Japanese grunge bands. A roundup of bands influenced by grunge.
Grunge, one of the music genres born in the United States in the 1990s, is an important movement that defined an era within the rock scene.
Grunge tracks are characterized by heavily distorted guitar sounds, pounding drums, a dark overall tone, and introspective lyrics.
If you think of the American rock band Nirvana, you’ll get a good idea of what grunge music sounds like.
When people talk about grunge, overseas bands tend to get most of the spotlight, but there are bands in Japan that identify as grunge, as well as bands influenced by the genre!
In this article, we’ll take a broader view of grunge and introduce Japanese grunge bands.
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Japanese grunge bands. A roundup of bands influenced by grunge (1–10)
TokyoGEZAN
GEZAN is an alternative band formed in 2009.
Centered around guitarist-vocalist Mahito The People, they create innovative music.
While grunge bands are often associated with introspective songs, GEZAN’s lyrics confront head-on the realities many people tend to look away from, asking “Why?” and “Is this really okay?” about the world and systems around us, prompting us to consider how to live as individuals.
Mahito The People’s distinctive voice demands attention, and its message is sure to come through.
KIMOCHIZAZEN BOYS
ZAZEN BOYS is a rock band with a devoted cult following.
Formed in 2003 around vocalist Hidetoku Mukai, they’ve continued activity with lineup changes and now operate with the current formation.
It’s well known that former member Hidekazu Hinata, now active in Straightener and Nothing’s Carved In Stone, was once part of the band.
As for their music, its unpredictable twists are exhilarating and deeply satisfying.
Each instrument is played with a distinctive rhythm, coming together like a collection of individual works of art.
Give them a listen!
TOUSOUARSKN
ARSKN embodies the rare concept of a “one-person band.” The sole member, RY0N4, even visually evokes Kurt Cobain.
You can feel NIRVANA in the nihilistic, contradictory, and decadent worldview—and in the sound as well.
Once you listen, the descent into a psychedelic sensation becomes addictively compelling.
I’m in awe of RY0N4’s sensibility in pulling everything off alone.
I have a feeling I’m going to be hooked on this!
Japanese grunge bands. A roundup of bands influenced by grunge (11–20)
LULUSIX LOUNGE
SIX LOUNGE is a three-piece rock ’n’ roll band from Oita.
Formed in 2012, they initially focused their activities in Kyushu, especially Oita, but now they’re active nationwide.
Their catalog ranges from high-velocity, melodic tracks to fiery, bluesy songs that shine with Japanese lyrics.
With approachable personalities and standout looks, they’re especially popular among their generation.
Their live-house performances are truly overwhelming—raw emotion laid bare—pulling you into a show that lets you explode all the pent-up frustration you’ve been holding inside.
XXXXXKING BROTHERS
Formed in 1998 in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, KING BROTHERS are known for punk rock that seems to take “destruction” as its theme.
Blending elements of garage rock and noise rock, they deliver an aggressive sound.
The clawing, ripping guitar and dynamic drumming are exhilarating to watch on their own, and when Keizo’s spitfire vocals join in, they blast away your everyday frustrations in one go!
A summer afternooneaetern youth
Formed in 1988 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, eastern youth craft Japanese lyrics—infused with Sino-Japanese expressions and modernist poetic turns—that expose their inner worlds and question the issues they face, creating a deeply evocative worldview.
Sonically, a freely raging guitar, a bass that hits you in the heart, and drums that pound straight through all add to the gravity of their music.
And Yoshino’s vocals, which sound like an outpouring of emotion, are credited not as “vocal” but as “voice.” They’re a band where sound, singing, and emotion are fused into one.
JailsWHITE ASH
WHITE ASH was originally formed in 2006 within a university light music club as a cover band of the English rock band Arctic Monkeys.
After forming, they made remarkable strides, performing at major festivals and touring energetically, but sadly brought their activities to a close in 2017.
Their music isn’t exactly on the happy side, but the ringing guitars and the exhilarating melodies feel great—making them a perfect fit when you don’t want to force yourself to get overly hyped.