Recommendations for Japanese Post-Rock: Representative Bands and Popular Groups
Most people who have just started listening to post-rock are probably checking out works that originate from Western music.
Did you know that here in Japan, the post-rock scene includes many bands that are highly regarded worldwide?
The sound design these artists pursued has, in fact, had a significant influence on the production of songs that have become major hits.
That said, because it’s not essentially commercial music, beginners might find it a bit daunting to dig in and discover it.
For music fans like you, this article introduces bands that represent Japan’s post-rock scene.
If you enjoy Japanese rock, be sure to take a look!
- [For Beginners] Popular Post-Rock Songs in Western Music: A Curated List of Recommended Classics
- Classic emo masterpieces in Japanese music. Recommended popular songs.
- [J-Pop] From Rising Stars to Legends! Japan’s Must-Listen Alternative Rock Bands
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- [Deeply Moving] A Compilation of Recommended Rock Ballads That Move the Heart
- A roundup of Japanese progressive rock bands [avant-garde]
- The allure of surf music: a supreme healing space lured by the ocean’s tones
- Classic Japanese punk songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Classic Japanese rock songs recommended for women
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
- Rock 'n' Roll Japanese Band Special [Japanese Rock]
- Recommended and popular classic rock songs to listen to in spring
- Ranking of popular songs by Marcy, a three-piece rock band making waves overseas
Recommendation of Japanese Post-Rock: Representative Bands and Popular Groups (21–30)
In the pocketLOSTAGE
Pocket no Naka de by LOSTAGE, a three-piece rock band that continues to be active out of their hometown Nara.
I’m deeply drawn to its unadorned, uniquely wistful world.
The development toward the end is so wonderful it almost brings me to tears, and it’s a gentle song you’ll want to keep close as you go through life.
「sign」tio
tio is a four-piece instrumental band from Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, known for nostalgic melodies and melancholic ensemble work.
Since forming in 2008, they have steadily built their career, joining the Kyoto-based label bud music in the summer of 2013.
In January 2014, they released their long-awaited full-length album toitoitoi, which made a strong impact on the Japanese post-rock scene.
Their talent has been widely recognized, including an appearance at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’17 in 2017.
tio’s tracks weave delicate yet bold soundscapes that deeply resonate with listeners.
Their music, which hints at new possibilities in post-rock, is highly recommended for those who enjoy the contrast between quietude and explosive intensity.
Lamp feat.Nujabesharuka nakamura
haruka nakamura’s “Lamp feat.
Nujabes.” Its gentle, ephemeral atmosphere pairs beautifully with a sunset.
There’s a mysterious, summery feeling that slips easily into your ears.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly while out for a walk or spending a night alone.
FlapperKAREN
This track shines with a uniquely captivating sound steeped in a strong sense of emptiness.
There’s a certain darkness, a slightly murky world that grips the heart.
The overwhelmingly commanding vocals by noah are also one of the band’s greatest attractions.
The Sermon of the Cold Mooncuol
The empty worldview is incredibly cool.
There’s a sense of clarity with a spread of noisy sounds, and it has a strangely penetrating charm when you listen to it on a slightly troubled night.
In particular, “Sermon of the Cold Moon” is something I want to listen to over and over.
It’s truly music I want to hear under a cold moon.
veekSPANGLE CALL LILLI LINE
A three-piece band with a distinctive, drifting, floating vibe.
All the members also work outside the band—as photographers and designers—while playing in the band, making them a curious group who even call their music activities a hobby.
Their talent is far too good to be dismissed as a hobby, and their unique worldview truly shines.
Soldiers of Februarythe cabs
the cabs is a band that built a unique world with complex rhythmic structures and literary lyrics.
They made their indie debut in 2011 on Zankyo Record with the mini-album “Ichiban Hajime no Dekigoto.” A highly skilled group, they balance songs that make full use of irregular time signatures, drumming likened to a bomber, and a translucent singing voice.
In February 2013, they were forced to disband due to the disappearance of their guitarist, but the members continued with their respective projects and achieved a long-awaited reunion in 2025.
Experimental yet emotionally expressive, their music resonates across generations.