Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.

In recent years, rock festivals of all sizes—from large-scale events to DIY gatherings—have been held across the country, and it seems like more people are listening to rock bands on a regular basis.

You’re also probably seeing band names more often on TV music programs and subscription-based music services! In this article, we’ll introduce some cool, highly recommended Japanese rock bands.

We’ll cover a wide range—from classic artists essential to the domestic rock scene to up-and-coming young bands currently in the spotlight—so be sure to find your new favorite.

And if you find a band you like, definitely experience their music live at a venue.

[Cool Bands] Japan’s representative rock bands (’81–’90)

Neverlandmomoiro doroshī

Momoiro Dorothy “Neverland” [Official Video]

Neverlandmomoiro doroshī

Momoiro Dorothy is a two-piece rock band based in Yokohama.

With a high-tone, shape-shifting vocal style and powerful drumming that weave together a passionate sound, they’re drawing attention on the indie scene.

What’s more, their momentum shows no sign of stopping—vocalist Haki also took the lead on two insert songs for the PS4/Nintendo Switch game NEO: The World Ends with You.

Highly recommended for fans of next-generation girls’ rock.

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And yet the magician casts the diceuso to kamereon

Usotsuki to Chameleon “And Yet the Magician Rolls the Dice” MV

And yet the magician casts the diceuso to kamereon

Despite the strong presence of the bass and guitar, the overall cohesion is distinctive, and the way the track progresses at a brisk tempo is intriguing.

Also, although the vocalist is female, her voice suits the rock sound and doesn’t get in the way, which I think contributes to the sense of unity.

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The eve of revolutionTempalay

Tempalay "The Night Before the Revolution" (Official Video)

The eve of revolutionTempalay

Tempalay is a next-generation band that just made their major debut in 2020.

They’re a highly distinctive group that refuses to fit neatly into any genre mold.

They’ve been extremely active, performing at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL and even embarking on a U.S.

tour that included the major American festival SXSW.

Their psychedelic, floaty sound has been gaining attention, especially among younger listeners.

They’re a fresh, unprecedented kind of band—don’t miss out, go check them out!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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North WindSIX LOUNGE

SIX LOUNGE “Kitakaze” Music Video

North WindSIX LOUNGE

SIX LOUNGE is a three-piece rock band formed in 2012 in Oita Prefecture.

They’re known for performances that inherit an old-school rock flavor—simple yet profound and powerful.

In 2015, Riku Iwao joined, solidifying the current trio lineup.

Their live shows are praised for soul-shaking grooves, and they’re gaining attention at rock festivals across Japan.

Shintaro Nagamatsu’s lyrics are also compelling.

Highly recommended for those seeking music that’s simple on the surface yet deeply nuanced.

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It’s not me unless it’s meGesu no Kiwami Otome.

Gesu no Kiwami Otome “Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no”

It's not me unless it's meGesu no Kiwami Otome.

Gesu no Kiwami Otome, the band fronted by the often-controversial vocalist Enon Kawatani, is a powerhouse whose one-of-a-kind originality, chord progressions, and performance skills are all brought together at a high level.

With “Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no,” they even performed on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, drawing widespread public attention.

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Carry on the strugglesoko ni naru

Sokoninaru / Inheriting the Struggle [Official Music Video]

Carry on the strugglesoko ni naru

Sokoninaru is a three-piece rock band known for its slightly edgy styles like prog and alt, and that edge is a big part of their appeal.

On their YouTube channel, they do covers under the series title “Sokoninaru Light Music Club,” and they are… jaw-dropping! Their arrangements make you think, “Wait, is this really just three people playing?”—showcasing each member’s exceptional musicianship.

Their original songs are, of course, compelling as well, so I’d recommend them to any music lover, and especially to those who play instruments themselves.

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[Cool Bands] Japan’s Representative Rock Bands (91–100)

Only WonderFurederikku

Frederic “ONLY WONDER” Music Video / frederic “ONLYWONDER”

Only WonderFurederikku

Once you hear them, you can’t get them out of your head.

Their unique lyrics and sound make them very popular at festivals.

This song in particular was heavily featured on the radio and won them many fans.

Listen once, and it’ll keep playing in your head.

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