest hosted by the Yamaha Music Foundation.
I remember that until this song became a hit, they were often talked about by the public as a comic band.
HOWEVERGLAY
GRAY is an always-stylish, effortlessly cool, grown-up band.
Their live shows—tickets sell out instantly—are so powerful you have to experience them at least once.
The contrast between their cool demeanor and the dynamism of their performances makes their appeal palpable, not only to fans but to everyone.