Recommended Japanese bands for high school students

Give flowersBlume popo

Blume popo 'Give Flowers' Music Video

Introducing the appeal of Blume popo, a five-piece alternative rock band from Shiga Prefecture.

All members have been friends since childhood, and the band officially kicked off in 2015.

Their hallmark is a sound that weaves together Miko Nomura’s fragile, translucent vocals with the band’s meticulously crafted ensemble, fusing elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and electronica.

In 2017, they won “RO JACK” at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL and went on to perform at the festival.

Give them a listen and you might find your senses awakened in a whole new way.

turmoilUVERworld

UVERworld “Gekidō”

Are you familiar with UVERworld, a six-member band from Shiga Prefecture? They debuted in 2005 and have earned strong support from many young listeners thanks to their unique sound and TAKUYA∞’s lyrics.

Many of their songs have been used as theme songs for anime and TV dramas, and in 2008 they topped the weekly singles chart with “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi.” In 2017, they demonstrated their overwhelming popularity by successfully holding the “Men’s Festival” at Saitama Super Arena, drawing about 23,000 people.

Their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics stand out, making them a great recommendation for J-pop fans as well as high school students who like idols and anime songs.

If you’re looking to discover new music, definitely give them a listen!

ShadewalkerMindscape

Mindscape – Shadewalker (Official Visualizer)

Hailing from Shizuoka, Mindscape is a band pursuing progressive metalcore.

They’ve established a uniquely weightless sound that blends twin vocals with a djent-influenced approach.

In June 2025, they released their first CD in a limited run of 200 copies, making a strong mark on the indie scene.

The release includes tracks such as Mirage and Inside Of Me, both of which have music videos.

Their world of intricate rhythms and beautiful melodies is sure to captivate listeners seeking technical music!

HypocrisyC-GATE

C-GATE / Hypocrisy 【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】

Based in Tokyo, C-GATE is a post-metalcore band formed in Nagano in 2012.

The members are vocalist NaShun, guitarist/vocalist Ryo Sakura, bassist Johnny, and drummer/vocalist Hiroki.

Their hallmark is a heavy, technical sound that ferociously fuses elements of death metal and hardcore.

After self-releasing their album “void” in 2016, they overcame lineup changes and accelerated their activities.

In March 2022, their track “Eat ’em all” topped Japan’s metal top songs chart, solidifying their credentials.

Their sound, which marries uncompromising aggression with architectural precision, is sure to resonate deeply with listeners seeking true metalcore.

custom; convention; old-fashioned practiceDEVILOOF

DEVILOOF – Custom (Official Music Video)

DEVILOOF captivates with a style that fuses the aesthetics of visual kei with overseas deathcore.

Formed in Osaka in 2015, the band consists of four members: vocalist Keisuke, guitarist/vocalist Ray, bassist Taiki, and drummer Kanta.

While incorporating extreme metal elements such as slamming and brutal death metal, they craft songs with a strong sense of structure and beauty.

Their 2021 album Dystopia topped international metal charts, showcasing their global impact.

Actor Tadanobu Asano being a fan and appearing in their music video Inshū is another testament to their influence.

Known as “Japan’s most ferocious visual kei,” their sound is one you should definitely experience.

Let Me HearFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

［PV］Let Me Hear/Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas is a rock band formed in 2008.

This song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Parasyte -the maxim-, which aired from 2014 to 2015.

to shake; to sway; to waverHump Back

Hump Back – Yureru Music Video

Hump Back is a three-piece all-girl band active since 2009, originally formed as a Chatmonchy cover band.

Centered around vocalist Momoko Hayashi, the lineup aside from her has changed over time, and the current formation has been in place since 2016.