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 (51–60)
~outside world~THE VALVES
THE VALVES is a garage rock band I’d recommend to fans of Nirvana and NUMBER GIRL.
The raw, bold guitar riffs and thunderous drums feel amazing, and the signature garage-rock guitar solos are fantastic too.
THE VALVES formed in 2010, led by Tsuyoshi Kaji, formerly of THE RODEO CARBURETTOR.
Speaking of THE RODEO CARBURETTOR, they’re one of the legendary rock bands that toured the U.S.
with ELLEGARDEN.
Fans were thrilled when THE VALVES was formed after their breakup.
Their very first show, even though it was a studio live, sold out.
If you’re craving exhilarating, no-frills, heavyweight rock, this is a must-check!
Claim creamerBLENDY MOTHER FATHER
A band formed in 2001 that plays psychedelic garage rock.
The vocals hurl raw emotion, while the rhythm section intertwines with equal intensity.
Their stance of not overthinking things is both cool and fiery.
my sweet R&RThe Rouges
The Rouges are known for their so-called B-grade pop—accessible yet irresistibly catchy songs are their hallmark.
A mixed-gender three-piece rock band, their sound, song structures, and vocal style all reflect a strong rock ’n’ roll influence.
Their rough-around-the-edges, straightforward tracks convey how much fun they’re having playing them—and that energy reaches us listeners too.
They’re a great recommendation when you’re in the mood for deliberately simple, pop-leaning rock.
Delusional GirlFOX LOCO PHANTOM
Formed in Tokyo in 2007, this garage rock band wields a musicality rooted in distinctly Japanese aesthetics and a fierce, high-energy performance style.
Their sound—hurling the raw passion of rock ’n’ roll—and their feverish live shows stood out even among the many bands that emerged amid the overseas rock ’n’ roll revival of the time.
After going on hiatus in 2011, they recharged and made a comeback, and continue to thrive on the front lines today.
Sharp, rugged, and piercing to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands (61–70)
Nobody Loves Mehonkonnaifu
They made their live debut at Shinjuku Loft in 1993 as JOE ALCOHOL & THE HONG KONG KNIFE.
In 1996, they signed their first major deal.
With lyrics that showcased a unique worldview and thunderous rock ’n’ roll, they were active on the Japanese rock scene.
“CHERISHED MEMORIES,” released in 2000, was used as the ending theme for a Fuji TV anime and became one of their signature songs.
In December 2002, they announced an indefinite hiatus to much regret, bringing an end to nine years of activity.
Wuthering HeightsThe Doggy Paddle
A four-piece rock band whose music—rooted in a raspy, garage rock sound that screams rock ’n’ roll—blends elements of hard rock, glam rock, and disco, earning them widespread popularity.
In 2017, they even released music on cassette tape, which sold out the same day, reflecting their willingness to experiment with different formats for each release.
Although they announced a hiatus in November 2020, their steadfast style and uncompromising approach—unmoved by passing trends—make them a rare band that conveys the timeless appeal of classic rock ’n’ roll to the present day.
A Helpless Love SongMAD3
Formed in 1989 in Kokubunji, Tokyo, the three-piece instrumental rock band MAD3 centers around EDDIE LEGEND.
Armed with a gritty, no-nonsense aesthetic packed with elements of garage, rock ’n’ roll, and rockabilly, they performed at the Fuji Rock Festival.
Expanding their reach, they have toured overseas in the UK, the United States, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, and more.
They remain one of the leading veteran bands in the garage scene, continuing their activities to this day.