Recommended Japanese bands for high school students

nineteenRusan’chiman

Ressentiment 'Nineteen'

Ressentiment is an alternative rock band that emerged from the light music club of Tokyo Metropolitan Musashigaoka High School.

Their name embodies the drive to aim higher by channeling defiance toward rulers and the powerful.

Starting with their 2020 demo EP “Kazaana Akeru,” they have actively released work including their first mini-album “memento.” Their sound shows the influence of math rock, and is characterized by lyrics and vocals that capture raw, unfiltered emotion.

They deliver music that resonates deeply with those who feel a sense of dissatisfaction or loneliness in their present circumstances.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism, a four-piece piano pop band from Shimane Prefecture, began their journey by pursuing a fresh pop sound rooted in the members’ diverse musical backgrounds.

Building on J-pop and pop rock, they blend elements of Black music, soul, and even metal to craft a unique sonic world.

They released their indie album “Love and Peace Are Within You” in 2015 and made their major-label debut in 2018.

Soon after, they provided the theme song for Fuji TV’s prime-time Monday 9 p.m.

drama, quickly rising to prominence.

In 2019, they won Best New Artist Video at MTV VMAJ 2018, and their albums “Traveler” and “Editorial” earned back-to-back Grand Prizes at the CD Shop Awards.

Incorporating technopop elements as well, their music captivates many listeners with its pleasant melodies and distinctive vocals.

LAST HEROBLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT “LAST HERO” Music Video [Theme song for the NTV Saturday drama “THE LAST COP”]

BLUE ENCOUNT is a rock band that has been active since 2004.

This song was used as the theme song for the NTV drama “THE LAST COP,” and the tie-in helped raise their profile not only among young people but across a wide range of age groups.

Melancholy, resplendentCreepHyp

CreepHyp – Melancholy, Radiant (Yuu, San-san)

CreepHyp is a band that has been active since 2001.

This song was used in a commercial for ANESSA, a sunscreen well-known among women, and the tie-in helped it gain popularity beyond just music fans.

Gently, swayingDENIMS

DENIMS – “Yururi Yurari” (Official Audio)

DENIMS, a band leading Osaka’s new rock scene, has been forging ahead with a unique worldview since 2012.

Their sound shines with a musicality rooted in funk and blues, while absorbing a wide range of genres including hip-hop, jazz, and punk.

They made their nationwide distribution debut in 2015 with the mini-album “Daily use,” and drew attention with their appearance at the 2016 Fuji Rock Festival.

Their groove-rich sound, where rock and funk fuse, is perfect for those looking to explore new possibilities in music.

long hairFOMARE

FOMARE “Long Hair” Official Lyric Video

A melodic hardcore band that took flight from Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture to the entire country.

Since their formation in 2014, they have steadily built their career, winning the runner-up prize at FM Gunma’s band contest “ROCKERS2015” in November 2015.

They went on to top the Oricon Indie Albums Chart with their album “FORCE,” and made their major-label debut in November 2020.

Their appeal lies in a three-piece lineup’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound, powerful vocals, and emotionally resonant Japanese lyrics, with a string of hit signature songs to their name.

With powerful musicianship and passionate live performances, they are a formidable band that captivates rock fans and doesn’t let go.

FLY AGAINMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「FLY AGAIN」 (Official Video)

MAN WITH A MISSION is a five-member rock band that has been active since 2010 and performs wearing wolf masks.

This song is one of their signature tracks, with the choreography in the chorus bringing the whole venue together and hyping up the crowd at festivals and live shows.