Recommended Japanese bands for high school students

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.

PetalishSorry No Camisole

Sorry No Camisole – Petalish (Live Video)

Sorry No Camisole is an alternative band that unleashes destructive energy and raw sonics.

Formed in Tokyo in 2023, this five-piece draws from ’90s indie roots such as grunge and garage punk.

They debuted in 2024 with their first single, “Disgust / Petalish.” Blending punk’s explosive power with post-punk cool, their music is perfect for listeners seeking sounds unbound by convention.

Overdriveosage

osage – Overdrive [Music Video] (Theme song for BS-TBS Thursday Drama 23 'Spice.')

Osage, a four-piece rock band from Shimokitazawa, has been gaining attention for a sound that blends nostalgia with freshness.

Their music is rich with appeal, driven by Kenta Yamaguchi’s distinctive vocals and the members’ outstanding musicianship.

After winning the grand prize at the murffin discs audition in 2018, they made their major-label debut in 2024 on gr8! records.

Their strength lies in a sonic palette that incorporates diverse genres such as mixture rock and hip-hop.

They’re a must-listen for anyone exploring the possibilities of music.

Soldiers of Februarythe cabs

the cabs / Soldier in February [Official Music Video]

the cabs is a band that built a unique world with complex rhythmic structures and literary lyrics.

They made their indie debut in 2011 on Zankyo Record with the mini-album “Ichiban Hajime no Dekigoto.” A highly skilled group, they balance songs that make full use of irregular time signatures, drumming likened to a bomber, and a translucent singing voice.

In February 2013, they were forced to disband due to the disappearance of their guitarist, but the members continued with their respective projects and achieved a long-awaited reunion in 2025.

Experimental yet emotionally expressive, their music resonates across generations.

Law of the Seatiny yawn

tiny yawn “Law of the Sea” (Official Music Video)

tiny yawn has been gaining attention for their distinctive sound that weaves together elements of ’90s emo, post-rock, and neo-soul.

Formed in 2017, this four-piece crafts a sound where delicate riffs and technical musicianship create something simple yet deeply resonant.

In 2021, they won ROAD TO JAPAN JAM and received the Roland Award at Ototama Grand Prix, earning high praise within the scene.

Their songs gently capture the small emotions and everyday scenes of daily life—highly recommended for anyone seeking a soothing respite from a busy day.

Take one tablet without water.wash?

wash? / Take one tablet without water.

Wash?, a band whose appeal lies in a sound that fuses alternative rock and grunge, was formed in Tokyo in 2002.

Centered around Dai Okumura, the lineup became a trio when bassist Masamitsu Kawasaki joined in 2011 and drummer Takanori Sugiyama in 2019.

Their roaring guitars and driving rhythms have captivated many fans.

It’s perfect for those who want to sublimate everyday emotions through music.

decorationakashikku

Akashic “Decoration” 2024.11.14 “Terrible Plan” Tokyo Edition @ Shimokitazawa Shangri-La

Akashic is a rock band formed in 2011.

Their 2014 mini-album “Conservative” reached No.

1 on the indie chart at Tower Records Shibuya, and they made their major-label debut the following year in 2015 under unBORDE.

They fuse an impulsive, primal sensibility with a diverse sound that spans J-pop, progressive rock, and jazz rock.

Although they disbanded in 2019, they resumed activities in November 2024.

Let yourself be swept away by the vortex of their emotions.