Makes you want to play it! Japanese rock with the coolest guitar riffs
For guitarists, the spotlight—the very face of a song—is the guitar riff.
Songs with riffs that symbolize the track really stick in your memory, and many classic hits in the rock scene come hand in hand with amazing riffs!
In this article, we’ve rounded up a bunch of songs with killer guitar riffs.
Just listening to cool riffs is enough to get your blood pumping, but if you’re a guitarist, why not pick up your guitar and try playing along?
There aren’t just single-note phrases—there are riffs built around power chords and octaves too, so try tackling all kinds of riffs from different songs!
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Makes You Want to Play It! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (21–30)
asking for the moonKANA-BOON
A song by the rock band KANA-BOON, formed in their high school light music club.
Released in April 2013, it’s one of their signature works and is included on their first mini-album “Boku ga CD wo Dashitara” (“If I Released a CD”).
Centered on the theme of romantic miscommunication, the lyrics vividly capture youthful conflict and desire.
It’s a fast-paced track that blends an uptempo rock sound with a catchy melodic line, creating a driving feel; the guitar work combines airy phrases with tight riffs for a striking impact.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser live, and it’s recommended not only for those in love but also for anyone feeling nostalgic about their youth.
Stay GoldHi-STANDARD
In the ’90s, the punk band Hi-STANDARD sparked a movement in the melodic hardcore genre.
Their signature song is “Stay Gold.” It’s a track that blends intensity with strong melody, sweeping countless listeners into a frenzy at live houses, and as expected, Ken Yokoyama’s guitar playing shines brilliantly and looks insanely cool.
From the power-chord rhythm parts to the lead phrases, this is a number packed with highlights for guitarists.
Makes You Want to Play It! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (31–40)
MOVEB’z
Speaking of Takahiro Matsumoto, he’s surely one of Japan’s greatest guitarists, someone we can proudly present to the world! His guitar playing and phrases are like a treasure chest of timeless masterpieces, and the intro of “MOVE” is another track where you can hear an absolutely killer guitar riff.
Just hearing that heavy, powerful guitar tone instantly makes you think, “That’s B’z,” and it’s moving.
And of course, the fiery melody and dazzling fingerwork—every aspect of his playing is irresistibly captivating.
Adam’s appleSeikima II
“Adam’s Apples” is a single released in 1986 by the demon army led by His Excellency Demon Kogure, Seikima-II.
In the music video’s mass, His Excellency looks adorable (lol) as he holds an apple high to the congregation before launching into the song! Pay special attention to the technical guitar solo section.
RideauPorukadotto Sutingurei
A quirky guitar riff and a bassline that leaps between highs and lows, with drum beats synced to the claps.
The structure of the lyrics and melody has an addictive quality that makes listeners want to hit replay.
The sound design is cutting-edge, balancing a contemporary vibe with a sense of the band’s history.
The album “Odoru Yō ni” is their fourth full-length, released in September 2022, with “Rido” as its lead track.
It was also chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Yoru no Branch” in September and October.
Perfect for those who love danceable rock.
DAHLIAX JAPAN
The title track from the 1996 album “DAHLIA,” which became X JAPAN’s final album before their breakup.
This song feels like an explosive collision between YOSHIKI’s grand, signature style—carried over from the X era—and guitarist hide’s unique personality.
Listening on headphones especially reveals the craftsmanship of the twin-guitar riffs, cleverly split across the left and right channels.
The two guitars alternate riffs to form a single phrase, or layer lines that sound similar yet subtly different—offering new discoveries with every listen.
Jet EcstasyGotō Terumoto
Hearing that it’s a song by a comedian probably piqued a lot of people’s interest.
Written and composed by Terumoto Goto of the duo Football Hour, this track was born from a segment on TV Tokyo’s popular variety show God Tongue.
Its garage rock sound—showing clear respect for the rock band BLANKEY JET CITY—fits perfectly with his persona.
The style of earnestly delivering cliché lyrics creates a unique blend of humor and coolness, and together with the irresistibly playable guitar riff, it never fails to captivate listeners.