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.

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.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Formed in 2013 and making their major-label debut in 2015, Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is known for a sound that fuses diverse genres such as J-pop and alternative rock.

Starting with the album “Variety,” they have released an original album every year.

They have provided theme songs for films, TV dramas, and anime, earning strong support—especially among younger listeners—for songs that depict youthful scenes and inner conflicts.

In 2023, they won four categories at the MTV VMAJ and received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Motoki Omori writes and composes all of their songs, and together as a tight-knit trio they create tracks with catchy melodies and profound messages.

They are a highly recommended band for those who want to experience the power of music through live-house performances.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake is a three-piece band from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, known for their distinctive sound strongly influenced by Black music such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop.

Featuring Reo Fujii’s soaring vocals and piano, Tomoaki Fukushima on bass, and Hironoshin Tomita on drums, they’ve drawn attention as a rare guitar-less band.

They made their major-label debut in November 2021 with their first EP, “EVERBLUE,” on Sony Music Labels, and in 2024 provided the theme song for the drama “Eye Love You,” starring Fumi Nikaido.

Even before their major debut, they showcased their abilities with street performances in Shibuya starting in 2017, drawing crowds of over 500 people at their peak.

Expressing Black music through a uniquely band-oriented approach, their sound is recommended not only for traditional rock fans but also for listeners who love R&B and soul.

From here onkepura

Kepla / From Now On (Lyric Video)

Kepla is drawing attention with down-to-earth lyrics that resonate with listeners and a driving, high-speed sound.

Formed in September 2020, the four-piece rock band has a youthfully evocative backstory: all members are classmates from Tokyo Metropolitan Saginomiya High School.

They made their debut in July 2021 with the mini-album “Days of Youth,” achieving a remarkable milestone as its tracks surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube.

In September 2024, they made their major-label debut with EMI Records, fully blooming with the skills they honed during their indie days.

Another appeal is their fan-centered approach: the members themselves handle merch and jacket design, keeping a close connection with their audience.

Their songs, which feel like snapshots of fleeting moments of youth, feature fresh sensibilities and lyrics that evoke real empathy, steadily growing their fanbase—especially among younger listeners.