[2026] Summary of Young Major Bands and Indie Bands on the Verge of Breaking Through

When I feel like seeing youFish and Lips

Fish and Lips – When I Feel Like Seeing You [Music Video]

A three-piece band from Hatogaya, Saitama.

They formed and got moving in 2022, when the members were high school juniors.

As an original band outside of any school club, you can sense the trust among the members and their eagerness to be active as a band.

With songs like “Seishun Rock o Utatte” and “Aitaku Nattara,” they make the most of their high school setting, delivering lyrics that convey the sweetness and conflicts of youth, paired with a driving sound that’s part of their appeal.

As a three-piece, each member has clear solo moments and highlights, which also reflect the trust they have in one another.

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A preachy old man’s RoombaHedigan’s

Hedigan’s – “Rumba of a Preachy Old Man” (Official Music Video)

A band made up of distinctive members.

Centered around YONCE, the frontman of Suchmos, Hedigan’s formed in 2023 and captivates with a sound rooted in vintage rock ’n’ roll and indie folk.

They made their major debut in February 2024 with the EP “2000JPY,” and released the album “Chance” in November of the same year.

Their first one-man tour across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka sold out at every show.

They’re on a roll, having also performed at Fuji Rock.

Their music, brimming with experimentation and rebellious spirit, is recommended for anyone seeking the essence of rock.

lingering scentVeronika ni sayonara.

Goodbye to Veronica — “Lingering Scent” (Official Music Video)_Goodbye Veronica from Okayama

Formed in June 2023 after meeting through a Okayama University club, the indie band “Veronica ni Sayonara” is gaining attention for its colorful sound, grounded in J-POP and ROCK while incorporating elements of city pop.

They released their first digital single, “mokusei,” in July 2024, and their track “Nokoriga” was selected for power play on five FM radio stations.

The story-like lyricism woven by vocalist YunD Yun and the technically sophisticated compositions featuring irregular time signatures suggest a talent poised for a major breakthrough.

Many music fans are likely keeping a close eye on their trajectory.

They’re a promising rock band that shines with the brilliance of a new talent taking flight from Okayama.

Things that shine upon/with each otherBye-Bye-Hand no Houteishiki

Bye-Bye-Hand's Equation 'Hikari Au Monotachi' Official Music Video

Bye-Bye-Hand no Houteishiki is a four-piece rock band based in Toyonaka, Osaka.

Formed in May 2015 by junior high school classmates, they won the grand prize at an audition hosted by No Big Deal Records in 2020.

In May 2024, they made their major-label debut with the album “Sofubi” on Nippon Columbia.

Centered on the theme of “slightly strange but addictive music,” they pursue a unique sound influenced by a variety of genres, capturing the hearts of young listeners in search of music they’ve never experienced before.

Proposal linesmeiyo densetsu

Honorary Legend – Proposal Lines (Music Video)

Honor Legend is a rising young band known for their talent in crafting alluring melodies and catchy tunes.

Their music deftly blends a pop sensibility with traditional Japanese elements, drawing listeners into a world of vivid energy and moving storytelling.

In 2023, they released a series of music videos for tracks such as “Loving,” “Proposal Lines,” and “Portron.” In particular, “Proposal Lines” became a hit with over 960,000 views on YouTube.

Showcasing a wide musical range, they seamlessly span everything from dance music to ballads.

On February 14, 2024, they also released the single “feat.

You.” They are one of the most exciting acts to watch right now.

Whalebone CollectiveYureru wa yūrei

Swaying Is a Ghost – “Whale Bone Crowd” (Official Music Video)

Yureru wa Yuurei is a four-piece band based in Okayama, known for a sound rooted in post-rock and shoegaze.

They began activities in 2024 and drew attention with demo tracks released on SoundCloud.

Their first demo CD sold out immediately, signaling momentum from the outset.

In March 2025, they released the EP “mnemeoid,” which stands as their signature work and a testament to their musical identity.

Although they have not yet won major music awards, they’ve sold out shows in Tokyo and launched their self-organized tour “Through the Oort Cloud,” earning a strong reputation for their live performances.

Layers of guitars build a wall of sound, while contrasts between stillness and intensity invite listeners into an introspective realm.

Their dramatic, spacious compositions should resonate with anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a grand sonic world.

Intersection171

171 – Intersection

171 is a rock band that has been delivering soul-stirring performances mainly at live houses in the Kansai region, steadily expanding the scope of their activities from there.

They formed in January 2019 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.

The trio consists of Harunobu Tamura on guitar and vocals, Kana on bass and vocals, and Morimori on drums.

Their 2023 album, “My Second Car,” earned high praise for its energetic performance and sentimental melodies.

Their musicality has also been lauded by Fukase of SEKAI NO OWARI.

Their music, which blends intensity with melodious elements, hints at new possibilities for alternative rock.