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 (101–110)

SagigrapherKyūso Nekokami

Kyuso Nekokami – “Sagigrapher” MUSIC VIDEO

SagigrapherKyūso Nekokami

In a word: “fun!” That’s the image of Kyuso Nekokami.

Their lyrics are especially outstanding, using themes to satirize society in ways that make you laugh.

In “Sagigrapher,” too, they playfully sing about the act of editing photos.

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At the end of love, cherry blossoms flutter downSECONDWALL

SECONDWALL “As Love Ends, Cherry Blossoms Fall” MV

At the end of love, cherry blossoms flutter downSECONDWALL

SECONDWALL is a five-member rock band that has gained popularity with a style rooted in domestic and international rock and J-pop, incorporating elements of pop punk, emo, and hardcore.

Even without any official releases, they drew attention for their skill and sensibility, performing at Summer Sonic 2013.

Their song “Koi no Owari ni, Sakura Maichiru,” included on their third mini-album OVER, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Ashita mo Kitto Kimi ni Koi wo Suru,” earning recognition across a wide range of generations.

Although they have been on hiatus since 2018, they are a rock band whose return is eagerly awaited.

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Telecastic fake showRin to shite Shigure

Telecastic fake show

Telecastic fake showRin to shite Shigure

Formed in Saitama Prefecture in 2002, Ling tosite sigure is a three-piece band known for its unique sound that fuses diverse genres such as indie rock and post-hardcore.

They made their debut in November 2005 with the album “#4” on their own label, and went major with Sony Music in 2008.

Their appeal lies in intricate guitar melodies, technical drumming, and the distinctive expressiveness of male–female twin vocals, and they have provided tie-in songs for many anime works.

Centered around TK, who writes and composes all their songs, each member also pursues solo activities.

They are a powerhouse band that has had a significant influence on subsequent artists such as Soko ni Naru and Soushi Sakiyama.

Why not revisit their innovative sound, along with the nostalgic memories etched in your youth?

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IN THIS WAYLONGMAN

【MV①】LONGMAN “IN THIS WAY”

IN THIS WAYLONGMAN

There are plenty of three-piece bands that lean toward punk, but as you can see, having a female vocalist—who is also the bassist—is particularly striking.

Overall, they’re quite young, and you can feel a certain power in the raw, unpolished quality of their music.

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Light Your FireRIZE

RIZE – Light Your Fire

Light Your FireRIZE

With a composition style unusual for Japanese artists, an intense band sound, and aggressive lyrics, they’re like a fusion of nu-metal/mixture rock and screamo.

Above all, the whole band radiates an infectious groove that lifts your spirits just by listening—if you play them when you’re feeling down, you might perk up in an instant.

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[Cool Bands] Japan’s Representative Rock Bands (111–120)

A bright futurenever young beach

never young beach – Bright Future (official video)

A bright futurenever young beach

One of this band’s defining traits is that they sing about the happiness they feel in everyday life.

It’s not about anything extraordinary, but rather small things.

As you can tell from the melodies, another characteristic is that their music isn’t rock-oriented, and behind that lies their belief in consistently making the kind of music they think is cool, without wavering.

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Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando

Sadistic Mika Band | A Time Machine, Please!

Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando

It’s the legendary band formed by Kazuhiko Kato—central figure of The Folk Crusaders—together with virtuoso musicians like Masayoshi Takanaka and Yukihiro Takahashi.

Their sound, embracing everything from glam rock to funk and fusion, could truly be called cutting-edge.

They debuted with Cycling Boogie in May 1973, and their highly acclaimed album Kurofune ranked 9th in the “100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums.” They’re also known for Boys & Girls from their reunion featuring Karen Kirishima on vocals, and for their collaboration with Kaela Kimura on a song used in a Kirin Lager Beer commercial.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the authentic sound that laid the foundation of Japanese rock.

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