Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 40s

Endless SongROGUE

ROGUE – The Never-Ending Song

Included on the 1987 album “VOICE BEAT.” A four-piece rock band formed in 1982.

A track where powerful, mid-tempo drums and a lyrical, melancholic melody line provide the backdrop for soulful vocals that resonate deeply.

It fades into the pampas fields at the evening star.EARTHSHAKER

"Yūboshi no Susukino to Kiyu" MV / EARTHSHAKER

Included on the 2015 album “Bird.” A four-piece hard rock band formed in 1978.

The uptempo, rapid-fire progression with powerful drums and a noisy guitar creates an edgy, aggressive sound, and the high-pitched vocals riding on top give you chills.

PayapayaLÄ-PPISCH

LÄ-PPISCH “Payapaya” music video

A single released in 1987.

A three-piece ska band that debuted in 1987.

Alongside Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, they are one of Japan’s leading ska bands.

While keeping the distinctive rhythm of ska, the melody is very pop and easy to listen to, resulting in a catchy track.

I think they’re truly an amazing band.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

THE BOOM 'I Want to Be the Wind' Meihou Plateau Music Festival

Included on the 1994 album Kyokutou Samba.

Used in a DC Card commercial.

A four-piece rock band from Yamanashi Prefecture formed in 1986.

The song was born from vocalist Kazufumi Miyazawa’s inspiration to create a “Japanese samba.” That’s why it has a rhythm that makes you want to dance when you listen to it.

LAUGHIN’ROLLLAUGHIN’ NOSE

LAUGHIN’NOSE – LAUGHIN’ROLL (MV)

Included on the 1986 album “LAUGHIN’ ROLL.” A two-piece punk band from Osaka Prefecture formed in 1981.

It’s a cool track featuring powerful vocals over an up-tempo, straightforward rhythm and a melody that shows the influence of American rock.

The harmonica in the intro adds a nice touch, too.

2. Capricious RomeoTHE PRIVATES

THE PRIVATES / Capricious Romeo

Included on the 1989 album “SPEAK EASY.” A four-piece rock band formed in Tokyo in 1983.

It’s a cool track where the vocals ride a sweet melodic line that contrasts with the uptempo, hard-hitting drum beat and noisy guitar sound.

baptismningen ishi

NINGEN ISU / Baptism (Ningen-Isu / Senrei)

Included on the 2004 album “San’aku Dōchū Hiza-guruma.” A three-piece rock band from Aomori Prefecture formed in 1987.

As the fact that their band name is the title of an Edogawa Ranpo novel suggests, their highly literary, heavy lyrics mixed with a sound that shows glimpses of British rock influence make for a truly distinctive musical style.

I never would have imagined back then that they’d still be active today.