Lovely hit song

Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

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.

Masterpieces by 2000s Japanese rock bands [J-Rock] (91–100)

ThunderRIZE

RIZE “Kaminari” Music Video

ThunderRIZE

RIZE’s major-label debut crashed into the music scene with roaring guitars and an explosive sound.

Capturing a thunderbolt-like impact in musical form, the track pairs deftly interwoven English and Japanese lyrics with an ambitious message: to spread their music from Asia across the entire Eurasian continent.

Since its release in August 2000, it’s become a live staple, igniting venues with audience-inclusive performances.

Featured in Sony’s “RED HOT 2000 Campaign” commercial, the song further accelerated RIZE’s momentum.

With its powerful sound and Jesse’s commanding vocals, this track is perfect for moments when you want to unleash the fire inside or push forward believing in your own potential.

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In conclusion

We’ve rounded up signature tracks and must-listen recommendations from popular bands that were active in the 2000s.

Even though these songs are from that decade, when you look at the hits together, you’ll notice many are still performed live today! One hallmark of a true classic is that it doesn’t fade with time.

If you didn’t listen to these songs in real time back then, take this opportunity to give them a careful listen.