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 (21–30)
It never ends.THE KING JAB ACES
A legendary garage rock band known to those in the know.
Their all-white suits make a strong impression.
The driving beat and crisp guitar cutting really shine.
The raspy vocals match the backing sound perfectly, creating an incredible sense of unity.
Killing HeadsTENDOUJI
It’s a track that exudes nostalgia, with sound work reminiscent of the ’90s punk and alternative rock scene and an ear-catching melodic line, and the mad, just-right, presence-filled guitar tones add to its appeal.
On stage, the quartet lights up the floor with a distinctive groove—a natural fit given the members have been classmates since junior high—and they’re drawing attention not only in their Kanto base but at live venues across the country.
While embracing the recent “revival” trend in abundance, they’ve firmly established their own musical identity—their talent is the real deal—and they’re a rock band with the potential to be loved for years to come.
Sharp, rugged, and straight to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands (31–40)
I’m BlueThe 5.6.7.8’s
A Japanese all-girl garage rock band.
Their sound is characterized by a blend of American surf music and garage rock.
They also perform live overseas, and their popularity has even led to an appearance in a film directed by Quentin Tarantino.
HOT DOGTHE BAWDIES
When it comes to Japanese garage rock, I imagine many people immediately think of them.
Formed in 1960 and aiming to be a band like the garage rock pioneers The Sonics, they’ve also openly cited Little Richard as an influence, and their music powerfully reflects rock ’n’ roll running thick in their veins.
On that note, the most ear-catching element in their songs has to be vocalist ROY’s raspy voice.
Beyond that, their performances radiate rock ’n’ roll passion, and their sharp look on stage in suits—there’s so much you can’t miss about this band.
Beyond wordsYellow Studs
What sets them apart is how they incorporate a wide range of styles—not just garage, but also punk, ska, bossa nova, and jazz.
Their passionate sound work and vocals grip the listener and never let go, while a tasteful sense of playfulness and freshness enhances each track’s uniqueness.
The songs captivate with dynamic shifts, thrilling developments, and a distinctive groove.
It’s not just danceable; it’s a track you’re sure to get hooked on precisely because it doesn’t follow a straightforward formula.
SharonROSSO
Formed in 2001 around vocalist Yusuke Chiba (formerly of Thee Michelle Gun Elephant) and bassist Toshiyuki Terui (formerly of Blankey Jet City), ROSSO is the rock band that sparked huge news for fans of that scene.
With their signature track “Sharon,” a tear-jerker you can dance to, and countless other classics and unforgettable lyrics delivered in that unmistakable voice, many listeners were completely won over.
A garage rock band that never fades no matter when you listen—one you’ll want to revisit again and again!
Rock ’n’ Roll of the Wreckedkuroneko cherushii
KURONEKO CHELSEA is a four-piece rock band that went on hiatus in 2018.
With an overpoweringly raspy growl and a gritty, no-mistakes-made garage sound, they deliver the ultimate in garage rock.
After cutting their teeth at live houses in Sannomiya, Hyogo, they made their debut and moved to Tokyo.
Around the Sannomiya live-house scene, they’re so respected that there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know them, and they’ve been a driving force energizing the scene.
The vocalist, Daichi Watanabe, has also been active as an actor alongside the band, so you might find yourself thinking, “Hey, that’s the guy from that commercial!” The contrast with his clean-cut appearance is another thing to watch for.