Recommended Japanese bands for high school students

lonelySLACK

SLACK – lonely（Official Music Video）

A three-piece band bursting with a sense of speed and youthful energy.

SLACK was formed in Shizuoka in June 2022.

Despite being available only at shows, their demo single “lonely,” released in February 2023, sold out immediately.

Their energetic live performances and songs that resonate with their generation are sure to hit especially hard with young melodic hardcore fans.

They’re playing live across Japan—including Shizuoka, Aichi, Kanagawa, and Osaka—so be sure to check for updates!

SupermanSee You Smile

See You Smile – Superman – MV【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】

See You Smile is a rock band based in Tokyo.

Formed in 2016 around guitarist Ayato, they’ve been active under the banner of “TOKYO POP PUNK.” They debuted in 2017 with the single “Stay Right Where You Are,” and released their first nationwide EP, “WILD,” in 2019.

In 2020, they hosted their first festival, “YOU VS FEST 2020,” at Yokohama’s 1000CLUB, earning attention for their contributions to the scene.

Highly recommended for fans of fast, high-energy pop punk.

movementSpecialThanks

SpecialThanks / Movement [Official Music Video]

They are a pop-punk band formed in Aichi Prefecture in 2005.

Armed with a fast-paced, melodic sound, they’ve been actively performing and releasing music.

In 2008, they released the mini-album “SEVEN COLORS.” In 2014, they drew attention by performing the opening theme for the anime “Wolf Girl & Black Prince.” Their catchy musical style is a major draw.

If you’re looking for a female-vocal melodic hardcore band, be sure to check them out!

permanentlyTHE FOREVER YOUNG

THE FOREVER YOUNG – Forever – [Official Video]

A powerful rock sound resonating from Kurume City, Fukuoka! THE FOREVER YOUNG formed in 2007 under the name KARIBUxNOxKAIZOKU, then changed to their current name in 2014.

Frontman Hiroki Kunitake’s impassioned vocals leave a strong impression, and their music brims with a raw, sweat-and-tears intensity.

They released the mini-album “Akashi” in 2021 and the full-length album “Towa ni” in 2023.

Be sure to check out their music, where passion meets a modern sensibility!

Goodbye, tearsJi Enputi

The Empty – “Goodbye, Tears” Music Video

The Empty, a band from Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Formed in 2019 by junior high school classmates, they’ve been winning over young listeners with down-to-earth lyrics and an energetic sound.

They kicked into full gear in 2021 with their first demo, “The Empty – 1st demo,” delivering exhilarating melodic punk rock on tracks like “Take Me Out” and “Seishun.” In 2024, they were selected for KBC Radio’s Power Play.

Recommended for anyone who wants to relive their youthful memories or get fired up with friends.

KichijojiANORAK!

ANORAK! – “Kichijoji” (Official Music Video)

ANORAK! is a band formed in Tokyo in 2019.

Their appeal lies in a sound that fuses elements of the emo revival and melodic punk.

Their prowess has earned high praise from Masafumi Goto of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.

Since their first EP in 2020, they’ve steadily released new music, and in 2024 they put out their second album, “Self-actualization and the ignorance and hesitation towards it.” Their unconventional sound features delicate twin-guitar arpeggios and bold tempo shifts.

Highly recommended for those who want to be moved by an emotional resonance.

Rough LoveDNA STATION

DNA GAINZ / Rough Love (Official Music Video)

DNA GAINZ is a four-piece alternative rock band from Shimane Prefecture.

Since forming in March 2022, they’ve delivered a rugged sound paired with emotionally rich vocals.

The lineup features Nagatana Wayasan on vocals and guitar, Tatsuya on guitar, Hada Ibuki on bass, and Hiromu on drums.

In 2023, they produced the mini-album “We’re Good Kids Who’ve Spent Our Belief to the Limit Just to Live.” In November 2024, they released a five-track EP and embarked on a tour across seven cities nationwide.

Their songs, themed around anxiety, inner conflict, and hope, carry powerful messages that resonate deeply.

If you’re searching for meaning in life, give their music a listen.