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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Iconic songs by 2000s Japanese rock bands [J-Rock] (21–30)
Flower of IllusionBUCK-TICK
Among BUCK-TICK’s many masterpieces, this song shines with a uniquely solitary brilliance.
Evoking the sparkle of fleeting life and a tender, contemplative gaze upon it, the piece fuses Atsushi Sakurai’s poetic worldview with a beautiful melody crafted by Hidehiko Hoshino, stirring the listener to the core.
Although released as a single in December 2003, the song originally emerged from the concept for the album “Kyokutou I LOVE YOU,” and was recorded after a surprise unveiling at their Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall performance in June 2003.
It’s a work best heard on a quiet night of introspection.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
Road of Major is a rock band formed through the TV Tokyo audition program “Hamaraja.” Their first single, “Taisetsu na Mono,” released in 2002, spent 19 consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the charts despite being an indie release, and sold a total of 900,000 copies.
This stands as the all-time record for an indie release.
With lyrics that evoke a sense of a fresh start, the song is also popular as a graduation anthem, and its energetic, powerful rock sound is a big part of its appeal.
Iconic J-Rock Songs from the 2000s [Japanese Rock] (31–40)
HIT IN THE USABEAT CRUSADERS
Known for appearing in the media wearing masks to hide their faces—together with their vehicle-themed nicknames—BEAT CRUSADERS released this as their sixth single overall and their major-label debut.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime BECK, the song became the catalyst for the band’s breakthrough.
Its arrangement blends chord progressions and guitar riffs that evoke classic rock with modern touches, creating a listening experience that makes you feel both the history and evolution of rock.
Despite being sung entirely in English, its catchy melody lifts your spirits naturally, making it a track that embodies the 2000s J-POP scene.
life; livelihood; livingSyrup16g
Syrup16g’s songs are characterized by Takashi Igarashi’s distinctive songwriting.
Among them, this track—marked by a guitar riff that evokes a certain poignancy and transience, along with a memorable bass line—is included on their first full-length album, “COPY,” released in October 2001.
The lyrics portray the anxieties and uncertainties felt in everyday life and how one faces oneself, resonating with many listeners.
Delving deeply into the human psyche as it wavers between self-realization and social reality, the lyrics are sure to strike a chord with many living in the modern era.
If I sing to the sky175R
When it comes to signature songs by the punk band 175R, which was especially popular among young people in the 2000s, “Sora ni Utaeba” is the standout.
It debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and, following their previous single “Happy Life,” marked the first time in rock band history that they achieved two consecutive No.
1 debuts.
It’s a punk rock tune notable for its fast-paced sound and lyrics full of dreams that evoke youthful memories.
It was also used in a commercial for J-PHONE, which is now SoftBank.
Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS
Formed in 2001, RADWIMPS is a rock band popular across a wide range of generations, and their single “Yūshinron” was released in 2006.
It was their fourth major-label release and was later used in 2019 as the commercial song for KIRIN Tanrei Green Label.
The title is a play on the word “yuushinron” (theism), which argues for the existence of God.
According to Yojiro Noda, who wrote and composed the song, it carries the message: “If not God, then at least I can believe in my own heart.”
cloudy skyDOES
“Don’ten” is a single released in 2008 by DOES, a three-piece rock band.
It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Gintama and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
DOES also handled two other theme songs for this anime, making them a familiar band to Gintama fans.
“Don’ten” kicks off with a rough, gritty guitar sound, and its straightforward three-piece rock style is seriously cool.