Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
When you think of Japanese rock bands from the 2000s, which bands come to mind?
You might think of the quintessential guitar rock bands like BUMP OF CHICKEN, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, ELLEGARDEN, and Fujifabric, or the bands that supported the early-2000s youth punk movement such as 175R and Gagaga SP.
There were also many bands that became widely known beyond rock fans, like Tokyo Jihen, ORANGE RANGE, and HY, so I’m sure each listener has their own bands that pop into mind.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of signature tracks and recommended favorites from rock bands that were active in the 2000s.
We’ve picked everything from nostalgic tunes to timeless staples that are still going strong today, so take this opportunity to give them a careful listen once again.
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Masterpieces by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock] (71–80)
Golden GraffitiROTTENGRAFFTY
A song whose cry, woven from anger and delicacy, hits you in the chest.
While searingly expressing distrust and rage toward society and a sense of loneliness, it also entrusts hope for the future to scenes bathed in the golden hues of dusk.
Released as a new track on ROTTENGRAFFTY’s December 2011 album “GOLD,” this piece is a masterpiece where loud rock and melodic elements are brilliantly balanced.
Created by guitarist KAZUOMI from bittersweet memories of youth, it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “Kudamaki Hachibei X” in January 2012.
It resonates deeply with those who feel the hardships of modern society or wish to immerse themselves in memories of the past.
ambivalenceexist†trace
Ambivalence depicts the feelings of thinking about someone precious even while being hurt, rendered through a heavy, powerful sound.
This track was released as a first single in August 2005.
The interlacing twin-guitar riffs and the thick, driving rhythm section seem to embody the protagonist’s weighty love.
On top of that, Jo’s vocals—blending growls and shouts—are like a raw, inner scream.
Immerse yourself in its dark yet beautiful world.
summer festivalWhiteberry
The big hit single released in 2000 by Whiteberry, a girls’ band formed in 1994, is “Natsu Matsuri.” The song was originally released in 1990 as a single by the rock band JITTERIN’JINN, and both versions became major hits, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The Whiteberry version was used as the theme song for the drama “Fushigi na Hanashi,” and its total sales far surpassed those of the original.
Family LandscapeHanaregumi
Hanaregumi is the solo project of Takashi Nagazumi, the vocalist of SUPER BUTTER DOG, one of Japan’s leading funk bands.
Its appeal lies in songs that highlight an acoustic, folk-like sound, distinct from the band’s style.
The 2002 debut single “Kazoku no Fukei” (“Family’s Scenery”) is one such track, where acoustic guitar, upright bass, and brushed drums create a somewhat nostalgic sound.
The lyrics about a father and mother are poignant and really hit you in the heart.
SignMr.Children
When it comes to national rock bands, it has to be Mr.Children, known as “Misuchiru.” Their 26th single, “Sign,” was written specifically for the TBS drama Orange Days.
I hope you’ll listen with attention to the lyrics, which depict everyday life and love in beautiful Japanese—there’s a real sense of style in the word choice.
As the years go by, the lyrics seem to gain even more depth, don’t they? It’s a song I recommend for those times when something’s gotten you down and you want to feel some warmth.
holly (Japanese holly tree, Ilex crenata)Do As Infinity
Hiiragi is the 17th single by Do As Infinity, released in 2003.
It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Love Letter: The Man We Loved and reached No.
7 on the Oricon singles chart.
The winter-themed lyrics carry a certain poignancy, resulting in a ballad that evokes a sense of loss.
The music video was filmed in Hokkaido, and the cover features a photograph taken on Oshima Ōshima, also in Hokkaido.
Dancing neckBLEACH
This is the major-label debut from BLEACH, the girls’ hardcore band from Okinawa that hits like a bolt through your skull.
Kanna’s piercing high-tone vocals together with the ferocious beats from Miya and Sayuri unleash a raw, explosive energy—like turning uncontrollable impulses and inner turmoil directly into sound.
It’s a track for anyone stuck with that pent-up frustration of wanting to change but feeling unable to move.
It just might be the spark that blows up your boring everyday routine.