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)
Red tambourineBLANKEY JET CITY
A quintessential 90s love song that symbolically captures pure feelings and passion for the one you love.
Released by BLANKEY JET CITY in January 1998, this track weaves a unique tapestry of metaphors to explore what love truly is.
The protagonist wishes to gift a shooting star to their beloved, and the way their heart quivers in everyday, ordinary moments is vividly portrayed, resonating with the bittersweetness of love that anyone can relate to.
Included on the album “Romeo no Shinzō” (Heart of Romeo) and used as the opening theme for TV Asahi’s “Sunday Jungle,” the song reached No.
11 on the Oricon Singles Chart for the week.
It’s a heartwarming piece with melodies and lyrics perfect for healing the wounds of heartbreak or reaffirming feelings for someone special.
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.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
This is a heartwarming song that leaves an impression with its theme of youthful memories and friendship.
It sings of parting from friends and the hope of reunion, with feelings woven in a secret place carried by a beautiful melody.
ZONE’s charming harmonies and vocals that convey hope even within a sense of melancholy make this a moving piece.
Released as their third single in August 2001, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama-30 series “Kids War 3: Zakenna yo” and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The song also won the Best New Artist Award at the 34th Japan Cable Awards.
It’s an approachable track for beginners in rock to practice, so definitely give it a try!
Masterpieces by 2000s Japanese Rock Bands [J-Rock] (81–90)
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.
CampioneORANGE RANGE
ORANGE RANGE is a five-member rock band whose songs, performed by a three-MC lineup each with different vocal ranges, captivate fans with their wide expressive power.
Their 13th single, “Champione,” used as the broadcast theme song for NHK’s coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, was created with the image of the “Agony of Doha,” an unforgettable moment for soccer fans.
Its memorable choral work and pop-rock ensemble deliver a refreshing feel that pairs perfectly with the summer atmosphere.
It’s a catchy, upbeat tune that makes you want to hum along whenever it plays as background music.
A small poemMARIA
A powerful debut track where heartfelt cries ring out over a lively rock sound.
It’s a song by MARIA, a band formed around former ZONE member Maiko, released in March 2006 and used as the opening theme for the anime Yakitate!! Japan.
Debuting at No.
10 on the Oricon charts, it clearly shows how much attention it drew at the time.
The rich ensemble created by the unusual twin-guitar, twin-bass lineup is overwhelming.
And the lyrics—anxieties about whether one’s voice will be heard, alongside the earnest desire to make it reach—strike listeners straight in the heart.
With this song, why not embrace both your struggles and your hopes, and take your next step forward?
Surprise SunThee 50’s high teens
This is a thrilling rock track from the debut album by Thee 50’s High Teens, a girls’ garage band out of Fukuoka.
It perfectly blends the raw energy of ’60s garage punk with irresistibly singable, kayōkyoku-style melodies.
Riding on a chic organ tone, they belt out the excitement of an unpredictable future with power and verve.
The song appears on the album “Thee 50’s High Teens,” released in September 2003.
When you’re stuck and weighed down by worries, the song’s boundless brightness will give you a helpful push forward.