In this article, we asked Shohei Ikezumi—guitarist of the Kyoto chaotic hardcore band Arbus, known for technically proficient guitar work and a strong emphasis on songcraft—to pick standout songs with excellent guitar riffs from various genres and explain them.
He introduces famous guitar riffs from history through his unique perspective.
Western musicFollowing that, here we’re highlighting Japanese music!
If you're particular about guitar riffs or just love them, be sure to check this out for reference!
- Makes you want to play it! Japanese rock with the coolest guitar riffs
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
- Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [J-Pop] A compilation of popular songs with irresistible guitar cutting [2026]
- Supreme guitar riffs from both Japanese and Western music: songs with badass intros
- [Low End] A collection of Japanese songs with high-difficulty bass parts [Cool]
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
- Chosen by a YouTuber guitarist! Practice songs for guitar strumming: Japanese rock edition
- The allure of surf music: a supreme healing space lured by the ocean’s tones
- [Great to Listen to and Sing] A Collection of Cool Japanese Songs [2026]
- Classic Japanese punk songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Classic emo masterpieces in Japanese music. Recommended popular songs.
Selected by Arbus’s guitarist! Classic Japanese songs with awesome guitar riffs
KOROSUBORIS
A Tokyo heavy rock band that’s highly rated overseas.
During this period, their sound leaned heavily into psych and stoner influences, and the fuzz crushed through compression feels incredibly satisfying.
It’s included on an album aptly titled “Heavy Rocks,” which is packed with great riffs.
Satori PartⅠFLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND
With Joe Yamanaka on vocals, produced by Yuya Uchida, and an album built around the suite Satori Parts I–V.
It might be hard to grasp by today’s values, but it is unquestionably the pinnacle of Japanese rock.
It’s not much discussed anymore, but it was the standard-bearer for the English-lyrics side of the “Japanese rock” debate and is significant in music history.
SKUNKBLANKEY JET CITY
One of my favorite songs by BJC.
The guitar riff in the intro is insanely cool, but isn’t it way too hard to sing while playing it? They’re not a band that’s often talked about for their riffs, but they have a lot of distinctive ones that could be taken as rock, blues, or even jazz.
Excuse mekamomekamome
This is a track that captivates listeners with its vivid sound and unique worldview.
Beyond the power of its riffs, the vocalist’s alluring tone leaves a strong impression.
The chordal development midway through, the subtly woven dissonances, the rhythmic shifts, and the melody line of the chorus—all are arranged in exquisite balance.
Opening the album “Happy Rebirthday To You,” released in June 2010, this piece fully showcases the breadth of kamomekamome’s musicality.
Skillfully blending elements of emo, progressive, and hardcore, their music is perfect for fans seeking a fresh experience unconstrained by genre.
Sad Asian BoyTHE YELLOW MONKEY
When it comes to Japanese guitar riffs, you just can’t leave out The Yellow Monkey.
Their hallmark is the coexistence of wild riffs that use the 7th and a chorus that’s pure kayōkyoku.
You don’t see many bands using this kind of approach much since the 2000s.
Apple’s Tearsningen ishi
This song personifies an apple to portray its life and death, and the sorrow of parting.
It vividly reflects Ningen Isu’s distinctive worldview, skillfully weaving in the scenery of Aomori and the nuances of Japanese sentiment.
Included on the album “Ningen Shikkaku,” released in July 1990, it drew attention as the band’s debut work.
From the apple’s perspective, the piece depicts the transience of life and the bonds of family, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s best enjoyed alone on a quiet night.
It can be a source of comfort when you want to contemplate the meaning of life or when you’ve experienced parting from someone dear.
gravityLUNA SEA
With its beautiful melody and profound emotional expression, this song has long been cherished as one of LUNA SEA’s signature works.
The rain-themed lyrics use gravity as a metaphor for human emotions and circumstances, skillfully depicting themes of longing, loss, love, and farewell.
Released in July 2000, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Another Heaven.” INORAN’s arpeggiated riff is especially striking, and the unique personalities of each member blend seamlessly throughout the track.
It is a song that will resonate deeply with those who have experienced heartbreak or parting, or who stand at a crossroads in life.
Balancing strength and delicacy, this work leaves a profound emotional impact on its listeners.