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, rugged, and straight to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands (31–40)
BloomThe Muddies
Once you hear this deep, powerful voice—so unlike typical Japanese vocals—it’ll stick in your head! Hailing from Iwate Prefecture, The Muddies have captured rock fans’ hearts with songs and a sound influenced by 1960s rock.
Since forming in 2016, they’ve steadily broadened their activities, and in 2018 they even performed at SUMMER SONIC, one of Japan’s premier large-scale festivals.
What’s astonishing is that at the time of the festival, they were still in high school! After graduating in 2019, they moved to Tokyo, shifting their base of operations to the capital.
You can bet they’ll keep delivering gritty, hard-hitting rock from here on out!
Rock ‘n’ Roll of That DayZa gojuukaitenzu
A three-piece rock band hailing from the Rock ’n’ Roll Juvenile Hall of Tondabayashi, Osaka.
With an unforgettable, striking look, they are Osaka’s rock ’n’ roll heroes: The 50 Kaitenz! Their sound overflows with respect for the garage scenes of the ’60s and ’70s, rich in heart both in song and performance.
From numbers that showcase beautiful vocals to raucous, high-energy tracks, they’re a top-tier rock band that thrills us with rock ’n’ roll.
Brown LipsThe Eighty Ones
The Eighty Ones are a garage band formed in 2017 from Oita.
Based in Tokyo and active on the live circuit, they’re a hot topic among music freaks! Their catchy sound blends nostalgic, rock ’n’ roll–rooted melodies with fresh, synth-driven elements.
If you’re into the raw yet vibrant, youthful vibe that garage bands bring, start with their track “Brown Lips” as your entry point!
Experiment No. 4The Pees
The Pees are a legendary rock band that blazed through their first ten years with unstoppable momentum after forming in 1987.
Their vocals are laid-back yet tinged with a certain loneliness, which is incredibly appealing.
Despite repeated lineup changes and label switches, they kept going.
Though they regretfully went on hiatus in 1997, they resumed activities after appearing at the large-scale ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL in 2002.
They’re a legendary garage rock band that lived up to their fans’ expectations.
HACONIATHE STEPHANIES
A pop vocal bursts over a 60s-style garage rock ’n’ roll sound.
The overall vibe is effortlessly loose and cheerful.
Fans of classic rock ’n’ roll will find it irresistible.
Its perfectly judged vintage feel comes across as both nostalgic and fresh, so it should feel new and exciting to younger listeners too.
Sharp, raw, and straight to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands (41–50)
streamlinedNihon nōen
Formed in 2001 by members of Tokyo hardcore bands EXCLAIM, SLIGHT SLAPPERS, and CHARM.
The rock ’n’ roll played by members known for their careers in fastcore and powerviolence was embraced as sounding like The Roosters at double speed, evoking the world of the film Burst City, and they made their mark with a one-of-a-kind presence.
Though they influenced succeeding bands such as OLEDICKFOGGY, they sadly disbanded in 2010.
The members have since formed a new band, JAJOUKA, and continue their activities.
Kan-nana Fevergitaa urufu
Leather jackets and electric guitars—Guitar Wolf, the embodiment of rock ’n’ roll that anyone can recognize at a glance.
Their high-energy stage presence has been overwhelming and unchanged since they started in 1987.
You have to experience their straight, powerful performance live; it delivers an immeasurable thrill that goes beyond any CD or recording.
In Japanese rock ’n’ roll and garage rock, they’re an indispensable, top-tier band.
Empty your mind, think about nothing, and surrender yourself to their roaring volume—just enjoy!