[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 (81–90)
Satisfied?The Muddies
Riding the revival boom, The Muddies are one of the most talked-about bands right now.
Rooted in alternative rock influenced by garage rock and Black music, they fuse authentically Western-style phrasing with the passionate energy characteristic of Japanese rock.
Rather than a vocalist-centric act, they’re a band that lets the entire ensemble carry the songs—akin to King Gnu—with intricate developments appearing throughout their tracks.
Moralist S.S.Lillies and Remains
Since their debut in 2008, this much-talked-about band has been delivering an authentically real New Wave and Post-Punk sound—something Japanese artists had never truly achieved before—leaving a powerful impact on dedicated music listeners and industry insiders alike.
Their fleetingly beautiful melodies are particularly striking.
The invincible twothe pullovers
The Pullovers, who started their activities in 2019.
Vocalist Cettia and guitarist Riku Sasaki—active in bands like the scented and Cynical Animal Youth—create a unique world that gradually becomes addictive! Especially in songs like “Muteki no Futari,” the shift from quiet arpeggios to distorted guitar is captivating, and the way they control that ebb and flow is truly moving.
Savor their alternative rock–style, free-form song structures!
GIGCHIANZ
CHIANZ is a four-piece all-girl band built on breezy groove music, featuring stylish guitars and a funky bass.
They made their debut on March 6, 2024.
The collaboration between eill—who also works as a solo singer-songwriter with a smoky voice—and Foi, a vocal-guitarist influenced by C-pop, is irresistible.
Keep an eye on the tight rhythm section from former Hi Cheers! members Chie and Rei Tsukikawa as well.
With a message of “Let’s dance together without being bound by pointless rules,” their sound is both danceable and wonderfully healing.
Be sure to check them out!
If it’s going to wither anywaysekando bakka
Second Backer is a band active primarily on social media.
While rooted in alternative rock, their hallmark is catchy lyrics and hooks.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is Dōse Kareru Nara (“If We’re Going to Wither Anyway”).
It’s a track crafted in a breezy late-2000s alternative rock style, and despite being a three-piece, you can really feel how full and satisfying the performance is.
Beyond their sound, the lyrics are excellent too, so be sure to check them out.
moratoriumyutori
Yutori, a band named after the fact that all its members are part of the “yutori” generation, released their first album, Moratorium, in 2022.
Just one month after forming, they drew attention on the indie band distribution site Eggs and quickly became a hot topic on social media.
Their hallmark is a youthful, refreshing sound, and vocalist Kotoko Sato’s fresh, clear voice is especially captivating.
The album’s title track, Moratorium, was also selected as the theme song for the WOWOW original drama “Early Morning, First Train, Desolate,” and the band has been gaining attention in recent years.
[J-Pop] From rising stars to legends! Japan’s must-hear alternative rock bands (91–100)
to go out of one’s way; take the trouble (to)TETORA
TETORA is a rock band formed in 2017.
While we’re introducing them here as an alternative rock band, they’re also adept at a sound closer to orthodox rock and pop music.
TETORA’s greatest appeal lies in the world they create from lyrics that are easy to relate to.
For listeners in their teens and twenties, many of their songs will likely feel personally relevant.
They also interact frequently with other bands, and their musical style has evolved as their career has progressed.
Including these changes, they can be considered a truly compelling band.