[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)
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.
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!
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!
Suzunari Memoriesthe molars’
the奥歯’s is a band from Hiroshima captivating many listeners with their energetic punk sound.
The members are Shunto Asabe, Haruma Asabe, and Jin.
They made their debut in 2021 with the single “Maeba,” steadily building popularity through tours and festival appearances.
In March 2023, they released the mini-album “Yoru no Jūnin” (Night Dwellers).
Championing rock ’n’ roll for the underdogs, their music—drawing the line between the everyday and the extraordinary—is truly stunning.
Their live shows enthrall audiences with powerful playing and passionate performances.
Punk fans, of course, and anyone wanting to keep up with the current music scene should definitely check them out.
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.