Sharp, gritty, and straight to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands
“Garage rock” is a term that originated overseas, originally referring to amateur bands that practiced in their garages.
It’s characterized by a raw, impulsive sound influenced by early British rock ’n’ roll and punk.
Many bands feature aggressively distorted, exhilarating guitar tones and vocal styles that verge on a shouted snarl.
In recent years, with the resurgence of rock that carries a grunge or underground vibe, garage rock has also come back into the spotlight, and you can find young bands influenced by it as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japanese garage rock bands, from veterans to up-and-comers.
It’s packed with the raw impulse of rock ’n’ roll!
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Sharp, gritty, and straight to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands (1–10)
Nothing but bad thingsHashirikomīzu
Hashirikomizu began as Ataru’s solo project, then took its current form when childhood friends Aoi and Sawa joined.
The band is known for a sound rooted in the primal energy of garage and punk while weaving in alternative elements.
Since releasing their first album in 2020, they’ve been putting out new work energetically, and their album “Friends Orchestra,” slated for release in November 2025, is already generating buzz.
Their lyrics—condensed nihilism and humor, illuminated by Ataru’s sharp observational eye—are truly one of a kind.
Experience their sharp, rugged indie rock for yourself.
Rock ‘n’ Roll PranksterHelsinki Lambda Club
An alternative rock band that effortlessly crosses genre boundaries with addictive melodies and experimental arrangements.
Since forming in 2013, the trio of Kaoru Hashimoto, Kodai Inaba, and Taiki Kumagai has been active together.
After winning the Grand Prix at the UK.PROJECT audition, they made their debut in 2014.
Their appeal lies in catchy yet idiosyncratic soundscapes, as heard in signature tracks like “Lost in the Supermarket.” In 2019, they played their first overseas show in Hong Kong and have since completed successful tours across Asia, including Taiwan and China.
Blending the vibe of Western indie with the strengths of Japanese rock, they’re perfect for anyone seeking stimulating music.
Of courseDekishiido Za Emonzu
A garage rock band formed in Chiba Prefecture in 1990, pursuing a distinctive vintage sound.
They debuted in 1994 with “Album No.1” and gained support with songs like “Ereki no Wakadaishō.” Their music uniquely fuses ’60s Western rock and Group Sounds, and they’re known for passionate, humor-filled performances.
Although they disbanded after a concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in October 2006, they officially resumed activities in September 2023.
In August 2024, they delighted fans with Jumbo Monet, their first album in 18 years.
Sharp, rugged, and piercing to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands (11–20)
Let’s fall in loveThe Roosters
A veteran rock band formed in 1979.
They’re characterized by arranging early Rolling Stones-style rock ’n’ roll into a fast-paced, punk-influenced sound.
You could even say they’re the roots of Japanese garage rock bands.
I WANT ITSugar House
A rock band formed in 2019 around Ren Kobayashi, they began their activities in the Shimokitazawa area of Tokyo.
Their hallmark is a hard, tight beat and dry guitar sound that strongly reflects the influence of post-punk and alternative rock.
In November 2021, they released their first EP, “Surface.” In recent years, while maintaining an early punk spirit, they have incorporated synths to stylishly expand their sonic palette.
Ill HumorNo Buses
Formed in Tokyo in 2016, they captivate listeners with a raw, edgy musical style.
They performed at SUMMER SONIC in 2018, and their debut full-length album, released the following year in 2019, won the Tower Records ‘Tawarecome’ Award, cementing their proven talent.
From exhilarating, fast-paced guitar rock to the introspective sonic textures showcased on the album “Sweet Home,” their work displays remarkable depth and craftsmanship.
A perfect dayUniolla
An “adult garage band” bringing together renowned pro musicians like KUMI from LOVE PSYCHEDELICO and Motoaki Fukunuma from PLAGUES.
Their charm lies in a nostalgic yet fresh sound infused with the spirit of ’60s pop and ’90s alternative.
It originally started when Fukunuma planned to invite KUMI as a guest, but as production progressed, they became convinced it should be a full-fledged band.
The band name was inspired by unicorns, which KUMI loves.
Immerse yourself in their richly seasoned rock sound that only veterans can deliver.