[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] From rising stars to legends! Japan’s must-hear alternative rock bands (91–100)
The city is waking up.mogari
If you want to listen to orthodox Japanese alternative rock, I recommend a band called mogari.
Each member comes from a different background, but their musical style has a solid sense of unity, and every track presents a highly crafted world.
The melodies have that blend of languidness and freshness typical of late-2000s Japanese rock—think ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.
It goes down easy, so it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to dig into alternative rock.
induced wavetogaru
Togaru is the solo project of vocalist-guitarist Yokoyama, who hails from Aichi Prefecture.
It originally formed as a four-piece band, but after members left, it shifted to its current format.
The “modern grunge” that Yokoyama champions is characterized by a style that tastefully blends grunge as a foundation with his own borderless background.
It might be fun to take your time exploring the songs to discover what kinds of sounds you can hear—grunge, emo, guitar rock, pop, and more.
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.
silver ringyeti let you notice
Yeti Let You Notice is gaining attention as a next-generation alternative rock band.
Their lyrics, themed around human weakness, ugliness, and cunning, are paired with melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Blending elements of dream pop with delicate soundscapes, they craft songs that gently lead listeners into a kind dream on lonely nights.
Heavily influenced by The 1975, they express a unique worldview with meticulous attention to detail.
Works like “silver ring” portray happiness and emptiness simultaneously, stirring deep empathy in listeners.
They are also said to draw inspiration from emotionally stirring films.
City GirlKOHAKU
KOHAKU is a three-piece band based in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
They’re a newcomer band that started in 2021, and while there are still some rough edges, those very imperfections have become part of their charm, gripping listeners’ hearts.
Sophisticated, complex alternative rock is great, but there are times when you want rock that, even if unpolished, hits you right at your core.
KOHAKU is the perfect band for moments like that.
Their lyrics are often beautiful as well, so be sure to check them out.
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!
one’s true feelingstoro
In Japan’s domestic rock scene, there are many bands that are so far from rock they’re practically pop.
Of course, that’s where the demand is, so there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but I imagine many people feel dissatisfied with the scene as it is.
For those people, I’d like to recommend the band toro.
They’re a three-piece that champions the “revival of rock” and is actively making waves.
Their authentic sound rivals that of the Western rock scene.
Definitely give them a listen.