[J-Pop] From Rising Stars to Legends! Japan’s Must-Listen Alternative Rock Bands
Alternative rock is a music genre that emerged from approaches to rock that differ from the mainstream.
There are many people who say, “I love alternative sounds that I’ve never encountered before—music that shakes my soul!” In this article, we’ll introduce alternative rock bands from the Japanese music scene.
Thunderous noise, lyrics with a somewhat dark atmosphere that weigh heavily on the heart, ferocious performances that lay emotions bare… and on the other hand, musical styles that are brisk and stylish—each band has its own distinctive traits.
Be sure to find your favorite, coolest act.
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[J-Pop/Rock] From rising stars to legends! Must-listen Japanese alternative rock bands (71–80)
MeiteiUtaKata
Formed in 2019 and active mainly at live houses around Tokyo, UtaKata is a three-piece rock band whose members had an average age of 21 as of 2022.
Their hallmark is technically intricate songs and performances featuring odd time signatures and key changes, along with a powerful guitar-rock sound that feels far bigger than a trio.
Lyrics imbued with the band’s message of “ephemerality and passion,” contrasted with beautiful melodies, draw listeners in.
Definitely keep an eye on them!
Energy PopPakiruka
Do you know Pakiruka, a non-genre rock band bursting with youth and energy? They’re a four-piece from Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
Formed in May 2022 by members who met in their high school light music club, the band takes its name from the internet slang “pakiru,” meaning to get super hyped.
They say they want both themselves and the audience to “pakiru.” Centered on rock, their sound blends a wide range of genres—from pop and hip-hop to jazz and R&B—keeping listeners hooked.
So far, they’ve released two singles: Anisakis ga Shinu Yō ni and Energy Pop.
Each roughly three-minute track is packed with their passion for music.
StrikeWHITE ASH
They won the music contest “RO69JACK 2010” in 2010 and performed at “ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2010” held that summer.
They continued to appear at various festivals and gained attention.
In April 2014, their song “Hopes Bright” was selected as the commercial theme for Mode Gakuen, a vocational school corporation, further boosting their recognition and popularity.
There is no tomorrow.Hideyoshi
A three-piece rock band formed in Gunma Prefecture.
Centered around their local area, they perform energetically, earning high praise for their gentle, beautiful melodies and arrangements that blend suppleness with power.
As a band poised to lead the next generation, they are attracting attention from a wide range of listeners.
Spring gazesedai
Sedai is a four-piece rock band formed in Tokyo.
Their songs stand out for evoking a wide range of genres—guitar rock, rock ’n’ roll, punk, emo, and more.
Even among such tracks, what most captures the ear is the vocals.
The way the singing rasps and belts, as if refusing to hold back overflowing emotion, seizes your heart as you listen.
They’re a band to watch closely, sure to grow steadily in popularity from here.
End of HeatFusee
Fusee is a rock band that, while upbeat, also conveys a touch of ennui.
After winning the runner-up prize at the 2021 audition hosted by Sony Music’s Next-Generation Rock R&D Lab, they rose to nationwide recognition.
Since then, they’ve continued to release excellent tracks on a steady basis.
Their appeal lies in their catchy musicality.
With melodies and lyrics that are easy to relate to, they’re just right for listeners who haven’t yet dived deeply into serious rock.
They’re one of the bands I recommend to anyone looking to get into rock from here on out.
nectarJIGDRESS
JIGDRESS captivates with down-to-earth messaging and emotionally charged sonics.
Daiki Yamazaki serves as the vocalist and guitarist, and also writes and composes most of their songs.
Their jagged, distorted guitar sound and subtly sentimental lyrical world are part of the appeal.
It’s music that stands beside young people in their moratorium—impatience with being a nobody, anxiety about what the future holds.
Turn it up and listen closely.
