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.
- [2026] A roundup of popular Japanese hard rock bands, including those famous overseas
- Japanese girl bands: recommended popular bands
- Coexistence of Ferocity and Beauty: A Roundup of Japanese Screamo/Post-Hardcore Bands
- Hidden gems and lesser-known songs by popular Japanese rock bands
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
- Classic hardcore punk tracks. Recommended popular songs.
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among People in Their 50s [2026]
- Recommended Western alternative rock bands that connect to the modern rock scene
- Ranking of popular songs by Marcy, a three-piece rock band making waves overseas
Japanese grunge bands. A roundup of bands influenced by grunge (21–30)
KNOW KNOW KNOWDOES
DOES evokes a hint of traditional Japanese flavor within their distorted guitar sound.
The simple song structure is really cool.
The track in the video was released in 2016 as their 15th single.
It was used as the opening theme for the anime Gintama.
Tsukino Arikagarakuta robotto
This song has a cool, almost shouted vocal style.
It’s by Garakuta Robot, a three-piece rock band from Hyogo Prefecture.
The catchy melody really hits you in the heart.
It’s the lead track from their 2018 album “Tsuki no Arika.”
I Love You And Kiss MeTHE TEENAGE KISSERS
This song captivates with its sweet vocals and lo-fi sound.
It’s a track by THE TEENAGE KISSERS, a four-piece rock band formed in 2012.
It’s included on their 2014 album, VIRGIN FIELD.
The piercing guitar tones are really cool.
sea101A
This track, with vocalist noah’s otherworldly voice that lingers in your ears, is a song by the three-piece band 101A.
It was released as a single in 2015.
They’re a band known for a captivating sound packed tightly with elements of grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock.
One tablet without waterwash?
wash? is a three-piece rock band formed in 2002.
The song title might not give it away, but their sound is solid, authentic grunge rock.
It’s included on their 2017 album “SPLASH.” If you love rock ’n’ roll, this band is hard to resist.
In conclusion
We introduced bands active in Japan that call themselves grunge, as well as bands that show grunge influences.
Each band incorporates grunge elements into their music in their own way, and I think each had its own distinct appeal.
If any of them caught your interest, be sure to take your time and listen to more of their tracks!