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 (131–140)

Star Lablationkerakera

Kerakera – Star Liberation

Star Lablationkerakera

Kerakera is a female vocal band with a very refreshing and pleasant sound.

Their cute vocals carry lyrics that express a woman’s inner feelings.

Their signature song, “Star Love-ation,” has a great groove that makes you want to start moving your body.

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MONSTER DANCEKEYTALK

KEYTALK/「MONSTER DANCE」MUSIC VIDEO

MONSTER DANCEKEYTALK

They’re a band popular among young people, especially women.

Their song “MONSTER DANCE” is a live-show staple, and everyone joins in with the choreography from the music video.

Once you go to a concert, you’ll get hooked on how much fun it is.

Since their major-label debut, they’ve done many anime songs, including theme songs for Dragon Ball.

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Bye Bye ~The Spring I Spent With You~tankobuchin

"Bye Bye ~The Spring I Spent With You~" / Tancobuchin (Music Video) [Official]

Bye Bye ~The Spring I Spent With You~tankobuchin

They’re a five-member girls’ band formed in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture.

The first thing that catches your attention is their band name, but according to the leader, MADOKA, there isn’t any deep meaning to it—when their teacher said, “Come up with a band name,” the word “Tancobuchin” just suddenly popped into her head.

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Back to backЯeal

Back to back

Back to backЯeal

A four-member girls’ band—Ryoko (vocals, guitar), Yurika (guitar, backing vocals), Fumiha (bass, backing vocals), and Aika (drums, backing vocals)—who made their major debut on March 9, 2016 with the 1st single “Byousoku Emotion” from SME Records.

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You’re not here.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Kimi ga Inai” Music Video <5th Mini Album “Lazy Sunday” Released on 2021.8.25>

You’re not here.Saucy Dog

After forming in 2013 and continuing their activities through several lineup changes, Saucy Dog drew the attention of many Japanese rock fans when they won the Grand Prix at MASH FIGHT vol.5 in 2016.

Vocalist Shinya Ishihara’s wistful high-tone voice shines throughout their songs and is one of the band’s greatest appeals.

Their lyrics often depict scenes that anyone has experienced or can easily imagine, making it easy to empathize as if you were the protagonist of the story.

Please give a listen to their many songs that have resonated with listeners and captured their hearts.

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Supernova9mm Parabellum Bullet

9mm Parabellum Bullet – Supernova

Supernova9mm Parabellum Bullet

Formed in Yokohama, Kanagawa in 2004, 9mm Parabellum Bullet is a skilled rock band with a distinctive presence, spanning a wide musical range from post-hardcore to heavy metal.

They made their major debut in 2007, and their album “Termination” reached No.

10 on the Oricon charts.

Since then, they have continued to captivate many listeners with powerful performances and a unique worldview.

In September 2009, they proved their prowess by successfully headlining a solo show at Nippon Budokan.

The heavy sound woven by Takuro Sugawara’s vocals and Yoshimitsu Taki’s guitar becomes even more compelling when experienced live.

Energetically active—having also performed at Yokohama Arena—the band’s music is perfect for fans seeking both powerful performances and melodic elements.

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Sink Like a StoneSWANKY DANK

SWANKY DANK -Sink Like a Stone- feat. Hiro(from MY FIRST STORY)【Official Video】

Sink Like a StoneSWANKY DANK

Not only do the cool English lyrics match perfectly with the punk-leaning rock to make it outstanding, but I think the rarity of having a left-handed vocalist who also sings adds to the cool factor.

Including the music video, the dark vibe is really cool.

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