A wonderful Japanese music band

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

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Lately, it feels like Japan’s rock band scene has been getting a lot more attention!

In recent years, we’ve seen all kinds of breakthroughs—bands hustling with a DIY approach and hitting it big, or skyrocketing to popularity after going viral on social media.

There are many ways for a spark to catch fire.

And if you’re a rock listener, chances are you don’t just want to follow the big-name bands at the forefront—you probably also want to check out the next generation of young bands and those on the verge of their big break.

In this article, we’ll be introducing a wide range of bands energizing the future of Japan’s rock scene, from major-label acts to indie artists.

We hope this helps you discover a new favorite band!

[2026] Roundup of Young Major Bands & Indie Bands on the Verge of Breaking Through (51–60)

Hellojisoku 36 km

36 km/h / Hello [Music Video]

Hellojisoku 36 km

Jisoku 36km is a rock band from Ekoda, Tokyo, drawing attention with their distinctive sound and raw energy.

Their first full-length album, Standing in the Radiance, released in July 2020, is composed of emotionally rich tracks and features a wide variety of songs.

While their music incorporates elements of alternative and folk, it also carries the heat and exhilaration of punk, giving it a cross-genre appeal.

On stage, they captivate audiences with high-energy performances, fully unleashing the primal impulse, driving momentum, and one-of-a-kind sound that define their songs.

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Song of Deceptive LoveMOSHIMO

MOSHIMO “Song of Deceptive Love” MV

Song of Deceptive LoveMOSHIMO

You might just get hooked on their robust guitar rock and addictive lyrics too.

Since their major debut in 2016, MOSHIMO has been energizing the rock scene.

Vocalist Saki Iwabuchi’s cute voice and lyrics that turn the sadness and anxiety we all feel into something uplifting are unforgettable after just one listen.

“Inochi Mijikashi Koi Seyo Otome” has become a staple of their live shows, and during their 2017 live circuit, multiple venues enforced entry restrictions due to crowding.

Their 2021 release “Bakashi Ai no Uta” is a must-hear rock number at their concerts.

Their high-energy live performances will have your body moving before you know it!

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Whalebone CollectiveYureru wa yūrei

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

Whalebone CollectiveYureru wa yūrei

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.

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Because it was there.MONO NO AWARE

MONO NO AWARE “Because It Was There” (Official Music Video)

Because it was there.MONO NO AWARE

The band’s name is pronounced “Mononoaware.” They formed in 2013 and have been a four-piece since 2015.

In 2016 they performed at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, and the following year they released their major-label debut, “Jinsei, Yama Ori Tani Ori” (“Life, With Peaks and Valleys”).

Their distinctive Japanese lyrics evoke a certain nostalgia, and their airy urban-funk and neo-acoustic approach also carries a hint of early-2000s J-ROCK flavor.

They’re a new-generation rock band with a lightly pop, slightly quirky charm that feels like it would fit both outdoors and in your room.

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Doubt first.itashimoku

Banshimoku - “Be Suspicious First” (Official Music Video, released January 1, 2022) _ BANSHIMOKU

Doubt first.itashimoku

Formed in 2019 by three high school students, Hachurui-kei rock band Itashime is a reptile-themed trio bursting with personality that lives up to their striking tagline.

Lead vocalist Chiaki Shion’s powerful, rock-edged voice is seriously cool.

Riding a wave of momentum, they pulled off their first nationwide tour in 2022, hitting 24 locations.

In 2023, they released their third album, “Genetic-Level NO!!!,” and embarked on a second national tour.

They’re a band to watch, so be sure to catch them live!

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