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 Out (21–30)

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

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

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

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.

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Cinderella BoySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Cinderella Boy” Music Video <5th Mini Album “Lazy Sunday” Released on 2021.8.25>

Cinderella BoySaucy Dog

Sometimes it’s only when someone important is gone that we can truly feel grateful.

Saucy Dog is a rock band that stays close to those aching feelings and the sense of loss after losing someone.

Since forming in 2013, songs like “Itsuka” have drawn attention, making them an essential presence on the live scene.

Their three-piece guitar-rock sound is simple yet gently permeating.

The anime-style music video for their 2021 release “Cinderella Boy” quickly went viral on social media.

Their lyrics, which delicately portray romantic feelings, are one of a kind, and if you’ve ever experienced an unrequited love, you may find something to relate to.

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From here onkepura

Kepla / From Now On (Lyric Video)

From here onkepura

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.

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First WorldNEE

First World – NEE

First WorldNEE

The kind of sound that sticks in your head after just one listen gives off an exotic vibe.

NEE, who released works like “First World” in 2021, is a rock band currently in the spotlight, even being featured on the TV show Kanjam.

Their distinctive sound is layered with various effects and arrangements, making it addictive—you’ll want to listen over and over.

The one-of-a-kind world they weave with both male and female vocals stands out even among up-and-coming major bands.

Give their genre-defying music a listen!

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Anthem of CounterattackRyukku to soine gohan

Back-to-Back with Ruck / Anthem of Retaliation [Music Video]

Anthem of CounterattackRyukku to soine gohan

Ryukku to Soinē Gohan, also known by the nickname “Ryukuso,” are a guitar rock band.

The turning point that made them known to many rock listeners was winning RO JACK, the audition that awards a performance slot at ROCK IN JAPAN in 2019.

Still in high school at the time, they delivered an impressive performance on the big stage and quickly drew widespread attention.

Their songs are packed with highlights: catchy guitar riffs, superb song structures that make you want to replay them, and finely crafted arrangements for each instrument.

They’re a talented rock band that not only appeals to younger listeners but is one adults should definitely check out as well.

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Wear a dressclimbgrow

climbgrow 'Wearing a Dress' Music Video

Wear a dressclimbgrow

Climbgrow is a four-piece rock band formed in 2012 in Shiga Prefecture.

After building their career in the indie scene, they finally struck a deal with a major label in 2020.

Their unusually gritty, dusty aesthetic chews up garage, pub rock, blues, and punk, only gaining more momentum.

Their rock ’n’ roll—wild, tough, and the polar opposite of delicate and sensitive—races forward, and it’s sure to sweep up the kids at festivals and live houses alike, turning many into addicts.

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It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu “It’s Nothing,” MV

It's nothing.makaroni enpitsu

Why not lend an ear to their songs, which so brilliantly give shape to emotional feelings? Macaroni Enpitsu, a rock band that evokes the evolution of pop and rock, made their major debut in 2017.

After drawing attention with tracks like “Young Adult” and “Koibito Gokko,” their 2021 release “Nandemonai yo,” gained strong support on social media platforms such as TikTok.

With the unique background of all members being graduates of music college, their music defies genre boundaries.

Vocalist Hattori’s voice further elevates lyrics that candidly express human frailty and poignancy, and the UK rock–tinged performance may be one reason they’re beloved by listeners across generations.

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