Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 40s

YOUNG, ALIVE, IN LOVE – Love and Machine Gun –Flipper’s Guitar

YOUNG, ALIVE, IN LOVE – Love and a Machine Gun – / FLIPPER’S GUITAR [Official Music Video]

Formed in the late 1980s around Keigo Oyamada and Kenji Ozawa and flying the Neo-GS flag, Flipper’s Guitar was a band that took the music scene by storm with its sophisticated pop sensibility and experimental sound.

They debuted in 1989 with the album “three cheers for our side ~ umi e iku tsumori janakatta,” leaving a vivid impression, and went on to release “CAMERA TALK” and “DOCTOR HEAD’S WORLD TOWER.” By reinterpreting elements of ’60s garage rock and psychedelic pop in a contemporary way, they forged a singular musical identity.

Until their sudden breakup in 1991, their music continued to exert a major influence on Japanese indie music, and with its creative ideas and melodic beauty, it still captivates many listeners today.

They’re a band I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking new possibilities in music.

Invincible VenusGO-BANG’S

GO-BANG’S “Invincible Venus”

GO-BANG’S is a girls’ band that expanded its activities from Sapporo to Tokyo and brought a fresh breeze to the rock scene.

Their three-piece lineup without a guitar was distinctive for the time, and their pop melodies—driven by catchy basslines and high-velocity drums—captivated a wide audience.

One year after their 1988 major-label debut, they broke out with a smash hit through an Alpen TV commercial, selling 370,000 copies.

Discovered by Kiyoshiro Imawano, they solidified their status as accomplished performers, even appearing at RC Succession’s live shows.

Their album Greatest Venus topped the Oricon chart for two consecutive weeks, presenting new possibilities for women’s bands.

The many classic songs that colored the youth of a generation remain as vibrant as ever, continuing to resonate in listeners’ hearts.

presentJITTERIN’JINN

Jitterin' Jinn / Present [MV]

Born in Nara Prefecture, JITTERIN’JINN captivated many fans with a music style centered on the two-beat.

In 1989, they won the sixth “Ikaten King” title on the popular TV show “Miyake Yuji no Ikasu Band Tengoku,” leading to their major-label debut.

With pop songs rooted in J-pop and rock from their debut album DOKI DOKI, they brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.

Throughout the 1990s, they produced a string of hits and, despite lineup changes, established a unique artistic world.

In 2008, one of their songs was featured in the film Aozora Ponchi, and later that fall, their music was also used for the commercial song of SANKYO Fever Dai Natsu Matsuri.

With bright, catchy melodies and heartwarming lyrics, they deliver music that resonates in the heart along with nostalgic memories.

The happiest day in the worldKUSU KUSU

KUSU KUSU The Happiest Day in the World

This rock band, formed in 1988, is a fusion of Hokkaido passion and Shimokitazawa power.

From 1989 to 1993, their unique sensibility and refreshing melodies captured the hearts of many fans.

They made their major-label debut with Polystar in May 1990 and later provided theme songs for TV anime.

Known as a skilled and accomplished band, they won the Grand Prix at FM Tokyo’s “Lion Listeners Grand Prix.” Their appearance on “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku” in April 1989 became their big break, earning them first place in the viewer voting for ten consecutive weeks.

With powerful live performances and melodies that resonate deeply, they even pulled off a successful concert at Nippon Budokan.

Enjoy a sound that revives the fierce passion of those days along with fond memories.

KissORIGINAL LOVE

ORIGINAL LOVE / Kiss

Formed in 1985 and known as a leading act of the Shibuya-kei scene, ORIGINAL LOVE continues to create sophisticated, urban sounds.

Their appeal lies in a musical style that blends a wide range of genres—soul, jazz, R&B, techno, and rock—through a unique sensibility.

They made their major debut in 1991 with the album “LOVE! LOVE! & LOVE!” and won the Japan Record Award for Best Album by a New Artist.

Later, the group evolved into a solo unit centered on vocalist and guitarist Takao Tajima, steadfastly defying existing labels, including rejecting the term “Shibuya-kei” during a live performance in July 1994.

While incorporating elements of Western music, their lyrics cherish the nuances of the Japanese language—resonating with those who seek the essence of music.

P.S. I LOVE YOUPINK SAPPHIRE

[Official] PINK SAPPHIRE “P.S. I LOVE YOU” (Music Video) Pink Sapphire / P.S. I Love You (1st single)

PINK SAPPHIRE, a four-woman rock band that brightened the early ’90s music scene, captivated audiences with a pop-rock foundation and a wide range of styles from ballads to hard rock.

After their major-label debut in April 1990, they quickly rose to prominence with a song selected as the ending theme for the TV program “Gilgamesh Night,” and went on to score high rankings on the Oricon charts.

Their bright, refreshing sound and lyrics themed around youth and romance won the hearts of many fans.

Even after disbanding in 1995, they maintained a strong following, and in 2009 they fulfilled long-held hopes with a reunion live show.

Their songs, which evoke nostalgic memories of youth, continue to shine with undiminished brilliance, wrapped in heartwarming recollections.

JulianPRINCESS PRINCESS

Jurian (Julian) / Super Loose Socks (Princess Princess Cover)

Formed in 1983, PRINCESS PRINCESS—a five-member all-female band selected from over 1,400 applicants—brought a fresh breeze to the J-pop scene.

Known for their powerful performances and catchy melodies, they made their re-debut in 1986 under the prestigious CBS/Sony label.

In 1989, they became the first all-female band to successfully perform at the Nippon Budokan, and their hit song released that same year won the 22nd Japan Cable Radio Awards.

They also achieved a stadium concert at Seibu Stadium.

With each member’s distinctive musicianship and Kaori Kishitani’s soaring vocals in perfect harmony, their music is etched deeply in the heart as a cherished page of youth.

Enjoy a collection of timeless songs that rekindle nostalgic memories while delivering a fresh sense of wonder.