Fast and cool! A popular melodic hardcore band in Japan
Melocore is short for “melodic hardcore,” a music genre that emphasizes hardcore punk sounds and strong melodies.
When you hear “melocore bands,” how many can you think of? If you’re thinking, “I want to learn more about melocore!” you might have come to the right article.
Here, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japanese melocore bands all at once—from groups performing at major festivals across the country and thriving at the forefront, to next-break acts working energetically at their local live houses.
Even though we lump them together as melocore, there’s a blend of diverse musical traits, so be sure to pay attention to each band’s unique character!
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Fast and cool! Popular domestic melodic hardcore bands (71–80)
Beyond the nightSHE’ll SLEEP

SHE’ll SLEEP is stirring up a fresh breeze in the melodic hardcore scene.
Formed in 2018 in Matsumoto, Nagano, the trio of Yuu, Tatsumi, and Sota command their instruments to deliver powerful, high-impact performances.
Shortly after their debut, they released “See The Light,” whose dynamic yet ear-pleasing melodies captured listeners’ hearts and quickly drew attention.
Their signature track, “AWAKE,” stands out for its overwhelming energy and striking melodies.
The song sparked major reactions not only at live shows but also across social media, propelling the band’s rise.
Their sound embraces darkness while carrying a message of seeking hope, resonating deeply with many fans.
Ready for the next thrill? Head out to a live show and experience it for yourself!
VedaThe Chorizo Vibes

The Chorizo Vibes, who have taken the melodic hardcore scene by storm with their exhilarating speed and distinctive style, formed in Osaka in 2009.
Their popularity especially surged in 2013, when new members joined and the band adopted its current name.
Their signature tracks include Bésame Mucho, marked by passionate rhythms and emotional lyrics, and A Certain Kappa’s Love Story, a remarkable fusion of Japanese spirit and hardcore.
Their appeal goes beyond the confines of melodic hardcore—they deliberately step outside the box.
Drawing influence from a wide range of genres, their sound keeps winning new fans, and every live show still offers fresh discoveries—that might be their biggest hallmark.
Their sound is gentle yet powerful, and their onstage performance shakes audiences to the core.
In short, they deliver fast, badass punk hardcore!
sirenUnblock

Unblock is a three-piece band based in Neyagawa, Osaka.
With a string of releases, they’ve been touring energetically.
Their melodious songs are anchored by vocalist Taguchi’s distinctive, thick, powerful voice and a guitar-rock-leaning sound that’s evolved into greater technicality.
The raw, bare-your-soul lyrics hit straight to the heart, and some listeners may find them overlapping with their own circumstances.
Even for those already familiar with melodic hardcore, this is a band brimming with originality that we highly recommend revisiting.
Fast and cool! Popular domestic melodic hardcore bands (81–90)
Puffin39degrees

39degrees, a band based in Machida, Tokyo.
They formed the band with classmates and have been climbing the melodic hardcore scene step by step, like a textbook example of youth—building their name from local events.
As they themselves say, there are parts of their sound that overlap with 10-FEET.
But the hallmark of Japanese punk is, above all, its kindness and encouragement.
People talk about “youth punk,” but punk has always contained the essence of youth, you know.
HerculesNonfiction Cartoons

A new breeze from Osaka, Nonfiction Cartoons are a standout act electrifying the melodic hardcore scene.
Tracing back to 2018, the band began with three members: Mr.
Yagi, Mr.
Ishiguro, and Mr.
Matsubara.
Their explosive energy—dubbed “melodic challenge punk”—has rapidly grown their fanbase, especially across the Kansai live house circuit.
Notably, “Forward,” included on their release LAST DEMO, is a gripping track driven by a high‑intensity two-beat that feels effortlessly tight.
Another highlight, “Tsuzukanai Yoru o” (“The Night That Won’t Last”), radiates a passion that feels like the culmination of their work so far.
Beyond their fiery performances, their live show at Shinkagura left the crowd in awe.
Brimming with dynamism, Nonfiction Cartoons’ melodic hardcore sound makes them a true next-generation frontrunner in Japan’s scene!
i want yaASPARAGUS

ASPARAGUS, formed in Yokohama in 2002, are known for exhilarating, fast-paced songs rooted in punk.
But that’s only part of their appeal—the real point is their distinctive sound that blends elements of pop, rock, and indie.
Tracks like “MEND OUR MINDS” brought them attention, leading to appearances at major festivals such as FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL and ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL.
They’ve also performed overseas, making them a band that’s truly active on the front lines.
Their unique music videos are highly regarded as well, offering visual enjoyment as another draw.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to soothe their heart with energetic music!
Sink Or SwimCastaway

This track appears as the first song on Castaway’s second EP, a band active out of Tokyo.
In their subsequent works, the emphasis shifts further toward vocals, moving in a deeper, more mature direction.
This song and the EP as a whole—capturing the band’s early intensity while hinting at their future trajectory—are essential listening.



