Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 40s

HOWEVERGLAY

GLAY / HOWEVER

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.

Stay AwayL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel – STAY AWAY ROCK ODYSSEY 2004

It’s one of the nation’s most popular rock bands, loved by a wide range of generations and commonly referred to as L’Arc.

Although they’ve had hiatuses in the past, they’ve been actively performing both in Japan and abroad.

For those in their 30s, songs like DIVE TO BLUE and HONEY might feel nostalgic.

Bad peopleBLANKEY JET CITY

Blankey Jet City Bad People

A single released in 1992.

A three-piece rock band from Nagoya, formed in 1987.

This is a track from their indie days.

With a mid-tempo, gently flowing rhythm and lyrical guitar tones, Asai Kenichi’s soulful vocals send chills down the back of your neck.

It’s a cool number.

Good time & Bad timeRABBIT

Good time & Bad time

RABBIT is a skilled melodic rock band that took flight from the legendary music program “Miyake Yuji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku.” They first appeared on the show in April 1989, winning the Challenger Award, and later drew attention by being crowned the fifth Ikaten King.

In October of the same year, they made their major-label debut with the theme song for a Fuji TV network drama, and in 1992 a song used as a drama theme reached a peak of No.

14 on the Oricon chart.

They have also produced numerous tie-in works, including theme songs for animated films and commercial jingles.

Their tracks—woven from Tomoharu Iwasa’s powerful yet delicate vocals and Toshiya Noshita’s superb guitar technique with soulful “weeping” phrases—captivated many fans with a solid, American rock-influenced sound.

They’re a band we especially recommend to those who experienced the essence of rock during their youth.

FriendsREBECCA

REBECCA – FRIENDS -remixed edition-

In the late 1980s, REBECCA sparked a new wave in the music scene with their distinctive sound.

Skillfully blending new wave and synth-pop, they have captivated many fans with their sophisticated musicality since their debut in April 1984.

Their songs—woven from powerful vocals and deft keyboard arrangements—have delivered deeply moving, stirring experiences.

In 1988, they won Artist of the Year at the 2nd Japan Gold Disc Awards, cementing their status.

The album “REBECCA IV ~Maybe Tomorrow~” topped the Oricon charts and became a million seller.

In 2015, they also performed at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

As a cherished page from many people’s youth, their music—combining nostalgia with freshness—continues to resonate deeply in the heart.

Funny Bunnythe pillows

the pillows / Funny Bunny

The pillows are a Japanese rock band formed in 1989.

They made their major-label debut in 1991 and produced numerous hit songs, including HAPPY BIVOUAC and LITTLE BUSTERS.

Influenced by UK rock and mod culture, their hallmark is a diverse range of songs that defy genre boundaries.

The unique sound woven by Sawao Yamanaka’s lyrics—full of wistfulness and romanticism—along with Yoshiaki Manabe’s guitar and Shinichiro Sato’s drums has continued to be loved by fans across generations.

They’re a band I especially recommend to those whose teenage soundtrack still lingers in their hearts as adults.

Blending nostalgia with freshness, their music is sure to resonate with you.

Goodbye, Humanitytama

Tama “Goodbye, Humanity” [Official Music Video]

Included on the 1990 album “Sandalu.” Used as the theme song for Takara Shuzo’s “Jun Aleph” commercial.

A four-piece band formed in 1984.

Their unique sound—rooted in folk and featuring stomp-like percussion using a bath bucket—was incredibly shocking at the time.

It’s rare to encounter originality that surpasses theirs.